Parasite Index Research Articles

Dispersal of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in cabbage, cucumber, and sweet corn.

Abstract: The dispersion capacity is fundamental to establish a biological control program with parasitoids. This information is used to determine the efficiency and the number of release points. Thus, the objective of this work was to determine the dispersion and to estimate the number of release points of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879 (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), in sweet corn, cucumber and cabbage in the Ceará State. The experiments were carried out in areas of maize with four leaf pairs (V4) and eight leaves pair (V8), stacked and cabbage. Unviable eggs of an alternative host were distributed in concentric circles of radius 2.5; 5.0; 9.0 and 12.0 m. Mean dispersal distance in the V4 stage maize was 4.7 m with a dispersion area of 48.6 m2, parasitism index of 18.4%, requiring 206 points/ha. In the V8 stage maize, the mean distance was 5.9 m, dispersion area of 60.3 m², mean parasitism index of 22.7% and 166 release points/ha. For the cucumber culture the mean distance was 6.0 m, dispersion area 62.2 m², mean parasitism index of 21.1% and 161 release points/ha. For cabbage the mean distance was 5.6 m, dispersion area of 56.8 m², mean parasitism index of 22.1% and 176 release points/ha.

A study on multi-organ dysfunction syndrome in malaria using sequential organ failure assessment score.

Purpose:The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence, clinical spectrum, prognostic factors, and outcome of multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in patients with malaria.Materials and Methods:One hundred and twenty-four patients with malaria, diagnosed by a positive peripheral blood film and rapid malaria test, were studied for MODS using the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score. The severity of malaria was assessed by the WHO criteria.Results:Severe malaria was present in 54 (43.54%) patients. MODS was detected in 108 (87.09%) patients with malaria (Plasmodium falciparum - 57 [85.07%], Plasmodium vivax - 46 [88.46%] and mixed P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria - 5 [100%] cases). SOFA scores of MODS-and non-MODS-patients differed significantly (P < 0.001). No significant association was seen between MODS and type of malaria (P = 0.894). Mortality among malaria patients with MODS was 5.55% (6/108) (P. falciparum 8.77% [5/57] and P. vivax 2.17% [1/46]). The outcome of MODS was associated significantly with the severity of the SOFA score at admission (P = 0.011) but not with the type of malaria, malaria parasite index, and the number of organs involved (P > 0.05 each). The SOFA score at admission correlated significantly with the duration of hospitalization (P < 0.0001).Conclusions:MODS occurs with high frequency in malaria and is not dependent on the type of malaria. The outcome of MODS and recovery time depends on the severity of MODS. The SOFA score is useful in detecting MODS and ascertaining its severity and prognosis in malaria.

Trypanorhynch cestodes parasitizing Mugil liza (Mugiliformes: Mugilidae) commercialized in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The aim of the present study was to identify, through morphological and morphometric analyses, the species of trypanorhynch cestodes found as plerocerci in the intestinal serosa of Mugil liza and to determine their parasitic indices. One hundred and fifty specimens of this mullet collected off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro were necropsied and the trypanorhynch cestodes found were fixed and preserved as whole mounts for morphological analysis. The plerocerci were identified as Callitetrarhynchus gracilis and Pterobothrium crassicole, both with a prevalence of 0.67%, an intensity of 1 and abundance of 0.0067, in single infections. This is the first record of a trypanorhynch cestode parasitizing M. liza in Brazil. Although the parasitic indexes were low, from a hygienic-sanitary perspective the plerocerci of these species are visible to the naked eye, and thus can disgust consumers and make marketing the fish unfeasible.

The diversity of Anopheles blood feeding patterns suggests different malaria protection strategies in different localities.

Background: Malaria is a significant health burden for many countries worldwide. Insecticide-treated bed nets and mosquito repellent are considered effective methods for preventing Anopheles bites. However, changes in the biological properties of the vector have led to a reduction in their effectiveness. Most published studies have only investigated the human population factor, not the dynamics of vector behavior. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the importance of primary vector activity for selecting an appropriate malaria protection strategy. Methods: Initially, active case detection (ACD) was carried out in western and eastern parts of Indonesia, Jambi and Sumba, to confirm their endemicity level. According to the 2016 national health report of Indonesia, Jambi has an annual parasite index (API) of 0.14 and Sumba has an API of 5.41. A series of entomological observations were carried out to compare the biting activity of Anopheles vector in two localities, with a total of 216 houses and 216 catchers (108 in each study site). Results: The results indicated that endemicity at the sub-district level is higher than that at the provincial level. Only Anopheles balabacensi was found to be exophagic. Multiple comparisons found different biting times between the sites, suggesting that early evening (18.00-20.00) is most likely to be the time when mosquitoes transmit the Plasmodium parasite in Jambi, while during sleeping hours (21.00-01.00) is the peak biting time of Anopheles mosquitoes in Sumba. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the importance of Anopheles species blood feeding patterns in selecting an appropriate malaria protection strategy.

Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus inputs on soil nematode community in a degraded grassland.

Nematodes, occupying multiple trophic levels in the food web, play important roles in energy flow and nutrient cycling. Most of Chinese natural grasslands have been degraded due to long-term unreasonable utilization, such as over-grazing. External nutrient input is an important way to restore the ecological function of degraded grasslands. The main and intertative effects of nitrogen and phosphorus inputs on soil nematode abundance, trophic group composition and community structure were studied in the grasslands in Xilingol League of Inner Mongolia. Totally, 38 genera of nematodes were recorded. Tylencholaimus, Aphelenchoides, Thonus, and Scutylenchus were dominant genera in this degraded grassland. Nitrogen input decreased total abundances of soil nematodes, and that of omnivores-carnivorous nematodes and plant-feeding nematodes. Phosphorus input increased total abundances of soil nematodes, and that of fungal-feeding nematodes, omnivores-carnivorous nematodes, and plant-feeding nematodes. Nitrogen input inhibited the positive effects of phosphorus input on the abundances of total nematodes, omnivores-carnivorous nematodes and plant-feeding nematodes. Nutrient inputs had no effect on nematode diversity, which would be resulted from the stable plant community. Nitrogen input significantly increased nematode maturity index, decreased plant parasitic nematode maturity index (PPI), and greatly alleviated the negative effects of phosphorus input on PPI and Wasilewska index, indicating that nitrogen input could improve soil health condition and the stability of nematodes community. Our results would help improve our understanding of the effects of nutrient inputs on degraded grassland ecosystem from a soil biotic perspective.

The diversity of Anopheles blood feeding patterns suggests different malaria protection strategies in different localities

Background: Malaria is a significant health burden for many countries worldwide. Insecticide-treated bed nets and mosquito repellent are considered effective methods for preventing Anopheles bites. However, changes in the biological properties of the vector have led to a reduction in their effectiveness. The vector has been studied, but the behaviour has been poorly examined. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the importance of primary vector activity for selecting an appropriate malaria protection strategy. Methods: Initially, active case detection (ACD) was carried out in western and eastern parts of Indonesia, Jambi and Sumba, to confirm their endemicity level. According to the 2016 national health report of Indonesia, Jambi has an annual parasite index (API) of 0.14 and Sumba has an API of 5.41. A series of entomological observations were carried out to compare the biting activity of Anopheles vectors in two localities, with a total of 216 houses and 216 catchers (108 at each study site). Results: The results indicated that endemicity at the sub-district level is higher than that at the provincial level. Only Anopheles balabacensi was found to be exophagic. Multiple comparisons found different biting times between the sites, suggesting that early evening (18.00-20.00) is most likely to be the time when mosquitoes transmit the Plasmodium parasite in Jambi, while during sleeping hours (21.00-01.00) is the peak biting time of Anopheles mosquitoes in Sumba. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the importance of Anopheles species blood feeding patterns in selecting an appropriate malaria protection strategy.

Changes in soil nematode abundance and composition under elevated [CO2] and canopy warming in a rice paddy field

Global climate change is characterized by enhanced atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) and temperature, with unknown consequences for soil nematode communities. Soil nematode in response to elevated [CO2], warming and their interaction in paddy field remain largely unknown. Here we aimed to understand how factorial combinations of elevated [CO2] and canopy warming affect soil nematode in a rice paddy field. A rice paddy field was consistently treated with elevated [CO2] (500 ppm), canopy warming (+2 °C) or their combinations. Soil samples after a two-year treatment were collected during the rice growing season and nematode communities were extracted with a modified Baermann funnel extraction to examine the changes in nematode abundance and composition under climate change. Soil nematode communities were altered by elevated [CO2] and warming, but these responses were dependent on rice growing stages. When averaged over the four stages, total nematode abundances were increased by 31.5% under elevated [CO2], and by 25.7% under warming. Elevated [CO2] had no effect on nematode diversity, but slightly altered the composition of different trophic groups. In contrast, warming decreased nematode diversity, but increased plant parasite index, which was negative correlated with crop production. This was attributed to increases in the relative abundance of herbivores under simulated climate change conditions. Elevated [CO2] and warming had a positive effect on nematode abundance, but potentially reduced nematode diversity and soil health. These results suggest that multi-factors interactively affect the responses of soil nematode communities, which is important for food productivity under climate change.

Malaria risk assessment and mapping using satellite imagery and boosted regression trees in the Peruvian Amazon

This is the first study to assess the risk of co-endemic Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum transmission in the Peruvian Amazon using boosted regression tree (BRT) models based on social and environmental predictors derived from satellite imagery and data. Yearly cross-validated BRT models were created to discriminate high-risk (annual parasite index API > 10 cases/1000 people) and very-high-risk for malaria (API > 50 cases/1000 people) in 2766 georeferenced villages of Loreto department, between 2010–2017 as other parts in the article (graphs, tables, and texts). Predictors were cumulative annual rainfall, forest coverage, annual forest loss, annual mean land surface temperature, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference water index (NDWI), shortest distance to rivers, time to populated villages, and population density. BRT models built with predictor data of a given year efficiently discriminated the malaria risk for that year in villages (area under the ROC curve (AUC) > 0.80), and most models also effectively predicted malaria risk in the following year. Cumulative rainfall, population density and time to populated villages were consistently the top three predictors for both P. vivax and P. falciparum incidence. Maps created using the BRT models characterize the spatial distribution of the malaria incidence in Loreto and should contribute to malaria-related decision making in the area.

Forest Gap Size Alters the Functional Diversity of Soil Nematode Communities in Alpine Forest Ecosystems

Changes in the microenvironment driven by forest gaps have profound effects on soil nutrient cycling and litter decomposition processes in alpine forest ecosystems. However, it is unclear whether a similar forest gap effect occurs in the soil decomposer community. A field experiment was conducted in an alpine forest to investigate the composition and structure of the soil nematode community among four treatments, including under a closed canopy and in small (&lt;10 m in diameter), medium (10–15 m in diameter), and large (15–20 m in diameter) gaps. A total of 92,787 individuals and 27 species (genera level) of soil nematode were extracted by elutriation and sugar centrifugation, respectively. Filenchus was the most abundant dominant taxa and represented 24.27–37.51% of the soil nematodes in the four treatments. Compared to the closed canopy, the forest gaps did not affect the composition, abundance, or species diversity of the soil nematode community but significantly affected the functional diversity of the soil nematode community. The maturity indices (MI, ∑MI, and MI2‒5) of the soil nematode community in the closed canopy were significantly lower than those in the forest gaps. Moreover, the proportion of plant parasitic index and maturity index (PPI/MI) values of the closed canopy and small gaps were significantly higher than those of the medium and large gaps. Our results suggest that the forest gap size substantially alters the functional diversity of soil nematodes in the debris food web, and changes in soil nematode community structure due to gap formation may have profound effects on soil biogeochemical processes in alpine forests.

The diversity of Anopheles blood feeding patterns suggests different malaria protection strategies in different localities.

Background: Malaria is a significant health burden for many countries worldwide. Insecticide-treated bed nets and mosquito repellent are considered effective methods for preventing Anopheles bites. However, changes in the biological properties of the vector have led to a reduction in their effectiveness. Most published studies have only investigated the human population factor, not the dynamics of vector behavior. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the importance of primary vector activity for selecting an appropriate malaria protection strategy. Methods: Initially, active case detection (ACD) was carried out in western and eastern parts of Indonesia, Jambi and Sumba, to confirm their endemicity level. According to the 2016 national health report of Indonesia, Jambi has an annual parasite index (API) of 0.14 and Sumba has an API of 5.41. A series of entomological observations were carried out to compare the biting activity of Anopheles vector in two localities, with a total of 216 houses and catchers (108 in each study site). Results: The results indicated that endemicity at the sub-district level is higher than that at the provincial level. Only Anopheles balabacensi was found to be exophagic. Multiple comparisons found different biting times between the sites, suggesting that early evening (18.00-20.00) is most likely to be the time when mosquitos transmit the Plasmodium parasite in Jambi, while during sleeping hours (21.00-01.00) is the peak biting time of Anopheles mosquitos in Sumba. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the importance of Anopheles species blood feeding patterns in selecting an appropriate malaria protection strategy.

Acanthocephalan parasites of the flounder species Paralichthys isosceles, Paralichthys patagonicus and Xystreurys rasile from Brazil.

Flounders are commercially and economically important fish. A total of 120 specimens of flounders (60 Paralichthys isosceles, 30 Paralichthys patagonicus and 30 Xystreurys rasile) were collected off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The fish were measured, necropsied and filleted, and then had their organs investigated for acanthocephalans. Taxonomic identification of the parasites was based on morphological, morphometric and genetic characters. Paralichthys isosceles and P. patagonicus were parasitized by juveniles of Serrasentis sagittifer, Bolbosoma turbinella, Corynosoma australe and C. cetaceum; Xystreurys rasile was parasitized by C. australe. Genetic characterization confirmed the identification of specimens of Bolbosoma turbinella and Corynosoma australe, as demonstrated by phylogenetic analyses using both ITS and cox1 molecular targets. Parasite indices of prevalence, intensity, mean intensity, abundance, mean abundance, and range of infection, as well as infection site, were evaluated for each parasite species. This is the first report of S. sagittifer parasitizing P. isosceles and P. patagonicus, and B. turbinella parasitizing P. patagonicus.

Nematofauna of red piranha Pygocentrus nattereri (Kner, 1958) (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) from Amazonia, Brazil.

Between March and October 2008, 355 specimens of Pygocentrus nattereri were collected from the lowland lakes of Central Amazonia, Brazil, to study their nematode fauna. A total of 1.116 specimens of Nematoda were collected, belonging to six species. Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus was the species with the highest parasite indices. Larvae of Anisakis sp. have zoonotic potential and were found parasitizing the intestine and liver of Pygocentrus nattereri. Some of these nematode species were new records for the host P. nattereri. The diversity of nematodes that use P. nattereri as a host indicates the important role of this fish species in the maintenance of these six nematode species in the lowland lakes of Central Amazonia.

Liming, phosphorus and zinc influence on soil nematode community structure at hot pepper

Monitoring the biological quality of soils often include nematodes as bioindicators. The aim of this study was determined the influence of liming, P and Zn effect on nematode community structure as an indicator of soil ecosystem health in hot pepper. Pot experiment with hot pepper was conducted in randomized block design as follows: control, P, Zn, P + Zn, lime, P + lime, Zn + lime and P + Zn + lime (25 mg/kg P, 1 mg/kg Zn and lime as 2.22 g/kg CaCO3). The highest number of nematodes genera was with phosphorus application (17.25). The most common genera were Rhabditis and Tylenchus. Above all indices, only the Structure index (SI) shown significance (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in reflecting soil disturbance. The highest significant correlation was found between Maturity index 2–5 and Structure index &lt;br /&gt;(r = 0.946***), Maturity index and Plant parasitic nematode and Maturity index ratio (r = –0.919***) and between Ecological and Channel index (r = –0.815***).

Complex malaria epidemiology in an international border area between Brazil and French Guiana: challenges for elimination

BackgroundThe epidemiological surveillance of malaria is a necessary intervention for eliminating the disease from the planet. The international border zones of the Amazon continue to be highly vulnerable to malaria since population mobility impedes elimination. Although in the past few years, cases of malaria have had an essential reduction in Brazil, this trend was not confirmed in municipalities along the border. This study aimed to establish the epidemiology of the disease during the last 13 years in Oiapoque, a Brazilian municipality at the international border with French Guiana, an overseas department, to develop strategies for the control/elimination of malaria in these areas.ResultsData collected from 2003 to 2015 from the Malaria Epidemiological Surveillance System was used. It was found that, despite the important reduction in cases (68.1%), the annual parasite index remained a high epidemiological risk. The disease is seasonal in that the period of highest transmission occurs between September and December. Between 2003 and 2015, eight outbreaks were identified, with one of these lasting 15 months between August 2006 and October 2007. There were changes in the epidemiological profile, with imported cases representing 67.7% of cases from 2003 to 2007 and representing 32.9% of cases from 2008 to 2015 (p < 0.01). The greatest number of cases was among Brazilians coming from the artisanal gold mines of French Guiana. There were also changes in the profile of autochthonous malaria with an increase in urban cases from 14.3% in 2003 to 32.3% in 2015 (p < 0 .01). The burden of malaria in indigenous areas was also very high (67.3% in rural areas) in 2015. There were changes in the parasite species profile with a significant decrease of cases of Plasmodium falciparum (p = 0.01). Children under 15 years old, representing 9.7% of cases at the onset of the study, accounted for 34.2% of case notifications (p < 0.01) in 2015. Also, 74% of cases in 2003 and 55.9% in 2015 (p < 0.01) were among men.ConclusionsThe fragility of local health services in cross-border areas continues to be an obstacle for malaria elimination.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis: an evolving disease with ancient roots.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) remains a prioritized neglected tropical disease. CL novel presentations call for updating its features. A multiregional cohort of 396 patients with confirmed CL was reviewed. Lesion's clinical stage and eruption type were assigned. Disease was considered as extensive if numerous (≥5), large (>3 cm), disfiguring, threatening vital sensory organs, and/or older than 12 months. Microscopically, Ackerman's inflammatory pattern, Ridley's pattern (RP), and parasitic index (PI) were recorded. Microscopic variables pertaining to the organisms, epidermis, and host's inflammatory response were also assessed. All cases were confirmed and speciated molecularly. In our region, 71.8% of cases showed extensive disease with 15.7% exceeding 12 months duration. Leishmania tropica accounted for 91.3% of cases while Leishmania major constituted 8.7% and presented solely as dry lesions. The dominant inflammatory composite consisted of plasma cells, lymphocytes, and histiocytes. Granulomatous inflammation was present in 55.5%. Most cases showed interface changes (72.7%), spongiosis (75.3%), and marked epidermal hyperplasia (63.9%). Transepidermal elimination of organisms was present in 29.2% of cases. None of traditional classification patterns (clinical stage, microscopic pattern, and RP) showed the predicted linear correlation with lesion age. High and low PI levels correlated with early and healing microscopic patterns, respectively, but did not correlate with the corresponding RPs. PI was bimodal with peaks at 3-6 and 9-12 months. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an evolving disease defying the traditional prediction classifications. Our study sets the ground for adopting updated clinical courses, microscopic presentation, and species mapping.

Response of Soil Nematode Community to Phosphorous Amendment in a Subalpine Spruce Plantation

An appropriate management practice is indispensable to the restoration of ecological functioning, particularly in ecologically vulnerable regions. The short‐term effects of phosphorous (P) amendment on community structure and function of soil micro‐food webs in a subalpine spruce (Picea asperata) plantation are examined. Experimental plots are established and treatments are performed with P addition at two levels: Low P (LP) input of 5 g m−2 per year and high P (HP) input 30 g m−2 per year as NaH2PO4 · 2 H2O, and in control plots (CK) without external P input. The abundance, diversity, functional indices, community composition, and metabolic footprints of soil nematodes in the experimental plots are monitored for two consecutive growing seasons during 2013–2014 following P addition. A high variation of abundance of nematodes is observed especially in HP treatment, with reduction in abundance of omnivores and predators. Similarly, maturity index of free‐living nematodes, plant parasitic index, enrichment index, structure index, and predator footprint are significantly reduced. However, basal index and channel index of soil nematodes are apparently increased in both years. Moreover, P addition considerably shifts soil nematode community composition, which correlates to soil pH, total P content, available P content, and molar C/P and N/P in soils. In summary, the results indicate that the impacts of P addition on soil nematode community in spruce plantation are mediated by changes in soil pH, P status, and C/N/P ecological stoichiometry.

Hematological Profile and Gametocyte Carriage in Malaria Patients from Southern Pakistan.

BackgroundMalarial infection is a major cause of concern, both worldwide and in Pakistan. Gametocytes are the sexual forms of the parasite that are essential for transmission. They fuse inside the mosquito to develop sporozoites. Gametocytes of the plasmodium parasites, which cause the infection, differentiate into male and female gametocytes. These gametocytes constitute the sexual stage of the malaria parasite and are essential in transmission of the disease from human to vector Anopheles. Gametocytes are affected by factors such as host immunity, drug treatment, reticulocytemia, anemia, low levels of asexual parasitemia and stress to the parasite. The aim of this study was to observe the hematological parameters, age and gametocyte carriage in an area of seasonal malaria transmission.MethodsThe study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) Laboratory over the period of one year and 294 patients with uncomplicated malaria were recruited. Patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) or Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) malaria and no co-morbidities were included in the study.ResultsGametocytemia was highest during the period of July to November, with P. vivax, 267 (90.8%), predominating compared to P. falciparum, 27 (9.2%). P. vivax gametocytes were observed from May to October and P. falciparum gametocytes were observed from July to December. Low hemoglobin in females and low platelet levels were observed. The mean platelet count was significantly lower in cases of P. vivax having gametocytes compared to P. falciparum with gametocytes. Higher parasitic index was associated with lower platelet count. The most significantly altered parameters were hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell (WBC), and platelet count. Hemoglobin and platelets were significantly lower during the malaria season in study participants, both male and female.ConclusionIn conclusion, infection with P. falciparum and P. vivax modulates significant changes in hematological parameters in populations living in malaria endemic regions. In the malaria season males were more frequently affected by malaria with thrombocytopenia. Gametocyte carriage remains unaffected by seasonal changes thus ensuring parasite transmission during the dry season.

A spatiotemporal mapping of malaria risk zones integrating annual parasite index and geographic information system in Vadodara District, Gujarat (India)

Background: Risk maps have proven to be important tools for public health decision-making and priority setting for vector-borne diseases because they assist with the targeting of prevention and control efforts. The spatial information obtained from mapping malaria hazard and risk will provide a guideline for control programs and preparing health facilities based on the requirement of each area. Geographic information system (GIS) has been continuously used for the analysis of spatial health-related data. It can be a useful tool for analyzing the spread of diseases. Aim and Objective: This study attempts to identify malaria risk zones at macrolevel based on annual parasite index (API). Materials and Methods: Spatiotemporal API data (2006–2011) are integrated into GIS and weighted overlay analysis is performed to delineate risk zones in Vadodara district. Results: On the basis of API as recorded during 2006–2011 from the villages of the Vadodara district, it was figured out that 50% region of Chhota Udaipur Taluka has recorded continuously very high incidence of malaria and followed by part of Sankheda and then Dabhoi Taluka. Conclusion: API has declined, but still a considerable region is more than above the desirable limit of the API and several vulnerable regions are there with low API and there is the prospect of elimination of this disease in this region.

Biology of non-native species (Rhaphiodon vulpinus Agassiz, 1829) (Characiformes, Cynodontidae) in a cage fish farm area, Upper Paraná River Basin, Brazil

Abstract Aim To assess the dietary, populational and parasitological aspects of the non-native wild species Rhaphiodon vulpinus in an area under the influence of cage fish farm, in the Ilha Solteira Reservoir, São Paulo State. Methods Fifty-one specimens of R. vulpinus were captured bimonthly, from September 2014 to August 2016, with gill nets with different mesh sizes, in area surrounding a cage fish farm and area not influenced by this activity. The specimens were quantified and their mass (g) and standard length (cm) measured. The stomachs were analyzed with a stereomicroscope and the food items were quantified using the gravimetric method. The parasites were collected during necropsy and their prevalence, mean intensity of infection and mean abundance were subsequently calculated. Results There were changes in feeding activity regarding the area, with greater numbers of individuals with stomach contents in the areas under the influence of fish farm. However, diet composition did not change between the areas analyzed, with prey represented by small fish, such as Geophagus sveni, and shrimps. In the fish farm area there was also a decrease in abundance and an increase in the total mass of the individuals, while there was no difference in standard length between the areas. In terms of parasitological aspects, low parasitic indexes and the absence of differences between the areas were observed. The first report of the monogenean Notozothecium lamotheargumedoi in the Ilha Solteira reservoir is also presented. Conclusions The cage fish farm affected some aspects of the population and the food intake of R. vulpinus. Furthermore, the parasite-host relationship demonstrated that phylogenetic specificities had a greater effect than aquaculture activity on R. vulpinus in the fish farm area.

Evaluation of the diagnostic potential of CD1a immunohistochemistry for visceral leishmaniasis.

ABSTRACTVisceral Leishmaniasis is a public health problem caused by protozoans of the genus Leishmania. K39 serological test is commonly used in the initial investigation, with high specificity, but variable sensitivity. Amastigotes can be identified by optical microscopy, however, the differential diagnosis with cellular debris or other intracellular parasites is necessary. Recent studies have raised the possibility of using immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis with labeling of amastigotes by the anti-CD1a antibody. This retrospective study was based on 38 samples from patients with visceral leishmaniasis whose diagnoses were confirmed by myelogram and/or k39 testing, aside from positive (N=13) and negative biopsies (N=25), 2 samples from patients with false positive biopsies for visceral leishmaniasis and 8 samples from patients with histoplasmosis diagnosis. The histological slides were evaluated for the presence of amastigotes and their Modified Ridley Parasitic Index. The samples were submitted to immunohistochemical reactions using the anti-CD1a antibody with MTB1 and O10 clones. Immunohistochemical reactions with MTB1 and O10 clones had low sensitivity in this study. However, all bone marrow samples were previously decalcified with nitric acid which is probably a deleterious treatment for immunohistochemical reactions in this site. Excluding these samples, we obtained 58.33% sensitivity and 100% specificity with the MTB1 clone. Despite the intermediate sensitivity, the immunohistochemistry for the CD1a marker with clone MTB1 can be useful in the differential diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis, helping to discriminate leishmania amastigotes from other pathogens with similar morphology and cellular debris in different samples, except in bone marrow biopsies previously decalcified with nitric acid.