Comparação e mobilidade, equilíbrio corporal e desempenho muscular segundo a auto-eficácia para quedas em idosas

The aging process modifies various systems in the body, leading to changes in mobility, balance and muscle strength. This can cause a drop in the elderly, or not changing the perceived self-efficacy in preventing falls. Objective: To compare the mobility, body balance and muscle performance according to self-efficacy for falls in community-dwelling elderly. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study with 63 older (65-80 years) community. Were evaluated for identification data and sociodemographic, cognitive screening using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), effective for the fall of Falls Efficacy Scale International Brazil (FES-I-BRAZIL), Mobility through the Timed Up and Go Test , the balance Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Modified Clinical Test tests of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB), tandem walk (TW) and Sit to Stand (STS) of the Balance Master® System. Finally, muscle performance by using isokinetic dynamometry. Statistical analysis was performed Student t test for comparison between groups, with p value ≤ 0.05. Results: Comparing the elderly with low-efficacy for falls with high-efficacy for falls, we found significant differences only for the variable Timed Up and Go Test (p = 0.04). With regard to data on balance tests were significant differences in the speed of oscillation firm surface eyes open modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Test of Balance (p = 0.01). Variables to isokinetic dynamometry were no significant differences in movement knee extension, as regards the variables peak torque (p = 0.04) and power (p = 0.03). Conclusion: The results suggest that, compared to older community with low-and high-efficacy for falls, we observed differences in variables related to mobility, balance and muscle function

Leptospira spp. and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) in Botucatu region, SP, Brazil

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Inquérito sorológico para toxoplasmose em equinos na região de Botucatu-SP

The frequency of anti-T.gondii IgG antibodies was evaluated and compared in 253 sera samples of equines by modified agglutination test (MAT) and indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Fifteen samples (5.9%) were positive by IFAT and 32 (12.6%) by MAT. Significant difference between the two methods was found when a cutoff titer of 16 was established. There was no correlation with breed, gender, and age of horses examined.

Frequency of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella nigritus) from an ecological station in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

A toxoplasmose é uma das zoonoses mais difundidas no mundo, causada pelo Toxoplasma gondii, um protozoário parasita intracelular obrigatório. Uma alta porcentagem de animais apresenta anticorpos específicos causados por exposição prévia, levando a uma infecção crônica. Os felídeos são os hospedeiros definitivos e outros animais homeotérmicos, incluindo os primatas, são os hospedeiros intermediários. Este estudo objetivou determinar a prevalência da infecção por T. gondii em macacos-prego (Cebus apella nigritus) de vida livre da Estação Ecológica localizada na Mata de Santa Teresa, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil. Anticorpos anti-T. gondii foram pesquisados pelo método de aglutinação direta modificada (MAT) em amostras de soro de 36 macacos-prego, utilizando-se o título oito como de corte. Dos animais estudados, 3/36 (8,33%; IC95% 3,0-21,9%) apresentaram anticorpos anti-T. gondii, todos com título 32. Nenhuma diferença significativa (P>0,05) foi observada com relação ao sexo (1/3 machos e 2/3 fêmeas), e à idade (1/3 jovens e 2/3 adultos). Assim, estes resultados demonstram alta prevalência de anticorpos anti-T. gondii em primatas no estado de São Paulo.

Prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii among Brazilian white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris)

Considering that Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite of global importance which affects several animal species including humans, the current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of antibodies against T. gondii among 72 white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) from Botucatu Municipality (22 degrees 53'S 48 degrees 26'W), São Paulo State, Brazil. The investigation was carried out from January 2008 to December 2009, when the animals had their blood samples collected and subjected to the modified agglutination test (MAT); 12 specimens had brain samples bioassayed in mice. Seroprevalence was 5.5% (n = 4) and bioassays were negative. Older animals had higher prevalence of antibodies against T. gondii. Opossums in closer contact with the urban environment are likely more exposed to T. gondii than animals from the sylvatic environment. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii em equinos com histórico de ataxia

Stelmann U.J.P., Silva R.C., Langoni H., Borges A.S. & Amorim R.M. [Antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in horses with history of ataxia]. Anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii em equinos corn historic de ataxia. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinaria, 33(4):200-202, 2011. Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Medicina Veterinaria, Departamento de Clinica Veterinaria, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho, Campus de Botucatu, Distrito de Rubiao Junior, s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618-970, Brasil. E-mail: stelmann.ppgctia@gmail.comThe frequency of antibodies in blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid against Toxoplasma gondii in horses with a history of ataxia from the state of São Paulo, Brazil was carried out. Modified agglutination test was used to determine antibodies against T gondii, considering as positive samples with titers >= 2. of the blood samples tested, only 8 of 23 (34.78%) were positive, while CSF samples were negative when used the same technique. According to the negative results obtained for CSF, we concluded that T gondii was not the etiological agent of the myeloencephalitis in studied horses with neurological manifestation of ataxia, while the blood serological results indicated a previously exposure to T gondii.

Toxoplasma gondii infection in wild boars (Sus scrofa) bred in Brazil

Domestic pigs are considered to be important sources of Toxoplasma gondii infection for humans. Due to the increased consumption of wild boar meat in Brazil, this species may also be an important source of the parasite. The objective of the present study was to detect T. gondii infection in 306 blood samples collected from wild boars bred in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Samples were analyzed using the modified agglutination test (MAT), and 14 (4.5%) of them yielded positive results. Modern breeding techniques may have contributed to the low frequency of infection observed. Results indicated that wild boars were exposed to T. gondii and that the consumption of this kind of meat may represent a source of infection for humans. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in the milk of experimentally infected Wistar female rats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Genotypic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep from Brazilian slaughterhouses: New atypical genotypes and the clonal type II strain identified

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Chlamydophila psittaci and Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigeons (Columba livia) from São Paulo State, Brazil

Pigeons (Columba livia) cohabit with humans in urban and rural areas, representing a public health problem since microorganisms are transmitted through the inhalation of dust from their dry feces (chlamydiosis) and through ingestion of their undercooked or poorly refrigerated meat (toxoplasmosis). This study aimed to evaluate the presence of Chlamydophila psittaci and Toxoplasma gondii in pigeons from four cities in São Paulo State, Brazil. C psittaci was evaluated through hemi-nested polymerase chain reaction (hnPCR) using cloacal and tracheal swabs, whereas T. gondii specific antibodies were assessed by means of modified agglutination test (MAT), mouse brain and muscle bioassay, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To confirm the infection in mice, T. gondii antibodies were assayed by using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Considering C. psittaci, 40/238 (16.8%; 95%CI 12.6-22.1%) samples were positive according to hnPCR, especially for the cities of São Paulo (42.5%) and Bauru (35%). As regards T. gondii, 12/238 (5%; 95%CI 2.9-8.6%) serum samples were positive according to MAT. of these, five samples had titer equal to 1:8; six samples, 1:16; and one sample, 1:32. Bioassay, IFAT and PCR were negative for mouse toxoplasmosis. The absence of T. gondii antibodies suggests that pigeons may be infected with a low concentration of the agent, not detected by the antigen test. Thus, C. psittaci represents an actual problem concerning bird health. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Serological profile of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection in commercial sheep from São Paulo State, Brazil

Neosporosis and toxoplasmosis are two important infections in young and adult sheep, leading to low production and abortion. This study aimed to determine the frequency of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in sheep from the eastern region of São Paulo State, Brazil. Serum samples (382) were collected from the sheep and assayed for T. gondii through modified agglutination test (MAT) and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), and for N. caninum antibodies, through IFAT, with cut-off titers equal to 16 (T. gondii) and 25 (N. caninum). All frozen samples were sent to the Center for Zoonoses Research (NUPEZO), Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health (DHSVP), FMVZ, UNESP, for serological tests. A total of 71/382(18.6%) samples reacted to T. gondii, especially at titers 16 (28; 39.4%), 64(15; 21.1%), 256 (21; 29.6%) and 1024 (6; 8.5%) by MAT, and 16(34: 47.9%), 64 (18; 25.4%), 256 (14; 19.7%) and 1024 (5; 7%) by IFAT. As regards N. caninum, 49/382 (12.8%) samples reacted at titers 25 (17; 34.7%), 50 (11; 22.5%), 100 (11; 22.5%), and >= 200 (10; 20.4%). These animals presented infection but no clinical signs. Six and ten animals had high titers for toxoplasmosis and neosporosis. No significant association was observed between antibodies for both parasites (P = 0.535) according to Fisher's exact test, and no correlation was found between T. gondii (MAT) and N. caninum antibody titers (r = -0.0068; P=0.895), T. gondii (IFAT) and N. caninum antibody titers (r = -0.0025; P = 0.961). Thus, T. gondii and N. caninum infections were observed in farms located in São Paulo State, where sheep play an important economical role for the national and regional business. (C) 2010 Elsevier By. All rights reserved.

Recrudescence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in chronically infected rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp. infection in captive crab-eating foxes, Cerdocyon thous (Carnivora, Canidae) from Brazil

The zoonoses toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis are important worldwide and also affect wild animals. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the prevalence of Leishmania spp. and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in 52 serum samples from captive crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) kept in 17 zoos in São Paulo State, Brazil. Modified agglutination test (MAT, for toxoplasmosis) and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT, for toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis) were employed with heterologous anti-dog immunoglobulin. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 19.2% animals, with an almost perfect concordance (kappa = 0.86; standard error = 9.31%; CI95% = 68.25-104.76%; P < 0.0001) and a strong correlation coefficient (rs = 0.87; P < 0.0001), which allows the use of heterologous anti-dog immunoglobulin to perform IFAT for toxoplasmosis in crab-eating foxes. No sample was positive for Leishmania spp. Toxoplasmosis infection occurs in wild animals from the studied Brazilian zoos, which indicates a probable environmental contamination, highlighting the importance of appropriate zoo management and the action of the parasite as a sentinel to human infection. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Isolation and multilocus genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in seronegative rodents in Brazil

Synanthropic rodents, mainly rats and mice, become ecologically associated with men due to changes in their ecosystems caused by human activities. These animals may take part in the epidemiological cycles of several diseases, including toxoplasmosis. The presence of serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in 43 rodents captured in the urban area of Umuarama, PR, Brazil, was verified by modified agglutination test (MAT). Brain and heart samples were also collected and bioassayed in mice for the isolation of the parasite. Isolated samples were analyzed by 12 multilocus genotyping. Although all rodents were seronegative, the parasite was isolated in one mouse (Mus musculus) and one rat (Rattus rattus). Genotyping showed that these samples were similar to those previously isolated from cats in the state of Parana, Brazil. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detecção de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em animais de uma comunidade rural do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

The rate of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was evaluated in equines, cats, dogs, poultry, pigs, cattle and sheep of farms in Eldorado, southern Mato Grosso do Sul. Blood samples were collected and sera were examined by the modified agglutination test (MAT), considering positives samples reactants with titers >= 25. Rates of reactor animals in the antibody detection test were: 22.89% (46/201) in poultry, 5.15% (20/388) in cattle, 47.61% (20/42) in dogs, 60.87% (14/23) in equines, 57.14% (8/14) in cats, 14.7% (5/34) in pigs. None of the sheep (0/14) were positive. High antibody rates were found in several species, a fact that raise concerns due to the possibility of risk to humans, once these animal species either share the same source of infection with humans or are food sources for them.