In order to better comprehend the putative association between genotype Trypanosoma cruzi II and primates, an evaluation of the infection in free ranging primates and specimens born in captivity from different geographical areas, the Amazon and the Atlantic forest, was carried out. Seroprevalences of the T. cruzi infection among the primates was similar in both biomes (45·5% and 46%). The parasites were isolated from 8 and 4 different species of primates, respectively from the Amazon and Atlantic forest. Multi-locus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE) typed the isolates from Amazon as zymodeme 1. Mini-exon gene analysis characterized all these isolates as T. cruzi I, the main genotype circulating in the region. In the Atlantic forest, primates infected with TCI and TCII, as well as a mixed infection (TCI and TCII), were detected. These findings prove that primates may maintain stable infections by both genotypes. Moreover, data show that T. cruzi can occur in a wide range of primate genera, independent of their social behaviour, niches or habitats. Considering the high seroprevalence and stability of T. cruzi infection among the primates, these animals play an important role in the maintenance of the parasite in nature.

The Amazon region is recognized as source of fish for the food industry. The interest in new products made from exotic animal meat has increased. The present study was carried out to evaluate carcass and meat characteristics of Amazon caiman. Samples (n=184) of Melanosuchus niger were collected from a protected area in the Amazonas State (Brazil). The meat was analyzed for proximate composition: Moisture content 78.17%, protein 19.23%, lipids 1.09%, and ash 0.73%. The yield of the carcasses and cuts were evaluated, and the average yield of carcass was 57.02%. The tail cuts had the highest yield. The results obtained can be useful for new Amazon basin products as well as for product labeling. Key words: Amazon, açu, crocodilian, protein, harvesting.

Introduction: The hygienic and sanitary conditions of vessels carrying passengers and cargo requires constant diagnosis and monitoring for disease prevention. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify health hazards in food preparation conditions and water potability in mixed vessels in the State of Amazonas-Brazil. Method: 33 vessels were analyzed with qualitative detection analysis of Escherichia coli by chromogenic substrate for water potability and environmental evaluation with questionnaire application. Results: There was microbiological contamination in 13 (39.39%) drinking water samples and 31 (93.93%) sink samples for E. coli. The structural and operational conditions of kitchen handlers mostly did not meet the minimum percentages of safety in food production. Conclusions: This is the first report on the structural and operational conditions of food preparation in mixed vessels in Manaus-AM and we conclude that intervention is necessary with public policies regarding hygienic and sanitary issues involving the supply of water served in vessels for the protection of passenger health and training of food handlers and inspection of environments.

A study was carried out to elaborate and monitor the shelf life of a pineapple jam with ingredients using, as “gelatinizing agent”, the pectin extracted from passion fruit residues from a rural community of Amazonas State, Brazil. The product was always maintained at a temperature of 25 °C and studied for 4 months, with the results showing physical-chemical and microbiological stability. We concluded that passion fruit residue can be used in pineapple jam production while still meeting legal standards for commercialization, reducing environmental waste, and being an alternative source of income in rural communities.