Silvia Maria Spalding

Serological screening and toxoplasmosis exposure factors among pregnant women in South of Brazil

Serological screening and evaluation of exposure factors for Toxoplasma gondii transmission were conducted in 2126 pregnant women from southern Brazil. Specific antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were presented by 74.5% (n=1583) of the pregnant women evaluated. Contact with soil was found to be the major factor for infection.

Estudo prospectivo de gestantes e seus bebês com risco de transmissão de toxoplasmose congênita em município do Rio Grande do Sul

This study followed up 2,126 pregnant women cared for at SUS day-care clinics (Public Health Insurance System) of the northwest of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. After serological screening we performed a follow up of all pregnant women and their babies. Serologic tests included: IgG, IgM, IgA and IgG avidity levels, mice inoculation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) also placentas and umbilical materials were tested using immunoperoxidase as well as clinical evaluation. Of all the pregnant women screened, 74.5% were reactive to toxoplasmosis, and 3.6% presented IgM seropositivity. At ophthalmic evaluation ten women had ocular lesions and one infant presented eye lesions and brain calcification. The presence of anti-T.gondii specific IgM throughout the entire pregnancy did not characterize acute phase infection, for this, complementary tests were necessary. The importance is underscored for attendance of the newborn of mothers presenting serology compatible with this infection even in the absence of signs and symptoms of congenital toxoplasmosis.

Diphyllobothrium latum: relato de caso no Brasil

Diphyllobothriasis is caused in humans by infection with adult tapeworms of the genus Diphyllobothrium acquired by consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish. Diphyllobothrium latum was confirmed by examination of the gravid proglottids and typical operculated eggs in the stool. The patient had a history of eating crustaceans and fish. This is the case report of the first Brazilian infected.

IgE sérica total em atópicos e não-atópicos na cidade de Porto Alegre

PURPOSE: We determined the total serum IgE levels among healthy individuals and atopic patients with respiratory symptoms in Porto Alegre. METHODS: Atopic patients (n: 92) and normal controls (n: 86) were stratified according to age and sex. Presence of atopy was recorded by history, clinical examination and skin prick test reactivity to common aeroallergens. Serum IgE was measured by Pharmacia Immuno-Cap System. RESULTS: It was demonstrated that total serum IgE is higher in males than in females. Total serum IgE levels were significantly higher in the atopic group (404 UI/mL) in comparison with the non-atopics controls (54.4 UI/mL). Our study provided the normal range for total serum IgE among atopics and non-atopics individuals in Porto Alegre. CONCLUSIONS: The profile of serum IgE among our population (atopics and non-atopics) is similar to the one observed in other countries.