We evaluated 345 wild animals from southern and south‐eastern Brazil to understand their role in vaccinia virus (VACV) transmission cycle. VACV DNA was detected in rodents, marsupials, chiroptera and cingulate, expanding the knowledge of VACV host range in wildlife that could potentially act as source of infection in rural and urban areas.

Since 1999, Vaccinia virus (VACV) has been described as a causative agent of bovine vaccinia (BV), a zoonotic disease that occurs mainly in rural areas of Brazil. However, the circulation of VACV in urban environments and its associated burden has been poorly explored. Moreover, the current Mpox outbreak has raised questions regarding the immune status of the worldwide population previous vaccinated against smallpox. Hence, we conducted a cross-sectional study to better understand the prevalence of anti-OPV neutralizing antibodies (NA) in a susceptible urban population of Brazil. A total of 372 individuals were sampled, yielding an overall seroprevalence of 16.9% (CI95%=13.4–21.1), and antibodies titers ranging from 100 to 800 NU/ml. The prevalence of NA among vaccinated individuals (≥36yo) was 24.9% (IC 95%=19.5–31.2), and among those unvaccinated (<36yo) was 6.7% (IC 95%=3.7–11.8). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age ≥36yo and the presence of vaccine take were independently associated with the presence of anti-OPV NA. Our findings suggest that vulnerable populations could be subclinically exposed to VACV in urban areas, drawing attention to alternative routes of zoonotic VACV exposure. Our data is also important for better strategies in order to mitigate zoonotic OPV infections mainly among vulnerable populations.

Since 1999, Vaccinia virus (VACV) has been described as a causative agent of bovine vaccinia (BV), a zoonotic disease that occurs mainly in rural areas of Brazil. However, the circulation of VACV in urban environments and its associated burden has been poorly explored. Moreover, the current monkeypox (mpox) outbreak has raised questions regarding the immune status of the worldwide population previous vaccinated against smallpox. Hence, we conducted a cross‐sectional study to better understand the prevalence of anti‐OPV neutralizing antibodies (NA) and related exposure factors in a susceptible urban population of Brazil. A total of 372 individuals were sampled, yielding an overall seroprevalence of 16.9% (CI95% = 13.4–21.1), and antibodies titers ranging from 100 to 800 neutralizing units/mL. The prevalence of NA among individuals potentially vaccinated against smallpox (≥36 years old [yo]) was 24.9% (IC 95% = 19.5–31.2), and among those unvaccinated (<36yo) was 6.7% (IC 95% = 3.7–11.8). Interestingly, contact with horses was pointed out as an exposure factor for the presence of NA, however, the multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age ≥36yo and the presence of vaccine take were independently associated with the presence of anti‐OPV NA. Our findings suggest that vulnerable populations could be subclinically exposed to VACV in urban areas, drawing attention to alternative routes of zoonotic VACV exposure. Our data is also important for better strategies to mitigate zoonotic OPV infections mainly among vulnerable populations.

O trabalho tem por objetivo refletir sobre desenvolvimento rural a partir de uma perspectiva social, econômica e sustentável em comunidades rurais, tendo por base o extrativismo. No âmbito deste debate foram identificadas potencialidades na comunidade rural André do Mato Dentro, localizada no município de Santa Bárbara, franja metropolitana de Belo Horizonte/MG, a partir da compreensão da cadeia produtiva do musgo verde (Syrrhopodon sp, nome popular “fofão”). A comunidade é constantemente ameaçada pelo avanço das atividades minerárias de grande porte. Estas atividades intimidam o equilíbrio socioeconômico, ambiental e cultural estabelecido pela população fixada na região do Quadrilátero Ferrífero, que abriga biodiversidade endêmica, mananciais d’água de classe especial e diferentes aglomerados humanos. O percurso metodológico escolhido teve apoio na pesquisa qualitativa, para vivenciar o lugar conversando com os moradores de um modo caminhante/conversante conforme Marandola Jr (2014). A análise da atividade extrativista pretende esboçar possíveis formas de organização econômica em André do Mato do Dentro que assegurem o equilíbrio entre a comercialização do musgo e o desenvolvimento rural sustentável, sem perder de vista os valores culturais da comunidade. Para tanto, buscou-se compreender a dinâmica do extrativismo por meio da conservação das áreas de coleta do musgo.