Abstract Sjogren’s Syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands and other organs, associated with sicca syndrome but also with systemic involvement with varying degrees of severity. Despite their importance, these systemic manifestations are not routinely evaluated and there is no homogenous approach to their diagnosis or evaluation. To close this gap, a panel of experts from the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the identification of epidemiologic and clinical features of these manifestations and made recommendations based on the findings. Agreement between the experts was achieved using the Delphi method. The first part of this guideline summarizes the most important topics, and 11 recommendations are provided for the articular, pulmonary, and renal care of SS patients.

Abstract Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands and other organs, associated with sicca syndrome but also with systemic involvement with varying degrees of severity. Despite their importance, some systemic manifestations, mainly liver, gastrointestinal, and pancreatic are not routinely evaluated. To address these manifestations, the Sjögren's Syndrome Committee of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology conducted a broad systematic review of the literature on studies investigating prevalence and diagnosis of these symptoms in Sjogren´s patients and made recommendations based on the findings. Agreement between the experts was achieved using the Delphi method. This is the second part of this guideline, providing 6 recommendations for liver, gastrointestinal, and pancreatic care of SS patients.

Abstract Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands and other organs. Women with SS often experience gynecological symptoms due to the disease and need extra care regarding their sexual activity, reproductive health and during pregnancy, conditions that are not properly conducted in the clinical practice. To cover this gap, a panel of experts from the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the identification of symptoms, diagnosis, monitoring, prognosis, and treatment of these manifestations. A Focus Group meeting was held and included experts in the field and methodologists, based on a previously developed script, with themes related to the objective of the study. The most important topics were summarized and 11 recommendations were provided.

Abstract Introduction: A valid food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) is a priority for epidemiological studies. We aimed to perform a relative validity of an FFQ for Portuguese adolescents. Methods: A semi-quantitative Portuguese FFQ (SQ-PortFood-FQ) was developed and the relative validity performed using the multiple-pass 24-h recall. Eighty adolescents (aged 10-17 years) completed both questionnaires to measure energy intake, macroand specific micronutrient intake. We used the following methods for the relative validity: (1) Spearman’s correlation coefficient (r); (2) cross-classification into the same third (agreement) and into the opposite third (disagreement); (3) weighted κ-coefficient (κW); (4) and the Bland-Altman method. Results: We obtained acceptable correlation coefficients between questionnaires for energy (r = 0.59; p < 0.001), protein (r = 0.60; p < 0.001), fat (r = 0.55; p < 0.001), carbohydrates (r = 0.51; p < 0.001) and sodium (r = 0.51; p < 0.001). Tertile agreement for energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates and vitamin C intakes classified correctly more than 50% and grossly misclassified less than 10% of participants. Energy and protein produced moderate agreement between methods with a κW >0.40. The SQ-PortFoodFQ overestimated all analysed data when compared to the 24-h recall, although those estimations were <10% for energy, macronutrients and cholesterol. The 95% limits of agreement showed that all the variables (energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fibre, calcium, sodium, iron, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol) were within the desirable limits of agreement of 50-200%, with the exception of vitamin C (76-296%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (75-232%). Discussion/Conclusion: The SQ-PortFood-FQ showed acceptable relative validity at the individual level for energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fibre, calcium, sodium, iron, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol. Non-significant relationships were found for vitamin C and PUFA. Our results are in line with previous studies carried out amongst adolescents. As far as we know this is the first FFQ validated for Portuguese adolescents.

Abstract Background: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a systemic immune-mediated disease whose main characteristic is exocrine gland inflammation and, subsequent reduction in tear and saliva production. A delayed diagnosis is common due to the nonspecific clinical manifestations of disease. The aim of the present study was to develop recommendations for the diagnosis of glandular manifestations of pSS based on evidence and expert opinion. Main body of the abstract: We conducted a systematic literature review to retrieve the best evidence available on the accuracy of diagnostic tests for pSS. We also held two in-person meetings with experts (rheumatologists, pathologists, ophthalmologists and dentists) to establish their level of agreement using the Delphi method. Ultimately, we generated 18 recommendations that aim to facilitate the diagnosis of the glandular manifestations of pSS. Conclusion: The diagnosis of glandular manifestations of pSS is complex and multidisciplinary. It requires specific knowledge in the field of ophthalmology, immunology, pathology and imaging, making it compulsory for the rheumatologist to work with professionals from these different areas in order to improve accuracy and early diagnosis. Glandular dysfunction tests, ANA, RF, Anti-Ro, protein electrophoresis, urinalysis, blood count, C-Reactive protein, complement, testing for syphilis and viruses (HCV, HIV) and SGUS should be investigated when dryness or systemic manifestation are present. Minor salivary gland biopsy is recommended for all anti-Ro negative or incomplete criteria cases.

Resumo O presente estudo descreve a ocorrência de coinfecção com Hepatozoon canis e duas espécies de Leishmania (L. infantum ou L. braziliensis) em cães. Quatro cães sorologicamente diagnosticados com leishmaniose visceral foram eutanasiados. Amostras do baço e fígado foram submetidas à histopatologia e extração de DNA. Merontes de H. canis foram observados nos quatro cães. A infecção por H. canis foi confirmada por PCR e sequenciamento de um fragmento do gene 18S rRNA. A infecção por Leishmania e tipagem foram realizadas por PCR-RFLP do região intergênica ITS1. A carga parasitária foi calculada pela qPCR quantitativa baseada no gene ssrRNA. O teste DPP - Dual Path platform foi realizado. Apenas o Cão #2 era assintomático. Os cães #1 e #4 estavam infectados com L. infantum e foram positivos no DPP. Os cães #2 e #3 estavam infectados com L. braziliensis e foram negativos no DPP. Além disso, visceralização foi observada nos cães #2 e #3, nos quais L. braziliensis foi detectada em amostras de baço e fígado. A visceralização da L. braziliensis associada a sinais clínicos sistêmicos sugerem que esta coinfecção pode ter influenciado na carga parasitária e progressão da doença.

Abstract This study describes the occurrence of dogs naturally co-infected with Hepatozoon canis and two Leishmania species: L. infantum or L. braziliensis. Four dogs serologically diagnosed with Visceral Leishmaniasis were euthanized. Liver and spleen samples were collected for histopathological analysis and DNA isolation. H. canis meronts were observed in tissues from all four dogs. H. canis infection was confirmed by PCR followed by sequencing of a fragment of 18S rRNA gene. Leishmania detection and typing was confirmed by ITS1' PCR-RFLP and parasite burden was calculated using ssrRNA quantitative qPCR. A DPP - Dual Path platform test was performed. One out (Dog #2) of four animals was asymptomatic. Dogs #1 and #4 were infected by L. infantum and were DPP test positive. Dogs #2 and #3 were infected by L. braziliensis and were DPP test negative. Furthermore, visceral dissemination was observed in Dogs #2 and #3, since L. braziliensis was detected in liver and spleen samples. The visceral dissemination of L. braziliensis associated with systemic signs suggested that this co-infection could influence the parasite burden and disease progression.

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Cecropia glaziovii Snethl, Urticaceae, extracts on the oral glucose tolerance curve, on glycemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and vasorelaxant effect after the extraction process, and to standardize the extractive solutions. The effects of the process variables and their interactions were calculated in relation to dry residue, pH, total phenolic results and chemical marker content. Furthermore, the effect of the extracts (400 mg/kg), chlorogenic (2 or 15 mg/kg) and caffeic acids (2 mg/kg) were investigated on the oral glucose tolerance curve and on glycemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of ethanol extracts 4d20 and 8d20 significantly improved glucose tolerance in the hyperglycemic rats. Chlorogenic and caffeic acids, as well as the association of the compounds were able to significantly reduce glycemia after oral gavage treatments. On the other hand, the aqueous extracts did not alter the glycemia. The aqueous extracts (8020 and 9030) and only the higher dose of chlorogenic acid presented a significant effect on serum glucose lowering in diabetic rats. Additionally, the IC50 reveals that the ethanol extracts presented more potent vasodilator effects than the aqueous extracts in aortic rings. This study shows that C. glazioviistandardized extracts exhibits antihyperglycemic action, is able to improve glucose tolerance and has a potent vascular relaxing effect. These results are probably linked to concentrations of the main phenolic compounds of the extracts.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar características clínicas, bioquímicas, hormonais e genéticas de familiares de duas pacientes portadoras de lipodistrofia parcial familiar (FPLD) tipo 2. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 50 indivíduos de duas famílias brasileiras não relacionadas a partir de dois propósitos com fenótipo de FPLD. Foi confirmada a mutação no éxon 8 do gene LMNA em 18 destes e identificada a substituição em heterozigose no códon 482, resultando na mutação p.R482W. Com base na presença ou não da mutação, os indivíduos foram separados em afetados e não afetados, e comparados quanto a parâmetros clínicos, bioquímicos e hormonais. RESULTADOS: Indivíduos afetados tiveram 2,8 vezes mais chance de manifestar diabetes e síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP), maiores índices HOMA-IR, níveis de insulina e de triglicérides e menores níveis de leptina. Essas alterações precedem o início do diabetes, pois foram evidenciadas nos afetados diabéticos e não diabéticos. Foi constatada heterogeneidade fenotípica entre os portadores da mutação. CONCLUSÃO: A mutação no gene da LMNA é determinante de alterações clínicas, bioquímicas e hormonais que implicam deterioração metabólica nos portadores da mutação.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical, biochemical, hormonal and genetic characteristics of relatives of two patients with familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD) type 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty subjects, members of two non-related Brazilian families from two different probands with FPLD phenotype, were evaluated. A mutation in exon 8 of LMNA gene was confirmed in 18 of them, and a heterozygous substitution at codon 482 was identified, predicting a p.R482W mutation. Based on the presence or absence of the mutation, subjects were classified in affected and unaffected, and compared in terms of clinical, biochemical and hormonal parameters. RESULTS: Affected subjects were 2.8 times more likely to manifest diabetes and PCOS, higher HOMA-IR, insulin and triglyceride levels, and lower levels of leptin. These changes preceded the onset of diabetes, because they were observed in diabetic and non-diabetic affected patients. A phenotypic heterogeneity was found among mutation carriers. CONCLUSION: A mutation in the LMNA gene is a determinant of clinical, biochemical and hormonal changes that imply in metabolic deterioration in mutation carriers.

Após a cirurgia de laringectomia total, o fluxo aéreo nasal é transferido definitivamente para o traqueostoma, comprometendo a chegada de moléculas odoríferas até a cavidade nasal, podendo repercutir em alterações na percepção olfatória e gustatória nesses indivíduos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as funções do olfato e do paladar em laringectomizados totais. Desenho do estudo: Estudo de série. MÉTODO: A amostra envolveu um grupo com 25 pacientes submetidos à laringectomia total e outro grupo de comparação com 25 pacientes não laringectomizados. A função gustatória foi avaliada por tiras gustativas de papel de filtro. Para avaliação da função olfatória, foi aplicado o teste Brief Smell Identification Test. RESULTADOS: No grupo de laringectomizados, houve maior frequência de hipogeusia (80%; p < 0,05), assim como de hiposmia (88%; p < 0,001), isoladas e concomitantes (72%; p < 0,001). Na discriminação dos sabores, o sabor amargo não diferiu entre os grupos, diferentemente dos demais sabores. No aspecto olfatório, os laringectomizados tiveram pior desempenho na detecção de odores de alerta e os relacionados à alimentação. Identificou-se que história de tabagismo e de alcoolismo foi significantemente mais frequente dentre laringectomizados. CONCLUSÃO: A diminuição das funções olfatória e gustatória em laringectomizados totais foi evidenciada nesse estudo.

After total laryngectomy surgery, nasal airflow is moved permanently to the tracheostomy opening, compromising the contact of odorant molecules with the nasal cavity, which may reflect changes in the olfactory and gustatory perception in these individuals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functions of smell and taste in total laryngectomized patients. Study design: a study of series. METHOD: The sample included a group of 25 patients submitted to total laryngectomy and another group of 25 patients who did not underwent the procedure. The taste function was evaluated by gustatory strips of filter paper. To assess the olfactory function we employed the Brief Smell Identification Test. RESULTS: Among the laryngectomized patients there was more hypogeusia (80%, p < 0.05), as well as hyposmia (88%, p < 0.001), alone and concomitant (72%, p < 0.001). Concerning flavor discrimination, the bitter taste did not differ between the groups - which was different from the other flavors. In the olfactory aspect, laryngectomized patients performed worse in detecting warning and food-related odors. We found that a history of smoking and alcohol consumption were significantly more frequent among laryngectomized patients. CONCLUSION: We found a decrease of gustatory and olfactory functions in total laryngectomized patients in this study.

Objetivou-se refletir sobre a criação do Departamento Científico de Enfermagem Gerontológica no âmbito da Associação Brasileira de Enfermagem, considerando o contexto do envelhecimento populacional e o desenvolvimento e consolidação da especialidade no país. No processo reflexivo contou-se com a análise histórica da literatura revista e dos relatos dos autores. Os resultados mostraram o movimento de enfermeiras nas últimas décadas para produzir conhecimento, assim como sua incorporação pela entidade e o empenho de seus membros para alcançar as metas propostas para o Departamento Científico de Enfermagem Gerontológica. Conclui-se que sua criação representa um marco para a organização política e científica dos profissionais de enfermagem que buscam qualificar-se para um cuidado autônomo e competente às pessoas idosas e suas famílias.

This paper aimed to consider the creation of the Scientific Department of Gerontological Nursing within the Brazilian Nursing Association, considering the context of population ageing, and the development and consolidation of this specialty in the country. In the reflexive process, it was possible to rely on the historical analysis of the revised literature and authors' reports. The results showed the movement of nurses, in recent decades, to the production of knowledge, as well as their incorporation by the entity, and the commitment of its members to achieve the goals proposed to the Scientific Department of Gerontological Nursing. It is concluded that its creation represents a milestone to the scientific and political organization of the nursing professionals who seek to qualify themselves for an autonomous and competent care of the elderly and their families.

El objetivo fue discurrir sobre la creación del Departamento Científico de Enfermería Gerontológica en el ámbito de la Asociación Brasileña de Enfermería, considerando el contexto de envejecimiento poblacional, y el desarrollo y consolidación de la especialidad en el país. En el proceso reflexivo se contó con el análisis histórico de la literatura revisada y los relatos de los autores. Los resultados mostraron el movimiento de enfermeras, en las últimas décadas, para la producción de conocimiento en gerontología, así como su incorporación por la entidad y el empeño de sus miembros para el alcance de las metas propuestas para el Departamento Científico de Enfermería Gerontológica. Se concluye que su creación representa un marco para la organización política y científica de los profesionales de enfermería que buscan calificarse para un cuidado autónomo y competente a los ancianos y sus familias.

This paper aimed to consider the creation of the Scientific Department of Gerontological Nursing within the Brazilian Nursing Association, considering the context of population ageing, and the development and consolidation of this specialty in the country. In the reflexive process, it was possible to rely on the historical analysis of the revised literature and authors' reports. The results showed the movement of nurses, in recent decades, to the production of knowledge, as well as their incorporation by the entity, and the commitment of its members to achieve the goals proposed to the Scientific Department of Gerontological Nursing. It is concluded that its creation represents a milestone to the scientific and political organization of the nursing professionals who seek to qualify themselves for an autonomous and competent care of the elderly and their families.

El objetivo fue discurrir sobre la creación del Departamento Científico de Enfermería Gerontológica en el ámbito de la Asociación Brasileña de Enfermería, considerando el contexto de envejecimiento poblacional, y el desarrollo y consolidación de la especialidad en el país. En el proceso reflexivo se contó con el análisis histórico de la literatura revisada y los relatos de los autores. Los resultados mostraron el movimiento de enfermeras, en las últimas décadas, para la producción de conocimiento en gerontología, así como su incorporación por la entidad y el empeño de sus miembros para el alcance de las metas propuestas para el Departamento Científico de Enfermería Gerontológica. Se concluye que su creación representa un marco para la organización política y científica de los profesionales de enfermería que buscan calificarse para un cuidado autónomo y competente a los ancianos y sus familias.

Objetivou-se refletir sobre a criação do Departamento Científico de Enfermagem Gerontológica no âmbito da Associação Brasileira de Enfermagem, considerando o contexto do envelhecimento populacional e o desenvolvimento e consolidação da especialidade no país. No processo reflexivo contou-se com a análise histórica da literatura revista e dos relatos dos autores. Os resultados mostraram o movimento de enfermeiras nas últimas décadas para produzir conhecimento, assim como sua incorporação pela entidade e o empenho de seus membros para alcançar as metas propostas para o Departamento Científico de Enfermagem Gerontológica. Conclui-se que sua criação representa um marco para a organização política e científica dos profissionais de enfermagem que buscam qualificar-se para um cuidado autônomo e competente às pessoas idosas e suas famílias.

Este estudo analisou as percepções dos servidores públicos federais sobre o bem-estar na aposentadoria e como estavam se preparando para esta transição. O objetivo foi contribuir para o entendimento do processo de aposentadoria e subsidiar políticas públicas e programas de preparação para aposentadoria. O estudo foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Viçosa, MG e a amostra foi composta por docentes e técnico-administrativos. A coleta de dados foi realizada entre agosto de 2010 e fevereiro de 2011, sendo realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas. As análises de significância do bem-estar na aposentadoria foram baseadas no modelo da análise de discurso proposto por Patrick Chareudeau. Os resultados sugerem que os fatores percebidos como essenciais para o bem-estar na aposentadoria foram saúde e tranquilidade financeira, que estão ligados à dimensão fatores de risco e sobrevivência. Os fatores considerados positivos em relação ao bem-estar foram educação, relacionamento familiar, saúde e envolvimento em atividades culturais e de lazer. Os fatores negativos foram a perda das perspectivas de trabalho na aposentadoria, da segurança financeira e da falta de conhecimento prévio do processo de aposentadoria, que juntos predizem dificuldades na transição. Os resultados enfatizaram a importância de incluir a família na preparação para a aposentadoria como ressaltado em pesquisas anteriores. É evidente, ainda, a falta de preparação para aposentadoria pelos participantes desta pesquisa. Ao final, destaca-se que o conhecimento dos fatores-chave que contribuem para o bem-estar na aposentadoria para cada categoria profissional pode levar a maior adesão aos programas, e, consequentemente, ao bem-estar em geral para os aposentados e suas famílias.

This study analyzed the perceptions of federal civil servant towards their retirement well-being, and how they were preparing themselves for this transition. Its aim was to contribute to a better understanding of their retirement process, as well as subsidizing public policies and retirement preparation programs. This study was performed at the University of Viçosa , state of Minas Gerias, Brazil, and the sample consisted of academic and technical-administrative staff. Data collection was carried out between August, 2010 and February, 2011, using semi-structured interviews. The analysis of the significance of retirement well-being was based on the discourse analysis model established by Patrick Charaudeau. The results suggested that the factors perceived as essential for retirement well-being were health and financial security, both linked to risk factors and survival. The factors considered positive in relation to retirement well-being were: education, family relationships, health and involvement in cultural and leisure activities. Negative aspects in the transition process were a lack of post-retirement work perspectives, of financial security, of prior knowledge of retirement process and possible loss of workplace friendships, all foreseeing possible transitional difficulties. The results emphasized the importance of including family in the retirement preparation program as supported by previous research. It is also evident that there is a lack of retirement preparation program by participants of this research. In conclusion, knowledge of the key factors that contribute to retirement well-being for each professional segment can lead to a higher adhesion to the Programs and consequently overall well-being for individuals and their families.

Para confirmar que cães Beagle são um bom modelo para doença de Chagas, foram avaliadas as alterações hematológicas durante as fases aguda e crônica em cães Beagle infectados com as cepas Y, Berenice-78 (Be-78) e ABC de Trypanosomacruzi, correlacionando os sinais clínicos com a curva de parasitemia. Foi demonstrado que a fase aguda da infecção foi marcada por letargia e perda de apetite. Simultaneamente, observou-se anemia, leucocitose e linfocitose. Ainda, foram descritas alterações hematológicas e sinais clínicos positivamente correlacionados com a parasitemia durante a infecção experimental com as três cepas de T.cruzi estudadas, demonstrando que a infecção em cães Beagle constitui um modelo fidedigno para a doença de Chagas.

To confirm that Beagle dogs are a good experimental model for Chagas disease, we evaluated hematological alterations during the acute and chronic phases in Beagle dogs infected with the Y, Berenice-78 (Be-78) and ABC strains of Trypanosomacruzi, correlating clinical signs with the parasitemia curve. We demonstrate that the acute phase of infection was marked by lethargy and loss of appetite. Simultaneously, we observed anemia, leukocytosis and lymphocytosis. Also,we describe hematological alterations and clinical signs that were positively correlated with the parasitemia during the experimental infection with the three strains of T.cruzi, and demonstrate that experimental infection of Beagle is a trustworthy model for Chagas disease.

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVO: O carcinoma de células renais (CCR) é umas das doenças urológicas de maior malignidade, correspondendo a 1%-3% de todos os tumores sólidos dos adultos. As lesões pré-malignas do CCR ainda não foram totalmente descritas. Achados de displasia intraepitelial tubular renal (DIETR) em áreas próximas ao tumor, livres de neoplasia, sugerem que esta alteração possa ser a precursora biológica de alguns tipos de CCR. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a possibilidade do uso de tissue microarray (TMA) no estudo da DIETR e do CCR e os parâmetros para sua utilização imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) utilizando os anticorpos anti-Ki-67 e p53 para confirmar a evidência de DIETR como precursora biológica do CCR. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: O estudo foi realizado em 10 peças cirúrgicas de nefrectomias realizadas em pacientes com diagnóstico de CCR selecionadas no período de 2000 a 2005, em material arquivado no Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA). DISCUSSÃO: A utilização da técnica de TMA permite amostragem de várias áreas e realização da IHQ utilizando apenas duas lâminas, uma para cada marcador. Como não há na literatura descrição de utilização de TMA para estudo da DIETR, foi necessário inicialmente realizar estudo de validação para saber se haveria representatividade de lesões focais no TMA. RESULTADOS: A análise estatística não mostrou diferença entre a utilização de TMA com dois ou quatro cilindros de tecido ou o corte inteiro. CONCLUSÃO: O teste de validação de técnica artesanal de TMA autorizou o uso de dois cilindros de 1 mm² por caso.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Renal cell carcinoma is one of the most malignant urological diseases, corresponding to 1%-3% of solid tumors in adults. The finding of intratubular epithelial dysplasia (IED) next to tumor areas suggests that this can be the biological precursor of some types of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The objective of this study is to evaluate the use of tissue microarray (TMA) to study IED and RCC by immunohistochemistry (IHC) with Ki-67 and p53 protein to confirm the evidence that IED is the biological precursor of RCC. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study was performed in archival material from ten nephrectomy surgical specimens from Instituto Nacional de Câncer, between 2000 and 2005. DISCUSSION: TMA technique allows to sample and study several different areas from many patients in the same slide, using just one slide for each IHC marker. Once there was no previous study on IED by TMA, a validation test was needed first. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between 2 or 4 tissue cores and the whole section analysis. CONCLUSION: TMA validation assay demonstrated that the use of two tissue cores with 1 mm² each was suitable to evaluate RCC and IED.

The goals of the present study were to evaluate the kinetics of blood parasitism by examination of fresh blood, blood culture (BC) and PCR assays and their correlation with heart parasitism during two years of infection in Beagle dogs inoculated with the Be-78, Y and ABC Trypanosoma cruzi strains. Our results showed that the parasite or its kDNA is easily detected during the acute phase in all infected animals. On the other hand, a reduced number of positive tests were verified during the chronic phase of the infection. The frequency of positive tests was correlated with T. cruzi strain. The percentage of positive BC and blood PCR performed in samples from animals inoculated with Be-78 and ABC strains were similar and significantly larger in relation to animals infected with the Y strain.Comparison of the positivity of PCR tests performed using blood and heart tissue samples obtained two years after infection showed two different patterns associated with the inoculated T. cruzi strain: (1) high PCR positivity for both blood and tissue was observed in animals infected with Be-78 or ABC strains; (2) lower and higher PCR positivity for the blood and tissue, respectively, was detected in animals infected with Y strains. These data suggest that the sensitivity of BC and blood PCR was T. cruzi strain dependent and, in contrast, the heart tissue PCR revealed higher sensitivity regardless of the parasite stock.