Introduction: Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease (CD), a zoonotic infection transmitted by triatomine bug vectors to human beings. Although the story of this parasitic infection was born in Brazil and here this has made major step forward information, the same cannot be said about the actual distribution of the triatomine vector in several areas of this country. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of triatomine species in an endemic region for CD in Northeastern Brazil. Methods: A retrospective study was performed using data obtained from 2008 to 2017. All information was provided by the V Gerência Regional de Saúde of the state of Pernambuco. The spatial distribution of triatomine species was analyzed by drawing a map using the Quantum geographic information system. Results: A total of 4,694 triatomine specimens (469.4 ± 221.2 per year) were collected during the period 2008-2017, with 94.5% (4,434/4,694) at the intradomicile and 5.5% (260/4,694) at peridomicile environment. Of all arthropods collected, 92.5% (4,340/4,694) and 7.5% (354/4,694) were adults and nymphs, respectively. The species most frequently detected were Panstrongylus lutzi (30.36%), Triatoma brasiliensis (26.12%), Triatoma pseudomaculata (22.43%), and Panstrongylus megistus (20.54%). Conclusions: These data contribute to a better understanding of the distribution of T. cruzi infection in the Northeastern region of Brazil. Preventive measures based on vector control should be implemented in the study area in order to reduce the burden this neglected tropical disease.

RESUMOO objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o farelo de algaroba como substituto do milho em dietas para juvenis de tilápia do Nilo. Foram formuladas quatro dietas experimentais isoproteicas (34% proteína bruta) e isocalóricas (3.150 kcal kg -1 energia digestível) correspondente aos níveis de substituição (0, 33, 66 e 100%) do milho pelo farelo de algaroba. Duzentos e quarenta juvenis de tilápia (1,55 ± 0,02 g) foram alojados em caixas circulares (20 peixes por caixa de 310 L), em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado (n = 3). Os peixes foram alimentados até a aparente saciedade em três refeições diárias (8:30, 12:30 e 16:30 h) durante 70 dias. Devido à baixa temperatura da água (23,8 ± 1,2 °C), registrou-se baixo crescimento e eficiência alimentar dos peixes no experimento. O ganho de peso, o consumo alimentar, a eficiência alimentar, a taxa de crescimento específico e a composição química corporal dos juvenis de tilápia foram similares (P > 0,05) em todos os tratamentos. A sobrevivência aumentou linearmente (P < 0,05) com a inclusão do farelo de algaroba na ração. O farelo de algaroba pode substituir totalmente o milho na dieta de juvenis de tilápia do Nilo durante períodos de baixa temperatura da água. Palavras-chave: ingredientes alternativos, nutrição de peixes, piscicultura Replacing corn by mesquite meal (Prosopis juliflora) in diets for juvenile Nile tilapia reared in low temperature ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was evaluating mesquite meal as a substitute for corn in diets for Nile tilapia juveniles. Four isoproteic (34% crude protein) and isocaloric (3,150 kcal kg -1 digestible energy) diets were formulated corresponding to replacement levels (0, 33, 66 and 100%) of corn by mesquite meal. Two hundred and forty tilapia juveniles (1.55 ± 0.02 g) were housed in circular tanks (20 fish per tank of 310 L) in a completely randomized experimental design (n = 3). Fish were fed to apparent satiation three meal per day (8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.) for 70 days. Because low water temperature (23.8 ± 1.2 °C), was registered low growth and feed efficiency of fish at experiment. Tilapia juveniles weight gain, feed intake, specific growth rate and body composition were similar (P > 0.05) in all treatments. Survival increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing whole mesquite meal levels in diets. Mesquite meal can completely replace corn in Nile tilapia juvenile diets during periods of low water temperature.

Introduction: The present study aimed to assess the seroprevalence and spatial distribution of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dogs. Methods: Blood samples (n = 241) were collected and analyzed for the presence of anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies. The spatial distribution was evaluated using kernel density estimation (KDE). Results: Anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 24.06% (58/241) and 9.54% (23/241) of samples, respectively. A heterogeneous spatial distribution of positive dogs was observed across the city. Conclusions: These data are pivotal for better understanding the dynamics of infection caused by these protozoa in the canine population.

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This research analysed the spatiotemporal distribution of triatomines infected by trypanosomatid parasites in an endemic region for Chagas disease, in the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. The database included the total number of triatomines captured from intradomicile and peridomicile areas, as well as the infection rate (IR) by trypanosomatid. The Gi∗ by Getis–Ord method was used to statistically identify significant concentration clusters and the IR of triatomines by trypanosomatids. A generalized linear regression model with a binomial distribution was used to evaluate the probability of finding an IR by trypanosomatids. Overall, of 4,800 triatomines examined, trypanosomatid forms similar to Trypanosoma cruzi were detected in 10.29% of them, and the majority of positive specimens (98.17%) were collected at intradomicile. The geospatial analyses identified triatomines clusters in intradomicile and peridomicile environments. According to the logistic regression data for species (Panstrongylus lutzi, P. megistus, Triatoma brasiliensis and T. pseudomaculata), the probability of detection of T. cruzi infection remains constant in up to 50 specimens examined or more. The findings of this research revealed a scenario never studied in this area through this type of spatiotemporal analysis, which is essential to identify areas of vulnerability for the occurrence of these vectors and consequently for Chagas disease.

Vegetables are pivotal food source to the human beings, representing the source of key nutrients, which in turn the occurrence of chronic diseases. Nonetheless, the consumption of poorly washed or in nature vegetables may expose individuals to the risk of infection by parasites. The aim of this study was to assess the contamination by parasites of medical and veterinary concern in raw vegetables used for human consumption. Fresh vegetables [i.e., lettuces (n = 50), carrots (n = 50) and beet (n = 50)] were acquired in different market places across the municipality of Garanhuns (northeastern Brazil) and the presence of parasites assessed by a sedimentation technique. Parasites were detected in 44.7% (67/150) of the evaluated samples. This study provides important data on the occurrence of zoonotic agents in vegetables. Therefore, strict hygienic measures should be adopted to reduce the risk for vegetable contamination leading to a reduction of human infection by pathogens of medical importance.