Biomedical subjects

O M Takayanagui

Publications and source records attributed to O M Takayanagui.

39 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

[Monitoring of lettuce crops of Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil].

The ingesting of raw vegetables plays an important role in the transmission of several infectious diseases due to the high frequency of irrigation with wastewater. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sanitary conditions of all lettuce producing crops in Ribeirão Preto through microbiological and parasitological analysis of both irrigation water and lettuce together with the implantation of an effective crop monitoring. Laboratory analysis of 129 crops showed irregularities in 26 (20.1%) of these: high concentration of fecal coliforms in 17% of the lettuce, presence of Salmonella in 3.1% and several enteroparasites (Ascaris sp, Ancylostomidae, Strongyloides sp, Hymenolepis nana, and Giardia sp ) in 13.1%. Persistent irregularities determined the definitive closing down of one producer; all of the remaining 128 crops were eventually approved, thus demonstrating the efficacy of lettuce crop monitoring. Crops approved in the laboratory analysis were awarded a Sanitary Inspection Certificate - an unprecedented procedure in our Country - that resulted in a better acceptance of the monitoring.

Agriculture↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Monitoring of vegetables sold in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil].

The ingestion of raw vegetables represents an important means of transmission of several infectious diseases. The objective of the present study was to perform a microbiological and parasitological evaluation of the vegetables commercially sold in the municipality of Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. Of a total of 172 commercial concerns analyzed, 115 (67%) presented irregularities in the vegetables they sold, such as elevated concentration of fecal coliforms in 63%, presence of Salmonella in 9%, and presence of enteroparasites in 33%. The commercial concerns with the highest frequencies of vegetables showing inadequate results were: grocery stores (92%), CEAGESP (75%), fruit and vegetables stores (71%), traveling vendors (71%), fairs (69%), supermarkets (52%), and vegetable gardens (18%). The type of contamination was uniformly distributed among these commercial concerns. Most of the contaminated vegetables (61%) were from gardens located in the municipality of Ribeirão Preto. Considering the high frequency of fecal contamination and the potential risk of disease transmitted by vegetables, we suggest greater enforcement in the sanitary surveillance of the food offered to the population.

Brazil↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Neurocysticercosis].

It has been estimated that 50 million people are infected with the taeniasis/cysticercosis complex in the world today and that 50,000 die each year. It also appears that 350,000 individuals remain infected in Latin America. In Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, neurocysticercosis has been identified in 7.5% of the patients admitted to a ward specialized in the treatment of neurologic diseases. Its clinical manifestations comprise seizures, intracranial hypertension, cysticercotic meningitis, psychiatric symptoms, apoplectic or endarteritic form, and spinal cord syndrome. Lethality of neurocysticercosis varies from 16.4% to 25.9%. Diagnosis is dependent on the results of computed tomography of the brain and examination of the cerebrospinal fluid. Lately, albendazole in association with steroids has been elected the treatment of choice for neurocysticercosis. In the authors' opinion, compulsory notification of cases and preventive measures should be implemented. In Brazil, in the absence of a centralized program of control, regional initiatives should be stimulated, keeping in mind WHO's advice: "Think globally, act locally".

Animals↗