State Of Maranhao Research Articles

Estaleiro Escola do Maranhão – Uma Estratégia de Salvaguarda dos Conhecimentos Tradicionais

O Estado do Maranhão possui extensa faixa da costa setentrional brasileira que por sua vez é assolada por uma das maiores marés do planeta, com amplitudes que variam até 7 metros. Este fenômeno determina um litoral de configuração geográfica extremamente recortada e com grandes florestas de mangues onde se torna praticamente impossível construir estradas costeiras. Em meio a este desenho sinuoso, que se estende do delta do Rio Parnaíba à fronteira com o Pará, encontra-se a foz de diversos rios caudalosos, formando arquipélagos com centenas de ilhas, furos, igarapés e baías interiores. Neste universo ainda isolado, vivem milhares de famílias que dependem das embarcações artesanais como meio de subsistência e para a pesca artesanal e transporte de passageiros e cargas. Em 1986 realizamos com a Finep a pesquisa denominada “Embarcações do Maranhão/Recuperação das técnicas tradicionais populares” que conquistou o premio Rodrigo Melo Franco de Andrade em 1996 na categoria de Inventário de acervos e pesquisas. Esta pesquisa foi publicada em livro sob a chancela MINC / UNESCO em 1998. Entretanto o principal resultado foi a criação do Estaleiro Escola funcionando desde dezembro de 2006, onde os velhos mestres carpinteiros navais tem o seu conhecimento valorizado e são tratados com o respeito que se deve aos professores, mestres e doutores da academia universitária. Aqui eles encontram o ambiente favorável para transmissão de seus conhecimentos às novas gerações, evitando assim o seu desaparecimento.

Spatial analysis of probable cases of dengue fever, chikungunya fever and zika virus infections in Maranhao State, Brazil.

ABSTRACTDengue fever, chikungunya fever, and zika virus infections are increasing public health problems in the world, the last two diseases having recently emerged in Brazil. This ecological study employed spatial analysis of probable cases of dengue fever, chikungunya fever, and zika virus infections reported to the National Mandatory Reporting System (SINAN) in Maranhao State from 2015 to 2016. The software GeoDa version 1.10 was used for calculating global and local Moran indices. The global Moran index identified a significant autocorrelation of incidence rates of dengue (I=0.10; p=0.009) and zika (I=0.07; p=0.03). The study found a positive spatial correlation between dengue and the population density (I=0.31; p<0.001) and a negative correlation with the Performance Index of Unified Health System (PIUHS) by basic care coverage (I=-0.08; p=0.01). Regarding chikungunya fever, there were positive spatial correlations with the population density (I=0.06; p=0.03) and the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI) (I=0.10; p=0.002), and a negative correlation with the Gini index (I=-0.01; p<0.001) and the PIUHS by basic care coverage (I=-0.18; p<0.001). Lastly, we found positive spatial correlations between Zika virus infections and the population density (I=0.13; p=0.005) and the MHDI (I=0.12; p<0.001), as well as a negative correlation with the Gini index (I=-0.11; p<0.001) and the PIUHS by basic care coverage (I=-0.05; p=0.03). Our results suggest that several socio-demographic factors influenced the occurrence of dengue fever, chikungunya fever, and zika virus infections in Maranhao State.

Study of Gas Turbulent Dispersion Process in the Alcântara Launch Center

The Alcântara Launch Center (ALC) is the Brazilian gate to the space located at the north coast of Maranhao State,close to the Equator. Topographical local characteristics modify the parameters of incident atmospheric winds and it can cause great influence on the gas dispersion process. In this work, detailed scale models of the ALC region was experimentally evaluated using a wind tunnel. The topographical scale models were built where mean and fluctuating flow characteristics were analysed in order to understand the real behaviour of ALC winds and then, simulations of the effluent dispersion process were made using these scale models. The wind velocity was measured by a hot wire anemometer and the concentration fields in the proximities of a gas emission source were analysed by an aspirating probe connected to the anemometer system. The results obtained show similarity with numerical outputs from previous study in the case of the emission at ground level. A coherent behaviour with the physic of the phenomena was observed for the case of emission downward.

SUSCEPTIBILIDADE DE Staphylococcus aureus ISOLADOS DE LEITE CRU A ANTIBIÓTICOS COMERCIAIS

Resumo O leite possui extremo valor na dieta humana e constitui um excelente substrato para o crescimento de grande diversidade de microrganismos, dentre eles o Staphylococcus aureus, frequentemente encontrado no leite cru, e que se destaca como um dos microrganismos mais prevalentes em casos de mastite bovina no mundo. Objetivou-se avaliar a sensibilidade de cepas de S. aureus isoladas de leite cru à antimicrobianos comerciais. Para isso, selecionaram-se antibióticos com base em pesquisas junto a estabelecimentos comerciais de medicamentos veterinários no município de Zé Doca, Estado do Maranhão, Brasil. Esses antibióticos foram identificados por associação à base de penicilina, estreptomicina, isoniazida e prednisolona (BPC), oxitetraciclina base (TOR), associação à base de penicilina e estreptomicina (MPP) e cloridrato de tetraciclina (TCA). Posteriormente, realizou-se contagem de Staphylococcus spp., com isolamento e identificação bioquímica das cepas de S. aureus as quais, em seguida, foram submetidas à antibiogramas com identificação de ce,pas produtoras de beta-lactamase. Os resultados demonstraram contaminação em todas as amostras por Staphylococcus spp., com contagens de 1,9 x 103 a 5,24 x 106 UFC/mL. Dentre os antibióticos testados, o TOR apresentou maior eficiência na eliminação ou redução de todas as cepas de S. aureus. Verificou-se que 50% das cepas de S. aureus isoladas produziram enzima beta-lactamase. Torna-se necessário a criação de medidas de combate ao surgimento de novas cepas bacterianas e atuação das autoridades públicas, fiscalizando a comercialização de medicamentos veterinários.

Estudo etnobotânico do conhecimento e uso de plantas medicinais em Santa Luzia, Maranhão, Brasil

O uso de plantas como medicamentos tradicionais fornece um substituto real nos serviços de saúde para as comunidades rurais. O estudo de plantas medicinais revela espécies de plantas localmente importantes, muitas vezes úteis para a descoberta de novas drogas. O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer o uso de plantas medicinais em Santa Luzia, Estado do Maranhão, Brasil, e avaliar os padrões sociais e econômicos em relação ao uso da fitoterapia. Os dados etnobotânicos foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, nas quais participaram 53 moradores (15 homens e 38 mulheres) selecionados aleatoriamente. Um total de 123 espécies de plantas medicinais foram registradas juntamente com seus usos medicinais. Entre as famílias mais citadas, a família Fabaceae apresentou 14 espécies medicinais, seguida por Apiaceae com 7 espécies. As folhas são as partes das plantas usadas com mais frequência e a decocção, o método de preparo. Entre os principais distúrbios tratados com plantas medicinais, as doenças infecciosas e parasitárias e as doenças digestivas foram as mais citadas. Os resultados das correlações entre o número de pessoas por domicílio e a idade dos entrevistados foram positivamente relacionados ao número de plantas citadas. O estudo revelou que a área abriga uma diversidade de plantas medicinais e conhecimento associado. As comunidades locais dependem de plantas medicinais para satisfazer suas necessidades básicas de saúde.

Aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos da infecção genital pelo papilomavírus humano em gestantes do município de Imperatriz, estado do Maranhão, Brasil

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalencia da infeccao da cervice uterina pelo papilomavirus humano (HPV) em mulheres gravidas no municipio de Imperatriz, estado do Maranhao, Brasil. Materiais e Metodos: O DNA-HPV foi detectado por reacao em cadeia da polimerase em amostras de material cervicovaginal, coletadas com escova cervical, de 167 gestantes que responderam a um questionario com dados sociodemograficos, comportamentais e reprodutivos. Resultados: A prevalencia da infeccao genital pelo HPV foi de 17,36%. As gestantes solteiras/separadas/viuvas apresentaram quatro vezes mais chances de adquirir infeccao pelo HPV que as casadas (OR = 4,03; p = 0,0046). Primigestas apresentaram maior prevalencia de infeccao (29,03%), sendo estatisticamente significantes (OR = 3,42; p = 0,001). Conclusao: Os resultados permitem concluir que as gestantes mais suscetiveis a infeccao pelo HPV sao mulheres jovens, gravidas pela primeira vez e que estao em relacoes nao estaveis, o que evidencia a necessidade de se combater a infeccao por HPV pela implantacao, ou ampliacao de programas de educacao sexual e planejamento familiar voltados para o publico jovem, alem de ampliar os programas continuados de vacinacao contra o HPV.

Structure of a polychaete community in a mangrove in the northern coast of Brazil

Los poliquetos desempeñan un importante papel en la estructura y funcionamiento de las comunidades bentónicas de manglares; sin embargo, el conocimiento sobre estos organismos permanece escaso en la costa amazónica de Maranhão, Brasil. Este estudio analizó los aspectos ecológicos de la comunidad de poliquetos del manglar Quebra Pote, Estado de Maranhão. Se realizaron cuatro recolectas durante el período de secas y lluvias, entre noviembre 2013 y julio 2014, se delimitó un transecto de 100 metros de longitud, perpendicular a la línea de agua, con tres zonas distantes entre sí de 50 m. Se cuantificaron 521 individuos distribuidos en diez familias y 15 especies; Nephtys simoni, Notomastus sp. y Paraonis sp., correspondieron al 58,92 % del total muestreado. Los poliquetos detritívoros móviles fueron dominantes y abundantes. El manglar Quebra Pote presentó elevados valores de diversidad y equidad. En la distribución espacial, se observó que varias especies estuvieron presentes en todas las zonas del manglar, por ejemplo Capitella sp., Heteromastus sp., N. simoni, Notomastus sp., Paradoneis sp., Paraonis sp., Scoloplos texana, Sigambra grubei y Syllis gracilis magellanica. La diversidad y abundancia de poliquetos fueron mayores en el mediolitoral inferior (Zona 1), con predominio de Avicennia schaueriana. A lo largo de las zonas se observó que la abundancia de poliquetos decrece del mediolitoral inferior hacia al mediolitoral superior, probablemente como consecuencia del desagüe doméstico, que suplantó el efecto de la vegetación.

MERCURY IN THE SEDIMENT OF THE UPPER PARNAÍBA RIVER

ABSTRACT The contamination of aquatic environments with chemical trace elements can be evaluated by their accumulation in sediments of the water body. Studies on mercury require the use of exclusive extraction techniques that have relatively high costs when compared to the analysis of other trace elements. This study was conducted aiming at determining the mercury concentration in sediments of the Upper Parnaiba River basin, located in a region of agricultural expansion between the states of Piaui and Maranhao. The sediment was collected at 12 sites in the basin. After drying, the quantification of total mercury was performed by the Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry coupled to a pyrolysis reactor. Mercury concentrations in sediments of the Parnaiba River ranged from 4.2 to 58.5 ng g−1 and presented a low probability of adverse effects on biota. Mercury had no correlation with the variables clay, silt, sand, total organic carbon, iron, and aluminum, demonstrating its possible anthropogenic origin. Although mercury concentrations have a low probability to disturb the balance of the local ecosystem, there is a need for monitoring the region in order to quantify the risks to biota and human health.

PERDAS PÓS-COLHEITA DE HORTALIÇAS NO MERCADO VAREJISTA DE CHAPADINHA, MARANHÃO, BRASIL

Olive groves are important food for the population due to nutritional components, such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fibers and other nutraceutical substances. In addition, the agribusiness of vegetables contributes significantly on socioeconomic aspects in the agricultural sector. Although it is an activity of great relevance, there are still challenges and bottlenecks that need to be overcome with regard to post-harvest losses, especially in the State of Maranhao, where research on the subject is scarce. In this sense, it was aimed to conduct a survey in the retail market of Chapadinha (MA) in order to identify causes and possible solutions, which will help in specific actions to the sector. The research was conducted in the year 2016, carried out in the twenty main points of commercialization of hortifrutis, situated in Chapadinha (MA). Questionnaires with objective and subjective questions covering aspects related to the handling, storage, commercialization and post- harvest losses of vegetables (lettuce, potato, sweet potato, eggplant, onion, carrot, cucumber, peppers and tomato) were used. At the end of the research, the following order of losses was obtained: eggplant (20.42%)> lettuce (14.34%)> tomato (14.11%)> sweet potato (12.63% 46 98%)> carrot (11.13%)> cucumber (11.05%)> onion (10.44%) sweet potato> (9.27%). The main causes of post-harvest losses identified were physiological disorders and mechanical damage. Therefore, it is extremely important to raise the awareness of the merchants regarding the techniques of conservation and commercialization of vegetables as well as the best planning in the supply of the products.

VIOLÊNCIA INSTITUCIONAL CONTRA A MULHER: O PODER JUDICIÁRIO, DE PRETENSO PROTETOR A EFETIVO AGRESSOR

No Brasil tornaram-se crescentes os estudos relacionados ao gênero, em especial, após o advento da Lei 11.340/2006. No entanto, ainda são poucas as pesquisas e os estudos debruçados à violência institucional praticada contra a mulher, especialmente no Estado do Maranhão. O presente trabalho objetivou analisar a violência institucional como uma forma recentemente publicizada de violência contra a mulher, tornando-se uma barreira para um atendimento efetivo das mulheres em situação de violência doméstica e familiar. Procedeu-se abordagem de revisão bibliográfica e em seguida, aplicação de ferramenta de investigação quanti-qualitativa com a aplicação de 35 questionários com jurisdicinadas (usuárias) da Vara Especial de Combate à Violência Doméstica e Familiar Contra a Mulher de São Luís-MA. Verificou-se um sentimento de frustração das mulheres que buscam o atendimento jurisdicional, evidenciando-se que a violência institucional obstaculariza um acesso digno à Justiça e uma inefetividade de determinação judicial justa, condizente com o que as vítimas necessitam.

Dinâmica das Queimadas no Cerrado do Estado do Maranhão, Nordeste do Brasil

As queimadas têm um papel central nas emissões de carbono nas regiões tropicais, afetando diretamente o ciclo do carbono e a saúde da população. No Cerrado, o fogo ocorre naturalmente e por influência humana, utilizado no processo produtivo da agricultura e pecuária. Nesse contexto o objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a dinâmica espaço-temporal das queimadas no Cerrado do estado do Maranhão. Para isso, foram utilizados dados derivados de produtos de sensoriamento remoto e de estações meteorológicas do INMET. Os dados foram processados e tabulados. Análises espaciais e de regressão foram realizadas. Os resultados evidenciaram que as queimadas são moduladas pela sazonalidade do regime de chuva, podendo ser influenciada também por variações de temperatura e umidade do ar. Essa região foi afetada nos anos de 2007 e 2012 por secas que ocasionaram o aumento expressivo no número de queimadas. Nessa região, o desmatamento não está ligado diretamente à ocorrência de queimadas. A vegetação de formações savânicas foram identificadas como as mais suscetíveis à ocorrência de queimadas, por totalizarem grande parte das recorrências e ocorrências de queimadas nessa região.

A trajetória de uma rede familiar no Pará setecentista: O caso da família Góis

Resumo: O artigo examina a trajetória da família de Manoel de Góis e seu processo de mobilidade social, ocorrido na capitania do Pará, durante o século XVIII. Analisa as estratégias de afirmação e reconhecimento social empregados por diversos membros da família, que os inseriu na elite local. Apresenta a composição de uma rede social formada pelos novos colonos reinóis e os descendentes das antigas e principais famílias no Estado do Maranhão e Grão-Pará. A análise dessa rede familiar, permite observar não apenas os percursos individuais de ascensão social que os conduziu à nobilitação, mas também, a inclusão do grupo em redes políticas e sociais que garantiram sua distinção social.Abstract: This article examines the trajectory of Manoel de Góis' family and their process of social mobility, which took place in the Pará captaincy during the 18th century. It also analyzes the strategies of affirmation and social recognition used by several family members, who inserted them into the local elite. It presents the composition of a social network formed by the new settlers and descendants of the old and main families in the State of Maranhão and Grão-Pará.The study of this family network allows us to observe not only the individual paths of social ascension that allowed them to ascend to the nobility, but also the inclusion of the group in political and social networks that guaranteed their social distinction.

Metamorfoses no espaço metropolitano de São Luís (MA)

A metrópole é uma realidade no Brasil, contudo a produção dessa forma ocorre em ritmos e temporalidades diferentes e reproduz a relação centro periferia. Assim, o objetivo deste artigo é analisar os aspectos espaciais da metropolização na capital maranhense. A centralização da riqueza e da população, a fragmentação do tecido urbano com a constituição de núcleos com diferentes níveis de centralidade e a produção de novos territórios com a implantação de unidades habitacionais em municípios metropolitanos foram as principais características do fenômeno estudado.&#x0D; &#x0D; Abstract&#x0D; &#x0D; METAMORPHOSES IN THE METROPOLITAN SPACE OF SÃO LUÍS (MA)&#x0D; &#x0D; The metropolis is a reality in Brazil, however production of this form occurs at different rhythms and temporalities and it reproduces the center-periphery relationship. Thus, the purpose of this article is to analyze the spatial aspects of metropolization in the capital of Maranhão state. The centralization of wealth and population, the fragmentation of the urban fabric with the constitution of nuclei with different levels of centrality and the production of new territories with the implementation of housing units in metropolitan municipalities were the main characteristics of the phenomenon studied.

Ecophysiology of Brachiaria decumbens in grazing systems

Plant Ecophysiology was used as a tool to interpret the responses and adaptation of pastures to environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate ecophysiological parameters in Brachiaria decumbens grown in different grazing systems in the Cerrado’s biome in the south state of Maranhao, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with nine replications, using a 3×2×3 factorial arrangement consisted of three grazing management systems (silvopastoral, a rotation system with regeneration of native vegetation, and extensive) two seasons (dry and rainy), and three evaluation times along the day. The photochemical efficiency, performance index, and estimation of chlorophyll content were evaluated. According to the results, most of the parameters of the variables evaluated for B. decumbens presented stress conditions, thus compromising their photosynthetic apparatus. B. decumbens presented the best photochemical efficiency and estimated chlorophyll content throughout the day in the silvopastoral system, in both evaluated seasons, therefore, it is a promising species of grass for this system.

Carta de apresentação da Edição Especial MMA

The Master in environment holds annually the Environment Forum of the State of Maranhao. In 2019, the third edition of the event was held with the theme: Water Resources Management in Maranhao - Potentialities and Weaknesses for a Participatory and Decentralized Management, which presented 149 scientific papers divided into two distinct areas 82 works in the area of planning and environmental quality and 67 works in the area of health and environment. Due to the importance that the event has been showing to the State and the high scientific quality of the presented works, it was considered pertinent a wider dissemination, where all the scientific community would have access to the accomplished works, hence the idea of a Special Edition in a renowned Scientific Journal. Thus, to compose the special edition of the III Forum on the Environment, 15 articles were selected, which later underwent an “ad hoc” peer review to ensure quality. The articles have varied themes and range from environmental monitoring using georeferencing technologies, going through proposals of intervention methodology for environment recovery to articles focused on the influence of anthropic and environmental factors on human health.

Reproductive phenology differs between evergreen and deciduous species in a Northeast Brazilian savanna

ABSTRACT Evergreen (EG) and deciduous (DEC) species exhibit distinct strategies to overcome dry periods and achieve adequate water status for reproduction and growth. Such particularities may result in distinct reproductive strategies between these groups. Thus, we evaluated the phenology of EG and DEC groups, comparing and differentiating their reproductive phenophases in an area of Brazilian savanna (cerrado sensu stricto), located in Mirador State Park, Maranhao State, by associating these patterns with leaf fall and flushing. Leaf fall, leaf flushing, flowering and fruiting data were monitored between April 2014 and March 2016 for 12 EG and 13 DEC species. To assess differences in flowering and fruiting patterns between EG and DEC, we compared phenological time, activity and intensity, and the duration of phenophases. We found earlier occurrence and longer duration of flowering for EG than for DEC; for fruiting, EG differed from DEC in activity throughout the year, with the intensity being greater for the EG group. These responses may reflect the distinct water-use strategies adopted by the EG and DEC groups, and confirm that differences in their ecophysiological strategies may exert an influence on their reproductive phenology.

Economic Analysis of Corn Culture in Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest System

Aims: Aim was to analyze the economic viability of an integrated crop-livestock-forest (ICLF) system area, in the municipality of Pindare-Mirim, State of Maranhao, Brazil, using the consortium of maize (Zea mays L.), forage species Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu and Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus urograndis). Study Design: Case study. Place and Duration of Study: The work was developed in a Technological Reference Unit of ICLF of Embrapa Cocais, located in the municipality of Pindare-Mirim - Maranhao, Brazil, between January 2016 and July 2017 and The experimental area was 3 ha, divided into three subareas: Treatment I - single corn planting; Treatment II - Barreirao system; and Treatment III - Santa Fe system. Methods: In this work, the method of operational costs was used. The following economic performance measures were calculated: Gross income (GI), Gross margin (GM), Net margin (NM), Profit, Leveling point (LP) and Rates of return (RR). The economic indicators calculated were: Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Benefit-Cost Ratio (RBC). The data collected from the costs and revenues of each treatment were tabulated and treated with the help of Microsoft Office Excel. Results: All the treatments presented a profit, being the Barreirao System the one that had better results, presenting P of 163 bags of maize ha-1, GI of US$ 1974, profit of US$ 780, LP in 99 bags, of 60 kg, of corn ha-1 and RR of 65.33%. Treatments I and III presented, respectively, P of 135 and 143 bags of maize ha-1, GI of US$ 1635 and US$ 1732, profit of US$ 504 and US$ 543, LP in 94 and 99 bags of corn ha-1 and RR of 44.63% and 45.67%. Conclusion: The results obtained reinforce the importance of studying the economic feasibility of ICLF system to provide the investor with the conditions for better decision making.

Leptospira spp. in sheep of the state of Maranhao, Brazil: frequency, risk factors and foci mapping

The objective of this research was to estimate the frequency, risk factors and mapping of outbreaks in ovine flocks in the State of Maranhao, Brazil, related to Leptospira spp. A total of 575 samples of blood serum from sheep were collected, from 116 flocks, and 20 municipalities. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to verify the association of risk factors. Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) was used for 24 serovars of Leptospira spp. 100% of the flocks (116) and 94.43% of animals (543/575) were reagents for at least one of the 24 serovars tested. The most frequent serovars were Sentot (236, 41.04%), Hadjo (197, 34.26%), Adamana (178; 30.95%), Pomona (158, 27.47%) and Autumnallis (148, 25.73%). The presence of rodents, felines, goats, pigs and wild animals had a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) with the occurrence of Leptospira spp. It was concluded that the frequency of Leptospiraspp was high in sheep from the State of Maranhao. However, all municipalities had infected animals, therefore, it is considered necessary to implement sanitary measures for the control and prevention of this disease in ovine flocks in the state of Maranhao.

Disputas territoriales en la sabana tropical brasileña (cerrado): los campesinos agroextractivistas y el agronegocio en Maranhão y Tocantins

&lt;p&gt;La inserción del agronegocio en el cerrado es sustentada por el proceso histórico de apropiación de tierras por el latifundio y el desarrollo del capitalismo. Este artículo es resultado de una investigación efectuada de marzo de 2011 a julio de 2013 en los estados de Maranhão y Tocantins, Brasil. Los frutos del cerrado poseen un valor trascendental en la reproducción de los modos de vida agroextractivistas. Pero el agronegocio se expande a pesar de que los sujetos hacen frente al proceso a través de estrategias productivas, educativas y políticas, en un contexto socio-ambiental desfavorable.&lt;/p&gt;

Spatial distribution and seasonality of Biomphalaria spp. in São Luís (Maranhão, Brazil).

Two of the three vector species of Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907 in Brazil occur in the state of Maranhao: Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818) and Biomphalaria straminea (Dunker, 1848). For the implementation of effective measures to combat schistosomiasis, it is necessary to identify the spatial and seasonal dynamics of these snails. Therefore, this work brought together information from malacological survey carried out in Sao Luis (Maranhao, Brazil) to identify the spatial and seasonal distribution patterns of Biomphalaria spp. snails. We used data from malacological surveys of the Municipal Health Secretary of Sao Luis, conducted between 2006 and 2013 in 23 neighborhoods. We also used data from the mollusk surveys that we conducted for 2 years (2012–2014) in four of these neighborhoods. During the 8-year period (2006–2013), 15,990 specimens of Biomphalaria spp. were collected. There was a positive association between precipitation and the abundance of mollusks of the genus Biomphalaria. During 2012–2014, a total of 2487 snail specimens were obtained (B. glabrata: 1046 specimens; B. straminea: 1426 specimens). There was a positive correlation between precipitation and B. straminea abundance. High density of human occupation and high precipitation are two factors that affect the distribution and density of Biomphalaria spp. populations.