Abstract Around the world, the main problems of livestock are caused by ectoparasites, however, commercial acaracide are toxic to the environment and detrimental to One Health. Therefore, research has increasingly focused on development of natural products as alternatives for tick control. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the larvicidal effect on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, through use of essential oils (EOs) extracted from the leaves, flower buds and stems of Tetradenia riparia. The chemical composition of these EOs was determined through gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). They were tested on larvae at concentrations of 100.000 to 40 µg/mL, using the larval packet test and under semi-natural conditions. The main class of compounds in the chemical composition was sesquiterpenes (both oxygenates and hydrocarbons), whereas the predominant compounds in the leaves, flower buds and stems were 14-hydroxy-9-epi-caryophyllene, T-cadinol and 6-7-dehydroroyleanone, respectively. The leaves proved to be the most effective, with highest larvicidal activity (LC99.9 = 83.53 µg/mL). When tested under semi-natural conditions, the oils obtained efficiency above 98% in all compound tests. The results indicated that these EOs were effective against R. (B.) microplus larvae in vitro and ex-situ, proving that this plant has bioactive molecules with significant larvicidal activity.

Resumo Os principais problemas para a pecuária estão relacionados às ectoparasitoses, e ao fato dos carrapaticidas apresentarem elevada toxicidade ao meio ambiente e à saúde única. Surgem, então, demandas na busca por inovações e desenvolvimento de produtos naturais, como alternativas para o controle dos carrapatos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial da atividade larvicida sobre Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus a partir dos óleos essenciais de Tetradenia riparia (TrOEs) extraídos das folhas, botões florais e caules. A composição química foi determinada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massa (GC/MS). Os TrOEs foram testados sobre larvas nas concentrações de 100.000 a 40 µg/mL pelo teste de pacote de larvas e em condições seminaturais. Na composição química, a classe majoritária foi os sesquiterpenos (oxigenados e hidrocarbonetos); já os compostos em destaques foram 14-hidroxy-9-epi-caryophyllene, T-cadinol e 6-7-dehidroroyleanone para folhas, botões florais e caules, respectivamente. As folhas demonstraram ser mais eficientes e com maior poder larvicida (CL99.9 = 83.53 µg/mL). Quando testado em condições seminaturais os óleos obtiveram eficiência acima de 98% em todos os compostos testados. Os resultados indicaram que os TrOEs, foram eficazes sobre as larvas de R. (B.) microplus in vitro e ex-situ, evidenciando que esta planta possui moléculas bioativas com ação larvicidas significativas.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: the Building Infestation Index (BII) uses the Rapid Assay of the Larval Index for Aedes aegypti (LIRAa) to express the relationship between positive and surveyed properties. We evaluated LIRAa and the relationship between the BII and climate variables for dengue cases in Foz do Iguaçu municipality, Paraná. METHODS: Spearman’s correlations for mean precipitation, mean temperature, BII, and dengue cases (time lag). RESULTS: positive correlations between BII and cases, and mean temperature and cases at two months. Weak correlation between precipitation and cases at three months. CONCLUSIONS: LIRAa and climate variables correlate with dengue cases.

Resumo A toxoplasmose é uma doença de distribuição mundial com importantes implicações em saúde pública. Os objetivos deste estudo foram determinar e identificar fatores associados à soroprevalência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em humanos e cães de Jataizinho, Paraná, Brasil. Amostras de soro de 280 humanos e 766 cães, de áreas rural e urbana, foram testadas pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI). Foram consideradas positivas diluições ≥1:16. Informações epidemiológicas foram obtidas por meio de questionário individual e a tabulação dos dados foi realizada com EpiInfo 3.5.3 (CDC, Atlanta). A significância estatística foi avaliada por Chi-quadrado (ᵪ2) ou Exato de Fisher com nível de significância de 5,0 %. A soroprevalência em humanos foi como segue: 70,00% (196/280), 69,08% (143/207) em área rural e 72,60% (53/73) em uma comunidade urbana carente. Em cães, foi 52,35% (401/766), na área rural 71,74% (99/138) e na área urbana 48,08% (302/628). Nas áreas rurais não houve fator estatisticamente associado ao risco de toxoplasmose. Na área urbana, visualizar mais do que quatro ratos em casa foi fator associado à soropositividade para toxoplasmose em humanos. A soropositividade em cães urbanos apresentou associação à idade, ao contato com cães errantes ou roedores e com acesso livre à rua. Os resultados indicaram semelhante possibilidade de contato com Toxoplasma gondii entre cães e humanos residentes em áreas rurais ou urbanas carentes de pequenos municípios.

Abstract Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis with important public health implications. The aims of this study were to determine and identify factors associated to the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in humans and dogs from Jataizinho, Parana State, Brazil. Serum samples from 280 humans and 766 dogs, from rural and urban areas, were tested by indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. Positive dilutions were ≥ 1:16. Epidemiological informations were obtained through an individual questionnaire and data tabulation was performed using EpiInfo 3.5.3 (CDC, Atlanta). Statistical significance was evaluated by chi-square (ᵪ2) or Fisher's exact tests with a 5.0 % significance level. The seroprevalence in humans was 70.00% (196/280), as follows: 69.08% (143/207) in rural and 72.60% (53/73) in a slum urban community. The seroprevalence in dogs was 52.35% (401/766), as follows: 71.74% (99/138) in rural and 48.08% (302/628) in urban area. In rural areas, there was no factor associated to risk of infection. In urban slum community, visualizing more than four rats at home was a factor statistically associated to seropositivity for human toxoplamosis. Infection of urban dogs was associated to age, contact with stray dogs or rodents, and free access to street. The results indicated a similar possibility of contact with Toxoplasma gondii between dogs and humans living in rural or slum urban areas of small municipalities.

Resumo Capivaras são territoriais e vivem em grupos sociais, ocorrendo comumente em áreas antropizadas. Em algumas regiões do Brasil, estes animais apresentam infestação por carrapatos do gênero Amblyomma, que por sua vez são considerados como principal vetor biológico e reservatório natural da bactéria Rickettsia rickettsii, agente causador da Febre Maculosa Brasileira. Na UFSCar campus Araras, a interação entre capivaras, carrapatos e comunidade acadêmica é frequente, ocorrendo principalmente durante a estação seca. Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar um censo populacional das capivaras que ocupam o campus, identificando sua área de uso e se estes roedores se encontravam infestados por carrapatos. Realizou-se observação direta das capivaras, captura-marcação e recaptura com uso de um brete, e também coleta dos carrapatos nas capivaras e no ambiente. Registrou-se um total de 56 capivaras, com densidade de 1,50 ind./ha. Foram capturados 24 animais, sendo 25% machos e 75% fêmeas, dos quais 25% eram adultos, 45,8% jovens e 29,2% filhotes. A espécie de carrapato amplamente encontrada infestando tanto os animais como o ambiente foi A. sculptum. Conclui-se que o grupo de capivaras apresentou um número elevado de indivíduos por causa da abundância de recursos e ausência de predadores, e também com grande infestação por carrapatos.

Abstract Capybaras are territorial animals that live in groups social occurring even in anthropized areas. In some regions of Brazil, these animals have shown high rates of tick infestation from the genus Amblyomma, which can be considered as a main biological vector and natural reservoir of the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii, an agent that causes Brazilian Spotted Fever. At Federal University of São Carlos, Araras campus, the interaction between capybaras, ticks and the community is frequent, occurring especially during the dry season. This study aimed to carry out a population census of capybaras that occurred on campus, identifying their home-range and verifying if these rodents were infested by ticks. The Applied methods included direct observation of capybara, capture-mark-recapture technique using a trap and also collection of ticks from the capybaras and the environment. The census recorded a maximum number of 56 capybaras, with density of 1.50 individuals/ha. The trap captures accounted for 24 animals, 25% males and 75% females, in which 25% were adult animals, 45.8% juveniles and 29.2% infants. The tick species most found both infesting animals and environment was A. sculptum. In conclusion, the group of capybaras studied showed a high number of individuals of resources and due to the presence the absence of predators, and given the high ticks infestation.

This study describes the detection of Borrelia garinii and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) in Brazilian individuals using PCR and DNA sequencing. Our results suggest that these species are emerging pathogens in this country, and additional studies are necessary to determine the epidemiological characteristics of this disease in Brazil.

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of DNA of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) in ticks that feed on horses used for animal traction in rural Jataizinho, Parana, Brazil. Between February and June 2008, a total of 224 ticks was collected of which 75% were identified as Dermacentor nitens and 25% as Amblyomma cajenense. To amplify B. burgdorferi s.l. DNA, the intergenic space region (ISR) between the 5S (rrf) 23S (rrl) rRNA genes was used as targets for nested-PCR. Two ticks of the D. nitens species were positive for B. burgdorferi s.l. Both species showed a fragment of 184 bp, but the sequencing revealed 99.9% homology with the B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) strain B31. These results showed, for the first time, the presence of spirochete DNA infecting ticks that parasitize horses used for animal traction, in the rural municipality mentioned. In conclusion, this study opens up promising prospects for determining the infection rate of B. burgdorferi s.s. genospecies or other species in the equine population, as well as the impact of the infection rate on Lyme disease in the state of Parana.

The aim of the present study was to verify the association between seropositivity for IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and social, economic and environmental variables of pregnant women attending the public health centers of Paraná, Brazil. From January 2007 to July 2010, 2226 pregnant women were interviewed and detection of anti-T. gondii specific IgG and IgM antibodies was performed by chemiluminescence test. Seropositivity for anti-T. gondii IgG was observed in 1151 (51.7%) pregnant women, 29 of which (1.3%) presented IgM reagent with IgG of high avidity. The variables associated with the presence of IgG were residency in the rural area, more than one pregnancy, less than or equal to eight years schooling, low per capita income, age group, raw or poorly cooked meat ingestion, and contact with the soil. There was neither association with raw fruit and vegetable ingestion nor with the presence of cats in the residencies.

Background : Leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis and brucellosis are diseases with worldwide distribution. Among stray dogs, these zoonoses are facilitated by direct contact with other animal species, by the habit of scavenging garbage and hunting in search of food, drinking standing water, smelling other animals' urine, licking female genitalia and the sexual act itself. The objective of this study was to detect antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii, anti-Leptospira spp., anti-Brucella canis and anti-Brucella abortus in stray dogs housed in shelters at Umuarama city, Paraná, Brazil. In order to detect toxoplasmosis, indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was performed, agglutination microscopic (MAT) test for leptospirosis and agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) and buffered acidified antigen (BAA) tests for brucellosis. Results : Of the 175 serum samples analyzed, 70.85% were considered positive for toxoplasmosis by IFA, 20% by MAT for leptospirosis and 2.85% by AGID for Brucella canis. Conclusions : The serological results of this study showed that stray dogs housed at the private shelter are potential carriers of these three different zoonoses and contribute to the spread and maintenance of these etiologic agents in the urban area of Umuarama (PR), Brazil.

The aim of this study was to conduct a serological survey for Lyme diseases, brucellosis, leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis and identify the risk variables related to these zoonoses in humans living in the rural area of Jataizinho, state of Parana, Brazil. A total of 63 rural properties were surveyed. Additionally, 207 serum samples collected from these rural area inhabitants were tested for indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) and western blots (WB) were performed to detect Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato); a tamponated acidified antigen test (AAT) and 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) were used to detect antibodies of Brucella abortus; the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was carried out to detect antibodies anti-Leptospira spp. and IFI was used to find antibodies of Toxoplasma gondii. Two of the samples (0.96%) were reactive for Lyme borreliosis, three (1.4%) for brucellosis, 25 (12.1%) for leptospirosis and 143 (69.1%) for toxoplasmosis. Although the town of Jataizinho has a human development index (IDH) that was considered to be average (0.733) in the state of Parana, the low social, economic and cultural conditions of the population from small rural properties have resulted in lack of basic information on animal health and direct or indirect contact with the various species of domestic animals, wildlife and ticks have probably contributed to the prevalence levels found. These results show the need for additional regional studies in order to determine the epidemiological characteristics of these diseases as well as their respective vectors and reservoirs so that effective prophylaxis can be administered in the human population.

A toxoplasmose possui ampla distribuição geográfica e elevada prevalência sorológica entre seres humanos e animais. A forma adquirida é, na maioria dos casos, leve ou assintomática, entretanto, em aproximadamente 15% dos casos pode-se desenvolver a forma ocular. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relacionar algumas variáveis à ocorrência de anticorpos IgG anti- Toxoplasma gondii em escolares do ensino fundamental de Jataizinho (PR). Foram analisadas amostras de sangue de 276 crianças testadas pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (IFI) onde 128 (46,4%) foram positivas. A análise das variáveis revelou que a presença de gato doméstico foi um importante fator associado à infecção pelo T. gondii (OR= 3.45; 1.61- 7.45) assim como crianças que relataram algum tipo de alteração visual (OR= 3.19; 1.11 - 9.35).

Toxoplasmosis possess worldwide geographic distribution and high serological prevalence in human beings and animals. Acquired way is, in the majority of the times, light or asymptomatic however, in approximately 15% of the cases can be developed the ocular form. The aim of this study is to research the occurrence of IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in children at an elementary school in Jataizinho (PR) and relate some factors with the epidemiology of the toxoplasmosis. A total of 276 samples of blood by using indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) where 128 (46.4%) were detected positives. The analysis of the variables indicated that the presence of domestic cats in the household was an important factor associated to the infection by T. gondii (OR= 3.45; 1.617.45) as well as to the children who described any kind of visual impairment (OR= 3.19; 1.11 - 9.35).

Toxoplasmosis is caused by an intracellular protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii, which has a wide geographical distribution. The main infection routes are ingestion of cysts from raw or badly-cooked meat, ingestion of oocysts from substrates contaminated with the feces of infected felines and congenital transmission by tachyzoites. The congenital form results in a severe systemic disease, because if the mother is infected for the first time during gestation, she can present a temporary parasitemia that will infect the fetus. Many of the clinical symptoms are seen in congenitally-infected children, from a mild disease to serious signs, such as mental retardation. Early diagnosis during the pregnancy is highly desirable, allowing prompt intervention in cases of infection, through treatment of pregnant women, reducing the probability of fetal infection and consequent substantial damage to the fetus. Conventional tests for establishment of a fetal diagnosis of toxoplasmosis include options from serology to PCR. Prevention of human toxoplasmosis is based on care to avoid infection, understanding the disease and serological exams during gestation. Pregnant women should be tested serologically from three months gestation, until one month after childbirth. Inclusion of serology for congenital toxoplasmosis along with the basic Guthrie test for PKU is of fundamental importance for early diagnosis of infection and so that treatment is initiated, in order to avoid possible sequels in the infant.

Foram estudados 320 eqüinos, machos e fêmeas com idade entre dois a 17 anos, utilizados para tração de carroças na área urbana do município de Londrina (PR). Estes animais eram mantidos, após a jornada diária de serviço, em áreas ou terrenos baldios, localizados na periferia da área urbana do município. Por ocasião do atendimento, realizado entre 1996 e 2005, no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Estadual de Londrina, nenhum dos animais apresentou sintomas sugestivos de leptospirose, sendo os motivos mais freqüentes, o emagrecimento, a indisposição para o trabalho, a verminose, problemas no sistema locomotor e feridas. A prova de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM), com 22 sorovares de Leptospira, foi realizada em amostra de soro de todos os animais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a ocorrência de anticorpos contra Leptospira spp. em eqüinos da área urbana do município de Londrina. Foram consideradas positivas 214 (66,88%) amostras de soros com títulos entre 100 e 3200, sendo em 49 (22,90%) detectadas anticorpos contra um único sorovar de Leptospira e em 165 (77,10%) amostras com anticorpos contra dois ou mais sorovares simultâneamente, sendo em 88 (53,33%) destes caracterizado o sorovar mais provável. Anticorpos contra o sorovar Icterohaemorrhagiae foram detectados em 32 (23,36%) animais.

A total of 320 horses were studied in this paper, both male and female, between two and 17 years of age, which were used for traction of wagons in the urban area of the municipality of Londrina (PR). These animals were kept, after their daily work, in abandoned areas or plots, in the outskirts of the urban area of the city. When these animals were attended by the veterinarians, between 1996 and 2005, none of them presented symptoms suggesting leptospirosis. The most frequent reasons for the visit were loss of weight, unwillingness for work, parasitism, laminess, and wounds. Microscopic Seroagglutination Test (SAM), with 22 Leptospira serovars, was performed in sera sample from all these animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. in horses from the urban area of Londrina (PR). From the samples tested, 214 (66.88%) were considered positive, with titers between 100 and 3200, being that 49 (22.90%) presented antibodies against a single serovar of Leptospira, and 165 (77.10%) samples presented antibodies against two or more serovars simultaneously, where in 88 (53.33%) it was possible to characterize the most likely probable serovar. Antibodies against the serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae were detected in 32 (23.36%) animals.

A leptospirose, brucelose e a toxoplasmose são zoonoses de ampla distribuição, sendo o homem participante acidental das suas cadeias epidemiológicas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar levantamento soroepidemiológico e identificar variáveis ocupacionais e ambientais relacionadas a estas enfermidades em 150 trabalhadores de um frigorífico da região Norte do Paraná. Para o diagnóstico de leptospirose foi realizada a prova de soroaglutinação microscópica; para a brucelose, a prova do antígeno acidificado tamponado e do 2-mercaptoetanol e para toxoplasmose, a reação de imunofluorescência indireta. Para cada funcionário foi preenchido um questionário epidemiológico que investigou variáveis ocupacionais e ambientais que poderiam estar associadas a estas infecções. Resultados positivos para leptospirose foram encontrados em 4,00% das amostras, para brucelose em 0,66% das amostras e para toxoplasmose 70,00%. Das três enfermidades pesquisadas, somente os resultados obtidos para leptospirose sugerem infecção de modo ocupacional.

Leptospirosis, brucellosis and toxoplasmosis are widely-distributed zoonosis, being the man an accidental participant of their epidemiological chains. The aim of this paper was to make a seroepidemiological report and identify occupational and environmental variables related to these illnesses in 150 workers in a slaughterhouse in the Northern region of Paraná. For the diagnosis of leptospirosis a microscopical seroagglutination test was applied; for brucellosis, the tamponated acidified antigen test and the 2-mercaptoetanol tests were used, and for toxoplasmosis the indirect immunofluorescence reaction test. For each employee an epidemiological survey was filled, which investigated occupational and environmental variables which could be associated with these infections. Positive results for leptospirosis were found in 4.00% of the samples, for brucellosis in 0.66% of samples and toxoplasmosis in 70.00%. From the three diseases researched, only the results for leptospirosis suggest occupational infection.