Search

Envenomation by coral snakes represents a little known burden in Brazilian Amazonia. So far, details on clinical and epidemiological aspects remain obscure in the region. We gathered data from medical charts and from the scientific collection of snakes from Fundação de Medicina Tropical Doutor Heitor Vieira Dourado, finding 26 cases of envenomation by five species of Micrurus in Manaus region, between 1987 and 2018. They represent 0.7% of the snakebites treated in the hospital since the records began, in 1979. Micrurus lemniscatus was responsible for most of the bites (10), followed by M. hemprichii (five), M. spixii (three), M. surinamensis (three) and M. averyi (one). There was no difference between the sexes of the snakes that caused bites. Patients were mostly males, and most of the cases were reported in urban areas. Bites predominated in dry season, and there was a clear geographical segregation among species. We describe seven cases of envenomation, three mild and four severe, all of which evolved to cure. Paresthesia (six), pain (five) and edema (four) were the most common local symptoms. Systemic features such as dyspnea/shallow breath (four), palpebral ptosis (four), blurred vision (three), dysarthria (three) and difficulty to walk (three) were also detected. Two patients bitten by Micrurus sp. and M. hemprichii, showed slight increased serum levels of creatine kinase (reference level190 U/L), 1184 U/L and 1229 U/L, respectively, indicative of mild systemic myotoxicity. This is the first report of myotoxic manifestation in the envenomation by M. hemprichii. No patient developed respiratory failure, though one bitten by an adult M. spixii required intubation and mechanical ventilation due to decreased level of consciousness during evolution, probably related to induced sedation caused by concurrent alcohol intoxication. All patients were treated with Brazilian Micrurus antivenom (soro antielapídico, median = 10 vials). Six patients were pretreated intravenously with H1 and H2 antagonists and steroids, with two patients developing early adverse reactions. The median length of hospital stay was four days. Envenomations by coral snakes in Manaus region are clinically severe, but rare and sparsely distributed over time, making the detection of epidemiological and clinical patterns a challenge for public health.

Snakebites are a neglected and underestimated global health hazard. In the Brazilian Amazon, Bothrops snakebites are the most prevalent and may lead to severe complications. Here we describe a severe case of Bothrops atrox snakebite that, owing to delayed medical assistance, presented with renal and respiratory failure, compartment syndrome, and tissue necrosis. After several fasciotomy surgeries, the patient survived; however, he showed significant functional disability. Prompt management of snake envenomation would aid in the early diagnosis of local and systemic complications and, consequently, would result in a better functional outcome with improved quality of life.

Snakebite envenomings are considered a global health problem. The specific therapy for these envenomings consists of administering animal-derived antivenoms aiming to neutralize the venom toxins. Antivenoms have been used effectively to treat snakebites for more than a century; however, their administration may result in early and/or late adverse reactions. The present study presents the prevalence of early adverse reactions (EARs) towards Bothrops antivenom therapy in a health tertiary unit in the Brazilian Amazon and explores if specific plasma cytokines and chemokines from envenomed patients could be used as predictors of EARs. A cohort of patients bitten by Bothrops atrox was followed-up at the Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), from 2014 to 2016. Patients were treated with the Brazilian Bothrops antivenom and CXCL-8, CCL-5, CXCL-9, CCL-2, CXCL-10, IL-6, TNF, IL-2, IL-10, IFN-y, IL-4, and IL-17A were evaluated in patients' plasma samples before and after antivenom administration. From the total of patients (n = 186), mostly were male (82.3%), inhabiting rural areas (87.1%), with an average age of 35 years. Most of the patients (83.8%) were admitted to the hospital within 6 h after the accident, 26 (14%) reported having suffered a previous snakebite, and 97 (52.1%) received between 7 and 9 antivenom vials. The frequency of antivenom-induced EARs was 11.8% (22), resulting mostly of mild reactions. Urticaria was the major EAR manifestation (46.4%). Interestingly, CXCL-8 and IL-2 showed significantly lower levels in patients who progressed to EARs, although IL-2 levels might not represent biological relevance due the small magnitude difference between groups. This study reveals that CXCL-8 and IL-2 could play a role in the onset of EARs in pit viper envenomings.

Coral snakes constitute a relatively diverse and little known group of venomous snakes. So far, data for this kind of snakebite in the Amazon region are based only on case reports. This study takes advantage of novel data from the Brazilian Health Ministry database from 2010 to 2015 and presents a review of the cases reported in the literature regarding the Amazonian biome both from Brazil and nearby countries. Thirty-four cases reported in the database were used in the study, representing 0.05% of the snakebites in Brazilian Amazonia for that period. The incidence rate was 0.123 cases/100,000 inhabitants/year. The most affected group is that of working age men, suggesting occupational risk. Most of bites were on lower limbs. Pain, edema and paresthesia were the most common symptoms. Systemic symptoms not usually associated with coral snakes envenomings, such as coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia, have been reported in Amazonia. Five patients received less antivenom than indicated by the Health Ministry. Based on these results, we recommend the execution of educational programs to avoid such accidents and to teach both the general public and health professionals the correct treatment for the bites. We also suggest that the covering of Intensive Care Units in the region needs to be improved to avoid deaths.

Although underreported across the Amazon region, scorpion stings are very prevalent in some areas and can be potentially life-threatening, especially in children. The most vulnerable populations are those living in locations far from the capitals, hence having limited access to the health system where the appropriate structure for the treatment of severe cases is found. An abundant and diverse fauna of scorpions is found in the region, but few studies have been conducted to decipher the clinical characteristics and therapeutic response of the available antivenoms in envenomings caused by the various species. Antivenom underdosage as well as delayed medical assistance are common among indigenous populations, resulting in poor outcome rates. An in depth understanding of the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of scorpion sting envenomings in the Amazon is necessary to improve the outcome of these cases.

Introduction: Bothrops atrox snakebites are a major public health problem in the Amazon region and also cause hemostatic disorders. In this study, we assessed the recovery from hemostatic disorders...

Bee venom is a natural toxin composed of several peptides. Massive envenoming causes severe local and systemic reactions. We report two cases of severe bee envenomation, of which one was fatal. We also describe clinical characteristics and immune markers. Both victims suffered from respiratory distress, renal failure, rhabdomyolysis, and shock. They required invasive mechanical ventilation, vasoactive drugs, and renal replacement therapy. Moreover, serum levels of chemokines, cytokines, and cell-free circulating nucleic acids demonstrated an intense inflammatory process. Massive envenoming produced systemic injury in the victims, with an uncontrolled inflammatory response, and a more significant chemotactic response in the fatal case.

In the Amazon, around 90% of snakebites are caused by the Bothrops genus. Complications arising from Bothrops envenomations result from the inflammatory and coagulotoxic activities of the venom. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a biomarker of severity in Bothrops snakebites. Patients were treated at the Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), Manaus, in the Brazilian Amazon. cfDNA plasma levels were measured by amplifying the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) sequence using quantitative RT-PCR. Median levels of cfDNA were compared between envenomed and healthy volunteers and among patients presenting different complications, such as renal failure, bleeding and infection. Of the 76 patients included, 82.9% were male, with a mean age of 32.8 years, and envenomations were mainly classified as severe (39.5%). ROC curve analysis showed a good accuracy of cfDNA levels (AUROC of 0.745) in envenomation diagnosis. A correlation analysis using laboratory variables showed positive correlation with lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.033) and platelet count (p = 0.003). When cfDNA levels were compared with clinical complications, significant statistical differences were only found among individuals with mild and severe pain (p 0.05). In summary, our results demonstrated that cfDNA levels are sufficiently accurate for discriminating between envenomed and non-envenomed patients, but are not able to distinguish different complications and the level of severity among envenomed patients. Thus, the role of cfDNA in the pathogenesis of the snakebite envenomations needs to be further investigated.

Bleeding is a common hemostatic disorder that occurs in Bothrops envenomations. We evaluated the changes in coagulation, fibrinolysis components, and platelets in Bothrops atrox envenomations with bleeding. This is an observational study with B. atrox snakebite patients (n = 100) treated in Manaus, Brazilian Amazon. Bleeding was recorded on admission and during hospitalization. We found that the platelet count in our patients presented a weak correlation to tissue factor, factor II, and plasminogen. Tissue factor presented weak correlation to factor V, II, D-dimer, plasminogen, alpha 2-antiplasmin, and moderate correlation to fibrinogen and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product (FDP). Patients with systemic bleeding (n = 20) presented low levels of factor V, II, fibrinogen, plasminogen, and alpha 2-antiplasmin, and high levels of tissue factor and FDP compared to those without bleeding. Patients with only local bleeding (n = 41) and without bleeding showed similar levels of hemostatic factors. Thrombocytopenia was observed mainly in patients with systemic bleeding and increased levels of serum venom. No association was found between venom levels and systemic bleeding, or between venom levels and clinical severity of envenomation. This is the first report that shows the participation of the extrinsic coagulation pathway in the consumption coagulopathy of B. atrox envenomations with systemic bleeding due to tissue factor release.

Scorpion envenomations are a major public health problem in Brazil, and most medically important cases are attributable to the Tityus genus. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical and epidemiological aspects of a series of 151 cases of confirmed scorpion stings, which were treated at the hospitals of two cities in the Western Brazilian Amazon, between June 2014 and December 2019. This study shows that the genus Tityus was the most prevalent. Tityus (Atreus) metuendus (Pocock, 1897) was responsible for the greatest number of cases (68.2%), followed by Tityus (Archaeotityus) silvestris (Pocock, 1897) (14.6%). Most of the envenomations involved males (53.6%), and analysis showed a slight predominance in the group from 40 to 49 years (22.5%). The most affected body regions were feet (49.0%) and hands (31.8%). The time elapsed between the accident and medical care was ≤6 h in 92.1% of cases. Regarding clinical severity, classes I (80.8%) and II (15.9%) predominated. However, there were five (3.3%) class III cases; four for T. metuendus and one for T. silvestris. The most frequent local and systemic manifestations were, respectively, pain (84.1%), paresthesia (34.4%) and mild edema (25.8%), and nausea (9.3%) and myoclonia (8.6%). The clinical manifestations were similar among the patients stung by the different species of scorpions. There were no differences between the manifestations of envenomation caused by T. metuendus, T. silvestris and T. raquelae. For victims of T. apiacas, a higher frequency of piloerection and myoclonia was observed, and was described by the affected patients as a ‘sensation of receiving an electric shock’ throughout the body. No deaths were registered. The species of greatest epidemiological importance in Manaus is T. metuendus, a species that leads to clinical pictures that do not differ substantially from those observed in other Brazilian regions. T. apiacas causes neurological manifestations that differed from other Tityus species. Our findings suggest that the available antivenoms have little effectiveness when used in the treatment of envenomations by some Amazonian scorpions.

Bothrops atrox snakes are mostly endemic of the Amazon rainforest and is certainly the South American pit viper responsible for most of the snakebites in the region. The composition of B. atrox venom is significantly known and has been used to trace the relevance of the venom phenotype for snake biology and for the impacts in the clinics of human patients involved in accidents by B. atrox. However, in spite of the wide distribution and the great medical relevance of B. atrox snakes, B. atrox taxonomy is not fully resolved and the impacts of the lack of taxonomic resolution on the studies focused on venom or envenoming are currently unknown. B. atrox venom presents different degrees of compositional variability and is generally coagulotoxic, inducing systemic hematological disturbances and local tissue damage in snakebite patients. Antivenoms are the effective therapy for attenuating the clinical signs. This review brings a comprehensive discussion of the literature concerning B. atrox snakes encompassing from snake taxonomy, diet and venom composition, towards clinical aspects of snakebite patients and efficacy of the antivenoms. This discussion is highly supported by the contributions that venomics and antivenomics added for the advancement of knowledge of B. atrox snakes, their venoms and the treatment of accidents they evoke.

Background In tropical areas, a major concern regarding snakebites treatment effectiveness relates to the failure in liquid antivenom (AV) distribution due to the lack of an adequate cold chain in remote areas. To minimize this problem, freeze-drying has been suggested to improve AV stability. Methods and findings This study compares the safety and efficacy of a freeze-dried trivalent antivenom (FDTAV) and the standard liquid AV provided by the Brazilian Ministry of Health (SLAV) to treat Bothrops, Lachesis and Crotalus snakebites. This was a prospective, randomized, open, phase IIb trial, carried out from June 2005 to May 2008 in the Brazilian Amazon. Primary efficacy endpoints were the suppression of clinical manifestations and return of hemostasis and renal function markers to normal ranges within the first 24 hours of follow-up. Primary safety endpoint was the presence of early adverse reactions (EAR) in the first 24 hours after treatment. FDTAV thermal stability was determined by estimating AV potency over one year at 56°C. Of the patients recruited, 65 and 51 were assigned to FDTAV and SLAV groups, respectively. Only mild EARs were reported, and they were not different between groups. There were no differences in fibrinogen (p = 0.911) and clotting time (p = 0.982) recovery between FDTAV and SLAV treated groups for Bothrops snakebites. For Lachesis and Crotalus snakebites, coagulation parameters and creatine phosphokinase presented normal values 24 hours after AV therapy for both antivenoms. Conclusions/Significance Since promising results were observed for efficacy, safety and thermal stability, our results indicate that FDTAV is suitable for a larger phase III trial. Trial registration ISRCTNregistry: ISRCTN12845255; DOI: 10.1186/ISRCTN12845255 (http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12845255)., Author summary Antivenoms (AV) are included in the WHO List of Essential Medicines, being the only treatment available for snakebites envenomings. In Brazil, five types of liquid snake AVs are distributed by the Ministry of Health for national use free of charge to patients. In remote areas, lack of an adequate cold chain impairs AV distribution to health facilities resulting in delay in patient care and, ultimately, in higher complication and case fatality rate. To minimize this problem, a freeze-drying process has been suggested to improve the stability of AVs, but freeze-dried AVs efficacy and safety evidence obtained from clinical trials is still very limited. Freeze-drying is a process by which water is removed from a sample without the need to apply heat. Benefits of lyophilization are: a) Samples are processed in aseptic conditions; b) Process does not use heat, ensuring formulation stability; c) Increases shelf life; d) Samples can be stored at room temperature for a long time; and e) Reduces weight and volume of samples, which is ideal for distribution. In this study, a freeze-dryed formulation is presented as a good alternative for a more stable trivalent antivenom in regions of the Amazon where high temperatures are common and the cold chain is poor. Our results suggest that such a product is adequate for a phase III trial.

Contact with Lonomia caterpillars can cause a hemorrhagic syndrome. In Brazil, Lonomia obliqua and Lonomia achelous are known to cause this venom-induced disease. In the Brazilian Amazon, descriptions of this kind of envenomation are scarce. Herein, we report a severe hemorrhagic syndrome caused by Lonomia envenomation in the Amazonas state, Western Brazilian Amazon. The patient showed signs of hemorrhage lasting 8 days and required Lonomia antivenom administration, which resulted in resolution of hemorrhagic syndrome. Thus, availability of Lonomia antivenom as well as early antivenom therapy administration should be addressed across remote areas in the Amazon.

Introduction: This study aimed to describe the profile of freshwater stingray injuries in the State of Amazonas, Brazilian Amazon, and to identify the associated risk factors for secondary infections. Methods: This cross-sectional study used surveillance data from 2007 to 2014 to identify factors associated with secondary infections from stingray injuries. Results: A total of 476 freshwater stingray injuries were recorded, with an incidence rate of 1.7 cases/100,000 person/year. The majority of injuries were reported from rural areas (73.8%) and 26.1% were related to work activities. A total of 74.5% of patients received medical assistance within the first 3 hours of injury. Secondary infections and necrosis were observed in 8.9% and 3.8%, respectively. Work-related injuries [odds ratio (OR) 4.1, confidence interval (CI); 1.87-9.13] and >24 hours from a sting until receiving medical care (OR; 15.5, CI; 6.77-35.40) were independently associated with the risk of secondary bacterial infection. Conclusions: In this study, work-related injuries and >24 hours from being stung until receiving medical care were independently and significantly associated with the risk of secondary infection. The frequency of infection following sting injuries was 9%. The major factor associated with the risk of secondary bacterial infection was a time period of >24 hours from being stung until receiving medical care. © 2018, Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical. All rights reserved.

A better knowledge of the burden and risk factors associated with severity due to spider bites would lead to improved management with a reduction of sequelae usually seen for this neglected health problem, and would ensure proper use of antivenoms in remote localities in the Brazilian Amazon. The aim of this study was to analyze the profile of spider bites reported in the state of Amazonas in the Western Brazilian Amazon, and to investigate potential risk factors associated with severity of envenomation. Methodology/Principal Findings We used a case-control study in order to identify factors associated with spider bite severity in the Western Brazilian Amazon from 2007 to 2014. Patients evolving to any severity criteria were considered cases and those with non-severe bites were included in the control group. All variables were retrieved from the official Brazilian reporting systems. Socioeconomical and environmental components were also included in a multivariable analysis in order to identify ecological determinants of incidence and severity. A total of 1,181 spider bites were recorded, resulting in an incidence of 4 cases per 100,000 person/year. Most of the spider bites occurred in males (65.8%). Bites mostly occurred in rural areas (59.5%). The most affected age group was between 16 and 45 years old (50.9%). A proportion of 39.7% of the bites were related to work activities. Antivenom was prescribed to 39% of the patients. Envenomings recorded from urban areas [Odds ratio (OR) = 0.40 (95%CI = 0.30–0.71; pmedian [OR = 0.64 (95%CI = 0.39–0.75; p300 km away from the state capital Manaus [OR = 1.90 (95%CI = 1.28–2.40; p300 km away from the state capital Manaus [OR = 1.53 (95%CI = 1.15–2.02; p = 0.003)] and living in a municipality with a MHSPI 300 km away from the state capital Manaus could be contributing factors to higher severity of spider envenomings in this area, as well as to antivenom underdosage

Snake envenomation is a major public health problem in Brazil. Systemic complications that may arise from snakebites are mainly related to coagulopathy. The Lee-White clotting time (LWCT) is a simple and inexpensive test and available even in remote health facilities. However, the diagnostic value of such test needs to be evaluated to accurately diagnose coagulopathy in the clinical practice. This study aimed to assess the reliability of the LWCT performed in hospital routine to diagnose venom-induced coagulopathy. We studied 186 patients admitted at the Tropical Medicine Foundation Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, with Bothrops envenomation diagnosis. At admission, blood samples were collected for performing LWCT and the concentration of fibrinogen. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, likelihood ratios, diagnostic odds ratio, and accuracy were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. From the total, 85.5% had hypofibrinogenemia. The sensitivity of the LWCT to the diagnosis of hypofibrinogenemia was 78.0% and the specificity 40.7%. The accuracy of the test was 72.6%, and patients with a prolonged LWCT had 2.4 higher odds of developing hypofibrinogenemia. In addition, the LWCT was also compared with venom antigen levels and systemic hemorrhage. The LWCT showed moderate sensitivity to detect consumption coagulopathy and constitutes a valuable tool for the diagnosis of Bothrops snake envenomation and indication of antivenom therapy.

Micrurus snakes, commonly known as coral snakes, are responsible for 0.4% of the snakebites envenomings in Brazil. In this report, we describe a case of envenoming by Micrurus averyi, the black-headed coral snake, recorded in the western Brazilian Amazon. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first published case perpetrated by this species. The major complaint of the patient was an intense local pain and paresthesia. Examination of the bite site revealed edema extending from the left foot up the left leg that was accompanied by erythema involving the foot and distal third of the leg. Systemic signs at admission included nausea and drooling. The patient was treated with 100 mL of coral snake antivenom and intravenous analgesics (dipyrone) and was discharged 48 h post-admission with no complaints. The patient showed more intense local edema than that generally described in several other cases of Micrurus bites in Brazil.

Background Secondary bacterial infections from snakebites contribute to the high complication rates that can lead to permanent function loss and disabilities. Although common in endemic areas, routine empirical prophylactic use of antibiotics aiming to prevent secondary infection lacks a clearly defined policy. The aim of this work was to estimate the efficacy of amoxicillin clavulanate for reducing the secondary infection incidence in patients bitten by Bothrops snakes, and, secondarily, identify risk factors for secondary infections from snakebites in the Western Brazilian Amazon. Methods and findings This was an open-label, two-arm individually randomized superiority trial to prevent secondary infection from Bothrops snakebites. The antibiotic chosen for this clinical trial was oral amoxicillin clavulanate per seven days compared to no intervention. A total of 345 patients were assessed for eligibility in the study period. From this total, 187 accomplished the inclusion criteria and were randomized, 93 in the interventional group and 94 in the untreated control group. All randomized participants completed the 7 days follow-up period. Enzyme immunoassay confirmed Bothrops envenoming diagnosis in all participants. Primary outcome was defined as secondary infection (abscess and/or cellulitis) until day 7 after admission. Secondary infection incidence until 7 days after admission was 35.5% in the intervention group and 44.1% in the control group [RR = 0.80 (95%CI = 0.56 to 1.15; p = 0.235)]. Survival analysis demonstrated that the time from patient admission to the onset of secondary infection was not different between amoxicillin clavulanate treated and control group (Log-rank = 2.23; p = 0.789).Secondary infections incidence in 7 days of follow-up was independently associated to fibrinogen >400 mg/dL [AOR = 4.78 (95%CI = 2.17 to 10.55; p44 IU/L [AOR = 2.52 (95%CI = 1.06 to 5.98; p = 0.037)], C-reactive protein >6.5 mg/L [AOR = 2.98 (95%CI = 1.40 to 6.35; p = 0.005)], moderate pain [AOR = 24.30 (95%CI = 4.69 to 125.84; p, Author summary Bothrops genus is responsible by 80–90% of the snakebites in the Brazilian Amazon, resulting in a subcutaneous and muscular lesion at the site of bite, which many times evolve to local complications, mostly secondary bacterial infections. In this region, late medical assistance is common and probably contributes to the high complication rates related to local necrosis and secondary bacterial infections, which can lead to permanent function loss and disabilities. Even with this high frequency, routine empirical use of antibiotics aiming to prevent secondary infection lacks a clearly defined protocol. In this work, we estimated the efficacy of amoxicillin clavulanate for reducing the secondary infection incidence in patients bitten by Bothrops snakes, and, identified factors related to secondary infections from snakebites. Amoxicillin clavulanate was not effective for preventing secondary infections from Bothrops snakebites, probably because of the resistance to β-lactam antibiotics in bacteria species commonly found infecting the snakebite site. This finding highlights the need of previous knowledge of the secondary infections epidemiology as a cornerstone in the preemptive antibiotics trials in snakebites. Laboratorial markers, such as high fibrinogen, alanine transaminase and C-reactive protein levels, and severity clinical grading of snakebites, may help to accurately diagnose secondary infections.

Bothrops atrox is the snake responsible for the majority of snakebites in the Brazilian Amazon. Patients generally evolve to local manifestations such as edema, pain and ecchymoses. Systemic effects of B. atrox venom are usually restricted to blood incoagulability and spontaneous bleeding. However, in a few cases, bleeding in the central nervous system may occur, which can lead to sequels and deaths. Here, we report a case of a 59 year-old woman who presented edema, pain and ecchymoses on the right foot, headache, nausea, diarrhea, hypertension and blood incoagulability after the bite by Bothrops snake in the Brazilian Amazon. This case evolved with stroke resulting in death despite the antivenom and conservative therapy employed. In addition, we were able to identify the presence of venom in the patient's brain tissue after death. Direct action of toxins present in the snake's venom in the induction of systemic hemorrhage allied to blood incoagulability and hypertension presented by the patient could be involved in the mechanism of stroke in this case.

Objective. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and morbidity data on Schistosoma mansoni infection in two rural areas: the Jequitinhonha valley (area 1) and the Rio Doce valley (area 2) in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, covering the period from 2007 to 2010. Material and Methods. The parasitological stool tests were based on the quantitative method of Kato modified by Katz et al. Three clinical forms were considered: type I—schistosomiasis infection, type II—hepatointestinal form, and type III—hepatosplenic form. Results. The prevalence of infection among inhabitants of area 1 was 22.9%, with 2.1% presenting the hepatosplenic form and two cases of schistosomal myeloradiculopathy. The infection prevalence rate in area 2 was 20.2%, with 3.3% presenting the hepatosplenic form. Conclusion and Recommendation. There was no difference in the prevalence and in the morbidity of Schistosoma mansoni infection between the two areas, but it was predominant in young men with a low intensity of infection. The cases of schistosomal myeloradiculopathy in area 1 can be highlighted: these emphasize that schistosomiasis should not be neglected in Brazil. The lack of infection control in both areas may be related to the poor sanitation system, the absence of previous treatment, and the reinfection process.

Scorpion stings are a public health problem in the Brazilian Amazon. However, detailed clinical characterization with the proper animal identification is scarce. Here we report a confirmed case of envenoming by Tityus cf. silvestris in the Brazilian Amazon. The case evolved with generalized muscle spasms and was treated with antivenom and supportive therapy, requiring intensive care unit admission. The patient evolved favourably and was discharged after 9 days of hospitalization.

Schistosomiasis haematobia or urinary schistosomiasis is one of the main public health problems in Africa and the Middle East. A single dose of 40 mg praziquantel per kg body weight continues to be the treatment of choice for this infection. The aims of this follow-up were to study the post-treatment course of a patient infected with S. haematobium and not submitted to re-exposure, and to identify complications of the disease and/or therapeutic failure after praziquantel treatment by histopathological analysis. Treatments were repeated under medical supervision to ensure the correct use of the drug. In view of the suspicion of lesions in cystoscopy, the patient was submitted to bladder biopsy. The histopathological characteristics observed in biopsies obtained, after each treatment, indicated viability of parasite eggs and activity of granulomas.

The assessment of urinary schistosomiasis in individuals coming from endemic areas often requires diagnostic resources not used in areas of exposure in order to determine complications or to establish more precise criteria of cure. Cystoscopy and 24-hour urine examination were performed, after treatments with praziquantel 40 mg/kg body weight, single dose, on 25 Brazilian military men who were part of a United Nations peace mission to Mozambique in 1994. The median age of the individuals was 29 years and all presented a positive urine parasitological exam. The alterations detected by cystoscopy were hyperemia and granulomas in the vesical submucosa in 59.1% of the individuals and only granulomas in 40.9%. A vesical biopsy revealed granulomas in all patients and viable eggs in 77.3% even after a period during which the patients no longer excreted eggs in urine. Cystoscopy after treatment, followed by biopsy and histopathological evaluation, performed in areas where the evolution of the disease can be better monitored, was found to be a safe criterion of parasitological cure. A avaliação de esquistossomose urinária em indivíduos procedentes de áreas endêmicas, freqüentemente requer recursos diagnósticos não usados nas áreas de exposição, para determinar as complicações ou estabelecer um critério de cura mais preciso. A cistoscopia e o exame de urina de 24 horas foram realizados, após tratamentos com praziquantel na dose de 40 mg/kg de peso, dose única, em 25 militares brasileiros que participaram de uma Missão de Paz pela ONU em Moçambique no ano de 1994. A idade média dos indivíduos foi de 29 anos e todos apresentavam exame parasitológico de urina positivo. As alterações detectadas pela cistoscopia foram hiperemia e granulomas na submucosa vesical em 59.1% dos indivíduos e somente granulomas em 40.9%. A biópsia vesical revelou granulomas em todos os pacientes e ovos viáveis em 77.3%, mesmo após um período durante o qual os pacientes não mais eliminavam ovos pela urina. Após o tratamento, a cistoscopia seguida por biópsia e avaliação histopatológica, realizada em áreas onde a evolução da doença pode ser monitorada melhor, demonstrou ser um critério mais seguro de cura parasitológica.

The Amazon region reports the highest incidence of snakebite envenomings in Brazil. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of snakebites in the state of Amazonas and to investigate factors associated with disease severity and lethality. We used a nested case-control study, in order to identify factors associated with snakebite severity and mortality using official Brazilian reporting systems, from 2007 to 2012. Patients evolving to severity or death were considered cases and those with non-severe bites were included in the control group. During the study period, 9,191 snakebites were recorded, resulting in an incidence rate of 52.8 cases per 100,000 person/years. Snakebites mostly occurred in males (79.0%) and in rural areas (70.2%). The most affected age group was between 16 and 45 years old (54.6%). Fifty five percent of the snakebites were related to work activities. Age ≤15 years [OR=1.26 (95% CI=1.03-1.52); (p=0.018)], age ≥65 years [OR=1.53 (95% CI=1.09-2.13); (p=0.012)], work related bites [OR=1.39 (95% CI=1.17-1.63); (p6 hours [OR=1.73 (95% CI=1.45-2.07); (p6 hours [OR=2.01 (95% CI=1.15-3.50); (p=0.013)] were independently associated with the risk of death. Snakebites represent an occupational health problem for rural populations in the Brazilian Amazon with a wide distribution. These results highlight the need for public health strategies aiming to reduce occupational injuries. Most cases of severe disease occurred in the extremes of age, in those with delays in medical attention and those caused by Micrurus bites. These features of victims of snakebite demand adequate management according to well-defined protocols, including prompt referral to tertiary centres when necessary, as well as an effective response from surveillance systems and policy makers for these vulnerable groups.

O objetivo do estudo foi estimar as freqüências de tuberculose e parasitoses intestinais na em comunidades indígenas da localidade de Iauareté (AM), em 2001. Estudo transversal (n=333) visando à obtenção de dados demográficos e amostras biológicas para exames de escarro e fezes. Dentre os 43 sintomáticos respiratórios, seis foram positivos na pesquisa de bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes no escarro. As parasitoses intestinais apresentaram freqüência significativamente maior entre a população Hüpda do que entre os índios que habitam os demais bairros (37,5% vs. 19,3% para Ascaris lumbricoides, 32,4% vs. 16,3% para Trichuris trichiura, 75% vs. 19,3% para ancilostomídeos, 75% vs. 35,4% para Entamoeba histolyticaD dispar e 33,3% vs. 10,7% para Giardia lamblia). Conclui-se que a tuberculose e o parasitismo intestinal são freqüentes nessas comunidades, exigindo medidas de controle e melhorias na assistência à saúde.

INTRODUCTION: Snake bite, a problem in public health, generally occurs where there is no electric power. METHODS: A comparative clinical study was conducted with 102 victims of Bothrops snake bite, from the state of Amazonas, Brazil; 58 victims were treated with liofilizated trivalent antivenom serum (SATL) and 44 victims treated with liquid bivalent and monovalent antivenom serum (SAMBL). RESULTS: 17% (10/58) of patients presented adverse effects with the SATL and 25% (11/44) with the SAMBL. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistic difference in number of adverse effects between the two types of snake bite antivenom. INTRODUÇÃO: Acidente ofídico, problema de Saúde Pública, é mais frequente onde não há energia elétrica. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo clínico comparativo com 102 vítimas de acidente botrópico, do Estado do Amazonas, Brasil; 58 vítimas tratadas com soro antiofídico trivalente liofilizado (SATL) e 44 vítimas tratadas com soro antiofídico monovalente e bivalente líquido (SAMBL). RESULTADOS: A comparação entre os tipos de soro demonstrou 17% (10/58) de indivíduos com eventos adversos com o uso de SATL e 25% (11/44) com o uso dos SAMBL. CONCLUSÕES: Não houve diferença estatística na quantidade de reações adversas entre os dois tipos de soros antiofídicos.

The objective of the survey was to estimate the frequencies of tuberculosis and intestinal parasitosis in indigenous communities at the locality of Iauareté, Northern Brazil, in 2001. This was a cross-sectional survey (n=333) aimed at obtaining demographic data and biological samples for sputum and feces examinations. Among the 43 individuals with respiratory symptoms, six presented alcohol/acid-fast bacilli in sputum. Intestinal parasitosis was significantly more frequent among the Hüpda population than among the Indians living in other districts (37.5% vs. 19.3% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 32.4% vs. 16.3% for Trichuris trichiura, 75% vs. 19.3% for hookworms, 75% vs. 35.4% for Entamoeba histolyticaD dispar and 33.3% vs. 10.7% for Giardia lamblia). It is concluded that tuberculosis and intestinal parasitism are frequent in these communities, thus requiring control measures and better medical care.

Several cases of therapeutic failure of praziquantel used for the treatment of urinary schistosomiasis have been reported. Alternative drugs, like niridazol and metrifonate, have shown a lower therapeutic effect and more side effects than praziquantel. Twenty-six Brazilian military men (median age of 29 years) with a positive urine parasitological exam who were part of a United Nation peace mission in Mozambique in 1994 were treated with 40 mg/kg body weight praziquantel, single dose. They swimmed in Licungo river (Mocuba city, Mozambique) during the weekends. After this, they presented haematuria, dysuria, polakiuria, and lumbar pain. Control cystoscopy examinations carried out between 6 and 24 months after each treatment (including two additional treatments at a minimum interval of 6 months) revealed the presence of viable eggs. Granulomas in the vesical submucosa were observed in 46.2% (12/26) of the individuals. A vesical biopsy confirmed the presence of granulomas in all of these patients and the presence of viable eggs in 34.3% (9/26) of individuals who no longer excreted eggs in urine. The eggs filled with miracidia showed characteristics of viability. Histopathological examination using different strains demonstrated therapeutic failure and the need for repeated treatment. In this study, we demonstrated a low efficacy of praziquantel in the treatment of schistosomiasis haematobia, and the necessity of the urinary bladder biopsy as criterion of cure.

Snakebites were included by the World Health Organization in their list of neglected diseases. In Latin America, most snakebites are caused by species of the Viperidae family, notably by the genus Bothrops. Bothrops atrox accounts for 90% of the cases of envenoming in the Brazilian Amazon. In this report, we present a series of three cases of snakebites that evolved with hemorrhagic stroke due to delays in the access to antivenom in the Brazilian Amazon, being fundamental for diagnosis to validate the clinical suspicion and make decisions that would improve the treatment and prognosis of the patients.