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PubMed2025

Genetic analysis of Schistosoma mansoni in a low-transmission area in Brazil suggests population sharing between wild-hosts and humans and geographical isolation.

BACKGROUND: The fluke Schistosoma mansoni is the causative agent of intestinal schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, and remains prevalent in certain regions of Brazil. In the municipality of Sumidouro, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a low-endemic area for S. mansoni, water rats (Nectomys squamipes) are naturally infected by this trematode. The S. mansoni populations infecting humans and water-rats in Sumidouro exhibit distinct patterns of cercarial emergence (chronotypes) and phenotypic differences between hosts. Previous studies have shown that the adaptation of S. mansoni populations to human hosts (diurnal chronotype) and water rats (nocturnal chronotype) could result in prezygotic isolation. To test this hypothesis, we employed the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (MT-CO1) and microsatellite loci as genetic markers. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We assessed the population structure between the definitive host species and geographically distant isolates collected from two endemic localities (Pamparrão-PAM and Encanto-Soledade-ENC-SOL) in Sumidouro. Additionally, we evaluated the phylogenetic relationships between S. mansoni from Sumidouro and those from other countries. Five haplotypes of the MT-CO1 gene were identified, with haplotypes 3 and 4 exclusive to ENC-SOL, and haplotypes 1, 2, and 3 were shared between humans and water rats. Haplotype 1 was also shared with other Brazilian localities, South American countries and a single locality in West Africa. The remaining haplotypes were exclusive to Sumidouro, indicating local genetic diversity. Population structure analysis revealed no genetic differentiation associated with host species but rather geographical structuring, probably due to the sedentary habits of rodents and the limited movement of humans between localities. This finding indicates that S. mansoni populations with different chronotypes are not genetically isolated and that significant gene flow occurs between them. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our findings confirm that wild rodents contribute to the maintenance of the S. mansoni life cycle in Sumidouro and can serve as indicators of local transmission hotspots.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Human pulmonary dirofilariasis: analysis of 24 cases from São Paulo, Brazil.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic aspects of 24 cases of human pulmonary dirofilariasis (HPD) from São Paulo, Brazil. DESIGN: Retrospective study of 24 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HPD over a 14-year period (from February 1982 to June 1996). SETTING: Thoracic Surgery and Pulmonary Division, University of São Paulo and Hospital Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were male (70.1%) and seven were female (29.9%). Their mean age was 51.4 years. Fifty-four percent of the patients were asymptomatic and 75% had a well-circumscribed noncalcified peripheral subpleural pulmonary nodule on the chest radiograph and thoracic CT scan, located preferentially in the lower lobes. The diagnosis was made after thoracotomy and wedge resections in 16 patients, by videothoracoscopy in six, after a pleural biopsy in one, and after necropsy in one. The pathologic examination of all the nodules revealed a central zone of necrosis, surrounded by a narrow granulomatous zone and peripherally by fibrous tissue. Pulmonary vessels exhibit varying degrees of endarteritis. In all cases, a dead worm, usually necrotic and fragmented, was found. CONCLUSIONS: A subpleural, noncalcified pulmonary nodule in the appropriate clinical and epidemiologic setting should alert the clinician, radiologist, or pathologist to the possibility of Dirofilaria. HPD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pharmacological and phytochemical evaluation of Adiantum ceneatum growing in Brazil.

This work describes the phytochemical analysis and analgesic activity of a non polar fraction obtained from Adiantum cuneatum grown in Brazil. The results showed that the hexane fraction as well as two pure compounds, identified as filicene (1) and filicenal (2), given intraperitoneally, exhibited potent analgesic activity when evaluated in two models of pain in mice, writhing test and formalin-induced pain. Compound 1 presented a calculated ID50 value of 19.5 micromol/kg body weight, when evaluated in writhing test, being about 7-fold more active than some reference drugs, like as acetyl salicylic acid and acetaminophen. It also inhibited both phases (neurogenic and inflammatory) of the formalin test at 10 mg/kg (24 micromol/kg). The chemical composition of the plant grown in Brazil is similar to that grown in other countries. The results confirm and justify the popular use of this plant for the treatment of dolorous processes.

Adiantum↗
PubMed1994

Antithyroid effects in vivo and in vitro of babassu and mandioca: a staple food in goiter areas of Brazil.

Babassu (Orbignya phalerata), a palm-tree coconut fruit, mixed with mandioca (Manihot utilissima) is the staple food of people living in the endemic goiter area of Maranhao in Brazil, where goiter prevalence among schoolchildren was still 38% in 1986 despite an adequate iodine intake in most of the population. Therefore, the question arose as to whether or not the ingestion of babassu alone or mixed with mandioca contributed to the persistence of endemic goiter in this area of Brazil. In this investigation we examined the potential antithyroid effects of babassu and mandioca by means of in vivo studies in Sprague-Dawley rats, in vitro studies in porcine thyroid slices and using a purified porcine thyroid peroxidase (TPO) system. Samples of various edible parts of babassu and mandioca flour were homogenized and extracted in goitrogen-free water (GFW) for in vivo experiments, and in methanol (100 g/l), GFW or 0.06 mol/l phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) for in vitro experiments. The edible parts of babassu produced significant in vivo antithyroid effects (p < 0.05- < 0.001) in rats on a high iodine intake (14 micrograms I- day-1.rat-1), as well as distinct and reproducible antithyroid and anti-TPO activities in both in vitro systems, their action being similar to that of the thionamide-like antithyroid drugs propylthiouracil and methimazole.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma among patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus: the experience of a single center in Brazil.

The relative risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) among patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is elevated compared with the general population. We describe a retrospective study of 78 HIV-infected patients with NHL treated between 1999 and 2006 at the Infectology Institute, a reference center for HIV treatment in São Paulo, Brazil. All patients were treated with standard CHOP therapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone). An evaluation of treatment response was available for 48 (61.5%) of the patients who completed initial treatment. Twenty-three patients (47.9%) achieved a complete response (CR), 3 (6.3%) achieved a partial response, and 22 (45.8%) failed to respond to treatment. Of the 30 patients (38.5%) who were not available for response evaluation, 23 died of sepsis during treatment, 5 abandoned treatment, and 2 are still under treatment. After a median follow-up of 3 years, the overall survival rate for all patients is 20.5%. A univariate analysis showed a significant CR rate in patients with respect to the following factors: no acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) diagnosis prior to the lymphoma, disease stage of I to II, and an International Prognostic Index (IPI) of low or low-intermediate risk. A multivariate analysis indicated that only a previous AIDS diagnosis and the IPI were significantly related to the CR rate. A median disease-free survival (DFS) time for the patients who achieved a CR was not reached, with a mean survival time of 73 months and a 3-year DFS rate of 77.5%. Our results provide additional information regarding HIV-related lymphoma in Brazil.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

An overview of the ultraviolet index and the skin cancer cases in Brazil.

This study relates regional and seasonal UV index (UVI) variations, number of skin cancer cases and population skin-color distribution in Brazil. UVI calculations were performed using the UV Global Atmospheric Model (UVGAME), whose characteristics and validations are provided in thiis article. Health and racial data sets are based on the health and census data collected by Brazilian governmental agencies in the past. The discussion covers cultural customs and details of health and educational campaigns in Brazil. Despite lower UV levels in the South and Southeast regions, the results show a number of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) cases regions, where the white population is predominant. In general, in the southern regions about 50 new NMSC cases per 100000 inhabitants have been diagnosed each year. These rates decrease almost 40% in the Central-North regions and more than 80% in Northeast region, where miscegenation is common. In addition, the UVI evaluation is extended to other South American sites with singular characteristics, e.g. populous cities located in high altitudes or those affected by the Antarctic ozone hole in the extreme south of the continent.

Brazil↗
PubMed2003

Deforestation control in Mato Grosso: a new model for slowing the loss of Brazil's Amazon forest.

Controlling deforestation in Brazil's Amazon region has long been illusive despite repeated efforts of government authorities to slow the process. From 1997 to 2000, deforestation rates in Brazil's 9-state "Legal Amazon" region continually crept upward. Now, a licensing and enforcement program for clearing by large farmers and ranchers in the state of Mato Grosso appears to be having an effect. The deforestation rate in Mato Grosso was already beginning to slacken before initiation of the program in 1999, but examination of county-level data suggests that deforestation in already heavily cleared areas was falling due to lack of suitable uncleared land, while little-cleared areas were experiencing rapid deforestation. Following initiation of the program, the clearing rates declined in the recent frontiers. Areas with greater enforcement effort also appear to have experienced greater declines. Demonstration of government ability to enforce regulations and influence trends is important to domestic and international debates regarding use of avoided deforestation to mitigate global warming.

Brazil↗
PubMed2003

Piranha attacks on humans in southeast Brazil: epidemiology, natural history, and clinical treatment, with description of a bite outbreak.

There are many tales describing ferocious schools of piranha attacking humans, but there are few scientific data supporting such behavior. The very few documented instances of humans attacked and eaten by piranha schools include 3 that occurred after death by other causes (eg, heart failure and drowning). These predaceous fishes, however, do occasionally injure bathers and swimmers in lakes and rivers. The characteristic profile of most injuries is a single bite per victim, generally related to the fish defending its brood. This paper describes an outbreak of piranha bites in a dammed river portion in southeast Brazil. The outbreak was caused by the speckled piranha, Serrasalmus spilopleura, a widespread species which benefits from the growing tendency of damming rivers all over Brazil. This article focuses on the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the injuries, as well as on piranha biology, to gain a better understanding of the natural history of bite outbreaks.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Comparative analysis of the song of the Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis (Emberizidae) between Campinas and Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil.

The regional dialects or regiolects of the Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis were compared between Campinas (47 degrees 06'W-22 degrees 90'S) and Botucatu (48 degrees 44'W-22 degrees 88'S), São Paulo State, Southeastern Brazil. Songs of 88 individuals from thirteen localities were recorded. Sonograms showed that two areas presented more homogeneous songs, forming two regiolects. In 11 localities most individuals shared the same song type. At the other two localities, they sang up to 5 different song types. This occurs at the boundaries of the regiolects, and was also where individuals singing more than one song type were found. Similarities between song types were not related to geographic distance between the respective singers. A comparative analysis showed similarities in these regiolects with song of populations from Northeastern Brazil.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Overview of genotypic and clinical profiles of human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected children in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Although mother-to-child HIV transmission prevention has slowed down pediatric HIV infection in developed countries, large numbers of infants still become infected in developing nations. Data on pediatric HIV infection is however largely scarce. In this study, we have overviewed clinical, laboratory and genotypic data from a large cohort of HIV-infected infants regularly followed at two pediatric HIV outpatient clinics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Children on antiretroviral therapy, as well as drug-naive, newly diagnosed infants were analyzed. Prevalence of drug resistance mutations, as well as immunological and virological responses to therapy were evaluated. Additionally, HIV-1 subtype frequencies and their distribution over the course of the epidemic were studied. We have found a high prevalence of mutations among ARV-experienced children, whereas mutations were absent in the drug-naive group. Despite the high levels of resistance among treated infants, an important improvement of their immunological status was observed. HIV-1 subtype distribution followed the trends of the adult population, with the appearance of non-B subtypes and recombinant forms after 1990. To our knowledge, this is the largest pediatric cohort ever analyzed in Brazil, and the data provided is of paramount importance to a better understanding of HIV/AIDS evolution in pediatric settings.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Determinants of HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission in Southern Brazil.

Different human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtypes may have distinct biological, immunological and pathogenic properties. Efficiency of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) may be among those properties, but few and controversial results have been described so far. In this study, 102 children born from HIV-1-infected mothers between 1998 and 2004 in the city of Rio Grande, Brazil were analyzed for potential risk factors associated with MTCT. That geographic region is characterized by a high proportion of subtype C-infected subjects, and it allowed comparison between subtypes B and C and their influence on MTCT. The analysis also included clinical, obstetric and immunological parameters. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the influence of the parameters on MTCT, and prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI95) were also calculated. A surprisingly high prevalence of subtype C of over 70% was found. Only the HIV viral load and the use of ACTG 076 protocol were predictive of MTCT. HIV subtype and CD4 T-cell counts were not associated with increased risk of transmission. Although a clear expansion of subtype C is evident in southern Brazil, it does not seem to correlate with increased risk of vertical transmission.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Prevalence of overweight and obesity in school children of Santos city, Brazil].

The aim of this population-based study was to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in public and private schools of Santos city, Brazil. We evaluated a total of 10,822 children aged 7 to 10 years old. Determination of overweight and obesity was obtained by the 85th and 95th percentiles of BMI for age, respectively, as proposed by CDC in 2000. The overall prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 15.7% (CI 95%= 15.0% to 16.4%) and 18.0% (17.3% to 18.7%), respectively. The prevalence of overweight was 13.7% (12.6% a 14.8%) in boys and 14.8% (13.7% a 15.9%) in girls of public schools. In private schools, the rates were 17.7% (15.7% to 19.7%) in boys and 22.2% (20.0% to 24.4%) in girls. Obesity was found in 16.9% (15.7% to 18.1%) of the boys and 14.3% (13.2% to 15.4%) of the girls of public schools. In the private schools, 29.8% (27.4% to 32.2%) of the boys and 20.3% (18.2% to 22.4%) of the girls were obese. We concluded that the prevalence of obesity in public and private schools in the city of Santos is higher than other studies conducted in Brazil and in other countries of Latin America. Private schools showed higher prevalence rates of obesity than public schools (p= 0.001).

Body Mass Index↗
PubMed2006

Familial history of type 2 diabetes in patients from Southern Brazil and its influence on the clinical characteristics of this disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of maternal and paternal history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in relatives of 644 type 2 diabetic patients from Southern Brazil, and also to evaluate its influence on the clinical characteristics of this disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Familial history of type 2 DM was investigated by a questionnaire. The maternal and paternal history was investigated over two generations. Complete data sets on familial history were obtained from 396 patients. RESULTS: In general, 76.6% of the patients reported at least one first-degree affected relative. Besides, 31.6% of the patients reported a maternal history of type 2 DM and 12.6% reported a paternal history. Patients with maternal and/or paternal history presented a lower age at type 2 DM diagnosis when compared to patients without familial history. In addition, patients with only paternal history presented a higher frequency of hypertension than patients with no familial history. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that there is a significant maternal effect in the transmission of type 2 DM in Southern Brazil, and that most of the clinical characteristics of this disease do not differ between patients with or without familial history of type 2 DM.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Gastric cancer mortality in the State of Pará, Brazil, 1980-1997].

RATIONALE: Gastric cancer incidence and mortality have been declining in many countries, including Brazil. Nevertheless, it still constitutes an important public health problem in our country, particularly in the state of Pará where mortality rates present values over the Brazilian average rates. AIM: To analyze the patterns of gastric cancer mortality in Pará State and in the City of Belém, in the last two decades. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mortality data were obtained through Brazil's Mortality Information System and population data came from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Age standardized mortality rates were calculated for the whole population and by sex, for every triennium in the period 1980-97 for Pará State and City of Belém. Trends of the standardized mortality rates from stomach cancer were analyzed through linear regression models. RESULTS: In comparison with other state Capitals and countries, standardized mortality rates for stomach cancer in Belém were elevated (27.2 a 15.8/100,000) during all the study period. Rates in men were higher than for women with a sex ratio of 3.0 in Belém, in all study periods, except 1995-97. During the study period, it was observed a decreasing trend in the mortality rates for both sexes, although more prominent in men, in the State of Pará. In Belém, it was also seen a decline in rates for all age groups. CONCLUSION: In spite of the observed trend, gastric cancer mortality rates in Belém at the last period of the series (1995-97) were still higher than those exhibited by some of the other State Capitals in 1980-82.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Is multiple sclerosis in Brazil and Asia alike?

The clinical picture of 67 consecutive patients with definite multiple sclerosis in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, was analysed. There were 20 patients with the predominant optic-spinal form of the disease and eight with Devic's disease. Visual loss occurred in 43% of the cases as the presenting symptom and in 84% in the course of the illness. Symptoms related to spinal cord and cerebellar involvement were observed in 64% and 52% respectively. The high prevalence of visual and spinal abnormalities at onset and during the course of the illness, the lesser common involvement of the cerebellum and the relative frequency of Devic's disease make multiple sclerosis in Brazil similar to that observed in Eastern countries in distinction to the clinical pattern seen in the United States and Europe.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

HTLV-I associated myelopathy in Porto Alegre (Southern Brazil).

HTLV-I associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP/HAM) have been increasingly described in practically all regions of Brazil. Five confirmed and documented cases of patients with TSP/HAM in Rio Grande do Sul are reported; in all of them spastic paraparesis, neurogenic bladder and superficial and/or profound sensitive disorders were observed in variable degrees. One patient presented a relapsing-remitting course with a cerebellar ataxia (multiple sclerosis-like pattern). Everyone was submitted to clinical, serological, urodynamic, neurophysiologic and neuroradiologic investigation. The aim of this study was to present the southern region of Brazil as an area with significant endemicity for HTLV-I/II infection (prevalence of 0.42% between blood donors), and also to show the existence of patients with neurologic disease associated with this retrovirus.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Prevalence of neurocysticercosis among epileptic in-patients in the west of Santa Catarina--southern Brazil].

Neurocysticercosis (NC) is an endemic condition in several areas of Brazil. It is most likely the major responsible for the high prevalence of epilepsy in our country, estimated in 1-2% of general population. We performed a study to evaluate NC as aetiology of epilepsy in the west of Santa Catarina. This state belong to southern Brazil and it has a very developed economy. However, due the widespread swine farming in the west district, many of them without any sanitary control, the national health authorities have considered all this area at risk to NC. The study was carried out in Chapecó, the main town in that region, where CT Scan service was started in 1995. All patients put on hospital care due epileptic seizures in 1995-96 were considered. Febrile convulsions were excluded of the sample. We found a very expressive prevalence rate of NC among patients suffering from epilepsy. Roughly 24% of these patients, showed unequivocal tomography evidences for the diagnosis of NC. Our data suggest cysticercosis as a real endemic trouble in the area and, overdosis of information in proper language, diffuse to the whole population, seems to be the only remedy to fight against it. Moreover, we should pay special attention to everyone related to swine farming, does not matter how this activity has been classified.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[HTLV-I-associated myelopathy, tropical spastic paraparesis: report of the first cases in Sergipe, Brazil].

HTLV-I associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) has been described in practically all regions of Brazil. The authors present eight clinically defined cases of HAM/TSP, as being the first reported in Sergipe (Northeastern Brazil). All of them were confirmed through ELISA in two examinations, although only two were confirmed by Western Blot. According to clinical/laboratorial investigation protocol, all patients presented involvement of the pyramidal tract with minimal sensory loss and sphincter alteration. The authors call the attention for the endemicity of HTLV-I in the region, whose prevalence amongst blood donors is significant (0.43%).

Adult↗