Schistosomiasis: an epidemiological update on Brazil's southernmost low endemic area in Esteio.

Introduction: Brazil's southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul (RGS), was considered schistosomiasis-free until 1998 when a low endemic focus was identified in Esteio, a city located next to the capital of RGS. In the last two decades, the control interventions applied in the region have been apparently successful, and the absence of new cases indicated the possibility of interrupted schistosomiasis transmission. The objective of this study was to update the clinical and epidemiological data of schistosomiasis in Esteio.

Mollusk microbiota shift during Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection in the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata and the terrestrial slug Phillocaulis soleiformis.

In the present work, we reported for the first time the microbiome from Phyllocaulis soleiformis and Biomphalaria glabrata assessed using high-throughput DNA sequencing pre- and post-infection with the helminth parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis. B. glabrata and P.

Study of diagnostic accuracy of Helmintex, Kato-Katz, and POC-CCA methods for diagnosing intestinal schistosomiasis in Candeal, a low intensity transmission area in northeastern Brazil.

Control initiatives have successfully reduced the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis transmission in several localities around the world. However, individuals that release low numbers of eggs in their feces may not be detected by classical methods that are limited by low sensitivity. Given that accurate estimates of prevalence are key to implementing planning control actions for the elimination of schistosomiasis, new diagnostic tools are needed to effectively monitor infections and confirm transmission interruption.

Evaluation of the immunogenicity of Schistosoma mansoni egg surface.

Introduction: Immunogenicity of Schistosoma mansoni egg surface was examined to determine whether intact eggshells have lower antigenicity than ruptured eggs.

Methods: Swiss Webster mice were inoculated with intact or ultrasonicated S. mansoni eggs isolated from infected human feces.

Optimization of the Helmintex method for schistosomiasis diagnosis.

A diagnostic test that is reliable, sensitive, and applicable in the field is extremely important in epidemiological surveys, during medical treatment for schistosomiasis, and for the control and elimination of schistosomiasis. The Helmintex (HTX) method is based on the use of magnetic beads to trap eggs in a magnetic field. This technique is highly sensitive, but the screening of fecal samples consumes lots of time, thus delaying the results, especially in field studies.