Karina Aparecida de Abreu Tonani

Water quality of the Ribeirão Preto Stream, a watercourse under anthropogenic influence in the southeast of Brazil

It is known that Brazil still has a privileged position of water quantity and quality, but water use has not proceeded in a responsible manner and often results in impairment of quality. This study aims to evaluate limnological parameters, parasites and bacteria, and concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Mn, Hg, and Zn) in surface water of Ribeirão Preto Stream. The Ribeirão Preto Stream is located in urban areas under anthropogenic influence. The results showed that the levels of dissolved oxygen values were lower than those established by the National Environmental Council (CONAMA Resolution No 357/2005). The reading of electrical conductivity showed values typical of impacted environments. The parasitological analysis revealed the presence of nematode larvae. The bacteriological analysis showed higher values for total coliform and Escherichia coli than those set by the Brazilian National Environment Council (CONAMA). The heavy metals Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Mn, Hg, and Zn showed concentrations in accordance with the guidelines established by CONAMA. The results provide data on the quality of these waters and showed the necessity to protect the watercourse from point sources of contamination, recommending their continued monitoring.

Aluminum Concentrations in Water of Elderly People’s Houses and Retirement Homes and Its Relation with Elderly Health

The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of aluminum (Al) and other metals in water samples from elderly people’s houses and retirement homes. Forty-six duplicate water samples from kitchen taps were collected in Ribeirão Preto/SP, Brazil. Metal levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Aluminum concentration exceeded the maximum allowed values in 26% of samples according to the Decree 518/2004 of the Brazilian Health Ministry. It was noted that 11% of elderly living at monitored houses, as well as 19% living at retirement homes presented Alzheimer disease diagnostic. These results suggest taking into account Al risks among vulnerable elderly population groups.

Adaptation of Ritchie's Method for Parasites Diagnosing with Minimization of Chemical Products

Latin America, Africa, and Asia present wide dissemination and high prevalence rates of waterborne parasitic diseases, which is a strong indicative of the fragility of public sanitation systems. In this context, parasitological analyses represent extremely relevant instruments. Several parasite diagnosis methods exist, among which Ritchies method (1948) stands out. This method uses formaldehyde and ether, two reagents of toxicological importance that can cause damages to environmental and occupational health. The present study aimed to compare Ritchies method modified by Régis Anécimo, without use of solvents, with the traditional Ritchies method, routinely used for helminth and protozoa diagnosing in Brazil. Some changes were introduced in the modified method, such as controlled increase of water temperature used after stool dilution and substitution of formaldehyde and ether by a neutral detergent before material centrifugation for observation of parasites. In examined samples by both methods, multiple infections were commonly observed; the modified method presented a similar sensitivity to identify the parasites. The development of analytic diagnosis methods that minimize the use of chemical products like ether and formaldehyde represents an important tool to prevent occupational diseases among exposed professionals, as well as to preserve environmental quality through the use of clean techniques.

Emergent and re-emergent parasites in HIV-infected children: immunological and socio-environmental conditions that are involved in the transmission of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp.

INTRODUCTION Emergent and re-emergent waterborne protozoans have become a worldwide public health problem, especially among vulnerable groups. METHODS This cross-sectional study evaluated 17 HIV-infected children and their families. RESULTS A high (76.5%) percentage of parasite-infected children was observed, even among children with CD4+ T-cell counts of >200 cells/mm3. Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Cyclospora spp. were observed in 41.2% of these children Low income, poor hygiene practices, and co-infection in domestic, peridomestic and scholastic environments were significant sources of these intestinal infections. CONCLUSIONS Early diagnosis, timely treatment, and socio-educational interventions may improve the health conditions of this vulnerable population.

Enteroparasitos em crianças de instituição de ensino filantrópica: ênfase para Cryptosporidium spp. e Giardia spp.

Resumo Introdução: A inserção das crianças em creches e pré-escolas tem constituído um importante dispositivo na atual configuração social. No entanto, o convívio permanente na creche/escola propicia o adoecimento das crianças com maior frequência quando comparadas com outras que permanecem em espaços familiares mais restritos, especialmente por enteroparasitos. Objetivos: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de Cryptosporidium spp. e Giardia spp., considerados enteroparasitos oportunistas emergentes e reemergentes, e outros enteroparasitos em amostras de fezes de crianças de 2 a 6 anos de uma escola de educação infantil filantrópica. Casuística e Métodos: Participaram do estudo 32 crianças e a detecção de enteroparasitos foi feita pelo Método de Hoffmann, Pons e Janer. A identificação de Cryptosporidium spp. foi realizada pela centrífugo-sedimentação formalinaéter seguido da coloração de Ziehl-Neelsen modificada. Para confirmação d e Cryptosporidium spp. e Giardia spp. foi utilizado o teste de ELISA (RIDASCREEN®). Resultados: A prevalência de enteroparasitos foi de 62,5%, com elevada frequência de Cryptosporidium spp. (31%) e Giardia spp. (25%). A idade mais acometida por esses microrganismos emergentes e reemergentes foi de 3 e 4 anos. Conclusão: A partir do exposto, é de suma importância realizar processos de educação em saúde para famílias e funcionários das instituições escolares a respeito das principais formas de transmissão e medidas de prevenção de enteroparasitoses, a fim d e evitar a disseminação de microrganismos patogênicos no ambiente escolar.