Maíra Guimarães Kersul

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) remain a major global public health challenge, with considerable economic and social impacts. Phlebotomine sand flies, the vectors of the protozoan responsible for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), are highly sensitive to climatic and environmental conditions, which define biome characteristics. Brazil has six distinct biomes, offering a unique setting to explore the spatial variability of VL. We identified and compared climatic, environmental, and social variables associated with VL incidence (IncVL) across Brazilian municipalities and within each biome, excluding Pampa and Pantanal due to insufficient analytical robustness. The dependent variable was the triennial cumulative incidence of human VL (2008–2022). Independent variables included climatic factors (temperature mean and range, rainfall, and humidity), environmental factors (vegetation cover, land use, and urban density), and social indicators (illiteracy index, uncollected waste, and unconnected sewage system). To assess spatial dependence and the role of ecotone areas, we calculated univariate Global and Local Moran’s I indices. Linear Mixed Models (LMMs) were then fitted for each biome and for Brazil overall, including municipality and time as random effects and accounting for spatial correlation (using R software). Nationally, IncVL was positively associated with mean temperature, savannah & grassland, and uncollected waste, and negatively associated with the illiteracy index. Each biome exhibited distinct relationships. In the Caatinga, IncVL was positively associated with forest formation, urban growth, and humidity range, and negatively with the illiteracy index and agriculture. In the Cerrado, it was negatively associated with agriculture and urban population. In the Amazon, it was positively associated with mean temperature and savannah & grassland, and negatively with mean humidity, deforestation, agriculture, and urban population density. In the Atlantic Forest, it was positively associated with mean temperature and savannah & grassland. These findings demonstrate that VL transmission patterns and their determining factors vary substantially across Brazilian biomes, underscoring the importance of region-specific surveillance and control strategies.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions in various disease models. Here, we tested whether pre-exposure to ALA can protect the testes from cellular damage caused by scrotal heat shock (HS) in mice. Methods: Thirty-six Swiss albino mice were divided into control (CTRL, n = 6), HS (n = 10), and two ALA dose (HS + ALA 200 mg/kg, n = 10; and HS + ALA 400 mg/kg, n = 10) groups. ALA supplementation was administered orally for 30 days. Subsequently, the animals, except the controls, were subjected to an HS water bath at 43 °C for 20 min. Two days later, they were euthanized, and biometric data from gonads and accessory sexual glands, testicular samples for histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses, and sperm from the epididymis cauda were obtained for evaluation. Results: Animals submitted to HS had a lower body weight, decreased relative mass of testes and prostate, reduced seminiferous epithelium height and tubular diameter, and increased degeneration in seminiferous tubules. Additionally, sperm analysis showed a reduced linear progressive velocity (VSL) and straightness (STR), increased midpiece defects, and fewer sperm with functional membranes. Immunohistochemical evaluation revealed a reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD1) staining intensity in the testes. Preventive exposure to ALA at 200 mg/kg did not normalize the relative testicular mass, but it reduced the number of giant cells, decreased midpiece defects, normalized the number of sperm with functional membranes, and partially preserved SOD1 expression. Although animals treated with ALA 400 mg/kg showed an improvement in relative testicular mass, this dose was less efficient in other parameters. Conclusions: This study showed that while 30 days of oral ingestion of ALA before the induction of acute degenerative injury did not fully protect male mouse gonads at the tissue level, some parameters related to testicular function and sperm quality showed a partial improvement.

In recent years, the incidence of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) has increased due to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic extends beyond mortality rates. Recent analyses suggest that the introduction and spread of SARS-CoV-2 have significantly affected the epidemiology of other key respiratory viruses, such as influenza virus (FLUV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and rhinovirus (RV). These changes raise new questions about the dynamics and incidence of post-COVID-19 respiratory infections, as well as potential alterations in symptom profiles and clinical outcomes. In this study, we analyzed data from the Epidemiological Surveillance Information System of Respiratory Viral Agents (SIVEP-Gripe), established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, to examine the profile of SARI before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Our data reveal a distinct epidemiological pattern, with a significant decrease in FLUV notifications during the pandemic, accompanied by peaks in RSV and RV cases in late 2020. Additionally, there was a shift in the age distribution of RSV and other viral infections, with individuals infected during the pandemic being older than those infected before the pandemic. Interestingly, the introduction and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Bahia State resulted in a reduction in the frequency of symptoms associated with non-SARS-CoV-2 SARI, without altering clinical outcomes. Our findings suggest that the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 has contributed to a clinical and epidemiological shift, particularly for FLUV, RSV, and other viruses, marked by a reduction in symptoms such as fever, dyspnea, respiratory distress, and the need for ventilatory support. The underlying mechanisms driving these changes remain unclear. These insights are crucial for public health authorities and policymakers to refine surveillance strategies and enhance control measures for respiratory viruses, particularly those causing SARI.

A retrospective analysis was performed on free-ranging crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) admitted to a Center for Wildlife Medicine and Research (CEMPAS), located in Botucatu, during a 9-year period (2013-2021). A total of 73 animals were evaluated, comprising 41 adults, 14 subadults, and 18 pups. Regarding sex, 45 were males, 23 were females, and 5 the information was not provided. The causes of admission included rescued healthy animal (n = 25), animals with fractures due to motor vehicle collision (n = 13), animals with fractures of unknown cause (n = 10), traumatized animals with no fracture (n = 11), and other health conditions (n = 14). The lowest number of admissions was observed in 2019 and 2020. Included all years, the spring showed the highest number of admitted animals. Among the healthy animals, 44% (11/25) remained in the institution, 24% (6/25) died, 16% (4/25) were released back into the wild, 4% (1/25) were submitted to euthanasia, 4% (1/25) escaped from the enclosure and 8% (2/25) had no outcomes information. Regarding individuals with fractures due to motor vehicle collisions, 46.1% (6/13) were submitted to euthanasia, and 30.8% (4/13) were released back to nature, and 23.1% (3/13) died. Of those rescued due to fractures of unknown cause, 50% (5/10) were submitted to euthanasia, 30% (3/10) died, 10% (1/10) remained in the institution, and 10% (1/10) were released back to the nature. The geographic distribution of Cerdocyon thous rescues admitted to CEMPAS between 2013 and 2021 was concentrated in Botucatu and surrounding municipalities, likely reflecting the institution’s area of operation. This scenario represents a significant challenge for species conservation and requires the adoption of complementary measures to mitigate its negative impacts. Among these, the implementation of public policies aimed at reducing wildlife–vehicle collisions and preventing interactions between domestic animals and wildlife stands out as essential. In summary, most Cerdocyon thous individuals admitted to the CEMPAS were adult males, rescued near paved roads and frequently presenting signs of trauma. These findings highlight the crucial role of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centers in mitigating anthropogenic threats to wildlife.

This study was carried out to investigate the spatial distribution of dogs infected with Leishmania spp. through serological tests, as well as to compare it with the vector density in the urban region of Araçatuba, SP, Brazil. A total of 131 domestic dogs were serologically examined using the Dual Path Platform (DPP) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for the diagnosis of Leishmania spp. Information about the peridomiciliary environment was recorded in the investigation forms. Entomological collections were also performed in March 2018. Antibodies to this protozoan were detected in 27 (20.61%) dogs using DPP, with serological confirmation in 11 (40.74%) using ELISA. Seropositive dogs were found mainly in the northern region, and none were found in the center of the city. The density of vectors per area was not related to the presence of these dogs. This study was carried out in Araçatuba, SP, an endemic region for Leishmania spp., and may contribute to epidemiological surveillance through diagnostic investigation in canines, as well as the densities of phlebotomine sandflies. Spatial analysis using the tests recommended by the Ministry of Health for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis was performed for the first time in the urban region of Araçatuba, SP.

The Atlantic Forest Biome (AFB) creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of vector mosquitoes, such as Haemagogus and Sabethes species, which transmit the Yellow Fever virus (YFV) to both human and non-human primates (NHP) (particularly Alouatta sp. and Callithrix sp.). From 2016 to 2020, 748 fatal cases of YF in humans and 1,763 in NHPs were reported in this biome, following several years free from the disease. This underscores the imminent risk posed by the YFV. In this study, we examined the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of YF cases in both NHPs and humans across the entire AFB during the outbreak period, using a generalized linear mixed regression model (GLMM) at the municipal level. Our analysis examined factors associated with the spread of YFV, including environmental characteristics, climate conditions, human vaccination coverage, and the presence of two additional YFV-affected NHP species. The occurrence of epizootics has been directly associated with natural forest formations and the presence of species within the Callithrix genus. Additionally, epizootics have been shown to be directly associated with human prevalence. Furthermore, human prevalence showed an inverse correlation with urban areas, temporary croplands, and savannah and grassland areas. Further analyses using Moran’s Index to incorporate the neighborhoods of municipalities with cases in each studied host revealed additional variables, such as altitude, which showed a positive correlation. Additionally, the occurrence of the disease in both hosts exhibited a spatio-temporal distribution pattern. To effectively mitigate the spread of the virus, it is necessary to proactively expand vaccination coverage, refine NHP surveillance strategies, and enhance entomological surveillance in both natural and modified environments.

O sêmen equino tem sido historicamente refrigerado usando meios à base de leite. No entanto, o uso de componentes de origem animal causa várias preocupações potenciais, como variabilidade nas formulações, contaminação microbiana e questões regulatórias. Objetivou-se avaliar o potencial de inclusão de diferentes concentrações de lecitina de soja (LS) no meio quimicamente definido BWW - Biggers, Whitten e Whittingham para refrigeração de sêmen equino e armazenamento na temperatura de 15°C. Os ejaculados foram diluídos em seis diferentes grupos experimentais: 1) BotuSêmen® (controle); 2) BWW; 3) BWW + 1% lecitina de soja (LS); 4) BWW + 2% LS; 5) BWW + 4% LS e 6) BWW + 6% LS. O meio BWW, não preservou a motilidade, a velocidade, a retilinearidade (STR), a linearidade (LIN), a amplitude do deslocamento lateral da cabeça (ALH), a frequência de batimento flagelar cruzado (BCF), a integridade funcional e estrutural dos espermatozoides equino durante 24 h de refrigeração quando comparado ao BotuSêmen® (P 0,05). Ainda assim, o diluidor comercial BotuSêmen® apresentou superioridade em preservar o percentual de espermatozoides progressivamente móveis, a velocidade média da trajetória (VAP), a velocidade linear progressiva (VSL) e a frequência do batimento flagelar cruzado (BCF) durante a refrigeração comparado aos demais diluidores (P <0,05). A inclusão de lecitina de soja, de 2 a 6% no meio BWW, permitiu a manutenção da viabilidade do sêmen equino refrigerado a 15ºC por até 24 horas.