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A grande circulação de pessoas nas unidades de saúde pode potencializar o processo de disseminação de enteroparasitos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo detectar a presença de parasitos intestinais em unidade de saúde do município de Diamantina, a fim valorizar a promoção da saúde e estimular a adoção de hábitos de higiene adequados entre usuários, visitantes e funcionários do hospital. Nos meses de abril e maio de 2017 foram coletadas amostras em nove superfícies utilizando o método de Graham, em duplicata, através da fixação de uma fita adesiva transparente, por seis vezes sobre cada local amostrado. Cada fita foi posicionada sobre uma lâmina de microscopia e a identificação das formas biológicas foi realizada com o auxílio de um microscópio óptico. Foram detectadas 78 formas biológicas de parasitos intestinais. Cistos da espécie Entamoeba coli foram as mais frequentes nas lâminas analisadas (71,8%), seguido por cistos de Endolimax nana (12,8%), ovos de Taenia sp. (6,4%), larvas de helmintos (3,8%), ovos de Hymenolepis nana (2,6%), ovos de Trichuris trichiura (1,3%) e cistos de Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (1,3%). As superfícies da maçaneta interna da porta do banheiro dos pacientes e o corrimão de acesso aos quartos foram as que apresentaram a maior ocorrência de formas biológicas, com 15,4% e 20,5%, respectivamente. Os resultados demonstraram que há necessidade de uma melhor limpeza nas superfícies da unidade de saúde e a adoção de medidas socioeducativas que enfatizem a importância da higienização adequada das mãos visando o bem-estar e a saúde dos usuários.

The present study aimed to evaluate the distribution of sand fly species in iron ore caves in the State of Pará, Brazil and to associate the richness and abundance of these insects with the capacity of leishmaniasis transmission. Entomological captures were carried out in the years 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2015, throughout active samples with brushes, along the entire caves’ extension, in dry and rainy periods. A total of 9,807 sand flies were counted during the 532 samplings events, being 4,340 in the dry period and 5,467 in the rainy period. A random sample of 802 morphologically identified specimens consisted of 8 genera and 17 species, being 369 males (46%) and 433 females (54%). The predominant species was Sciopemyia sordellii with 60.6% of the total of sand flies collected. Differences in composition and richness were observed between caves located inside of forest and anthropized areas. The mean richness and abundance were different between the wet and rainy periods, with a greater abundance of these insects in the rainy period. The phlebotomine fauna proved to be rich and abundant in the sampled caves, however, environmental degradation seems to be the main factor determining changes in the composition and richness, reinforces the importance of these places as a shelter for sand flies in degraded areas.

A study of the phlebotomine sand fly fauna was carried out in the Rio Preto State Park (Minas Gerais, Brazil) aiming to associate the presence of vector species with the risk of leishmaniasis trans...

Sabrina S Andrade,1 Layane M Teodoro,1 Daniel JS Viana,1 Egleise M Canuto-Sales,2 Gustavo H Bahia-de-Oliveira,2 Suedali Villas Bôas,3 Ricardo A Barata1 1Department of Biological Sciences, 2Department of Pharmacy, 3Department of Basic Sciences, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil Background: Intestinal parasites’ eggs, larvae, or cysts can be carried in public transport buses, and contribute to the increased incidence of diseases. This study aimed to detect biological forms of intestinal parasites in samples from public buses in the town of Diamantina, Minas Gerais, in order to know the local situation and propose interventions to improve public health. Materials and methods: In November 2014, six samples were obtained in buses of the two stations by using Graham method, in duplicate, by affixing a 6×5 cm clear tape, six times on each collection site of the bus, in an area of ~30 cm2. Then, each tape was positioned longitudinally on a slide microscope, and the identification of the biological forms of the parasites was performed with the aid of a 40× objective optical microscope. Results: A total of 216 slides were analyzed, of which 86 (39.8%) were positive for at least one intestinal parasite. Cysts of Entamoeba coli were the most frequently found in this study (52.1%), followed by Endolimax nana cysts (30.7%), Iodamoeba butschlii (6.5%), helminth larvae (4.7%), Giardia lamblia cysts (3.6%), Hymenolepis nana eggs (1.2%), Enterobius vermicularis eggs (0.6%), and Entamoeba histolytica cysts (0.6%). Top right handrails and right stanchions had the highest occurrence of biological forms, with 18.3% and 14.8%, respectively. Conclusion: The results indicated the need for better cleaning of the buses and better personal hygiene by users, since pathogenic and non-pathogenic intestinal parasites were found, suggesting fecal contamination of these sites, representing a risk to public health. Keywords: intestinal parasites, enteric parasite infection, public transport, Diamantina

Marina A Costa,1 Layane M Teodoro,1 Gustavo H Bahia-de-Oliveira,2 Ana Paula N Nunes,3 Ricardo A Barata1 1Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal dos Vales dos Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, MG, Brazil; 2Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal dos Vales dos Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, MG, Brazil; 3Laboratório de Bioestatística e Epidemiologia, Departamento de Ciências Básicas, Universidade Federal dos Vales dos Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, MG, Brazil Background: Banknotes are objects of great turnover and diffusion among the population, and can be efficient mechanisms in the dissemination of several intestinal parasites. This study investigated the presence of biological forms of intestinal parasites present in circulating cash banknotes in the city of Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil, aiming to propose interventions aimed at improving local public health. Materials and methods: Between February and April 2017, samples of banknotes collected in five commercial establishments of the city were analyzed, namely: 1) gas station, 2) supermarket, 3) butchery, 4) pharmacy and 5) free fair. Ten circulating banknotes of each value (R$2.00, R$5.00, R$10.00, R$20.00, R$50.00 and R$100.00) were exchanged for new banknotes, washed with Tween 80 and, after spontaneous sedimentation, analyzed under an optical microscope with a magnification of 10× and 40×. Results: Cysts of Entamoeba coli (74.60%), cysts of Endolimax nana (16.94%), Giardia lamblia cysts (4.44%), unidentified nematode larvae (2.02%), Hymenolepis sp. (0.81%), Taenia sp. (0.81%) and Ancylostomidae larvae (0.40%) were found. Conclusions: The results revealed the need for improvements in basic sanitation, health and education activities that emphasized the importance of proper hand hygiene. Keywords: intestinal parasites, banknotes, Diamantina

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to identify blood meals of female sandflies captured in the municipality of Governador Valadares, an endemic area of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. From May 2011 to January 2012, captures were performed using HP light traps in four districts. There were 2,614 specimens (2,090 males and 524 females) captured; 97 engorged females were identified belonging to the species Lutzomyia longipalpis (82.1%) and Lutzomyia cortelezzii (17.9%). Considering simple and mixed feeding, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed a predominance of chicken blood (43.6%) in Lutzomyia longipalpis, showing the important role that chickens exert around the residential areas of Governador Valadares. This finding increases the chances of sandflies contact with other vertebrates and consequently the risk of leishmaniasis transmission. RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o repasto sanguíneo de fêmeas de flebotomíneos capturadas no município de Governador Valadares, área endêmica de leishmaniose visceral e tegumentar no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Entre maio de 2011 e janeiro 2012 foram realizadas capturas com armadilhas luminosas HP em quatro bairros. Foram capturados 2.614 exemplares (2.090 machos e 524 fêmeas). Noventa e sete fêmeas ingurgitadas foram identificadas como pertencentes às espécies Lutzomyia longipalpis(82,1%) e Lutzomyia cortelezzii(17,9%). Considerando a alimentação simples e a mista, o ensaio imunoenzimático revelou em Lutzomyia longipalpisuma predominância de sangue de galinhas (43,6%), mostrando o importante papel que galinhas podem exercer no peridomicílio, aumentando a chance de contato dos flebotomíneos com outros vertebrados e, consequentemente, o risco de transmissão da leishmaniose.

The geographical distribution of leishmaniasis has undoubtedly expanded, and is now being reported to be in areas that were previously non-endemic. This study therefore aimed to investigate whether there is any variation in the structure and in the composition of phlebotomine communities along an environmental gradient - from a mesic to a xeric environment, across different climatic periods (rainy and dry seasons). Furthermore, we test whether there were differences in sex ratio of sand flies between wet and dry environments. A total of 535 specimens of sand flies belonging to 18 species were recorded. Richness, abundance, and composition of species were significatively higher in the xeric environment (semidecidual Forest) compared to the mesic environment (Riparina Forest). We unveiled site specific differences in sand fly collections since the community composition changes with the geographic distance among the sampling points. These results led to the conclusion that for sand flies species, the environmental conditions available for each species could be different within the habitat taking into account the degree of humidity in the forest as well as the climatic season (dry or wet). The present study gives a valuable contribution to the knowledge of sand flies, as a group of insects, from the Atlantic Forest biome. Resumo A distribuição geográfica das leishmanioses, sem dúvida, tem se expandido, e agora está sendo relatada em áreas previamente consideradas como não endêmicas. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo investigar se existe alguma variação na estrutura e na composição das comunidades de flebotomíneos ao longo de um gradiente ambiental – em habitats classificados como mesicos e xericos, em diferentes períodos climáticos (chuva e seca). Além disso, testamos se havia diferenças na razão sexual entre ambientes mais umidos e mais secos. Um total de 535 espécimes de flebotomíneos pertencentes a 18 espécies foram registradas. Riqueza, abundância e composição de espécies foram significativamente maiores nos habitats xericos (Floresta semidecidual) em comparação com os habitats mesicos (Floresta Ciliar). Revelamos diferenças específicas entre os habitats, nas assembleias de flebotomíneos, uma vez que a composição da comunidade muda com a distância geográfica entre os pontos de amostragem. Estes resultados levaram à conclusão de que as condições ambientais disponíveis para cada espécie de fletomonineo varia dentro do habitat, tendo em conta o grau de umidade na floresta assim como a estação climatica (seca-chuva). O presente estudo dá uma contribuição valiosa para o conhecimento da fauna de flebotomíneos, no bioma Mata Atlântica.

Objective: To evaluate the toxicity of aqueous extract of Protium heptaphyllum on Lutzomyia longipalpis a proven vector of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Methods: Aqueous extract of the leaves of P. heptaphyllum were prepared at 0.25, 0.10,0.05 and 0.025 mg/mL concentrations, and 100 μL was applied to adults of Lu. longipalpis (n=20). Controls included 20 adults that were treated with 100 μL distilled water (negative control) and 20 adults that were treated with 100 μL alpha-cypermethrin at 196 µg/mL concentration (positive control). The percentage of dead insects in each group was observed at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72h after application. Results: The mortality rate of Lu. longipalpis after 2h of exposure to the extract at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL was 52%, behaving similarly to the positive controls (cypermethrin), and the extract at a concentration of 0.25 mg/ml was able to kill 56% of insects within the first hour of exposure. After 72h, the aqueous extract of P. heptaphyllum showed a mortality rate of about 81% and 83%, at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.25 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The extract of P. heptaphyllum contains terpenes, a molecule with recognized toxicity in insects, and which may be responsible for killing the phlebotomines. These results demonstrate the potential use of this extract in the control of this vector

Nine Neotropical species of Bruchomyia Alexander, 1920 have been previously described, all from South America. A new species of this rare genus, collected in caverns of the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, is described and named Bruchomyia mineira sp. nov. The new species is morphologically similar to B. argentina Alexander, 1920, but they can be differentiated from each other by characters of the eyes, M2 vein and base of gonostylus.

INTRODUCTION: A study on the phlebotomine sandfly fauna was carried out in an endemic area for American tegumentary leishmaniasis in the municipality of Governador Valadares, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Captures were undertaken using HP light traps in four districts, on three nights per month, for one year (from January to December 2008). Correlations between climatic factors (temperature, relative air humidity and rainfall) and the numbers of sandflies collected was observed. RESULTS: 5,413 phlebotomine specimens were caught and were identified as belonging to 12 species. Of these specimens, 2,851 (52%) were females and 2,562 (48%) were males. CONCLUSIONS: Lutzomyia intermedia predominated (29.9% of the species caught), thus suggesting that they were responsible for transmission of American tegumentary leishmaniasis, together with L. whitmani, which was also found in the area (4.3%). The presence of L. longipalpis (11.9%), the main vector for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil, is an important finding, which makes rigorous entomological surveillance of the area necessary. INTRODUÇÃO: Um estudo da fauna de flebotomíneos foi realizado em uma área endêmica para leishmaniose tegumentar americana no município de Governador Valadares, no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Capturas foram feitas com armadilhas luminosas HP em quatro bairros, três noites por mês, durante o período de janeiro a dezembro de 2008. A correlação entre fatores climáticos (temperatura, umidade relativa do ar e pluviosidade) e o número de flebotomíneos coletados foi avaliada. RESULTADOS: Foram capturados 5.413 espécimes de flebotomíneos, distribuídos em 12 espécies, sendo 2.851 (52%) fêmeas e 2.562 (48%) machos. CONCLUSÕES: Lutzomyia intermedia foi predominante com 29,9% das espécies capturadas, sugerindo ser a responsável pela transmissão de LTA, juntamente com L. whitmani, que também foi encontrada na região (4,3%). A presença de L. longipalpis (11,9%), principal vetor de LV no Brasil, é um dado relevante tornando-se necessário uma rigorosa vigilância entomológica na região.

Na localidade do Brejo do Mutambal, situado no município de Varzelândia (MG), área endêmica para leishmaniose tegumentar, foram realizadas capturas mensais sistemáticas utilizando-se armadilhas luminosas do tipo CDC durante o período de janeiro a dezembro de 2000. Foram capturadas 19 espécies de flebotomíneos, totalizando 6.756 exemplares. Lutzomyia intermedia (5,1%), L. migonei (0,4%) e L. whitmani (0,1%), relacionadas com a transmissão de leishmaniose tegumentar, foram capturadas em número reduzido. Lutzomyia longipalpis foi a espécie predominante (34,8%), sugerindo também um risco de transmissão da leishmaniose visceral. A proporção de insetos capturados no peridomícilio foi de 91,7% enquanto no intradomicílio foi de 8,3%. A interferência de fatores climáticos (temperatura, umidade relativa do ar e pluviosidade) sobre a dinâmica populacional de flebotomíneos foi avaliada. Between January and December 2000, systematic monthly capture of phlebotomine sandflies was undertaken by means of light traps of CDC type in Brejo do Mutambal, an endemic area for American cutaneous leishmaniasis located in the municipality of Varzelândia, State of Minas Gerais. Nineteen phlebotomine species were captured, totaling 6,756 specimens. The species correlated with ACL transmission were captured in low numbers, as follows: Lutzomyia intermedia (5.1%), L. migonei (0.4%) and L. whitmani (0.1%). Lutzomyia longipalpis was the predominant species captured (34.8%), thus also suggesting a risk of visceral leishmaniasis transmission. The proportion of sandflies captured in areas surrounding homes was 91.7 % while 8.3% were captured inside homes. The interference of climatic factors (temperature, relative air humidity and rainfall) on phlebotomine population dynamics was evaluated.

SUMMARY Intestinal parasites are a major public health problem in developing countries, most prevalent in areas where sanitation is poor and the population's hygiene is inadequate. They affect people of all ages, although school-age children are the most susceptible. In this study, we investigated the presence of intestinal parasites in the shared environments of a public school in the town of Diamantina, Minas Gerais State. From December 2012 to February 2013, samples were collected for three months (once a month) by using the Graham method (1941), in duplicate, by affixing a 6 x 5 cm clear tape, six times in each collection site, in a space of about 30 cm2. Then, each tape was positioned longitudinally on a microscope slide and the identification of the biological forms of the parasites was performed with the aid of a 40X objective from an optical microscope. Eleven sites were selected for sampling. Cysts of Entamoeba coli were the most frequently found in this study (50%), followed by Hymenolepis diminuta eggs (27.6%), Iodamoeba butschllii cysts (5.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides eggs (5.6%), Taenia species eggs (5.6%) and hookworm eggs (5.6%). The highest positivity rates were found in the samples drawn from the cafeteria's eating table. The results have indicated the need to improve the cleaning in the school environments, as well as the development of educational practices that may help in the preservation of public health.

A leishmaniose visceral no Brasil estava inicialmente associada a áreas rurais, mas devido às diversas alterações no ambiente como, desmatamentos, urbanização e intenso processo migratório, ocorreu a expansão das áreas endêmicas, levando à urbanização da doença, principalmente nas regiões Sudeste e Centro Oeste do país. No município de Montes Claros, situado ao norte de Minas Gerais, foi feito um estudo para verificação da situação da LV. No ano de 2002 foi realizado inquérito sorológico canino e no período de setembro de 2002 a agosto de 2003 foi feito levantamento entomológico, utilizando armadilhas luminosas de CDC. A prevalência da LV canina apresentou taxa média de infecção em torno de 5%. A fauna de flebotomíneos estimada foi de 16 espécies, totalizando 1043 exemplares. Lutzomyia longipalpis foi a espécie predominante com 74%, o que sugere a sua participação na transmissão de LV em Montes Claros. Visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil was initially associated with rural areas. However, due to several environmental modifications such as deforestation, urbanization and intense migratory processes, there has been an expansion of endemic areas, leading to urbanization of the disease, mainly in the central and northeastern regions of Brazil. In the municipality of Montes Claros, located in the north of the state of Minas Gerais, an epidemiological survey on VL was carried out. A canine serological inquiry was carried out in 2002 and an entomological survey, using luminous CDC traps, was performed from September 2002 to August 2003. Canine VL prevalence showed an average infection rate of approximately 5%. An estimated 16 species comprised the phlebotomine sand fly fauna, based on a total of 1043 specimens. The predominant species was Lutzomyia longipalpis with a rate of 74%, suggesting its participation in the transmission of VL in the municipality of Montes Claros.

In the present study we surveyed the fauna of phlebotomine sand flies and small mammals in peridomestic areas from a Brazilian municipality where the American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is endemic. A total of 608 female phlebotomine sand flies were captured during nine months in 2009 and 2010. Seven different species were represented with 60% of them beingLutzomyia intermediaandLu. whitmani, both incriminated vectors of ACL.Lu. longipalpis, a proven vector of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) was also captured at high proportion (12.8%). Genomic DNA analysis of 136 species-specific pools of female sand flies followed by molecular genotyping showed the presence ofLeishmania infantumDNA in two pools ofLu. longipalpis. The sameLeishmaniaspecies was found in one blood sample fromRattus norvegicusamong 119 blood and tissue samples analysed. This is the first report ofLe. infantuminR. norvegicusin the Americas and suggests a possible role for this rodent species in the zoonotic cycle of VL. Our study coincided with the reemergence of VL in Governador Valadares.

In the present paper, we evaluate the relationship between climate variables and population density of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Montes Claros, an area of active transmission of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) in Brazil. Entomological captures were performed in 10 selected districts of the city, between September 2002-August 2003. A total of 773 specimens of L. longipalpiswere captured in the period and the population density could be associated with local climate variables (cumulative rainfall, average temperature and relative humidity) through a mathematical linear model with a determination coefficient (Rsqr) of 0.752. Although based on an oversimplified statistical analysis, as far as the vector is concerned, this approach showed to be potentially useful as a starting point to guide control measures for AVL in Montes Claros.

This study investigated the sandfly fauna of two quartzite caves in the Espinhaço Mountain Range, located in the municipality of Diamantina, state Minas Gerais. From August 2010-July 2011, entomological sampling was performed in the caves of Salitre and Monte Cristo with two HP light traps exposed in the photic and aphotic zones of each cave. The sandfly fauna consisted of 17 species, among which Lutzomyia cipoensis was predominant (54.76%). The male/female ratio in the total captures was 1:2.5. The aphotic zone showed the highest frequency of specimens captured (65%). A greater density of sandflies occurred during the summer (January-February), coinciding with the period of higher temperatures, humidity and rainfall. The presence of Lutzomyia longipalpis, Lutzomyia whitmani and Lutzomyia pessoai, proven or suspected vectors of leishmaniasis, is of concern because the area is visited by many tourists.

A new species of Brazilian phlebotomine sandfly found in Brazil, municipality of Diamantina, state of Minas Gerais, is described based on males and females collected in a quartzite cave. The body of spermathecae is continuous to the individual duct, lanky and tapering at the end, with conical shaped, not striated and presenting the head with dense setae. The male presents gonostyle with four spines and a small subterminal seta and gonocoxite with one group of persistent setae. The paramere is simple with a group of small setae on the dorsal apex. The morphological features of this new species permit its inclusion in the migonei group.

Montes Claros in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, was considered an intense transmission area for visceral leishmaniasis. This study evaluated sand fly fauna after insecticide application. Captures were performed in 10 districts from September 2005 to August 2006 with CDC light traps inside and outside each residence. Cypermethrin was sprayed in two cycles during November/2005 and May/2006. The 636 specimens collected, belonging to 10 species, were predominantly Lutzomyia longipalpis (79%), and most frequently males (70%). The highest percentage of specimens were captured in areas surrounding domiciles (85.8%). The main species were observed to be sensitive to treatment with the insecticide. The results showed a reduction in the number of sand flies collected after use of cypermethrin in homes and annexes, and with residual effect lasting from two to four months. Montes Claros foi considerada área de transmissão intensa para leishmaniose visceral no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Este trabalho avaliou a fauna de flebotomíneos após a aplicação do inseticida. Entre setembro de 2005 e agosto de 2006, foram realizadas capturas com 20 armadilhas luminosas CDC em 10 bairros do município, no intra e no peridomicílio de cada residência. Dois ciclos de borrifação com cipermetrina foram realizados nos meses de novembro/2005 e maio/2006. Coletou-se 636 exemplares pertencentes a 10 espécies, com predominância de Lutzomyia longipalpis (79%). Machos foram coletados com maior frequência (70%). O peridomicílio apresentou a maior porcentagem dos espécimens capturados (85,8%). Observou-se que as principais espécies foram sensíveis ao tratamento com o inseticida. Os resultados mostraram uma redução do número de flebotomíneos coletados devido ao uso de cipermetrina nos domicílios e seus anexos, mas com efeito residual atuante entre dois e quatro meses.

The vectorial capacity of Rhipicephalus sanguineus in the transmission of canine visceral leishmaniasis has been evaluated through a laboratory-controlled experiment. One healthy Leishmania-free dog and two dogs naturally infected with Leishmania were infested with R. sanguineus in various stages of development. Engorged larvae, unfed nymphs, engorged nymphs, unfed adults, engorged female adults and fed male adults were collected from the experimental animals and examined for Leishmania infection by optical microscopy, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and parasite culture. Leishmania forms were not detected in any of the 433 smears prepared from engorged colonies nor in any of the 118 smears prepared from unfed colonies. However, one flagellate structure was identified in one of the smears. All pools of R. sanguineus that had fed on the infected dogs tested PCR-positive for Leishmania DNA, with the single exception of the pool of engorged larvae. In contrast, all pools of ticks that had fed on the Leishmania-free dog were PCR-negative. Leishmania growth was not observed in any of the tick colonies following incubation on culture medium. Considering that no Leishmania forms were identified in any of the meticulously analysed smears derived from engorged colonies of R. sanguineus, it appears somewhat unlikely that the maintenance and multiplication of Leishmania occurs within the tick.

In Brazil, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by Leishmania chagasi parasites that are transmitted to man through the bites of infected females of Lutzomyia longipalpis sand flies. In order to evaluate transmission risk and to clarify the epidemiology of this tropical disease, studies focused on the vector and favorable environmental conditions are of fundamental importance. In this work, we surveyed the phlebotomine sand fly fauna in Janaúba, a Brazilian municipality that is endemic for VL. During a two-year period, entomological captures were performed monthly in 15 districts with high, moderate and low profiles of VL transmission. A total of 14,591 phlebotomine sand flies were captured (92% L. longipalpis), with a predominance of males. Most specimens were captured in the peri-domicile setting, although the number of specimens captured in the intra-domicile setting emphasises the anthropophilic behaviour of this insect. The population density of L. longipalpis was modulated by climate variations, particularly with clear increases immediately after the rainy season. However, the pattern of distribution did not coincide with the occurrence of human or canine cases of VL. This suggests that the eco-epidemiology of VL is particular to each area of transmission and must be taken into account during the design of public health control actions.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo conhecer a fauna flebotomínica na Gruta do Caboclo, localizada no Parque Nacional Cavernas do Peruaçu, MG, e associá-la ao risco de transmissão das leishmanioses. As capturas foram realizadas utilizando-se armadilhas luminosas tipo CDC, nos meses de fevereiro e março de 2003. O total de 436 flebotomíneos foi capturado, pertencendo a 14 espécies. A espécie predominante foi Lutzomyia ischnacantha Martins, Souza & Falcão, com 28,7%, seguida por L. renei (27,06%) e L. cavernicola (13,07%). O encontro de L. intermedia, espécie incriminada como vetora de leishmaniose cutânea, deve ser levado em consideração. We surveyed the phlebotomine fauna in the Parque Nacional Cavernas Do Peruaçu, Minas Gerais, Brazil, aiming to associate the presence of vector with the risk of leishmaniasis transmission. Field captures were performed with CDC light traps between February and March 2003. A total of 436 sand flies were captured, belonging to 14 species. The predominant species (28.7%) was Lutzomyia ischnacantha Martins, Souza e Falcão, followed by L. renei (27,06%) and L. cavernicola (13,07%). The finding of L. intermedia, a species that is incriminated as vector of the cutaneous leishmaniasis, has to be taken into account.

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2014-02-26T17:01:59Z No. of bitstreams: 1 WOS000252220200024.pdf: 152729 bytes, checksum: 04aa1cc1b09b8a4c91e2a052a03bf3ed (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-02-26T17:01:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 WOS000252220200024.pdf: 152729 bytes, checksum: 04aa1cc1b09b8a4c91e2a052a03bf3ed (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-11-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:24:56Z No. of bitstreams: 1 WOS000252220200024.pdf: 152729 bytes, checksum: 04aa1cc1b09b8a4c91e2a052a03bf3ed (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:24:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 WOS000252220200024.pdf: 152729 bytes, checksum: 04aa1cc1b09b8a4c91e2a052a03bf3ed (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-11-01 During April and May 2006, experiments were carried out in Brejo do Mutambal, Varzelandia Town, Minas Gerais State, to evaluate the attractiveness of phlebotomine sandflies to CDC light traps, baited with kairomones. of the 19 species of Lutzomyia already registered for the region, L. lutziana (Costa Lima), L. longipennis (Barreto), L. goiana (Martins, Falcao & Silva) and L. brasiliensis (Costa Lima) were recorded for the first time, thus increasing the diversity of phlebotomine sandflies fauna in this area to 23 species. The new registered species and distribution are shown and discussed herein. Univ Fed Minas Gerais, Inst Ciências Biol, Dept Parasitol, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil Fiocruz MS, Ctr Pesquisas Rene Rachou, BR-30196002 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Fac Farm, BR-14801902 Araraquara, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Fac Farm, BR-14801902 Araraquara, SP, Brazil

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a growing zoonosis with an increasing number of new cases and a rapid geographical spreading of the disease. In the present study, a canine survey was carried out in the city of Montes Claros (320,000 inhabitants), an endemic area of American visceral leishmaniasis in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total number of 4795 dogs were examined by serology, which showed a rate of seropositivity of 5%. Isoenzymatic analysis confirmed Leishmania infantum chagasi as the local aetiological agent of CVL. Canine tissues were assayed for the presence of Leishmania parasite DNA using different techniques. The infectivity of asymptomatic, oligosymptomatic and symptomatic seropositive dogs was tested by xenodiagnosis using laboratory reared Lutzomyia longipalpis. Rates of infection of 5.4%, 5.1% and 28.4% were found for the phlebotomine sand flies that fed in asymptomatic, oligosymptomatic and symptomatic dogs, respectively. Our results indicate that, under experimental conditions, symptomatic dogs are about four times more infective to VL vectors than oligosymptomatic or asymptomatic animals. The lower infectivity rates of dogs displaying any of the last two clinical forms of leishmaniasis, however, must be taken into account in the epidemiology of CVL.

O comportamento e hábitos alimentares de algumas espécies da flebotomíneos têm sido útil na compreensão da epidemiologia das leishmanioses. No município de Porteirinha (MG), foram realizadas capturas mensais sistematizadas utilizando-se 28 armadilhas luminosas tipo CDC, durante o período de janeiro a dezembro de 2002. Foram capturadas 14 espécies de flebotomíneos, totalizando 1.408 exemplares. De acordo com o ambiente, os resultados obtidos mostraram que o peridomicílio apresentou a maior (53,3%) porcentagem dos espécimens encontrados na região, embora parte (46,7%) da fauna também tenha sido encontrada no intradomicílio. O repasto sanguíneo de 38 fêmeas de Lutzomyia longipalpis, provenientes do campo, foi identificado através da reação de precipitina. Os resultados indicam que Lutzomyia longipalpis foi a espécie predominante (65,1%), mostrando-se oportunista, podendo sugar uma ampla variedade de vertebrados.

A study of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz and Neiva, 1912) (Diptera: Psychodidae), the primary vector of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL), and the canine form of the disease, was carried out in Porteirinha. The city is situated in the northern part of the Brazilian State of Minas Gerais and is an endemic area of AVL. Systematic phlebotomine captures were performed in seven districts with previously reported cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis, during 2 years (January 2000--December 2001). A total of 2328 specimens of L. longipalpis were captured. The association between the local climate variables and the population density of L. longipalpis was evaluated and rainfall was determined to be a major factor, with increased populations during the rainy season (October--March). At the same time period, blood samples from every dog domiciled in the same seven districts, in total 14,077 animals, were analyzed for infection by viscerotropic Leishmania using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Accumulated incidence rates of canine VL per district varied from 3.40 to 14.34 for the 2-year period. A positive correlation between the population density of L. longipalpis and the canine cases of visceral leishmaniasis in Porteirinha was observed.

A study of the phlebotomine sand fly fauna was carried out in an endemic area of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) in the municipality of Porteirinha, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Captures were performed with CDC light traps in 7 districts, 5 days per month, during 2 consecutive years (January 2000 to December 2001). A total of 3240 sand flies were captured and identified. Sixteen species were found, among which 15 belonged to the genus Lutzomyia and one to the genus Brumptomyia. Lutzomyia longipalpis, a proven vector of AVL, was the predominant species (71.85%) throughout the time period. The interference of climatic factors (temperature, humidity, and rainfall) over the populational dynamics of the sand flies was determined. Statistical analysis of the data showed a significant correlation among the number of phlebotomine sand flies collected, rainfall, and humidity, whereas the effect of temperature was negligible, in that particular region. The amount of collected phlebotomine, the number of human cases, and the prevalence of canine AVL in the districts of Porteirinha are discussed.

An alkaline serineprotease, capable of hydrolyzing Nα-benzoyl- dl arginine p-nitroanilide, was secreted by Fusarium oxysporum var. lini grown in the presence of gelatin as the sole nitrogen and carbon source. The protease was purified 65-fold to electrophoretic homogenity from the culture supernatant in a three-step procedure comprising QSepharose chromatography, affinity chromatography, and FPLC on a MonoQ column. SDS-PAGE analysis of the purified protein indicated an estimated molecular mass of 41 kDa. The protease had optimum activity at a reaction temperature of 45°C and showed a rapid decrease of activity at 48°C. The optimum pH was around 8.0. Characterization of the protease showed that Ca2+ and Mg2+ cations increased the activity, which was not inhibited by EDTA or 1,10-phenanthroline. The enzyme activity on Nα-benzoyl- dl arginine p-nitroanilide was inhibited by 4-(2-aminoethyl)-benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride, p-aminobenzamidine dihydrochloride, aprotinin, 3–4 dichloroisocoumarin, and N-tosyl- l -lysine chloromethyl ketone. The enzyme is also inhibited by substrate concentrations higher than 2.5 × 10−4 M. The protease had a Michaelis-Menten constant of 0.16 mM and a Vmax of 0.60 μmol released product·min−1·mg−1 enzyme when assayed in a non-inhibiting substrate concentration. The activity on Nα-benzoyl- dl arginine p-nitroanilide was competitively inhibited by p-aminobenzamidine dihydrochoride. A Ki value of 0.04 mM was obtained.

Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Laboratório de Ecologia e Sistemática de Abelhas. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri. Departamento de Ciências Biológicas. Diamantina, MG, Brasil Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Grupo de Estudos em Leishmanioses. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil Background: Sand fly collections were performed to study ecological aspects of the Phlebotominae fauna of the Xakriabá Indigenous Reserve, an area with endemic cutaneous leishmaniasis, located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: The collections were performed in peridomicile areas and along trails previously selected for the study of wild and synanthropic Leishmania hosts. Differences in the distribution patterns of the sand fly species as well as in species richness and abundance between the different ecotopes were investigated during both rainy and dry seasons over the course of the study period. Results: A total of 8,046 sand flies belonging to 11 genera and 28 species were collected. Lutzomyia longipalpis and Nyssomyia intermédia were the most abundant species in peridomicile areas, whereas Martinsmyia minasensis and Lutzomyia cavernícola were the most abundant species among the different trail ecotopes. Conclusion: The different composition of the sand fly fauna observed in the peridomicile areas and in the trails during the study, reinforces the importance of sampled different areas in a phlebotomine fauna survey. The presence of Lutzomyia longipalpis and Ny. Intermedia most abundant in peridomicile can be important to Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis transmission in the Imbaúbas native village.

A morphometric survey examined adult specimens of Lutzomyia whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho) captured at 5 municipalities in southeastern and northeastern Brazil to compare the populations. The localities were Ilheus (Bahia), Martinho Campos (Minas Gerais), Corte de Pedra (Bahia), Baturite (Ceara), and Amaraji (Pernambuco): all are known foci of American cutaneous leishmaniasis. Fifteen males and 15 females from each population were analyzed morphometrically for 42 and 37 characters, respectively. Statistical data alone were insufficient to discriminate among the 5 populations. Further analysis generated phenograms that indicated there were 2 spatial clusters: the 1st was composed of specimens from Ilheus (Bahia) and Baturite (Ceara) and the 2nd of specimens from Martinho Campos (Minas Gerais), Corte de Pedra (Bahia), and Amaraji (Pernambuco). Although insufficient to define the taxonomic status of the populations studied, the results delineated the existence of biogeographical structuring within L. whitmani. Complementary studies on the susceptibility to Leishmania braziliensis infection in the 5 populations are in progress to clarify the relationship between the 2 biogeographical clusters and American cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission in those Brazilian regions.

A new species of Nemapalpus Macquart collected in caverns in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, is described and named Nemapalpus spinosus sp. nov. A current list of the western hemisphere species of the genus is provided.