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Although ocular toxoplasmosis is a leading cause of posterior uveitis worldwide, there is scarce information about the real-life frequency of ocular lesions, visual outcomes, and risk factors for poor prognosis. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study with 721 adults living in Cássia dos Coqueiros, Southeast Brazil, consisted of visual acuity measurement, dilated ocular examination, a risk-factor questionnaire, and peripheral blood collection for anti-T. gondii serology. Presumed toxoplasmic lesions were recorded on video and analyzed by experienced and masked ophthalmologists. Ocular toxoplasmosis was determined if at least one suspected lesion was appointed by two graders in the presence of positive anti-T. gondii serology. Forty-eight eyes (n = 42 participants; 6.7% among those with positive anti-T. gondii serology) with ocular toxoplasmosis were found. Most lesions were single (n = 28; 58.3%), peripheral (n = 34; 77.1%) and unilateral (85.7% of participants); no active lesions were found. Older age was associated with lesions larger than one-disc diameter (p = 0.047), and lower social stratum (OR: 2.89; CI 1.2-6.97; p = 0.018) was associated with the presence of toxoplasmic lesions. Although there were no differences in visual acuity between participants and eyes with or without ocular lesions (p > 0.05), unilateral blindness associated with ocular toxoplasmosis was identified in a reduced number of individuals.

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Bordetella pertussis is a gram-negative bacillus that causes the highly contagious disease known as pertussis or whooping cough. Antibody response in children may vary depending on the vaccination schedule and the product used. In this study, we have analyzed the antibody response of cellular pertussis vaccinated children against B. pertussis strains and their virulence factors, such as pertussis toxin, pertactin, and filamentous hemagglutinin. After the completion of the immunization process, according to the Brazilian vaccination program, children serum samples were collected at different periods of time, and tested for the presence of specific antibodies and antigenic cross-reactivity. Results obtained show that children immunized with three doses of the Brazilian whole-cell pertussis vaccine present high levels of serum antibodies capable of recognizing the majority of the components present in vaccinal and non-vaccinal B. pertussis strains and their virulence factors for at least 2 years after the completion of the immunization procedure.

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Antibody Response from Whole-Cell Pertussis Vaccine Immunized Brazilian Children against Different Strains of Bordetella pertussisBordetella pertussis is a gram-negative bacillus that causes the highly contagious disease known as pertussis or whooping cough. Antibody response in children may vary depending on the vaccination schedule and the product used. In this study, we have analyzed the antibody response of cellular pertussis vaccinated children against B. pertussis strains and their virulence factors, such as pertussis toxin, pertactin, and filamentous hemagglutinin. After the completion of the immunization process, according to the Brazilian vaccination program, children serum samples were collected at different periods of time, and tested for the presence of specific antibodies and antigenic cross-reactivity. Results obtained show that children immunized with three doses of the Brazilian whole-cell pertussis vaccine present high levels of serum antibodies capable of recognizing the majority of the components present in vaccinal and non-vaccinal B. pertussis strains and their virulence factors for at least 2 years after the completion of the immunization procedure.

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Demands for minimally-processed vegetables have been increasing lately, mainly due to the convenience and the ready-to-eat food practicability offered by these products. A study on microbiological contamination, presence of parasites, and labeling adequacy was conducted in minimally processed green foliage vegetables samples sold in Ribeirão Preto supermarkets. From January to July 2006, 70 samples were processed for surveying aerobic psychrotrophic bacteria, total and fecal coliforms, isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli. The description data contained in the vegetable package label were evaluated according to the food labeling regulations (RDC n 259/2002, 359 and 360/2003 resolutions and Law nº 10.674/2003). Of 70 analyzed samples, 20% were in disagreement with the microbiological food legislation, 18.6% with the microscopic parameters and 100% presented unsuitable labeling, and that is in disagreement with the legislation. Cryptosporidium ssp. oocysts were recovered from 2.8% vegetables using direct immunofluorescence technique. Improved quality assurance programs are needed in order to offer the best food sanitary conditions to consumers.

O consumo de hortaliças minimamente processadas tem aumentado nos últimos anos no Brasil, principalmente em função da conveniência e da praticidade que o produto oferece. A contaminação microbiológica, a presença de parasitos e os dizeres da rotulagem foram avaliados em 70 amostras de hortaliças folhosas minimamente processadas, adquiridas em supermercados de Ribeirão Preto-SP, no período de janeiro a julho de 2006. Foram pesquisados os microrganismos aeróbios psicrotróficos, coliformes a 35C e 45C, Salmonella spp. e Escherichia coli. Para a avaliação da rotulagem foram utilizadas as legislações em vigor (Resoluções RDC nº 259/2002, 359 e 360/2003, da ANVISA/MS e Lei nº 10.674/2003). Das 70 amostras analisadas, 20% estavam em desacordo com a legislação em vigor nas análises microbiológicas, 18,6% quanto aos parâmetros microscópicos e 100% quanto à avaliação dos dizeres de rotulagem. Oocistos de Cryptosporidium ssp. foram recuperados em 2,8% das hortaliças pela técnica de imunofluorescência direta. Os resultados obtidos indicam que os produtos minimamente processados podem apresentar riscos à saúde dos consumidores, e evidencia a necessidade da implantação de programas de qualidade que propiciem a melhoria na sua qualidade higiênico-sanitária.

RESUMO

PURPOSE: Dry eye in children is not common in general practice and is usually referred to tertiary centres for diagnostic confirmation. In the present review we examine the potential causes of dry eye in children and report the management and longterm follow-up of dry eye in childhood with reference to clinical diversity, systemic associations, ocular outcomes and treatment trends. METHODS: A retrospective, consecutive case series was studied by evaluating the clinical charts of children with dry eye over a 96-month period. Minimal diagnostic inclusion criteria were presence of ocular surface damage and tear deficiency. RESULTS: Fourteen patients with an age range at presentation of 1-17 years were evaluated. Ten patients were female, four were male and all had bilateral involvement. The most frequent symptoms were red eye, photophobia and low visual acuity (VA). Four patients had corneal ulcers. Two patients had best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) < or = 20/200 at first examination. One of these plus another patient presented with BCVA < or = 20/200 at the last visit. All patients were treated with artificial tears; three received autologous serum tears and five submitted to conjunctival flaps to preserve the integrity of the eye. Associated systemic conditions were found in all patients and were congenital in six of them. CONCLUSIONS: Early manifestations of dry eye in childhood are a potential indication of systemic disease. The ocular condition may be misdiagnosed and correct treatment delayed. Most diseases are bilateral and may jeopardize VA. Systemic investigation, close follow-up and preparing the family for longterm and multidisciplinary treatment are necessary to preserve ocular health and identify systemic associations.

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Sandpits in recreational areas may represent an important environment for transmission of several parasite zoonosis, among them the Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM), caused by the penetration of Ancylostoma sp. larvae from dogs and cats through human skin. Contamination of sandpits by Ancylostoma sp. eggs or larvae was investigated in children recreational areas from 11 public squares of Ribeirão Preto. From May to December, 2003, five sand samples were collected from each recreational area. Larvae recovery was performed by means of Baermann"s method, while egg detection was done by centrifugal-flotation technique in saturated solutions of magnesium sulphate with 5% potassium iodide (d = 1,33 g/cm3 ), and zinc sulphate (d = 1,20 g/cm3 ), after washing out with Tween 80. The presence of larvae was observed in six (54%) recreational areas. In four (36%) of them Ancylosotoma sp. eggs were found. These results indicate a risk of acquiring CLM by the users of those areas.

As areias de áreas de lazer podem representar um importante ecótopo para a transmissão de várias zoonoses parasitárias, dentre elas a Larva Migrans Cutânea (LMC), causada pela penetração na pele humana das larvas de ancilostomídeos de cães e gatos. Neste estudo investigou-se a contaminação dos tanques de areia por ovos e/ou larvas de Ancylostoma sp. das áreas de recreação infantil existentes em 11 praças públicas do município de Ribeirão Preto. Entre maio a dezembro de 2003, foram coletadas cinco amostras de areia de cada área de recreação. A recuperação das larvas foi realizada pelo método de Baermann, enquanto que para a detecção dos ovos utilizou-se a técnica da centrífugo-flutuação com soluções saturadas de sulfato de magnésio contendo 5% de iodeto de potássio (d = 1,33 g/cm3 ) e de sulfato de zinco (d = 1,20 g/cm3 ), após um lavado prévio com Tween 80. A presença de larvas foi observada em seis (54%) áreas de recreação, sendo que em quatro (36%) delas foram encontrados ovos de Ancylostoma sp. Estes resultados indicam um risco para a ocorrência da LMC nos usuários destas áreas.