Schistosomiasis mansoni presents many clinical manifestations during migration of schistosomes in their hosts, including diarrhea, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, liver abscesses, skinlesions, brain tumors and myeloradiculopathy. No lesions have been reported in skeletal striated muscles due to schistosomiasis mansoni in the literature. This short communication reports the histopathological findings on skeletal musculature in a murine model of neuroeschistosomiasis mansoni. Lesions were found in the tongue, masseter muscle, buccinator muscle, digastric muscle and temporalis muscle. Worm recovery was carried out to confirm the infection. We describe here, for the first time in the literature, injuries in the skeletal musculature due to Schistosoma mansoni nfection.

The Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 listed schistosomiasis among the leading 100 causes of death in Brazil, responsible for 3.6% of the estimated total of deaths globally. Eye and adnexa are very rarely affected by schistosomiasis mansoni, with limited documentation of ocular pathology in this setting. This short communication reports ocular histolopathological findings in a murine model of neuroschistosomiasis mansoni. Lesions were found in the bulbar conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, choroid and corneoscleral limbus.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The detection of Trypanosoma cruzi in tissue samples is important in many situations, such as testing of the reactivation of the infection. The detection of T. cruzi nests in endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) may be useful to evaluate graft rejection. Given their scarcity, such nests are not routinely identified. To increase the diagnosis sensitivity, immunohistochemistry (IHC) may serve as a promising strategy. Here, we validate an antiserum for the detection of T. cruzi infection by IHC. METHODS: We used 1) positive controls (PCs) - 13 EMB, 12 skin biopsies, and 1 heart with T. cruzi nests as sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE); 2) negative controls - a) 10 explant hearts and 10 EMB with no amastigote nests or clinical/laboratory signs of chagasic infection; and b) eight samples with leishmaniasis, toxoplasmosis, or histoplasmosis; and 3) Cases - 31 EMB of chagasic patients with no parasite nests in HE sections but detected positive for T. cruzi DNA by polymerase chain reaction. As a primary antibody, a hyperimmune serum from T. cruzi-infected rabbits was used. RESULTS: IHC results were positive for 21 of 26 PCs (80.8%) and one case of cutaneous leishmaniasis. In 4 of 31 cases, IHC revealed nests (12.9%), which were undetected by conventional histological examination. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that IHC with the tested antiserum increases the sensitivity of the diagnosis and may be recommended for routine use in EMB analyses of cardiac transplant patients with Chagas disease.

Contexto A apresentação clínica da doença celíaca é extremamente variável e o diagnóstico se baseia em testes sorológicos, histologia intestinal e respostas clínica e sorológica à dieta sem glúten. Objetivos Correlacionar os aspectos endoscópicos e histológicos de pacientes adultos com suspeita de doença celíaca e avaliar a concordância histológica interobservadores. Métodos Os aspectos endoscópicos de 80 pacientes adultos foram avaliados e correlacionados com os achados histológicos de acordo com a classificação de Marsh-Oberhuber. A concordância histológica foi baseada nos valores kappa. Resultados A sintomatologia clínica foi muito variável com destaque para a diarréia crônica, presente em 48 (60%) pacientes. Os aspectos endoscópicos relacionados à atrofia vilositária duodenal foram observados em 32 (40%) pacientes. Foram confirmados 46 casos de doença celíaca, prevalência de 57.5%. A sensibilidade, a especificidade, o valor preditivo positivo e o valor preditivo negativo dos aspectos endoscópicos para o diagnóstico da doença celíaca foram, respectivamente, 60,9%, 88,2%, 87,5% e 62,5%. A concordância histológica interobservadores foi moderada (kappa = 0,46). Conclusões Os aspectos endoscópicos de atrofia vilositária contribuíram para a suspeita e a indicação das biópsias duodenais com objetivo diagnóstico. A histologia pode ser contraditória e novas biópsias ou a opinião de outro profissional podem propiciar maior concordância diagnóstica.

Context Clinical presentation of celiac disease is extremely variable and the diagnosis relies on serologic tests, mucosal intestinal biopsy and clinic and serologic response to a gluten-free diet. Objectives To correlate the endoscopic and histological aspects of adult patients with suspicion of celiac disease and to evaluate the interobserver histological agreement. Methods Endoscopic aspects of 80 adult patients were evaluated and correlated with the histological features according the Marsh-Oberhuber classification system. The interobserver histological agreement was based on kappa values. Results The symptoms of the patients varied largely, with prominence for chronic diarrhea, present in 48 (60%) patients. The endoscopic aspects related with the duodenal villous atrophy had been observed in 32 (40%) patients. There were confirmed 46 cases of celiac disease, with prevalence of 57.5%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the endoscopic markers for celiac disease diagnosis were of 60.9%, 88.2%, 87.5% and 62.5%. There was moderate interobserver histological agreement (kappa = 0.46). Conclusions The endoscopic markers of villous atrophy, although not diagnostic, had assisted in the suspicion and indication of the duodenal biopsies for diagnosis proposal. Histology is sometimes contradictory and new biopsies or opinion of another professional can provide greater diagnostic agreement.

Introduction Human neuroschistosomiasis has been reported in the literature, but the possibility of modeling neuroschistosomiasis in mice is controversial. Methods In two research laboratories in Brazil that maintain the Schistosoma mansoni life cycle in rodents, two mice developed signs of brain disease (hemiplegia and spinning), and both were autopsied. Results S. mansoni eggs, both with and without granuloma formation, were observed in the brain and meninges of both mice by optical microscopy. Conclusions This is the first description of eggs in the brains of symptomatic mice that were experimentally infected with S. mansoni. An investigation of experimental neuroschistosomiasis is now feasible.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações histopatológicas da mucosa intestinal de coelhos submetidos a isquemia-reperfusão com e sem precondicionamento isquêmicol. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados dois grupos de dez coelhos Nova Zelândia machos com pesos variáveis entre 2,2 e 3,0 kg (média de 2,5 kg) de peso corpóreo. Para indução da isquemia, em todos os animais, o intestino delgado e o mesentério foram seccionados 30 cm e 60 cm após a transição pilórica gastroduodenal, antes da oclusão da artéria mesentérica cranial. Nos animais do Grupo 1, a artéria mesentérica proximal foi ocluida por pinçamento atraumático durante 45 min., seguido de reperfusão por 30 min. No Grupo 2, foi realizado precondicionamento por três ciclos de 2 min. de oclusão mesentérica intercalados com três ciclos de 2 min. de reperfusão, seguido de oclusão mantida por 45 min e reperfusão de 30min. como no Grupo I. Para estudo histopatológico, foram obtidas biópsias da parede intestinal antes da isquemia (t0-controle), após 45 min. de isquemia (t1) e após 30 min. de reperfusão (t2). RESULTADOS: No Grupo I foram observados os seguintes graus de lesões: t1, média de 2,8 e t2, média 3,3, Foram significantes as diferenças entre t0 e t1 e t0 e t2, mas não foram significantes as variações entre t1 e t2 (p>0,05). No Grupo 2, obteve-se em t1,média de 2,6 e t2, média 2,1. Foram significantes (p<0,05) as diferenças entre t0 e t1, t0 e t2 e entre t1 e t2. . Não ocorreu diferença significante (p>0,05) entre os resultados de t1 nos dois Grupos, mas foram significantes (p<0,05) as diferenças entre os resultados histopatológicos das biopsias de t2 dos Grupos 1 e 2. CONCLUSÃO: O precondicionamento isquêmico reduziu significantemente a degeneração histopatológica determinada pela reperfusão pós-isquêmica da parede intestinal.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the histopathology alterations of the intestinal mucosa of rabbits submitted to mesenteric artery ischemia and reperfusion with and without ischemic preconditioning. METHODS: Two groups of ten male New Zealand white rabbits body (weight 2.2-3.0, average 2.5 kg). For mesenteric ischemia induction in all animals the small bowel and mesentery were cut 30cm and 60cm far from the gastroduodenal pyloric transition before the proximal mesenteric artery occlusion. In the Group 1 animals, the proximal mesenteric artery was occluded for 45 min with an atraumatic vascular clamp, followed by reperfusion for 30 min. In the Group 2 the 45 min ischemic phase was preceded by three cycles of ischemia (2 minutes each) alternated with three cycles of reperfusion (2 minutes each). For istopathology study small bowel biopsies were obtained before ischemia (control), after 45 min of mesenteric ischemia and at 30 min. of mesenteric artery reperfusion. RESULTS: In the Group I animals, the followings histopathology grade results were observed: t1, mean 2,8; t2, mean 3,3. Using the Kruskal-Wallis non-parameter test, differences between t0 and t1 and t0 and t2 were significants (p<0.05), but not significant between t1 and t2 (p>0.05). In the Group 2 animals histopathology grade results were: t1 mean 2,6 and t2, mean 2,1. Differences between t0 and t1, t0 and t2 were significant (p<0.05). It was not observed differences (p>0.05) between results of t1 in both groups but histopathology injury observed in Group 1 t2 biopsies were higher (p<0.05) than observed in the same period (t2) of Group 2 animals. CONCLUSION: Microscopic examination of the biopsies revealed significant evidence of preconditioning protection against small bowel wall ischemia-reperfusion injury.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações histopatológicas da mucosa intestinal de coelhos submetidos à isquemia-reperfusão com e sem exclusão da circulação mesentérica colateral. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados dois grupos de oito coelhos Nova Zelândia machos com pesos variáveis entre 2,2 e 3,5 kg de peso corpóreo. Nos animais do Grupo 1, a artéria mesentérica proximal foi ocluida por pinçamento atraumático durante 60 min, seguido de reperfusão por 60 min. No Grupo 2 o intestino delgado e o mesentério foram seccionados 30 cm e 60 após a transição pilórica gastroduodenal antes da oclusão da artéria mesentérica cranial. Biópsias da parede intestinal foram obtidas antes da isquemia (controle), após 30 e 60 min. de isquemia. RESULTADOS: No Grupo I foram observados os seguintes graus de lesões: t1,média de 0.4 + 0.29; t2, média 1.9 ± 0.38; t3, 1.9 ± 0.33; t4, 1.2 ± 0.36 e t5, 1.2 ± 0.32. As diferenças entre t0 e t2 e entre t3 e t4 foram significantes (p<0.05). As diferenças entre t2 e t3 e t4 e t5 não foram significantes (p>0.5). No Group II observou-se: t1, média de 1.6 ± 0.33; t2, 2.4 ± 0.36; t3, 3.0 ± 0.35; t4 3.4 ± 0.31; t5, 3 ± 031. As diferenças entre t0 e t1, t1 e t2, e t2 e t3 foram significantes (p<0.05). As diferenças entre os resultados histopatológicos das biopsies de t1 a t5 dos Grupos 1 e 2 foram significantes (p<0.5). CONCLUSÃO: A exclusão da circulação mesentérica colateral agravou significantemente a degeneração histopatológica na isquemia-reperfusão da parede intestinal.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the histopathology alterations of the intestinal mucosa of rabbits submitted to different times of mesenteric artery ischemia and reperfusion with and without celiac artery collateral circulation supply. METHODS: Two groups of eight male New Zealand white rabbits (weight 2.2-3.5 kg) were used in this study. In the Group 1 animals, the proximal mesenteric artery was occluded for 60 min with an atraumatic vascular clamp, followed by reperfusion for 60 min. In the Group 2 animals the small bowel and mesentery were cut 30cm and 60cm far from the gastroduodenal pyloric transition before the proximal mesenteric artery occlusion. Small bowel biopsies were obtained before ischemia (control), after 30 min and 60 min of mesenteric ischemia and at 30 and 60 min. of mesenteric artery reperfusion. RESULTS: In the Group I animals, the followings histopathology grade results were observed: t1, mean 0.4 + 0.29; t2, mean 1.9 ± 0.38; t3, 1.9 ± 0.33; t4, 1.2 ± 0.36 and t5, 1.2 ± 0.32. Differences between t0 and t2 and between t3 and t4 were statistically significant (p<0.05). Differences between t2 and t3 and t4 and t5 were not significant (p>0.5). In the Group II animals, it was observed: t1, mean 1.6 ± 0.33; t2, 2.4 ± 0.36; t3, 3.0 ± 0.35; t4 3.4 ± 0.31; t5, 3 ± 031. Differences between t0 and t1, t1 and t2, and t2 and t3 were significant (p<0.05). Differences between histopathology grades results of samples t1 to t5 in Group 1 and 2 were statistically significant (p<0.5). CONCLUSION: Microscopic examination of the biopsies revealed significant evidence of worse small bowel wall ischemia-reperfusion lesions by exclusion of the celiac artery collateral circulation supply.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease worldwide and there is a strong link between certain high-risk viral types and cervical carcinogenesis. Although there are several typing methods, it is still unclear which test is the best. This study compared the effectiveness of type-specific PCR (TS-PCR) and sequencing, with a focus on their clinical application. A total of 260 cervical samples from HPV-positive patients were tested for types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33 and 35 using TS-PCR and sequencing. The genotype was identified in 36% of cases by TS-PCR and in 75% by sequencing. Sequencing was four times more likely to identify the viral type in positive samples than TS-PCR (p = 0.00). Despite being more effective for virus genotyping, sequencing was unable to identify viral types in multiple infections. Combining both techniques resulted in highly sensitive detection (87% of cases), showing that they are complementary methods. HPV genotyping is an important step in HPV management, helping to identify patients with a higher risk of developing cervical cancer and contributing to the development of type-specific vaccines.

A toxoplasmose é infecção freqüente em todo o mundo, mas na maioria dos casos não traz repercussões importantes para o paciente, exceto indivíduos imunodeprimidos e fetos, os quais podem apresentar graves seqüelas. O diagnóstico precoce durante a gravidez é altamente desejável, já que o tratamento da gestante reduz a freqüência e gravidade da infecção fetal. Neste estudo aplicou-se a técnica de PCR em 86 amostras de líquido amniótico de gestantes que apresentaram soroconversão durante a gravidez. O DNA foi amplificado usando-se iniciadores externos e internos, num sistema de nested PCR. As amostras foram também inoculadas em camundongos e os recém-nascidos acompanhados clinicamente através de sorologia, RX de crânio, ultrassom transfontanela, exame de fundo de olho e punção lombar. Pela PCR, sete casos foram positivos e 79 negativos. Entre os positivos, dois não se confirmaram pela inoculação em camundongo nem pela avaliação clínica da criança; dos negativos, três apresentaram clínica de toxoplasmose congênita, e em um deles o exame de inoculação em camundongo foi positivo. A sensibilidade e especificidade da PCR foram 62,5% e 97,4%, respectivamente; a inoculação em camundongos mostrou 42,9% de sensibilidade e 100% de especificidade. Embora a PCR não deva ser usada como único teste diagnóstico da toxoplasmose congênita, trata-se de método promissor e merece mais estudos para aumentar sua eficácia.

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common infections all over the world. Most cases are asymptomatic, except in immunosuppressed individuals and fetuses, which can be seriously damaged. Prenatal diagnosis should be made as soon as possible since treatment of the mother can minimize fetal sequelae. Our aim in this study was to test the polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR) in 86 samples of amniotic fluid from women who seroconverted during pregnancy. DNA was amplified using external primers and, in a second step, internal primers, in a nested PCR system. Samples were also inoculated into mice and the newborn were evaluated by T. gondii serology, skull x-ray, transfontanel ultrasound, fundoscopic examination, lumbar puncture and clinical examination. PCR was positive in seven cases and negative in 79. Among PCR-positive cases, two were negative by inoculation into mice and by clinical evaluation; among PCR-negative ones, three had clinical evidence of toxoplasmosis and one was positive after inoculation into mice. PCR showed values of sensitivity = 62.5% and specificity = 97.4%; the values of inoculation into mice where 42.9% and 100%, respectively. Although PCR should not be used alone for prenatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis, it is a promising method and deserves more studies to improve its efficacy.

Objetivo: avaliar a eficácia da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) no líquido amniótico para a detecção da contaminação fetal pelo Toxoplasma gondii em gestantes com infecção aguda e correlacionar com a técnica de inoculação e a histologia da placenta. Métodos: trinta e sete pacientes foram estudadas prospectivamente e o diagnóstico foi baseado na identificação da infecção aguda materna, seguido pela amniocentese guiada pela ultra-sonografia para obtenção de líquido amniótico para a realização de PCR e inoculação em camundongo. As pacientes foram tratadas com espiramicina durante a gestação; se a infecção fetal era demonstrada, pirimetamina e sulfadiazina eram acrescentadas ao esquema. As placentas foram encaminhadas para exame histológico. As crianças foram acompanhadas durante um período que variou de três a 23 meses para a confirmação ou exclusão da toxoplasmose congênita. Resultados: medidas de associação como sensibilidade, especificidade e valores preditivos foram calculadas para a PCR no líquido amniótico, a inoculação em camundongo e a histologia da placenta, mostrando os seguintes resultados: para a PCR, uma sensibilidade de 66,7% e especificidade de 87,1%; os respectivos valores para a inoculação em camundongo foram 50 e 100% e para a histologia da placenta foram 80 e 66,7%. Conclusões: embora a PCR não deva ser utilizada isoladamente para diagnóstico de toxoplasmose congênita, é um método promissor e necessita de maiores estudos para melhorar sua eficácia.

Objective: to test the effectiveness of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the amniotic fluid for the detection of fetal contamination due to Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women with acute infection and to correlate it with the inoculation technique and the histology of the placenta. Methods: thirty-seven patients were prospectively studied and the diagnosis was based on the identification of maternal acute infection followed by amniocentesis guided by ultrasound to obtain amniotic fluid for PCR and mice inoculation. The mothers were treated with spiramycin throughout pregnancy; when fetal infection was demonstrated, pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine were added to the regimen. The placentas were processed for histologic examination. The infants were followed for a period that varied from three to 23 months for the confirmation or exclusion of congenital toxoplasmosis. Results: association measures such as sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated for PCR in the amniotic fluid, detection of the parasite through mice inoculation and placental histology and showed the following results: PCR values of sensitivity = 66.7% and specificity = 87.1%; the respective values for mice inoculation were 50 and 100% and for the placental histology were 80 and 66.7%. Conclusion: although PCR should not be used alone for the prenatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis, it is a promising method and deserves more studies to improve its efficacy.

A Doença de Whipple (DW) é doença sistêmica rara, de etiologia infecciosa, que acomete o intestino delgado, mas pode afetar virtualmente qualquer órgão. Apresentamos cinco casos com idade que variou entre 20 e 59 anos, sendo quatro do sexo masculino e um feminino. Todos tinham em comum o comprometimento intestinal, associado ou não às manifestações clínicas ligadas a esse orgão. Em uma paciente, foi observada vegetação na válvula tricúspide, sugerindo endocardite pelo Tropheryma whippelii, com desaparecimento das alterações ecocardiográficas após o tratamento. Em um dos pacientes do sexo masculino, o quadro clínico inicial foi de espondilite sorológica negativa e, em momento algum de sua evolução observou-se diarréia. Acometimento ocular associado à mabsorção intestinal e emagrecimento significativo foi evidenciado em um caso. Nos outros dois, a diarréia foi a manifestação clínica principal. Em todos, o diagnóstico foi feito através do estudo histológico por microscopia ótica e eletrônica da mucosa jejunal e, quando indicado, de tecidos extra-intestinais. Após o tratamento com antibioticoterapia, houve remissão completa dos sintomas, em todos os casos. O controle realizado através da microscopia eletrônica de mucosa jejunal, após doze meses de tratamento com sulfametoxazol-trimetropim, mostrou em quatro, o desaparecimento do T. whippelii. O outro paciente abandonou o seguimento.

Whipple's disease (WD) is a rare systemic disease of infectious etiology which involves the small intestine but can virtually affect any organ. We present here five cases (four males and one female) ranging in age from 20 to 59 years. All patients had intestinal involvement associated or not with clinical manifestations linked to this organ. Vegetation in the tricuspid valve was observed in one patient, suggesting endocarditis caused by Tropheryma whippelii, with disappearance of the echocardiographic alterations after treatment. In one of the male patients the initial clinical manifestation was serologically negative spondylitis, with no diarrhea occurring at any time during follow-up. Ocular involvement associated with intestinal malabsorption and significant weight loss were observed in one case. In the other two cases, diarrhea was the major clinical manifestation. All patients were diagnosed by histological examination of the jejunal mucosa and, when indicated, of extraintestinal tissues by light and electron microscopy. After antibiotic treatment, full remission of symptoms occurred in all cases. A control examination of the intestinal mucosa performed after twelve months of treatment with sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim revealed the disappearance of T. whippelii in four patients. The remaining patient was lost to follow-up.

A citomegalovirose é das infecções congênitas mais prevalentes, acometendo de 0,4% a 2,3% dos nascidos vivos. A maioria dos recém-nascidos (RN) infectados é assintomática, mas até 10% desenvolvem seqüelas variadas, principalmente neurossensoriais. Objetivamos determinar a prevalência do CMV na urina de RN através da PCR, correlacionando-a a alguns achados perinatais. Analisamos amostras de urina colhidas na 1ª semana de vida de 292 RN do HC-UFMG, todos internados na unidade neonatal de alto risco. DNA viral foi amplificado segundo protocolo de PCR. Os dados perinatais foram colhidos retrospectivamente de registros médicos. Na população estudada, 20 dos 292 casos (6,8%) mostraram positividade para o DNA-CMV. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os RN com e os sem infecção congênita pelo CMV quanto a peso ao nascer (p=0,11), idade gestacional (p=0,11), índice de Apgar no 1º e 5º minutos (p=0,99 e 0,16), idade da mãe (p=0,67) e história gestacional materna. Também não se observou associação da infecção congênita pelo CMV com baixo peso ao nascer (p=0,13) ou sexo do RN (p=0,55). A alta prevalência da infecção congênita neste estudo (6,8%) pode ser devida à elevada sensibilidade da PCR, ao baixo nível sócio-econômico da população estudada ou às características clínicas mais graves desses RN.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common congenital infection, affecting 0.4% to 2.3% newborns. Most of them are asymptomatic at birth, but later 10% develop handicaps, mainly neurological disturbances. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of CMV shed in urine of newborns from a neonatal intensive care unit using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and correlate positive cases to some perinatal aspects. Urine samples obtained at first week of life were processed according to a PCR protocol. Perinatal data were collected retrospectively from medical records. Twenty of the 292 cases (6.8%) were CMV-DNA positive. There was no statistical difference between newborns with and without CMV congenital infection concerning birth weight (p=0.11), gestational age (p=0.11), Apgar scores in the first and fifth minutes of life (p=0.99 and 0.16), mother's age (p=0.67) and gestational history. Moreover, CMV congenital infection was neither related to gender (p=0.55) nor to low weight (<2,500g) at birth (p=0.13). This high prevalence of CMV congenital infection (6.8%) could be due to the high sensitivity of PCR technique, the low socioeconomic level of studied population or the severe clinical status of these newborns.

We report a case of tropical pyomyositis in a boy who presented with a severe febrile illness associated with diffuse erythema, and swelling in many areas of the body which revealed on operation extensive necrotic areas of various muscles that required repeated débridement. The patient gave a history of contact with dogs, and an ELISA test for Toxocara canis was positive. He also presented eosinophilia and high serum IgE levels. Staphylococcus aureus was the sole bacteria isolated from the muscles affected. We suggest that tropical pyomyositis may be caused by the presence of migrating larvae of this or other parasites in the muscles. The immunologic and structural alterations caused by the larvae, in the presence of concomitant bacteremia, would favour seeding of the bacteria and the development of pyomyositis.