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Background: Dental caries is the most common oral disease in the world. When treatable, the drilling method continues to be used. This technique has its disadvantages because it is invasive and nonspecific. Chemomechanical carious tissue removal agents (CCRAs) such as Carisolv™ or Papacarie® are non-invasive products that allow for the specific elimination of infected dentin. On the other hand, cariogenic bacteria are largely responsible for the initiation and development of lesions. Objectives: The aim is to analyze whether CCRAs have a relevant antimicrobial effect on cariogenic bacteria. Methods: A bibliographic search strategy was carried out in online databases using PRISMA 2020. The evaluation of the antibacterial efficacy of CCRAs was carried out through the analysis of the reduction in CFUs of cariogenic bacteria, and the presence of bacterial deposits, TVC, SVC and LVC by comparison with conventional drilling methods. Results: The results showed that the percentage of reduction in TVC, SVC and LVC for each agent is mostly high, but not significantly different from mechanical methods. The best results were found with CCRAs when compared to polymeric drills. The results also showed that there is a lack of methodological standardization. Conclusions: CCRAs have been shown to have a relevant antimicrobial effect on cariogenic bacteria; however, more studies need to be carried out using standardized methodologies.

O insucesso escolar, as suas causas, e a promoção do sucesso académico têm sido uma preocupação do sistema educativo português partilhada por diferentes ideologias políticas, e que se tem mantido como um problema educativo prioritário ao longo de várias décadas. No sentido de contribuir para compreender as causas do insucesso escolar e melhor promover o sucesso educativo analisam-se os dados de três investigações (uma com 572 alunos do ensino básico e secundário, outra com 15 professores dos três níveis do ensino básico e outra com 186 alunos do 1.º ciclo do ensino básico) que procuraram verificar quais as relações que existem entre as condutas agressivas entre pares, percecionadas e auto relatadas pelos alunos e o seu sucesso escolar, por um lado, e as perceções dos professores sobre as condutas dos seus alunos e o seu sucesso escolar, por outro. Foram utilizados questionários de autorrelato e hétero-relato no caso dos alunos e os professores preencheram um questionário por cada um dos seus alunos. Os dados obtidos nestes questionários foram relacionados com uma medida de sucesso escolar (aprovação/reprovação no final do ano letivo). Os resultados sugerem uma relação entre o comportamento agressivo dos alunos e o insucesso escolar, quer nos auto e hétero-relatos dos alunos, quer através da perceção dos docentes, sugerindo que programas de prevenção de bullying, indisciplina e agressão entre pares, podem contribuir para a promoção do sucesso escolar, e consequentemente para a inclusão de todos os alunos. Palavras chave: agressão; vitimação; insucesso escolar

This study tested the hypothesis of cortical neural efficiency (i.e., reduced brain activation in experts) in the visuospatial information processing related to football (soccer) scenes in football players. Electroencephalographic data were recorded from 56 scalp electrodes in 13 football players and eight matched non-players during the observation of 70 videos with football actions lasting 2.5 s each. During these videos, the central fixation target changed color from red to blue or vice versa. The videos were watched two times. One time, the subjects were asked to estimate the distance between players during each action (FOOTBALL condition, visuospatial). Another time, they had to estimate if the fixation target was colored for a longer time in red or blue color (CONTROL condition, non-visuospatial). The order of the two conditions was pseudo-randomized across the subjects. Cortical activity was estimated as the percent reduction in power of scalp alpha rhythms (about 8–12 Hz) during the videos compared with a pre-video baseline (event-related desynchronization, ERD). In the FOOTBALL condition, a prominent and bilateral parietal alpha ERD (i.e., cortical activation) was greater in the football players than non-players (p < 0.05) in contrast with the neural efficiency hypothesis. In the CONTROL condition, no significant alpha ERD difference was observed. No difference in behavioral response time and accuracy was found between the two groups in any condition. In conclusion, a prominent parietal cortical activity related to visuospatial processes during football scenes was greater in the football players over controls in contrast with the neural efficiency hypothesis.

Dietary lipids and some pharmaceutical lipid excipients can facilitate the targeted delivery of drugs to the intestinal lymphatics. Here, the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for imaging lipid uptake into the intestinal lymphatics was assessed, shedding light on which lymph nodes can be targeted using this approach. Three healthy male volunteers were scanned at 3.0 T at baseline, 120, 180, 240, and 300 min post high-fat meal. A sagittal multi-slice image was acquired using a diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging sequence with background suppression (DWIBS) (pre inversion TI = 260 ms). Changes in area, major, and minor axis length were compared at each time point. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was calculated (b = 0 and 600 s/mm2) across eight slices. An average of 22 nodes could be visualised across all time points. ADC increased at 120 and 180 min compared to the baseline in all three participants by an average of 9.2% and 6.8%, respectively. In two participants, mean node area and major axis lengths increased at 120 and 180 min relative to the baseline. In conclusion, the method described shows potential for repeated lymph node measurements and the tracking of lipid uptake into the lymphatics. Further studies should focus on methodology optimisation in a larger cohort.

A entrada no ensino superior permite aos jovens experienciar novas vivências, umas contribuem para o seu desenvolvimento, outras podem ser prejudiciais à saúde. Os principais objetivos deste estudo foram: conhecer o tipo e a frequência de substâncias psicoativas legais e ilegais, usadas pelos estudantes do ensino superior politécnico, e as crenças e atitudes ou distorções cognitivas associadas a esses consumos. Adaptou-se o questionário HIT-D&A (How I Think about Drugs and Alcool Questionnaire) de Barriga e colaboradores (2008) e aplicou-se a 193 estudantes, com idades entre os 19 e os 25 anos do primeiro ano do ensino superior. Os resultados permitem concluir que as substâncias psicoativas mais consumidas foram o álcool, seguido do tabaco, e depois da marijuana. Os resultados são discutidos em termos do papel das crenças irracionais nos comportamentos com consequências na saúde e das estratégias mais adequadas para prevenir o consumo destas substâncias.

The "hygiene hypothesis" postulates an inverse relationship between the prevalence of parasitic infections and the frequency of multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: It was to study whether antibodies against parasites could be demonstrated more frequently in blood serum from MS patients with oligoclonal bands (OCB) than from MS patients without OCB. Methods: We studied serum samples from 164 patients who had previously been analyzed to investigate OCB. Parasitic antibodies were studied through unidimensional electrophoresis of proteins on polyacrylamide gel against Taenia antigens, searching for antiparasitic specific low molecular weight antibodies and also for antiparasitic nonspecific high molecular weight antibodies. Results: Two of the 103 patients with no evidence of OCB had antibodies of low molecular weight and 59 of them had antibodies of high molecular weight. Of the 61 patients with evidence of OCB, one showed antibodies of low molecular weight and 16 showed antibodies of high molecular weight. Conclusion: Antiparasitic antibodies are detected with similar frequency in MS patients with OCB and in MS patients without OCB.

Breast cancer is the most frequent and the most deadly cancer in women in Western countries. Different classifications of disease (anatomoclinical, pathological, prognostic, genetic) are used for guiding the management of patients. Unfortunately, they fail to reflect the whole clinical heterogeneity of the disease. Consequently, molecularly distinct diseases are grouped in similar clinical classes, likely explaining the different clinical outcome between patients in a given class, and the fact that selection of the most appropriate diagnostic or therapeutic strategy for each patient is not done accurately. Today, treatment is efficient in only 70.0- 75.0% of cases overall. Our repertoire of efficient drugs is limited but is being expanded with the discovery of new molecular targets for new drugs, based on the identification of candidate oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (TSG) functionally relevant in disease. Development of new drugs makes therapeutical decisions even more demanding of reliable classifiers and prognostic/predictive tests. Breast cancer is a complex, heterogeneous disease at the molecular level. The combinatorial molecular origin and the heterogeneity of malignant cells, and the variability of the host background, create distinct subgroups of tumors endowed with different phenotypic features such as response to therapy and clinical outcome. Cellular and molecular analyses can identify new classes biologically and clinically relevant, as well as provide new clinically relevant markers and targets.

Our objective was to evaluate the diagnosis of swine cysticercosis by examining "ante mortem" (inspection of the tongue), "post mortem" (inspection and detailed necropsy) and ELISA for research in serum of antibodies (Ab-ELISA) and antigens (Ag-ELISA). Seven (7) pigs were experimentally infected orally with eggs of Taenia solium and another 10 were naturally infected. In the pigs experimentally infected, inspection of the tongue was negative in all animals, in the routine inspection detailed necropsy and cysticercis were identified in all of them. In pigs with heavy natural infection, inspection of the tongue identified cysticerci in two (20%), while at inspection with necropsy the parasites were identified in large quantities in all animals. In ELISA for antibody search (Ab-ELISA) TS-14 recombinant protein was used, and in search for antigen (Ag-ELISA) a monoclonal antibody against this protein. In animals experimentally infected, blood was collected weekly for 140 days. The Ab-ELISA identified an increase in titers of antibody to cysticerci 21 days after infection, and at the end of the experimental period six animals (86%) were positive to the test. The search for circulating antigens (Ag-ELISA) was positive in two pigs 28 to 91 days after infection. All naturally infected pigs were positive for Ag-ELISA and Ab-ELISA. The search for antibodies and antigens by ELISA in serum from 30 pigs of a local farm and without history of cysticercosis was negative. Thus, the use of TS-14 antigen in ELISA test (Ab-ELISA) can be useful for the diagnosis of cysticercosis in pigs with low infection.

INTRODUCTION: Human serofrequency of antibodies against Taenia solium antigens was determined and risk factors for cysticercosis transmission were identified. METHODS: Individuals (n=878) from periurban and rural locations of Lages, SC, were interviewed to gather demographic, sanitary and health information. Interviews and blood sample collections by finger prick on Whatman filter paper were performed from August 2004 to May 2005. Observation determined that 850 samples were suitable for analysis and were tested by ELISA using vesicular fluid of Taenia crassiceps heterologous antigen. To ensure the reliability of the results, 77 samples of the dried blood were matched with sera. The reactive samples were submitted to a serum confirmatory immunoblot (IB) test using purified Taenia crassiceps glycoproteins. RESULTS: The ELISA results for the dried blood and serum samples were statistically consistent. ELISA was positive in 186 (21.9%) out of 850 individuals. A group of 213 individuals were asked to collect vein blood for IB (186 with positive result in ELISA and 27 with inappropriate whole blood samples) and 130 attended the request. The IB was positive in 29 (3.4%) out of 850 individuals. A significant correlation (p = 0.0364) was determined among individuals who tested positive in the IB assay who practiced both pig rearing and kitchen gardening. CONCLUSIONS: ELISA with dried blood eluted from filter paper was suitable for cysticercosis population surveys. In Lages, human infection was associated with pig rearing and kitchen gardening. The prevalence index was compatible with other Latin American endemic areas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between Taenia antigen (TA) detection in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with definite diagnosis of neurocysticercosis (NC). METHOD: Sixty-three patients with definite diagnosis of NC were submitted to a MRI of the brain, and to a CSF examination, with a meticulous search for TA by ELISA. RESULTS: TA detection was positive in 36 patients (57.1%). A total of 836 lesions were analyzed, greatly within the cerebral parenchyma (98.7 of the lesions). Intact or non-degenerating cysts were the most common evolutive phase observed (50.4% of all lesions), 22.1% were degenerating cysts and 19.5% calcified cysts. We observed a significant relationship between TA levels detected and the total number of lesions and the number of non-degenerating cysts, but not with calcified lesions. CONCLUSION: According to our results, we propose at least four important types of contribution: (1) TA detection may allow etiologic diagnosis in transitional phases of NC, with non-characteristic images; (2) in final stages of evolution of cysticercoids in the CNS, lesions may not appear on CT or MRI, and TA detection may contribute to a definite etiologic diagnosis; (3) TA detection may permit diagnosis of NC in some patients with previous negative tests for antibody detection in CSF; (4) TA detection may represent an accurate marker of disease activity in the epileptic form of NC.OBJETIVO: Determinar a relação entre a detecção de antígeno de Taenia (TA) no líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) e achados de ressonância magnética (RM) em pacientes com diagnóstico definitivo de neurocisticersose. MÉTODO: Sessenta e três pacientes com diagnóstico de NC foram submetidos a exame de RM e exame de LCR com pesquisa de antígeno de Taenia por método imunoenzimático. RESULTADOS: A detecção de TA foi positiva em 36 pacientes (57,1%). Um total de 836 lesões foram analizadas sendo 98,7% intraparemquimatosas, 50,4% dos cistos encontravam-se íntegros, 22,1% degenerados e 19,5% calcificados. Foi observada relação significativa entre a presença dos níveis de TA detectados com o número total dos cistos e também com o número de cistos íntegros. Não foi observada relação com cistos calcificados. CONCLUSÃO: (1) a detecção de TA permite o diagnóstico etiológico em formas transicionais na NC com imagem pouco característica; (2) em estágio evolutivo final de um cisticerco no sistema nervoso, este pode não aparecer na tomografia computadorizada ou RM sendo a presença do antígeno importante para confirmação diagnóstica; (3) a detecção do TA permite também o diagnóstico de NC nos casos em que as reações inumológicas são negativas; (4) a detecção do TA representa um marcador de atividade da doença nas formas epiléticas da NC.

Seven swine were experimentally infected with Taenia solium eggs and blood samples from each animal were periodically collected. At the end of the experiment (t140) the animals did not show clinical aspects of cysticercosis or parasites in tongue inspection. All animals were slaughtered and cut into thin slices in searching for cysts. The number of cysts found in each animal varied from 1 to 85. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests for antibody (Ab) detection and for antigen (Ag) detection were performed, which presented respectively 71 and 57% of positivity. By immunoblot (IB), using 18/14(T. crassiceps Ag) or lentil-lectin-purified glycoproteins from T. solium Ag (LLGP) as Ag, five (71%) and six (86%) animals were positive, respectively. The association between Ag-ELISA with any IB (18/14 or LLGP) allowed the detection of all animals at 140 days post-experimental infection (days p.e.i.). The use of IB 18/14 combined to the Ag-ELISA allowed the detection of all animals since 70 days p.e.i., and the association between IB LLGP and Ag-ELISA allowed the detection of all animals since 112 days p.e.i. While all animals could be considered healthy by conventional screening tests, the use of immunoassays for detecting Ab and Ag showed better accuracy; therefore it would be more useful than usual clinical examination for screening cysticercosis in slightly infected pigs.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram realizar um monitoramento aerobiológico, identificando e quantificando os tipos de grãos de pólen da atmosfera da cidade de Caxias do Sul, RS. Este estudo teve início em janeiro de 2001 e término em dezembro de 2002. As coletas foram realizadas através do captador volumétrico de sucção (HIRST, 1952) modelo Burkard®, instalado no telhado do Hospital Geral da Universidade de Caxias do Sul, a uma altura aproximada de 20 metros, não apresentando obstáculos que possam bloquear as massas de ar em nenhuma direção. Durante o período de estudo, foram identificados 40 tipos polínicos. Foram selecionados os tipos polínicos Carya, Melastomataceae, Mimosa scabrella, Myrsine e Sorocea bonplandii por não apresentarem referência nos estudos aeropalinológicos brasileiros consultados, sendo citados pela primeira vez no Calendário Polínico de Caxias do Sul (VERGAMINI, 2003). Temperatura, vento e precipitação foram responsáveis diretos pelas grandes mudanças quantitativas do pólen na atmosfera. Os tipos polínicos Carya e Melastomataceae ocorreram predominantemente na primavera. Mimosa scabrella apresentou maiores concentrações nos meses de inverno e foi considerado o segundo tipo polínico mais incidente. O tipo polínico Myrsine ocorreu principalmente nos meses de outono. O pólen de Sorocea bonplandii ocorreu em todos os meses, sendo mais incidente na primavera e no verão.This research was aimed at realizing the aerobiological monitoring, identifying and quantifying the types of pollen grains in the atmosphere of the city of Caxias do Sul. This study had started in January 1st, 2001 and finished in December 31st, 2002. The samplings were taken using the volumetric suction sampler (HIRST, 1952), Burkard�� model, placed on the roof of the General Hospital in the University of Caxias do Sul, about 20m above ground, without nearby obstacles that could interrupt the air flow. During the period of study, 40 pollen types were identified. The pollen types Carya, Melastomataceae, Mimosa scabrella, Myrsine and Sorocea bonplandii were sellected because they were not found in other aeropalinological references, being registered for the first time in Caxias do Sul Pollen Calendar (VERGAMINI, 2003). Temperature, wind and rainfall were the main responsibles for the large pollen quantitative changes in the atmosphere. The pollen types Carya and Melastomataceae occured mainly in Spring. Mimosa scabrella presented higher concentrations in Winter months, and was considered the second more frequent pollen type. Myrsine pollen type occured mainly in the Autumn. Sorocea bonplandii pollen occured in all months, being more frequent in Spring and Summer.

Sera from 88 patients from Santa Catarina and São Paulo states of Brazil, with epileptic seizures who underwent cerebral computed tomography (CT) were analyzed for the detection of antibodies to T. solium cysticercus by ELISA and Immunoblot (IB) with the following antigens: Taenia solium cysticercus total saline (Tso), Taenia crassiceps cysticercus vesicular fluid (Tcra-vf) and T. crassiceps cysticercus glycoproteins (Tcra-gp). ELISA carried out with Tso, Tcra-vf and Tcra-gp antigens showed 95%, 90% and 80% sensitivities, respectively, and 68%, 85% and 93% specificities, respectively. In the epileptic patients group, ELISA positivity was 30%, 51% and 35% with Tso, Tcra-vf and Tcra-gp antigens respectively. Considering the IB as the confirmatory test, the positivity was 16% (14/88) in the epileptic patients total group and 22% (12/54) in the epileptic patients with positive CT and signals of cysticercosis. We found a significant statistical correlation among ELISA or IB results and the phase of the disease when any antigens were used (p < 0.05). We emphasize the need to introduce in the laboratory routine the search for neurocysticercosis (NC) in patients presenting with epileptic seizures because of the high risk of acquiring NC in our region and its potential cause of epilepsy.Amostras de soro de 88 pacientes dos Estados de Santa Catarina e São Paulo, Brasil, com crises epilépticas e que se submeteram a exame de Tomografia Computadorizada (TC), foram examinadas para detecção de anticorpos anti-cisticercos de Taenia solium por meio de ELISA e Immunoblot (IB) utilizando-se os seguintes antígenos: extrato salino total de cisticercos de T. solium (Tso); líquido vesicular de Taenia crassiceps (Tcra-vf) e glicoproteínas purificadas de cisticercos de T. crassiceps (Tcra-gp). Os resultados de ELISA com os antígenos Tso, Tcra-vf e Tcra-gp mostraram 95%, 90% e 80% de sensibilidade, respectivamente, e 68%, 85% e 93% de especificidade, respectivamente. No grupo de pacientes epilépticos, a positividade do ELISA foi 30%, 51% e 35% com os antígenos Tso, Tcra-vf e Tcra-gp, respectivamente. Considerando o IB como teste confirmatório, a positividade foi de 16% (14/88) no grupo total de pacientes epilépticos e 22% (12/54) no grupo de pacientes epilépticos com TC positiva e sinais clínicos compatíveis com neurocisticercose. Foi encontrada correlação estatística significativa entre os resultados de ELISA ou IB e a fase da doença com quaisquer dos antígenos utilizados (p < 0,05). Os resultados indicam a necessidade de introduzir na rotina dos laboratórios o diagnóstico de neurocisticercose nos pacientes com convulsões epilépticas devido ao elevado risco de aquisição da cisticercose em nossa região e sua participação na etiologia da epilepsia.

In order to evaluate the taeniosis-cysticercosis complex in a population of a peasants' settlement, located at Teodoro Sampaio, state of São Paulo, Brazil (longitude 52° 36'12 ", latitude 22° 17'12 ") a series of laboratory markers were determined. After signing an informed consent, participants answered a standardized questionnaire. To determine anti-Taenia solium cysticercus antibodies, the samples were tested by enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay using 18-and 14-kDa antigen proteins from vesicular fluid of Taenia crassiceps (VF-Tcra). The reactive and inconclusive ELISA samples were tested by immunoblotting. Total IgE levels were determined by chemmiluminescence's assay and hemogram by flow cytometer flux counter. A total of 84 individuals, 5.9% presented anti-T. solium cysticercus antibodies in ELISA and 3.6% were strongly reactive in the 18/14 kDa immunoblotting confirmatory test. All of the individuals with positive antibodies showed elevated Total IgE levels. We conclude that the frequency of anti-T. solium cysticercus antibodies in this population is higher than other regions considered endemic in São Paulo. Thus, it is important to carry out surveys in Peasants' settlement areas with the objective of establishing public health measures for prevention and control of infectious diseases such as taeniosis-cysticercosis.

OBJECTIVE: (1) To determine the concentration of Taenia antigens in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with neurocysticercosis (NC); (2) to establish its relationship with clinical activity of the disease and with classical variables of CSF. METHOD: A CSF examination was performed in one sample from 36 patients with definitive diagnosis of NC, including: quantitative and cytomorphological study, biochemical tests, immunological reactions for cysticercosis and Taenia antigens. The antibodies for antigens detection were obtained from the larval form of Taenia crassiceps, ORF strain. After intraperitoneal passage through female mice, a group of rabbits was immunized with vesicular fluid antigens. RESULTS: The Taenia antigen was detected in CSF from 17 patients (47.2%), especially in those patients with epileptic symptoms in the last 12 months. CONCLUSION: Taenia antigens presence in CSF have significant relationship with clinically active forms of NC, being a more sensitive marker than the classic eosinophil presence.OBJETIVO: (1) Determinar a concentração de antígenos de Taenia no líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) em doentes com neurocisticercose; (2) estudar sua relação com a atividade clínica da doença e com as variáveis clássicas do LCR. MÉTODO: Em 36 pacientes com diagnóstico definido de neurocisticercose foi realizado exame do LCR, com estudo citológico e citomorfológico, exame bioquímico, reações imunológicas para cisticercose e detecção de antígenos de Taenia. Os anticorpos para detecção desses antígenos foram obtidos a partir da forma larvar da Taenia crassiceps, cepa ORF. Após a inoculação e proliferação intraperitoneal dessa forma larvária em ratas, foi imunizado um grupo de coelhos com seu líquido vesicular. RESULTADOS: Em 17 pacientes (47,2%) foi detectado antígeno de Taenia, especialmente naqueles com manifestação epiléptica nos últimos 12 meses. CONCLUSÃO: A detecção de antígeno de Taenia guarda relação significativa com a vigência de formas clinicamente ativas, sendo, nestas formas, marcador mais sensível que a eosinofilorraquia.

Serological, epidemiological and molecular aspects of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were evaluated in 183 subjects from Londrina, Paraná, Brazil, and adjacent areas. Serum samples which tested anti-HCV positive by microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA) obtained from eight patients with chronic hepatitis C, 48 blood donors, and 127 patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were submitted to another enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). About 78.7% of samples were also reactive by ELISA, with the greater proportion (70.8%) of discordant results verified among blood donors. A similar finding was observed for HCV-RNA detection by PCR, with 111/165 (67.3%) positive samples, with higher rates among HIV-positive subjects and patients with chronic hepatitis than among blood donors. Sixty-one PCR-positive samples were submitted to HCV genotyping, with 77.1, 21.3 and 1.6% of the samples identified as types 1, 3 and 2, respectively. Finally, analysis of some risk factors associated with HCV infection showed that intravenous drug use was the most common risk factor among HIV/HCV co-infected patients, while blood transfusion was the most important risk factor in the group without HIV infection. The present study contributed to the knowledge regarding risk factors associated with HCV infection and the distribution of HCV genotypes in the population evaluated.Aspectos sorológicos, epidemiológicos e moleculares da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C (HCV) foram avaliados em 183 indivíduos da região de Londrina, Paraná. Amostras soropositivas para anti-HCV pelo enzimaimunoensaio de micropartículas (MEIA), provenientes de oito pacientes com hepatite C crônica, 48 doadores de sangue e 127 indivíduos infectados pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV), foram submetidas ao enzimaimunoensaio (ELISA) e a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Em 78,7% das amostras, verificou-se resultado reagente no ELISA, ocorrendo maior proporção de resultados discordantes entre doadores de sangue (70,8%). O mesmo ocorreu com a pesquisa do RNA viral, na qual 111/165 (67,3%) amostras foram positivas com PCR, verificando-se maior positividade entre indivíduos HIV soropositivos e pacientes com hepatite crônica do que em doadores de sangue. Em 61 amostras com viremia detectável, realizou-se a genotipagem do HCV, encontrando-se os genótipos 1 (77,1%), 3 (21,3%) e 2 (1,6%). Por fim, foram avaliados os fatores epidemiológicos em indivíduos com infecção ativa, nos quais o uso de drogas injetáveis foi o principal fator de risco encontrado em indivíduos co-infectados pelo HIV/HCV e a transfusão sangüínea foi o mais comum em indivíduos sem infecção pelo HIV. O presente estudo contribuiu para o conhecimento do perfil da infecção pelo HCV em indivíduos da nossa população e da distribuição dos genótipos do HCV nesta região.

We analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood serum from 55 patients with neurocysticercosis (NC) at different clinical stages. According to inflammatory activity in the CSF, three stages were identified: (1) reactive, when there was at least an increase in the number of cells; (2) weakly reactive, when significant alterations were found in the CSF, including an increase in gamma globulins, albeit without hypercytosis; (3) non-reactive, when there was neither hypercytosis nor increase in gamma globulins. Nineteen patients had the reactive form; 18 had the weakly reactive form; 18 displayed the non-reactive form. Local immunoproduction was intense in the reactive group, moderate in the weakly reactive group, and absent in the non-reactive group. The specific antibody index was raised in approximately 2/3 of patients with the reactive form, 2/3 in those with the weakly reactive form, and 1/3 in those with the non-reactive form. In conclusion: (1) the classical CSF syndrome in NC can present both in complete and partial modes; (2) local immunoproduction can occur in weakly reactive forms; (3) a raised specific antibody index can occur in the absence of an inflammatory reaction in the CSF.

Introdução: O diagnóstico da neurocisticercose (NCC) deve ser feito pela associação de técnicas de imagem com métodos imunológicos sensíveis e específicos. Objetivos: Avaliar os métodos Elisa e Western blot (Wb), utilizando-se como antígeno extrato bruto salino da larva da Taenia solium, o Cysticercus cellulosae e Wb, empregando-se como antígeno cisticercos da Taenia crassiceps em amostras de soro, para o diagnóstico da NCC. Materiais e métodos: Foram avaliadas amostras de soro de 43 pacientes com diagnóstico de NCC: 21 por clínica, tomografia computadorizada de crânio (TC) e presença de anticorpos anticisticerco no líquido cefalorraquiano (LCR); 22 por clínica e TC e 229 pacientes com diferentes parasitoses. Para as análises desses materiais biológicos foram empregados os métodos Elisa, usando-se como antígeno C. cellulosae, e Wb, usando-se como antígeno C. cellulosae e Cysticercus longicollis. Resultados: O método Elisa utilizando C. cellulosae como antígeno apresentou especificidade de 95% e sensibilidade de 71%. O método Wb utilizando C. cellulosae ou C. longicollis como antígeno apresentou sensibilidade de 86% e especificidade de 99%. Conclusões: Os métodos imunológicos no LCR são importantes para a definição da NCC. Entretanto o método Elisa no soro ainda não é adequado pela sua baixa sensibilidade, mas o Wb apresentou alta especificidade e boa sensibilidade, podendo auxiliar no diagnóstico da NCC, possibilitando sugerir a existência de forma transicional da doença, não demonstrada pela TC.

In the present study ELISA was standardized for the diagnosis of swine cysticercosis based on necropsy parameters and confirmed positive and negative control sera. Serum samples from pigs with other infections were also assayed to determine possible cross-reactions. Four antigens were assayed: from Taenia crassiceps vesicular fluid (VF-Tcra) and crude larvae extract (T-Tcra), and from Taenia solium extracts of scolex (S-Ts) and of larvae (T-Ts). A checkerboard evaluation of antigen, serum and conjugate dilutions, as well as the use of Tween-20 and skim cow milk in wash and blocking solution had a marked effect on improving ELISA performance. All the antigens showed a good performance, but VF-Tcra was the best, with 96.0% and 80.0% sensitivities for cut-offs respectively at 2sd and 3sd, and corresponding specificities of 97.5% and 100.0%. Cross-reactivity was observed only with hydatidosis and ascaridiosis. In view of the high performance observed, the ELISA test should be recommended for the diagnosis of cysticercosis in suspected swine in slaughterhouses and for the screening of cysticercosis in swine production. These results will support integrated measures of cysticercosis control throughout the chain of swine production, effectively contributing to public health.Foi padronizado o teste ELISA para o diagnóstico da cisticercose suína. Após confirmação por exame post-mortem, os soros dos respectivos animais foram empregados como controles positivos e negativos. Soros de suínos portadores de infecções heterólogas foram ensaiados para determinação de reações cruzadas. Os quatro antígenos testados na fase de padronização foram líquido vesicular (VF) e extrato total (T) de larvas de Taenia crassiceps (Tcra) e de extrato de escólex (S) e de cisticercos (T) de Taenia solium (Tso). A titulação em bloco das ótimas concentrações de antígenos e diluições de soros e de conjugado, bem como o emprego de Tween-20 e de leite desnatado nas soluções bloqueadora e de lavagem exerceram nítida influência no desempenho do teste ELISA. Todos os antígenos revelaram bom desempenho na diferenciação entre soros positivos e negativos para cisticercose. O antígeno VF-Tcra apresentou as mais altas taxas de desempenho, seguido do T-Tcra. As taxas de desempenho para o antígeno VF-Tcra foram, respectivamente, para pontos de corte com 2sd e 3sd, de 96,0% e 80,0% para sensibilidade e de 97,5% e 100,0% para especificidade. Foi detectada reação cruzada com soros de hidatidose e de ascaridiose. Considerando o bom desempenho observado, o teste padronizado pode ser recomendado em matadouros no diagnóstico de animais suspeitos e no levantamento da ocorrência da doença nos segmentos de criação, sobretudo nos clandestinos, dando suporte às medidas de controle da cisticercose, integradas em toda a cadeia de produção da carne suína, exercendo efetiva contribuição à Saúde Pública.

Neurocysticercosis (NC), the presence of Taenia solium metacestodes in tissues, is the most frequent and severe parasitic infection of the central nervous system. We investigated the presence of total IgE by an automated chemiluminescence assay in 53 paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples from patients with NC (P) and in 40 CSF samples from individuals with other neurological disorders as the control group (C). Total IgE concentration ranged from 1.2 to 6.6 IU/ml (mean = 1.4 IU/ml, standard deviation-sd = 1.1 IU/ml) in 28.3% of CSF samples from the P group, a value significantly higher than for the C group (£1.0 IU/ml). The serum samples from the P group showed concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 2330.0 IU/ml (mean = 224.1 IU/ml, sd = 452.1 IU/ml), which were higher than the normal value cited by the manufacturer (

We assayed samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum and saliva from patients with neurocysticercoses, control group and individuals with other parasitoses, by ELISA with Taenia crassiceps vesicular fluid antigen (Tcra) and Taenia solium total antigen (Tso) for the detection of antibodies. The sensitivity for IgG-Tcra was 100% for CSF and serum, and 32.0% for saliva; and for IgG-Tso 100% for CSF, 80.0% for serum and 24.% for saliva. Specificity was 100% for CSF and 80.0% for serum with both antigens, and 100% for saliva with Tcra and 87.5% with Tso. The sensitivity and specificity for IgA-Tcra was, respectively, 40.0% and 100% for CSF, 36.0% and 97.1% for serum, and 4.0% and 90.0% for saliva. IgE detection showed 24.0% sensitivity and 97.1% specificity for serum, with no detection in CSF samples. The search for antibodies revealed the presence of IgG > IgA > IgE in CSF, serum and saliva samples, with IgG being present in all phases of the disease, while IgA/IgE were more frequent in the inactive form.

The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of certain mycoplasma species, i.e., Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma penetrans, in urethral swabs from HIV-1 infected patients compared to swabs from a control group. Mycoplasmas were detected by routine culture techniques and by the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique, using 16SrRNA generic primers of conserved region and Mycoplasma penetrans specific primers. The positivity rates obtained with the two methods were comparable. Nevertheless, PCR was more sensitive, while the culture techniques allowed the quantification of the isolates. The results showed no significant difference (p < 0.05) in positivity rates between the methods used for mycoplasma detection.

The detection of IgE is technically difficult because of its reduced concentrations in serum, and even lower concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In the present investigation we studied 86 CSF samples using an immunoenzymatic method with an anti-IgE-alkaline phosphatase conjugate and a fluorigenic substrate. The samples were from three groups: A) 29 patients with neurocysticercosis (NC), B) 36 patients with different neurologic disorders (neurosyphilis, neurotuberculosis, meningitis, tumors, hemorrhage) and C) 21 discharged individuals who had been hospitalized for bacterial meningitis. The results obtained were: A) 0.05 to 3.00 IU/ml (0.76±0.79), B) 0.00 to 1.50 IU/ml (0.23±0.34) and C) 0.05 to 1.25 IU/ml (0.34±0.34). The present results suggest that IgE appears to play a role in the pathogeny of NC and that efforts should be made to standardize a test for the detection of specific IgE antibodies.A detecção de IgE apresenta dificuldades técnicas pela reduzida concentração que se encontra no LCR e no soro. Utilizando método imunoenzimático com conjugado anti-IgE-fosfatase alcalina e substrato fluorigênico, foram estudadas 86 amostras de LCR de três grupos: A) 29 pacientes com NC, B) 36 pacientes com afecções neurológicas diversas (neurossífilis, neurotuberculose, meningites, tumores, hemorragias) e C) 21 indivíduos de pós-alta médica de meningites bacterianas. Os resultados obtidos foram: A) 0,05 a 3,00 Ul/ml (0,76±0,79), B) 0,00 a 1,50 Ul/ml (0,23±0,34) e C) 0,05 a 1,25 Ul/ml (0,34±0,34). Os resultados obtidos sugerem que a IgE parece ter papel na patogenia da NC e esforços devem ser feitos para padronização de teste para detecção de anticorpos IgE específicos.

A dot-ELISA was developed for the detection of antibodies in CSF in the immunologic diagnosis of human neurocysticercosis, using antigen extracts of the membrane and scolex of Cysticercus cellulosae (M+S-Cc) and, alternately, membrane (M) and vesicular fluid (VF) of Cysticercus longicollis (Cl) covalently bound to a new solid phase consisting of polyester fabric treated with N-methylol-acrylamide resin (dot-RT). The test was performed at room temperature, with reduced incubation times and with no need for special care in the manipulation of the support. The sensitivity rates obtained were 95.1% for antigen Cc and 97.6% for antigen Cl. Specificity was 90.6% when Cc was used, and 96.9% and 100% when M-Cl and VF-Cl were used, respectively. No significant differences in titer were observed between tests carried out with homologous and heterologous antigens. The low cost and easy execution of the dot-RT test using antigen extracts of Cysticercus longicollis indicate the test for use in the immunodiagnosis of human neurocysticercosis.Foi desenvolvido o teste dot-ELISA para detecção de anticorpos em líquido cefalorraquiano (LCR) no diagnóstico imunológico da neurocisticercose humana, utilizando antígenos de membrana e escólex de Cysticercus cellulosae (M+E-Cc) e, alternativamente, membrana (M) e líquido vesicular (LV) de Cysticercus longicollis (Cl) covalentemente ligados a um novo suporte constituído de tecido de poliéster-resina de N-metilol-acrilamida (dot-TR). O teste foi realizado à temperatura ambiente, com tempos de incubação reduzidos e sem necessidade de cuidados na manipulação do suporte. A sensibilidade obtida foi de 95,1% para o antígeno Cc e 97,6% para o Cl. A especificidade foi de 90,6% quando o antígeno Cc foi usado, e 96,9% e 100% para M-Cl e LV-Cl, respectivamente. Não foi observada diferença significativa entre os antígenos homólogo e heterólogo. O baixo custo e a fácil execução do teste dot-TR empregando extratos antigênicos de Cysticercus longicollis indicam que pode ser empregado como alternativa no imunodiagnóstico da neurocisticercose humana.

The ORF strain of Cysticercus longicollis represents an important model for the study of heterologous antigens in the immunodiagnosis of neurocysticercosis (NC). The immunoperoxidase (IP) technique was standardized using a particulate antigen suspension of Cysticercus longicollis (Cl) and Cysticercus cellulosae (Cc). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were incubated on the antigen fixed to microscopy slides; the conjugate employed was anti-IgG-peroxidase and the enzymatic reaction was started by covering the slides with chromogen solution (diaminobenzidine/H2O2). After washing with distilled water, the slide was stained with 2% malachite green in water. Of the CSF samples from 21 patients with NC, 19 (90.5%) were positive, whereas the 8 CSF samples from the control group (100%) were negative. The results of the IP-Cl test applied to 127 CSF samples from patients with suspected NC showed 28.3% reactivity as opposed to 29.1 % for the IP-Cc test. The agreement index for the IP test (Cl x Cc) was 94.2%, with no significant difference between the two antigens.A cepa ORF de Cysticercus longicollis (Cl) representa importante modelo para estudo de antígenos heterólogos no imunodiagnóstico da neurocisticercose (NC). Foi padronizada a técnica de imunoperoxidase (IP) empregando suspensão antigênica particulada. Amostras de líquido cefalorraquiano (LCR) foram incubadas sobre o antígeno fixado em lâminas de microscopia, o conjugado empregado foi anti-IgG-Peroxidase, a reação enzimática iniciou-se ao cobrirem-se as lâminas com solução cromógena (Diaminobenzidina/H2O2). Após lavagens em água destilada, a lâmina foi corada com verde malaquita a 2% em água. De 21 LCR de pacientes com NC, 19 (90,5%) foram reativos e 8 (100%) LCR do grupo controle foram não reativos. Os resultados do teste IP-Cl ensaiando 127 LCR dc pacientes com suspeita de NC mostrou 89,7% de concordância com o teste ELISA empregando extrato salino de Cysticercus cellulosae (Cc) e 94,2% de concordância com o teste IP-Cc.

Reagente novo destinado ao teste de hemaglutinação indireta, THAI IAL, foi padronizado, utilizando hemácias de ganso, como suporte inerte, para o diagnóstico de campo da tripanosomíase americana. O objetivo foi o de substituir o reagente liofilizado ou congelado de THAI produzido rotineiramente, empregando hemácias humanas, no Instituto Adolfo Lutz (São Paulo, Brasil). O reagente padronizado apresentou longa estabilidade em suspensão líquida, e foi avaliado em 137 amostras de soros de pacientes chagásicos e não chagásicos, em THAL IAl. O desempenho diagnóstico deste teste foi semelhante ao de THAI utilizando hemácias humanas e ao de THAl de procedência comercial. A sensibilidade foi 1,00, especificidade 0,98, valores de preditivo positivo 0,96, e negativo 1,00. As diferentes partidas de reagente sucessivamente produzidas demonstraram ser reprodutíveis em método de controle de qualidade. O novo reagente é mais econômico que o anterior, de fácil preparo e aplicável aos estudos soroepidemiológicos.A new reagent was designed to the indirect hemagglutination test (IHAT IAL), utilizing goose red blood cells as inert matrix and standardized for the field diagnosis of American trypanosomiasis. The objective was to substitute the tyophilized or frozen reagent of IHAT produced routinely using human erythrocytes in the Adolfo Lutz Institute (São Paulo/Brazil). The standardized reagent presented a long stability in liquid suspension, and was evaluated in 137 serum samples from patient with and without Chagas disease, by IHAT ILA. The diagnostic performance of this lest was similar to the IHAT utilizing human erythrocytes and to that of a commercial IHA Tkit. The sensitivity was 1.00, specificity 0.98, predictive value of positive 0.96 and of negative 1.00. Different batches of reagent successively produced proved to be reproducible in a quality control method. The new reagent is more economic than the former reagent, it can be produced easily and may be applicable to the seroepidemiologic studies.

Leptospirosis is one of the causes of meningitis, although its importance is not well known. In the present study we contributed to this knowledge by demonstrating specific IgM class anti-leptospira antibodies by the immunoenzymatic method ELISA in 14.6% of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 171 patients with meningitis considered to be of indeterminate etiology. The frequencies of positivity were similar in cases with predominance of polymorphonuclear or lymphomononuclear leucocytes in the CSF. Age distribution showed a predominance of the 5 to 15 year age range (72%), and sex distribution showed a predominance of males (68%). The authors discuss the contribution of this method to the etiologic elucidation of meningitis.A Leptospirose é uma das causas de meningite, embora sua importância seja pouco conhecida. O presente estudo contribui para este conhecimento ao demonstrar anticorpos específicos da classe IgM anti-Leptospira pelo método imunoenzimático (ELISA), em 14,6% das amostras de líqüido cefalorraquianos (LCR) de 171 pacientes com meningite considerada de etiología indeterminada. As freqüências de positividade foram parecidas nos casos com predomínio no LCR de leucócitos polimorfonucleares ou linfomononucleares. A distribuição por idade mostrou predomínio na faixa etária entre 5 e 15 anos (72%) e por sexo o predomínio do masculino (68%). Os autores discutem a contribuição desse método na elucidação etiológica das meningites.

In order to improve the diagnosis of human leptospirosis, we standardized the dot-ELISA for the search of specific IgM antibodies in saliva. Saliva and serum samples were collected simultaneously from 20 patients with the icterohemorrhagic form of the disease, from 10 patients with other pathologies and from 5 negative controls. Leptospires of serovars icterohaemorrhagiae, canicola, hebdomadis, brasiliensis and cynopteri grown in EMJH medium and mixed together in equal volumes, were used as antigen at individual protein concentration of 0.2 µg/µl. In the solid phase of the test we used polyester fabric impregnated with N-methylolacrylamide resin. The antigen volume for each test was 1µl, the saliva volume was 8 µl, and the volume of peroxidase-labelled anti-human IgM conjugate was 30 µl. A visual reading was taken after development in freshly prepared chromogen solution. In contrast to the classic nitrocellulose membrane support, the fabric support is easy to obtain and to handle. Saliva can be collected directly onto the support, a fact that facilitates the method and reduces the expenses and risks related to blood processing.Com a finalidade de melhorar o diagnóstico da leptospirose humana, padronizou-se o teste dot-ELISA para a pesquisa de anticorpos específicos da classe IgM na saliva. Empregaram-se amostras de saliva e soro coletadas simultaneamente de 20 pacientes com a forma ictero-hemorrágica da doença, de 10 pacientes com outras patologias e 5 controles negativos. Culturas de Leptos-pira em meio EMJH, dos sorovares: icterohaemorrhagiae, canicola, hebdomadis, brasiliensis e cynopteri, foram utilizadas como antígeno, na concentração proteica individual de 0,2 µg/µl, misturadas em volumes iguais. Na fase sólida do teste empregou-se tecido de po-liéster impregnado com resina de N-metilol-acrilamida. O volume do antígeno para cada teste foi de 1µl, o de saliva 8µl, o de conjugado anti-IgM humana marcada com peroxidase, de 30µl. A leitura foi visual, após revelação em solução cromógena de preparo recente. O suporte de tecido é de fácil obtenção e manuseio, diferente do clássico de membrana de nitrocelulose. A saliva pode ser coletada diretamente sobre o suporte, o que facilita o método e diminui gastos e riscos inerentes à coleta e processamento do sangue.

A hepatite B é doença de graves consequências quando adquirida no período neonatal. No entanto, a identificação das gestantes, com risco de transmitirem a infecção a seus filhos, pode prevenir essas consequências através da imunização, passiva e ativa, dos bebês logo após o nascimento. Foram estudadas 477 gestantes de primeira consulta atendidas no período de abril a outubro de 1988 nos oito Centros de Saúde da rede estadual que abrangem o subdistrito do Butantan, região oeste do município de São Paulo, considerada carente de infra-estrutura básica. As 477 amostras de soro foram ensaiadas quanto à presença do marcador anti-HBc total, que permite detectar os casos assintomáticos, crônicos e em fase de convalescença. As 44 (9,2%) gestantes positivas para esse marcador foram ensaiadas para os marcadores anti-HBs e HbsAg. Dessas 44 amostras, 2 (0,4%) foram positivas para o HBsAg e 37 (7,7%) positivas para anti-HBs. Do universo de 477 gestantes, 47 apresentaram no inquérito a que foram submetidas respostas indicativas de fatores de risco para hepatite, mas apenas 8 (17,0%) delas faziam parte do grupo de gestantes anti-HBc positivas, 2 delas HBsAg positivasHepatitis B is a severe disease when acquired during the neonatal period. The identification of the infected pregnant women allows prevention of newborn infection by active and passive immunization soon after birth. We studied pregnant women in their first visit to eight different primary medical centers in Butantan, a subdistrict of S. Paulo city. 477 samples were tested for anti-HBc. From 44 (9.2%) anti-HBc positive samples, 2 (0.4%) were HBsAg positive and 37 (7.7%) were anti-HBs positive. A risk factor for hepatitis B could only be detected in 8 (18.9%) of the 44 anti-HBc positive samples

Foram estudados 50 pacientes com epilepsia em três Serviços de Neurologia do Município de Londrina, Paraná. A prevalência da positividade da reação imunoenzimática (ELISA) para cisticercose no líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) e no soro desses pacientes foi de 34,0% e 20,0%, respectivamente. Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa quando essas duas taxas foram comparadas com a positividade da reação, no LCR e no soro, no grupo controle, constituído por pessoas que não apresentavam doença neurológica. Não houve associação entre o tipo de convulsão (generalizada ou parcial) e o índice de positividade da reação imunoenzimática (ELISA) para cisticercose no LCR. Encontrou-se número maior de pacientes com ELISA reagente para cisticercose em moradores da zona rural em relação aos moradores da zona urbana do município.Fifty patients with epilepsy seen in three Londrina Neurological Services, in Paraná, were studied. The positivity prevalence of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for cysticercosis in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in the serum of these patients was 34.0% and 20.0%, respectively. There was statisticaly significant difference when these two rates were compared with the reaction positivity in the CSF and the serum in the control group, formed by individuals without neurological diseases. There was no association between the type of seisure (generalized or partial) and the positivity index of ELISA for cysticercosis in the CSF. A greater number of patients with positive ELISA for cysticercosis in the rural area dwellers was found, in relation with the urban area dwellers. From the obtained results in our study we came to the following conclusions: 1. The high positivity ELISA rates for cysticercosis in the CSF and in the patients serum with epilepsy indicate that neurocysticercosis is an important seisure cause in Londrina, PR. 2. The positivity prevalence of ELISA for cysticercosis in CSF was greater in epileptic patients from the rural area than the ones from the urban area. 3. There was no association between the type seisure (generalized or partial) and the ELISA cysticercosis positivity rate in the CSF. 4. The high positivity prevalence of ELISA in the CSF and in the epileptic patients serum in Londrina indicates the priority of performing epidemiologic inquiry to establish the real cysticercosis prevalence in the city. ELISA may be used with this finality due to its high sensibility, its low cost and its simple performance.

The dot-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA) was standardized using somatic (S) and excretory-secretory (ES) antigens of Toxocara-canis for the detection of specific antibodies in 22 serum samples from children aged 1 to 15 years, with clinical signs of toxocariasis. Fourteen serum samples from apparently normal individuals and 28 sera from patients with other pathologies were used as controls. All samples were used before and after absorption with Ascaris suum extract. When the results were evaluated in comparison with ELISA, the two tests were found to have similar sensitivity, but dot-ELISA was found to be more specific in the presence of the two antigens studied. Dot-ELISA proved to be effective for the diagnosis of human toxocariasis, presenting advantages in terms of yield, stability, time and ease of execution and low cost.Padronizou-se o teste imunoenzimático dot-ELISA, empregando-se os antígenos somático (S) e excretor-secretor (ES) de Toxocara canis, para pesquisa de anticorpos específicos em 22 soros de pacientes com idades entre 5 a 15 anos, com dados clínicos de toxocaríase. Como grupo controle, foram estudados 14 soros de indivíduos supostamente normais e 28 soros de pacientes com outras patologias. Todas as amostras em estudo foram empregadas antes e após absorção com extrato de Ascaris suum. Os resultados obtidos foram avaliados comparativamente com o teste ELISA evidenciando, nos dois testes estudados, comportamento semelhante quanto à sensibilidade e maior especificidade para o dot-ELISA, com qualquer dos dois antígenos estudados. O teste dot-ELISA mostrou-se eficiente para o diagnóstico da toxocaríase humana, apresentando vantagens quanto ao rendimento, estabilidade, tempo e facilidade de execução e baixo custo.

We describe the production of the potential monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) using BALB/c mice immunized with vesicular fluid (VF)-Tcra (T. crassiceps) antigen. Immune sera presented anti-VF-Tcra (

No período compreendido entre abril e outubro de 1988, foram estudadas 481 gestantes de primeira consulta, as quais estavam inscritas no Programa de Atendimento à Gestante em oito Centros de Saúde da Secretaria do Estado da Saúde de São Paulo. Do total estudado, 86 gestantes não trouxeram amostras de fezes para análise, mesmo após várias solicitações. A idade média da população estudada foi de 24,5 anos (idade mínima de 14 e máxima de 46 anos); a renda média das famílias das gestantes foi de 0,97 SMPC (salário mínimo per capita) e o número médio de pessoas que compunham suas famílias foi de quatro (um a quinze pessoas). A prevalência de verminose foi de 45,1% (n=395). Os parasitas mais freqüentes foram: Ascaris lumbricoides (19,0%); ancilostomídeos (16,7%) e Trichuris trichiura (15,9%). Das 248 gestantes infectadas de enteroparasitas, 70 (28,2%) eram portadoras somente dos seguintes protozoários: Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli e Iodamoeba butschllii. A prevalência de parasitas intestinais foi significativamente maior (p481 pregnant women attented at first consultation from a São Paulo city suburb-subdistrict of Butantan- São Paulo State, Brazil, from April to October of 1988, were investigated regarding the prevalence of verminosis. The mean age was 24,5 years (range 14-46), the average family income was 0.97 PCMW (per capita minimum wage) and the average number of members of the family was 4 (1 to 15). The verminosis prevalence was 45,1% among the women. The most frequent parasites were: Ascaris lumbricoides (19,0%), ancilostomideos (16,7%) and Trichuris trichiura (15,9%), The verminosis prevalence was significantly higher among the pregnant women (p < 0.05) who belonged to the families with income below 0.5 PCMW and greater than 4 members.

Foram examinados retrospectivamente os relatórios mensais e anuais da Seção de Enteroparasitoses do Laboratório Central do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo, SP, do período de 1960 a 1989, perfazendo uma série histórica de 30 anos, com 1.519.730 exames protoparasitológicos e 355 identificações de proglotes de Taenia. Pelo método da sedimentação espontânea foram diagnosticados 7.663 (0,5%) casos de presença de ovos de Taenia sp. nas fezes. Das 355 proglotes enviadas para identificação, 311 (87,60%) estavam em condições de serem especificadas, e dessas, 273 (87,80%) eram proglotes de Taenia saginata e 38 (12,22%) de T. solium.Monthly and yearly reports of the Seção de Enteroparasitoses of the Instituto Adolfo Lutz (São Paulo, SP, Brazil) from 1960 to 1989 with 1,519,730 parasitological stool examinations were studied. There were also 355 identifications of Taenia sp. proglottids. Using HOFFMAN, PONS & JANER's method, 7,663 (0.5%) cases of taeniasis were diagnosed, and 311 (87.60%) of the 355 proglottids were on easy terms to be specified, 273 (87.80%) of them were from Taenia saginata.

Le test ELISA-TÉTANOS (Biosys, France) a été utilisé pour le titrage des anti-corps tétaniques (sensibilité = 0,0025 UI/ml) en sérums humains de donneurs de sang, 566 hommes et 108 femmes, âges de 18 à 58 ans, moyenne de 29 ans, provenant de São Paulo, SP, Brésil. L'OMS, acceptant seulement la séroneutralisation sur souris (NT), la méthode de référence, pour les études sur la protection contre le tétanos, préconise le titre de 0,01 UI/ml comme minimum protecteur. BOURLEAUD & HUET ont proposé la limite de 0,06 UI/ml quand s'emploie le test ELISA, en attendant à une certaine discordance inévitable entre les méthodes. Parmi les 674 sérums étudiés, 178 (26,41%) n'ont pas présenté d'anticorps (< 0,0025 UI/ml); 413 (61,28%) ont présenté des résultats égaux ou supérieurs à 0,01 UI/ml et en 232 (34,42%) les titres ont été égaux ou supérieurs à 0,06 UI/ml. Le pourcentage d'individus protégés a été inversement proportionnel à 1'âge: environ 50% dans le groupe le plus jeune (hommes de 18 à 35 ans et femmes de 18 à 23 ans) contre environ 10% dans le groupe de plus de 42 ans ont présenté des titres sûrement protecteurs (> 0,06 UI/ml).

No período de abril a outubro de 1988, foram estudadas 363 gestantes de primeira consulta, as quais estavam inscritas no Programa de Atendimento à Gestante da Secretaria do Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, subdistrito do Butantã, Município de São Paulo, Brasil. Na ocasião da coleta do material biológico estas gestantes não faziam uso de medicamentos contendo ferro, ácido fólico, vitamina B12 ou associações destes. A idade média das gestantes foi de 25 anos, 65,9% delas pertenciam a famílias com renda até 1 SMPC (salário mínimo per capita) e apenas 3,1% pertenciam a famílias com renda superior a 3 SMPC. A prevalência de anemia foi de 12,4%. A média da concentração de hemoglobina (g/dl) no primeiro trimestre foi significativamente maior que as médias no segundo e terceiro trimestres gestacional. A prevalência de anemia no primeiro trimestre: (3,6%) foi significativamente menor do que aquelas encontradas no segundo (20,9%) e terceiro trimestre (32,1%). As gestantes que tiveram mais que três partos tiveram prevalência de anemia significativamente maior do que aquelas com até três partos. A prevalência de anemia foi maior no grupo das gestantes que pertenciam a famílias com renda até 0,5 SMPC.Three hundred and sixty-three pregnant women enrolled in the Pregnancy Medical Care Program of S. Paulo Health Department from the district of Butantan, S. Paulo city, Brazil, were studied at the first routine consultation. At the time they were examined they were not given any medicine containing iron, folie acid or vitamin B12. Their average age was 25 and 65.9% belonged to families with a monthly per capita income below US$ 50.00. Only 3.1% had a per capita income above U$$ 150.00. The prevalence of anemia was 12.4%. The hemoglobin concentration (grams/dl) in the first trimester was significantly higher than in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. The prevalence of anemia in the first trimesters (3.6%) was significantly smaller than that found in the second (20.9%) and third semesters (32.1%). Those women who had had more than three gestations presented a higher prevalence of anemia than those with less than three, and the prevalence of anemia was higher in the group whose families had a monthly per capita income below US$ 25.00.

Alguns testes sorológicos têm sido utilizados para detectar, indiretamente, a presença de possíveis agentes etiológicos infecciosos durante a gestação, que sendo transmitidos ao feto, por via placentária, causam infecções congênitas com seqüelas leves ou graves e até morte fetal. Foram estudadas 481 gestantes, com idade média de 24,5 anos (de 14 a 46 anos), atendidas em primeira consulta nos Centros de Saúde, na Cidade de São Paulo, SP (Brasil) no período de abril a outubro de 1988. Segundo o trimestre gestacional, 230 pacientes (47,8%) estavam no primeiro trimestre; 203 (42,2%) no 2º e 48 (10,0%) no 3º. Das 474 pacientes que declararam algum tipo de renda mensal, 309 (65,2%) pertenciam a familias com renda até 1 SMPC (salário mínimo per capita) e somente 15 (3,2%) pertenciam a famílias com renda superior a 3 SMPC, caracterizando o baixo nível econômico das gestantes. Das 481 pacientes 159 (33,1%) eram nascidas no Estado de São Paulo e as 322 (66,9%) restantes eram imigrantes procedentes de outros Estados, destacando-se Bahia (23,1%); Minas Gerais (11,4%); Paraná (7,5%); Paraíba (5,4%) e Pernambuco(5,4%). Foram realizados testes imunodiagnósticos para sífilis, toxoplasmose e doença de Chagas. Foram observados resultados positivos para sífilis em 25 gestantes (5,2%). Para toxoplasmose, 157 (32,4%) não tinham anticorpos em nível detectável e 67 (13,9%) apresentaram títulos elevados, indicativos de infecção ativa, das quais em 6 (10,3%) foram detectados anticorpos da classe IgM. Para doença de Chagas foram encontrados anticorpos específicos em 14 (2,9%) gestantes, sendo que destas, 10 (71,4%) eram procedentes da Bahia e Minas Gerais.The diagnosis of some infectious diseases contracted during pregnancy is very important, as these diseases can be transmitted to the fetus. Four hundred and eighty-one pregnant women were studied, of an average 24.5 years of age (from 14 to 46), during their first prenatal visit to the State of S. Paulo's Health Care Centres in the subdistrict of Paz (Butantan), City of S. Paulo, Brazil, between April and October, 1988. Classified by trimester of pregnancy, 230 patients (47.8%) fell into the first, 203 (42.2%) into the second and 48 (10%) into the third trimester. Of the 474 patients that declared their income, 309 (65.2%) earned 1 MSPC (minimum salary per capita) per month, which gives some indication of the low socioeconomic status of our patients is. The sorologic tests for syphilis, toxoplasmosis and Chagas' disease were analysed for each patient, more than one technique being used for each. The results were as follows: 25 patients (5.2%) had a positive test for syphilis; in 67 patients (13.9%) active toxoplasmosis was diagnosed (Presence of IgM antibodies in 6); 14 patients (2.9%) were positive for Chagas' disease, among which 10 (71.4%) came from the States of Bahia and Minas Gerais, where this disease has a high prevalence.

A dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DOT-ELISA) was developed to detect specific antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for human neurocysticercosis immunodiagnosis, with Cysticercus cellulosae antigen dotted on a new solid-phase. This was represented by sheets of a synthetic polyester fabric impregnated with a polymerized resin (N-methylol-acrylamide). A very stable preparation was thus obtained, the antigen being covalently bound by cross-linking with free N-methylol groups on the resin. Since robust, no special care was necessary for handling the solid-phase. The test could be performed at room-temperature. From 30 CSF samples assayed, 14 were positive, from a group of 15 cases of neurocysticercosis, with titers from 1 to 128; 15 other samples, from normals or other neurological diseases, were all negative. Test characteristics seem to indicate it as adequate for epidemiological surveys. A more detailed study on sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility and the use in serum samples is being conducted.Foi desenvolvido o teste DOT-ELISA em tecido de poliéster tratado com resina polimerizada (NMA) para o imunodiagnóstico da neurocisticercose (NC) humana pesquisando anticorpos específicos em líquido cefalorraquiano (LCR). O teste pode ser empregado em levantamentos epidemiológicos e em laboratórios de média e baixa complexidade, já que todas as etapas são realizadas a temperatura ambiente, o antígeno é covalentemente ligado ao suporte permitindo obter um reagente estável, e o suporte sensibilizado não requer cuidados especiais no seu manuseio. Foram ensaiadas 30 amostras de LCR; todas as 15 amostras do grupo controle foram negativas e 14 (93,3%) das 15 amostras de LCR do grupo de pacientes com NC foram positivas (títulos de 1 a 128). Os estudos de sensibilidade, especificidade, reprodutibilidade, estabilidade e padronização do uso de soro como amostra estão em andamento.