Abstract Infants are a particularly vulnerable group for the development of severe and/or extrapulmonary forms of tuberculosis. The difficulty in establishing a definitive and timely diagnosis contributes to the high morbimortality in this age group. Investigation often relies on a high index of suspicion. Herein is reported a case of disseminated tuberculosis in an infant that highlights its clinical complexity and diagnostic challenge.

Resumo Os lactentes representam um grupo particularmente vulnerável para o desenvolvimento de formas severas e/ou extrapulmonares de tuberculose. A dificuldade em estabelecer um diagnóstico definitivo e atempado contribui para a elevada morbimortalidade nesta faixa etária. Particularmente nestes doentes, a investigação depende frequentemente de um elevado índice de suspeição. É reportado um caso de tuberculose disseminada num pequeno lactente que evidencia a sua complexidade clínica e desafio diagnóstico.

Abstract Production and sale of botanical insecticides depend on knowing the potential opportunities for these products. Essential oils from plants secondary metabolism can control pests, especially in agricultural systems where synthetic insecticides are limited, as in organic agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of essential oils to Diaphania hyalinata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and to show regions with the potential to use Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Citrus sinensis, and Syzygium aromaticum in the formulation and commercialization of insecticides to control this insect. The C. zeylanicum oil was more toxic to larvae and pupae and the S. aromaticum to eggs of D. hyalinata. Essential oils are an alternative for the management of D. hyalinata. The production of pesticides from essential oils of C. zeylanicum, C. sinensis, and S. aromaticum to control D. hyalinata has high potential in America. Also, Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia can extract these plants to formulate insecticide molecules for the America countries. products pests limited agriculture Lepidoptera (Lepidoptera Crambidae sinensis insect C S D Also Africa Europe East countries

Abstract Osteoporosis is a metabolic disorder characterized by a loss of bone mass and structure and increasing the risk of fragility fractures, mostly among postmenopausal women. Sheep is a recognized large animal model for osteoporosis research. An experimental group of ewes (3-4 years old) was subjected to ovariectomy (OVX) and weekly glucocorticoid (GC) application for 24 weeks and compared with a sham control group. Blood and bone marrow parameters were analyzed before and 24 weeks after OVX and GC administration. Osteopenia was confirmed through micro-computed tomography and histomorphometric analysis of L4 vertebra in the study end. A statistically significant increase was observed in mean corpuscular volume, mean cell hemoglobin and monocytes and a decrease in red blood count and eosinophils (p<0.05). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, magnesium and α1-globulin increased, and creatinine, albumin, sodium and estradiol decreased (p<0.05). A slight decrease of bone formation markers (bone ALP and osteocalcin) and an increase of bone resorption markers (C-terminal telopeptides of collagen type 1 and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase) were observed, but without statistical significance. This study aims to contribute to better knowledge of sheep as a model for osteoporosis research and the consequences that a performed induction protocol may impose on organic metabolism.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Schistosomiasis, caused by infection from Schistosoma mansoni, is a disease that represents an important public health problem for Brazil, especially for states in the Northeast region. Thus, the aim of this study is to present a new epidemiological profile for the disease in a municipality with low prevalence in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted through a coproparasitological and malacological survey. A structured questionnaire was applied to the study participants to survey possible risk factors and a spatial analysis (kernel density) was used to measure the risk of infection. RESULTS: Of the 347 participants, 106 (30.5%) were infected by Schistosoma mansoni, most of them from the urban area of the municipality (68.9%; 73/106). A 3-fold risk of infection was found for individuals living in the urban area and a risk of 2.15 times for self-declared farmers. Biomphalaria glabrata and B. straminea were the species found in the municipality, but no animals were diagnosed as infected by the parasite. Spatial analysis showed a random distribution of vectors and human cases of the disease, and the formation of two clusters of human cases in the urban area was seen. CONCLUSIONS: A new epidemiological profile for schistosomiasis from S. mansoni infection was presented in a municipality of low endemicity: a high proportion of positive individuals in the urban area; presence of snails without positive diagnosis for S. mansoni infection; random distribution of vectors and human cases; and absence of association between classical risk factors and human infection.

In Brazilian folk medicine, Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd. (Lamiaceae) is used to treat toothaches and dental abscesses and diseases induced by worms, bacteria, or fungi. This paper aims to investigate the chemical composition and the antibacterial effects of the essential oil obtained from Tetradenia riparia leaves (TR-EO) grown in Southeastern Brazil against a representative panel of oral pathogens. We evaluated the antibacterial activity of TR-EO in terms of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). We identified aromadendrene oxide (14.0%), (E,E)-farnesol (13.6%), dronabinol (12.5%), and fenchone (6.2%) as the major constituents of TR-EO. TR-EO displayed MIC values between 31.2 and 500 μg/mL, with the lowest MIC value being obtained against Streptococcus mitis (31.2 μg/mL), S. mutans (62.5 μg/mL), S. sobrinus (31.2 μg/mL), and Lactobacillus casei (62.5 μg/mL). In time-kill experiments, TR-EO demonstrated bactericidal activity against S. mutans within the first 12 h, resulting in a curve profile similar to that of chlorhexidine. These results revealed that the essential oil of Tetradenia riparia displays promising activity against most of the selected cariogenic bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans.

ResumoMycobacterium avium subespécie paratuberculosis (MAP) pode infectar ruminantes e permanecer subclínica por longos períodos nos rebanhos. A identificação de órgãos mais susceptíveis à infecção e a avaliação da expressão das citocinas no local da infecção são importantes para compreender a patogênese de MAP. Neste estudo foi avaliada a probabilidade de detecção de DNA de MAP e a expressão de citocinas em órgãos de camundongos C57BL/6 infectados por via intraperitoneal durante 120 dias. Dentre os órgãos avaliados, o baço (85%), cólon (75%) e fígado (60%) tiveram as maiores frequências de positividade. Quando comparadas essas frequências entre os órgãos, verificou-se que o baço teve 1,54 vezes mais probabilidade de ser positivo em relação ao íleo, e 2,0 vezes mais probabilidade em relação às placas de Peyer. Além disso, aos 60 dias pós infecção, o baço e o fígado foram responsáveis pela maior expressão de IFN-γ e o íleo pela TNF-α e IL-4. Os resultados indicam que o baço é o melhor órgão para avaliar uma infecção experimental por MAP, principalmente nos períodos iniciais da infecção. Além disso, demonstrou que o baço, fígado e íleo têm importância direta na resposta inflamatória de modelos experimentais.

AbstractMycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) can infect ruminants and remain subclinical for long periods within herds. The identification of organs that are more susceptible to infection and the evaluation of cytokine expression at the site of infection are important to understand the pathogenesis of MAP. In this study, the probability of detection of MAP-DNA and the expression of cytokines in organs of C57BL/6 mice infected intraperitoneally for 120 days were evaluated. Among the evaluated organs, the spleen (85%), colon (75%) and liver (60%) had the highest frequency of positivity. When compared these frequencies between organs, it has been found that the spleen had 1.54 times as likely to be positive in relation to the ileum, and 2.0 times more likely in relation to the Peyer's patches. In addition, at 60 days post-infection, the spleen and the liver were responsible for upregulation of IFN-γ , and the ileum by TNF-α and IL-4. The results indicate that the spleen is the best organ for evaluating an experimental infection by MAP, especially in the initial stages of the infection. Moreover, it showed that the spleen, liver and ileum have a direct role in the inflammatory response in experimental models.

IntroductionInfections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have become common in hospitals and the community environment, and this wide resistance has limited patient treatment. Clindamycin (CL) represents an important alternative therapy for infections caused by S. aureus. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing using standard methods may not detect inducible CL resistance. This study was performed to detect the phenotypes of resistance to macrolides-lincosamides-streptogramin B (MLSB) antibiotics, including CL, in clinical samples of S. aureusfrom patients at a tertiary hospital in Santa Maria, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.MethodsOne hundred and forty clinical isolates were submitted to the disk diffusion induction test (D-test) with an erythromycin (ER) disk positioned at a distance of 20mm from a CL disk. The results were interpreted according to the recommendations of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).ResultsIn this study, 29 (20.7%) of the 140 S. aureus samples were resistant to methicillin (MRSA), and 111 (79.3%) were susceptible to methicillin (MSSA). The constitutive resistance phenotype (cMLSB) was observed in 20 (14.3%) MRSA samples and in 5 (3.6%) MSSA samples, whereas the inducible resistance phenotype (iMLSB) was observed in 3 (2.1%) MRSA samples and in 8 (5.8%) MSSA samples.ConclusionsThe D-test is essential for detecting the iMLSBphenotype because the early identification of this phenotype allows clinicians to choose an appropriate treatment for patients. Furthermore, this test is simple, easy to perform and inexpensive.

Nas comunidades piscatórias das zonas costeiras sempre existiu uma estreita ligação entre os recursos marinhos e as populações locais. Nos estuários portugueses é comum a presença de mariscadores na apanha de algumas espécies intertidais como as minhocas, os camarões, os caranguejos ou as ameijoas. Na recente criada Reserva Natural Local do Estuário do Douro (RNLED) esta actividade está bastante enraizada pela proximidade de uma forte zona piscatória, a Afurada, e pela abundância de pescadores lúdicos que actuam na zona. Os objectivos deste estudo são quantificar o impacto que esta actividade tem na ecologia desta comunidade bentónica estuarina, propor medidas de gestão para assegurar a sua sustentabilidade, e verificar a influência que esta actividade poderá ter na conservação dos recursos intertidais numa área protegida. Entre Junho de 2010 e Maio de 2011 foram efectuadas amostragens mensais na zona intertidal para quantificação da densidade das populações de Hediste diversicolor e Scrobicularia plana em dois locais do estuário. Durante o mesmo período de tempo foram realizados inquéritos semanais aos apanhadores que efectuavam esta actividade na área da RNLED. Nesta zona do estuário do Douro, a espécie é mais abundante (239.7ind/m2) em relação à ameijoa S. plana (0.3ind/m2). Na área da RNLED a espécie apanhada em maior abundância pelos mariscadores é o poliqueta e estima-se que por ano sejam capturadas 9.9 toneladas, o que representa uma média anual de captura por mariscador de 0.3 toneladas. No entanto a biomassa anual total colectada é bastante inferior à produtividade anual estimada para a totalidade da área intertidal da RNLED (78.7 a 141.3 toneladas). O número de mariscadores por dia variou entre 0 em Dezembro 2010 e 12 em Julho 2010, tendo-se verificando uma diminuição da actividade dentro da RNLED, especialmente nas horas em que existe vigilância. A área revolvida por cada apanhador estima-se em 10m2/dia. Considerando as duas marés por dia e todo o esforço feito por uma média de oito apanhadores/dia, a área prospectada foi de 80m2/dia, correspondendo a 0,3% da área intertidal. Este esforço foi concentrado principalmente em aproximadamente 1/3 da área disponível intertidal. Os resultados indicam que é possível a gestão sustentável da apanha da minhoca na área protegida. No entanto, outros aspectos devem ser tidos em conta para que esta actividade não provoque conflitos com os objectivos de conservação da biodiversidade na reserva. Assim, sugerimos algumas possíveis soluções para a sustentabilidade da actividade, juntamente com menor perturbação para as aves que se alimentam na reserva tais como: delimitação de uma área marginal dentro da reserva, menor que a actual, onde a apanhar é permitida, bem como a fiscalização no controle das licenças e acções de educação ambiental. Por outro lado estas medidas teriam um impacto positivo na gestão integrada da reserva, permitindo simultaneamente uma actividade com reflexos económicos positivos numa população desfavorecida. Também vão contribuir para diminuir o impacte da presença humana na avifauna e sobre a estrutura dos sedimentos.

A narrow relationship between marine resources and local populations always existed in fishing communities of coastal areas. In the Portuguese estuaries bait fishing is a common practice in which gatherers collect intertidal species such as seaworms, shrimps, crabs or clams. In recent Local Natural Reserve of Douro Estuary (RNLED) this activity is fairly entrenched due to the proximity of a great fishing zone, the Afurada, and the abundance of recreational fishermen operating in the area. This study aimed to quantify the impact of bait fishing gathering on the ecology of this estuary benthic community, in order to propose management measures for this activity, ensuring its sustainability, and to verify the influence this activity may have on the conservation of intertidal resources in a protected area. Between June 2010 and May 2011 monthly samples were collected in the intertidal zone, in order to quantify the density of populations of Hediste diversicolor and Scrobicularia plana at two locations in the estuary. During the same time period, weekly interviews were performed to bait fishing gatherers operating in RNLED area. In this area of Douro estuary, (239.7ind/m2) was the most abundant species compared to the clam S. plana (0.3ind/m2). In the area of RNLED the species most collected by bait fishing gatherers was the polychaete , and it is estimated that each year 9.9tons are captured, representing an annual mean catch per bait fishing gatherer of 0.3tons. However, the total annual biomass collected was substantially less than the productivity estimated for the entire intertidal area of RNLED (78.7 to 141.3tons). The number of bait fishing gatherers varied between 0 on December 2010 and 12 in July 2010, showing a decrease in activity in the RNLED, especially during the times when surveillance occurs. The area prospected by each gatherer was estimated to be 10m2/day. Considering both tides and all the effort done by an average of 8 men/day, the prospected area was 80m2/day, corresponding to 0.3% of the intertidal area. This effort was mainly concentrated in about 1/3 of the available intertidal area. Results indicated the sustainable management of bait fishing activity in the referred protected area is possible. However, other aspects must be taken into account, such as the possible conflict of this activity with biodiversity conservation in the reserve. Therefore, we suggest some possible solutions for the sustainability of this activity, along with less disturbance to birds that may feed in the reserve, such as: delimitation of a marginal area within the reserve, smaller than the current one, where the collection of organisms is allowed, as well as the oversight and control of licenses and educational procedures. Moreover, these measures would have a positive impact in the integrated management of the reserve, while enabling an activity with positive economic consequences in an underprivileged population. Also, they will contribute to lower the impact of human presence on the avifauna and on the structure of the sediments.

The modern diet doesn't provide the required amount of beneficial bacteria. Maintenance of a proper microbial ecology in the host is the main criteria to be met for a healthy growth. Probiotics are one such alternative that are supplemented to the host where by and large species of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces are considered as main probiotics. The field of probiotics has made stupendous strides though there is no major break through in the identification of their mechanism of action. They exert their activity primarily by strengthening the intestinal barrier and immunomodulation. The main objective of the study was to provide a deep insight into the effect of probiotics against the diseases, their applications and proposed mechanism of action.

The aim of this study was to confirm clinical diagnosis of paratuberculosis in two cows showing suggestive clinical signs of the disease. Based on clinical signs, in culture and in IS900 PCR results from the individual milk samples it was possible to diagnose paratuberculosis in the cows studied.

The attitudes of nurses towards families determine the care process. With this study, we aimed to obtain an instrument that would allow us to learn about this variable. Hence, our purpose was to perform the cross-cultural adaptation and evaluate the psychometric features of the Portuguese version of the instrument Families' Importance in Nursing Care - Nurses Attitudes (FINC-NA), which aims to evaluate the attitudes of nurses towards the importance of involving the patient's family in the nursing care. The method recommended by the literature was followed. The sample consisted of 136 nurses working in primary health care. The results obtained in the reliability tests showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha=0.87). The psychometric study permits us to state that the Portuguese version of the FINC-NA, which in Portuguese is referred to as A importância das famílias nos cuidados de enfermagem - atitudes dos enfermeiros (IFCE-AE), is a reliable and valid tool.

Las actitudes adoptadas por enfermeros en relación a la familia condicionan el proceso de cuidar. En tal sentido, nos propusimos con este estudio, disponer de un instrumento que nos permita conocer esta variable. Así, nos propusimos efectuar la adaptación transcultural y evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la versión portuguesa del instrumento Families Importance in Nursing Care - Nurses Attitudes (FINC-NA), que apunta a evaluar actitudes de enfermeros acerca de involucrar a la familia en los cuidados de enfermería. Se siguió el método sugerido por la literatura. Muestra constituida por 136 Enfermeros de Atención Primaria de Salud. Los resultados obtenidos en pruebas de fiabilidad revelan buena consistencia interna para el total de ítems (Alpha de Cronbach=0,87). El estudio psicométrico nos permite afirmar que la versión en Portugués del FINC-NA, que denominamos La importancia de las familias en el cuidado de enfermería - actitudes de los enfermeros (IFCE-AE) es un instrumento fidedigno y válido.

As atitudes que os enfermeiros adotam em relação à família condicionam o processo de cuidar. Nosso propósito com este estudo foi nesse sentido: dispor de um instrumento que nos permitisse conhecer esta variável. Assim, nossa proposta foi efetuar a adaptação transcultural e avaliar as propriedades psicométricas da versão portuguesa do instrumento Families' Importance in Nursing Care - Nurses Attitudes (FINC-NA), que visa avaliar as atitudes dos enfermeiros acerca da importância de envolver a família nos cuidados de enfermagem. Foi seguido o método preconizado pela literatura. A amostra foi constituída por 136 enfermeiros dos Cuidados de Saúde Primários. Os resultados obtidos nos testes de confiabilidade revelam uma boa consistência interna para o total dos itens (Alpha de Cronbach = 0,87). O estudo psicométrico permite-nos afirmar que a versão em português da FINC-NA, que denominamos A importância das famílias nos cuidados de enfermagem - atitudes dos enfermeiros (IFCE-AE), é um instrumento fidedigno e válido.

As atitudes que os enfermeiros adotam em relação à família condicionam o processo de cuidar. Nosso propósito com este estudo foi nesse sentido: dispor de um instrumento que nos permitisse conhecer esta variável. Assim, nossa proposta foi efetuar a adaptação transcultural e avaliar as propriedades psicométricas da versão portuguesa do instrumento Families' Importance in Nursing Care - Nurses Attitudes (FINC-NA), que visa avaliar as atitudes dos enfermeiros acerca da importância de envolver a família nos cuidados de enfermagem. Foi seguido o método preconizado pela literatura. A amostra foi constituída por 136 enfermeiros dos Cuidados de Saúde Primários. Os resultados obtidos nos testes de confiabilidade revelam uma boa consistência interna para o total dos itens (Alpha de Cronbach = 0,87). O estudo psicométrico permite-nos afirmar que a versão em português da FINC-NA, que denominamos A importância das famílias nos cuidados de enfermagem - atitudes dos enfermeiros (IFCE-AE), é um instrumento fidedigno e válido.

The attitudes of nurses towards families determine the care process. With this study, we aimed to obtain an instrument that would allow us to learn about this variable. Hence, our purpose was to perform the cross-cultural adaptation and evaluate the psychometric features of the Portuguese version of the instrument Families' Importance in Nursing Care - Nurses Attitudes (FINC-NA), which aims to evaluate the attitudes of nurses towards the importance of involving the patient's family in the nursing care. The method recommended by the literature was followed. The sample consisted of 136 nurses working in primary health care. The results obtained in the reliability tests showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha=0.87). The psychometric study permits us to state that the Portuguese version of the FINC-NA, which in Portuguese is referred to as A importância das famílias nos cuidados de enfermagem - atitudes dos enfermeiros (IFCE-AE), is a reliable and valid tool.

Las actitudes adoptadas por enfermeros en relación a la familia condicionan el proceso de cuidar. En tal sentido, nos propusimos con este estudio, disponer de un instrumento que nos permita conocer esta variable. Así, nos propusimos efectuar la adaptación transcultural y evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la versión portuguesa del instrumento Families Importance in Nursing Care - Nurses Attitudes (FINC-NA), que apunta a evaluar actitudes de enfermeros acerca de involucrar a la familia en los cuidados de enfermería. Se siguió el método sugerido por la literatura. Muestra constituida por 136 Enfermeros de Atención Primaria de Salud. Los resultados obtenidos en pruebas de fiabilidad revelan buena consistencia interna para el total de ítems (Alpha de Cronbach=0,87). El estudio psicométrico nos permite afirmar que la versión en Portugués del FINC-NA, que denominamos La importancia de las familias en el cuidado de enfermería - actitudes de los enfermeros (IFCE-AE) es un instrumento fidedigno y válido.

Este estudo objetivou conhecer em que medida os valores explicam as metas de realização e estas, por sua vez, predizem o bom desempenho acadêmico. Participaram 307 estudantes do Ensino Médio da cidade de João Pessoa (PB), sendo a maioria do sexo feminino (61,2%) e de escolas públicas (68%), com idade média de 17,6 anos. Estes responderam ao Questionário de Metas de Realização, ao Questionário dos Valores Básicos, aos Indicadores de Desempenho Acadêmico e a perguntas demográficas. A partir da realização de regressões lineares, propôs-se um modelo explicativo no qual as prioridades valorativas predisseram as metas de realização e estas, por sua vez, predisseram o desempenho acadêmico. Os resultados obtidos apontam para um ajuste satisfatório deste modelo. Não obstante, sugere-se a realização de pesquisas que possam testá-lo em diferentes amostras, bem como inserir outras variáveis que possam contribuir para o melhor entendimento do desempenho acadêmico e seus determinantes.

The current study aimed to know to what extent values explain achievement goals and whether the latter predict good academic performance. Participants were 307 high school students from João Pessoa (PB), most of them women (61.2%) and from public schools (68%), with a mean age of 17.6 years old. They answered the Achievement Goals Questionnaire, the Basic Values Survey, Academic Performance Indicators and demographic questions. Based on linear regressions, an explanatory model was proposed in which value priorities predicted the goal achievements and these, in turn, predicted the academic performance. Results suggested the model presented satisfactory goodness of fit indices. However, further research was suggested to test this model in different samples, as well as taking into account other variables that could contribute to a better understanding of academic performance and its determinants.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo conocer en qué medida los valores explican las metas de realización y éstas, a su vez, predicen el buen rendimiento académico. Participaron 307 estudiantes de Educación Secundaria de la ciudad de João Pessoa (PB), siendo la mayoría del sexo femenino (61,2%) y de escuelas públicas (68%), con edad promedio de 17,6 años. Los participantes respondieron el Cuestionario de Metas de Realización, el Cuestionario de Valores Básicos, Indicadores de Rendimiento Académico y preguntas demográficas. A partir de regresiones lineares, se propuso un modelo explicativo en el cual las prioridades valorativas predijeron las metas de realización y éstas, a su vez, predijeron el rendimiento académico. Los resultados obtenidos indican un ajuste satisfactorio de este modelo. No obstante, se sugiere que se realicen investigaciones que puedan probarlo en diferentes muestras, así como insertar otras variables que puedan contribuir para entender mejor el rendimiento académico y sus determinantes.

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a prevalência e o papel de um tratamento em massa das helmintíases intestinais em Santa Isabel do Rio Negro, Estado do Amazonas, Brasil. Foi realizado em 2002 um estudo seccional, incluindo inquérito copro-parasitológico, objetivando a obtenção das prevalências das parasitoses intestinais e dados sobre as condições sanitárias do local, estudando-se uma amostra de 308 indivíduos. Em 2003 foi realizada intervenção para tratamento em massa das helmintíases intestinais com administração de albendazol (ou mebendazol para crianças entre 12 e 24 meses) na sede do município, alcançando-se 83% de cobertura. Novo inquérito copro-parasitológico foi realizado em 2004, para comparação das prevalências antes a após o tratamento. As prevalências das infecções por Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura e ancilostomídeos foram 48%, 27% e 21%, respectivamente em 2002. Em 2004 observou-se redução significativa das infecções por Ascaris lumbricoides (p < 0,05; OR / 95% IC = 0,44 / 0,30 - 0,65), Trichuris trichiura (p < 0,05; OR / 95% IC = 0,37 / 0,22 - 0,62), ancilostomídeos (p < 0,05; OR / 95% IC = 0,03 / 0,01 - 0,15) e poliparasitismo por helmintos intestinais (p < 0,05; OR / 95% IC = 0,16 / 0,08 - 0,32). Foi também observada redução da prevalência de infecção por Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (p < 0,05; OR / 95% CI = 0,30 / 0,19 - 0,49). Concluiu-se que o tratamento em massa pode auxiliar o controle das helmintíases intestinais, porém ações governamentais em infraestrutura urbana e educação são essenciais para uma redução sustentada das prevalências destas infecções.

The objective of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and evaluate the sanitary conditions and the role of a mass treatment campaign for control of these infections in Santa Isabel do Rio Negro. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2002, to obtain data related to the sanitary conditions of the population and fecal samples for parasitological examination in 308 individuals, followed by a mass treatment with albendazole or mebendazole with coverage of 83% of the city population in 2003. A new survey was carried out in 2004, involving 214 individuals, for comparison of the prevalences of intestinal parasitosis before and after the mass treatment. The prevalences of ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm infection were 48%; 27% and 21% respectively in 2002. There was a significant decrease for the frequency of infections by Ascaris lumbricoides (p < 0.05; OR / 95% CI = 0.44 / 0.30 - 0.65), Trichuris trichiura (p < 0.05; OR / 95% CI = 0.37 / 0.22 - 0.62), hookworm (p < 0.05; OR / 95% CI = 0.03 / 0.01 - 0.15) and helminth poliparasitism (p < 0.05; OR / 95% CI = 0.16 / 0.08 - 0.32). It was also noticed a decrease of prevalence of infection by Entamoeba histolytica / dispar (p < 0.05; OR / 95% CI = 0.30 / 0.19 - 0.49) and non-pathogenic amoebas. It was inferred that a mass treatment can contribute to the control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis as a practicable short-dated measure. However, governmental plans for public health, education and urban infrastructure are essential for the sustained reduction of prevalences of those infections.