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Abstract Introduction: In December 2016, an outbreak of sylvatic yellow fever (YF) occurred in the non-endemic areas of the south-eastern region of Brazil. The immune response to the yellow fever vaccine and its safety in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) living in YF-endemic regions are not thoroughly understood. The objective of this study is to assess the incidence of adverse events and the serological response after primary vaccination with the 17DD-YF vaccine in CKD patients undergoing dialysis. Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study involving 223 individuals with CKD who were on dialysis after primary vaccination against YF. Clinical and epidemiologic characteristics were collected and the vaccine adverse event (VAE) were assessed. Around 35 months after vaccination, the serological response was evaluated in 71 (32%) patients using neutralization tests. Results: No serious VAE occurred in any patient. Local reactions were reported in 13 individuals (5.8%), while 6 (2.7%) reported generalized systemic reactions and 205 (91.9%) did not display any VAE. No clinical or epidemiologic characteristic predicted the occurrence of VAE. Adequate serological response was found in 38% of participants and none of the clinical or epidemiological characteristics were associated with immunogenicity. Conclusion: The outcomes of our study suggest that the yellow YF vaccine is well-tolerated in CKD patients undergoing dialysis, but it does not induce adequate immune response. Future research should focus on evaluating both cellular and humoral immune responses following administration of various doses of the YF vaccine.

Introdução: A esporotricose disseminada, rara em hospedeiros imunocompetentes, possui apresentações clínicas mais graves, maior carga fúngica e necessidade de terapia antifúngica sistêmica mais longa. Este trabalho objetiva apresentar um caso raro de esporotricose óssea disseminada em paciente imunocompetente. Descrição do caso: Paciente masculino, 33 anos, usuário de crack, maconha, alta carga tabágica e alcoólica, morador de zona metropolitana. Iniciou febre persistente (40°C) um dia após acampar em floresta, sem sintomas associados. Após 20 dias, sofreu trauma laboral em hálux esquerdo que evoluiu com infecção secundária profunda. Concomitantemente, surgiram lesões papulares, hiperemiadas, diminutas, esparsas em pele que evoluíram em aproximadamente 4 dias para lesões maiores (4 a 7 cm), dolorosas, não pruriginosas, com halo eritematoso, aspecto descamativo, seco, centro necrótico e ulcerado, com drenagem purulenta. Não apresentou lesões genitais, corrimento uretral e linfonodomegalia. Fez uso tópico de neomicina e diversas antibioticoterapias, sem sucesso. Foi adimitido em nosso serviço dois meses após o início dos sintomas. RNM do pé esquerdo confirmou osteomielite no sítio da lesão de hálux, com múltiplos pequenos focos nodulares ≥1 cm esparsos pela medular óssea dos segmentos examinados, com hipersinal periférico, sinal intermediário em T1 e aspecto em alvo em T2, sem evidência de fraturas. RNM de corpo inteiro demonstrou lesões similares em vértebras e epífises bilaterais de ossos longos. O raspado de lesão cutânea evidenciou fungo dimórfico, com crescimento de Sporothrix em cultura. Hemoculturas (3) negativas. Sorologias para paracoccidioidomicose e histoplasmose negativas, VDRL reagente 1/64, demais sorologias negativas. Foi realizado tratamento com anfotericina B lipossomal 200 mg/dia por 30 dias (dose acumulada de 6g), evoluiu com IRA KDIGO 2, optando-se por transacionar tratamento para uso de itraconazol 200 mg 12/12h VO+anfotericina B lipossomal 3 frascos 3 × /semana em hospital-dia. Paciente evoluiu com melhora clínica progressiva. Comentários: A esporotricose óssea, apesar de rara, pode acometer hospedeiros imunocompetentes. Para instauração desse quadro é teorizada a necessidade de depressão imunológica, ainda que momentânea e por vezes não identificada. É uma condição crônica, desafiadora, com tratamento prolongado, prognóstico ruim e possíveis sequelas, devendo ser prontamente identificada para diagnóstico precoce e tratamento adequado.

Introdução: A esquistossomose é uma doença parasitária endêmica no Brasil, considerada um problema de saúde pública devido a sua alta prevalência em diversas regiões do país e a potencial gravidade das formas clínicas. O Schistosoma mansoni é o principal causador da esquistossomose no Brasil, sendo as formas intestinal e hepatoesplênica as mais comuns. Formas clínicas mais raras, com o acometimento do sistema genitourinário, geralmente são causadas por outras espécies. Descrição do caso: Paciente masculino, 62 anos, carpinteiro, natural de Pancas-ES, e residente de Viana-ES, compareceu em consulta com urologista devido a queixa de incontinência urinária, disúria, polaciúria e diminuição de jato urinário com início há cerca de 2 anos. Em investigação, obteve resultados de Antígeno Prostático Específico (PSA) elevados para os valores de referência em quatro exames, seguindo com realização de biópsia de próstata. O laudo histopatológico evidenciou granuloma calcificado em lobo direito e reação granulomatosa focal associada a ovos de Schistosoma mansoni em lobo esquerdo. Encaminhado para seguimento no serviço de infectologia do Hospital Universitário Cassiano Antônio de Moraes (Hucam) onde foi tratado com praziquantel 40 mg/kg, em dose única. Em pesquisa de vínculo epidemiológico, paciente relata banhos em lagoas/rios de áreas rurais endêmicas. Comentários: Neste caso, relatamos um acometimento prostático pelo S. mansoni, incomum para esta espécie, sendo o Schistosoma haematobium a mais comumente envolvida nas formas genitourinárias. É possível que a fêmea adulta tenha migrado através da circulação colateral e realizado a postura na próstata. Os ovos podem provocar inflamação granulomatosa, ulcerações e desenvolvimento de pseudopólipos que podem simular uma neoplasia. Ainda não está clara a associação entre S. mansoni e neoplasia de próstata, associação esta já estabelecida com o S. haematobium. O processo inflamatório crônico pode justificar o aumento do PSA. Apesar de rara, é possível a ocorrência da esquistossomose na próstata, devendo ser eventualmente colocada como diagnóstico diferencial nos acometimentos desse órgão, especialmente em pacientes provenientes de regiões endêmicas, com comportamento de risco.

Introdução: A esporotricose é uma infecção causada pelo fungo dimórfico do gênero Sporothrix que comumente se apresenta na forma linfocutânea, por inoculação local, com formação de úlcera e linfangite nodular associada. Formas extracutâneas são incomuns e geralmente acometem indivíduos imunocomprometidos. O envolvimento osteoarticular geralmente surge da disseminação hematogênica, mas também pode ocorrer por inoculação local. Epidemiologicamente, homens de meia idade que fazem uso abusivo de álcool são os mais acometidos por essa forma. Descrição do caso: Paciente masculino, 55 anos, caminhoneiro, hipertenso, tabagista e não etilista, iniciou quadro de artralgia, edema e diminuição da amplitude de movimento de punho direito após atividade laboral extenuante. Na ocasião, negava lesões cutâneas ou outros sintomas sistêmicos. Em investigação inicial, foi submetido a ressonância magnética e a biópsia de punho direito, as quais evidenciaram achados sugestivos de otmailst inflamatória. O paciente foi encaminhado ao serviço de reumatologia do Hospital Universitário Cassiano Antônio de Moraes (HUCAM) onde foi submetido à punção de líquido sinovial com cultura positiva para Sporothrix sp. Após discussão em conjunto com o serviço de infectologia, foi concluído o diagnóstico de artrite séptica pelo Sporothrix sp sem ponto de inoculação identificado, sendo iniciado o tratamento com Itraconazol 400 mg por dia em duas tomadas. Após 30 dias, o paciente retornou ao serviço com melhora parcial do edema, da artralgia e da amplitude de movimento, com ausência de outros sinais flogísticos ao exame físico. Paciente segue em acompanhamento clínico. Comentários: Trata-se de uma manifestação atípica de uma doença de impacto importante no cenário brasileiro. Dos mais de 500 pacientes diagnosticados com esporotricose no serviço de infectologia do HUCAM, apenas 0,4% apresentaram a forma articular sem o envolvimento cutâneo. O número de casos novos de esporotricose vem aumentando gradativamente, e apesar de rara, a esporotricose extracutânea deve ser considerada em pacientes com condições predisponentes, possível exposição ambiental e má resposta à terapia empírica a outras doenças. A cultura possui papel essencial para o diagnóstico diferencial, especialmente em casos com menor suspeição.

Introdução: As características clínicas da leishmaniose dependem das propriedades do parasita (infecciosidade, patogenicidade, virulência) e fatores do hospedeiro (idade, estado nutricional, imunidade inata e celular). A reativação espontânea da leishmaniose, rara em pacientes imunocompetentes, geralmente ocorre devido à resistência a medicamentos ou inadequação terapêutica. Este relato de caso objetiva demonstrar uma apresentação rara de leishmaniose. O quadro é atípico pelo envolvimento da epiglote e evolução inesperada para um paciente imunocompetente. Descrição do caso: Paciente masculino, 51 anos, lavrador aposentado, tabagista 56 maços-ano, residiu em Marabá-PA por 30 anos, com histórico de leishmaniose cutânea aos 14 anos (lesões ulceradas crônicas em face e membros). Em 2010, apresentou febres vespertinas, emagrecimento, tosse e odinofagia, com ressurgimento de lesões em região nasal e cavidade oral em 2014. Foi tratado em 2018 com anfotericina B lipossomal 2700mg e em 2019, por recidiva, com nova dose 2500mg. Em 2022, interna por quadro de disfagia, odinofagia, disfonia, escarros hemoptóicos, perda ponderal e febre vespertina, com lesão erosiva em septo e desabamento de pirâmide nasal. Escarro e baciloscopia para tuberculose negativos. Tomografia mostra palato mole deslocado e aderido à parede posterior da rinofaringe, com obliteração da coluna aérea; epiglote não caracterizada, formação tecidual de aspecto expansivo em sua topografia e obliteração subtotal da valécula. À laringoscopia: importante deformação anatômica com ausência de epiglote, extensas áreas infiltradas com granulações e placas de fibrina em cordas vocais. Biópsia incisional da lesão laríngea evidenciou inflamação crônica inespecífica com presença de escassas amastigotas. Evoluiu com necessidade de traqueostomia e gastrostomia e realizado novo tratamento com anfotericina B lipossomal 3000 mg. Apresentou boa evolução clínica, recebendo alta para seguimento ambulatorial. Comentários: A leishmaniose mucocutânea pode simular condições infecciosas e neoplásicas, tornando o diagnóstico desafiador. A falha no diagnóstico precoce e a inadequação terapêutica podem resultar em pior prognóstico e maior chance de recidiva. Ambos os fatores foram determinantes na evolução do caso relatado e na disfunção orotraqueal perpetuada no paciente. Por fim, o tratamento, quando corretamente instituído, gera excelente resposta clínica e laboratorial, sendo imprescindível à contenção do quadro.

Abstract Introduction Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis endemic to Latin America, with frequent reports of poor treatment adherence resulting in worse clinical outcomes. The present study evaluated factors related to treatment adherence in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis. Methods This cross‐sectional study included data from medical records of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis treated between 2005 and 2018 in a reference hospital in southeastern Brazil. Clinical variables, demographic characteristics, and smoking and alcohol consumption were collected and analyzed. Results Of the 198 cases included, most were adults (median age = 51 years), males (93.4%), presented chronic paracoccidioidomycosis (83.8%), reported smoking (90.4%) and alcohol consumption (84.8%), and 56.6% adhered to treatment. Treatment adherence was associated with the discontinuation of alcohol consumption (odds ratios (OR) = 5.227; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.697–10.129) and smoking (OR = 3.365; 95% CI = 1.781–6.358) during therapy. Conclusions Patients' continued consumption of alcohol and tobacco was associated with non‐adherence to treatment, suggesting that a joint therapeutic approach that addresses alcohol and tobacco use alongside paracoccidioidomycosis treatment may hold promise for improving adherence and patients' quality of life.

Sporotrichosis is a neglected subcutaneous fungal infection that affects humans and animals worldwide caused by species belonging to the genus Sporothrix. This study aims to examine the range of genetic variations, assess molecular epidemiology significance, and explore potential modes of transmission of the Sporothrix species associated with the current sporotrichosis outbreaks in Espírito Santo, Brazil. In this investigation, 262 samples were evaluated, including 142 from humans and 120 from felines, collected between 2016 and 2021. The isolates were identified based on morphological and molecular characteristics. Sexual idiomorphs were determined by mating-type PCR using primers specific to the MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 loci. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was employed to assess the genetic variability of Sporothrix spp. Finally, antifungal susceptibility testing was performed following the CLSI M38-A2 protocol. Of the 142 human samples, 125 were identified as S. brasiliensis and 17 as S. schenckii s. str. The presence of S. brasiliensis was overwhelming (100%) during outbreaks, highlighting the significant role of domestic cats in the emergence of this species. Heterothallism was the only observed mating strategy. However, the MAT1-2 idiomorph was predominant in cases of cat-transmitted sporotrichosis (χ2 = 202.976; p < 0.0001). Our AFLP results show significant intraspecific variability observed among S. brasiliensis isolates in Espírito Santo. Different genotypes forming subgroups within the same population suggest that these isolates do not originate from a single ancestor, indicating multiple emergences. Furthermore, terbinafine was the antifungal with the best results in vitro. However, in clinical practice, itraconazole remains the primary treatment choice. Sporotrichosis continues to advance in the state; therefore, the health system must outline one-health strategies to contain the disease to prevent future epidemics.

Evidence of sylvatic yellow fever was first reported in Atlantic Forest areas in Espírito Santo, Brazil, during a yellow fever virus (YFV) outbreak in 1931. An entomological survey was conducted in six forest sites during and after an outbreak reported ~80 years after the last case in the area. Among 10,658 mosquitoes of 78 species, Haemagogus leucocelaenus, and Hg. janthinomys/capricornii were considered the main vectors as they had a relatively high abundance, co-occurred in essentially all areas, and showed high YFV infection rates. Sabethes chloropterus, Sa. soperi, Sa. identicus, Aedes aureolineatus, and Shannoniana fluviatilis may have a secondary role in transmission. This is the first report of Sa. identicus, Ae. aureolineatus, and Sh. fluviatilis infected with YFV. Our study emphasizes the importance of entomological monitoring and maintenance of high vaccination coverage in receptive areas to YFV transmission.

Trypanosoma cruzi requires a triatomine insect vector for its life cycle, which can be complex in different enzootic scenarios, one of which is the unique transmission network in the Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil. In Espírito Santo (ES) State, highly infected Triatoma vitticeps are frequently reported invading domiciles. However, triatomines were not found colonizing residences and mammals in the surrounding areas did not present T. cruzi infection. To date, the biotic and abiotic variables that modulate T. vitticeps occurrence and T. cruzi infection in ES State are still unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the environmental variables that modulate their occurrence. Local thematic maps were generated for two response variables: T. vitticeps occurrence and T. cruzi infection. The following explanatory variables were tested: climate (temperature, relative air humidity and rainfall), altitude elevation, mammalian species richness as well as soil and vegetation types. Spatiotemporal distribution patterns and correlation levels between response and explanatory variables were assessed through spatial statistics and map algebra modelling. The central and southern mesoregions presented higher T. vitticeps and T. cruzi distributions and can be considered transmission hotspots. The explanatory variables that can explain these phenomena were relative air humidity, average temperature, soil type, altitude elevation and mammalian species richness. Algebra map modelling demonstrated that central and southern mesoregions presented the environmental conditions needed for T. vitticeps occurrence and T. cruzi infection. The consideration of environmental variables is essential for understanding the T. cruzi transmission cycle. Cartographic and statistical methodologies used in parasitology have been demonstrated to be reliable and enlightening tools that should be incorporated routinely to expand the understanding of vector-borne parasite transmission.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis endemic to Latin America caused by thermodimorphic fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides. In the last two decades, enhanced understanding of the phylogenetic species concept and molecular variations has led to changes in this genus’ taxonomic classification. Although the impact of the new species on clinical presentation and treatment remains unclear, they can influence diagnosis when serological methods are employed. Further, although the infection is usually acquired in rural areas, the symptoms may manifest years or decades later when the patient might be living in the city or even in another country outside the endemic region. Brazil accounts for 80% of PCM cases worldwide, and its incidence is rising in the northern part of the country (Amazon region), owing to new settlements and deforestation, whereas it is decreasing in the south, owing to agriculture mechanization and urbanization. Clusters of the acute/subacute form are also emerging in areas with major human intervention and climate change. Advances in diagnostic methods (molecular and immunological techniques and biomarkers) remain scarce, and even the reference center’s diagnostics are based mainly on direct microscopic examination. Classical imaging findings in the lungs include interstitial bilateral infiltrates, and eventually, enlargement or calcification of adrenals and intraparenchymal central nervous system lesions are also present. Besides itraconazole, cotrimoxazole, and amphotericin B, new azoles may be an alternative when the previous ones are not tolerated, although few studies have investigated their use in treating PCM.

ABSTRACTThe yellow fever virus (YFV) caused a severe outbreak in Brazil in 2016–2018 that rapidly spread across the Atlantic Forest in its most populated region without viral circulation for almost 80 years. A comprehensive entomological survey combining analysis of distribution, abundance and YFV natural infection in mosquitoes captured before and during the outbreak was conducted in 44 municipalities of five Brazilian states. In total, 17,662 mosquitoes of 89 species were collected. Before evidence of virus circulation, mosquitoes were tested negative but traditional vectors were alarmingly detected in 82% of municipalities, revealing high receptivity to sylvatic transmission. During the outbreak, five species were found positive in 42% of municipalities. Haemagogus janthinomys and Hg. leucocelaenus are considered the primary vectors due to their large distribution combined with high abundance and natural infection rates, concurring together for the rapid spread and severity of this outbreak. Aedes taeniorhynchus was found infected for the first time, but like Sabethes chloropterus and Aedes scapularis, it appears to have a potential local or secondary role because of their low abundance, distribution and infection rates. There was no evidence of YFV transmission by Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti, although the former was the most widespread species across affected municipalities, presenting an important overlap between the niches of the sylvatic vectors and the anthropic ones. The definition of receptive areas, expansion of vaccination in the most affected age group and exposed populations and the adoption of universal vaccination to the entire Brazilian population need to be urgently implemented.

Abstract Leishmaniasis is a tropical infectious disease caused by Leishmania spp. protozoa and is transmitted by insects from the Phlebotominae subfamily. It can manifest as cutaneous leishmaniasis, a painless ulcer that can develop into a more serious systemic affliction as the protozoa spreads lymphatically or hematogenously, depending on the host's immunity. In this case series, the authors present a rare form of genital mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, with consideration of epidemiologic characteristics, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatments offered.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Rhodnius domesticus Neiva & Pinto, 1923 is a rare sylvatic triatomine endemic to the Atlantic Forest, with one known record for Espírito Santo (ES), Brazil from 1969. We present here its rediscovery in ES, 42 years after its first record. METHODS: In January 2011, a triatomine specimen was collected from a rural area of the municipality of Santa Teresa, ES. RESULTS: We confirmed this as a new record of R. domesticus in the Baixo Caldeirão locality. CONCLUSIONS: This finding supports the possibility of a wild population of R. domesticus in the mountainous region of the Atlantic forest of ES.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease caused by the protozoa Leishmania chagasi, whose main vector in South America is Lutzomyia longipalpis. The disease was diagnosed in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo (ES) for the first time in 1968. Currently, this disease has been considered endemic in 10 municipalities. Furthermore, the presence of L. longipalpis has been detected in eight other municipalities where the transmission has not been reported thus far. In this study, we performed species distribution modeling (SDM) to identify new and most likely receptive areas for VL transmission in ES. The sandflies were both actively and passively collected in various rural area of ES between 1986 and 2017. The collection points were georeferenced using a global positioning system device. Climatic data were retrieved from the WorldClim database, whereas geographic data were obtained from the National Institute for Space Research and the Integrated System of Geospatial Bases of the State of Espírito Santo. The maximum entropy algorithm was used through the MIAmaxent R package to train and test the distribution models for L. longipalpis. The major contributor to model generation was rocky outcrops, followed by temperature seasonality. The SDM predicted the expansion of the L. longipalpis-prone area in the Doce River Valley and limited the probability of expanding outside its watershed. Once the areas predicted suitable for L. longipalpis occurrence are determined, we can avoid the inefficient use of public resources in conducting canine serological surveys where the vector insect does not occur.

Background: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is the most prevalent endemic systemic fungal infection in Latin America. In Brazil, it stands out as the eighth-highest cause of mortality among chronic or recurrent infections and has the highest mortality rate among systemic mycoses. Oral mucosal lesions may be the first visible physical manifestation of the disease. This study traced the epidemiological and clinical profiles of patients with oral lesions treated at the University Hospital Cassiano Antonio Moraes, Federal University of Espirito Santo. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patient medical records was performed. Results: Among the 161 patients identified with a confirmed diagnosis of PCM, 97 (60.24%) presented with oral lesions. The male:female ratio was 15:1, the mean age was 50.5 years, and the chronic form of paracoccidioidomycosis was predominant. Most of the patients had smoking habits and were rural workers. The most common oral lesions present in various anatomical sites were mulberry-like ulcers, more frequently observed in the gingiva, with regression within one to three months. Patients completed the treatment in one to two years (32.99%), and 47.42% of cases discontinued treatment. Conclusions: In addition to the characteristics of the oral lesions, information from the clinical profiles of patients with oral PCM is a central tool for dentists for early diagnosis. Earlier diagnosis may result in fewer consequences, especially respiratory ones that may cause an inability to work and poor quality of life. Keywords: Paracoccidioidomycosis, Oral lesions, Epidemiology, Clinical manifestations

Abstract Background The transmission of malaria in the extra-Amazonian regions of Brazil, although interrupted in the 1960s, has persisted to the present time in some areas of dense Atlantic Forest, with reports of cases characterized by particular transmission cycles and clinical presentations. Bromeliad-malaria, as it is named, is particularly frequent in the state of Espírito Santo, with Plasmodium vivax being the parasite commonly recognized as the aetiologic agent of human infections. With regard to the spatial and temporal distances between cases reported in this region, the transmission cycle does not fit the traditional malaria cycle. The existence of a zoonosis, with infected simians participating in the epidemiology, is therefore hypothesized. In the present study, transmission of bromeliad-malaria in Espírito Santo is investigated, based on the complete mitochondrial genome of DNA extracted from isolates of Plasmodium species, which had infected humans, a simian from the genus Allouata, and Anopheles mosquitoes. Plasmodium vivax/simium was identified in the samples by both nested PCR and real-time PCR. After amplification, the mitochondrial genome was completely sequenced and compared with a haplotype network which included all sequences of P. vivax/simium mitochondrial genomes sampled from humans and simians from all regions in Brazil. Results The haplotype network indicates that humans and simians from the Atlantic Forest become infected by the same haplotype, but some isolates from humans are not identical to the simian isolate. In addition, the plasmodial DNA extracted from mosquitoes revealed sequences different from those obtained from simians, but similar to two isolates from humans. Conclusions These findings strengthen support for the hypothesis that in the Atlantic Forest, and especially in the state with the highest frequency of bromeliad-malaria in Brazil, parasites with similar molecular backgrounds are shared by humans and simians. The recognized identity between P. vivax and P. simium at the species level, the sharing of haplotypes, and the participation of the same vector in transmitting the infection to both host species indicate interspecies transference of the parasites. However, the intensity, frequency and direction of this transfer remain to be clarified.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a fungal disease caused by Paracoccidioides spp., which can cause a systemic granulomatous infection with tegumentary and visceral involvement. Sarcoid-like skin lesions are uncommon and can be misdiagnosed due to similarities with other granulomatous diseases. We report a case of a women presenting with erythematous infiltrated plaques on her face that was treated for leprosy and rosacea with no response and was later diagnosed with PCM, presenting positive serology for Paracoccidioides lutzii.

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis induces American tegumentary leishmaniasis that ranges in severity from the milder form, cutaneous (CL) to severe disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis. Patients with CL develop a cell-mediated Th1 immune response accompanied by production of inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to parasite control and pathogenesis of disease. Here, we describe the accumulation of circulating T cells with multiple features of telomere dependent-senescence including elevated expression of CD57, KLRG-1, and γH2AX that have short telomeres and low hTERT expression during cutaneous L. braziliensis infection. This expanded population of T cells was found within the CD45RA+CD27− (EMRA) subset and produced high levels of inflammatory cytokines, analogous to the senescence-associated secretory profile (SASP) that has been described in senescent non-lymphoid cells. There was a significant correlation between the accumulation of these cells and the extent of systemic inflammation, suggesting that they are involved in the inflammatory response in this disease. Furthermore, these cells expressed high level of the skin homing receptor CLA and there was a highly significant correlation between the number of these cells in the circulation and the size of the Leishmania-induced lesions in the skin. Collectively our results suggest that extensive activation during the early stages of leishmaniasis drives the senescence of T cells with the propensity to home to the skin. The senescence-related inflammatory cytokine secretion by these cells may control the infection but also contribute to the immunopathology in the disease.

Abstract: A 59-year-old female patient, previously healthy, immunocompetent, presented left bulbar conjunctiva lesions and nodular-ulcerated lesions on the arms and cervical region, besides left cervical and retroauricular lymphadenopathy. She had previous contact with domestic cats that excoriated her face. The diagnosis was conclusive of disseminated sporotrichosis through clinical and epidemiological history and cultures of skin and ocular secretions. It evolved with good response to oral antifungal therapy.

Because domestic dogs are reservoir hosts for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Brazil, one of the approaches used to reduce human disease incidence is to cull infected dogs. However, the results of controlled intervention trials based on serological screening of dogs and killing of seropositive animals are equivocal. A prophylactic vaccine to protect dogs from being infectious to the sand fly vector could be an effective strategy to provide sustained control. Here, we investigated whether a currently licensed commercial subunit rA2 protein-saponin vaccine (Leish-tec®) had an additional effect to dog culling on reducing the canine infectious populations.This prospective study was conducted in an L. infantum highly endemic area of southeast Brazil. At the onset of the intervention, all of the eligible dogs received through subcutaneous route a three-dose vaccine course at 21-day intervals and a booster on month 12. For the purpose of comparison, newly recruited healthy dogs were included as the exposed control group. To ascertain vaccine-induced protection, dogs were screened on clinical and serological criteria every 6 months for a 2-year follow-up period. Antibody-based tests and histopathological examination of post-mortem tissue specimens from euthanized animals were used as a marker of infection. The standardized vaccine regime, apart from being safe, was immunogenic as immunized animals responded with a pronounced production of anti-A2-specific IgG antibodies. It should be noted the mean seroconversion time for infection obtained among immunized exposed dogs (~ 18 months), which was twice as high as that for unvaccinated ones (~ 9 months). After two transmission cycles completed, the cumulative incidence of infection did differ significantly (P = 0.016) between the vaccinated (27%) and unvaccinated (42%) dogs. However, the expected efficacy for the vaccine in inducing clinical protection was not evident since 43% of vaccine recipients developed disease over time. Our estimates also indicated that immunoprophylaxis by Leish-tec® vaccine in addition to dog culling might not have an impact on bringing down the incidence of canine infection with L. infantum in areas of high transmission rates.Leish-tec® as a prophylactic vaccine showed promise but needs to be further optimized to be effective in dogs under field conditions, and thereby positively impacts human incidence.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania and is transmitted by sand flies. The state of Espírito Santo (ES), an endemic area in southeast Brazil, has shown a considerably high prevalence in recent decades. Environmental niche modelling (ENM) is a useful tool for predicting potential disease risk. In this study, ENM was applied to sand fly species and CL cases in ES to identify the principal vector and risk areas of the disease. Sand flies were collected in 466 rural localities between 1997 and 2013 using active and passive capture. Insects were identified to the species level, and the localities were georeferenced. Twenty-one bioclimatic variables were selected from WorldClim. Maxent was used to construct models projecting the potential distribution for five Lutzomyia species and CL cases. ENMTools was used to overlap the species and the CL case models. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed, adopting a 5% significance level. Approximately 250,000 specimens were captured, belonging to 43 species. The area under the curve (AUC) was considered acceptable for all models. The slope was considered relevant to the construction of the models for all the species identified. The overlay test identified Lutzomyia intermedia as the main vector of CL in southeast Brazil. ENM tools enable an analysis of the association among environmental variables, vector distributions and CL cases, which can be used to support epidemiologic and entomological vigilance actions to control the expansion of CL in vulnerable areas.

A new species of Sycorax Curtis, 1839 (Diptera, Psychodidae) from the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. Sycorax bravoi Santos, Ferreira & Falqueto sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on samples collected with a Möricke trap installed on the ground at the Biological Station of Santa Lúcia, municipality of Santa Teresa, in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo. Males have a paramere with a spiniform prolongation on the distal surface and an aedeagus with a long posterior membranous dorsal prolongation. Females have a racket-shaped genital furca and tubular spermatheca, tapered on the apical third. This finding raises the number of Sycorax species known from Brazil to seven.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the presence of Aedes aegypti in breeding sites located in vacant lots (VLs) and determine the effectiveness of VL cleaning to reduce insect foci. METHODS: Two types of VLs were sampled, the experimental VL, which was cleaned monthly, and the control VL, which was not cleaned. RESULTS: Monthly cleaning of VLs reduced the abundance of immature forms of A. aegypti. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies for combating this vector should include regular cleaning of VLs and educating the public regarding the risks of discarding waste in inappropriate areas.

The occurrence of American visceral leishmaniasis in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil has always been associated with the presence of the Lutzomyia longipalpis vector. The geographic distribution of this vector in this state is related to the presence of specific geoclimatic characteristics, such as a dry climate, low elevations (< 450m), steep slopes and rocky outcrops. The occurrence of human autochthonous cases of American visceral leishmaniasis in municipalities without these geoclimatic characteristics justifies the present study and our main goal was to test the association between the occurrence of American visceral leishmaniasis and the presence of the Lu. longipalpis. Sand flies were captured monthly from July 2006 to August 2007 using Shannon and CDC traps in two municipalities with records of autochthonous American visceral leishmaniasis and one with no record. We captured 13,112 sand flies, but no Lu. longipalpis was found. The absence of Lu. longipalpis and the possible role of another American visceral leishmaniasis vector in these localities were discussed.A ocorrência de leishmaniose visceral americana no Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil, sempre foi associada à presença do vetor Lutzomyia longipalpis. A distribuição geográfica desse vetor no estado está relacionada à ocorrência de características geoclimáticas específicas, tais como clima seco, baixas altitudes, relevo acidentado e afloramentos rochosos A ocorrência de casos humanos autóctones de leishmaniose visceral americana em municípios sem essas características geoclimáticas justificou o presente estudo, com objetivo de testar a associação entre a ocorrência de leishmaniose visceral americana e a presença de Lu. longipalpis. Flebotomíneos foram capturados mensalmente de julho de 2006 a agosto de 2007 com uso de armadilhas de Shannon e CDC em dois municípios com registros de leishmaniose visceral americana autóctone e um sem registros. Foram capturados 13.112 flebotomíneos, mas nenhum Lu. longipalpis foi encontrado. A ausência de Lu. longipalpis e a possível participação de outro vetor de leishmaniose visceral americana nessas localidades foram discutidas.

A new species of Nemopalpus Macquart (Diptera, Psychodidae) from Brazil. Nemopalpus parvus sp. nov. collected in the Atlantic rainforest of the state of Espírito Santo, in southeastern Brazil, is described and illustrated.

In Brazil, introduced malaria occurs from the flat to the sloping hot areas, predominantly outside the Amazon Region, where endemic malaria has occurred in the past. This is a consequence of human migrations to other Brazilian states, including the state of Espírito Santo (ES). The objective of this study was to use geoprocessing to define the areas at risk of introduced malaria transmission and evaluate the vectorial importance of species of anophelines in ES. Anophelines were sampled from 1997-2005 in 297 rural localities identified or not identified as foci of malaria during the last 20 years. The geoclimatic variables temperature, relief and marine influence were obtained from a database of the ES Natural Units. The 14,663 anophelines captured belonged to 22 species. A significant association was found between the occurrence of malaria foci and the presence of hot, low-lying areas or gently undulating to undulating relief. The occurrence of the disease was associated with the presence of Anopheles darlingi and Anopheles aquasalis. Geoprocessing was determined to be a useful tool for defining areas at risk for malaria and vectors in ES.

A construção de represas geralmente causa modificações na composição da fauna em sua área de influência. Na área de implantação da Usina Hidrelétrica de Rosal, Estados do Espírito Santo e Rio de Janeiro, foram avaliadas modificações na abundância de anofelinos, planorbídeos e flebotomíneos antes (1998-2000) e após (2000-2005) o represamento. Foram definidos nove pontos de coleta, cada qual representado por uma moradia e seus anexos, abrigos de animais domésticos e coleções hídricas num raio de 150m. Coletaram-se 103 anofelinos adultos antes do represamento e 313 depois, 200 imaturos antes e 708 depois, 868 planorbídeos antes e 486 depois, e 2.979 flebotomíneos antes e 912 depois. O registro de vetores dentre anofelinos, planorbídeos e flebotomíneos revela o potencial da área para transmissão de malária, esquistossomose e leishmaniose tegumentar. As transformações ambientais ocorridas, no entanto, não aumentaram o risco para ocorrência dessas doenças.The construction of dams usually changes the composition of the fauna within their areas of influence. In the area where the Rosal hydroelectric power station has been installed, in the States of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro, changes to the abundance of anophelinae, planorbidae and phlebotominae were evaluated before (1998-2000) and after (2000-2005) the damming. Nine sample collection points were defined, each represented by a home and its outbuildings, shelters for domestic animals and water collection points within a radius of 150m. One hundred and three adult anophelinae were collected before the damming and 313 afterwards; 200 immature anophelinae before and 708 afterwards; 868 planorbidae before and 486 afterwards; and 2,979 phlebotominae before and 912 afterwards. The vector record, consisting of anophelinae, planorbidae and phlebotominae, shows the potential of this area for transmission of malaria, schistosomiasis and American cutaneous leishmaniasis. However, the environmental changes did not increase the risk of the occurrence of these diseases.

American tegumentary leishmaniasis is endemic to the Espírito Santo State, Brazil, where it is widely distributed. The composition of the phlebotomine sand fly fauna in an American tegumentary leishmaniasis focus was determined by monthly sampling, using Shannon light traps in an Atlantic Forest reserve and adjacent habitat that had been modified by human activity. Seasonal fluctuations in numbers of the most abundant species were also monitored from June 2004 to May 2006. Of the 6,176 specimens collected, 47.4% were captured in the forest and 52.6% in the disturbed habitat. Although Lutzomyia davisi (60.8%) predominated in specimens from the forest, those captured near human dwellings consisted almost entirely of Lu. choti (72%) and Lu. intermedia (24.3%). All three species occurred throughout the year. Based on our findings, Lu. intermedia probably acts as the principal domestic Leishmania vector in the study area.A leishmaniose tegumentar americana é endêmica e amplamente distribuída no Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Com o objetivo de avaliar a composição da fauna de flebotomíneos e verificar a flutuação sazonal, foram realizadas capturas mensais com armadilhas Shannon modificadas em reserva florestal de Mata Atlântica (Reserva Biológica de Sooretama) e ambiente antrópico adjacente, no período de junho de 2004 a maio de 2006. Foram capturados 6.176 espécimes, dos quais 47,4% ocorreram no ambiente florestal e 52,6%, no ambiente antrópico. Lutzomyia davisi (60,8%) predominou no ambiente florestal e Lu. choti (72%) seguida de Lu. intermedia (24,3%) predominaram no ambiente antrópico. As três espécies ocorreram ao longo de todo o ano. Os dados indicam que Lu. intermedia provavelmente atue como principal vetor domiciliar de Leishmania na área de estudo.

Estudo caso controle que objetivou identificar fatores individuais de risco relacionados à transmissão da doença. O grupo caso, composto por 90 pacientes de hanseníase notificados no SINAN entre 2003 e 2006; o grupo controle, constituído por 270 indivíduos sadios, pareados por sexo e faixa etária. Houve associação significativa entre a ocorrência da doença e a presença atual (OR= 2,9) e antiga (OR=5,0) de hanseníase entre parentes co-sangüíneos. Sabendo-se que o exame único dos contatos, no ato do diagnóstico, detecta uma parcela mínima dos casos, propõe-se a realização de exames periódicos dos contatos de hansenianos a fim de detectar os novos casos.Estudio caso controle que objetivó identificar factores individuales del riesgo relacionados a transmisión de la enfermedad. El grupo caso, compuesto por 90 pacientes con lepra notificados en el SINAN entre 2003 y 2006; y el grupo controle, constituido por 270 individuos saludables, pareados por sexo y edad. Hubo asociación significativa entre la ocurrencia de la enfermedad y la presencia actual (OR= 2,9) y antigua (OR=5,0) de la lepra entre parientes co-sanguíneos. Sabiéndose que el examen único de los contactos en el acto del diagnóstico detecta una parcela mínima de los casos, se propone a la realización del examen periódico de los contactos de leprosos a fin de detectar los nuevos casos.This case-control study aimed to identify individual risk factors regarding the transmission of leprosy. The group case represented by 90 cases of leprosy sick people pontificated at SINAN during 2003 and 2006 and a group control constituted by 270 healthy people, paired by gender and age. There was significant statistical between occurrence of the disease and its current presence (OR: 2,9) and old cases (OR= 5,0) of leprosy among co-sanguine relatives. Knowing that the only exam of the contact in the act of the diagnostic detects a minimum part of the new cases, it is proposed to execute periodical examinations of the contact of leprosy for detecting the new cases.

Panstrongylus geniculatus is one of the most widely distributed species of Triatominae in South and Central America, occurring in several biomes with different climatic characteristics. We present the results of captures of P. geniculatus provided from a 10-year program of entomological surveillance in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. We also present an updated geographic distribution map of P. geniculatus obtained from an extensive literature review. The entomological surveillance program, between 1996 and 2005, provided 110 capture registers of P. geniculatus in Espírito Santo. These are the first records of P. geniculatus from 15 municipalities in this state. P. geniculatus extends through 18 countries in Central and South America, from southern Mexico to northern Argentina.

Adults of Triatoma vitticeps infected by flagellates similar to Trypanosoma cruzi are frequently captured by the inhabitants of rural areas in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo. The dynamics of feeding and defecation were observed in three groups of adult triatomines, consisting of sylvatic T. vitticeps and laboratory-reared specimens of this species and T. infestans. Triatomines were observed from the moment they were presented with an immobilized chicken as a bloodmeal source until 240 min after feeding had ended. Mean times between the end of feeding and defecation for T. infestans, wild T. vitticeps and laboratory-reared specimens of the latter species were 1.2, 21.1, and 64 min respectively. All T. infestans defecated within 10 min of feeding, while only 29.9 of wild and 52.8% laboratory-reared specimens of T. vitticeps did so within this period. These results may explain the low efficiency of T. vitticeps in T. cruzi transmission to man. The shorter time between feeding and defecation in laboratory-reared T. vitticeps may indicate a change in behaviour of this species as a result of adaptation to an artificial environment.

A paracoccidioidomicose é a principal micose sistêmica em nosso meio, que exige tratamento prolongado, de alto custo, e que deixa seqüelas graves nos pulmões, órgãos mais freqüentemente acometidos e sujeitos ainda às agressões de fatores de risco externos, como o tabaco. Investigou-se, por meio de um estudo caso-controle, a influência do tabagismo e do alcoolismo no desenvolvimento da forma crônica da paracoccidioidomicose. Dados sobre a ocupação, moradia e hábitos de vida foram obtidos de 70 doentes e 180 controles. Os doentes fumavam e bebiam mais que os controles. A chance de adoecer foi 14 vezes maior entre os fumantes e 3,6 vezes maior entre os que bebiam acima de 50g/dia de álcool. Na regressão logística, foram significativas as variáveis consumo de tabaco por mais de 20 anos (OR = 10,1), consumo de cigarros industrializados (OR = 4,8) e consumo de álcool acima de 50g/dia (OR = 2,9). Os doentes que fumavam 20 ou mais cigarros/dia adoeceram em média oito anos antes que os demais (p = 0,002). O consumo de álcool acima de 50g/dia não influenciou na idade de adoecimento (p = 0,78). Conclui-se que o tabagismo constitui fator de risco para o desenvolvimento da paracoccidioidomicose; o alcoolismo atuaria como um co-fator, associado ao tabagismo.Paracoccidioidomycosis, the main systemic mycosis in Brazil, requires long-term, high-cost treatment and leaves serious sequelae in the lungs, the organ most frequently affected and further subject to aggressive external risk factors like smoking. The influence of tobacco and alcohol consumption on chronic paracoccidioidomycosis was investigated using a case-control study. Data on occupation, place of residence, and living habits were obtained from 70 cases and 180 controls residing in the same geographic areas. The risk of becoming ill was 14 times greater among smokers and 3.6 times greater among individuals with an alcohol intake of more than 50g/day. Logistic regression showed as significant variables: tobacco consumption for more than 20 years (OR = 10.1), smoking manufactured (not hand-rolled) cigarettes (OR = 4.8), and alcohol intake > 50g/day (OR = 2.9). Cases who smoked 20 or more cigarettes/day became ill on average eight years before others (p = 0.002). Alcohol intake > 50g/day had no statistically significant impact on age at onset of illness (p = 0.78). The study concludes that smoking stands as an important risk factor for the development of chronic paracoccidioidomycosis. As for alcoholism, there is evidence that it acts as a co-factor, together with smoking.

Embora o Estado do Espírito Santo não seja considerado endêmico para a doença de Chagas, triatomíneos silvestres que lá ocorrem freqüentemente invadem as casas, com chances de transmissão da doença às pessoas. Avaliou-se o padrão epidemiológico da moléstia no Estado por meio de um inquérito sorológico realizado em 5.243 escolares de 7 a 14 anos de idade, residentes em 17 municípios. Os testes de Imunofluorescência Indireta, Hemaglutinação Indireta e Imunoenzimático (ELISA) foram positivos em apenas uma pessoa, representando 0,019% do total. O resultado foi semelhante aos encontrados por outros autores em investigações anteriores. Concluiu-se que, apesar da intensa destruição da Mata Atlântica ocorrida nas últimas décadas, o padrão epidemiológico da doença de Chagas permanece estável, a julgar pelo resultado dos testes sorológicos.Although the Brazilian State of Espírito Santo is not considered endemic for Chagas' disease, the sylvatic triatomines occurring there frequently invade houses, increasing the chances of Trypanosoma cruzi transmission to man. The epidemiological pattern of the disease in Espírito Santo was evaluated by a serological survey of 5,243 schoolchildren ages 7 to 14 years, residents of 17 municipalities. Indirect immunofluorescence, indirect hemagglutination, and immunoenzymatic (ELISA) tests were positive in only one person, representing only 0.019% of the total. This result was similar to those found by other authors in previous studies. Based on the results of serological tests it is concluded that the epidemiological pattern of Chagas' disease in Espírito Santo remains stable, despite the intensive destruction of the Atlantic Forest that has occurred in recent decades.

We report for the first time the parasitism of eggs of two triatomine Chagas disease vectors, Triatoma infestans and T. vitticeps, by the microhymenopterous parasitoid Aprostocetus asthenogmus. We also describe the first identification of this parasitoid in South America. A. asthenogmus were captured near unparasitized triatomine colonies in the municipality of Vitória, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, and placed into pots with recently laid triatomine eggs. After 24 days, we observed wasps emerging from T. infestans and T. vitticeps eggs. Several characteristics of this parasitoid species suggest that it could be a potential biological control agent of triatomine species.

The involvement of different sand fly species in the transmission of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) at different altitudes was evaluated in the municipality of Afonso Cláudio in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, from November 1995 to February 1997. CDC light traps and Shannon traps baited with human volunteers were hung simultaneously at three altitudes of a river valley: (a) 650-750 m in an area of active ACL transmission; (b) 750-850 m in a transitional area; and (c) 850-950 m in an area where no ACL transmission occurred. A total of 13,363 specimens belonging to 28 species was collected. The five most abundant man-biting species were Lutzomyia intermedia, which constituted 24.3% of the total, Lu. migonei (22.3%), Lu. whitmani (15.4%), Lu. fischeri (14.9%) and Lu. monticola (5.8%). Analysis of the distribution of these species at the three altitudes provided evidence that Lu. fischeri and Lu. monticola were not involved in ACL transmission, whereas Lu. migonei and Lu. whitmani might act as secondary vectors of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Lu. intermedia was probably the principal vector of the parasite. These results reinforce those published in the existing literature, which indicate that Lu. intermedia is the main vector of Le. (V.) braziliensis in Southeast Brazil, while Lu. migonei and Lu. whitmani are of secondary importance.

Foi realizado ensaio clínico randomizado simples cego para comparar a eficácia e a toxicidade do estibogluconato de Na+ (ES) e o antimoniato de N-metil glucamina, o Glucantime®(GL). Sessenta e três pacientes foram distribuídos em um dos dois grupos: 32 pacientes foram tratados com GL e 31 pacientes com o ES. Ambos os grupos receberam 15mg Sb+5/kg/dia durante 20 dias. A toxicidade foi avaliada através do ECG, dosagens de uréia, creatinina, TGO, TGP, fosfatase alcalina, amilase, e lipase, avaliados antes do tratamento, nos dias 10 e 20 do tratamento, e 90 dias após o término do mesmo. No grupo tratado com GL 81% (26/32) dos pacientes curaram, comparados com 77% (24/31) no grupo do ES. Um paciente em cada grupo não respondeu ao tratamento. TGO, TGP, amilase, e lipase foram mais elevadas no grupo que usou o ES (p < 0,05). Concluiu-se que, a eficácia de ambos os tratamentos foram similares, apesar da maior toxicidade observada no grupo tratado com ES.

Esse é o primeiro registro de Evandromyia (Aldamyia) sericea para o Sudeste do Brasil e, até então, o registro mais ao sul da espécie no mundo. Os espécimes foram coletados na Reserva Biológica de Duas Bocas, município de Cariacica, estado do Espírito Santo. As capturas de flebotomíneos foram feitas mensalmente de abril a junho de 2008 durante quatro noites consecutivas usando duas armadilhas automáticas do tipo CDC e uma armadilha de Shannon modificada para cada noite. O encontro dessa espécie é consistente com a hipótese de proximidade filogeográfica entre a Floresta Amazônica e a Mata Atlântica.This is the first record of Evandromyia (Aldamyia) sericea in southeastern Brazil and report the southernmost record ever of this species in the world. Specimens were collected in the Reserva Biológica de Duas Bocas, municipality of Cariacica, state of the Espírito Santo. Captures of the sand flies were carried out monthly from April to June 2008 during four consecutives nights using two automatic light traps (CDC model) and a modified Shannon trap for each night. The finding of this species corroborates the hypothesis of the phylogeographical proximity of the Amazon Rainforest and the Atlantic Forest.

In Brazil, the colonization of human dwellings by triatomines occurs in areas with native vegetation of the caatinga or cerrado types. In areas of Atlantic forest such as in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo, there are no species adapted to live in human habitations. The few autochthonous cases of Chagas disease encountered in Espírito Santo have been attributed to adult specimens of Triatoma vitticeps that invade houses from forest remnants. In recent years, the entomology unit of the Espírito Santo State Health Secretariat has recorded nymphs infected with flagellates similar to Trypanosoma cruzi in rural localities. Entomological surveys were carried out in the residences and outbuildings in which the insects were found, and serological examinations for Chagas disease performed on the inhabitants. Four colonies were found, all associated with nests of opossums (Didelphis aurita), 111 specimens of T. vitticeps, and 159 eggs being collected. All the triatomines presented flagellates in their frass. Mice inoculated with the faeces presented trypomastigotes in the circulating blood and groups of amastigotes in the cardiac muscle fibres. Serological tests performed on the inhabitants were negative for T. cruzi. Even with the intense devastation of the forest in Espírito Santo, there are no indications of change in the sylvatic habits of T. vitticeps. Colonies of this insect associated with opossum nests would indicate an expansion of the sylvatic environment into the peridomicile.

Alguns insetos transmissores de doenças procriam exclusivamente nas proximidades das residências. O Aedes aegypti, responsável por epidemias de dengue em cidades brasileiras, representa sério risco também para a febre amarela. Com o insucesso da campanha de erradicação do inseto, justifica-se a busca de criadouros fora do alcance das medidas de controle atualmente adotadas. Na Cidade de Vitória, ES, investigou-se a ocorrência de criadouros de Aedes aegypti na água coletada em bromélias nativas, sobre as rochas. Paralelamente, avaliou-se a infestação predial nas áreas urbanas contíguas. Em quatro das cinco áreas investigadas foram encontradas larvas de culicídeos nas bromélias, sendo que em duas foi identificado Aedes aegypti. A presença dos criadouros em bromélias não guardou relação com a infestação predial nas áreas próximas. Torna-se necessário definir se os criadouros em bromélias constituem focos primários do Aedes aegypti, ou se representam uma conseqüência da elevada infestação urbana.Some insects that are vectors of human diseases have accompanied man in his migrations throughout the world and breed exclusively in the proximity of human dwellings. The mosquito Aedes aegypti has been responsible for epidemics of dengue in Brazil and its presence also constitutes a serious risk for future outbreaks of urban yellow fever. The failure of campaigns to eradicate this species justifies the search for alternative breeding sites, which may be beyond the reach of present control measures. In this study the occurrence of Aedes aegypti breeding sites in native bromeliads on rocky slopes was investigated in five areas of Vitória, capital of the Brazilian State of Espírito Santo, ES. Water contained in the bromeliads was collected with the aid of a suction apparatus to search for culicid larvae. The degree of infestation of buildings in adjacent urban areas was evaluated simultaneously. Culicid larvae were found in bromeliads in four of the five areas investigated, Aedes aegypti being present in two areas. The presence of breeding sites in bromeliads was not related to indices of infestation of buildings in adjacent areas. Further studies are necessary to define whether breeding sites in bromeliads constitute primary foci of Aedes aegypti, or are a consequence of high infestation levels in urban areas.

Em área endêmica de leishmaniose tegumentar no Município de Santa Leopoldina, Espírito Santo, foi realizada uma tentativa de controle da endemia por meio do tratamento dos cães doentes. Como controle foi utilizada uma área com características semelhantes no Município de Afonso Cláudio, onde os cães permaneceram sem tratamento. A avaliação inicial revelou que 34 (24%) dos 141 moradores da primeira área eram reatores ao teste intradérmico de Montenegro; entre os cães, 8 (30,7%), dos 26 existentes, apresentavam leishmaniose. Na área controle, 37 (29%), dos 127 moradores, eram positivos ao teste de Montenegro, enquanto 7 (16%), dos 44 cães, estavam doentes. Após o tratamento dos cães doentes na primeira área, as duas populações foram acompanhadas durante dois anos. A eficácia da medida de controle foi avaliada por meio da incidência de novas infecções humanas. Apesar de o número de novos infectados ter sido superior na área-controle, a análise estatística revelou que a diferença não foi significativa. Fatores diversos, tais como o tamanho das amostras estudadas, o método de diagnóstico da leishmaniose canina e a dificuldade de controle dos novos cães introduzidos na área, teriam influenciado negativamente nos resultados do experimento.An attempt was made to control cutaneous leishmaniasis in the municipality of Santa Leopoldina, Espírito Santo State, Brazil, by treating infected dogs. Another area in the municipality of Afonso Cláudio, which is ecologically similar, served as the control area, and dogs were left untreated there. In an initial survey, 34/141 inhabitants of the first area had positive leishmanin tests and 8/26 dogs had cutaneous leishmaniasis, while in the second area 37/127 individuals had positive leishmanin tests and 7/44 dogs were infected. After treatment of the sick dogs in the first area the populations of both areas were periodically examined for new infections. More new human infections were observed in the control area, but the difference was not statistically significant.

The effect of deltamethrin of the sandfly population in a focus of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Viana, Espírito Santo State is desvribed. The phlebotomine population density was determined inside and outside houses during a one year period in a treated and untreated area. The results showed a significant reduction in the number of sandflies inside houses in the treated area compared with both the untreated area and the same area before sparying. Despite having a residual action for 12 months after spraying the insecticide was ineffective outside houses. It is concluded therefore that deltamethrin is an efficient insecticide for reducing the number of phlebotomine sandflies inside houses.

Biological characteristics of Nipteria panacea Thierry-Mieg (Lepidoptera, Geometridae), an avocado tree defoliator, in highlands areas of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The objective of this research was to evaluate some biological characteristics of the avocado tree defoliator, Nipteria panacea Thiery-Mieg, in laboratory. This species showed the mean development cycle of 58.1 days, embryonic period of eight days and egg viability 56.3%. Pos-embryonic development lasted 36.5 days with viability of 48.2%, pupal period 11.6 days with viability of 76.0%, and mean longevity of females was 19.5 days with a production of 177 eggs per female. Other parameters were also observed and discussed.

Em área endêmica de leishmaniose tegumentar no município de Viana, Estado do Espírito Santo, investigou-se a ocorrência de infecção natural por Leishmania em animais domésticos, procurando-se relacionar a presença dos animais infectados com a ocorrência da doença humana. No período de três semanas foram examinados 186 cães, dos quais 32 (17,2%) estavam parasitados. Durante um ano surgiram, entre os moradores da área, 11 casos novos de leishmaniose tegumentar. Três amostras humanas de Leishmania e 27 amostras isoladas de cães foram identificadas como L. braziliensis braziliensis. Observou-se nítida relação entre a presença de cães infectados e a ocorrência de novos casos humanos da doença. Supõe-se que a moléstia esteja se comportando na área como uma zoonose mantida pelos cães domésticos.In an endemic area of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the viana municipality, Espírito Santo state, an investigation was performed on natural hosts of leishmania among domestic animals, trying to correlate the presence of infected animals with the occurrence of the disease in humans. Within a three weeks period 186 dogs were examined and 32 (17,2%) were found infected.Eleven new cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis were recorded during one year, among people living in the endemic area. A close relationship was between the presence of infected dogs and the occurrence of human leishmaniasis. In the area studied, the disease seems to behave as a zoonosis maintained by domestic dogs.