Cléa Nazaré Carneiro Bichara

Diagnosis of intestinal amebiasis using coproscopic and immunological methods in a population sample in Greater Metropolitan Belém, Pará, Brazil

We compare diagnostic methods for Entamoeba histolytica in fecal samples from the city of Belém, Pará, Brazil. We analyze stool samples from children and adults (Group I); stool and serum samples from adults (Group II); and stool samples from children (Group III). In groups I and III, we used direct examination with lugol (DM), Faust et al (FM), and ELISA (detection of E. histolytica anti-GIAP coproantigen) and in group II, DM, iron hematoxylin staining (IHS), FM, ELISA, and the indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT) for detection of IgG antibodies. Positivity was 10.50% by DM plus FM and 28.99% by ELISA. There was no correlation between positivity and age group. In Group II (n = 87), the positive rate was 4.59% by DM plus FM, 8.04% by IHS, 4.59% by IFAT, and 21.83% by ELISA. The ELISA test was the most sensitive for all groups. IFAT alone is still not a useful tool for diagnosis of E. histolytica infection. The ELISA test is simple, performed in one-third of cases used for IHS and IFAT, and greatly improves quality of diagnosis. We recommend this as the method of choice for diagnosis of suspected E. histolytica infection.

Incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis in the city of Belém, state of Pará, northern Brazil, determined by a neonatal screening program: preliminary results

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to determinate the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis among a group of newborns (NBs) from Belém using neonatal screening. METHODS Among the 6,000 newborns referred for investigation of genetic and metabolic diseases, 1,000 were selected for screening for congenital toxoplasmosis by determining the amount of IgM in the eluates of blood collected on filter paper. Positive tests were confirmed using paired serology of the NB and his mother. RESULTS Out of the 1,000 NBs assessed, one had a positive screening result that was confirmed by paired serology. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis in Belém was 10/10,000 live NBs.

Pesquisa de anticorpos anti Toxoplasma gondii em fluidos intra-oculares (humor vítreo e humor aquoso) de pacientes com toxoplasmose ocular, na cidade de Belém, PA

Tests were performed for antibodies IgG, IgM and IgA anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum and intraocular fluids (Aqueous and vitreous humor) from patients with ocular toxoplasmosis. By the results obtained, it was verified that intraocular IgG and IgA anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies can be important markers for the diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis.

Analysis of the detection coefficient for the association between leprosy and pregnancy in the integration region of Carajas, State of Para, Brazil

INTRODUCTION The association between leprosy and pregnancy is currently poorly understood and has been linked to serious clinical consequences. METHODS A retrospective study between 2007 and 2009 was performed in the integration region of Carajás, Brazil on a population of pregnant lepers, with non-lepers of ages 12-49 years serving as the reference population. RESULTS Twenty-nine pregnant lepers were studied during the study period. The detection rates (DRs) for the studied association were 4.7 in 2007, 9.4 in 2008, and 4.3 in 2009. CONCLUSIONS The Carajás region presented a medium pattern of endemicity during most of the study period, with a high DR found in 2008.

Prevalência da infecção por HIV em grávidas no norte do Brasil

Introduction: from the changes in the epidemiological behavior of the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence studies also showed differences, especially among women, and in this context a group of great epidemiological importance are pregnant. Objective: to evaluate the prevalence and diagnosis of HIV-infected pregnant women in public maternity hospital in the north of Brazil. Method: a descriptive, retrospective study of 770 records of pregnant women attending the obstetrics triage in the hospital Fundação Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará in the period from 2004 to 2010. Results: the prevalence for the period was 1.87%. As to diagnosis of HIV infection 75.1% knew that they were HIV-infected before the current pregnancy, 3.6% learned during the prenatal totaling 78.7% the coverage of the diagnosis of HIV infection before the arrival of motherhood and 21.3% at delivery through rapid test. Statistical analyzes were tested by chi-square contingency, G Test or ANOVA, with the alpha level of significance of p < or = 0.05. Conclusion: knowledge of the prevalence and diagnosis of the largest sample of pregnant HIV-infected Brazilian Amazon shows that the 21.3% rate of failed diagnosis of HIV infection at delivery, argues against the quality of execution health programs and, above all, shows that the care team must better accommodate pregnant women during prenatal care. The State of Pará showed high prevalence rate of HIV infection in pregnancy, as opposed to other country regions.

Leprosy and pregnancy in the State of Para: an epidemiological perspective

INTRODUCTION A few older publications describe leprosy associated with pregnancy, a situation that has been linked to leprosy exacerbation. This study aimed to describe the detection rate of this association in the State of Pará by county and Integration Region (IR) from 2007 to 2009 via an analysis of socio demographic, epidemiological and operational indices. METHODS This was a descriptive study using information generated by the SINAN. The Detection Coefficient of the Leprosy and Pregnancy Association (DCLP) epidemiological index was constructed to help interpret the endemicity parameters. The disease was considered hyperendemic when greater than two cases per 10,000 inhabitants were identified. RESULTS During the study period,149 associations were detected, with 14 hyperendemic counties: seven in 2007, fi ve in 2008 and two in 2009. The Carajás Integrated Region displayed the highest DCLP index in the period. Eldorado dos Carajás had the single highest DCLP index(5.7/10,000 inhabitants, 2008), whereas the DCLP index in Conceição do Araguaia was very high in all three years. However,most counties displayed low or medium DCLP indices. The annual averages were 0.31 DCLP (2007), bass; 0.30 (2008), bass and 0.19 (2009), bass. The average DCLP index was 0.26, which is considered low. Three clusters of medium endemicity were identified by the average DCLP in the study period. CONCLUSIONS The analyses indicated that the surveillance program is still unsatisfactory in Pará. The interpretation of the endemicity parameters enabled qualitative and quantitative analyses to determine the epidemiological panorama of this association. The identification of high endemicity requires further clarification.

Surto de toxoplasmose humana no Distrito de Monte Dourado, Município de Almeirim, Pará, Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To report an outbreak of human toxoplasmosis that occurred in the District of Monte Dourado, Municipality of Almeirim, Pará State, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After the positive diagnosis of five patients with symptoms suggestive of toxoplasmosis, clinical research and epidemiology were executed in the locality. A total of 186 individuals were evaluated, including symptomatic patients, their relatives and/or close contacts. All subjects underwent epidemiological inquiry, clinical assessment and serology by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM. RESULTS: A total of 40 individuals presented a serological profile of acute toxoplasmosis. Epidemiological analysis indicated that the cases could be related to infection with oocysts eliminated by cats, whose population density was very high in the surveyed locality. The most likely hypothesis of transmission would be through direct contact with oocysts of the parasite, either by the ingestion of contaminated food or by the inhalation of these forms in the soil. The possibility of water transmission through the local supply system was discarded because the system is inaccessible to cats. Infected individuals were treated at the local health care units. Moreover, local health authorities were instructed to implement measures to control stray cats in order to prevent new cases or outbreaks. CONCLUSION: The outbreak that occurred between February and March 2004 in Monte Dourado was caused by T. gondii. The hypothesis of contamination via oocysts of the parasite is supported by several factors, such as a high population density of cats in the surveyed District, frequent gardening habits and a lack of reports of ingestion of raw or undercooked meat.OBJECTIVE: To report an outbreak of human toxoplasmosis that occurred in the District of Monte Dourado, Municipality of Almeirim, Para State, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After the positive diagnosis of five patients with symptoms suggestive of toxoplasmosis, clinical research and epidemiology were executed in the locality. A total of 186 individuals were evaluated, including symptomatic patients, their relatives and/or close contacts. All subjects underwent epidemiological inquiry, clinical assessment and serology by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM. RESULTS: A total of 40 individuals presented a serological profile of acute toxoplasmosis. Epidemiological analysis indicated that the cases could be related to infection with oocysts eliminated by cats, whose population density was very high in the surveyed locality. The most likely hypothesis of transmission would be through direct contact with oocysts of the parasite, either by the ingestion of contaminated food or by the inhalation of these forms in the soil. The possibility of water transmission through the local supply system was discarded because the system is inaccessible to cats. Infected individuals were treated at the local health care units. Moreover, local health authorities were instructed to implement measures to control stray cats in order to prevent new cases or outbreaks. CONCLUSION: The outbreak that occurred between February and March 2004 in Monte Dourado was caused by T. gondii. The hypothesis of contamination via oocysts of the parasite is supported by several factors, such as a high population density of cats in the surveyed District, frequent gardening habits and a lack of reports of ingestion of raw or undercooked meat.

Leprosy and pregnancy: detection coefficient and proposal for a new index

INTRODUCTION Our study presents a method to generate a novel detection coefficient for the association between leprosy and pregnancy (DCLP). Methods The DCLP was calculated for women from the State of Pará (2007-2009), Brazil. Data were ordered, divided into five equal parts (corresponding to the P20, P40, P60, and P80 percentiles), and classified as low, medium, high, very high, or hyperendemic. RESULTS Using the new index, we established the DCLP parameters for low (<0.36), medium (0.36-0.69), high (0.70-1.09), very high (1.10-1.50), and hyperendemic (>1.50). CONCLUSIONS The new DCLP is more appropriate than the overall detection coefficient (DC), which does not take into account the particularities of the interaction between a disease and a specific physiological state.

Outbreak of human toxoplasmosis in the District of Monte Dourado, Municipality of Almeirim, Pará State, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To report an outbreak of human toxoplasmosis that occurred in the District of Monte Dourado, Municipality of Almeirim, Pará State, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After the positive diagnosis of five patients with symptoms suggestive of toxoplasmosis, clinical research and epidemiology were executed in the locality. A total of 186 individuals were evaluated, including symptomatic patients, their relatives and/or close contacts. All subjects underwent epidemiological inquiry, clinical assessment and serology by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM. RESULTS: A total of 40 individuals presented a serological profile of acute toxoplasmosis. Epidemiological analysis indicated that the cases could be related to infection with oocysts eliminated by cats, whose population density was very high in the surveyed locality. The most likely hypothesis of transmission would be through direct contact with oocysts of the parasite, either by the ingestion of contaminated food or by the inhalation of these forms in the soil. The possibility of water transmission through the local supply system was discarded because the system is inaccessible to cats. Infected individuals were treated at the local health care units. Moreover, local health authorities were instructed to implement measures to control stray cats in order to prevent new cases or outbreaks. CONCLUSION: The outbreak that occurred between February and March 2004 in Monte Dourado was caused by T. gondii. The hypothesis of contamination via oocysts of the parasite is supported by several factors, such as a high population density of cats in the surveyed District, frequent gardening habits and a lack of reports of ingestion of raw or undercooked meat.OBJECTIVE: To report an outbreak of human toxoplasmosis that occurred in the District of Monte Dourado, Municipality of Almeirim, Para State, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After the positive diagnosis of five patients with symptoms suggestive of toxoplasmosis, clinical research and epidemiology were executed in the locality. A total of 186 individuals were evaluated, including symptomatic patients, their relatives and/or close contacts. All subjects underwent epidemiological inquiry, clinical assessment and serology by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM. RESULTS: A total of 40 individuals presented a serological profile of acute toxoplasmosis. Epidemiological analysis indicated that the cases could be related to infection with oocysts eliminated by cats, whose population density was very high in the surveyed locality. The most likely hypothesis of transmission would be through direct contact with oocysts of the parasite, either by the ingestion of contaminated food or by the inhalation of these forms in the soil. The possibility of water transmission through the local supply system was discarded because the system is inaccessible to cats. Infected individuals were treated at the local health care units. Moreover, local health authorities were instructed to implement measures to control stray cats in order to prevent new cases or outbreaks. CONCLUSION: The outbreak that occurred between February and March 2004 in Monte Dourado was caused by T. gondii. The hypothesis of contamination via oocysts of the parasite is supported by several factors, such as a high population density of cats in the surveyed District, frequent gardening habits and a lack of reports of ingestion of raw or undercooked meat.

Brote de toxoplasmosis humana en la Comarca de Monte Dourado, en el Municipio de Almeirim (Estado de Pará, Brasil)

OBJECTIVE: To report an outbreak of human toxoplasmosis that occurred in the District of Monte Dourado, Municipality of Almeirim, Pará State, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After the positive diagnosis of five patients with symptoms suggestive of toxoplasmosis, clinical research and epidemiology were executed in the locality. A total of 186 individuals were evaluated, including symptomatic patients, their relatives and/or close contacts. All subjects underwent epidemiological inquiry, clinical assessment and serology by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM. RESULTS: A total of 40 individuals presented a serological profile of acute toxoplasmosis. Epidemiological analysis indicated that the cases could be related to infection with oocysts eliminated by cats, whose population density was very high in the surveyed locality. The most likely hypothesis of transmission would be through direct contact with oocysts of the parasite, either by the ingestion of contaminated food or by the inhalation of these forms in the soil. The possibility of water transmission through the local supply system was discarded because the system is inaccessible to cats. Infected individuals were treated at the local health care units. Moreover, local health authorities were instructed to implement measures to control stray cats in order to prevent new cases or outbreaks. CONCLUSION: The outbreak that occurred between February and March 2004 in Monte Dourado was caused by T. gondii. The hypothesis of contamination via oocysts of the parasite is supported by several factors, such as a high population density of cats in the surveyed District, frequent gardening habits and a lack of reports of ingestion of raw or undercooked meat.OBJECTIVE: To report an outbreak of human toxoplasmosis that occurred in the District of Monte Dourado, Municipality of Almeirim, Para State, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After the positive diagnosis of five patients with symptoms suggestive of toxoplasmosis, clinical research and epidemiology were executed in the locality. A total of 186 individuals were evaluated, including symptomatic patients, their relatives and/or close contacts. All subjects underwent epidemiological inquiry, clinical assessment and serology by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM. RESULTS: A total of 40 individuals presented a serological profile of acute toxoplasmosis. Epidemiological analysis indicated that the cases could be related to infection with oocysts eliminated by cats, whose population density was very high in the surveyed locality. The most likely hypothesis of transmission would be through direct contact with oocysts of the parasite, either by the ingestion of contaminated food or by the inhalation of these forms in the soil. The possibility of water transmission through the local supply system was discarded because the system is inaccessible to cats. Infected individuals were treated at the local health care units. Moreover, local health authorities were instructed to implement measures to control stray cats in order to prevent new cases or outbreaks. CONCLUSION: The outbreak that occurred between February and March 2004 in Monte Dourado was caused by T. gondii. The hypothesis of contamination via oocysts of the parasite is supported by several factors, such as a high population density of cats in the surveyed District, frequent gardening habits and a lack of reports of ingestion of raw or undercooked meat.