bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison on the performance of Leishmania major-like and Leishmania braziliensis braziliensis as antigen for new world leishmaniasis IgG-immunofluorescence test
Authors: Guimarães Maria Carolina Soares , Celeste Beatriz J. , Corrales L. Edelma María , Antunes Carlos M.F.
Published: September 2006

The performance of an antigen of L. major-like promastigotes for the serological diagnosis of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in the IgG-immunofluorescent test was compared to that of an antigen of L. braziliensis braziliensis. Each antigen was used to test two hundred and twenty-four sera of etiologies such as mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, deep mycoses, toxoplasmosis, malaria, Chagas' disease, visceral leishmaniasis, anti-nuclear factor, schistosomaiasis, rheumatoid factor and normal controls. Agreement between responses to each antigen was high: 77.2% of leishmaniases sera agreed on a positive or a negative result to both antigens and 91.1 % of control sera. Cross reactivity was restricted to Chagas' disease sera, visceral leishmaniasis, anti-nuclear factor and paracoccidiodomycosis. The quantitative response of leishmaniasis and Chagas' disease sera to both antigens was evaluated by a linear regression; although the y-intercept and the slope were different for each antigen, neither was better than the other in the disclosure of anti-Leishmania antibodies. In the case of Chagas' disease sera the L. major-like antigen was better than L. b. braziliensis' to disclose cross-reacting antibodies.
Evolution of subpatent parasitaemia in Trypanosoma cruzi chronically infected mice with the help of a cyclophosphamide amplification transfer assay
Authors: Alvarez José M. , Oshima Ayumi , Mozer Veronica , Guimarães Liliane , Menezes Hércules
Published: September 2006

We have evaluated the sensitivity of the classical blood subinoculation method, modified through cyclophosphamide treatment of transferred mice, for the detection of occult parasitaemias in Trypanosoma cruzi chronically infected mice. Besides its simplicity, the method was shown to be highly sensitive for both the "chronic" phase parasites (99% of chronic cases were shown to harbour occult parasitaemias) and for the acute phase parasites (T. cruzi could be detected in 53.8% of animals transferred with one Y strain parasite and in 20% of animals transferred with one CL strain parasite). Using acute phase bloodforms, the assay proved to be more sensitive than conventional subinoculation when dealing with the CL, but not the Y strain of the parasite. With the help of this parasite detection tool, we have studied during a one year period, the evolution of subpatent parasitaemias in a group of mice which survived through chemotherapy from lethal acute phase of T. cruzi infection. Cyclophosphamide transfer assay revealed occult parasitaemias in 100% of the chronic animals, nevertheless, continuous and discontinuous patterns of positivity were observed.
Modulation of parasitemia and antibody responce to Trypanosoma cruzy by cyclophosphamide in Calomys callosus (Rodentia, Cricetidae)
Authors: Borges Monamaris Marques , Curi Paulo Roberto , Kloetzel Judith Kardos
Published: September 2006

Calomys callosus a wild rodent, previously described as harboring Trypanosoma cruzi, has a low susceptibility to infection by this protozoan. Experiments were designed to evaluate the contribution of the immune response to the resistance to T. cruzi infection exhibited by C. calossus. Animals were submitted to injections of high (200 mg/kg body weight) and low (20 mg/kg body weight) doses of cyclophosphamide on days -1 or -1 and +5, and inoculated with 4 x 10³ T. cruzi on day O. Parasitemia, mortality and antibody response as measured by direct agglutination of trypomastigotes were observed. Two hundred mg doses of cyclophosphamide resulted in higher parasitemia and mortality as well as in suppression of the antibody response. A single dose of 20 mg enhanced antibody levels on the 20th day after infection, while an additional dose did not further increase antibody production. Parasitemia levels were not depressed, but rather increased in both these groups as compared to untreated controls. Passive transfer of hyperimmune C. callosus anti-T. cruzi serum to cyclophosphamide immunosuppressed animals resulted in lower parasitemia and mortality rates. These results indicate that the immune response plays an important role in the resistance of C. callossus to T. cruzi.
Comparative study of adenoviruses with monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Paiva Terezinha Maria de , Takimoto Sueko , Ishida María Akíko , Souza María Candida Oliveira de , Ishimaru Tuneo , Neumann Jorge , Kalil Jorge
Published: September 2006

The obtainment of monoclonal antibodies for adenovirus species 4(Ad4) is described.The specificities of selected monoclonal antibodies were determined by means of viral neutralization test in cell culture, immunofluorescence and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), in the presence of the following species of human adenovirus: 1, 2, 5 (subgenus C), 4 (subgenus E), 7 and 16 (subgenus B) and 9 (subgenus D). Two monoclonal antibodies species specific to adenovirus 4 (1CIII and 3DIII) and one monoclonal antibody that cross reacted with adenovirus species 4 and 7 (2HIII) were obtained.
Termoestabilidade da vacina contra a raiva, tipo Fuenzalida & Palacios, uso humano
Authors: Albas Avelino , Mourão Fuches Regina Maria , Frazatti Gallina Neuza Maria , Mendonça Rita Maria Zucatelli , Woe Fang Francisco Liauw , Ghiuro Valentini Elizabeth Juliana
Published: September 2006

Dez lotes de vacina contra a Raiva, tipo Fuenzalida & Palacios, líquida, uso humano, produzidos no Instituto Butantan, foram estocados às temperaturas de 45, 37, 28 e 2-8ºC. Amostras de cada lote, colhidas a intervalos de tempo que variavam com a temperatura de estocagem, tiveram sua potência (valor antigênico) determinada pelo método do N.I.H. Foram consideradas satisfatórias vacinas portadoras de um valor antigênico (VA) >0,3. Foi verificado que apenas um dos lotes apresentou VA inferior ao mínimo requerido, após 2 h de exposição a 45ºC. Todos os lotes mantiveram VA satisfatório até 3 dias de armazenamento de 37ºC, enquanto que, a 28 e 2-8ºC, o mesmo ocorreu com 10 e 360 dias, respectivamente. À temperatura ideal de armazenamento (2-8ºC), 100% dos lotes retiveram a potência mínima por período de tempo mais longo (16 meses) do que o prazo de validade (12 meses), o que permite sugerir que a validade da vacina contra a Raiva, que nos países da América Latina e Caribe é de 6 a 12 meses, poderia ser ampliada para 16 meses, de modo a evitar o descarte de produto em condições de uso.
Febre maculosa: isolamento de Rickettsia em amostra de biópsia de pele
Authors: Melles Heloisa Helana B. , Colombo Silvia , Silva Marcos Vinícius da
Published: September 2006

Presença de Rickettsia na pele de doente de Febre Maculosa foi evidenciada por inoculação intraperitoneal em cobaio. O diagnóstico sorológico por imunoflüorescência indireta revelou diferença de título de anticorpos específicos para Rickettsia rickettsii, de 4 vezes entre a 1º e a 3º amostra. Imunoglobulina M (IgM) específica foi detectada nas amostras de sangue, evidência de infecção em atividade ou recente. Foi também detectada a presença de anticorpos específicos para R. rickettsii no soro dos cobaios inoculados.
Mansonelosis en el area sur-oriental de la Orinoquia venezolana
Authors: Medrano Clemencia E. , Volcán Gregorio S. , Godoy Gerardo A.
Published: September 2006

En 26 asentamientos selváticos del Estado Bolívar, Venezuela, fueron muestreados el 10% o más de sus residentes mediante examen físico, biopsias de piel y toma de sangre periférica. En 13 de las comunidades se detectaron 153 indígenas y un mestizo infectados con Mansonelosis, representando un índice global de 36,40% para el área endémica. La parasitosis se concentró en tres focos: El mayor situado en la región Suroccidental y formando parte de una extensa superficie infectada, que abarca territorios vecinos de Venezuela y Brasil; con aldeas de índices parasitarios colectivos de 80,76% y 94,44%. Un segundo foco está situado en la región Suroriental y los portadores, al igual que en el anterior, están infectados con Mansonela ozzardi. El tercer foco Centro-oriental presentó infecciones por M. pertans. No fue posible concretar un cuadro nosológico en los infectados por M.ozzardi, a pesar de haberse detectado densidades parasitarias individuales de 30.000 microfilarias por ml de sangre y de 22.000 por gr de piel.
Marcadores epidemiológicos de Salmonella typhimurium e Salmonella agona
Authors: Fernandes Sueli Aparecida , Tavechio Ana Terezinha , Neme Suzel N. , Calzada Chifumi T. , Dias Angela Maria G. , Nakahara Leda K. , Oliveira Jose Carlos de , Irino Kinue , Taunay Augusto E.
Published: September 2006

Entre as cepas de S. typhimurium e S. agona isoladas no período 1971-1987 foram caracterizados os biotipos, colicinotipos e antibiotipos de 734 cepas de S. typhimurium e 631 de S. agona. As 734 cepas de S. typhimurium foram classificadas em 65 biotipos com o predomínio dos biotipos 1a com 28,34%, 1b com 29,84% e 9bi com 18,25%. Com relação a S. agona, o biotipo 1a com 87,16% representou entre nós o clone amplamente disseminado. Foram encontradas freqüências baixas de cepas colicinogênicas, entretanto, a colicinotipia parece ser um bom método quando aplicada ao estudo de amostras homogêneas provenientes de surtos. Acentuada multirresistência aos agentes antimicrobianos, foi observada principalmente entre aquelas cepas de origem humana quase sempre representadas por cepas hospitalares
Aspectos radiológicos torácicos na paracoccidioidomicose
Authors: Valle Antônio Carlos Francesconi do , Guimarães Regina Rodrigues , Lopes Danilo Jeronymo , Capone Domenico
Published: September 2006

São analisadas as telerradiografias de tórax de 159 pacientes portadores de paracoccidioidomicose atendidos no Hospital Evandro Chagas - FIOCRUZ, no período de janeiro de 1960 a dezembro de 1988. Em 24 pacientes (15,09%) houve associação com tuberculose; 1 com pneumoconiose; 1 com aspergilose e 2 com carcinoma. Foram excluídos da análise do padrão radiológico 20 casos: em 8 o diagnóstico de tuberculose foi concomitante e em 12 por apresentarem fibrose pulmonar por tratamento prévio para tuberculose e/ou paracoccidioidomicose. Nos 139 casos restantes, as alterações radiológicas encontradas foram agrupadas observando-se a predominância de lesões nos diferentes sítios pulmonares, alveolares ou intersticiais, de acordo com a classificação de MAGALHÃES (1982)19 modificada: infiltrativa 55 casos (39,6%); misto 28 (20,1%); pneumônico 23 (16,6%); nodular 16 (11,5%); micronodular 10 (7,2%) e fibrótico 7 (5,0%). Em 113 pacientes acompanhados radiologicamente, a regressão do processo pulmonar ocorreu 85 casos (75,2%) em até 6 meses; em 17 (15,0%), entre 7 e 12 meses; em 4 (3,5%), entre 13 e 24 meses e em 7 (6,1%) não houve modificação do padrão radiológico
Hepatitis B vaccine - proposal for a standardized assessment of immune response
Authors: Ferraz Maria Lucia G. , Silva Antonio Eduardo , Yamamoto Marico , Guimaråes Rubens Xavier
Published: September 2006

The authors developed a comparative study of the various methods of assessment of immune response to Hepatitis B vaccine. Eighty-six health care professionals underwent a vaccination programme with three doses of plasma-derived vaccine against Hepatitis B (H-B-Vax, Merck, Sharp & Dohme) given intra-muscularly. Assessment of immune response was carried out three months after the end of the programme, by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzymeimmunoassay (EIA). The results showed that the semi-quantitative assessment of Anti-HBs antibodies by RIA or EIA was perfectly comparable to the reference method (quantitative determination of antibodies by RIA). In view of these findings, the authors suggest a standardization of assessment of immune response to the vaccine, thus permitting correct planning of booster doses and easier comparison between different studies
Evaluación del método de ELISA para detección de antígenos y complejos inmunes circulantes de Trypanosoma cruzi a través de un estudio de campo en una zona endémica de Argentina
Authors: Petray Patricia , Bonardello Nelsa , Clark Roberto , Agranatti Mercedes , Corral Ricardo , Grinstein Saúl
Published: September 2006

En una zona endémica de la República Argentina se llevó a cabo un ensayo de campo de la prueba inmunoenzimática ELISA para la detección de antígenos (cAg) y complejos inmunes circulantes (CIC) en sueros de pacientes chagásicos crónicos. Del total de 215 muestras de sangre analizadas, 51 fueron positivas para ELISA-CIC y 45 lo fueron para ELISA-cAg. De los 74 (34,32% de la población) sujetos considerados infectados con dos reacciones serológicas positivas, 49 (66,21%) presentaron CIC en suero, en tanto que en 43 (58,11%) de ellos se encontró cAg por ELISA. Solo en 2 casos serológicamente no reactivos, se detectaron inespecíficamente CIC y cAg. Dentro del grupo considerado no infectado, se observó reactividad inespecífica de bajo título por una de las pruebas serológicas en 16 (11,35%) de 141 individuos. Estos sueros arrojaron resultados consistentemente negativos por ELISA-CIC y cAg demostrando la utilidad de estos métodos de diagnóstico antigénico en casos de serología conflictiva. La determinación de fracciones antigénicas circulantes por ELISA en individuos chagásicos crónicos permite evidenciar la infección por T. cruzi de manera más directa que midiendo la respuesta inmune humoral en el huésped, presentando además mayor sensibilidad que el diagnóstico parasitológico clásico
Preservação de fungos e actinomicetos de interesse médico em água destilada
Authors: Rodrigues Elaine G. , Lírio Vanda S. , Lacaz Carlos da S.
Published: September 2006

Diferentes processos têm sido utilizados para preservação de fungos, todos eles apresentando vantagens e desvantagens. A escolha do método depende das disponibilidades do laboratório, longevidade da preservação, estabilidade genética das culturas e outros fatores. Apresentamos os resultados obtidos pela utilização do método de Castellani (preservação em água destilada) na manutenção de algumas amostras (174) da Micoteca do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo. Após 6, 12, 18 e 24 meses, essas amostras foram analisadas em relação à sua viabilidade, levando-se em consideração a taxa de crescimento e contaminação. A menor e a maior porcentagem de viabilidade foram apresentadas, respectivamente, pelos actinomicetos (aproximadamente 80%) e leveduras (em torno de 100%). Como já descrito por outros autores, o método, além de simples e economicamente viável para laboratórios de pequeno porte, apresenta bons resultados
A low cost method to produce a gaseous environment for the isolation of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Hernández Francisco , Rivera Patricia
Published: September 2006

A low cost method (LCM) to produce a gaseous environment for the isolation of Helicobacter pylori, was compared with the standard Gas Park system. The LCM uses a carbonated antacid tablet, a plastic bag with tap water, a candle, and a wide-mouthed glass jar provided with a tight-fitting metalic screw cap and a rubber gasket. Antral gastric biopsies from 153 cases were incubated by duplicate on blood agar plates and treated with the two methods. In 95 cases the agent was isolated from both, and only from the standard method in 10 cases; the opposite condition was found in five cases, and 43 were negative. That difference is not significant (Pearson's X²= 93.25 p > 0,05)
Activity of two different triazoles in a murine model of paracoccidioidomycosis
Authors: Restrepo Susana , Tabares Angela M. , Restrepo Angela
Published: September 2006

A new orally absorbable triazole (Schering 39304) with a long serum half-life in man (60 hours), was tried in a murine model of progressive paracoccidioidomycosis and compared with itraconazole, another triazole which has proven effective in this mycosis. Only 15% of the infected, untreated mice survived while 53 to 75% of the animals receiving itraconazole survived. Mice treated with Schering 39304 exhibited higher (86 - 100%) survival rates. Statistically, the 5 mg/kg Sch 39304 was superior to the 50 mg/kg itraconazole dose. Lung cultures showed that 20 mg/kg/day of Sch achieved sterilization of the infectious foci. These results indicate that the new triazole will have a place in the treatment of paracoccidioidomycosis
Renal involvement in prolonged salmonella bacteremia: the role of schistosomal glomerulopathy
Authors: Martinelli Reinaldo , Pereira Luis Jose Cardoso , Brito Edilson , Rocha Heonir
Published: September 2006

Renal involvement has been well documented in patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and in patients with prolonged salmonella bacteremia (PSB). Whether there is a specific renal lesion related to PSB or the chronic bacterial infection aggravates a pre-existing schistosomal glomerulopathy has been a matter of controversy. To analyze the clinical manifestations and histopathological findings of the renal involvement, 8 patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and PSB (group I) were compared with 8 patients with schistosomal glomerulopathy (group II) matched by sex and glomerular disease. The mean age in group I was 17.7 years. All patients presented with hematuria, in 4 cases associated with non-nephrotic proteinuria. In group II the mean age was 23 years; nephrotic syndrome was the clinical presentation in 7 of the 8 patients in the group. All patients in group I experienced remission of the clinical and laboratory abnormalities as the salmonella infection was cured; in group II the patients had persistent, steroid-resistant, nephrotic syndrome. On histological examination, no difference was noted between the two groups, except for pronounced glomerular hypercellularity and interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration in group I. These observations strongly suggest that PSB exacerbates a pre-existing sub-clinical schistosomal glomerulopathy by the addition of active lesions directly related to the prolonged bacteremia
Schistosoma mansoni: host cell adhesion to the different stages of the parasite, in vivo
Authors: Melo Alan L. , Pereira Leógenes H. , Machado Conceição R. S.
Published: September 2006

The peritoneal cavity of laboratory mice was used to study the phenomenon of host cell adhesion to different evolutive stages of the Schistosoma mansoni (cercaria, adult worm, developing and mature eggs, miracidium, young and mature daughter sporocysts). Material recovered from the peritoneal cavity 30 and 180 min after the inoculation of each evolutive form was examined with the help of a stereomicroscope. The free swimming larvae (cercaria and miracidium), and the evolutive forms producing such larvae (mature egg and mature daughter sporocyst) elicited the host cell adhesion phenomenon. In all forms but cercariae the adherent cells remained as so till 180 minutes after inoculation
Embryology of Triatoma infestans (KLUG), (Hemiptera, Reduviidae), a Chagas' disease vector
Authors: Fichera Laura E. , Riarte Adelina
Published: September 2006

This study reports the embryogenesis of T. infestans (Hemiptera, Reduviidae). Morphological parameters of growth sequences from oviposition until hatching (12-14 d 28ºC) were established. Five periods, as percent of time of development (TD), were characterized from oviposition until hatching. The most important morphological features were: 1) formation of blastoderm within 7% of TD; 2) germ band and gastrulation within 30% of TD; 3) nerve cord, limb budding, thoracic and abdominal segmentation and formation of body cavity within 50% of TD; 4) nervous system and blastokinesis end, and development of embryonic cuticle within 65% of TD; 5) differentiation of the mouth parts, fat body, and Malphigian tubules during final stage and completion of embryo at day 12 to day 14 around hatching. These signals were chosen as appropriate morphological parameters which should enable the evaluation of embryologic modifications due to the action/s of different insecticides
Intestinal parasites among Karitiana Indians from Rondônia State, Brazil
Authors: Ferrari José O. , Ferreira Marcelo U. , Aranha Camargo Luís M. , Ferreira Cláudio S.
Published: September 2006

Gravity sedimentation parasitological examinations were performed in stool samples from 111 Karitiana Indians from Rondônia State, Brazilian Amazon Basin. Intestinal parasites were found in 43 samples (38.7%). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent helminth species (18.9%). Egg counts in samples positive for Ascaris suggested an overdispersed distribution of worm burdens in the host population. Age-distribution pattern of intestinal parasites among Karitiana Indians was found to be rather unusual: the highest prevalence (60.0%) was detected in the 12-to 16-year-old age group
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA for the detection of antibodies in the human leptospirosis
Authors: Silva Marcos Vinícius da , Camargo Eide Dias
Published: September 2006

An Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA was evaluated for the detection of IgA antibodies in the human leptospirosis. The assay proved to be sensitive and specific when compared with the ELISA-IgM, in the examinated serum samples. The results found suggest that IgA antibodies became positive later in leptospirosis, and will can be an evolutive indicator in the development of the disease
Evaluation of different immunization protocols with P. brasiliensis antigens in Guinea pigs
Authors: Kamegasawa Amélia , Rezkallah Iwasso Maria Tereza , Viero Rosa , Franco Marcello
Published: September 2006

The objective of the present study was to develop an efficient and reproducible protocol of immunization of guinea pigs with P. brasiliensis antigens as an animal model for future studies of protective immunity mechanisms. We tested three different antigens (particulate, soluble and combined) and six protocols in the presence and absence of Freund's complete adjuvant and with different numbers of immunizing doses and variable lenght of time between the last immunizing dose and challenge. The efficacy of the immunizing protocol was evaluated by measuring the humoral and cellular anti-P. brasiliensis immune response of the animals, using immuno-diffusion, skin test and macrophage migration inhibition test. It was observed that: 1. Three immunizing doses of the antigens induced a more marked response than two doses; 2. The highest immune response was obtained with the use of Freund's complete adjuvant; 3. Animals challenged a long time (week 6) after the last immunizing dose showed good anti-P. brasiliensis immune response; 4. The particulate antigen induced the lowest immune response. The soluble and the combined antigens were equally efficient in raising good humoral and cellular anti-P. brasiliensis immune response
Estudo comparativo entre as técnicas de diluição em caldo e diluição em ágar, nos antibiogramas para Candida: a comparative study
Authors: Alves Sydney Hartz , Cury Ariete Emily
Published: September 2006

Os autores compararam o desempenho das técnicas de diluição em caldo e diluição em ágar, mediante a determinação da CIM (concentração inibitória mínima) e da CFM (concentração fungicida mínima) de antifúngicos poliênicos e imidazólicos, frente a diversas espécies de Candida. A concordância entre as técnicas foi variável em função do antifúngico utilizado. Os melhores percentuais de concordância ocorreram quando se realizou o teste com poliênicos. Os autores discutem aspectos que envolvem a problemática dos testes de sensibilidade de leveduras a antifúngicos
Nephrotic syndrome associated with hepatointestinal schistosomiasis
Authors: Abensur H. , Nussenzveig I. , Saldanha L.B. , Petalozzi M.S.C. , Barros M.T. , Marcondes M. , Barros R.T.
Published: September 2006

Schistosomal nephropathy has long been related to the hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis. In the last few years, 24 patients with hepatointestinal schistosomiasis and the nephrotic syndrome were studied. Aiming at evaluating a possible etiologic participation of schistosomiasis in the development of the nephropathy, this group was comparatively studied with a group of 37 patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Both groups had a different distribution of the histologic lesions. In the group with schistosomiasis there was a statistically significant prevalence of proliferative mesangial glomerulonephritis (33.3%), whereas in the control group there was prevalence of membranous glomerulonephritis (32.4%). On immunofluorescence, IgM was positive in 94.4% of the patients with schistosomiasis versus 55.0% in the control group (p<0.01). In the group with schistosomiasis, 8 patients evidenced mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis and 5, membra-noproliferative glomerulonephritis. In both histological types immunofluorescence showed IgM and C3 granular deposits in the glomeruli. The data in this study suggests that mesangial proliferative and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, with glomerular granular IgM and C3 deposits, represent the renal lesions of the schistosomiasis associated nephropathy.
Experimental life cycle of Lagochilascaris minor Leiper, 1909
Authors: Campos Dulcinéa Maria Barbosa , Freire Filha Lindomar G. , Vieira Miguel Alípio , Paçô Julieta Machado , Maia Moacir A.
Published: September 2006

The life cycle of Lagochilascaris minor was studied using material collected from human lesion and applying the experimental model: rodents (mice, hamsters), and carnivorae (cats, dogs). In mice given infective eggs, orally, hatch of the third stage larvae was noted in the gut wall, with migration to liver, lungs, skeletal musculature and subcutaneous tissue becoming, soon after, encysted. In cats infected with skinned carcasses of mice (60 to 235 days of infection) it was observed: hatch of third stage larvae from the nodules (cysts) in the stomach, migration through the oesophagus, pharynx, trachea, related tissues (rhino-oropharynx), and cervical lymphonodes developing to the mature stage in any of these sites on days 9-20 post inoculation (P.I.). There was no parasite development up to the mature stage in cats inoculated orally with infective eggs, which indicates that the life cycle of this parasite includes an obligatory intermediate host. In one of the cats (fed carcass of infected mice) necropsied on day 43 P.I., it was observed the occurence of the self-infective cycle of L. minor in the lung tissues and in the cervical region which was characterized by the finding of eggs in different stages of development, third stage larvae and mature worms. It's believed that some component of the carnivorae gastrointestinal tracts may preclude the development of third stage larvae from L. minor eggs what explains the interruption of the life cycle in animals fed infective eggs. It's also pointed out the role of the intermediate host in the first stages of the life cycle of this helminth.
Lethal effect of a bait for Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), the vector of Chagas' disease, containing hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), under laboratory conditions
Authors: Lima Marli Maria , Rey Luis , Mello Rubens Pinto de
Published: September 2006

The lethal effect of a bait containing an aqueous hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) suspension at the concentration of 1g/l and maintained at room temperature was studied in the laboratory over a period of 12 weeks. The suspension was placed in a latex bag hanging inside a 1000-ml beaker tightly covered with nylon netting, and left there with no changes for 85 days. Sixteen groups of R. prolixas bugs, consisting on average of 30 specimens each, were successively exposed to the bait and observed at different intervals for one week each. The mortality rate was 100% for all groups, except for the 16th, whose mortality rate was 96.7%. As the groups succeeded one another, mortality started to occur more rapidly and was more marked at the 6- and 24-h intervals. Later tests respectively started at 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. showed that diurnal and nocturnal periodicity in the offer of food had no effect on mortality. First- and 2nd- instar nymphs and adults male were more sensitive and 5th- instar nymphs were more resistant to the active principle of the bait.
Experimental coccidioidomycosis in the immunosuppressed rat
Authors: Remesar Mirta C. , Blejer Jorgelina L. , Negroni Ricardo , Nejamkis Marta R.
Published: September 2006

C. immitis inoculated rats are known to develop infection restricted to lung whereas cyclophosphamide (CY) treatment leads to widespread dissemination with considerable mortality. In this study, an attempt was made to elucidate the mechanisms involved in such behaviour. With this aim, spleen cells were transferred from infected CY-treated to infected untreated rats, achieving significant specific inhibition in footpad swelling to coccidioidin in recipients, attributable to a suppressor T cell subpopulation induced by greater fungal antigen concentration arising from widespread C. immitis dissemination in immunosuppressed animals. NK activity proved similar regardless of CY treatment. Lastly, chronically infected rats presented increased colony forming units count after several weekly doses of CY, as happens in immunosuppressed patients harbouring a previous infection.
Human papillomavirus detection in cervical dysplasias or neoplasias and in condylomata acuminaata by in situ hybridization with biotinylated DNA probes
Authors: Guimarães Eliane Machado , Brasileiro Filho Geraldo , Pena Sérgio Danilo Junho
Published: September 2006

Specimens from cervical dysplasias or carcinomas and genital condylomata acuminata were retrospectively analysed by in situ hybridization (ISH) with bioti-nylated DNA probes for human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16 and 18. In the control group no case was positive for HPV DNA. In mild/moderate dysplasias, 4 cases (14%) were positive for HPV 6 or 11 and 2 cases (7%), for HPV 16. In the severe dysplasia/in situ carcinoma group, 9 cases (31%) showed presence of DNA of HPV types 16 or 18. Six invasive carcinomas (20%) were positive for HPV type 16 or 18. Among condylomata acuminata, 22 cases (73%) were positive for HPV types 6 or 11. In all ISH-positive cases only one viral type was detected. No correlation between HPV DNA positivity and histological findings of HPV infection was observed. Although less sensitive than some other molecular biology techniques, in situ hybridization with biotinylated DNA probes proved to be simple and useful for detecting and typing HPV in samples routinely received for histopathological analysis.
Diferenças nas propriedades adesivas de Staphylococcus saprophyticus a células HEp-2 e eritrócitos
Authors: Milagres Lucimar Gonçalves , Melles Carmo E.A.
Published: September 2006

S. saprophyticus é freqüentemente isolado de infecções do trato urinário de mulheres jovens e sexualmente ativas. Ao contrário de S. aureus, esta espécie não possui fatores de virulência bem definidos. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a aderência de S. saprophyticus a células HEp-2 e eritrócitos de carneiro. As amostras foram isoladas a partir da urina de pacientes com infecção urinária. Foram realizados testes de hemaglutinação, aderência a células HEp-2 e a capacidade de carboidratos específicos inibirem as interações entre estes tipos celulares e S. saprophyticus. A maioria das cepas se mostrou hemaglutinante e sensível a inibição da hemaglutinação pela manose (100mM). Foram verificados altos níveis de aderência às células HEp-2. As diferenças em especificidade e nível de aderência do microrganismo a células de HEp-2 e eritrócitos sugerem a participação de diferentes adesinas nos processos de interações celulares.
Reactividad a la histoplasmina en trabajadores de granjas avícolas en la provincia de Ciego de Avila, Cuba
Authors: Suarez Hernandez Miguel , Fernandez Andreu Carlos M. , Estrada Ortiz Alfredo , Cisneros Despaigne Eugenio
Published: September 2006

Se realizo una encuesta epidemiológica mediante la prueba intradérmica de histoplasmina a 392 trabajadores de granjas avícolas y 265 de diferentes centros ocupacionales considerados sin riesgo profesional de exposición a Histoplasma capsulatum, agente etiológico de la histoplasinosis. Entre los trabajadores del primer grupo se detectó un 28,8% de positividad, mientras que en el segundo grupo se encontro un 13,2% de casos positivos; desde el punto de vista estadístico existió diferencia significativa entre ambos, lo que demuestra que los trabajadores de granjas avícolas son un grupo de riesgo de adquirir la infección por H capsulatum. Entre los trabajadores del grupo I se encontro un porcentaje de reactividad más alto en aquellos grupos ocupacionales que estaban más en contacto con las excretas de las aves. El tiempo de trabajo en la granja también parece influir en la reactividad a la prueba.
Caracteristicas epidemiologicas de 105 casos de criptococosis diagnosticados en la república Argentina entre 1981-1990
Authors: Bava A.J. , Negroni R.
Published: September 2006

Se presentan 105 casos de criptococosis diagnosticados en la República Argentina, entre 1981 y 1990. El número anual de casos fue hasta 1987, de 4 a 8, aumentó desde 1988 por influencia del SIDA y llegó a 35 casos en 1990. La criptococosis no asociada al SIDA se mantuvo entre 3 y 7 casos anuales. Globalmente, el grupo etario más afectado fue el de 20-39 años y la distribución por edad fue diferente en las poblaciones con y sin SIDA. La mediana de la edad de las poblaciones total, asociada al SIDA y a otras causas predisponentes fue de 30, 30 y 45 años, respectivamente. El predominio del sexo masculino fue mucho más evidente entre los pacientes HIV+ que en los que no padecían esta última infección. La causa predisponente fue el SIDA en 57 pacientes, otra en 20 y era desconocida en 28 casos. Estimando indirectamente, el porcentaje de pacientes con SIDA que padecieron criptococosis en este período fue 6,19% (57 casos en 920 HIV+). Cryptococcus neoformans variedad neoformans fue aislado de 101 pacientes y la variedad gattii (serotipo B) de los 4 restantes. Los datos obtenidos son similares a los observados en Europa y Estados Unidos.
Avaliação do teste ELISA-lgM no diagnóstico precoce da leptospirose humana
Authors: Camargo Eide Dias , Silva Marcos Vinícius da , Batista Luiza , Vaz Adelaide José , Sakata Elena Emiko
Published: September 2006

Foram estudadas 37 amostras de sangue de pacientes com leptospirose, forma icterohemorrágica, com intervalo de tempo de 2 a 12 dias entre o início dos sintomas e a coleta do material. Isolou-se leptospiras por hemocultura de 5 (13,5%) pacientes e em 4 destes, o agente etiológico pertencia ao sorogrupo Icterohaemorrhagiae sorovar copenhageni. O teste imunoenzimático ELISA-IgM apresentou reatividade em 35 (94,6%) pacientes, incluindo os 4 pacientes dos quais o agente etiológico foi isolado. Este teste demonstrou ser um importante recurso laboratorial para o diagnóstico da letospirose humana, mesmo no início da doença quando ainda na fase de leptospiremia.
Obtenção e avaliação de antígenos de Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Lirio Vanda de Sá , Assis Cezar Mendes de , Cano Maria Isabel N. , Lacaz Carlos da Silva
Published: September 2006

Antígenos de três amostras de A. fumigatus (354, 356, JIG) e antissoro contra a mistura destes antígenos foram produzidos e avaliados imunoquimicamente. Os antígenos de filtrado de cultura foram obtidos após concentração com acetona conforme adaptação da técnica descrita por Coleman & Kaufman. Em prova de ID obteve-se 100% de positividade com os soros de pacientes com aspergilose estudados. Com relação aos soros heterólogos encontramos reatividade com soro de um paciente com candidíase e com soro de um paciente com histoplasmose; foi encontrado padrão idêntico de resposta quando se utilizou o antígeno de referência. O antissoro foi titulado por ID, CIE e RFC MI contra o antígeno específico apresentando títulos respectivos de 1:32, 1:32 e 1:128, e utilizado para reagir contra o mesmo antígeno por IEF, demonstrando 8 linhas de precipitação, sendo 5 na região anódica e 3 na região catódica. O perfil de bandeamento do antígeno em eletroforese utilizando gel de poliacrilamida (SDS-PAGE) a 12,5% apresentou-se complexo com 26 sub-unidades protéicas, cujos pesos moleculares variaram de 18 a > 100kDa. Quando estes componentes foram eletrotransferidos e reagidos com o antissoro específico ("immunoblotting"), verificou-se imunogenicidade em todas as frações bandeadas.
Micetoma por Actinomadura madurae: relato de dois casos
Authors: Wanke Nurimar C.F. , Wanke Bodo , Caiuby Maria Julieta , Towersey Loan , Londero Alberto T. , Dias Maria Fernanda R.G. , Siqueira Sergio P.
Published: September 2006

São relatados dois casos de micetoma por Actinomadura madurae, atendidos no Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho (UFRJ), em 1990, e no Hospital Universitário Antonio Pedro (UFF), em 1984. Caso 1: paciente masculino, pardo, de 27 anos, iniciou o quadro em 1988, após traumatismo no pé esquerdo, com aumento de volume com nódulos apresentando fistulas drenando secreção e grãos branco-amarelados. A radiografia mostrou lesões líticas nos ossos do tarso e 2º e 3º metatarsianos do pé esquerdo. O exame histopatológico evidenciou grãos basofílicos recobertos por franja eosinofílica, arredondados, medindo até 1mm. Ao exame micológico foi isolado em cultivo A. madurae. Diante do fracasso de outras tentativas, foi instituida terapêutica com tetraciclina oral por 6 meses; contudo, como não houve resolução do quadro clínico-radiológico, foi indicada a amputação do membro. Caso 2: paciente masculino, branco, de 70 anos, iniciou quadro em 1974, após traumatismo no pé direito, que evoluiu com aumento de volume e fístulas. Ao exame histopatológico, grãos basofílicos com franjas eosinofílicas ao redor, tamanho grande, de 1 a 2mm de diâmetro, características de A. madurae. Discreta melhora com tetraciclina e sulfamídicos. Sem controle posterior. O primeiro caso adquiriu a infecção no Rio de Janeiro e o segundo caso a adquiriu em Pernambuco. Além de aspectos clínicos, diagnósticos e terapêuticos, é comentada a ocorrência dos micetomas nas Américas, destacando a freqüência dos actinomicetomas por A. madurae.
Avaliação de massas específicas de cistos de Giardia duodenalis e Entamoeba coli
Authors: Moitinho Maria da Luz Ribeiro , Ferreira Cláudio Santos
Published: September 2006

Cistos de Giardia duodenalis e Entamoeba coli foram observados quanto à flutuação em soluções de sacarose de massas específicas diversas (1.040, 1.050, 1.060, 1.070,1.080,1.090,1.100, 1.150,1.200 e 1.250 kg/m³), contidas em câmaras de contagem de 0,17 mm de altura. Contaram-se os cistos que flutuaram e os que sedimentaram tendo sido calculadas as porcentagens respectivas. As diferenças de flutuabilidade dos cistos de cada uma das espécies não foram consideráveis. Soluções de massa específica igual a 1.200 kg/m³ fizeram flutuar 88,49% dos cistos de G. duodenalis e 95,71% dos de E. coli. Os maiores valores de flutuabilidade estiveram associados à massa específica 1.250 kg/m³ e foram, respectivamente, 89,15% e 98,59% para cistos de G. duodenalis e de E. coli.
Possible risk factors for vertical transmission of Chagas' disease
Authors: Bittencourt Achiléa L.
Published: September 2006

The author emphasizes the importance of the congenital transmission of Chagas' disease and discusses the possible risk factors for transmission such as age, origin, obstetrical history and maternal form of disease. Exacerbation of infection during pregnancy is also considered as a possible risk factor for transmission. Besides, a relationship between the frequency of transmission and gestational age is presented. Concerning breast-feeding, the risk of transmission is directly related to the acute phase of maternal disease and bleeding nipples. The deleterious effects of chagasic infection on the fetus and newborn are also considered.
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Authors: Rosa Heitor , Costa Ana Paula V.F. , Ferraz Maria Lúcia , Pedroza Suelene C. , Andrade Ana Lúcia S.S. , Martelli Celina M.T. , Zicker Fábio
Published: September 2006

This investigation presents the results of Hepatitis B virus screening among leprosy patients conducted in Central Brazil as a preliminary information for a HBV vaccination programme. The main objectives were to assess the seroprevalence of HBV serum markers among lepromatous patients and to analyse institutionalization as risk factor for HBV infection in this population. Two groups of lepromatous patients were studied, 83 outpatients and 171 institutionalized ones. Screening for HBV serum markers included the detection of HBsAg, anti-HBc by radioimmune assay (RIA). The prevalence of carrier state (HBsAg) was 4.8% and 8.8% among outpatients and institutionalized, respectively, (p>0.05). Seroprevalence of exposure (all markers) was statistically significant different between outpatients (16.9%) and institutionalized ones (50.3%). Institutionalized patients had an almost four fold risk of HBV infection when compared to the outpatients, and the highest risks were among patients with more than 21 years of residence in the colony, after adjusting for age and sex.
Rotavirus e adenovirus em crianças de 0-5 anos hospitalizadas com ou sem gastrenterite em Goiânia - GO., Brasil
Authors: Cardoso Divina das Dores de Paula , Martins Regina Maria Bringel , Kitajima Eliott W. , Barbosa Aristides José , Camarota Sandra Cristina Teles , Azevedo Maril Silva Pereira
Published: September 2006

De junho/1987 a julho/1990 foram estudadas 557 amostras fecais de crianças hospitalizadas de 0-5 anos de idade, na cidade de Goiânia-GO., para detecção de rotavírus e adenovírus. Destas, 291 provinham de crianças diarréicas e 266 de não diarréicas. Das amostras não diarréicas, 64 eram provenientes de crianças de berçário. Das 557 amostras, 261 foram analisadas pela imunomicroscopia eletrônica (IME), eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida (EGPA-SDS) e ensaio imunoenzimático para rotavírus e adenovírus (EIARA) e as demais apenas pela EGPA e EIARA. Rotavírus e adenovírus mostraram positividade de 17,2% e 2,1% respectivamente, e na condição de diarréia ou não, observou-se percentuais de 29,2% e 4,1% respectivamente para rotavírus (p<0,05) e 2,4% e 1,5% para adenovírus. Rotavírus foram mais prevalentes entre as crianças de 1-11 meses de idade e não foram vistos em nenhum recém-nato de berçário. Os adenovírus ocorreram na faixa de 1-3 anos. Rotavírus apresentaram maior circulação entre os meses de maio a agosto (p<0,05), não sendo encontrados de dezembro a fevereiro.
Fuentes de infeccion de histoplasmosis en la Isla de la Juventud, Cuba
Authors: Andreu Carlos Manuel Fernandez , Martinez Machin Gerardo
Published: September 2006

El propósito del presente trabajo es reportar el aislamiento de Histoplasma capsulation, agente etiológico de la histoplasmosis, a partir del suelo de lugares habitados por murciélagos y gallinas en la Isla de la Juventud, Cuba. El hongo fue cultivado también a partir de los órganos de cuatro especies de murciélagos capturados en cuevas. La identificación de H. capsulatum se realizó mediante la conversión de la fase miceliana a levadura y por el test de exoantígenos. Se señala el valor epidemiológico de estos hallazgos en cuevas de gran importancia arqueológica, espeleológica y turística, así como el riesgo potencial que representan para la salud humana. Los autores concluyen con recomendaciones para evitar la infección por H. capsulatum en aquellas personas que por determinadas razones tengan que estar en contacto con estos ambientes contaminados.
O uso da casca da castanha do caju, Anacardium occidentale, como moluscicida alternativo
Authors: Souza Cecília Pereira de , Mendes Nelymar Martineli , Jannotti-Passos Liana Konovaloff , Pereira José Pedro
Published: September 2006

Bioensaios usando extratos hexânicos de cascas da castanha do caju, Anacardium occidentale, coletadas no Ceará em 1972 (amostra 1) e em 1987 (amostra 2) foram feitos sobre moluscos adultos e desovas de Biomphalaria glabrata, B. tenagophila e B. straminea, no laboratório e no campo. As cascas, 18,5 g, sem triturar amostra 1, também foram testadas sobre moluscos adultos e desovas das três espécies. A toxidez do extrato foi testada ainda sobre peixes (Poecilia reticulata) e girinos. As concentrações letais CL90, amostra 1, foram de 2,0 a 2,2 ppm para os moluscos das três espécies. Para B. glabrata adultos, recém-eclodidos e desovas as CL90, amostra 2, foram de 2,0, 0,5 e 30,0 ppm respectivamente. As cascas causaram mortalidade de 40 a 80% dos moluscos e de 22 a 35% dos embriões, ocasionando redução de 40 a 55% na oviposição das três espécies. O extrato hexânico, amostra 2, foi inócuo para girinos e peixes até 2 ppm. No campo, em poços com água parada, tratados com 20 ppm do extrato, amostra 1, ocorreu 97,1% de mortalidade de B. straminea e 100% de B. glabrata e B. tenagophila. Com a niclosamida a 3 ppm ocorreu 100% de mortalidade das três espécies.
Listeriosis and AIDS: case report and literature review
Authors: Silva Luiz Jancintho da , Resende Mariângela R. , Abreu William B. de , Aoki Fransisco H. , Bocatto Raquel B.S. , Branchinni Maria Luiza Moretti , Gonçales Jr. Fernando Lopes , Lima Josué N. de , Nowakonski Angela von , Papaiordanou Priscila M. O. , Pedro Rogério de Jesus , Rossi Cláudio L.
Published: September 2006

Listeriosis is a not uncommon infection in humans, usually associated with immunodeficient states and with newborns. However, relatively few cases have been reported in HIV-infected patients. This scarcity of reported cases has aroused interest in the association of listerosis and AIDS. In this paper we present a case of meningitis and septicemia caused by Listeria monocytogenes in a female patient with AIDS. A review of recent medical literature indicates that association of listeriosis and AIDS may be more common than it seems. Recent research in host-parasite interaction in listerial infection suggests an important role for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and for integralin, a bacterial protein, in modulating listerial disease in AIDS patients. Inadequate diagnosis may be in part responsible for the scarcity of reports.
Entomoftoromicose rinofacial por Conidiobolus coronatus: registro de um caso tratado com sucesso pelo fluconazol
Authors: Castro e Souza Filho Luiz Gonzaga de , Nico Marcello Menta Simonsen , Salebian Alberto , Heins-Vaccari Elisabeth Maria , Castro Luiz Guilherme Martins de , Sotto Mirian Nacagami , Lacaz Carlos da Silva , Martins José Eduardo Costa , Wu Suzana Lu Chen , Cucé Luiz Carlos
Published: September 2006

É descrito um caso de entomoftoromicose rinofacial por Conidiobolus coronatus, em paciente procedente de São Paulo (Capital), tratado com sucesso pelo fluconazol, por via oral, através terapêutica prolongada. Dados histopatológicos e micológicos confirmaram o diagnóstico.
Non-venomous snake bite and snake bite without envenoming in a brazilian teaching hospital: analysis of 91 cases
Authors: Silveira Paulo Vitor Portella , Nishioka Sérgio de Andrade
Published: September 2006

A retrospective survey of 473 cases of snake bite admitted to a Brazilian teaching hospital from 1984 to 1990 revealed 91 cases of bite without envenoming and/or caused by non-venomous snakes. In 17 of these cases the snake was identified, and one patient was bitten by a snake-like reptile (Amphisbaena mertensii). In 43 cases diagnosis was made on clinical grounds (fang marks in the absence of signs of envenoming). The other 30 cases were of patients who complained of being bitten but who did not show any sign of envenoming or fang mark. Most cases occurred in men (66;73%), in the 10-19 years age group (26;29%), in the lower limbs (51/74;69%), between 6 A. M. and 2 P.M. (49;61%) and in the month of April (16; 18%). One patient bitten by Philodryas olfersii developed severe local pain, swelling and redness at the site of the bite, with normal clotting time. The patient bitten by Drymarcon corais was misdiagnosed as being bitten by a snake of the genus Bothrops, was given the specific antivenom, and developed anaphylaxis. One patient bitten by Sibynomorphus mikanii presented prolonged clotting time, and was also given antivenom as a case of Bothrops bite. Correct identification of venomous snakes by physicians is necessary to provide correct treatment to victims of snake bite, avoiding unnecessary distress to the patient, and overprescription of antivenom, which may eventually cause severe untoward effects.