Brazilian Medical Association

The expansion of land use in Brazil has caused biodiversity loss and increased human interaction with parasites and pathogens previously restricted to natural ecosystems. Chigger mites are ectoparasites during the larval stage and can cause skin reactions or transmit pathogens to their hosts, including humans. This study aimed to evaluate the diversity of chiggers collected from all five Brazilian biogeographical regions, along with pathogen surveillance. Specimens were subjected to both morphological taxonomy and endogenous control, followed by PCR assays targeting pathogens of the genera Borrelia, Orientia, and Rickettsia. The analyses revealed a high species richness, including two novel records in Brazil: the genus Boshkerria and the species Quadraseta antillarum. Additionally, the genus Quadraseta tested positive for Rickettsia sp., while tests for the other agents were negative. This is the first report of a Rickettsia sp. agent detected in a Quadraseta nymph.

BackgroundRevivendo Memórias (RM) is a social program that leverages personal passions as a cognitive and socialization activity for older adults, people with mild cognitive impairment, and people living with dementia. The methodological framework of RM is based on reminiscence therapy, using materials that connect people with their passions, which include music, movies, sports, etc. Since 2019, RM has been implemented in Brazilian museums, and this study explores its feasibility in nursing homes.MethodThe study was conducted in three nursing homes across Brazilian cities: São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, and Ribeirão Preto. In each location, 10 participants with cognitive decline were selected (N = 30). The intervention consisted of four one‐hour group reminiscence therapy sessions. Sessions incorporated personalized passion‐related materials, reference cards featuring music, television programs, and soccer. A sociodemographic questionnaire was completed with the assistance from nursing home professionals. Additionally, participants were assessed using standardized instruments, including the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE).ResultsParticipants were predominantly male (56.7%), with a mean age of 75.33 years (SD = 7.69) and an average of 6.57 years of formal education (SD = 3.63). The mean length of stay in the nursing home was four years. Regarding marital status,50% of the participants were single, 30% divorced, 13% widowed and 6.7% married. MMSE scores ranged from 3 to 25 (M = 15.63, SD = 6.73). Although participants had cognitive decline, only 53,3% of them had a formal diagnosis. According to the Functional Assessment Staging (FAST) scale, completed by the staff, 10% of the participants were classified as normal adults, 16,7% normal aged person, 33% mild Alzheimer´s Disease (AD), 33% moderate AD and 6,7% severe AD.ConclusionPeople that live in Nursing Homes may benefit from RM intervention, however, it is important to understand the population that live in residential care facilities. The current study showed that participants have low level of education and access to diagnosis was difficult. The material used in Nursing Homes may need to be adapted according to the cognitive level of the participants.