Diarrhea in cats infected with Cystoisospora spp. - evaluation of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio

Background: Cystoisospora spp. is considered a potential pathogen to cause diarrhoea in cats, and the disease occurs clinically, especially in young, weak and immunocompromised cats. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility and diagnostic roles of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR) ratios in diarrheal cats infected with Cystoisospora spp. Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-five cats with diarrhea due to infection caused by Cystoisospora spp. and 15 healthy cats were included in this study. The anamnesis, clinical and laboratory findings of all cats were recorded. A clinical severity score was generated for diarrheal cats, which included activity, appetite, presence of vomit, and faecal consistency. Also, cats infected with Cystoisospora spp. were classified as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) positive (+) and SIRS (-) group according to the presence of at least 3 of the SIRS criteria. The Cystoisospora spp. oocysts were diagnosed by direct smear and simple faecal flotation. Cats found positive for other parasitic and protozoal agents by faeces examination were excluded from the study. Complete blood counts (CBC) were performed with an automated blood cell counter for all cats. Blood smears were prepared (with May-Grunwald Giemsa) from samples, and the CBC results were confirmed microscopically (obj.100x). White blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte counts were recorded directly from the CBC. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was calculated as the ratio of the absolute neutrophil count to the absolute lymphocyte count. The monocyte-to-lymphocyte was calculated as the absolute monocyte count ratio to the absolute lymphocyte count. White blood cell (P = 0.015), neutrophil (P = 0.001), monocyte (P = 0.033), NLR (P = 0.000) and MLR (P = 0.042) of diarrheal cats infected with Cystoisospora spp. were significantly higher than in the healthy group. There was no significant difference between groups in the lymphocyte counts (P > 0.05). SIRS (+) group had statistically significantly higher WBC (P = 0.014), neutrophil counts (P = 0.000), NLR (P = 0.000) and MLR (P = 0.037) than the healthy group. Also, neutrophil counts and NLR of the SIRS (+) group were statistically significantly higher than the SIRS (-) group (P = 0.032; P = 0.001, respectively). However, there was no significant difference SIRS (+), SIRS (-), and healthy groups regarding lymphocyte and monocyte counts (P > 0.05). The clinical severity of the disease positively correlated with NLR and MLR. Also, the best cut-off value of NLR to predict SIRS was > 1.67, with 92.86% sensitivity and 84.62% specificity. MLR was not a useful predictor for SIRS. Discussion: NLR and MLR are parameters derived from complete blood count. In recent years, they have been used in human and veterinary medicine as a biomarker in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment follow-up of various diseases and provide valuable information about inflammation. In cats, there are limited studies on NLR, and to our knowledge, there are no studies on MLR. The current study suggests that NLR and MLR may be used to determine the severity of the inflammatory condition in diarrheal cats infected with Cystoisospora spp., and NLR is a useful marker for predicting SIRS status in these cats. In addition, this study also will contribute to larger-scale studies in the future.

Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs - prevalence and genotype distribution

Background: Cryptosporidium spp. is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that affects the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. The disease can cause acute and chronic diarrhoea and even death in both humans and animals. In this study, it was aimed to determine the prevalence and genotype distribution of Cryptosporidiosis in shelter dogs in Diyarbakir province located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. Materials, Methods & Results: The animal material of the study consisted of 100 dogs of different breeds and sexes. Faecal samples were collected from the rectum with disposable latex gloves and placed in individual sample containers. All of the samples were examined for Cryptosporidium spp. by Kinyoun Acid Fast and Nested PCR methods. In the Kinyoun Acid Fast staining method, firstly, smear preparations were prepared from fresh faecal samples, fixed in pure methanol for 1 min and allowed to dry. The slides were kept in Kinyoun Carbol-Fuxin for 5 min, dipped in 50% ethyl alcohol, shaken, washed in tap water, kept in 1% sulphuric acid for 2 min and washed in tap water. The slides were kept in methylene blue for 1 min, washed in tap water and allowed to dry. After drying, immersion oil was dripped and examined under a microscope at 100 magnification. DNA extraction was performed from all samples using GeneMATRIX Stool DNA Purification Kit according to the manufacturer's protocol. After Nested PCR analysis was performed. In the PCR step, primers 5'-TTCTAGAGCTAATACATGCG-3' and 5'- CCCATTTCCTTCCTTCGAAACAGGA-3' were used to amplify the 1325 bp gene region. In the nested PCR step, primers 5'- GGAAGGGTTGTATTTATTTATTAGATAAAG-3' and 5'-AAGGAGTAAGGAACAACCTCCA-3' were used to amplify the 826-864 bp gene region. As a result of both methods, a prevalence of 3% was determined. The infection rate was higher in males (3.57%) than females (2.27%) and in younger than 1 year (5.56%) than in older than 1 year (1.56%). The DNA sequences obtained from the sequence analysis of 3 positive PCR samples were analysed in BioEdit software. A phylogenetic tree was constructed with the data set created by using the 18s rRNA gene sequences obtained from the NCBI genbank database and the DNA sequences obtained as a result of the study, and it was shown which Cryptosporidium species the study samples were related to. Today, many Cryptosporidium species have been identified and most of these species have host adaptation. Although C. canis is the most common species in dogs, C. muris, C. meleagridis, and C. parvum have also been detected. Among these species, C. parvum is recognized as a zoonotic species infecting a wide range of mammals. In this study, DNA sequencing of nested PCR positive samples revealed that 3 samples were zoonotic C. parvum. Discussion: This suggests that dogs may be a reservoir for zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium. Consequently, it is recommended that people should be informed about the potential for transmission of this protozoan to humans and animals and that control programmes should be implemented, including the prevention of free entry of stray dogs into public places and homes.

Natural association between bovine leukemia virus and reproductive infectious diseases

Background: Enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) is a widespread infectious disease caused by the bovine leukemia virus (BLV), which results in immune system dysfunction. The resulting immunosuppression may lead to an increased prevalence of other diseases. Dairy cows infected have altered immune function associated with decreased milk production and shortened lifespan and decreased immune response to immunization. BLV infection, however, is often asymptomatic, so any connection between subclinical infection and common reproductive diseases remains unknown. This study aimed to describe the relationship between naturally occurring subclinical BLV and infectious reproductive diseases seroconversion in the field. Materials, Methods & Results: The diseases investigated included Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), Bovine alfaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), Bovine gammaherpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4), Chlamydiosis, Leptospirosis, Brucellosis and Neosporosis in dairy cattle. Six hundred fifty-five sera samples from the northern and south-central regions of Uruguay, from asymptomatic female Holstein and Holstein crosses without a history of vaccination against reproductive diseases were processed using reference diagnostic methods (Seronautalization, ELISA, MAT, Rose Bengal Plate test). The seroprevalence of BLV was 20.0%. Seroprevalence of reproductive diseases BVD, BoHV-1 and BoHV-4 were 99.3%, 41.2% and 27.3% of the populations, respectively, and the total seroprevalence of Leptospirosis, bovine Neospora caninum and Chlamydiosis were 19.8%, 29.8% and 33.0% respectively. The results revealed positive associations between naturally contracted BLV and the presence of antibodies against BoHV-1 (P = 0.002), as well as between naturally contracted BLV and presence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. (P = 0.028). Discussion: BLV infection can impact innate and adaptive immune system cells and alter the proper functioning of uninfected cells. BLV infection may also induce changes in the complex balance of cytokine expression, cell proliferation, and programmed cell death in T- and B-lymphocytes, which is critical for immune competence and effective response to infectious challenges. The progression of BLV infection has a substantial effect on host defense mechanisms. Indeed, lowmagnitude serologic responses to a commercial foot-and-mouth disease vaccine and a J5 Escherichia coli vaccine have been observed. These results are supported by recent trial studies showing a reduced immune response to vaccination against BoHV-1 and Leptospira spp. in asymptomatic animals infected with BLV. These are 2 of the most prevalent infectious reproductive diseases in cattle worldwide, and our results provide evidence that a link between BLV and susceptibility to these diseases may exist. Although there is evidence of the co-occurrence of these diseases, it remains unknown whether there is a direct or indirect effect of BLV on infertility, embryonic loss, or abortion. Another possibility is that natural infection with these reproductive pathogens (BoHV-1, Leptospira, or others) promotes BLV expression, negatively affecting the farms where these pathogens are endemic. Considering the high seroprevalence of BLV in dairy herds in North and South America where the infection is endemic, it was explored BLV's role as an immunosuppressant by quantifying its co-occurrence with diseases that affect reproductive performance in breeding herds. Future work should clarify the role of BLV and the co-occurring pathogens in causing infertility or abortions.

New findings of intestinal alkaline phosphatase: effects on intestinal and organ health of piglets challenged with ETEC F4 (K88)

The aim of this study was to assess the addition of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) to diets on the count of bacterial populations, pH of digestive organ contents, histopathological description, proinflammatory markers, hepatic glycogen reserve, and diarrhoea incidence of piglets challenged with Escherichia coli. Sixty-four crossbred piglets (7.16±0.28 kg body weight, 25-days-old) were assigned to four treatments in a completely randomised block design: negative control (NC), NC + antibiotic (ANT), NC + 15 mg IAP, or NC + 30 mg IAP kg−1 of diet, eight replications of two piglets per experimental unit. All piglets were orally challenged with 6 mL of a solution containing enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 at 106 CFU mL−1 at 15 days of experimentation. The study lasted for 19 days. At the end of the experimental period, the piglets were slaughtered (six animals per treatment). Enterobacteriaceae in caecum and colon was lower in piglets on 30 mg IAP than with ANT and NC, ANT or 15 mg IAP, respectively. Enterobacteriaceae adhered to the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) was greater in piglets fed ANT than the other treatments. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count in caecum was greater in piglets fed NC and ANT. In MLN, LAB count was greater in ANT and 30 mg IAP-fed piglets compared with 15 mg IAP. Piglets in 30 mg IAP in diet showed a tendency for lowering tissue necrosis compared with NC or ANT. Piglets fed 30 mg IAP showed a reduction in diarrhoea incidence in the pre- and post-challenge compared with 15 mg IAP and all other treatments, respectively. Based on the criteria, addition of 30 mg IAP to diet inhibits Enterobacteriaceae population and suggests a potential effect in mitigating intestinal injuries, as observed in piglets in the NC for some of the parameters investigated.(AU)

Salmonella Pullorum em criação de galinhas caipiras no Oeste da Bahia, Brasil / Salmonella Pullorum in a free-range chicken farm in Western Bahia, Brazil

Background: Industrial poultry farming has developed progressively in Brazil, conferring the country a prominent position on the national and international scene. Likewise, alternative poultry farming is an important economic activity for small-scale family farmers. However, shortcomings related to sanitary management lead to increased occurrence of avian diseases, such as those caused by Salmonella spp. Despite salmonellosis has been described in industrial establishments, reports in alternative farms are less common, therefore the objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of salmonellosis in free-range chickens in the municipality of Barra, Western Bahia, Brazil. Cases: The poultry farmer reported the occurrence of diarrhoea in his chicken flock since the acquisition of the batch of chicks. Initially, carrying out the medicinal treatment of the birds, there was clinical improvement, however, successive recurrences of clinical signs occurred, such as diarrhoea, apathy, anorexia, and death of some birds. Upon learning about the case, an epidemiological investigation of the flock was carried out, and it was noted that some of the birds were retracted, apathetic, anorexic, and a lot of diarrheic faeces of a yellowish-white appearance were also observed. The entire flock had a history of vaccination against diseases: newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, gumboro disease, and fowlpox. For better evaluation, five birds were necropsied, enabling the observation that the animals had a good body score. However, the necropsy revealed lesions such as splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and enteritis in the three birds initially analysed (Animals 1, 2, and 3). The other birds (Animals 4 and 5) were submitted to evaluation for Eimeria sp. oocysts by means of scrapings from the intestinal mucosa, and there were no structures compatible with oocysts. Faecal samples were collected from another six birds in the flock for coproparasitological examination, and the presence of oocysts was not detected. Finally, sera from 20 birds in the flock were collected for the Rapid Serum Agglutination Test (SAR) for the detection anti-Salmonella Pullorum antibodies. Discussion: The diagnosis was based on clinical evaluation, post mortem pathological findings of the necropsied birds, epidemiological data and confirmed with SAR testing, whereby 11 birds were seropositive for Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Pullorum. The prevalence of S. Pullorum is poorly described in alternative farming. Based on the farmer's report, it is believed that the chicks were purchased already infected, because birds from the same batch, also purchased by neighbouring producers, showed the same clinical signs. The unsatisfactory sanitation in the flock was another factor that may have favoured the persistence of the bacteria, since, the lack of removal of organic matter is a source of nutrients for microorganisms, and this may have favoured the multiplication and maintenance of the bacteria in the down feathers, feed, and water. The elimination of S. Pullorum through the faeces, in addition to the density of the birds, may have led to transmission to the other healthy birds. However, the knowledge and adoption of prophylactic measures in free-range chicken farms is a crucial factor in minimizing the occurrence of outbreaks and thus avoiding a future public Health Problem.

Prospect of microbial food borne diseases in Pakistan: a review / Perspectiva de doenças microbianas transmitidas por alimentos no Paquistão: uma revisão

Abstract Nowadays food borne illness is most common in people due to their epidemic nature. These diseases affect the human digestive system through bacteria, viruses and parasites. The agents of illness are transmitted in our body through various types of food items, water and uncooked. Pathogens show drastic changes in immunosuppressant people. This review gives general insights to harmful microbial life. Pakistan is a developed country and because of its improper food management, a lot of gastrointestinal problems are noted in many patients. Bacteria are most common agents to spread diarrhoea, villi infection, constipation and dysenteric disease in human and induce the rejection of organ transplant. Enhancement of their lifestyle, properly cooked food should be used and to overcome the outbreak of the diseases.

Resumo Hoje em dia, as doenças transmitidas por alimentos são mais comuns em pessoas devido à sua natureza epidêmica. Essas doenças afetam o sistema digestivo humano por meio de bactérias, vírus e parasitas. Os agentes das doenças são transmitidos em nosso corpo por meio de diversos tipos de alimentos, água e crus. Os patógenos mostram mudanças drásticas em pessoas imunossupressoras. Esta revisão fornece uma visão geral da vida microbiana prejudicial. O Paquistão é um país desenvolvido e, devido ao seu manejo alimentar inadequado, muitos problemas gastrointestinais são observados em muitos pacientes. As bactérias são os agentes mais comuns para espalhar diarreia, infecção de vilosidades, obstipação e doença disentérica em humanos e induzem a rejeição de transplantes de órgãos. Melhoria de seu estilo de vida, alimentos devidamente cozidos devem ser utilizados e para superar o aparecimento de doenças.

Prospect of microbial food borne diseases in Pakistan: a review / Perspectiva de doenças microbianas transmitidas por alimentos no Paquistão: uma revisão

Abstract Nowadays food borne illness is most common in people due to their epidemic nature. These diseases affect the human digestive system through bacteria, viruses and parasites. The agents of illness are transmitted in our body through various types of food items, water and uncooked. Pathogens show drastic changes in immunosuppressant people. This review gives general insights to harmful microbial life. Pakistan is a developed country and because of its improper food management, a lot of gastrointestinal problems are noted in many patients. Bacteria are most common agents to spread diarrhoea, villi infection, constipation and dysenteric disease in human and induce the rejection of organ transplant. Enhancement of their lifestyle, properly cooked food should be used and to overcome the outbreak of the diseases.(AU)

Resumo Hoje em dia, as doenças transmitidas por alimentos são mais comuns em pessoas devido à sua natureza epidêmica. Essas doenças afetam o sistema digestivo humano por meio de bactérias, vírus e parasitas. Os agentes das doenças são transmitidos em nosso corpo por meio de diversos tipos de alimentos, água e crus. Os patógenos mostram mudanças drásticas em pessoas imunossupressoras. Esta revisão fornece uma visão geral da vida microbiana prejudicial. O Paquistão é um país desenvolvido e, devido ao seu manejo alimentar inadequado, muitos problemas gastrointestinais são observados em muitos pacientes. As bactérias são os agentes mais comuns para espalhar diarreia, infecção de vilosidades, obstipação e doença disentérica em humanos e induzem a rejeição de transplantes de órgãos. Melhoria de seu estilo de vida, alimentos devidamente cozidos devem ser utilizados e para superar o aparecimento de doenças.(AU)

Dietary fiber and zinc additives on performance and intestinal health of Escherichia coli challenged piglets

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of zinc oxide and a low level of encapsulated zinc oxide, with or without dietary fiber, on the performance and intestinal health of weaned piglets. A total of 112 piglets were used, divided into four treatment groups: basal diet with zinc oxide (ZnO); basal diet with zinc oxide and dietary fiber (ZnO+DF); basal diet with encapsulated low zinc oxide (LZnOE); and basal diet with LZnOE and DF (LZnOE+DF). Piglets were challenged with E . coli K88 + , weighed weekly and the fecal score was evaluated daily. One pig per pen was slaughtered to evaluate the production of volatile fatty acids, intestinal microbial populations, intestinal morphology, and digestibility. The encapsulated zinc resulted in lower body weight and average daily gain, but, when associated with dietary fiber, had similar results to zinc oxide. Until 49 days of age, zinc oxide reduced diarrhoea ( p 0.05). At 63 days of age the piglets subjected to LZnOE+DF treatment had lower diarrhoea than the pigs subjected to LZnOE treatment but higher than the ZnO and the ZnO+DF groups. Final weight and incidence of diarrhoea of pigs receiving LZnOE was worse than ZnO. LZnOE associated with DF provided the same final weight of piglets from the ZnO group.

Dietary fiber and zinc additives on performance and intestinal health of Escherichia coli challenged piglets

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of zinc oxide and a low level of encapsulated zinc oxide, with or without dietary fiber, on the performance and intestinal health of weaned piglets. A total of 112 piglets were used, divided into four treatment groups: basal diet with zinc oxide (ZnO); basal diet with zinc oxide and dietary fiber (ZnO+DF); basal diet with encapsulated low zinc oxide (LZnOE); and basal diet with LZnOE and DF (LZnOE+DF). Piglets were challenged with E . coli K88 + , weighed weekly and the fecal score was evaluated daily. One pig per pen was slaughtered to evaluate the production of volatile fatty acids, intestinal microbial populations, intestinal morphology, and digestibility. The encapsulated zinc resulted in lower body weight and average daily gain, but, when associated with dietary fiber, had similar results to zinc oxide. Until 49 days of age, zinc oxide reduced diarrhoea ( p 0.05). At 63 days of age the piglets subjected to LZnOE+DF treatment had lower diarrhoea than the pigs subjected to LZnOE treatment but higher than the ZnO and the ZnO+DF groups. Final weight and incidence of diarrhoea of pigs receiving LZnOE was worse than ZnO. LZnOE associated with DF provided the same final weight of piglets from the ZnO group.(AU)

Serological prevalence of bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD-1) in non-vaccinated dairy cattle in the municipality of Realeza-Paraná / Prevalência sorológica de diarreia viral bovina (BVD-1) em bovinos leiteiros não vacinados do município de Realeza-Paraná

Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) is an infectious and contagious disease affecting cattle that is responsible for causing a wide range of clinical manifestations ranging from inapparent or subclinical infections to an acute and sometimes fatal disease known as mucosal disease. The agent that causes BVD is an RNA virus of the genus Pestivirus and family Flaviridae. BVD is transmitted in two different ways: horizontal, by secretions, and vertically in pregnant cows, where the cow transmits the virus to the foetus. The clinical signs depend on the affected animal, its immunological capacity, and in the case of pregnant females, the gestation phase. A gestational infection can result in several changes, such as congenital anomalies, abortion, or even the birth of so-called persistently infected (PI) animals, which are difficult to detect and have a very important epidemiological role within the herd. The southwest region of Paraná has the largest dairy basin in the state of Paraná and is predominantly composed of family farmers, many of whom adopt measures that increase the health risk of their herd. The objective of this study was to delineate the serological prevalence of non-vaccinated dairy cattle in the municipality of Royalty-PR in relation to the BVD-1 virus, as well as to evaluate the odds ratios, relative risk and risk attributable to the independent variables of breed, age and the community under study. To that end, 317 blood serum samples from non-vaccinated cows from 18 different farms, with various breeds and ages, were evaluated by virus neutralization for the detection of antibodies specific to BVD-1. The results showed that 17.03% of the animals (54/317) had positive BVD-1 serology, and 82.33% (15/18) of the farms had at least one positive animal. Animals of the Jersey breed and the Barra do Sarandi Line community had the highest epidemiological risks, with a strong association with BVD-1 infection.

A Diarreia Viral Bovina (BVD) é uma doença infectocontagiosa que acomete bovinos, responsável por causar uma ampla gama de manifestações clínicas, que variam desde infecções inaparentes ou subclínicas até uma doença aguda e, por vezes, fatal conhecida como Doença das Mucosas. O agente causal da BVD é um RNA vírus do gênero Pestivirus, e da família Flaviridae. A BVD é transmitida de duas formas distintas: horizontal, por secreções, e de forma vertical em vacas prenhes, ocorrendo transmissão da vaca para o feto. Os sinais clínicos dependem do animal acometido, de sua capacidade imunológica, e no caso de fêmeas prenhes, da fase de gestação que a mesma se encontra. Uma infecção no período gestacional pode resultar em várias alterações como: anomalias congênitas, aborto, ou até mesmo no nascimento dos chamados animais persistentemente infectados (PI), que são fontes de difícil detecção e que tem papel epidemiológico muito importante dentro do rebanho bovino. A região Sudoeste do Paraná possui a maior bacia leiteira do estado do Paraná, sendo composta, predominantemente, por pequenos produtores, sendo que muitos destes, adotam medidas que aumentam o risco sanitário do seu rebanho. Objetivou-se com este estudo, delinear a prevalência sorológica de bovinos leiteiros não vacinados do município de Realeza-PR, perante o vírus da BVD-1, bem como, avaliar odds ratio, risco relativo e atribuído as variáveis independentes: raça, idade e comunidade em estudo. Para tal, 317 amostras de soro sanguíneo provenientes de fêmeas não vacinadas, de 18 diferentes propriedades, raças e idades foram avaliadas por meio de vírus neutralização para a detecção de anticorpos específicos a BVD-1. Os resultados demonstram que 17, 03% dos animais (54/317) foram positivos a sorologia de BVD-1, sendo que em 82,33 % (15/18) das propriedades havia ao menos um animal positivo. Animais da raça Jersey e da comunidade de linha Barra do Sarandi...

Serological prevalence of bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD-1) in non-vaccinated dairy cattle in the municipality of Realeza-Paraná / Prevalência sorológica de diarreia viral bovina (BVD-1) em bovinos leiteiros não vacinados do município de Realeza-Paraná

Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) is an infectious and contagious disease affecting cattle that is responsible for causing a wide range of clinical manifestations ranging from inapparent or subclinical infections to an acute and sometimes fatal disease known as mucosal disease. The agent that causes BVD is an RNA virus of the genus Pestivirus and family Flaviridae. BVD is transmitted in two different ways: horizontal, by secretions, and vertically in pregnant cows, where the cow transmits the virus to the foetus. The clinical signs depend on the affected animal, its immunological capacity, and in the case of pregnant females, the gestation phase. A gestational infection can result in several changes, such as congenital anomalies, abortion, or even the birth of so-called persistently infected (PI) animals, which are difficult to detect and have a very important epidemiological role within the herd. The southwest region of Paraná has the largest dairy basin in the state of Paraná and is predominantly composed of family farmers, many of whom adopt measures that increase the health risk of their herd. The objective of this study was to delineate the serological prevalence of non-vaccinated dairy cattle in the municipality of Royalty-PR in relation to the BVD-1 virus, as well as to evaluate the odds ratios, relative risk and risk attributable to the independent variables of breed, age and the community under study. To that end, 317 blood serum samples from non-vaccinated cows from 18 different farms, with various breeds and ages, were evaluated by virus neutralization for the detection of antibodies specific to BVD-1. The results showed that 17.03% of the animals (54/317) had positive BVD-1 serology, and 82.33% (15/18) of the farms had at least one positive animal. Animals of the Jersey breed and the Barra do Sarandi Line community had the highest epidemiological risks, with a strong association with BVD-1 infection.(AU)

A Diarreia Viral Bovina (BVD) é uma doença infectocontagiosa que acomete bovinos, responsável por causar uma ampla gama de manifestações clínicas, que variam desde infecções inaparentes ou subclínicas até uma doença aguda e, por vezes, fatal conhecida como Doença das Mucosas. O agente causal da BVD é um RNA vírus do gênero Pestivirus, e da família Flaviridae. A BVD é transmitida de duas formas distintas: horizontal, por secreções, e de forma vertical em vacas prenhes, ocorrendo transmissão da vaca para o feto. Os sinais clínicos dependem do animal acometido, de sua capacidade imunológica, e no caso de fêmeas prenhes, da fase de gestação que a mesma se encontra. Uma infecção no período gestacional pode resultar em várias alterações como: anomalias congênitas, aborto, ou até mesmo no nascimento dos chamados animais persistentemente infectados (PI), que são fontes de difícil detecção e que tem papel epidemiológico muito importante dentro do rebanho bovino. A região Sudoeste do Paraná possui a maior bacia leiteira do estado do Paraná, sendo composta, predominantemente, por pequenos produtores, sendo que muitos destes, adotam medidas que aumentam o risco sanitário do seu rebanho. Objetivou-se com este estudo, delinear a prevalência sorológica de bovinos leiteiros não vacinados do município de Realeza-PR, perante o vírus da BVD-1, bem como, avaliar odds ratio, risco relativo e atribuído as variáveis independentes: raça, idade e comunidade em estudo. Para tal, 317 amostras de soro sanguíneo provenientes de fêmeas não vacinadas, de 18 diferentes propriedades, raças e idades foram avaliadas por meio de vírus neutralização para a detecção de anticorpos específicos a BVD-1. Os resultados demonstram que 17, 03% dos animais (54/317) foram positivos a sorologia de BVD-1, sendo que em 82,33 % (15/18) das propriedades havia ao menos um animal positivo. Animais da raça Jersey e da comunidade de linha Barra do Sarandi...(AU)

Evaluation of protection against bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 after vaccination of the calves with bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 combo inactivated vaccine / Avaliação da proteção contra o vírus da diarreia viral bovina tipo 2 após vacinação de bezerros com vacina combinada inativada do vírus da diarreia viral bovina tipo 1

This study was designed to evaluate the extent of the protection for bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 (BVDV-2) infection, afforded by vaccination with a combo inactivated vaccine, which contains bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 (BVDV-1) and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV). Five 3-4-month-old calves were intramuscularly vaccinated with a single dose of the combo vaccine and boosted with same dose three weeks after the first vaccination, with five mock immunized calves serving as a control group. Twenty-one days after the second vaccination, all calves were challenged with BVDV-2 SX08 strain by spray into nostril. The unvaccinated animals developed typical clinical signs of high rectal temperature, diarrhoea with erosions and a dramatic drop in leukocyte counts. These signs occured markedly less in all vaccinated animals, the rectal temperature, leukopenia and virarmia of which, were significantly less than the mock immunized calves. It can be concluded that vaccination with the combo inactivated vaccine affords cross-protection against clinical effects of a challenge-infection with BVDV-2 SX08 strain, although it was part protection.(AU)

Este estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar a extensão da proteção contra a infecção pelo vírus da diarréia viral bovina tipo 2 (BVDV-2) através da vacinação com uma vacina combinada inativada contendo o vírus da diarréia viral bovina tipo 1 (BVDV-1) e vírus da rinotraqueíte de bovinos infecciosos (IBRV). Cinco bezerros com 3 a 4 meses de idade foram vacinados via intramuscular com uma dose única da vacina combinada e reforçados com a mesma dose três semanas após a primeira vacinação, com cinco bezerros imunizados em simulação servindo como grupo controle. Vinte e um dias após a segunda vacinação, todos os bezerros foram desafiados com a cepa BVDV-2 SX08 por spray na narina. Os animais não vacinados desenvolveram sinais clínicos típicos, como alta temperatura retal, diarréia com erosões e queda drástica na contagem de leucócitos. Estes sinais tiveram ocorrência significativamente menor em todos os animais vacinados, cuja temperatura retal, leucopenia e virarmia eram significativamente menores do que os bezerros simulados. É possível concluir que a vacinação com a vacina combinada inativada proporciona proteção cruzada contra os efeitos clínicos de uma infecção provocada pela cepa BVDV-2 SX08, embora tenha sido parcialmente protegida.(AU)

Evaluation of protection against bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 after vaccination of the calves with bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 combo inactivated vaccine / Avaliação da proteção contra o vírus da diarreia viral bovina tipo 2 após vacinação de bezerros com vacina combinada inativada do vírus da diarreia viral bovina tipo 1

This study was designed to evaluate the extent of the protection for bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 (BVDV-2) infection, afforded by vaccination with a combo inactivated vaccine, which contains bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 (BVDV-1) and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV). Five 3-4-month-old calves were intramuscularly vaccinated with a single dose of the combo vaccine and boosted with same dose three weeks after the first vaccination, with five mock immunized calves serving as a control group. Twenty-one days after the second vaccination, all calves were challenged with BVDV-2 SX08 strain by spray into nostril. The unvaccinated animals developed typical clinical signs of high rectal temperature, diarrhoea with erosions and a dramatic drop in leukocyte counts. These signs occured markedly less in all vaccinated animals, the rectal temperature, leukopenia and virarmia of which, were significantly less than the mock immunized calves. It can be concluded that vaccination with the combo inactivated vaccine affords cross-protection against clinical effects of a challenge-infection with BVDV-2 SX08 strain, although it was part protection.(AU)

Este estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar a extensão da proteção contra a infecção pelo vírus da diarréia viral bovina tipo 2 (BVDV-2) através da vacinação com uma vacina combinada inativada contendo o vírus da diarréia viral bovina tipo 1 (BVDV-1) e vírus da rinotraqueíte de bovinos infecciosos (IBRV). Cinco bezerros com 3 a 4 meses de idade foram vacinados via intramuscular com uma dose única da vacina combinada e reforçados com a mesma dose três semanas após a primeira vacinação, com cinco bezerros imunizados em simulação servindo como grupo controle. Vinte e um dias após a segunda vacinação, todos os bezerros foram desafiados com a cepa BVDV-2 SX08 por spray na narina. Os animais não vacinados desenvolveram sinais clínicos típicos, como alta temperatura retal, diarréia com erosões e queda drástica na contagem de leucócitos. Estes sinais tiveram ocorrência significativamente menor em todos os animais vacinados, cuja temperatura retal, leucopenia e virarmia eram significativamente menores do que os bezerros simulados. É possível concluir que a vacinação com a vacina combinada inativada proporciona proteção cruzada contra os efeitos clínicos de uma infecção provocada pela cepa BVDV-2 SX08, embora tenha sido parcialmente protegida.(AU)

Additional effect of coated sodium butyrate 30% in the piglets feeding during the nursery phase / Efeito adicional do butirato de sódio 30% revestido na alimentação de leitões durante a fase de creche

In this study, the objective was to assess the growth performance, rectal microbiological profile, serum and immunological standards, and incidence of diarrhoea in piglets in the nursery phase fed diets with and without the addition of coated sodium butyrate 30% (SB). A total of 80 crossbred piglets (40 entire males and 40 females), with an average initial body weight of 9.47 ± 1.03 kg, were distributed in a randomised block design, with four treatments repeated twice in the two blocks and five piglets of the same gender per experimental unit. The treatments comprised a combination of two feeds, formulated based on corn and soybean meal with and without 0.1% SB inclusion as an additional product, and both genders, fed from of the pre-starter I diet. SB did not affect (p > 0.05) the growth performance and rectal microbiological profile of the piglets, but efficiently (p = 0.05) controlled the incidence of diarrhoea. The average values of the characteristics measured in the blood of the piglets were within the normal physiological parameters of the species. The inclusion of SB in commercial feed did not alter the growth performance and rectal microbiological profile of nursery piglets under low sanitary challenge conditions. However, the organic acid efficiently reduced gastrointestinal disorders that cause diarrhoea, with diarrhoea incidence rates of 2.68 and 4.46% for piglets fed with and without the inclusion of the additional organic acid, respectively.(AU)

Neste estudo, o objetivo foi o de avaliar o desempenho zootécnico, o perfil microbiológico retal, padrões imunológicos e no soro, e a incidência de diarreia em leitões na fase de creche alimentados com dietas adicionadas ou não do butirato de sódio 30% revestido (BS). Um total de 80 leitões mestiços (40 machos inteiros e 40 fêmeas), com um peso corporal médio inicial de 9,47 ± 1,03 kg, distribuídos em um delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com quatro tratamentos repetidos duas vezes nos dois blocos e cinco suínos de mesmo sexo por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos foram constituídos pela combinação de duas rações formuladas à base de milho e farelo de soja, com e sem inclusão de 0,1% de BS como produto adicional, e dois sexos, alimentados a partir da dieta pré-inicial I. Não houve efeito (p > 0,05) do BS no desempenho zootécnico e no perfil microbiológico retal dos leitões, mas houve eficiência do BS (p = 0,05) no controle da incidência de diarreia. Os valores médios das características mensuradas no sangue dos leitões estão dentro dos parâmetros fisiológicos normais da espécie. A inclusão de BS em rações comerciais não altera o desempenho zootécnico e o perfil microbiológico retal de leitões na fase de creche sob condições de baixo desafio sanitário. Entretanto, o ácido orgânico é eficiente na redução de distúrbios gastrointestinais causadores de diarreia, com proporções de incidência de diarreia de 2,68% e 4,46% para leitões alimentados com e sem inclusão do ácido orgânico adicional, respectivamente.(AU)

Sensitivity, specificity and comparison of three commercially available immunological tests in the diagnosis of Cryptosporidium species in animals

The study was conducted to compare the specificity of immunological diagnostic methods used for the diagnosis of Cryptosporidium species capable of causing life-threatening infection in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients. For the detection of Cryptosporidium species in 79 animals with diarrhoea, we used three Copro-antigen tests: RIDASCREEN® Cryptosporidium test, Cryptosporidium 2nd Generation (ELISA) and RIDA®QUICK Cryptosporidium. For immunoassays we used positive and negative samples detected by means of polymerase chain reaction and validated by sequencing and nested polymerase chain reaction to confirm the presence six different species of Cryptosporidium species. Prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in the entire group determined by enzyme immunoassay, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, immuno-chromatographic test and polymerase chain reaction was 34.17%, 27.84%, 6.33% and 27.84%, respectively. Sensitivity of animal samples with enzyme immunoassay, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and immuno-chromatographic test was 63.6%, 40.9% and 22.7%, resp., when questionable samples were considered positive, whereas specificity of enzyme immunoassay, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and immuno-chromatographic test was 75.9%, 78.9% and 100%, respectively. Positive predictive values and negative predictive values were different for all the tests. These differences results are controversial and therefore reliability and reproducibility of immunoassays as the only diagnostic method is questionable. The use of various Cryptosporidium species in diagnosis based on immunological testing and different results obtained by individual tests indicate potential differences in Copro-antigens produced by individual Cryptosporidium species.(AU)

Efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation for treating acute colitis in horses undergoing colic surgery / Eficácia do transplante de microbiota fecal no tratamento da colite aguda em equinos submetidos a cirurgia de cólica

The report describes the outcome of four horses treated with homologous faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for acute colitis. The horses developed diarrhoea and fever a few days after a laparotomy to treat gastrointestinal disease. Medical records were reviewed to identify the horses as well as to describe the primary intestinal disease, clinical findings, surgical intervention, FMT protocol, outcome and follow-up of each case. The principle of the efficacy of FMT is that restoration of a balanced nonpathogenic bacterial population may be the primary defence mechanism against colonization of pathogenic bacteria in the equine gastrointestinal tract. The FMT did not produce adverse reactions and was demonstrated to rapidly control diarrhoea and fever in all cases. A complete resolution of clinical sings was observed within 24 hours when horses were given a single FMT. Further clinical studies are necessary to determine the optimal preparation and to reinforce the efficacy of FMT for treating acute colitis following colic surgery. The technique has the potential to be an inexpensive, safe and highly efficient tool for the prevention and treatment of infectious gastrointestinal diseases in horses, preventing antimicrobial resistance.(AU)

O presente relato descreve a recuperação de 4 equinos tratados com transplante homólogo de microbiota fecal (TMF) para colite aguda. Os animais desenvolveram diarreia e febre alguns dias após serem submetidos a laparotomia para tratar obstruções intestinais. Os registros médicos foram revisados para identificar os equinos, bem como para descrever a doença intestinal primária, achados clínicos, detalhes da intervenção cirúrgica, protocolo do TMF, resultados e evolução de cada caso. O princípio da eficácia do TMF é que a restauração do equilíbrio de bactérias não patogênicas pode ser o principal mecanismo de defesa contra a colonização por bactérias patogênicas no trato gastrointestinal equino. O TMF não ocasionou reações adversas e demonstrou controlar rapidamente a diarreia e a febre em todos os casos. A resolução completa dos sinais clínicos foi observada dentro de 24 horas, sendo que os cavalos receberam um único TMF. Estudos clínicos adicionais são necessários para determinar a melhor técnica de preparação e para reforçar a eficácia do TMF no tratamento da colite aguda após cirurgia de cólica. A técnica tem potencial para ser uma ferramenta de baixo custo, segura e altamente eficiente para a prevenção e tratamento de doenças infecciosas gastrointestinais em equinos, evitando a resistência antimicrobiana.(AU)

Efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation for treating acute colitis in horses undergoing colic surgery / Eficácia do transplante de microbiota fecal no tratamento da colite aguda em equinos submetidos a cirurgia de cólica

The report describes the outcome of four horses treated with homologous faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for acute colitis. The horses developed diarrhoea and fever a few days after a laparotomy to treat gastrointestinal disease. Medical records were reviewed to identify the horses as well as to describe the primary intestinal disease, clinical findings, surgical intervention, FMT protocol, outcome and follow-up of each case. The principle of the efficacy of FMT is that restoration of a balanced nonpathogenic bacterial population may be the primary defence mechanism against colonization of pathogenic bacteria in the equine gastrointestinal tract. The FMT did not produce adverse reactions and was demonstrated to rapidly control diarrhoea and fever in all cases. A complete resolution of clinical sings was observed within 24 hours when horses were given a single FMT. Further clinical studies are necessary to determine the optimal preparation and to reinforce the efficacy of FMT for treating acute colitis following colic surgery. The technique has the potential to be an inexpensive, safe and highly efficient tool for the prevention and treatment of infectious gastrointestinal diseases in horses, preventing antimicrobial resistance.(AU)

O presente relato descreve a recuperação de 4 equinos tratados com transplante homólogo de microbiota fecal (TMF) para colite aguda. Os animais desenvolveram diarreia e febre alguns dias após serem submetidos a laparotomia para tratar obstruções intestinais. Os registros médicos foram revisados para identificar os equinos, bem como para descrever a doença intestinal primária, achados clínicos, detalhes da intervenção cirúrgica, protocolo do TMF, resultados e evolução de cada caso. O princípio da eficácia do TMF é que a restauração do equilíbrio de bactérias não patogênicas pode ser o principal mecanismo de defesa contra a colonização por bactérias patogênicas no trato gastrointestinal equino. O TMF não ocasionou reações adversas e demonstrou controlar rapidamente a diarreia e a febre em todos os casos. A resolução completa dos sinais clínicos foi observada dentro de 24 horas, sendo que os cavalos receberam um único TMF. Estudos clínicos adicionais são necessários para determinar a melhor técnica de preparação e para reforçar a eficácia do TMF no tratamento da colite aguda após cirurgia de cólica. A técnica tem potencial para ser uma ferramenta de baixo custo, segura e altamente eficiente para a prevenção e tratamento de doenças infecciosas gastrointestinais em equinos, evitando a resistência antimicrobiana.(AU)

Molecular diagnostic of chicken parvovirus (ChPV) affecting broiler flocks in Ecuador

Enteric diseases affect poultry and cause important economic losses in many countries worldwide. Avian parvovirus has been linked to enteric conditions, such as malabsorption and runting-stunting syndrome (RSS), characterized by diarrhoea, and reduced weight gain and growth retardation. In 2013 and 2016, 79 samples were collected from different organs of chickens in Ecuador that exhibited signs of diarrhea and stunting syndrome, and analysed for the presence of chicken parvovirus (ChPV). The detection method of ChPV applied was Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), using primers designed from the conserved region of the viral genome that encodes the non-structural protein NS1. Out of the 79 samples, 50.6% (40/79) were positive for ChPV, and their nucleotide and amino acid sequences were analysed to determine their phylogenetic relationship with the sequences reported in the United States, Canada, China, South Korea, Croatia, Poland, Hungary, and Brazil. Strong similarity of nucleotide and amino acid sequences among all analyzed sequences and between the analysed and reference sequences was demonstrated, and the phylogenetic analysis clustered all the sequences within the same group, demonstrating a strong relation between the studied strains and the reference chicken parvovirus strains.(AU)

Molecular diagnostic of chicken parvovirus (ChPV) affecting broiler flocks in Ecuador

Enteric diseases affect poultry and cause important economic losses in many countries worldwide. Avian parvovirus has been linked to enteric conditions, such as malabsorption and runting-stunting syndrome (RSS), characterized by diarrhoea, and reduced weight gain and growth retardation. In 2013 and 2016, 79 samples were collected from different organs of chickens in Ecuador that exhibited signs of diarrhea and stunting syndrome, and analysed for the presence of chicken parvovirus (ChPV). The detection method of ChPV applied was Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), using primers designed from the conserved region of the viral genome that encodes the non-structural protein NS1. Out of the 79 samples, 50.6% (40/79) were positive for ChPV, and their nucleotide and amino acid sequences were analysed to determine their phylogenetic relationship with the sequences reported in the United States, Canada, China, South Korea, Croatia, Poland, Hungary, and Brazil. Strong similarity of nucleotide and amino acid sequences among all analyzed sequences and between the analysed and reference sequences was demonstrated, and the phylogenetic analysis clustered all the sequences within the same group, demonstrating a strong relation between the studied strains and the reference chicken parvovirus strains.

Assessment of ultrasonographic and endoscopic changes in dogs with gastrointestinale disorders

ABSTRACT The study has been conducted over a period of 4 years, on a total number of 133 dogs, all of those expressing gastrointestinal disorders. Ultrasound and endoscopic examinations were performed in all dogs in order to assess any significant correlations between ultrasonographic and endoscopic findings. The results confirm a significant correlation between the presence of diarrhoea and increased thickness of the large bowel wall, with P 0.5. Another extremely significant correlation we observed is the one between increased thickness of large bowel wall and loss of layering at this level, with P 0.5. Upper GI endoscopy revealed that dilated lacteals in the duodenum are significantly associated with the presence of diarrhoea, P 0.5 and, more importantly, there is a very significant correlation between dilated lacteals and the presence of striations (P 0.5), which confirms previous studies (Sutherland-Smith et al., 2007) that say the striated aspect of the intestinal mucosa is due to dilated lacteals.

RESUMO O estudo foi conduzido durante um período de quatro anos, em um número total de 133 cães, todos os que expressam distúrbios gastrointestinais. Exames ultrassonográficos e endoscópicos foram realizados em todos os cães, a fim de se avaliarem as correlações significativas entre os achados ultrassonográficos e endoscópicos. Os resultados confirmam uma correlação significativa entre a presença de diarreia e o aumento da espessura da parede do intestino grande, com P 0,5. Outra correlação extremamente significativa observada é a única entre o aumento da espessura da parede do intestino grosso e a perda de camadas a esse nível, com P 0,5. GI superior endoscopia revelou que lacteals dilatados no duodeno estão significativamente associados com a presença de diarreia, P 0,5 e mais importante, não há uma correlação muito significativa entre lacteals dilatados e a presença de estrias (P 0,5), o que confirma estudos anteriores (Sutherland-Smith et al., 2007) que dizem que o aspecto estriado da mucosa intestinal está a ser dada pelos lacteals dilatados.