Spatial distribution of synanthropic triatomines in Piaui State, Northeastern Brazil

This study aimed to describe the spatial distribution and assess entomological indicators of synanthropic triatomines in Piaui State, Northeastern Brazil. We used surveillance data on the detection, identification and assessment of natural infection with trypanosomatids from triatomines in the State from 2014 to 2017. The State was divided into four macroregions. In relation to the dispersion rates of triatomines, they were much lower in the North, when compared to Southwest, Southeast and Central North macroregions. Infestation rates were higher in the Southwest and Southeast and intradomicile infestation rates varied during the study period, reaching high values in all regions. Insects belonging to the species Triatoma brasiliensis complex, Triatoma pseudomaculata, Triatoma sordida, and to the genus Panstrongylus spp. and Rhodnius spp. were collected during this period. T. brasiliensis was collected from all four regions of the State, but more frequently in those located in the Southeast. A similar pattern was observed for T. pseudomaculata. T. sordida was detected in the municipalities in the Southeast and Southwest regions, and less frequently in the Central North municipalities. Rhodnius spp. was detected in the Central North and North regions, and Panstrongylus spp. in the Central North and Southeast regions. The highest trypanosomatid-positivity rate of T. brasiliensis and Panstrongylus spp. was in the Southeast region. A significant proportion of the municipalities of Piaui State presents entomological parameters that indicate a risk of Chagas disease by vector transmission.

Entomological survey in the state of Piauí, Northeastern Brazil, reveals intradomiciliary colonization of Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma

This survey aimed to assess the presence of triatomine vectors of Chagas disease within the rural communities of São João do Piauí, Northeast Brazil. Intradomiciliary and peridomiciliary collection strategies were implemented wherein 279 specimens of Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma, both nymph and adult were found in 15 (50%) of the studied homes. Of the intradomiciliary insects, 73 (67.6%) were identified as nymph instars (1^st instar [N1]= 6, N2= 14, N3= 28, N4= 7 and N5= 18). In the studied communities, a continuous interaction between triatomine bugs and humans could be shown. It is therefore urgent that suitable strategies for the control of the triatomine vector are implemented in this area.

FREQUÊNCIA DE ESTRUTURAS PARASITÁRIAS EM BANHEIROS E SALAS DE AULA DE ESCOLAS PÚBLICAS DE TERESINA, PIAUÍ

No cenário atual, as infecções por helmintos e protozoários estão entre as mais frequentes,apresentando elevadas taxas de prevalência, sobretudo em localidades onde há grande fluxo de pessoas e precárias condições sanitárias. Com base nestas informações, propôs-se a realização de um levantamento das estruturas parasitárias mais frequentes em banheiros e salas de aula de escolas públicas na cidade de Teresina-PI. As coletas foram realizadas em 24 escolas públicas de Teresina, sendo 12 escolas estaduais e 12 municipais. A técnica de swab adaptada para superfícies foi utilizada para a verificação das estruturas parasitárias dos objetos em cada escola. Nas escolas municipais, foram analisadas 105 lâminas, das quais 22 (20,9%) apresentaram algum tipo de estrutura parasitária. Nas escolas da rede estadual de educação, foram analisadas 102 lâminas e, destas, 25 (24,5%) apresentaram positividade para algum tipo de estrutura parasitária. A maior frequência foi de ovos de Ascaris sp. (88,9%), seguidos de cisto de Balantidium sp. (5,6%), ovos de Enterobius sp. (2,8%) e ovos de Taenia sp. (1,9%). Foi encontrado um total de 107 parasitos nas estruturas escolares da rede pública de educação.