Municipality Of Petrolina Research Articles

Presenteeism and Low Work Performance Among Fruit Farm Workers in Northeast Brazil

ABSTRACT Objectives The “decision” to go to work, or remain absent, when unwell undermines worker energy. I is therefore understandable that low work performance is one of the main consequences of the act of presenteeism. This study evaluated the association between presenteeism, and absolute and relative work performance among fruit farm workers in Northeast Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study investigated 340 paid employees of both sexes, aged 18 years or over, who worked during the 2019 irrigated fruit harvest in the municipality of Petrolina, Northeast Brazil. Absolute and relative work performance were measured using the Health and Work Performance Questionnaire. Workers who answered “one or more days” to the question “How many days have you worked this season when you were injured or unwell?” were considered presenteeists. Poisson regression with robust variance models was used to estimate the prevalence ratios of the main associations, adjusted for potential confounders. Results Presenteeist workers presented lower absolute and relative work performance than non-presenteeist workers according to the strata for most of the investigated factors. The associations between presenteeism, and absolute (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.31) and relative work performance (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.45) remained strong, even after multiple adjustments for other relevant variables. Conclusion Presenteeist fruit culture workers self-assessed their work performance as lower than non-presenteeist ones.

Produção da pereira cv. Triunfo sob sistemas e lâminas de irrigação no submédio São Francisco

ABSTRACT Aiming at the search for a new alternative for the sustainability of the properties in the irrigated areas of the Brazilian Northeast, the objective of this study was to identify the ideal irrigation system and depth for a better yield and quality of pear fruits in the Sub-middle São Francisco region. The experiment was conducted in the commercial orchard of the Frutos do Sol farm, located in the municipality of Petrolina, PE, Brazil, from October 2016 to November 2017. The treatments consisted of four irrigation depths (60; 80; 100 and 120% of crop evapotranspiration - ETc), under two irrigation systems (drip and micro-sprinkler), in two crop cycles of ‘Triunfo’ pear. Yield, average fruit weight, water productivity, pulp firmness and titratable acidity, total soluble solids and lightness of the fruits were analyzed. Irrigation depths of 96.04% and 94.84% ETc promote, respectively, the highest marketable yields for the first (43.48 t ha-1) and second (26.55 t ha-1) cycle of ‘Triunfo’ pear in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Drip irrigation system in the warmer period promotes higher yield. The cultivation of ‘Triunfo’ pear irrigated by drip and micro-sprinkler promotes fruits with good commercial quality in the Brazilian semi-arid region.

The health Care Management of farmers who use pesticides in Northeast Brazil: use of pesticides and the Care Management

In Brazil, the health of communities that use pesticides is still neglected due to the lack of greater social understanding of damage to health and an insufficient care network. The objective of the research was to investigate health management practices, from the perspective of the expanded health care network (RAS), focusing on riverside farmers who use pesticides in the municipalities of Petrolina (PE) and Juazeiro (BA) in the Northeast of Brazil. The study aimed to explore these practices from the perspective of the healthcare network (RAS). This is a qualitative research, with a methodological framework based on the Grounded Theory in a constructivist way (CGT). Twenty-six health professionals and RAS managers participated, at the municipal and regional levels in Petrolina (PE) and Juazeiro (BA). Two sample groups were composed for data collection, carried out through semi-structured interviews. The analysis resulted in six categories, which, when integrated, made up the theoretical model “Model of care management for riverside farmers”. The RAS must have teams trained in the care of riverside farmers who use pesticides in primary care, and specialized teams in secondary and tertiary care, who are a reference. The theoretical model formulated considers that the RAS, strengthened in terms of diversity of actions and services, will provide better care management for farmers.

Anatomia foliar e mecanismos morfofisiológicos de aclimatação a alta irradiância em genótipos de helicônias

ABSTRACT The amount of solar irradiation available in the growing environment can cause significant changes in physiology and leaf anatomy that enable crops to acclimate to different light conditions. In this sense, the objective was to characterize the leaf anatomy and to elucidate the morpho-physiological mechanisms of acclimation to high solar irradiance of heliconia genotypes during the initial stage of development under semiarid conditions. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Petrolina, Pernambuco state, Brazil (09° 19’ 14” S, 40° 32’ 40” W, and 387 m of altitude) and the behavior of three heliconia genotypes (Heliconia rauliniana; H. bihai cv. Lobster Claw Two, and H. rostrata) grown in full sun and shading (50%) environments were evaluated. At 30 days after the implementation of the experiment, leaf anatomy, chlorophyll index, plant height, number of leaves, and number of tillers were analyzed. Heliconia leaves are characterized as amphistomatous with tetracytic stomata. In its main vein there are aerenchyma structures and hypodermis on the abaxial and adaxial sides. The responses to different light conditions in plants of H. bihai, H. rauliniana, and H. rostrata are genotype-specific. Furthermore, the anatomical structures and physiological changes observed in H. bihai and H. rauliniana plants demonstrate that these genotypes present greater plasticity and consequently greater potential for acclimation to high solar irradiation conditions. Thus, the genotypes H. rauliniana and H. bihai emerge as a potential alternative for cultivation in gardens or in open areas and for exploration as cut flower in regions with high solar irradiation availability.

Manejo da irrigação para o cultivo de sorgo granífero com água salina

ABSTRACT In order to obtain an efficient cultivation of grain sorghum in production systems that use saline water, an adequate management becomes necessary for maximizing its production. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the application of leaching fractions in the saline water irrigation management on the production of sorghum varieties and on the distribution of water and salts in the soil profile, under semiarid conditions. The study was carried out in the municipality of Petrolina, semiarid region of Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with four replicates, in split-split plots; four leaching fractions (LF): 0, 5, 10, and 15% with saline water from artesian well in the plots, three varieties of grain sorghum: 1011-IPA, 2502-IPA and Ponta Negra in the subplots, and two crop cycles (1st and 2nd cut) in the sub-subplots. The evaluated variables were distribution of water and salts in the soil profile, biometric variables, fresh biomass, dry biomass, and grain yield. Application of leaching fractions of up 15% in saline water irrigation promotes better distribution of salts in the soil profile, with increments of up to 60% in the grain yield of the sorghum varieties evaluated. The production of the varieties 1011-IPA and Ponta Negra is a feasible alternative in systems irrigated with saline water with average electrical conductivity of 4.19 dS m-1, in Ultisol, under semiarid conditions.

Morphological description of infective larval stage of Physaloptera (Spirurida: Physalopteridae), and histological lesions in the paratenic host Leptodactylus macrosternum (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in Caatinga biome, Brazil

The present study aimed to describe the infective larval stage of Physaloptera sp. parasitizing Leptodactylus macrosternum and the microscopic lesions of these larvae in the stomach wall. Forty-five specimens of L. macrosternum were collected during the rainy season in May 2018, in the municipality of Petrolina, sub-middle São Francisco region, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Twenty-seven infective larval stage (L3) specimens of Physaloptera sp. were collected attached in the stomach mucosa of 11 specimens (24.4%) of L. macrosternum. No other larval stages (L4) or adult of Physaloptera was found among the necropsied hosts. The stomach’s L3 attachment site showed macroscopic and histological lesions such as hyperaemic and ulcerated sites, mucous tunic necrotic regions, and inflammatory infiltrate eosinophilic. This is the first morphological study of Physaloptera infective larvae parasitizing L. macrosternum, and the first record of this paratenic host in the Caatinga biome. Additionally, it is also the first histopathological study of lesions caused by infective larvae of Physaloptera in this host species.

Trends in consuming alcoholic beverages among adolescents and young adults of school age: sexes differences

ObjectiveTo analyze the tendency of alcoholic beverage consumption among adolescents and young adults at school age according to their sexes. MethodsThis is a trend research study in public schools of the municipality of Petrolina, between 2014 and 2016, with 3146 students aged between 12 and 24 years old. The instrument was constituted by socio-economic inquiry and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Trends were assessed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended approach. The analyses were conducted using logistic regression, with a statistical significance of 0.05. ResultsClose to 56% of the adolescents had already tried some alcoholic beverage, most of which had contact after 13 years of age. The prevalence of binge drinking ranged between 17% and 25%. The percentage of girls who tried alcohol before 13 years old remained similar over the three years (p = 0.943). The prevalence of this behavior was stabilized at around 20%. There was a trend to decrease in the prevalence of boys who reported having tried alcohol before 13 years old (p = 0.014). The percentage of boys who reported involvement in binge drinking in the past 30 days remained stable at around 20% over the years (p = 0.951). The girls’ data revealed a significant decrease in binge drinking (p = 0.019). ConclusionsThe general analysis suggests a trend towards stabilization of consumption among boys, and an increase among girls.

Presenteeism among fruit farm workers in Northeast Brazil: cross-sectional study.

The scientific literature about presenteeism among farm workers is scarce. This study estimated the prevalence of and factors associated with presenteeism among paid fruit farm workers. A cross-sectional study investigated 340 paid employees of both sexes, aged 18 years or above, who worked during the 2019 irrigated fruit harvest in the municipality of Petrolina, Northeast Brazil. Information about sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, general health status, occupational characteristics, interpersonal work aspects, and the work environment's structural characteristics was collected in a structured questionnaire. Presenteeism was established when participants reported working one or more days during the previous season despite feeling ill or when injured. Cox regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios adjusted by sex, area of residence (urban or rural), employment contract (permanent or seasonal), satisfaction with management, participation in workplace decision-making, availability of on-site healthcare facilities, and on-site availability of sunscreen. The prevalence of presenteeism during the previous season was high: 58.2%. In the final multivariate model, the adjusted prevalence ratio was higher (≥1.20) among female workers (1.42), workers dissatisfied with management (1.28), and those for whom sunscreen was not available on site (1.61). The prevalence of presenteeism was high and associated with personal, work organizational, and workplace resources characteristics.

Detection and molecular characterization of Leishmania in dogs from northeastern Brazil

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the current seroprevalence of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) among domiciled dogs, factors associated with seropositivity, circulating Leishmania species and spatial analysis, in six municipalities in the Sertão and São Francisco mesoregions, which are located in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. METHODS: Blood samples from 330 dogs were analyzed using serological and molecular assays: dual path platform (DPP®); enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The nucleotide sequences of four gene markers (kDNA, cathepsin L-like, SSU-rDNA and gGAPDH) were explored to perform a phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence was 13% (43/330) in dogs that were simultaneously positive according to DPP® ELISA and IFAT, consisting of 13.9% (23/165) in Sertão and 12.1% (20/165) in São Francisco. The factors associated with high prevalence of L. infantum antibodies in dogs comprised living in the municipality of Petrolina (P = 0.045) and presenting ocular lesions (P = 0.049) (P ≤ 0.05). Significant clusters of positive dogs were found in rural areas. The positivity values obtained through PCR based on the genes kDNA and cathepsin L-like were 6.7% (22/330) and 2.4% (8/330), respectively. In the phylogenetic analysis, it was observed that all the isolates obtained showed 100% similarity to Leishmania infantum. CONCLUSION: For the first time, L. infantum was confirmed as the etiological agent of CanL in this region. Thus, assessment of the genetic structure of populations of Leishmania spp. is important for understanding the patterns for transmission of CanL.

RESISTÊNCIA PARASITÁRIA DE NEMATÓDEOS GASTRINTESTINAIS DE CAPRINOS CRIADOS EM REGIÃO SEMIÁRIDA DE PERNAMBUCO, NORDESTE DO BRASIL

Este estudo objetivou investigar a situação de resistência parasitária em propriedades rurais caprinas localizadas no município de Petrolina, região do Vale do São Francisco, Nordeste do Brasil. Um total de 420 caprinos de ambos os sexos e idades acima de sete meses foram selecionados em 10 diferentes propriedades. Cada estabelecimento foi constituído por seis grupos homogêneos de sete animais, conforme a administração dos medicamentos: Grupo I-Ivermectina 0,08%; Grupo II-Albendazole 10%; Grupo III-Levamisole 5%; Grupo IV-Moxidectina 1%; Grupo V-Closantel 10%; e Grupo VI-Controle (sem tratamento). As amostras foram coletadas nos dias D0 (prévio ao tratamento), D7, D14 e D21 pós-tratamento. Para avaliar a resistência parasitária, aplicou-se o teste de redução na contagem de ovos por grama de fezes (RCOF). Para identificação das larvas foi realizada a técnica de coprocultura. Os grupos tratados com Moxidectina apresentaram ineficácia no D7 e baixa eficácia no D14, com redução média de 79,8% e 88,69%, mas alta eficácia no D21 (93,43%). Closantel mostrou baixa eficácia com média de 84,72% apenas no D14. Levamisol, Albendazol e Ivermectina mostraram-se ineficazes, com médias inferiores a 80%. Todos os medicamentos testados, com exceção da Moxidectina (D21) apresentaram resultados inferiores a 90%, indicando a presença de parasitas multirresistentes nos rebanhos estudados.

Two new species of Cosmocercidae (Nematoda: Cosmocercoidea) of Leptodactylus macrosternum Miranda-Ribeiro (Anura: Leptodactylidae) from Caatinga Biome, Brazil.

In the current study, two new species of Cosmocercidae nematodes parasitizing the anuran Leptodactylus macrosternum (Leptodactylidae) from two localities in the municipality of Petrolina, sub-middle São Francisco river, state of Pernambuco, Brazil, were described. Oxysomatium petrolinensis n. sp. differs from all congeneric species for having the male caudal papillae distribution pattern unique in this genus, in which the last three pairs of pre-cloacal papillae are located lateroventrally on the anterior border of the cloacal aperture. Additionally, the new species has an unpaired medial precloacal papilla, seven pairs of postcloacal papillae, and a relatively unique spicule size. Oxyascaris caatingae n. sp. differs from all congeneric species mainly for having males with a medial unpaired precloacal papilla and a distribution pattern of caudal papillae unique to this species, being the only species of the genus with adcloacal papillae. The current study proposes the description of Oxysomatium petrolinensis n. sp., fourth species and the first report of this genus in hosts from the Neotropical region. In addition, it describes Oxyascaris caatingae n. sp., which is the fifth species of the genus.

Detection of changes of the soil use and vegetation in the low San Francisco

The quantification and spatialization of environmental degradation is an essential element in the planning of agricultural activities and in the management of the water and natural resources in the semiarid. Thus, the detection of changing land use conditions is necessary for understand with more accurately the dynamics of the different types of soil coverage. Remote sensing techniques make it possible to evaluate this type of environmental monitoring in a practical and efficient manner, and low operating cost in a short time. The objective of this study was to monitor and evaluate the environmental changes caused about the Caatinga vegetation coverage by remote sensing using satellite images in the municipality of Petrolina, semiarid region of Pernambuco state. The study was developed using two Landsat-8 satellite images, processed using SEBAL algorithm steps, in the development of thematic maps of the surface biophysical parameters. The maps expressed the spatial distribution of the albedo parameters and surface temperature, and of the NDVI and SAVI vegetation indices, which served for highlight the dynamics of environmental changes in the Caatinga natural environment of semiarid region. The results showed increased of the albedo and surface temperature when there was a decrease in vegetation indices. This behavior was mainly favored by the region's dry season, which coincides with the satellite's days of passage. The biophysical parameters are effective in the spatial monitoring of semiarid regions, highlighting the spatial variability of the soil uses, identifying possibly degraded areas. Remote sensing environmental monitoring is a viable alternative for mitigate environmental changes caused by anthropogenic actions and drought events.

Serological detection and risk factors for equine piroplasmosis in the semiarid region of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil.

Equine piroplasmosis, an economically important disease in horses, has so far not been reported in Pernambuco state, Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-Babesia caballi and anti-Theileria equi antibodies based on the detection of these agents in equine blood and in ticks on horses in the municipality of Petrolina, Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Blood samples were drawn from 393 horses and sera were examined by ELISA. The presence of tick infestations was evaluated, and 101 ticks were subjected to DNA amplification for the detection of Babesia spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). No parasites were detected in the blood smears. Anti-B. caballi and anti-T. equi antibodies were found in 27.2% (107/393) and 34.8% (137/393) horses, respectively. Infestation by Dermacentor nitens was detected in 4.3% (17/393) of the horses. There was no DNA amplification of the agents in ticks. The risk factors for the presence of anti-T. equi antibodies (P < 0.05) were: purebred (P < 0.001), animals older than 156 months (P = 0.014), and the presence of ticks (P = 0.001). No risk factors for B. caballi were identified. This study confirmed the circulation of agents of equine piroplasmosis in the municipality of Petrolina, state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

Description of Pseudoschoengastia petrolinensis n. sp. (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae), and new records of chiggers from northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACTThe species Pseudoschoengastia petrolinensis n. sp. is described and illustrated below from specimens discovered parasitizing a white-eared opossum, Dildelphis albiventris Lund (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae), in Carneiros, Petrolina municipality, Pernambuco state, Brazil. In addition the species Eutrombicula spipi and Quadraseta falconensis are also new records to Brazil. The D. albiventris is a new host record to Eutrombicula batatas, E. spipi, Q. falconensis, and the state of Pernambuco is a new locality for all these species.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:97650D6C-A920-402C-BA90-78B2AB9B6187

Origem do Centro de Educação Rural Clementino Coelho: entre história e memória (Petrolina, PE, 1977-1984)

Este texto analisa a origem do Centro de Educação Rural Clementino Coelho, no Município de Petrolina, Estado de Pernambuco, no período entre 1977 e 1984, no contexto do Sistema Integrado de Educação Rural concebido pelo Instituto Interamerciano de Cooperação Agrícola. A delimitação temporal compreende a data de início do funcionamento da escola e da alteração curricular que retirou o ensino das técnicas agrícolas nas turmas de 1º grau. Quanto aos aspectos teórico-metodológicos, a pesquisa é de cunho histórico e documental. Entre as fontes selecionadas para o estudo, destaca-se um conjunto de documentos, entre os quais: planta arquitetônica, cadernos de professores, livro de cadastro das unidades escolares de Pernambuco, periódicos da Secretaria da Educação e relatórios do Instituto Interamericano de Cooperação Agrícola (IICA). Além das fontes mencionadas, a pesquisa se valeu da metodologia da História Oral, por meio de entrevistas gravadas, uma vez que a história oral recupera e dá vida ao que não está exposto no documento escrito. Foram selecionados uma ex-professora e três ex-estudantes, utilizando como critérios o tempo de atuação na instituição, bem como o período de estudo, no caso dos ex-estudantes. A análise dos documentos, entrecruzada com as fontes orais, permitiu observar a abrangência do Sistema Integrado de Educação Rural (SIER) no estado pernambucano e evidenciou a baixa adesão do CERU Clementino Coelho aos eixos norteadores do programa. Por fim, o estudo aponta para a necessidade de investigações mais aprofundadas sobre o papel desempenhado pelo SIER na criação dos Centros de Educação Rural no Estado de Pernambuco.

Serological diagnosis and risk factors for Coxiella burnetii in goats and sheep in a semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil.

Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic agent transmitted mainly by small ruminants. In Brazil the disease has been classified as a notifiable disease since 2013, when human cases were reported. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with the presence of anti- Coxiella burnetii antibodies in goats and sheep in a semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil. Sera of 412 goats and 403 sheep from municipality of Petrolina, Pernambuco, were examined by the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) against antigens of C. burnetii. Information about management variables (independent variables) that could be associated with the presence of the microorganism (dependent variables) were obtained from the supervisor of each farm. It was determined that 2.2% (9/412) of the goats and 2.1% (9/403) of the sheep had antibodies reactive to C. burnetii. The presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies was associated with the dry area of the Sequeiro (a region in the northern part of the municipality of Petrolina) (P = 0.025), male sheep (P = 0.020), and intensive goat breeding (P = 0.005). This study therefore showed the presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies in goat and sheep, confirming for the first time that this agent is likely circulating among goat herds in the Caatinga Biome, semi-arid of Brazil.

Carbon exchange in a caatinga area during an unusually drought year

The objective of this study was to analyze the daily and seasonal variation of the carbon balance components in a caatinga area during an unusually drought year. Data were collected from a turbulent vortices covariance system installed at an area in Caatinga , in the region of Petrolina Municipality, State of Pernambuco, Brazil. Carbon dioxide flux data were collected in the year 2012, and the partitioning between gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (Re). The vegetation cover index, weather elements and the soil water content were monitored. It was observed that the daily emissions of CO 2 flux was dependent upon photosynthetically active radiation in the first days after rainfall events, being influenced by the water vapor pressure deficit with the reduction in the soil water content. The occurrence of up to 2 mm rainfall promoted peaks of Re after long periods of drought. The measured NEP was equal to 468.18 gC m -2 year -1 . So, it is concluded that in years with severe drought, Caatinga may act as a source of carbon to the atmosphere.

Bud load management on table grape yield and quality – cv. Sugrathirteen (Midnight Beauty®)

ABSTRACT Viticulture is an activity of great economic and social importance in the Submedium region of the Sao Francisco River Valley, with emphasis on table grape and wine production. With the increasing expansion of the viticulture, a growing number of alternatives that do not affect fruit quality have been studied to maximize table grape yield, such as pruning and load adjustment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of different bud loads on canopy management to enable the marketable and economic production of cv. Sugrathirteen (Midnight Beauty®) in the submedium region ofthe Sao Francisco River Valley. This study was carried out for two years (2014/2015) in an experimental area for the introduction of new cultivars patented by Prodomo Farm in the municipality of Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block factorial 2 × 5 design, with two seasons and 5 treatments, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 buds short_textwhich correspond toshort_text 17, 23, 29, 34 and 40 buds·m–2 short_textrespectivelyshort_text, distributed in 4 plots, considering five plants per replicate. Our results show that pruning seasons significantly affected sprouting percentage. However, the difference in bud load influenced this variable, with higher values in the pruning at 14 buds in both seasons. According to the results, the selection of pruning system according to bud load and to genetic features of the cultivar, and their interaction with the environment, produced higher yields in pruning with 10 buds, without negatively affecting grape quality.

Inventário do potencial pedagógico dos sítios e de geodiversidade do município de Petrolina-PE.

Este trabalho trata da geodiversidade do município de Petrolina-PE, localizado no semiárido brasileiro. As paisagens locais são marcadas por serras, morros, serrotes, ilhas e campos de dunas vegetadas. Há uma carência de trabalhos detalhados sobre a geodiversidade local e este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial pedagógico das paisagens para aulas de campo. O inventário baseou-se inicialmente na análise de cartas topográficas e foi complementado por observações de campo e consulta a mapas e trabalhos sobre a geologia local. Além disso, quantificou-se os elementos da geodiversidade em cada local e os sítios foram classificados quanto ao seu potencial pedagógico em: potencial baixo, médio, alto ou muito alto. Foram identificados 32 sítios, apenas 1 deles com potencial pedagógico muito alto. Espera-se que estes sítios possam auxiliar a educação geográfica e interdisciplinar.

Detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in small wild mammals from preserved and non-preserved areas in the Caatinga biome, a semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil.

This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in 152 free-living small wild mammals from distinct regions in the Caatinga biome, a semi-arid region in the Northeast of Brazil: the National Park of Serra das Confusões (NPSC), which is a preserved area in the state of Piauí, and the municipalities of Petrolina and Lagoa Grande, two non-preserved areas in the state of Pernambuco. Using the modified agglutination test (MAT), we found that 5.3% (4/75) and 3.3% (2/60) of small wild mammals were positive for IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies in the NPSC and Petrolina, respectively. All mammals from Lagoa Grande (0/17) tested negative on the MAT. Indirect infection of T. gondii was determined by MAT in Galea spixii, Monodelphis domestica and Thrichomys laurentius (from NPSC) and in Didelphis albiventris (from Petrolina). Seropositive animals were observed in both preserved and non-preserved areas within the Caatinga biome. Low seroprevalences observed can be related to the extreme temperature and humidity in this particular biome.