Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis: epidemiology of canine cutaneous leishmaniasis in the State of Paraná (Brazil)

The present study examines the role that dogs play in the maintenance of the Leishmania cycle in the State of Paraná, Southern Brazil. Dogs were examined in three regions where cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic or epidemic (R1-Vale da Ribeira; R2-Central region of Paraná State and R3-Northern region). To determine serum prevalence rates ELISA was used. In regions endemic for Trypanosoma cruzi (R1 and R3), serum from dogs seroreactive towards Leishmania antigen was subjected to T. cruzi adsorption in order to eliminate cross-reaction with common antigen epitopes. Concomitantly, dogs with cutaneous lesions were biopsied to isolate and identify parasites using RAPD. Leishmania were classified by the phenetic method using the Jaccard coefficient of similarity, and grouped by Unweighted Pair-Group Method using an Arithmetic Average (UPGMA). A total of 410 dogs were studied. In R1 (Vale da Ribeira) 159 dogs were evaluated of which 10 had anti-Leishmania antibody. In R2 (Central Paraná), 39 animals were examined of which 8 were seropositive. In R3 (the North) 212 dogs were evaluated of which 39 animals were seropositive. Thirteen dogs had cutaneous lesions and the parasites were isolated from a dog with mucocutaneous lesion in R1, two animals with simple skin lesions in R2 and 10 dogs with multiple lesions in R3. The identification of the parasite by molecular methods showed it to be L. (Viannia) braziliensis. Based on this information, the role of domestic dogs in Leishmania infection of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Paraná is discussed.     

Length-Weight Relationships for freshwater fishes from streams of the Atlantic Rainforest,State of Paraná, Brazil

This study reports the Length-Weight Relationships (LWR) for 10 freshwater fish species sampled in the Atlantic Rainforest, Southern Brazil. Sampling was conducted between 2016 and 2017, in nine streams, using electrofishing. Collected fishes were fixed in formalin, and thus some shrinking was unavoidable. The values of parameter b of the LWR (W = aL^b) ranged between 2.5 and 3.5. We report for the first time the LWR for seven species: Geophagus iporanguensis, Isbrueckerichthys duseni, Hypostomus interruptus, Kronichthys lacerta, Chasmocranu lopezi, Astyanax lacustris e Neoplecostomus ribeirensis. We highlight the importance of the LWR data in supporting further studies on fish stocks and environment in the Atlantic Rainforest, thereby contributing to the database needed to develop fisheries management and maintenance of ecosystem services.     

Prion protein gene polymorphisms in sheep in the state of Paraná, Brazil

To determine the polymorphisms of the prion protein gene in sheep from the state of Paraná, Brazil, 323 animals of meat breeds (Suffolk, Hampshire Down, Texel, Ile de France, Dorper, Dorset, Santa Inês and crossbreds) were genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The most frequent allele was ARQ, with a frequency of 0.61, followed by ARR (0.30). VRQ and AHQ alleles were present at very low frequencies (0.13 and 0.05 respectively), and the ARH allele was not found. Seven genotypes were identified (ARR/ARR, ARR/ARQ, ARQ/ARQ, ARR/VRQ, ARR/AHQ, ARQ/VRQ and ARQ/AHQ), of which ARQ/ARQ was the most frequent (0.41). The Santa Inês breed and crossbred animals showed the highest genotypic variability.     

Populations and production of fish in two small tributaries of the Paraná River,Paraná, Brazil

Mean biomass (153-1) and production (P) of fish in two small tributaries of the Paraná River (Paraná, Brazil) were 61 kg ha^–1 and 48 kg ha^–1 yr^–1 in the Caracu River and 29 kg ha^–1 and 26 kg ha^–1 yr^–1 in the Agua do Rancho River, respectively. Matrix correlation analysis revealed high positive correlations of both 153-2 and P to maximum depth and hiding places and, at a lower level of significance, to mean depth, pH and oxygen level. Lower 153-3 and P values were found in the Agua do Rancho River, whose valley has retained a more natural character, rich canopy and scarcity of macrophytes, but also lower conductivity and nitrogen and phosphate levels than those in the Caracu River.Address for correspondence     

Effect of climatic conditions on natural mycoflora and fumonisins in freshly harvested corn of the State of Paraná, Brazil

Natural mycoflora associated with fumonisins were analyzed in 150 samples of freshly harvested corn from Central-Southern, Central-Western and Northern regions of the State of Paraná, Brazil and correlated to climatic conditions. The corn samples were frequently contaminated with Fusarium sp.(98.7 to 100%) and Penicillium sp. (93 to 100%), when compared to Aspergillus sp. (not detected to 27.7%). The highest contamination with potentially mycotoxigenic fungi occurred in corn harvested in the Central-Western region, where total mould and yeast counts ranged from 5.5 × 10³ to 5.2 × 10⁶ CFU/g, with 98.7% contaminated byFusarium sp. and 93% by Penicillium sp. In this region F. moniliforme (F. verticillioides) was the predominant Fusariumsp., and was isolated in 85.9% of the samples. Aspergillus sp. was isolated from 27.7% samples. FB₁ was detected in 100% of the samples (mean of 2.39 g/g) and FB₂ in 97.7% (mean of 1.09 g/g). Fumonisins were also detected in all samples from Northern region, with mean of 4.56 g/g (FB₁) and 2.20 g/g (FB₂).Considering 1.0 g/g as the threshold, 72% of the corn samples from the Central-West and 92% from the North were contaminated with concentrations above this value, in contrast to a 18.5% contamination rate from Central-Southern samples. Between corn planting to harvesting season, the average maximum temperature and relative humidity were 26 °C and 77.1%(Central-Southern), 27 °C and 69% (Northern)and 29.9 °C and 89.1% (Central-Western).Therefore, the higher fumonisins contamination of corn from Northern region when compared to the Central-South were due to the differences in rainfall levels (92.8 mm in Central-Southern, 202 mm in Northern) during the month preceding harvest.This revised version was published online in October 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Fungal keratitis in the State of Paraná-Brazil: clinical, epidemiological and diagnostic findings

Fungal keratites is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Brazil, and causes high morbidity. Usually, it is preceded by underlying conditions like ocular trauma or immunosuppression. The diagnosis is confirmed by the demonstration of the etiologic agent in the clinical specimen. Data were analysed from 49 patients with fungal keratitis observed in Ophthalmologic Division of Hospital de Clinicas, Federal University of Parana, from 1983 to 1997. The diagnosis was confirmed by culture and/ or direct examination. Of the cases studied, 22% were diagnosed only by direct examination; 50% by isolation in culture and 26% by the association of the both methods. The most prevalent etiologic agents were: Fusarium sp. (32%), Aspergillus sp. (16,5%) and Penicillium sp. (10%).     

Abundance and aggregation egg of Aedes aegypti L. and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) in the north and northwest of the State of Paraná, Brazil

The abundance and aggregation of eggs of Aedes aegypti L. and Aedes albopictus Skuse was evaluated in the municipalities of Cambé, Ibipor?, Jacarezinho, Maringá and Paranavaí, in the State of Paraná, Brazil by means of oviposition traps. Of the 225 installed traps, 100 were registered as positive for eggs; 4140 eggs were collected, thus demonstrating an highly aggregate distribution. Both species were registered in Cambé, Jacarezinho, Maringá and Paranavaí. Ae. albopictus was generally less abundant and was not present in Ibipor? nor in the oviposition traps of a second collection of Maringá. The relation between sexes for Ae. aegypti was approximately 1:1. In the comparison of the number of adults collected between the two species, a negative correlation was obtained in the samples of Maringá and Cambé, what was attributed the seasonality of these populations. The coexistence of these species indicates that both are under pressure by the control programs, therefore specific evaluations are necessary.     

Spatial analysis of the distribution of leprosy in the State of Ceará, Northeast Brazil

The aim of this study was to describe spatial patterns of the distribution of leprosy and to investigate spatial clustering of incidence rates in the state of Ceará, Northeast Brazil. The average incidence rate of leprosy for the period of 1991 to 1999 was calculated for each municipality of Ceará. Maps were used to describe the spatial distribution of the disease, and spatial statistics were applied to explore large- and small-scale variations of incidence rates. Three regions were identified in which the incidence of leprosy was particularly high. A spatial gradient in the incidence rates was identified, with a tendency of high rates to be concentrated on the North-South axis in the middle region of the state. Moran's I statistic indicated that a significant spatial autocorrelation also existed. The spatial distribution of leprosy in Ceará is heterogeneous. The reasons for spatial clustering of disease rates are not known, but might be related to an heterogeneous distribution of other factors such as crowding, social inequality, and environmental characteristics which by themselves determine the transmission of Mycobacterium leprae.     

Diversity and Abundance of the Planktonic Rotifers in Different Environments of the Upper Paraná River Floodplain (Paraná State – Mato Grosso do Sul State,Brazil)

This study proposes that diversity and abundance of rotifers show spatial and temporal variations in the Upper Paraná River floodplain due to heterogeneity of the environment and hydrological level fluctuations of the main river. The structure and dynamics of rotifer assemblages were investigated by samplings carried out during the rainy (February) and dry period (August) of the year 2000, in 36 environments (rivers, channels, backwaters, open and isolated floodplain lakes). The influence of phytoplankton biomass on rotifer diversity and abundance was also investigated. 104 taxa of rotifers were identified. The highest species richness was found in rivers and open floodplain lakes, the highest abundances in the isolated floodplain lakes, and the highest values of species diversity in the channels, especially during the rainy period. β₂-diversity values were higher in the channels, especially during the dry period. Flow differences and food availability were predominant factors influencing the structure and dynamics of the rotifer communities.     

Fish diversity and community structure in two small tributaries of the Paraná River,Paraná State,Brazil

In eleven sites on two small tributaries of the Paraná River (North-West Paraná State), 6.8 and 4.0 km in length, 1263 fish specimens of 28 taxons and 14 families were collected using electrofishing. Up to twelve years ago the catchments of the two rivers were covered by tropical jungle; this has now been replaced by pasture and arable fields. Mean diversity indices of Simpson and Shannon indices were close to 0.6, which would indicate that human impact affected fish populations although the river beds have retained their original shape, except cleared of riparian trees. Despite their close location (about 18 km), the two streams differed from each other in their fish faunal composition. The distinctive nature of the fish communities in the two streams was a result of: conductivity, pH, also hiding places, riparian vegetation, submerged macrophytes and depth and width of the rivers.     

Genetic variability in Hoplias malabaricus (Osteichthyes: Erythrinidae) in fluvial and lacustrine environments in the Upper Paraná river floodplain (Paraná State,Brazil)

Genetic variability in Hoplias malabaricus, from two localities in the upper Paraná River floodplain, was investigated by starch and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A total of 52 specimens were analyzed for 14 enzymatic systems. Twenty-three gene loci of 13 enzymatic systems (AAT, ACP, ADH, GDH, G6PDH, GPI, IDH, LDH, MDH, MEP, PGM, PER, and SOD) were analyzed by starch gel electrophoresis (Penetrose-30). The EST system was analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and one polymorphic locus was found (EST-1). Twenty-four loci were detected. The proportion of polymorphic loci was 37.5% in the lagoon and 33.3% in the river. Significant differences in allele frequencies of five loci were found between specimens from the two environments. Expected mean heterozygosity (H _e = 0.14) is the same in the river and lagoon, however, Nei's genetic distance (D) between the population of the two locations was 0.049.     

Trends of fumonisin contamination and animal intoxication through monitoring 1991 to 1997 corn crop in the State of Paraná, Brazil

Eleven feed samples associated with six animal (horse and poultry) intoxication outbreaks (1991) in the state of Paraná, Brazil, were evaluated for fungal and fumonisin contamination. In order to estimate the␣trend of livestock intoxication, fumonisin contamination was monitored in corn produced both at the commercial level (1991, 1995 crop), and in an experimental field at a local Agronomy Institute (1997 crop). The total mould count in the feed samples ranged from 2.9 × 10³ to 1.9 × 10⁷ CFU/g, with Fusarium verticillioides as the predominant species, at a high count of 2.4 × 10⁴–6.5 × 10⁵ CFU/g. Fumonisins (FB₁ + FB₂) were detected in all corn-based feed samples at levels ranging from 2.89 to 14.54 μg/g. All 27 Northern corn samples (1991 crop) were contaminated with fumonisins at levels ranging from 2.32 to 16.64 μg/g. Twenty-six (96.3%) out of 27 corn samples from the Central-Southern region (1995 crop) were positive for fumonisins (FB₁+FB₂), with the range of 0.07–3.66 μg/g, while all 37 Northern samples (1995 crop) were contaminated with fumonisins ranging from 0.57 to 9.97 μg/g. Twenty-one out of 37 corn samples from the Northern region (1997 crop) were positive for fumonisins, but at low level (range of 0.05–2.67 μg/g). The results showed a decreasing trend in fumonisin contamination over the years. Nowadays animal intoxication outbreaks rarely occur in this State, as both animal producers and feed industries have become conscious about monitoring of corn and other raw materials at the quality control level.     

Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in native and reforested areas in Rancho Alegre, Paraná, Brazil

Abstract: Generally, natural environments have been transformed into small forest remnants, with the consequent habitat loss and species extinction. The North Paraná State is not an exception, since only 2 to 4% of the original ecosystem occurs in small fragments of Stational Semidecidual Forest. We studied the species richness and abundance of bats in two forest fragments from the Fazenda Congonhas, in Rancho Alegre city, Parana State, Brazil. Four samplings were undertaken in a legally protected native area (107.8 ha) and in a reforested area (11.8 ha) between April 2007 and March 2008. Samplings began at nightfall and lasted six hours,during two consecutive nights in each location. The individuals were captured using eight mist nets, with the same capture effort in both environments. A total of 397 individuals, 14 species and 10 genera were captured in the native area; while in the reforested area, 105 individuals, six species and four genera. Artibeus lituratus was the most common species in both fragments (n = 328, 65.3%), followed by Artibeus fimbriatus (n = 44, 8.8%) and Artibeus jamaicensis (n = 30, 6.0%). Other species including Platyrrhinus lineatus, Carollia perspicillata, Sturnira lilium, Chrotopterus aurintus, Desmodus rotundus, Michronycteris megalotis, Phyllostomus hastatus, Phyllostomus discolor, Myoti levis, Myotis nigricans and Lasiurus blossevillii, accounted for 19.9% of the captures. The native area presented higher values of species richness (S = 14) and diversity (H' = 1.4802) in comparison to the reforested area (S = 6, H '= 0.57015). The t-test evidenced a significant difference between diversity among the sites (t = 7.1075). Chao 1 index indicated that the sampling effort recorded approximately 78% from the total species richness for the native area and 75% for the reforested area. Therefore, the preservation of the forest fragment is essential since it provides habitat for a diverse community of bats. Forest management and reforestation actions may prevent drastic changes in the microclimate of neighboring areas within the forest fragment, and could allow the occupation of available niches in the area, by opportunistic and generalist species.     

Paracoccidioidomycosis in wild monkeys from Paraná State, Brazil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection in wild New World monkeys (Cebus sp. and Alouatta caraya). A total of 93 animals (Cebus sp., n = 68 and Alouatta caraya, n = 25) were captured in the Paraná River basin, Paraná State, Brazil and the serum samples were analyzed by ELISA and immunodiffusion using P. brasiliensis gp43 and exoantigen as antigens, respectively. The seropositivity observed by ELISA was 44.1% and 60% for Cebus sp. and A. caraya, respectively, while by immunodiffusion test Cebus sp. showed positivity of 2.9% only. No significant difference was observed in relation to age and sex. This is the first report of paracoccidioidomycosis in wild capuchin monkeys and in wild-black and golden-howler monkeys. The high positivity to P. brasiliensis infection in both species evaluated in our study and the positivity by immunodiffusion test in Cebus sp. suggest that natural disease may be occurring in wild monkeys living in paracoccidioidomycosis endemic areas.     

Evaluation of the Boll Weevil Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Suppression Program in the State of Goiás, Brazil

The boll weevil Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is the most important cotton pest in Brazil. A large-scale field-testing of a Boll Weevil Suppression Program (BWSP) was implemented to assess its technical and operational feasibility for boll weevil suppression in the state of Goiás, Brazil. The pilot plan focused on 3,608 ha of cotton during the 2006/2007 and 6,011 ha in the 2007/2008 growing seasons; the areas were divided into four inner zones with an outer buffer zone. We analyzed data on boll weevil captures using pheromone traps installed in the BWSP fields, on the detection of the first insect and the first damaged floral bud, greatest damage, and number of insecticide applications. The nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test was used to evaluate the differences between presuppression and suppression years. Fourteen pheromone-baited trapping evaluations were used to compare the weevil populations from 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 growing seasons. The BWSP regime reduced in-season boll weevil captures from 15- to 500-fold compared to presuppression levels in the preceding year. The low capture rates were related to delays in infestation and damage by weevils. The smaller population size measured by trapping and field monitoring reduced the number of required insecticide treatments. The BWSP strategy was efficient in suppressing populations of this pest and is a viable program for cotton production in subtropical and tropical regions, with long-term economic and environmental benefits.     

Karyotypic variability in Iheringichthys labrosus (Teleostei, Pimelodidae) from the Tibagi River basin (Paraná State, Brazil)

Cytogenetic analyses were carried out in a populational sample of Iheringichthys labrosus from the Guaraúna River (Upper Tibagi River; Paraná State, Brazil) in order to provide a karyotypic comparison with another previously studied population from the Lower Tibagi River, characterized by the presence of 32m + 8sm + 6st + 10a (2n = 56, FN = 102) and occurrence of supernumerary chromosomes (80% of individuals). The 17 specimens of I. labrosus (6 females, 10 males and 1 of unknown sex) from the Upper Tibagi River showed 2n = 56 chromosomes, a karyotype formula of 14m + 32sm + 4st + 6a (FN = 106), without evidence of sex chromosome heteromorphism or supernumerary chromosomes. The heterochromatin was detected at telomeric and centromeric positions in several chromosomal pairs. The Ag-nucleolar organizer regions were heteromorphic and located at terminal position on short arms of the 16th chromosomal pair, suggesting a positive association with heterochromatic regions. The inter-populational karyotypic differentiation reported indicates distinct evolutionary pathways within I. labrosus in the Tibagi River basin.     

Dental development and ontogenetic diet shifts of Roeboides paranensis pignalberi (osteichthyes, Characinae) in pools of the upper Rio Paraná floodplain (state of Paraná, Brazil)

Species of the characid genus Roeboides are known for their habit of tearing off and ingesting scales from other fishes. Specimens of Roeboides paranensis were taken monthly from March 1992 through February 1993 in five pools of the upper Rio Paraná floodplain and in one site in the Rio Paraná itself, with the aim of relating the dental development to ontogenetic diet shifts. Between 15-22 mm SL, fish had teeth with hypertrophied bases (mammiform) that moved to the outside of the mouth in both maxillas. During ontogeny, the diet shifted, with the smallest individuals eating more microcrustaceans and the larger ones eating more scales. Lepidophagy is non-obligatory, because the ingestion of insects and other invertebrates occurred at all sizes. Spatial variation in diet was large, however diet similarity was great for Roeboides from three floodplain pools that had similar proportions of the main diet categories.     

Molecular differentiation of species of the genus Zungaro (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae) from the Amazon and Paraná-Paraguay River basins in Brazil

Fish species of the Zungaro genus (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae) are amongst the largest migratory fish in Latin America and have considerable economic importance for commercial fishing in Brazil. However, natural populations of this large catfish are experiencing a severe decline. There are significant taxonomical inconsistencies for this fish. Two geographically separated species of the fish were initially described, one endemic in the Amazon and another in the Paraná-Paraguay River basins. A taxonomic review had recently proposed that there is only one Zungaro species in Brazil, based on morphological data. We made a molecular study of Zungaro populations in an attempt to solve taxonomical inconsistencies and to analyze genetic diversity in natural populations of this genus. We analyzed two regions of the mitochondrial DNA (the control region and the ATPase 6 gene region) of individuals sampled from the Paraná-Paraguay River and Amazon River basins. Analyses based on p-distances and maximum likelihood phylogenetic models showed a genetic difference between populations corresponding to different species. Genetic differentiation between Zungaro populations was at the same level as that observed between other Siluriformes species, using the same DNA sequences. We conclude that Zungaro species of the Paraná-Paraguay River basin do not belong to the same species found in the Amazon basin. This finding has a significant implication for conservation of this fish, given that populations are disappearing at a high rate in the Paraná-Paraguay River basin, mainly due to impoundments.     

Brumptomyia angelae, a new species of Phlebotominae (Diptera, Psychodidae) of the Atlantic forest of the state of Paraná, Brazil

The male of Brumptomyia angelae, sp. nov., a new species of Phlebotominae (Diptera, Psychodidae) of the Atlantic forest of the state of Paraná, Brazil, is described and illustrated. This new taxon is closely related to Brumptomyia ortizi Martins, Silva & Falc?o 1971, Brumptomyia nitzulescui (Costa Lima, 1932), and Brumptomyia troglodytes (Lutz, 1922). The male genitalia of these three latter species have also been drawn.     

Preliminary study on feeding preference of Nyssomyia neivai (Pinto) and Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho) (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a rural area of the State of Paraná, South Brazil

Due to the importance of sandflies in the American cutaneous leishmaniasis epidemiology, we investigated the feeding preference of sandflies related to domestic animals common in domiciliary environments in endemic rural areas, where this disease occurs. The sandflies were collected with Falc?o light traps, installed in cages, each one containing one domestic animal kind (pig, dog, rabbit or chicken), in Recanto Marista, in Doutor Camargo municipality. Forty five collections were made, totaling 135h of collections per trap. A total of 2,854 sandflies of the following species were collected: Brumptomyia brumpti (Larousse), Evandromyia correalimai (Martins, Coutinho & Luz), Evandromyia cortelezzii (Brèthes), Expapillata firmatoi (Barreto, Martins & Pellegrino), Micropygomyia ferreirana (Barreto, Martins & Pellegrino), Migonemyia migonei (Fran?a), Nyssomyia neivai (Pinto), Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho), Pintomyia fischeri (Pinto), Pintomyia monticola (Costa Lima), Pintomyia pessoai (Coutinho & Barreto), Psathyromyia lanei (Barreto & Coutinho) and Psathyromyia shannoni (Dyar). The dominant species was N. neivai. N. neivai and N. whitmani did not show any feeding preference towards the animals used as bait. It was concluded that N. neivai and N. whitmani are opportunist and, probably, the females adjust their feeding habits to the availability of hosts, suggesting their feeding eclecticism in the anthropic environments.