Abstract As a result of human activities and natural dispersal, exotic species can be brought to new areas, where they become established and spread, becoming invaders. These species are responsible for the loss of biodiversity and cause ecosystemic harm throughout the world. In this paper, we report the rapid, broad geographic expansion of the invasive fly Drosophila nasuta in Brazil. An 84% increase was found in its area of occupation in the country compared to previous studies. The present data reveal its arrival to the Pantanal wetlands in a location more than one thousand kilometers from the closest previous record in the Cerrado biome. We present the first record of D. nasuta in the Atlantic Forest in the states of Paraíba and Bahia. We report its introduction in the Amazon Forest in the state of Amazonas approximately 700 kilometers from previous records. The relative abundance of D. nasuta in this biome increased fivefold in comparison to a previous study. In the first decade of invasion in Brazil, D. nasuta has already colonized more than half of the country. The present data reveal its invasive potential and underscore the importance of following up the possible negative effects of this biological invasion.

Abstract Ants are social insects with about 85 exocrine glands with different morphologies. The metapleural gland is exclusive to ants and its compounds have antimicrobial action, indicating a function in the defense against pathogens. Within ants, Paraponera clavata is the only living species representative of Paraponerinae. This study describes the anatomy and histology of the metapleural gland in workers of P. clavata. The metapleural gland is formed by secretory units that release secretion in a reservoir through collecting canaliculi. Secretory units are bicellular with a well-developed globular secretory cell, with 145 µm in diameter, and a duct cell forming the collecting canaliculi characterizing a class III gland. The metapleural gland is pointed out as a synapomorphy of ants. Paraponerinae constitutes one of the six subfamilies of the basal and paraphyletic Poneroide clade and knowledge of the metapleural gland morphology contribute to the understanding of evolutionary history of the basal ants’ groups.

RESUMO Descrevem-se os aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos de um surto de aspergilose aviária em criação alternativa na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. De um lote de 4000 pintainhas, entre o quinto e o 10º dia de vida, 360 aves apresentaram sinais clínicos inespecíficos e morreram. As aves foram alojadas em cama reutilizada do aviário, sem tratamento prévio. Na necropsia de 11 pintainhas (Gallus gallus domesticus), fêmeas, seis dias de idade da linhagem Isa Brown, foram observadas no pulmão lesões multinodulares, branco-amareladas e firmes, que se estendiam da pleura ao parênquima. Histologicamente foi observada pneumonia granulomatosa, multifocal a coalescente. Os granulomas eram caracterizados por necrose central, com infiltrado inflamatório de heterófilos, macrófagos, células epitelioides com presença de inúmeras hifas septadas intralesionais, semelhantes à letra “Y”, morfologicamente compatíveis com Aspergillus spp. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pelo isolamento de Aspergillus fumigatus. Alerta-se para a importância da aspergilose como causa primária de afecções no trato respiratório de aves jovens em criações alternativas. Medidas preventivas relacionadas ao manejo dessas aves são indispensáveis principalmente quanto à reutilização da cama dos aviários, a fim de evitar perdas econômicas, reduzir a contaminação ambiental e o potencial risco à saúde pública.

ABSTRACT In this study we describe the epidemiology, clinical signs, and pathology of an outbreak of avian aspergillosis in alternative breeding in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Between the fifth and tenth day of life, 360 chicks from a flock of 4000 developed unspecific clinical signs and died. The birds were housed in a reused aviary litter, without previous treatment. In 11 six-day-old female ISA Brown chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus), necropsy revealed firm, yellowish-white, multinodular lesions extending from the pleura to the lung parenchyma. Histologically, a granulomatous, multifocal to coalescent pneumonia was observed. Granulomas were characterized by central necrosis, with heterophil and epithelioid macrophage infiltration and presence of countless Y-shaped intralesional septate hyphae morphologically compatible with Aspergillus spp. The diagnosis through isolation confirmed Aspergillus fumigatus. We highlight the importance of aspergillosis as a primary cause of diseases in the respiratory tract of young birds in alternative breeding. Measures to prevent aspergillosis mainly regarding the reuse of aviary litter are essential in poultry husbandry to prevent economic losses, reduce environmental contamination and mitigate the potential risk to public health.

ABSTRACT Neotropical Annonaceae-derived bioinsecticides have shown promising control of insect pest species. In order to develop an alternative tool for control Zaprionus indianus (Gupta, 1970), an important invasive pest of Brazilian orchards, this study investigated the insecticidal activity of a formulation prepared from ethanolic seed extract of different Annona species (Annona mucosa Jacq., Annona muricata L., and Annona sylvatica A. St.-Hil.) at discriminatory concentration of 2000 mg L-1 in comparison with a limonoid-based bioinsecticide and a synthetic insecticide (spinetoram) as positive controls. In an ingestion and topical application bioassay, the formulation based on A. mucosa caused more than 95% mortality, which was equivalent to the mortality caused by the synthetic insecticide spinetoram. In a free-choice bioassay, A. mucosa (83%), bioinsecticide (88%) and synthetic insecticide (98%) produced a significant reduction in the number of eggs per fruit. In addition, formulations based on A. mucosa, A. sylvatica, A. muricata and bioinsecticide resulted in a 50% reduction in egg viability. In the field, A. mucosa and bioinsecticide negatively influenced the infestation by Z. indianus in figs, producing a significant reduction in the number of larvae per fruit (3.6 and 2.29 larvae per fruit, respectively) in relation to the control treatment (11 larvae per fruit). However, they were significantly inferior to the synthetic insecticide (0.71 larvae per fruit). Thus, A. mucosa, bioinsecticide and spinetoram have the potential to be used in the framework of Z. indianus management.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a viabilidade econômica de vacas F1 de Holandês x Zebu de diferentes bases maternas e ordens de parto. Foram utilizados dados do Campo Experimental da Epamig (Felixlândia-MG). Analisaram-se 406 lactações de vacas F1 H x Z de diferentes bases maternas. Estimaram-se a receita e os custos operacional efetivo, operacional total e custo total. As F1 Holandês x Gir tiveram médias de custos maiores (R$ 3582,30), seguidas pelas F1 Holandês x Nelogir (R$ 3448,06), e o menor foi das F1 Holandês x Nelore (R$ 3145,07). A receita total foi maior para as vacas F1 Holandês x Gir e F1 Holandês x Nelogir, com valores de R$ 4394,96 e R$ 4245,61, respectivamente, e a menor receita foi para F1 Holandês x Nelore, com valor de R$ 3976,12. O lucro foi de R$ 812, 65; R$ 797,54 e R$ 831,04 para as F1 filhas de base materna Gir, Nelogir e Nelore, respectivamente. Todas as bases maternas são viáveis economicamente e podem ser utilizadas no sistema de produção de leite e bezerros para venda. Todas as ordens de parto de Holandês x Zebu estudadas são viáveis economicamente.

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the economic viability of a milk production system of F1 Holstein x Zebu cows of different maternal bases and calving order. Lactations data of F1 Holtein x Zebu cows (n=406) of different maternal bases, from the experimental field of the EPAMIG at Felixlândia county (MG state, Brasil) were analyzed. Revenue, cost/effect of operation, total operating, and total cost have been estimated. F1 cows Holstein x Gir had averages of higher costs R$ 3582.30, followed by F1 cows Holstein x Nelogir R$ 3448.06; and the lowest was from cows F1 Holstein x Nellore with R$ 3145.07. The total revenue was higher for Holstein x Gir and Holstein x Nelogir with recipe values of R$ 4394.96 and R$ 4245.61 respectively, and the lowest value of R$ 3976.12 for Holstein x Nellore. The profits were R$812.65; R$ 797.54 and R$ 831.04 for animals of groups Holstein x Gir, Holstein x Nelogir and Holstein x Nellore respectively. All genetic groups are economically viable and can be used in the production of milk and calves for sale. All calving order of Holstein x Zebu studied are viable economically.

RESUMO: O teste de estimulação com ACTH é o teste de escolha para realizar o controle dos valores de cortisol endógeno em pacientes sob tratamento para o hiperadrenocorticismo canino, podendo ser utilizado também para diagnosticar a doença. Os protocolos atuais utilizam doses que variam entre 5ug/kg a 250ug/animal por administração intravenosa ou intramuscular. Não se constatam estudos com doses menores que as de 5ug/kg em pacientes portadores de hiperadrenocorticismo. No presente estudo, foi testada a dose de 1ug/kg/IV; comparada à dose consagrada de 5ug/kg/IV, em grupos de animais suspeitos de HAC (HAC Diag), animais portadores de HAC e em tratamento (HAC Control) e animais sadios (Sadios). Na dose de 1ug/kg/IV, os valores basais de cortisol dos Sadios foram iguais à média 2,40ug/dL(+/-1,57ug/dL), dos HAC control foi de média 1,53ug/dL(+/-0,93,ug/dL) e dos HAC diag foi média 3,37ug/dL(+/-1,57ug/dL). Os valores pós-ACTH na dose de 1ug/kg foram de média 11,43ug/dL(+/-2,46ug/dL) para animais sadios, 2,67ug/dL(+/-1,39ug/dL) para o grupo HAC Control e média 16,56ug/dL(+/-7,62ug/dL) para o grupo HAC Diag. Os valores basais de cortisol na dose de 5ug/kg foram 0,89ug/dL(+/-0,23ug/dL) para o grupo HAC Control; média 3,08ug/dL(+/-1,99 ug/dL) para o grupo HAC Diag. Os valores pós-ACTH na dose de 5ug/kg foram de média 3,71ug/dL(+/-1,57ug/dL), para o grupo HAC control e média 22,52ug/dL (+/-8,75ug/dL) para o grupo HAC diag. Analisando-se os resultados obtidos, constatou-se que as doses 1 e 5ug/kg de ACTH sintético não diferem entre si, promovendo o mesmo tipo de variação nos valores de cortisol (ANOVA; p=0,225). Também, que a dose de 1ug/kg de ACTH foi igualmente eficaz na elevação dos níveis de cortisol nos três grupo testados (Sadios, HAC Control e HAC Diag; ANOVA, p<0,05). E, pelo teste de Dunn observamos que o grupo HAC control apresenta Δ-cortisol (delta =diferença entre cortisol após estimulo e o cortisol basal) significativamente menor que o dos grupos diagnóstico (p<0,05) e animais sadios (p<0,05). Concluiu-se que a dose de 1ug/kg de ACTH sintético pode ser utilizada com eficácia para a realização do teste de estimulação com ACTH.

ABSTRACT: ACTH stimulation is the gold standard test to monitor levels of endogen control of patients under treatment for canine hyperadrenocorticism and it may also be used to diagnose the disease. Current protocols use doses ranging from 5ug/kg to 250ug per animal by intravenous or intramuscular administration. There are no studies with doses inferior to 5ug/kg in adrenopatic patients. In the present investigation, the dose of 1ug/kg/IV was tested; compared with the recommended dose of d 5ug/kg/IV in groups of dogs under clinical suspicion of HAC (HAC Diag), animals under treatment for HAC (HAC Control) and healthy animals (Healthy). Under the dose of 1ug/kg/IV, average results for baseline cortisol values were equal to 2.40ug/dL(+/- 1.57ug/dL) for healthy, 1.53g/dL(+/-0.93ug/dL) for HAC Control and 3.37ug/dL(+/-1.57ug/dL) for HAC Diag. Post-ACTH values in the dose of 1ug/kg were average 11.43ug/dL(+/-2.46ug/dL) for healthy animals, 2.67ug/dL (+/-1.39ug/dL) for HAC Control and 16.56ug/dL(+/-7.62ug/dL) for HAC Diag group. Basal cortisol values at a dose of 5ug/kg were 0.89ug/dL (+/-0.23ug/dL) Control group for HAC; average 3.08ug/dL (+/-1.99ug/dL) for HAC Diag group. Baseline cortisol under the dose of 5ug/kg were average 3.71ug/dL(+/-1.57ug/dL) for HAC Control and 22.52g/dL(+/-8.75ug/dL) for HAC diag. Based on the present results, it was found that both doses of 1 and 5ug/kg of synthetic ACTH do not differ, providing the same kind of change in cortisol values (ANOVA, p=0.225). Also, the dose of 1ug/kg of ACTH was equally effective in raising levels of cortisol in the three groups tested (Healthy, HAC and HAC Control Diag; ANOVA, p<0.05). Through the Dunn test it was observed that HAC Control presented HAC-Δ cortisol (delta = difference between cortisol after stimulation and basal cortisol) significantly lower than HAC Diag (p<0.05) and healthy animals (p<0.05). Therefore the dose of 1ug/kg of synthetic ACTH can be effectively used to perform the ACTH stimulation test effectively.

O limiar anaeróbio é um evento fisiológico estudado em várias espécies. Sua mensuração possui vários métodos reconhecidos na literatura da fisiologia do exercício humano e equino, muitos deles envolvendo a relação entre a concentração sanguínea de lactato (LAC) e a carga de exercício. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar quatro desses métodos: V2 , V4 , limiar anaeróbio individual (LAI) e o teste do lactato mínino (LM) com o método reconhecido na literatura como o padrão ouro para a mensuração do limiar anaeróbio, a máxima fase estável do lactato (MFEL). Os cinco testes foram realizados em treze equinos árabes treinados, nos quais as velocidades e suas respectivas LAC puderam ser quantificadas. As velocidades médias e LAC associadas ao limiar anaeróbio aferido pelos cinco métodos foram respectivamente: V2 = 9,67±0,54; V4 = 10,98±0,47; V LAI = 9.81±0.72; V LM = 7,50±0,57 e V MFEL = 6,14±0,45m.s-1 ; e LAC LAI = 2,17±0,93; LAC LM = 1,17±0,62 e LAC MFEL = 0,84±0,21mmol.L-1. Nenhuma dessas velocidades foi estatisticamente igual à V MFEL (P<0,05). A V2 , a V4 e a V LM mostraram uma boa correlação com a V MFEL , respectivamente r = 0,74; r = 0,78 e r = 0,83, e a V LAI não se correlacionou significativamente com a V MFEL. A concordância entre os protocolos foi relativamente fraca, sendo 3,28±1,00; 4,84±0,30 e 1,43±0,32m.s-1 em termos de viés e limites de concordância a 95% para os métodos V2 , V4 e LM comparados à MFEL. Muitos autores relataram a possibilidade da mensuração do limiar anaeróbio pelo uso de protocolos rápidos, como a V4 e o LM, para humanos e equinos. O presente estudo corrobora a utilização desses testes, mas revela que ajustes nos protocolos são necessários para se obter uma melhor concordância entre os mesmos e a MFEL.

The anaerobic threshold is a physiologic event studied in various species. There are various methods for its assessment, recognized in the human and equine exercise physiology literature, several of these involving the relationship between blood lactate concentration (LAC) and exercise load, measured in a standardized exercise test. The aim of this study was to compare four of these methods: V2, V4, individual anaerobic threshold (IAT) and lactate minimum speed (LMS) with the method recognized as the gold standard for the assessment of anaerobic threshold, maximal lactate steady-state (MLSS). The five tests were carried out in thirteen trained Arabian horses, in which velocities and associated LAC could be measured. The mean velocities and the LAC associated with the anaerobic threshold for the five methods were respectively: V2 = 9.67±0.54; V4 = 10.98±0.47; V IAT = 9.81±0.72; V LMS = 7.50±0.57 and V MLSS = 6.14±0.45m.s-1 and LAC IAT = 2.17±0.93; LAC LMS = 1.17±0.62 and LAC MLSS = 0.84±0.21mmol.L-1. None of the velocities were statistically equivalent to V MLSS (P<0.05). V2, V4 and V LMS showed a good correlation with V MLSS , respectively: r = 0.74; r = 0.78 and r = 0.83, and V IAT did not significantly correlate with V MLSS. Concordance between the protocols was relatively poor, i.e., 3.28±1.00, 4.84±0.30 and 1.43±0.32m.s-1 in terms of bias and 95% agreement limits for V2, V4 and LMS methods when compared to MLSS. Only LAC LMS did not differ statistically from LAC MLSS. Various authors have reported the possibility of the assessment of anaerobic threshold using rapid protocols such as V4 and LMS for humans and horses. This study corroborates the use of these tests, but reveals that adjustments in the protocols are necessary to obtain a better concordance between the tests and the MLSS.

Estudou-se a eficácia do uso tópico de um produto comercial constituído por uma associação fitoterápica como promotor da cicatrização de feridas induzidas em equinos. Uma lesão cutânea em forma de quadrado, com 5cm de lado, foi produzida cirurgicamente em ambos os lados da região glútea de oito cavalos adultos. Aleatoriamente um dos lados foi escolhido como tratado, permanecendo o contralateral como controle. As lesões do lado controle foram lavadas com água e detergente neutro e, no lado tratado, foi realizado o mesmo procedimento, seguido de aplicação tópica da associação fitoterápica. As evoluções macroscópica e microscópica do processo cicatricial foram avaliadas, e a área de cada ferida determinada no decorrer do período experimental. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os lados em relação aos valores de área das feridas. Na última avaliação, o lado controle apresentou valor médio de área de 0,70cm², e o lado tratado de 1,23cm². A contração cicatricial observada em 77 dias de evolução cicatricial foi de 97,57% para o lado controle e de 95,59% para o lado tratado.

The efficiency of the topical use of a commercial product constituted by a herbal combination on the healing evolution of equine induced wounds was studied. A skin lesion in the shape of a square with 5cm sides was surgically produced on both sides of the buttocks of eight adult horses. One side was considered control and another one treated. Both control and treated sides were rinsed with water and neutral soap. Additionally, the wound on the treated side received the topical treatment with the herbal combination. Macroscopic and microscopic healing evolution of the wounds was evaluated and their areas were determined during the experimental period. There was statistical difference between wound areas. At the last evaluation, the average area of the control side was 0.70cm² and of the treated side was 1.23cm². The contraction of scar observed at 77 days was 97.57% for the control side and 95.59% for the treated side.

OBJETIVO: Considerando os benefícios da amamentação para a saúde da criança, o objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar os fatores associados com o desmame precoce entre as crianças em um Hospital Amigo da Criança na cidade de Campina Grande, estado da Paraíba, Brasil. METODOLOGIA: Um estudo analítico e transversal foi realizado com 800 mães de crianças entre 0 e 24 meses de idade, no Elpídio de Almeida Instituto de Saúde. Um questionário semi-estruturado foi aplicado, contendo perguntas sobre características sócio-demográficas, hábitos alimentares e hábitos de sucção não nutritiva. O teste do qui-quadrado e teste exato de Fisher foram empregados na análise estatística. A análise multivariada foi realizada com as variáveis tendo atingido um valor de P<0,25 na análise bivariada. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de desmame precoce foi de 13,5%. Na análise bivariada, os fatores associados com o desmame precoce foram: renda (P=0,001), peso de nascimento da criança (P=0,016), uso de mamadeira (P=0,003) e uso de chupeta (P<0,001). Na análise multivariada, o uso de chupeta permaneceu significativamente associada com o desmame precoce (OR: 3,23 IC 95%: 1,871-5,591, P<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: O uso de chupeta foi associado com o desmame precoce, mesmo quando as mães foram aconselhadas a evitar esse hábito.

PURPOSE: Considering the benefits of breastfeeding on children's health, the aim of the present study was to determine factors associated with early weaning among children at a Child-Friendly Healthcare Initiative (CFHI) children's hospital in the city of Campina Grande, state of Paraíba, Brazil. METHODS: An analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out involving 800 mothers of children between 0 and 24 months of age at the Elpídio de Almeida Health Institute. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered and contained questions on socio-demographic characteristics, eating habits and nonnutritive sucking habits. The chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were employed for statistical analysis. A multivariate analysis was performed with variables that achieved a P-value < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of early weaning was 13.5%. In the bivariate analysis, the factors associated with early weaning were income (P=0.001), child's birth weight (P=0.016), bottle feeding (P=0.003) and pacifier use (P<0.001). In the multivariate analysis, pacifier use remained significantly associated with early weaning (OR: 3.23; 95% CI: 1.871 to 5.591; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Pacifier use was associated with early weaning, even when mothers were advised to avoid this habit.

Estudaram-se as alterações nos eletrólitos, nos gases sanguíneos, na osmolalidade, no hematócrito, na hemoglobina, nas bases tituláveis e no anion gap no sangue venoso de 11 equinos da raça Puro Sangue Árabe, destreinados, submetidos a exercício máximo e submáximo em esteira rolante. Esses animais passaram por período de três dias de adaptação à esteira rolante e posteriormente realizaram dois exercícios testes, um de curta e outro de longa duração. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue venoso antes, imediatamente após e 30 minutos após o término dos exercícios. Após a realização do exercício máximo, observou-se diminuição significativa no pHv, na PvCO2, no HCO3, na cBase além de elevação no AG. Detectou-se também aumento do K+, do Ht e da Hb. Ao final do exercício submáximo, constatou-se somente aumento significativo no pHv, na cBase, na SatvO2 e na PvO2. Conclui-se que os equinos submetidos a exercício máximo desenvolveram acidose metabólica e alcalose respiratória compensatória, hipercalemia e aumento nos valores de hematócrito e hemoglobina. No exercício submáximo, os animais apresentaram alcalose metabólica hipoclorêmica e não ocorreram alterações no equilíbrio hidroeletrolítico.

Changes in electrolytes, blood gas, osmolality, hematocrit, hemoglobin, base concentration, and anion gap in 11 detrained Arabian horses during exercise on a high-speed treadmill were investigated. After a period of three days of adaptation on the rolling mat, the animals were submitted to two exercises: one of short (maximum) and other of long duration (submaximum). Venous blood samples were obtained right before, and 30 minutes after the exercise. After the maximum exercise, it was observed a significative decrease in pHv, PvCO2, HCO3, and cBase and an increase in AG. It was also observed hypercalemia and increase in Ht and Hb. At the final of the submaximum exercise, it was observed significative increase in pH, cBase, SatvO2, and PvO2. So, maximum exercises can lead equines to present metabolic acidosis with respiratory alkalosis as response, hypercalemia and increase in hematocrit and hemoglobin, values. Submaximum exercises can present hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis but no alterations in the hydroelectrolitic balance.

Estudou-se a eficácia do uso tópico de ketanserina como promotor da cicatrização de feridas cutâneas induzidas em equinos. As feridas foram produzidas em ambos os metâmeros na região da garupa de oito cavalos adultos, em formato quadrangular, medindo cinco centímetros de lado. Aleatoriamente um dos metâmeros foi escolhido como tratado, permanecendo o contralateral como controle. As lesões do grupocontrole foram lavadas somente com água e detergente neutro e no grupo tratado foi realizado o mesmo procedimento seguido de aplicação tópica de ketanserina. A evolução macroscópica e microscópica do processo cicatricial foi avaliada e a área de cada ferida determinada no decorrer do período experimental. Não foram verificadas diferenças significativas entre as feridas do grupo-controle e do grupo tratado com ketanserina durante 56 dias de avaliação.

The efficiency of topical use of kentaserin on healing evolution of induced skin wounds in horses was studied. The experimental surgical wounds were made in both sides of the croup of eight adult horses. The wounds were square-shaped measuring 5cm of each side. One side was considered control and the opposite one treated. Both control and treated animals were rinsed with water and neutral soap. Additionally, the wound on the treated horses received the topical treatment with ketanserin. Macroscopic and microscopic healing evolution of the wounds was evaluated and their areas were determined during the experimental period. The use of topical ketanserin showed no difference between the control and the treated wounds during a period of 56 days.

The aim of this study was to typify the skeletal striated fibers of the gluteus medius muscle of young Brasileiro de Hipismo (BH) horses by means of histochemical analysis with m-ATPase and NADH-TR according to the sex and the biopsy depth. It was observed that the frequency (F;%) and the relative cross sectional area (RCSA;%) of the fibers type IIX were greater than the fibers type IIA, which F and RCSA were greater than the fibers type I. The comparison between sex and muscles depht, showed no significant difference in F and RCSA in the three types of fibers. The results of morphometry showed that the gluteus medius muscle has greater glycolitic metabolism and anaerobic capacity because of the presence of large proportion of type IIX fibers. This may be justified by the genetic influence of Thoroughbred in the formation of Brasileiro de Hipismo breed.

Com o objetivo de isolar e identificar os sorotipos de enterovírus, agentes etiológicos mais freqüentes da síndrome de meningite asséptica, foram estudadas amostras de líquor de pacientes da unidade de saúde de referência da Cidade de Belém-PA, do período de março de 2002 a março de 2003. As amostras foram inoculadas em cultivos celulares RD e HEp-2, e as positivas identificadas por neutralização ou imunofluorescência indireta. De 249 amostras, 33 (13,2%) foram positivas sendo 57,6% (n=19) em pacientes menores de 11 anos (p<0,03) e predominantemente (72,7%) naqueles do sexo masculino (p<0,008). Os sorotipos isolados foram: Echovírus 30 (n=31), Coxsackievírus B5 (n=1) e Echovírus 30 e 4. Em conclusão, estudos deste tipo servem também para melhor compor o quadro nacional, ainda pouco definido, sobre os agentes enterovirais mais prevalentes em casos de SMA.

With the objective of isolating and identifying enteroviral serotypes, which are the most frequent etiologic agents of aseptic meningitis syndrome, cerebrospinal fluid samples were studied from patients referred to the health unit in the City of Belém (State of Pará, Brazil), from March 2002 to March 2003. The samples were inoculated in RD and HEp-2 cells line, and the positive were identified by neutralization test or indirect immunofluorescence. Out of 249 samples, 33 (13.2%) were positive 57.6% (n = 19) in patients under 11 years of age (p <0.03) and predominantly (72.7%) in males (p <0.008). The serotypes isolated were: Echovirus 30 (n = 31), Coxsackievirus B5 (n = 1) and Echovirus 30 and 4. In conclusion, this type of study also serves to determine the national picture, which is still little defined, regarding the most prevalent viral agents in AMS cases.

We report novel features of the genome sequence of Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni, a highly invasive spirochete. Leptospira species colonize a significant proportion of rodent populations worldwide and produce life-threatening infections in mammals. Genomic sequence analysis reveals the presence of a competent transport system with 13 families of genes encoding for major transporters including a three-member component efflux system compatible with the long-term survival of this organism. The leptospiral genome contains a broad array of genes encoding regulatory system, signal transduction and methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins, reflecting the organism's ability to respond to diverse environmental stimuli. The identification of a complete set of genes encoding the enzymes for the cobalamin biosynthetic pathway and the novel coding genes related to lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis should bring new light to the study of Leptospira physiology. Genes related to toxins, lipoproteins and several surface-exposed proteins may facilitate a better understanding of the Leptospira pathogenesis and may serve as potential candidates for vaccine.