Resumo A dirofilariose é um problema de saúde para cães e gatos, especialmente nas regiões costeiras tropicais e subtropicais do mundo. Alguns estudos compararam a eficácia das técnicas de diagnóstico usadas para detectar esta parasitose. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a microscopia óptica (OM), técnicas sorológicas e moleculares para o diagnóstico de infecção por Dirofilaria immitis . Foram coletadas, entre julho de 2015 e abril de 2016, amostras de 103 cães em Cabo Frio, RJ, Brasil. O exame direto, distensão espessa, distensão delgada e o teste de Knott modificado foram usados para detectar microfilárias. O ELISA (Snap ™ 4Dx ® IDEXX) foi usado para detectar antígenos e a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) foi usada para detectar DNA e o sequenciamento para diferenciação e confirmação de espécie. Das amostras, 19,4% foram positivas de acordo com a microscopia. Por PCR, 15,5% do total foram positivos. Utilizando o ELISA, a taxa de positividade foi de 29,1%. Dirofilariose oculta foi detectada em 11,6% das amostras. A sensibilidade ao ELISA mostrou-se superior à PCR ou microscopia (P = 0,001). O sequenciamento das amostras confirmou a presença de Dirofilaria immitis e Acanthocheilonema reconditum . O ELISA foi mais eficaz no diagnóstico sorológico de dirofilariose canina e deve ser usado em estudos clínicos e epidemiológicos.

Abstract Heartworm disease is a health problem for dogs and cats, especially in tropical and subtropical coastal regions of the world. Some studies have compared the efficacy of the diagnostic techniques used to detect this parasitosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare parasitological optical microscopy (POM), serological and molecular techniques for diagnosing canine heartworm infection. Samples were collected between July 2015 and April 2016 from 103 dogs in Cabo Frio, RJ, Brazil. The wet fresh blood, thick smears, thin smears and modified Knott’s test were used to detect microfilariae. ELISA (Snap™ 4Dx ® IDEXX) was used to detect antigens and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect DNA and enable sequencing for species differentiation and confirmation. 19.4% of samples were positive according to microscopy. Through PCR, 15.5% of the total were positive. Using ELISA, the positivity rate was 29.1%. Occult heartworm infection was detected in 11.6% of the samples. ELISA sensitivity was shown to be higher than PCR or microscopy (P = 0.001). Sequencing of samples confirmed the presence of Dirofilaria immitis and Acanthocheilonema reconditum . ELISA was more effective for serological diagnosis canine heartworm and should be used in clinical and epidemiological studies.

Resumo Espécimes de Oncicola venezuelensis (Marteau, 1997) foram recuperados de fragmentos do tecido intestinal de uma fêmea de Puma concolor (Linn, 1771) encontrada morta em Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, em 2017. Um total de 140 helmintos foram recuperados. Cinco machos e 5 cinco fêmeas dos helmintos foram analisados morfologicamente, bem como 50 ovos dos parasitos recuperados no conteúdo intestinal. Morfologicamente, esses helmintos eram compatíveis com o gênero Oncicola, devido ao tamanho e formato da probóscide, o tamanho e disposição do leminisco e a morfometria dos ovos, que apresentaram membrana externa da casca delicada e clara. A partir da histopatologia, pode-se verificar que os helmintos estavam profundamente inseridos na mucosa, atingindo até a camada muscular. Um espécime também foi identificado molecularmente com primers universais que amplificam a região ITS-1.5.8S.ITS-2. Após as análises moleculares, foi verificado que os helmintos apresentavam 99% de identidade com sequência gênica de O. venezuelensis que está depositada no Genbank. É importante enfatizar, que esse parasito foi muito pouco relatado na literatura, demonstrando a importância deste relato.

Abstract Specimens of Oncicola venezuelensis (Marteau, 1977) were recovered from fragments of intestinal tissue of a female Puma concolar (Linn, 1771) found dead in Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro in 2017. A total of 140 helminths were recovered. Five males and 5 females of the helminths were analyzed morphologically as well as 50 parasite eggs recovered in intestinal contents. Morphologically, these helminths were compatible with the genus Oncicola, because of the size and shape of the proboscis, the size and disposition of the lemnisci and the morphometry of the eggs, in which the external membrane of the shell was delicate and clear. From histopathology, the helminths were deeply embeded in the mucosa reaching up to the muscle layer. One specimen was also identified molecularly with universal primers that amplified the eukaryote region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2. The helminth showed 99% identity with the gene sequence of O. venezuelensis deposited in GenBank. It is important to emphasize, this parasite has been very little reported in the literature, which reinforces the importance of this report.

Resumo Espécies de piroplasmídeos foram analisadas por meio de métodos moleculares, em 31 amostras de sangue de cães, previamente verificadas em lâminas coradas, estocadas até a extração de DNA entre 2016 a 2018 em laboratório de Análises Clínicas, em Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. Os piroplasmídeos foram identificados pela PCR, utilizando-se como alvo o gene 18S RNAr e, posteriormente, o sequenciamento. Do total de amostras analisadas, somente 24 (77,4%) foram positivas e apresentaram sequências nucleotídicas adequadas para interpretação com identidade variando entre 93% a 100% com B. vogeli, em comparação com as sequências isoladas de cães infectados de outros estados do Brasil, depositadas no GenBank. A maioria das amostras de sangue dos cães detectados com B. vogeli apresentaram, no hemograma, anemia (62,5%) e trombocitopenia (95,8%). Os resultados detectados neste estudo estão compatíveis com o evidenciado na literatura, pois B. vogeli tem sido a espécie mais relatada nas infecções caninas no Brasil, sendo a trombocitopenia a alteração hematológica mais evidenciada nas amostras analisadas. É importante ressaltar que este é o primeiro estudo envolvendo análise molecular e caracterização de piroplasmídeos, em amostras de sangue de cães da região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro, utilizando-se a PCR associada ao sequenciamento.

Abstract Piroplasm species were analyzed by molecular tools in total 31 blood samples from positive dogs, previously checked by stained slides, stored until DNA extraction between 2016 to 2018 in the laboratory Clinical Analyzes in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. The piroplasms were identified by PCR, targeting the 18S rRNA gene and sequencing. From the total number of samples only 24 (77.4%) were positive and show adequate nucleotide sequences for interpretation with identity between 93%-100% with Babesia vogeli in compared to the sequences isolated of infected dogs from other states in Brazil deposited on GenBank. Most of dogs infected with B. vogeli had anemia (62.5%) and thrombocytopenia (95.8%). The findings of this study are compatible with previous reports in the literature and highlight B. vogeli as the most incriminated species in canine piroplasmosis in Brazil, and thrombocytopenia the hematological alteration most frequently identified in this infection. It is important to note that this is the first study involving the molecular characterization of piroplasms in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, based on PCR followed by sequencing.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo pesquisar as espécies de felídeos que circulam no Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos (Parnaso), bem como as formas evolutivas de parasitos gastrintestinais nas fezes desses animais. Entre 2013 e 2015, fezes de felídeos foram coletadas nas trilhas do Parnaso, sendo os pontos de coleta georeferenciados. Foram coletadas 82 amostras fecais, sendo 79 do ambiente, duas de felídeos capturados e uma de um animal necropsiado. Todas as amostras foram submetidas a técnicas coproparasitológicas, sendo as coletadas do ambiente também analisadas pela tricologia. Em 32 amostras coletadas do solo foram identificados padrões de pelos de Leopardus guttulus , Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus wiedii e Puma yagouaroundi. Elevada frequência de formas evolutivas potencialmente parasitárias (88,6%) foi evidenciada nas fezes dos felídeos, destacando os ovos da Família Diphyllobotrhiidae (68,6%). Além destes, também foram detectados, ovos da superfamília Ascaridoidea (42,9%), larvas de nematoides (28,6%), ovos da ordem Strongylida (28,6%), Capillaria sp. (8,6%), Trichuris sp. (8,6%), ovos da família Spirurida (2,9%), oocistos de coccídios não esporulados (8,6%) e Eimeria sp. (2,9%). As fezes dos felídeos apresentaram maior frequência de poliparasitismo (60%) que de monoparasitismo (28,6%).

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the species of felids that inhabit the Serra dos Órgãos National Park (Parnaso) and gastrointestinal parasites at various stages of their life cycles in the feces of these animals. Between 2013 and 2015, felid feces were collected from trails in Parnaso. The sampling points were georeferenced. A total of 82 fecal samples were processed, of which 79 were collected on the ground, two from captured felids and one from a necropsied animal. All samples underwent coproparasitological techniques. Samples collected from the environment underwent additional trichological analysis. Fur patterns corresponding to Leopardus guttulus, Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus wiedii and Puma yagouaroundi were observed in 32 of the samples collected on the soil. High frequency of potentially parasitic evolving forms (88.6%) was observed in felid feces, particularly eggs of the family Diphyllobothriidae (68.6%). Besides, were also detected, eggs of superfamily Ascaridoidea (42.9%), nematode larvae (28.6%), eggs of order Strongylida (28.6%), Capillaria sp. (8.6%), Trichuris sp. (8.6%), eggs of order Spirurida (2.9%), unsporulated coccidian oocysts (8.6%) and Eimeria sp. (2.9%). Felid feces presented higher frequency of polyparasitism (60%) than monoparasitism (28.6%).

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a taxa de crescimento de Balantidium coli em três meios de cultura xênicos. Entre 2013 e 2015 foram estudados 10 isolados de B. coli obtidos de Cynomolgus macaques e 30 isolados de suínos. Um inóculo contendo 500 trofozoítos foi transferido para tubos contendo os meios LES, TYSGM-9 e Pavlova. Os cultivos foram avaliados com tempos de incubação de 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas. Na maioria das cepas analisadas não foi observado diferença significativa na taxa de crescimento comparando TYSGM-9 e Pavlova (Wilcoxon p>0,016). Em Pavlova, os trofozoítos apresentaram máximo de crescimento a 72 h com diferença significativa quando se comparou com os tempos de 24 h e 96 h (Wilcoxon <0,008). Em LES observou-se trofozoítos viáveis até 24 horas com diferença significativa (Friedman p<0,05 e Wilcoxon p<0,016), na quantidade de células parasitárias, quando comparado com Pavlova e TYSGM-9. Dessa forma, o meio LES mostrou-se ser menos adequado do que os outros, para a manutenção de B. coli. Apesar do resultado satisfatório em TYSGM-9, Pavlova foi considerado ideal para manutenção do protozoário, por garantir a viabilidade do parasito com subcultivos a cada três dias, além de apresentar menor custo.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the growth rate of Balantidium coli in three xenic media cultures. Between 2013 and 2015, 10 B. coli isolates obtained from feces of Cynomolgus macaques, and 30 isolates from feces of pigs were studied. An inoculum of 500 trophozoites was transferred to tubes containing LES, TYSGM-9 and Pavlova media. These cultures were evaluated at incubation times of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. In most of strains analyzed wasn’t showed significant difference in the growth rate comparing TYSGM-9 and Pavlova media (Wilcoxon p>0.016). In Pavlova medium, the trophozoites showed a maximum growth at 72 hours with significant difference when compared with the times of 24 h and 96 h (Wilcoxon <0.008). In LES, viable trophozoites were observed until 24 hours, with a significant difference (Friedman p<0.05, Wilcoxon p<0.016) in the number of parasite cells compared with Pavlova and TYSGM-9 media cultures. Thus, LES medium seemed to be less adequate than the other media for maintenance of B. coli. Despite the satisfactory results in TYSGM-9, Pavlova medium was considered ideal for the maintenance of this protozoan strain, guaranteeing the viability of the parasite with subculture every three days, presenting lower costs.

Resumo O aumento da população urbana contribuiu para que muitas pessoas escolhessem um animal de estimação independente, como o gato. Esta situação possibilita o abandono desses animais, aumentando o número de gatos nas ruas e nos abrigos. Esses animais, então, podem servir como fonte de infecção para outros hospedeiros. Entre 2014 a 2015 foi analisada a frequência de parasitos gastrintestinais em gatos cativos e de rua na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Foram coletadas 91 amostras fecais de gatos cativos e 172 de gatos de rua, sendo essas processadas pelas técnicas de centrífugo sedimentação e flutuação. A frequência de parasitos nos gatos de rua foi 77,3%, sendo esta significativamente maior do que a evidenciada nos cativos, 49,5%. Os helmintos foram mais detectados, sendo ancilostomídeos os parasitos mais evidenciados. Também foram detectados, Toxocara cati, Cystoisospora sp. e Dipylidium caninum. Não foi observada diferença estatística na frequência de parasitos entre o sexo nos gatos cativos, porém nos de rua, os machos (85,5%) apresentaram positividade maior do que as fêmeas (71,8%). A elevada frequência de ancilostomídeos, agente da “Larva Migrans Cutânea” no homem, demonstra a necessidade de controle das infecções parasitárias nos gatos estudados.

Abstract The increasingly urban nature of the population has led many people to choose independent pets, such as cats. This situation has also made it possible for these animals to be abandoned, thus increasing the numbers of cats on the streets and in shelters. These animals can act as a source of infection for other hosts. Between 2014 and 2015, the frequency of gastrointestinal parasites in captive and stray cats in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro was analyzed. Ninety-one fecal samples were collected from captive cats and 172 from stray cats. Centrifugal sedimentation and flotation techniques were used. The frequency of parasites among the stray cats was 77.3%, and this was significantly higher than the frequency observed in captive cats (49.5%). Helminths were detected more frequently, and hookworms were the parasites most detected. Toxocara cati, Cystoisospora sp. and Dipylidium caninum were also detected. No statistical difference in the frequency of parasites was observed between the sexes among the captive cats. However, among the stray cats, males (85.5%) presented higher positivity than females (71.8%). The high frequency of hookworms, which are the agent for “cutaneous larva migrans” in humans, shows the need to control parasitic infections among the cats studied.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease in humans, mainly in Latin America. Trypanosome stocks were isolated by hemoculture from patients followed at Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases (FIOCRUZ) and studied using different approaches. METHODS: For species and genotype identification, the stocks were analyzed by parasitological techniques, polymerase chain reaction assays targeted to specific DNA sequences, isoenzyme patterns, besides sequencing of a polymorphic locus of TcSC5D gene (one stock). RESULTS: The isolates presented typical T. cruzi morphology and usually grew well in routine culture media. Metacyclic trypomastigotes were found in cultures or experimentally infected Triatoma infestans. All isolates were pure T. cruzi cultures, presenting typical 330-bp products from kinetoplast DNA minicircles, and 250 or 200-bp amplicons from the mini-exon non-transcribed spacer. Their genetic type assignment was resolved by their isoenzyme profiles. The finding of TcI in one asymptomatic patient from Paraíba was confirmed by the sequencing assay. TcVI was found in two asymptomatic individuals from Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul. TcII was identified in six patients from Pernambuco, Bahia and Minas Gerais, who presented different clinical forms: cardiac (2), digestive with megaesophagus (1), and indeterminate (3). CONCLUSIONS: The main T. cruzi genotypes found in Brazilian chronic patients were identified in this work, including TcI, which is less frequent and usually causes asymptomatic disease, unlike that in other American countries. This study emphasizes the importance of T. cruzi genotyping for possible correlations between the parasite and patient’ responses to therapeutic treatment or disease clinical manifestations.

Resumo Balantidium coli é um protozoário que pode determinar disenteria em humanos, suínos e primatas não humanos apresentando potencial zoonótico. Na literatura ainda são escassas as informações sobre a eficiência das diferentes técnicas laboratoriais para o diagnóstico dessa parasitose. Este estudo comparou e avaliou o desempenho das técnicas de Lutz, Ritchie modificada, Faust, Sheather modificada e do exame direto para a detecção de cistos desse protozoário. Entre 2012 e 2014, foram coletadas 1905 amostras fecais de animais cativos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Dessas, 790 foram obtidas da ampola retal de suínos e 1115 dos recintos de primatas não humanos. Cistos de B. coli foram 22,4 % mais evidenciados pelo exame direto; e pela técnica de Lutz, 21% das amostras. Concordância regular (Kappa = 0,41; p < 0,05) foi observada somente entre exame direto e Lutz. As técnicas de flutuação, Faust et al. e Sheather modificada não apresentaram boa recuperação dos cistos. Diferença estatística significativa (p < 0,05) na frequência de cistos entre suínos e primatas não humanos pode ser observada somente no exame direto e na técnica de Lutz. A metodologia mais eficiente para diagnóstico dessa parasitose foi observada pela associação do exame direto e da técnica de sedimentação espontânea.

Abstract Balantidium coli is a protozoon that can cause dysentery in humans, pigs and nonhuman primates, with zoonotic potential. In the literature, there is still little information on the effectiveness of different laboratory techniques for diagnosing this disease. This study compared and evaluated the performance of the Lutz, modified Ritchie, Faust, modified Sheather and direct examination techniques for detecting cysts of this protozoon. Between 2012 and 2014, 1905 fecal samples were collected from captive animals in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Of these, 790 were obtained from the rectum of pigs and 1115 from enclosures occupied by nonhuman primates. B. coli cysts were most evident through direct examination (22.4% of the samples) and the Lutz technique (21%). Fair agreement (Kappa = 0.41; p < 0.05) was observed only between direct examination and Lutz. The flotation techniques (Faust and modified Sheather) did not show good recovery of cysts. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the frequency of cysts between pigs and nonhuman primates could only be observed through direct examination and the Lutz technique. The most efficient method for diagnosing this parasitosis was seen to an association between direct examination and the spontaneous sedimentation technique.

Resumo: De 2012 a 2013 foram pesquisados parasitos gastrintestinais de suínos de granjas localizadas em diferentes municípios do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Amostras fecais de 790 suínos foram coletadas da ampola retal, sendo 88 de propriedades familiares e 702 de granjas com produção industrial. As amostras foram submetidas às técnicas de Faust et al., Sheather, Ritchie, Lutz e exame direto. A prevalência estimada foi de 93,1% nas granjas familiares e 59,1% nas granjas industriais. Balantidium coli, coccídios e Entamoeba sp. foram os parasitos que apresentaram as maiores frequências, sendo as categorias machos e fêmeas reprodutoras e leitões de terminação as mais infectadas (p<0,05). Trofozoítas de B. coli foram mais evidenciados nas amostras fecais de consistências semi-sólida, seguida pelas fezes com consistências sólida e diarreica. Ovos de estrongilídeos e Trichuris suis foram detectados exclusivamente em criações familiares. Ovos de Ascaris suum e de Strongyloides ransomi apresentaram baixa frequência. O alto grau de parasitismo, principalmente de protozoários, indica a necessidade de reavaliação do manejo dos suínos em ambos os tipos de produção.

Abstract: From 2012 to 2013 were surveyed gastrointestinal parasites from pig farms located in different municpaliyies in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Fecal samples from 790 pigs were collected from the rectum on 88 family farms and 702 farms with industrial production. The samples were subjected to Faust et al., Sheather, Ritchie, Lutz and direct examination faecal techniques. The estimated parasite prevalence was 93.1% in family farms and 59.1% in industrial farms. Balantidium coli, coccidia and Entamoeba sp. were the parasites with the highest frequencies, and the male and female reproductive categories and fatteners pigs the most infected (p<0.05). Trophozoites of B. coli were most evident in stool samples from semi-solid followed by solid and diarrheal consistencies. Strongyles eggs and Trichuris suis have been detected exclusively in family farms. Ascaris suum eggs and Strongyloides ransomi showed low frequency. The high degree of parasitism, especially protozoa, indicates the need to reassess the management of pigs in both types of production.

Trichuris trichiura is a soil-transmitted helminth which is prevalent in warm, moist, tropical and subtropical regions of the world with poor sanitation. Heavy whipworm can result either in Trichuris dysenteric syndrome - especially in children - or in a chronic colitis. In heavy infections, worms can spread proximally and may cause ileitis. Here we provide first microscopic evidence for a T. trichiura adult worm embedded in the rectum of a post-Colonial Brazilian adult mummy. During Colonial and post-Colonial times, many European chroniclers described a parasitic disease named Maculo whose symptomatology coincides with heavy helminthiasis. Based on our findings and on comparison of ancient textual evidence with modern description of heavy whipworm, we feel confident in considering that the two syndromes are expressions of the same pathological condition.

Este estudo teve por objetivo realizar um levantamento do conhecimento de 400 gestantes e puérperas atendidas na rede pública de saúde do município de Niterói, Estado do Rio de Janeiro sobre a toxoplasmose. Apenas 111 (27,8%) participantes relataram conhecer a doença. A maioria 289 (72,2%) nunca ouviu falar sobre a toxoplasmose, principalmente sobre as formas de prevenção da infecção pelo Toxoplasma gondii. Foi encontrada diferença significativa entre as pacientes que disseram conhecer a toxoplasmose e aquelas que relataram desconhecer a doença com relação à presença de anticorpos IgG anti- T.gondii (p = 0,013). Estes resultados permitem ressaltar a importância do rastreamento sorológico sistemático na infecção toxoplásmica, bem como a prevenção primária por meio de informações corretas durante o pré-natal, sendo esta uma importante medida de saúde pública a ser implementada.

The present study conducted a toxoplasmosis-related knowledge level survey with 400 pregnant and puerperal women attended in public health units in the municipality of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. Only 111 (27.8%) women claimed to know about the disease. Most of them (n = 289; 72.2%) had never heard about toxoplasmosis nor knew how to prevent the infection by Toxoplasma gondii. A significant difference (p = 0.013) regarding the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG was observed between women who claimed to know about the disease and those who had never heard about it. These results highlight the importance of a systematic serological screening process for toxoplasmosis, as well as the importance of primary prevention by accurate information during prenatal care, an important Public Health action to be implemented.

Foram analisadas amostras fecais de 56 serpentes do Instituto Vital Brazil, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, por técnicas de sedimentação e flutuação, para pesquisa de formas evolutivas de parasitos como helmintos e protozoários, e imunoenzimáticas para detecção de antígenos de Cryptosporidium sp. e Giardia sp. Dos animais estudados, 80,3% foram positivos para parasitos, dos quais 16 pertenciam à espécie Bothrops jararaca, 16 à B. jararacussu e 13 à Crotalus durissus. A prevalência de nematódeos parasitos foi de 41,1%, sendo evidenciados nas três espécies de serpentes. Dentre estes, o mais frequente foi o encontro de ovos de Kalicephalus sp., diagnosticado em 25% das serpentes. A positividade para protozoários detectados pelas técnicas de concentração foi de 75%, nas quais oocistos de Caryospora sp. foram detectados em 75%, cistos com morfologia similar a Giardia sp. em 3,6%, cistos de amebídeos em 41,1% e oocistos não esporulados de coccídios em 8,9%. Obteve-se positividade para antígenos de Cryptosporidium sp. por imunoensaio em 60,7%. Pseudoparasitos foram detectados em 64,3%. Estes resultados apontam para a necessidade de aprimoramento do manejo sanitário das serpentes cativas, bem como no biotério que fornece roedores para sua alimentação, destacando a realização periódica de diagnóstico nas amostras fecais de serpentes cativas.

Fecal samples from 56 snakes at the Vital Brazil Institute, in the city of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, were tested using the sedimentation and flotation techniques to investigate the evolutionary forms of parasites such as helminths and protozoa, and using enzyme immunoassay techniques to detect antigens of Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardiasp. Among the animals tested, 80.3% were positive for parasites. Out of these, there were 16 Bothrops jararaca, 16 B. jararacussu and 13 Crotalus durissus. The prevalence of parasitic nematodes was 41.1%, and nematodes were found in all three snake species. Among these, the most frequent finding was eggs of Kalicephalus sp., which were diagnosed in 25% of the snakes. The positivity for protozoa detected using parasite concentration techniques was 75%, including oocysts of Caryospora sp. in 75%, cysts with morphology similar to Giardia sp. 3.6%, amoeboid cysts in 41.1% and unsporulated coccidia oocysts in 8.9%. Immunoassays for Cryptosporidium sp. antigens produced positive findings in 60.7%. Pseudoparasites were detected in 64.3%. These results show that there is a need to improve the sanitary handling of captive-bred snakes, and also for the animal house that supplies rodents to feed them. The results also highlight that diagnostic tests should be performed periodically on stool specimens from captive-bred snakes.

IntroductionTo determine the prevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies among pregnant and postpartum women attended within the public healthcare system in Niterói, State of Rio de Janeiro, and to detect possible exposure factors associated with T. gondii infection in this population.MethodsIgM and IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies were investigated in 276 pregnant and 124 postpartum women by using the indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT) and immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA) techniques. The participants were selected by convenience sampling. All these 400 patients filled out a free and informed consent statement, answered an epidemiological questionnaire and were informed about the disease.ResultsAmong the 400 samples analyzed, 234 (58.5%) were reactive to IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies, according to the IFAT and/or ELISA assay. One pregnant woman was found to be reactive to IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies, with an intermediate IgG avidity test. Risk factor analysis showed that seropositivity was significantly associated (p<0.05) with age, contact with cats and presence of rodents at home. Through a logistic regression model, these associations were confirmed for age and contact with cats, while education at least of the high school level was found to be a protective factor.ConclusionsThe prevalence rate of IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies in the City of Niterói was high and the risk factors for infection detected after multivariate analysis were: age over 30 years, contact with cats and education levels lower than university graduate level.

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a frequência de parasitos em amostras fecais coletadas no ambiente da Ilha da Marambaia, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Cento e cinco amostras foram coletadas e processadas pelas técnicas coproparasitológicas de sedimentação em acetato de etila e centrifugo-flutuação em solução saturada de sacarose. Foi observada positividade em 81.9% das amostras, sendo ancilostomídeo o parasito mais frequente, seguido de Trichuris vulpis. Ovos de Ascaris sp. também foram detectados. Observou-se elevada frequência de parasitos com importância em saúde pública nas fezes recolhidas no ambiente. Programas de educação em saúde, aliados a atenção dos serviços das saúdes humana e animal, devem ser empregados para redução dos níveis de contaminação ambiental.

This research aimed to describe the frequency of parasites in stool samples in the environment of Ilha da Marambaia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. One hundred and five stool samples were collected and processed by the coproparasitological techniques ethyl acetate sedimentation and centrifuge-flotation using saturated sugar solution. Parasites were detected in 81.9% of the samples, hookworm being the most prevalent, followed by Trichuris vulpis. Ascaris sp. eggs were also found. A high level of evolutive forms of parasites with public health risk was found in stool samples of the environment studied. We propose that health education programs, allied to an improvement of human and animal health care, must be employed to reduce the environmental contamination.

Manipuladores de alimentos de hospitales de Niterói, RJ, Brasil: parasitismo intestinal. Fueron estudiados manipuladores de alimentos de dos hospitales particulares y tres públicos del Ayuntamiento de Niterói, RJ, Brasil, con el objetivo de verificar el predominio de enteroparásitos. Esta investigación fue desarrollada en dos etapas. En la primera se realizó una entrevista; exámenes coproparasitológicos a través de las técnicas de Lutz, Faust et al. y Baermann; análisis del material subungueal por el método de Mello et al. Modificado y fueron ofrecidas charlas educativas a los manipuladores. En la segunda etapa, fueron repetidos los exámenes coproparasitológicos. Se observó parásitos en 14,2% (17/120) y 17,1% (12/70) de las muestras fecales, respectivamente en la primera y la segunda etapas. El parásito más frecuente fue Entamoeba coli, evidenciado en 48,5% (16/33) de las muestras positivas. En 19,2% (23/120) de los manipuladores fue observado la presencia de residuo subungueal, siendo evidenciados quistes de E. coli en una muestra, igualmente encontrados en las deposiciones de este portador. Este dato demostró el alto potencial de contaminación de alimentos a través del manipulador. Esto sugiere la necesidad de tornar el procedimiento diagnóstico/orientación como una actividad de rutina semestral obligatoria dentro de los hospitales, encaminado a mejorar la calidad de los servicios prestados y las condiciones de salud de la población.

A survey for intestinal parasites was carried out with food handlers from two private and three public hospitals in Niterói City, RJ, Brazil. The aim of this research was to verify the enteroparasites prevalence in this professional group. The investigation was divided in two phases. The first phase consisted of interviews with the participants; coproparasitological exams using Lutz, Faust et al. and Baermann techniques; under fingernail material analysis, using Mello et al. modified method; and educational lectures to food handlers. In the second phase, coproparasitological exams were repeated. Positive results were observed in 14.2% (17/120) and 17.1% (12/70) of the individuals in the first and second phases respectively. The most frequent parasite was Entamoeba coli, detected in 48.5% (16/33) of the samples with positive results. Under fingernail residues were observed in 19.2% (23/120) of the food handlers. E. coli cysts were found in one fingernail residue, likewise they were detected in the feces of the same food handler. Such data showed a potential transmission risk of intestinal parasites by food handling, indicating the need of adopting a diagnosis/orientation procedure as a bi-annual routine activity in hospitals, in order to improve the food service quality and population health condition.