ABSTRACT: This research aimed to analyze the perception of 90 students of the Academic Master Program of Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) from the poles 'Social Demand' and 'Institutos Federais de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia from Goiás (IFGO) and Espírito Santo (IFES)', about the processes of producing and submitting scientific articles to journals. Furthermore, we wanted to check the knowledge gained after some training on these processes. It was a qualitative-quantitative study with training workshops and the application of questionnaires to raise students' perceptions. As a training result, we perceived an average knowledge gain of 53.86%, an average of 60.80% for Social Demand, 46.53% for IFGO, and 54.26% for IFES. Regarding the students' initial perception, the average was 23.06% for Social Demand, 36.40% for IFGO, and 29.86% for IFES. As for the final perception, the average was 82.93% for Social Demand, 82.93% for IFGO, and 84.13% for IFES. These numbers reflect the ineffectiveness of institutional actions to teach a research methodology encompassing the processes studied here, showing that the subject is complex and that better planning should be conducted for more effective training.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la percepción de 90 estudiantes del Máster Académico de la Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), provenientes de los polos Demanda Social e Institutos Federais de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Goiás (IFGO) y Espírito Santo (IFES), sobre los procesos de producción y sumisión de artículos científicos en revistas, y verificar su adquisición de conocimientos después de la capacitación en estos procesos. Se trató de una investigación cualitativa y cuantitativa, con la realización de Talleres para la capacitación y el uso de encuestas para la percepción de los estudiantes. Como resultado de la capacitación, se infiere una ganancia de conocimiento en un valor medio de 53,86%, distribuido en 60,80% para Demanda Social, 46,53% para IFGO y 54,26% para IFES. Con relación a la percepción inicial de los estudiantes, la media fue de 23,06% para la Demanda Social, 36,40% para IFGO y 29,86% para IFES. En cuanto a la percepción final, la media fue de 82,93% para la Demanda Social, 82,93% para IFGO y 84,13% para IFES. Los valores encontrados en esta investigación reflejan la ineficacia de las acciones propuestas por las instituciones en la enseñanza de una metodología de investigación que contempla los procesos aquí estudiados, demostrando que el asunto es complejo, y que se debe perpetrar una mejor planificación en el sentido de una mayor capacitación.

RESUMO: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a percepção de 90 discentes de Mestrado Acadêmico da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), provindos dos polos Demanda Social e Institutos Federais de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Goiás (IFGO) e Espírito Santo (IFES), sobre os processos de produção e submissão de artigos científicos em periódicos, e verificar o ganho de conhecimento dos mesmos após capacitação sobre estes processos.Tratou-se de uma pesquisa quali-quantitativa, com realização de Workshops para capacitação e utilização de questionários para percepção dos discentes. Como resultado da capacitação, infere-se um ganho de conhecimento em valor médio de 53,86%, distribuídos em média de 60,80% para a Demanda Social, 46,53% para o IFGO e 54,26% para o IFES. Referente à percepção inicial dos discentes, a média ficou em 23,06% para Demanda Social, 36,40% para IFGO e 29,86% para IFES. Quanto à percepção final, a média ficou em 82,93% para Demanda Social, 82,93% para IFGO e 84,13% para IFES. Os valores encontrados nesta pesquisa traduzem a ineficácia das ações propostas pelas instituições no ensino de uma metodologia de pesquisa que contemple os processos aqui estudados, demonstrando que o assunto é complexo e que melhores planejamentos devem ser perpetrados no sentido de uma maior capacitação.

ABSTRACT The municipality of Paracambi (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) reports sporadic cases of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL). Previous studies detected Nyssomyia intermedia (Diptera: Psychodidae) as the main vector in the region, but its spatial distribution and the presence of other vector species have not been evaluated. This study aims at filling this knowledge gap, by studying the ecology of sand flies, their spatiotemporal distribution, and correlation with land use/cover. Two campaigns of monthly sand fly collections using light traps and manual captures were conducted in 1992–1994 and 2001–2003. Females were dissected to detect natural Leishmania infections. The spatial distribution of sand flies was assessed using kernel density maps. Correlations with land use/cover were evaluated by extracting satellite imagery data around the capture points. A total of 17,232 sand flies from 13 species were captured. Medically important species included Ny. intermedia, Migonemyia migonei, Pintomyia fischeri and Ny. whitmani. No Leishmania-infected females were detected. Highest densities were detected in the peri-urban areas Cascata and Sabugo, and in rural areas São José and Mutirão. Ny. intermedia had statistically significant correlations with pasture and agricultural areas. Present results strengthened that Ny. intermedia and Mg. migonei are the main local ACL vectors. Correlations with land use evidence the association between ACL and anthropic environmental change.

Resumo O estudo teve como objetivo identificar espécies de carrapatos presentes no ambiente e entre animais de cativeiro em Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Os carrapatos foram removidos manualmente de animais de cativeiro e no ambiente usando a técnica de arrasto em flanela. Um total de 91 carrapatos foram capturados (51 adultos, 25 ninfas e 15 larvas). Os espécimes foram identificados morfologicamente como Amblyomma sp., Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma ovale e Amblyomma sculptum, e foram distribuídos entre cinco espécies de mamíferos nativos e uma ave exótica. Este estudo também relata o primeiro caso de infestação do emu australiano (Dromaius novaehollandiae) por A. sculptum .

Abstract The study aimed to identify species of ticks present in the environment and among captive animals, in Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ticks were isolated from captive animals by manual examination and free-living ticks in the environment were captured using the flannel drag technique. A total of 91 ticks were obtained (51 adults, 25 nymphs and 15 larvae). The specimens were identified morphologically as Amblyomma sp., Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma ovale and Amblyomma sculptum , and were distributed among five species of native mammals and an exotic bird. This study also reports the first case of infestation of the Australian emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) by A. sculptum.

ABSTRACT The aim of this research was to monitor the presence of females of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) on the Seropédica municipality, Rio de Janeiro State, from 2010 to 2013. For this purpose, the Intelligent Dengue Monitoring (IM-Dengue) and Intelligent Virus Monitoring (IM-Virus) developed by Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (Ecovec – Minas Gerais, Brazil), were used. IM-Dengue is a tool that allows achieving a weekly overview of A. aegypti infestation, while IM-Virus is another tool that allows detecting dengue virus directly from the mosquito, by Real Time-PCR. Both tools were developed for diagnosis in a prepathogenesis period of the disease, before infection occurrence. Traps were distributed in 19 locations inside the municipality and the bugs were collected weekly during the years of the research. As a result, the presence of 163 females of A. aegypti was recorded over the period; there was no circulation of the virus in the municipality. In one of the 19 study sites, a high degree of disease transmission risk was verified. The study concluded that the municipality, as a whole, showed no risk of disease transmission throughout the field research period.

A study was conducted in a dairy farm of the Jovellanos municipality, Matanzas province, Cuba, in order to evaluate the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica in grazing cows during the dry season. For such purpose, 100 % of the animals of the Crossbred Siboney breed belonging to the milking group, with an age between 5 and 7 years, lactation between 90 and 114 days, and average weight of 390 kg, were used. The animals were distributed in three groups depending on their body condition: BC-2,5; BC-3 and BC-3,5. After the initial diagnosis to determine the level of infestation by F. hepatica, the animals were dewormed with Labiozol®. Monthly samplings of feces were performed to determine the parasite rate of F. hepatica (FEC); in addition, the live weight, body condition and individual milk production of the animals, were determined. The prevalence of the parasite in the dairy herd was higher in February and March, with 58,3 and 62,5 % of positive animals, respectively. The highest percentages corresponded to the animals with the lowest body condition, which showed higher FEC (14,1 epg) and reached the lowest production for the period, with significant differences (p< 0,05) from the animals of groups BC-3 and BC-3,5. It is concluded that the prevalence of F. hepatica in the farm exceeded 50 % during the dry season; the group with the lowest body condition was the one with the highest parasite rate, and also had the lowest milk production.

Con el objetivo de evaluar la prevalencia de Fasciola hepatica en vacas en pastoreo durante el período poco lluvioso, se realizó una investigación en una unidad de lechería bovina en el municipio de Jovellanos, provincia de Matanzas, Cuba. Se utilizó el 100 % de los animales del racial Mestizo Siboney pertenecientes al grupo de ordeño, con una edad entre 5 y 7 años, lactancia entre 90-114 días y un peso promedio de 390 kg. Los animales fueron distribuidos en tres grupos en función de su condición corporal: CC-2,5; CC-3 y CC-3,5. Posteriormente al diagnóstico inicial para determinar el nivel de infestación por F. hepatica, los animales fueron desparasitados con Labiozol®. Se realizaron muestreos mensuales de heces para determinar la carga parasitaria de fasciola (CFH); además se determinó el peso vivo, la condición corporal y la producción de leche individual de los animales. La prevalencia del parásito en el rebaño lechero fue mayor en los meses de febrero y marzo, con 58,3 y 62,5 % de animales positivos, respectivamente. Los mayores porcentajes se correspondieron con los animales del grupo de más baja condición corporal, los cuales mostraron un mayor CFH (14,1 hpg) y alcanzaron la menor producción para el período, con diferencias significativas (p< 0,05) respecto a los animales de los grupos CC-3 y CC-3,5. Se concluye que la prevalencia de F. hepatica en la unidad superó el 50 % durante el periodo poco lluvioso; el grupo de más baja condición corporal fue el de mayor carga parasitaria, así como el de menor producción de leche.

RESUMO: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi buscar a presença de microrganismos em esfregaços sanguíneos de aves silvestres residentes ou migratórias da Ilha da Marambaia, município de Mangaratiba, estado do Rio de Janeiro, durante o ano de 2009. Para execução da pesquisa, 86 indivíduos referentes a 22 espécies foram capturados através de rede de neblina e após manuseio liberados ao seu habitat natural. Foi coletado sangue periférico das aves e realizado esfregaços sanguíneos. Como resultados foi diagnosticado a ocorrência de 11 (12,80%) indivíduos positivos para Plasmodium sp., um (1,16%) para microfilária e 16 (18,60%) para Borrelia sp. Foram encontrados carrapatos Amblyomma sp. (Família Ixodidae) parasitando as aves amostradas, o que sugere existir uma interação parasito-vetor-hospedeiro entre esse e o gênero Borrelia. Este estudo deve ser ampliado para outras regiões e o seu conhecimento dará maiores subsídios para outras pesquisas, voltadas principalmente para a preservação de aves em ambiente por elas escolhidos como seu habitat.

ABSTRACT: The study intended to analyze the population of migratory and resident wild bird species from Marambaia island, located in the municipality of Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro state, regarding the presence of microorganisms in blood smears during the year of 2009. In order to achieve the goal, 86 individuals of 22 bird species were captured using mist nets; peripheral blood was collected and blood smears performed. The birds were released after examined and sampled in situ. The diagnostic results were 11 (12.80%) birds positive for Plasmodium sp., one (1.16%) for microfilaria and 16 (18.60%) for Borrelia sp. Ticks identified as Amblyomma sp. (Ixodidae) were observed parasiting the sampled birds, suggesting that a relationship parasite-vector-host exists between these ticks and the Borrelia genus. This study should be expanded to other regions so that its results may favour other surveys, focused on conservation of wild birds in their habitat.

SUMMARY The aim of the present study was to analyze the status of the American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, from 2004 to 2013, through its spatiotemporal distribution. We also described variables considered relevant to the epidemiology of the disease, such as the clinical form, gender, ethnic group, age group, and progression of disease. This is a descriptive study, which used notified secondary data from the Brazilian Information System of Notifiable Diseases (SINAN), Ministry of Health, Brazil, regarding confirmed diagnoses. To help the calculation of coefficients of detection and mortality, we used population data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). We analyzed 1,470 cases of ATL with the predominance of the cutaneous clinical form (1,292/87.89%). The data has also revealed seven deaths, a predominance of males (922/62.72%), and a higher incidence of ATL in the white ethnic group (731/49.72%). We observed a high incidence of ATL in the group of 20 - 39 years old (477/32.44%). We concluded that there was a decrease in the number of ATL cases in the state of Rio de Janeiro, based on a coefficient of detection of 1.44/100.000 inhabitants in 2004 decreasing to 0.20/100.000 inhabitants in 2013. The localities with the highest occurrences of ATL were the metropolitan region (843 cases) and the municipality of Rio de Janeiro (740 cases). In 2005, the highest incidence of the disease was observed (351 cases) in the study. Among the variables selected to describe the epidemiology of the disease, the following categories: cutaneous clinical form, male patients, white ethnic group, and the age group of 20 - 39 years old were more affected than the others.

The aim of the present study was to determine the main hematological indicators and their relationships with the level of infestation by gastrointestinal strongylids and the anemia degree in grazing sheep. For this, 62 animals from two productive entities in Rio de Janeiro were sampled by extracting feces directly from the rectus and blood by jugular vein puncture. The parasite load was determined by the McMaster method and the count of red (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (HB), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) by using an automatic blood analyzer. According to the Hct, the animals were classified as animals with moderated or severe anemia and no anemic animals. Also, the relationship between the hematological variables of the red serie and the parasitic load (Pearson's correlation coefficient) was calculated. The indicators of the red serie were shown to be more affected as the parasitic infestation increased, mainly by Haemonchus contortus, and the animals with severe anemia showed the higher parasite loads and considerable affectations in the amount of red cells, which involved the presence of microcytic microchromic anemia. An inverse relationship between parasite load, the HB and the Hct (p£0.01) was obtained. It was concluded that there was a direct relationship between the parasitism, mainly Haemonchus contortus, and the anemia degree with consequences on the blood red serie.

El presente estudio se realizó con el objetivo de determinar los principales indicadores hematológicos y su asociación con el nivel de infestación por estrongílidos gastrointestinales y el grado de anemia en ovinos en pastoreo. Para ello se muestrearon 62 animales de dos entidades productivas de Rio de Janeiro, a los cuales se les extrajo heces directamente del recto, y sangre por punción de la vena yugular. Se determinó la carga parasitaria mediante el método McMaster y el conteo de células rojas (CCR), conteo de células blancas (CCB), hemoglobina (HB), hematocrito (Hto), volumen corpuscular medio (VCM), hemoglobina corpuscular media (HCM) y concentración media de la hemoglobina corpuscular (CMHC), con el empleo de un analizador automático de sangre. Los animales se clasificaron en función del Hto, con presencia de anemia moderada y severa, así como animales no anémicos. También se determinó la relación (Coeficiente de correlación Pearson) entre las variables hematológicas de la serie roja con la carga parasitaria. Se apreció que en la medida que se incrementa la infestación parasitaria, fundamentalmente por Haemonchus contortus, se afectan los indicadores de la serie roja, y los animales con anemia severa presentaron las mayores cargas parasitarias y afectaciones considerables en la cantidad de glóbulos rojos, lo que conllevó a la presencia de anemia microcíticia microcrómica. Se obtuvo una relación inversa entre la carga parasitaria la HB y el Hto (p£0.01). Se concluye que existe una relación directa entre parasitismo, fundamentalmente, Haemonchus contortus y el grado de anemia con consecuencias en la serie roja de la sangre.

Resumo:O objetivo foi testar in vitro e in vivo a eficácia da planta medicinal Chenopodium ambrosioidesLinnaeus, 1786 (erva-de-santa-maria), nas formas fitoterápica e homeopática, como meios alternativos para o controle de endoparasitos de Coturnix japonica Temminck & Schlegel, 1849 (codorna japonesa), um sério problema que afeta a criação e desempenho de aves domésticas, ocasionando morte quando muito intenso, retardo de crescimento, redução de índice de conversão alimentar e aumento na suscetibilidade às doenças infecciosas. As metodologias utilizadas foram preconizadas por Coles et al. (1992), creditada pela World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP). A pesquisa evidenciou a presença dos gêneros Ascaridiae Eimeria. O ensaio in vitro demonstrou alta taxa de redução na inibição de eclosão de ovos de Ascaridiasp. (100,00%) e significativa taxa de redução na destruição de oocistos de Eimeriasp. (47,06%). O ensaio in vivodemonstrou alta taxa de redução na contagem de ovos de Ascaridiasp. nas fezes (100,00%) e expressiva taxa de redução na contagem de oocistos de Eimeriasp. nas fezes (60,33%). Chenopodium ambrosioides mostrou em certos momentos superioridade frente ao produto tradicional (Thiabendazole/Mebendazole) e índices superiores aos preconizados pelo Ministério da Agricultura do Brasil e Organização Mundial da Saúde como indicativos de eficácia.

Abstract:The aim was in vitro and in vivo to test the effectiveness of Chenopodium ambrosioides Linnaeus, 1786 (santa maria herb) medicinal plant, in regard to phytotherapeutic and homeopathic forms as alternative methods to control Coturnix japonica Temminck & Schlegel, 1849 (japanese quail) endoparasites. The parasitosis is a serious problem affecting domestic poultry raising and performance causing death, delay in grow, food conversion rate reduction and increase of susceptibility to infectious diseases. Methodologies were advocated by Coles et al. (1992), corroborated by World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP). Presence of the genera Ascaridia and Eimeria was displayed by this survey. In vitro essay demonstrated high reduction rate on eggs eclosion inhibition of Ascaridia sp. (100.00%) and significant reduction rate on oocyst destruction of Eimeria sp. (47.06%). In vivo essay demonstrated high fecal egg counting reduction rate of Ascaridia sp. (100.00%) and expressive fecal oocyst counting reduction rate of Eimeriasp. (60.33%). C. ambrosioides showed upper rates front traditional product (Thiabendalol/Mebendazol) as well as to those ones advocated by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculturel and the World Health Organization as effectiveness indicative.

A research was carried out aimed at determining the in vitro anthelmintic effects of aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera and Gliricidia sepium on the non-parasitic stages of sheep gastrointestinal strongyles. The activity of three concentrations were evaluated (50, 25 and 12,5 mg/ml) on egg hatching and larval migration, compared with negative (PBS or DMSO) and positive controls (Albendazole or Levamisole). The egg hatching assay was carried out with eleven treatments corresponding to the three concentrations: (M. oleifera: MOR-50, MOR-25 and MOR-12,5 mg/ml and G. sepium: GLR-50, GLR-25 and GLR-12,5 mg/ml), PBS and DMSO (negative controls) and three Albendazole concentrations (ABZ-5, ABZ-2,5, ABZ-1,25 mg/ml). For the larval migration test, the same plant extract concentrations were used, and also PBS as negative control and three Levamisole concentrations (LEV-5, LEV-2,5, LEV-1,25 mg/ml). The results showed that the two plants interfered on egg hatching with higher inhibition rates (p<0,05) for M. oleifera. A Probit analysis showed an effective concentration of 60,92 and 30,70 mg/ml for M. oleifera and G. sepium, respectively. Both plants affected (p<0,05) the larval migration ability, as compared to the controls, showing migration inhibition over 97%. This in vitro screening suggests that these plants have anthelmintic properties, and further in vivo studies are needed.

Con el objetivo de determinar el efecto antiparasitario, in vitro, de extractos acuosos de Moringa oleifera y Gliricidia sepium en las fases exógenas del ciclo biológico de estrongílidos gastrointestinales de ovinos, se prepararon extractos acuosos, para cada planta, en tres concentraciones (50, 25 y 12,5 mg/ml) y se evaluó su actividad sobre la eclosión de huevos y la migración de las larvas del tercer estadio, comparado con controles positivos (Albendazol o Levamisol) y negativos (PBS y DMSO). En el primer ensayo se realizaron once tratamientos que corresponden a las tres concentraciones de M. oleifera (MOR-50, MOR-25 y MOR-12,5), G. sepium (GLR-50, GLR-25 y GLR-12,5), PBS (control negativo, solvente de los extractos), Albendazol (control positivo) (ABZ-5, ABZ-2,5, ABZ-1,25) y DMSO (control negativo, solvente del ABZ). En la migración larvaria se utilizaron las mismas concentraciones del extracto acuoso de cada planta, un control negativo (PBS) y uno positivo en tres concentraciones (Levamisol, LEV-5, LEV-2,5, LEV-1,25). Las dos plantas inhibieron la capacidad de eclosión de huevos, con mayor tasa de inhibición (p<0,05), para M. oleifera. El análisis Probit demostró que la concentración efectiva media fue de 60,92 y 30,70 mg/ml para M. oleifera y G. sepium, respectivamente. Las dos plantas mostraron efectos (p<0,05) sobre la migración larvaria, comparadas con los controles, con tasas de inhibición de la migración por encima de 97%. Los resultados in vitro sugieren que las dos plantas poseen propiedades antiparasitarias que pudieran ser valoradas en posteriores estudios in vivo.

A pesquisa foi desenvolvida no Laboratório de Zoologia da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro e Setor de Parasitologia Animal da Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, estado do Rio de Janeiro, no período de 2011 a 2012. O objetivo foi testar in vitro e in vivo a eficácia da planta medicinal Chenopodium ambrosioides Linnaeus, 1786 (erva-de-santa-maria), nas formas fitoterápica e homeopática, como meios alternativos para o controle de endoparasitos de Gallus gallus Linnaeus, 1758 (galinha caipira), um sério problema que afeta a criação e desempenho de aves domésticas, ocasionando morte quando muito intenso, retardo de crescimento, redução do índice de conversão alimentar e aumento na suscetibilidade às doenças infecciosas. As metodologias utilizadas foram preconizadas por Coles et al. (1992), creditada pela World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP). O ensaio in vitro demonstrou alta taxa de redução na inibição de eclosão de ovos (97,18%), e o ensaio in vivo, elevada taxa na redução da contagem de ovos nas fezes (91,67%). A pesquisa evidenciou a presença dos gêneros Ascaridia (35,00%), Capillaria (30,00%), Heterakis (25,00%) e Strongyloides (10,00%). C. ambrosioides mostrou em certos momentos superioridade frente ao produto tradicional (Thiabendazole/Mebendazole) e índices superiores aos preconizados pelo Ministério da Agricultura do Brasil e Organização Mundial da Saúde como indicativos de eficácia.

The present survey was carried out at Zoology Laboratory, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, and Animal Parasitology Sector, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro state, from 2011 to 2012. The aim was to test in vitro and in vivo the effectiveness of the medicinal plant Chenopodium ambrosioides Linnaeus, 1786 (santa maria herb) regarding phytotherapeutic and homeopathic alternative methods to control endoparasites of Gallus gallus Linnaeus, 1758 (free range chicken), a serious problem affecting domestic poultry performance causing losses, retarded development, decreased food conversion rate and increase of susceptibility to infectious diseases. In vitro essay demonstrated high reduction rate on eggs eclosion inhibition (97.18%), and in vivo essay showed high fecal eggs counting reduction rate (91.67%). Presence of the genera Ascaridia (35.00%), Capillaria (30.00%), Heterakis (25.00%) and Strongyloides (10.00%) was displayed by this survey. The plant C. ambrosioides showed upper rates front traditional products (Thiabendalol/Mebendazol) as well as to those ones advocated by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and the World Health Organization as effective.

Este estudo avaliou os fatores associados à frequência de anticorpos específicos para Leishmania spp. em cães domiciliados na microrregião de Itaguaí, Rio de Janeiro. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue de 524 cães. As amostras de soro foram submetidas a reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) e ensaio imunoenzimático indireto (ELISA-teste) para Leishmania spp. A frequência de cães soropositivos foi de 28,24% (n = 148) na microrregião e, entre os três municípios avaliados, a maior frequência (p < 0,05) foi observada em Seropédica (59,46%), seguida de Itaguaí (29,05%) e Mangaratiba (11,49%). Em relação aos fatores associados ao hospedeiro, observou-se que cães sem raça definida e aqueles com idade acima de dois anos apresentaram maior frequência de anticorpos para Leishmania spp. (p < 0,05). Em relação aos fatores relacionados ao ambiente e ao hábito do animal, os cães residentes em áreas rurais (RF = 1,67, p = 0,0002), animais que vivem fora da residência (RF = 1,42, p = 0,0197), com acesso à mata, córregos e pastagens (FR = 2,81, p = 0,0007), que permanecem soltos (RF = 1,66, p = 0,0073), e aqueles que não possuem abrigo (RF = 2,16, p < 0,0001) apresentaram maior chance de serem soropositivos. A leishmaniose canina é uma enfermidade com elevada ocorrência na microrregião de Itaguai, e aspectos como definição racial, idade, hábitos e cuidados estabelecidos pelo proprietário mostraram associação significativa nessa microrregião.

This study evaluated factors associated with the frequency ofLeishmania spp. antibodies in dogs residing in the Itaguai micro-region, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 524 dogs. The serum samples were submitted to indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) forLeishmania spp. The frequency of seropositive dogs was 28.24% (n = 148) in the micro-region, and among the three municipalities within that region, the highest frequency (p < 0.05) was observed in Seropedica (59.46%), followed by Itaguai (29.05%) and Mangaratiba (11.49%). Regarding factors associated with the host, mongrel dogs and those over the age of two presented higher frequency of antibodies to Leishmaniaspp. (p < 0.05). Concerning factors related to the environment and habits of the animal, dogs residing in rural areas (FR = 1.67, p = 0.0002), living outside the residence (FR = 1.42, p = 0.0197), with access to forest, streams and pastures (FR = 2.81, p = 0.0007), remaining loose (FR = 1.66, p = 0.0073), and those that had no shelter (FR = 2.16, p < 0.0001) were more likely to be seropositive. Canine leishmaniasis is a disease with high occurrence in the Itaguai micro-region, and aspects such as the definition of breed, age, habits and care by owners showed significant association in this micro-region.

A leishmaniose tegumentar americana é causada por protozoários do gênero Leishmania, que acomete a pele e mucosa; é primariamente uma infecção zoonótica. Inquéritos flebotomínicos foram realizados em quatro áreas com ocorrência de casos humanos de leishmaniose tegumentar americana do município de Seropédica. Utilizou-se a metodologia de coleta com capturas manuais no horário das 18 às 22h, durante 12 meses consecutivos. No período de outubro de 2004 e setembro de 2005, capturamos 2.390 exemplares pertencentes a quatro espécies, Lutzomyia intermedia com 97,1% do total coletado, seguida pela Lutzomyia whitmani 1,6%, Lutzomyia migonei 1,2% e Lutzomyia oswaldoi 0,1%. O Valão da Louça apresentou maior densidade flebotomínica, seguida pelas localidades de Km 39, Km 40 e Caçador. A baixa diversidade de espécie se deve a alterações significativas do ecótopo da região. Sugere-se que a transmissão da leishmaniose tegumentar americana no município de Seropédica esteja sendo veiculada pela Lutzomyia intermedia.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis is caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, which affects the skin and mucosa. It is primarily a zoonotic infection. Sandfly surveys were conducted in four areas with occurrences of human cases of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in the municipality of Seropédica. A manual method was used to catch specimens between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm, for 12 consecutive months. From October 2004 to September 2005, we caught 2,390 individuals belonging to four species: Lutzomyia intermedia accounted for 97.1% of the total collected, followed by Lutzomyia whitmani (1.6%), Lutzomyia migonei (1.2%) and Lutzomyia oswaldoi (0.1%). The Valão das Louças had the highest density of sandflies, followed by the localities of Km 39, Km 40 and Caçador. The low diversity of species is due to significant changes in the ecotope of the region. It is suggested that American cutaneous leishmaniasis is being transmitted by Lutzomyia intermedia in the municipality of Seropédica.

Medicações à base de Tuia (Thuja occidentalis) são comuns em tratamentos homeopáticos e fitoterápicos, na medicina humana e veterinária. Suas propriedades imunoestimulantes e antivirais são descritas e sua utilização empírica no tratamento das poxviroses aviárias é recomendada por criadores e veterinários. Para avaliar o potencial terapêutico da Tuia sobre estas infecções, dois grupos (controle e teste) de dez aves jovens foram inoculados por escarificação, com uma amostra de campo de poxvírus aviário. As aves inoculadas foram examinadas diariamente, quanto ao início e evolução das lesões, registrando-se o número e tamanho destas, até a cicatrização. Após o surgimento das lesões, o grupo teste recebeu a tintura alcoólica diluída na água de consumo. A análise experimental indicou que, nas condições empregadas, a utilização da Tuia não favoreceu a regressão ou restrição no desenvolvimento das lesões de pele promovidas pela infecção experimental.

Arbor Vitae (Thuja occidentalis) is widely used in homoeopathic and phytotherapic treatments,either for human or for animals. Its immunestimulating and antiviral properties have been described and its empiric use in the treatment of the avian poxvirosis is recommended by animal breeders and veterinarians. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of Arbor Vitae in these infections, two groups (control and test) of 10 young birds were inoculated by scarification with a field sample of avian poxvirus. When lesions were first observed the test group received the Arbor Vitae alcoholic extract diluted in the drinking water. The birds were examined daily, from the beginning and evolution of the lesions to the healing. The results indicated that, in our experimental conditions, the use of T. occidentalis did not favor the regression or restriction in the development of the skin lesions promoted by the experimental infection.

No município de Paracambi, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, foi realizado um inquérito epidemiológico sobre a leishmaniose tegumentar americana na população canina residente em áreas endêmicas rural e semiurbana. Foram cadastrados 179 cães e 138 (77,1%) foram examinados, segundo seus aspectos clínicos e desenvolvimento de hipersensibilidade tardia ao antígeno Imunoleish® e respostas sorológicas à reação de imunofluorescência indireta e ao ensaio imunoenzimático. Dos 9 (6,5.%) animais portadores de lesões/cicatrizes suspeitas, 66,7% foram causadas por Leishmania sp; 44,4% produziram infecção em hamsters e apresentaram crescimento em meio de cultura, compatíveis com o comportamento de Leishmania do complexo braziliensis. A caracterização molecular (análises isoenzimáticas e do perfil de restrição do KDNA) identificou 2 amostras como similares à Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. A prevalência da infecção canina observada através do teste cutâneo, RIFI e ELISA foi, respectivamente, 10,1%, 16,7% e 27,8%. A presença das formas clínica/subclínica da LTA na população canina associada à infecção humana sugere que o cão pode atuar como possível fonte de infecção, assim como na disseminação da doença.

In the district of Paracambi, State of Rio de Janeiro an epidemiological survey for American tegumentary leishmaniasis in canine population was carried out in endemic localities. A total of 179 dogs was registered and 138 (77.1%) examined for their clinical aspects, development of delayed hypersensitivity (DHS) with Imunoleish® antigen and serological responses by indirect immunofluorescent reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In 9 (6.5%) dogs with active cutaneous lesions or suspect scars, 66.7% were caused by Leishmania sp; 44.4% produced infection in hamsters and showed growth in culture media, which was considered to be compatible with the species of Leishmania braziliensis complex. The molecular characterization (isoenzyme and KDNA restriction profiles) defined two strains with similar profiles for L. (Viannia) braziliensis. The prevalence of canine infection estimated by the cutaneous test, IFR and ELISA was 10.1%, 16.7% and 27.8%, respectively. The presence of clinical / sub-clinical form of ATL in canine population associated with human infections suggested that the dog can act as source of infection as well as for dissemination of the disease.