Angela Maria Magosso Takayanagui

Fiscalização de verduras comercializadas no município de Ribeirão Preto, SP

Resumo O consumo de verduras cruas constitui importante meio de transmissao de varias doencasinfecciosas. Este estudo tem como objetivo a avaliacao microbiologica e parasitologica de verdurascomercializadas no municipio de Ribeirao Preto, SP, abrangendo todos os pontos de venda ao consumidor.Do total de 172 estabelecimentos fixos ou ambulantes analisados, 115 (67%) apresentaram hortalicas comirregularidades: elevada concentracao de coliformes fecais em 63%, presenca de Salmonella em 9% e deenteroparasitas em 33%. Os pontos de venda com maior frequencia de hortalicas com resultados inadequadosforam: mercearias (92%), CEAGESP (75%), quitandas (71%), vendedores ambulantes (71%), feiras-livres(69%), supermercados (52%) e hortas (18%). O tipo de contaminacao apresentou distribuicao uniforme emrelacao aos locais de venda e a variedade da hortalica. A maioria (61%) das verduras contaminadas eraprocedente de hortas localizadas no municipio de Ribeirao Preto. Considerando a elevada frequencia decontaminacao fecal e o potencial risco de doencas veiculadas pelas hortalicas, sugerimos uma vigilânciasanitaria mais atuante na fiscalizacao de alimentos oferecidos a populacao.Palavras-chaves: Verduras. Coliformes fecais. Salmonella. Cisticercose.Abstract The ingestion of raw vegetables represents an important means of transmission of several infectiousdiseases. The objective of the present study was to perform a microbiological and parasitological evaluationof the vegetables commercially sold in the municipality of Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil. Of a total of 172 commercialconcerns analyzed, 115 (67%) presented irregularities in the vegetables they sold, such as elevatedconcentration of fecal coliforms in 63%, presence of Salmonella in 9%, and presence of enteroparasites in33%. The commercial concerns with the highest frequencies of vegetables showing inadequate results were:grocery stores (92%), CEAGESP (75%), fruit and vegetables stores (71%), traveling vendors (71%), fairs(69%), supermarkets (52%), and vegetable gardens (18%). The type of contamination was uniformly distributedamong these commercial concerns. Most of the contaminated vegetables (61%) were from gardens located inthe municipality of Ribeirao Preto. Considering the high frequency of fecal contamination and the potential riskof disease transmitted by vegetables, we suggest greater enforcement in the sanitary surveillance of the foodoffered to the population.Key-words: Lettuce. Vegetable. Fecal coliforms. Salmonella. Cysticercosis.The ingestion of raw vegetables represents an important means of transmission of several infectious diseases. The objective of the present study was to perform a microbiological and parasitological evaluation of the vegetables commercially sold in the municipality of Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. Of a total of 172 commercial concerns analyzed, 115 (67%) presented irregularities in the vegetables they sold, such as elevated concentration of fecal coliforms in 63%, presence of Salmonella in 9%, and presence of enteroparasites in 33%. The commercial concerns with the highest frequencies of vegetables showing inadequate results were: grocery stores (92%), CEAGESP (75%), fruit and vegetables stores (71%), traveling vendors (71%), fairs (69%), supermarkets (52%), and vegetable gardens (18%). The type of contamination was uniformly distributed among these commercial concerns. Most of the contaminated vegetables (61%) were from gardens located in the municipality of Ribeirão Preto. Considering the high frequency of fecal contamination and the potential risk of disease transmitted by vegetables, we suggest greater enforcement in the sanitary surveillance of the food offered to the population.

Fiscalização de hortas produtoras de verduras do município de Ribeirão Preto, SP

The ingesting of raw vegetables plays an important role in the transmission of several infectious diseases due to the high frequency of irrigation with wastewater. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sanitary conditions of all lettuce producing crops in Ribeirao Preto through microbiological and parasitological analysis of both irrigation water and lettuce together with the implantation of an effective crop monitoring. Laboratory analysis of 129 crops showed irregularities in 26 (20.1%) of these: high concentration of fecal coliforms in 17% of the lettuce, presence of Salmonella in 3.1% and several enteroparasites (Ascaris sp, Ancylostomidae, Strongyloides sp, Hymenolepis nana, and Giardia sp ) in 13.1%. Persistent irregularities determined the definitive closing down of one producer; all of the remaining 128 crops were eventually approved, thus demonstrating the efficacy of lettuce crop monitoring. Crops approved in the laboratory analysis were awarded a Sanitary Inspection Certificate - an unprecedented procedure in our Country - that resulted in a better acceptance of the monitoring.The ingesting of raw vegetables plays an important role in the transmission of several infectious diseases due to the high frequency of irrigation with wastewater. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sanitary conditions of all lettuce producing crops in Ribeirão Preto through microbiological and parasitological analysis of both irrigation water and lettuce together with the implantation of an effective crop monitoring. Laboratory analysis of 129 crops showed irregularities in 26 (20.1%) of these: high concentration of fecal coliforms in 17% of the lettuce, presence of Salmonella in 3.1% and several enteroparasites (Ascaris sp, Ancylostomidae, Strongyloides sp, Hymenolepis nana, and Giardia sp ) in 13.1%. Persistent irregularities determined the definitive closing down of one producer; all of the remaining 128 crops were eventually approved, thus demonstrating the efficacy of lettuce crop monitoring. Crops approved in the laboratory analysis were awarded a Sanitary Inspection Certificate - an unprecedented procedure in our Country - that resulted in a better acceptance of the monitoring.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida geral de agentes comunitários de saúde: a contribuição relativa das variáveis sociodemográficas e dos domínios da qualidade de vida

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at evaluating the relative contribution of each life quality domain (physical, psychological, social relationships and environment) and of sociodemographic variables to overall quality of life of community health agents from a municipality located in the State of Parana, Brazil. METHODS: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out using a quantitative approach. The sample was composed of 169 agents (86.2% of the total). The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Bref was used as a generic instrument to evaluate quality of life. Correlation tests and multivariate linear regression were used, considering a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: None of the sociodemographic variables significantly interfered with overall quality of life. Among the four domains, the physical domain contributed the most to overall quality of life, followed by the psychological and environment domains, all of them accounting for 47.9% of variance. The domain of social relationships did not show significant contribution to overall quality of life. CONCLUSION: It was observed that variance of overall quality of life was not completely explained by sociodemographic variables neither by quality of life domains. Thus, more attention should be given by researchers to different forms of understanding quality of life, especially research methods and interdisciplinary evaluation.

Notificação compulsória da cisticercose em Ribeirão Preto - SP

Cysticercosis is a severe public health problem in several regions of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Epidemiologic studies based on the frequency of cases observed in specialized neurology, neurosurgery and computed tomography services, at autopsy and in seroepidemiologic studies do not permit the determination of the true prevalence of the disease in the population. The objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of cysticercosis by compulsory notification. The coefficient of prevalence was 54 cases/100000 inhabitants in the municipality of Ribeirao Preto. The results also indicated that cysticercosis is not under control in our region since 21% of cases presented the active form of the disease. Compulsory notification proved to be a valuable resource for the epidemiologic study of cysticercosis, also permitting the mapping of more affected areas for a better direction of prevention strategies.

Community health agent: a literature review

Study of the review literature regarding brazilian Community Health Agent. The methodology was descriptive and exploratory study, using the LILACS database (1982 to march/2005) and MEDLINE (1966 to 2005). The analysis resulted 153 publications, from which 97 had been excluded. About type of production, of the 56 references (100%), 53,6% were books, 32,1% periodic articles, 7,1% Masters Theses and remains 7,2%, doctoral dissertations and specialization monographs. It was observed that 59% of the references had been enclosed in the database in 2000. Considering only periodic articles, specialization monographs, Masters Theses and doctoral dissertations, an amount of 26 studies, the experimental design predominated (73%), being the objectives most frequent: characterization of the agents and their functions, process work and results. The data suggest increasing interest on the subject, however, these workers still consist a population little studied.Study of the review literature regarding brazilian Community Health Agent. The methodology was descriptive and exploratory study, using the LILACS database (1982 to march/2005) and MEDLINE (1966 to 2005). The analysis resulted 153 publications, from which 97 had been excluded. About type of production, of the 56 references (100%), 53,6% were books, 32,1% periodic articles, 7,1% Masters Theses and remains 7,2%, doctoral dissertations and specialization monographs. It was observed that 59% of the references had been enclosed in the database in 2000. Considering only periodic articles, specialization monographs, Masters Theses and doctoral dissertations, an amount of 26 studies, the experimental design predominated (73%), being the objectives most frequent: characterization of the agents and their functions, process work and results. The data suggest increasing interest on the subject, however, these workers still consist a population little studied.

Avaliação da contaminação de hortas produtoras de verduras após a implantação do sistema de fiscalização em Ribeirão Preto, SP

This study evaluated the microbiological and parasitological contamination of 88 market gardens producing green vegetables, of which 47 had been investigated previously. The contamination rate was 38.3% in the market gardens previously evaluated and 43.9% in the new market gardens. Food safety requires a continuous and efficient sanitary surveillance system for market gardens.

Análise da cadeia de produção de verduras em Ribeirão Preto, SP

With the aim of assessing the cumulative risk of lettuce contamination, 45 production chains were investigated. The presence of thermotolerant coliforms, Salmonella and/or parasites was detected in 69% of these, in all steps of the production chain. Quality control in all steps of the lettuce production process should be intensified.

Poluição do ar e doenças respiratórias alérgicas em escolares

Study on the prevalence of allergic respiratory diseases in schoolchildren between six and seven years old, associated with indicators of air pollution. A questionnaire based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood was administered to parents of students from public schools, located in urban areas with differing vehicle flows. There was a positive correlation between monthly frequency of rhinitis and concentration of pollutants, and negative with relative air humidity. Even with levels of air pollutants below that allowed by law, the prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and associated symptoms tended to be higher in the central region school, where there is heavy vehicular traffic.Study on the prevalence of allergic respiratory diseases in schoolchildren between six and seven years old, associated with indicators of air pollution. A questionnaire based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood was administered to parents of students from public schools, located in urban areas with differing vehicle flows. There was a positive correlation between monthly frequency of rhinitis and concentration of pollutants, and negative with relative air humidity. Even with levels of air pollutants below that allowed by law, the prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and associated symptoms tended to be higher in the central region school, where there is heavy vehicular traffic.

Monitoring of lettuce crops of Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil

The ingesting of raw vegetables plays an important role in the transmission of several infectious diseases due to the high frequency of irrigation with wastewater. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sanitary conditions of all lettuce producing crops in Ribeirao Preto through microbiological and parasitological analysis of both irrigation water and lettuce together with the implantation of an effective crop monitoring. Laboratory analysis of 129 crops showed irregularities in 26 (20.1%) of these: high concentration of fecal coliforms in 17% of the lettuce, presence of Salmonella in 3.1% and several enteroparasites (Ascaris sp, Ancylostomidae, Strongyloides sp, Hymenolepis nana, and Giardia sp ) in 13.1%. Persistent irregularities determined the definitive closing down of one producer; all of the remaining 128 crops were eventually approved, thus demonstrating the efficacy of lettuce crop monitoring. Crops approved in the laboratory analysis were awarded a Sanitary Inspection Certificate - an unprecedented procedure in our Country - that resulted in a better acceptance of the monitoring.The ingesting of raw vegetables plays an important role in the transmission of several infectious diseases due to the high frequency of irrigation with wastewater. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sanitary conditions of all lettuce producing crops in Ribeirão Preto through microbiological and parasitological analysis of both irrigation water and lettuce together with the implantation of an effective crop monitoring. Laboratory analysis of 129 crops showed irregularities in 26 (20.1%) of these: high concentration of fecal coliforms in 17% of the lettuce, presence of Salmonella in 3.1% and several enteroparasites (Ascaris sp, Ancylostomidae, Strongyloides sp, Hymenolepis nana, and Giardia sp ) in 13.1%. Persistent irregularities determined the definitive closing down of one producer; all of the remaining 128 crops were eventually approved, thus demonstrating the efficacy of lettuce crop monitoring. Crops approved in the laboratory analysis were awarded a Sanitary Inspection Certificate - an unprecedented procedure in our Country - that resulted in a better acceptance of the monitoring.

Exposição ocupacional por uso de mercúrio em odontologia: uma revisão bibliográfica

The aim of this study is to present data concerning hazardous waste management in the health area, with emphasis to the utilization of mercury in dentistry. The study was based on a bibliographic review regarding the use of mercury in dental fillings and its potential toxicological risks for patients and due to occupational exposure. The studies also take into consideration national and international recommendations on the use of mercury and its occupational exposure limits. The review of the literature reveals the potential toxic effects of mercury both on the environment and on human health. Given that the use of dental amalgam is still very frequent in dentistry, there is a need for safety regulations in order to minimize the risks posed by dental amalgam in dentistry proceedings based on technical guidelines for its use, discard and final disposal.