Characterization of sand fly (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) fauna and potential hosts of Leishmania in a military area of Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil Iara Beatriz Andrade de Sousa, Gabriel Barbosa Costa, Walderson Zuza Barbosa, Karen Araújo Magalhães, Kamily Fagundes Pussi, et al. Journal of Medical Entomology, 2026 We investigated the sand fly fauna and the presence of Leishmania spp. DNA in collected specimens, domestic animals, and military personnel. The 4th Mechanized Cavalry Brigade of Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil is located in an area that has characteristics conducive to the life cycle of Leishmania spp. An epidemiological questionnaire applied to military personnel, and whole blood samples were collected from them and domestic animals. Using the collected blood samples, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and serology tests were performed to detect Leishmania spp. DNA and anti-Leishmania antibodies, respectively. Additionally, CDC (Center on Disease Control) traps were installed at eight points over 12 months. In total, 652 sand flies belonging to 9 genera and 19 species were collected. Lutzomyia longipalpis, which is the main vector of Leishmania infantum, the etiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis was present in half of the collection points. The DNA detection rate of Leishmania spp. was 0.31% (one pool of Psathyromyia aragaoi and one pool of Brumptomyia spp.). We analyzed 35 animals (dogs and horses) and 235 military personnel. Analysis of samples from animals and soldiers was negative for Leishmania spp. About 30.2% (n = 71) of military personnel did not know about leishmaniasis. Although some vector species were found, no Leishmania spp. DNA was identified in species of medical and veterinary importance. The area investigated showed characteristics that can contribute to the proliferation of the vector and the spread of the disease. Long-term monitoring studies and activities that increase awareness in the population should be encouraged by research funding bodies and leishmaniasis surveillance and control programs.
OVITRAP-BASED MONITORING AND INFESTATION ANALYSIS OF Aedes aegypti IN BRAZIL Paulo Silva de Almeida, Leticia Bueno De Moura, Iara Beatriz Andrade de Sousa, Marcos Gino Fernandes, Gustavo Vinício Pupo, et al. Journal of Tropical Pathology, 2025 Aedes aegypti has been the primary vector of dengue transmission since the 17th century. This study aimed to analyze the infestation index of Ae. aegypti in the municipality of Itaquiraí, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, using ovitrap-based monitoring. Weekly ovitrap collections were conducted in five urban neighborhoods from March 2015 to December 2018. Two key entomological indicators were analyzed: the Egg Density Index (EDI) and the Ovitrap Positivity Index (OPI). A total of 62,198 Ae. aegypti eggs were collected, with 29.7% of traps testing positive. The overall EDI was 35.2%, peaking in April (48.8%). The highest annual EDI was recorded in 2015 (55.3%). Annual OPI values were 75.9% in 2015, 24.4% in 2016, 15.4% in 2017, and 16.2% in 2018. Monthly OPI peaks occurred in April (2015), February (2016), and January (2017 and 2018). The Poisson distribution (λ = 4.50) suggested a mean of 4.5 eggs per trap per sampling period. The Negative Binomial distribution (r = 0.36, p = 0.07) indicated an aggregated dispersion pattern. The Log-Normal distribution parameters (shape = 1.32, location = 18.00, scale = 0.00) revealed that a small proportion of traps accounted for high egg densities. The study concludes that oviposition varied substantially across the monitoring period and was spatially clustered. The period of highest transmission risk occurred from January to April. Environmental and climatic factors, alongside consistent control and monitoring actions, are critical for reducing vector populations. Entomological surveillance using ovitraps, combined with community awareness campaigns, constitutes an essential strategy for guiding preventive and vector control measures. KEY WORDS: Surveillance; insect traps; mosquitoes; arboviruses, dengue.
Maternal transfer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies through immunization and breastfeeding for 12 months Carolina Rangel de Lima Santos, Kamily Fagundes Pussi, Iara Beatriz Andrade de Sousa, Manoel Sebastião da Costa Lima Junior, Herintha Coeto Netitzke-Abreu Medicina Brazil, 2024 In February 2023, according to the World Health Organization, there had been more than 700 million cases of COVID-19 worldwide. Maternal immunization has become a hotspot in researchon the transplacental transfer of antibodies to the fetus. Vaccinations administered during pregnancy are intended to protect the mother from serious illness. Case presentation: In this report, we describe a case wherein the transfer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies to the fetus, baby, and infant was observed through immunization and breastfeeding. Maternal antibodies were detected in the umbilical cord at birth, in breast milk for up to 10 mo after birth, and in the child’s blood for up to 1 y of age, which suggests the importance of vaccination during pregnancy as well as maternal and neonatal protection. Conclusion: When an vaccine was administered to the pregnant patient, effective immunological results were obtained in terms of both placental transfer and breastfeeding, for up to 1 y of age.
An Epidemiological Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 in the Sewage System of a Higher Education Institution Carmem Cícera Maria da Silva, Carolina Rangel de Lima Santos, Eliomar Pivante Céleri, David Salles, Julia Miranda Fardin, et al. Annals of Global Health, 2024 Background: The World Health Organization declared the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2023, three years after the adoption of global emergency measures. Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage underscores its importance due to its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, highlighting the need to prioritize research on water resources and sanitation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to conduct an epidemiological assessment of SARS-CoV-2 in the sewage system of a higher education institution located in Vitória Espírito Santo State, Maruípe campus. Methods: Over a period of 66 days, from February 6 to April 12, 2023, 15 samples were collected. Each sample consisted of 1 L, collected in 1 hour, with 250 mL collected every 15 minutes. The samples were characterized by assessing their appearance, and pH was measured using a Horiba U-50 multiparameter probe. The extracted RNA was subjected to RT-qPCR using the Allplex™ 2019-nCovAssay Seegene kit. Results: The samples exhibited a cloudy appearance with impurities, and the pH ranged from 6.35 to 8.17. Among the evaluated samples, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in two, and, by comparing this with the epidemiological bulletin issued by the State Health Department, an increase in cases in the state was observed during the collection period of these samples. Conclusions: Sewage monitoring proved to be an important tool in this post-pandemic period, serving as an alert and prevention mechanism for the population in relation to new outbreaks. Furthermore, it represents a low-cost mapping strategy and extensive testing of a population, aligning with the studies presented at the beginning of the pandemic. We recommend specific adjustments considering distinct populations.
Limitation of Primers Used in PCR for the Characterization of Leishmania infantum Helton Krisman de Araújo, Silvana de Oliveira Castro, Maria Joelma Alves da Silva Valejo, Manoel Sebastião da Costa Lima Junior, Herintha Coeto Neitzke-Abreu Journal of Parasitology, 2023 Conventional PCR provides Leishmania species characterization with even a small amount of biological material. Species-specific primers have been a widely used alternative; however, nonspecific amplifications are a reality, interfering with PCR efficiency. In endemic areas with multiple etiological agents for leishmaniasis, there is a requirement for higher specificity of primers. This study evaluates 3 pairs of primers described for the identification and characterization of Leishmania infantum. Primers RV1/RV2, LEISH1/LEISH2, and FLC2/RLC2 were used with the DNA of L. infantum, Leishmania amazonensis, and Leishmania braziliensis. An initial temperature curve was performed (52-62 C) to determine the optimal annealing temperature, followed by a dilution curve of Leishmania DNA (500 pg/μl, 50 pg/μl, 5 pg/μl, 500 fg/μl, 50 fg/μl, 5 fg/μl, and 0.5 fg/μl) to be used for analytical sensitivity. RV1/RV2 PCR amplified L. infantum and L. amazonensis at all analyzed temperatures; LEISH1/LEISH2 PCR amplified all 3 species of Leishmania, although at some temperatures L. infantum was specifically amplified, and, finally, FLC2/RLC2 PCR amplified only L. infantum at all temperatures analyzed. In terms of sensitivity, RV1/RV2 PCR detected 1 fg of L. infantum DNA and 100 pg of L. amazonensis DNA; LEISH1/LEISH2 PCR detected 1 fg of L. infantum DNA, 100 fg of L. amazonensis DNA, and 10 fg of L. braziliensis DNA; and FLC2/RLC2 PCR detected 10 fg of L. infantum DNA. Thus, PCR with FLC2/RLC2 primers is best suited for the molecular characterization of L. infantum, especially in areas where there is an incidence of more than 1 Leishmania species, such as South America.
Evaluation of sandfly control measures Kárin Rosi Reinhold-Castro, Regiane Bertin de Lima Scodro, Alessandra de Cassia Dias-Sversutti, Herintha Coeto Neitzke, Robson Marcelo Rossi, et al. Revista Da Sociedade Brasileira De Medicina Tropical, 2008
