Helminths of South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) from the Subtropical Convergence Zone of the Southwestern Atlantic / Helmintos de lobos-marinhos-sul-americanos (Arctocephalus australis) da Zona de Convergência Subtropical do Atlântico Sudoeste

Parasites are important components of ecosystems and may contribute to the ecological aspects of their hosts and indicate the integrity of their environment. To identify the gastrointestinal helminths of the South American fur seal, Arctocephalus australis, 52 animals found dead on the Rio Grande do Sul coast, Southern Brazil, were necropsied. All studied animals were parasitized, and 104,670 specimens of helminths from three phyla and 14 taxa were collected. Adult specimens represented five of the identified species: Contracaecum ogmorhini, Adenocephalus pacificus, Stephanoprora uruguayense, Ascocotyle (Phagicola) longa, and Corynosoma australe; and one of the identified genera: Strongyloides sp. Immature forms represented the other eight taxa: Anisakidae gen. sp., Anisakis sp., Pseudoterranova sp., Contracaecum sp., Tetrabothriidae gen. sp., Cestoda gen. sp., Corynosoma cetaceum, and Bolbosoma turbinella. The acanthocephalan C. australe was the most prevalent and abundant parasite, whereas Strongyloides sp. had the highest intensity. This is the first record of the nematode Anisakis sp., digenean S. uruguayense, and acanthocephalan B. turbinella in this host. Trophic generalist species such as A. australis can be good indicators of the composition of the helminth fauna of their ecosystems, indicating the presence of zoonotic parasites transmitted by the consumption of fish.(AU)

Os parasitas são componentes importantes dos ecossistemas e podem contribuir com os aspectos ecológicos de seus hospedeiros e indicar a integridade de seus ambientes. Com o objetivo de identificar os helmintos gastrointestinais de Lobos-marinhos-sul-americanos, Arctocephalus australis, 52 animais, encontrados mortos no litoral do Rio Grande do Sul, sul do Brasil, foram necropsiados. Todos os animais estudados estavam parasitados, e 104.670 espécimes de helmintos de três filos e 14 táxons foram coletados. Foram representadas por espécimes adultos cinco espécies: Contracaecum ogmorhini, Adenocephalus pacificus, Stephanoprora uruguayense, Ascocotyle (Phagicola) longa, e Corynosoma australe; e um gênero: Strongyloides sp. Oito táxons foram representados por formas imaturas: Anisakidae gen. sp., Anisakis sp., Pseudoterranova sp., Contracaecum sp., Tetrabothriidae gen. sp., Cestoda gen. sp., Corynosoma cetaceum, e Bolbosoma turbinella. O acantocéfalo C. australe foi o parasita mais prevalente e abundante, enquanto Strongyloides sp. foi o de maior intensidade. Este é o primeiro registro do nematódeo Anisakis sp., do digenético S. uruguayense e do acantocéfalo B. turbinella neste hospedeiro. Espécies de elevado nível trófico como A. australis podem ser bons indicadores da composição da helmintofauna de seus ecossistemas, alertando-se para a presença de parasitas zoonóticos transmitidos pelo consumo de peixes.(AU)

Ultrasonography of the stomach and small intestine in healthy Mangalarga Marchador horses from birth to 5 years of age / Ultrassonografia de estômago e intestino delgado de equinos Mangalarga Marchador saudáveis desde o nascimento até cinco anos de idade

The aim of the study was to describe location, sonographic characteristics and measures of the stomach and small intestine of equines at different ages. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed on 88 healthy equines of either sex, aged 1, 7 and 15 days, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 months and 1, 3 and 5 years, with 20 animals per group. Location, characteristics and measurements of stomach, duodenum and jejunum were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were performed for each measurement and the percentile for each age was analyzed. The work showed the growth and characteristics of the organs evaluated over time. Adult animals showed a minimum of 4 duodenal movements per minute. It was possible to locate the organs evaluated in all animals. The detailed ultrasound examination of these organs allowed gathering information that could be used to assist in the care of future patients.

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever localização topográfica, características e medidas ultrassonográficas de estômago e intestino delgado de equinos em diferentes idades. Foi realizado um exame ultrassonográfico abdominal em 20 equinos saudáveis de ambos os sexos, com idades de um, sete e 15 dias, um, dois, três, quatro, cinco, seis, sete, oito, nove, 10 e 11 meses e um, três e cinco anos. A localização, as características e as medidas de estômago, duodeno e jejuno foram avaliadas. Foi realizada a estatística descritiva para cada medida e analisado o percentil para cada idade. O trabalho mostrou o crescimento e as características dos órgãos avaliados ao longo do tempo. Animais adultos apresentaram um mínimo de quatro movimentos por minuto de duodeno. Foi possível localizar os órgãos avaliados em todos os animais. O exame ultrassonográfico detalhado desses órgãos permitiu agrupar informações que poderão ser usadas para auxiliar no atendimento a futuros pacientes.

Exogenous amylase increases gas production and improves in vitro ruminal digestion kinetics of sorghum and corn grains / Amilase exógena aumenta a produção de gases e melhora a cinética de digestão ruminal in vitro de grãos de sorgo e milho

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous amylase on gas production, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and in vitro digestion kinetics of sorghum (Sorghum vulgaris) and two corn hybrids of different grain textures. Ruminal fluid was collected from two rumen-fistulated cows receiving or not exogenous amylase (0.7g kg-1 of dry matter (DM basis)), provided to achieve 396 kilo Novo units kg-1 for amylase activity (DM basis). Gas production was measured after 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36, 42 e 48 hours of incubation. Amylase increased gas production (mL) by 5.4%. Corn hybrids have higher in vitro dry matter digestibility than sorghum. Exogenous amylase increased the potential of gas production (A) (P=0.01). There was an effect of hybrid for IVDMD (P<0.01). The addition of exogenous amylase increases the in vitro gas production, improves fermentation kinetics, and increases the production of the ammonia nitrogen of corn and sorghum grains, but does not affect in vitro and dry matter digestibility or the short-chain fatty acids production.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da amilase exógena na produção de gases, a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) e a cinética de digestão in vitro de sorgo (Sorghum vulgaris) e de dois híbridos de milho de diferentes texturas de grãos. O líquido ruminal foi coletado de duas vacas fistuladas no rúmen recebendo ou não amilase exógena (0,7g kg-1 de matéria seca (MS)), fornecida para atingir 396 kg Novo unidades kg-1 para atividade de amilase (base na MS). A produção de gás foi medida após uma, três, seis, nove, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36, 42 e 48 horas de incubação. A amilase aumentou a produção de gás (mL) em 5,4%. Híbridos de milho apresentam maior DIVMS que o sorgo. A amilase exógena aumentou o potencial de produção de gás (A) (P=0,01). Houve efeito de híbrido para DIVMS (P<0,01). Amilase exógena aumenta a produção de gás in vitro, melhora a cinética da fermentação e aumenta a produção de nitrogênio amoniacal de grãos de milho e sorgo, mas não afeta a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca ou a produção de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta.

Commercial Feed Diluted with Different Fiber Sources and Enzyme Product for Broilers: Growth Performance, Carcass and Gut Health

The dilution of commercial broiler feed with copra meal (CM), palm kernel meal (PKM) and cassava leaf meal (CLM) and enzyme supplementation was investigated. Two hundred and eighty 7-day old Cobb 500 broilers were fed commercial feed alone or diluted with the test ingredients with and without enzyme. There were no interaction effects (p>0.05) on feed intake (FI) and weight gain (WG). Poorer (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed on the diet diluted diets from 22-42 d, but this was restored (p>0.05) by enzyme supplementation. There was no interaction effect on final body weight (FBW). Diet dilution depressed FBW (p<0.05) but enzyme supplementation restored (p>0.05) this weight depression. Abdominal fat was lighter (p<0.05) on CLM compared to CM. There were no interaction effects (p>0.05) on the weight of gut segments and E. coli count. Heavier (p<0.05) liver, gizzard and intestine were observed on the test diets. Commercial feed dilution with CM, CLM and PKM at 100 g/kg for starter and 200 g/kg for finisher would be a viable option for smallholder broiler production. More research is needed into dilution levels and enzyme concentrations.(AU)

Effects of Bee Pollen Inclusion on the Performance and Gut Morphology of Ross 308 Broiler Chickens

This study was conducted to determine the effect of bee pollen inclusion on the performance and gut morphology of Ross 308 broiler chickens. A total of 240-day-old chicks (120 males and 120 females) were allocated to 4 treatments in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with sex as a block. Each experimental group was replicated 3 times with 10 chicks per replicate, with an average weight of 40 ± 5g per bird. Body weight and feed intake were measured on a weekly basis to calculate the feed conversion ratio. Gut morphology was measured on days 21 and 42. Data were analysed using the General Linear Model procedures of the Statistical Analysis System.Bee pollen inclusion in starter diets had an effect (p<0.05) on body weight and live weight gain of male Ross 308 broiler chickens. The different inclusion levels of bee pollen had an effect (p<0.05) on the gut morphology of Ross 308 broiler chickens. The ileum lengths of female broiler chickens were significantly wider (p<0.05) in comparison with male chickens. This may suggest that bee pollen inclusion has a beneficial effect on broiler chickens gut morphology during the early stages of development. It can be concluded that natural substances such as bee pollen can be a possible feed additive to replace synthetic antibiotics, since such compounds are essential for the growth and development of poultry gut.(AU)

Exploration of Zingiber officinale effects on growth performance, immunity and gut morphology in broilers / Exploração dos efeitos do Zingiber officinale no desempenho de crescimento, imunidade e morfologia intestinal em frangos de corte

The current study aimed to determine the effects of different levels of Zingiber officinale as a herbal feed additive on growth performance, carcass characteristic, serum biochemistry, total bacterial count (TBC), gut morphology, and immunological parameters of broilers. A total of 1500, day-old broiler chicks (Hubbard) were equally accredited to five treatment groups, each with six replicates (50 birds/replicate). Five experimental diets were prepared using basal diet i.e. with antibiotics positive control (PC), 3 g/kg ginger (group A), 6 g/kg ginger (group B), 9 g/kg ginger (group C) and without antibiotics negative control (NC). Group A and C showed significantly (p<0.05) higher feed intake (FI) as compared to other groups. Group C showed significantly (p<0.05) lower Total bacterial count (TBC) followed by group B as compared to NC. Carcass characteristics showed non-significant effects among different treatments. Mean villi length and width were significantly (p <0.05) higher in all ginger supplemented groups as compared to the control groups. Blood serum parameters including cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoproteins (LDL) were significantly (p<0.05) lower in groups B and C in comparison with the control groups. Whereas high-density lipoproteins (HDL) was significantly higher in group B as compared to the others. In conclusion, ginger supplementation @0.6% in the basal diet significantly improved growth performance and gut morphometry of broilers. It also showed a positive impact on cholesterol, triglycerides and gut microbes. Therefore, ginger could be a better substitute for antibiotic growth promoters.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de Zingiber officinale como aditivo à base de plantas medicinais sobre o desempenho de crescimento, características da carcaça, bioquímica sérica, contagem bacteriana total (CBT), morfologia intestinal e parâmetros imunológicos de frangos de corte. Um total de 1.500 pintos de corte de um dia de idade (Hubbard) foram igualmente credenciados em cinco grupos de tratamento, cada um com seis repetições (50 aves/repetição). Cinco dietas experimentais foram preparadas usando dieta basal, ou seja, com controle positivo de antibióticos (PC), 3 g/kg de gengibre (grupo A), 6 g/kg de gengibre (grupo B), 9 g/kg de gengibre (grupo C) e sem controle negativo de antibióticos (NC). Os grupos A e C apresentaram consumo de ração (FI) significativamente (p < 0,05) maior do que os outros grupos. O grupo C apresentou contagem bacteriana total (CBT) significativamente menor (p < 0,05) seguido pelo grupo B em comparação com o NC. As características da carcaça apresentaram efeitos não significativos entre os diferentes tratamentos. O comprimento e largura médios das vilosidades foram significativamente (p < 0,05) maiores em todos os grupos suplementados com gengibre em comparação com os grupos de controle. Os parâmetros séricos do sangue, incluindo colesterol, triglicerídeos e lipoproteínas de baixa densidade (LDL), foram significativamente (p < 0,05) menores nos grupos B e C em comparação com os grupos controle. Enquanto as lipoproteínas de alta densidade (HDL) foram significativamente maiores no grupo B em comparação com os outros. Em conclusão, a suplementação de gengibre a 0,6% na dieta basal melhorou significativamente o desempenho de crescimento e a morfometria intestinal de frangos de corte. Ele também mostrou um impacto positivo sobre o colesterol, triglicerídeos e micróbios intestinais. Portanto, o gengibre pode ser um substituto melhor para os promotores de crescimento com antibióticos.

Exploration of Zingiber officinale effects on growth performance, immunity and gut morphology in broilers / Exploração dos efeitos do Zingiber officinale no desempenho de crescimento, imunidade e morfologia intestinal em frangos de corte

The current study aimed to determine the effects of different levels of Zingiber officinale as a herbal feed additive on growth performance, carcass characteristic, serum biochemistry, total bacterial count (TBC), gut morphology, and immunological parameters of broilers. A total of 1500, day-old broiler chicks (Hubbard) were equally accredited to five treatment groups, each with six replicates (50 birds/replicate). Five experimental diets were prepared using basal diet i.e. with antibiotics positive control (PC), 3 g/kg ginger (group A), 6 g/kg ginger (group B), 9 g/kg ginger (group C) and without antibiotics negative control (NC). Group A and C showed significantly (p<0.05) higher feed intake (FI) as compared to other groups. Group C showed significantly (p<0.05) lower Total bacterial count (TBC) followed by group B as compared to NC. Carcass characteristics showed non-significant effects among different treatments. Mean villi length and width were significantly (p <0.05) higher in all ginger supplemented groups as compared to the control groups. Blood serum parameters including cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoproteins (LDL) were significantly (p<0.05) lower in groups B and C in comparison with the control groups. Whereas high-density lipoproteins (HDL) was significantly higher in group B as compared to the others. In conclusion, ginger supplementation @0.6% in the basal diet significantly improved growth performance and gut morphometry of broilers. It also showed a positive impact on cholesterol, triglycerides and gut microbes. Therefore, ginger could be a better substitute for antibiotic growth promoters.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de Zingiber officinale como aditivo à base de plantas medicinais sobre o desempenho de crescimento, características da carcaça, bioquímica sérica, contagem bacteriana total (CBT), morfologia intestinal e parâmetros imunológicos de frangos de corte. Um total de 1.500 pintos de corte de um dia de idade (Hubbard) foram igualmente credenciados em cinco grupos de tratamento, cada um com seis repetições (50 aves/repetição). Cinco dietas experimentais foram preparadas usando dieta basal, ou seja, com controle positivo de antibióticos (PC), 3 g/kg de gengibre (grupo A), 6 g/kg de gengibre (grupo B), 9 g/kg de gengibre (grupo C) e sem controle negativo de antibióticos (NC). Os grupos A e C apresentaram consumo de ração (FI) significativamente (p < 0,05) maior do que os outros grupos. O grupo C apresentou contagem bacteriana total (CBT) significativamente menor (p < 0,05) seguido pelo grupo B em comparação com o NC. As características da carcaça apresentaram efeitos não significativos entre os diferentes tratamentos. O comprimento e largura médios das vilosidades foram significativamente (p < 0,05) maiores em todos os grupos suplementados com gengibre em comparação com os grupos de controle. Os parâmetros séricos do sangue, incluindo colesterol, triglicerídeos e lipoproteínas de baixa densidade (LDL), foram significativamente (p < 0,05) menores nos grupos B e C em comparação com os grupos controle. Enquanto as lipoproteínas de alta densidade (HDL) foram significativamente maiores no grupo B em comparação com os outros. Em conclusão, a suplementação de gengibre a 0,6% na dieta basal melhorou significativamente o desempenho de crescimento e a morfometria intestinal de frangos de corte. Ele também mostrou um impacto positivo sobre o colesterol, triglicerídeos e micróbios intestinais. Portanto, o gengibre pode ser um substituto melhor para os promotores de crescimento com antibióticos.(AU)

Preliminary Study to Investigate the Effect of Lactobacillus Reuteri Administration on Growth Performance, Immunological, Gut Microbiome and Intestinal Mucosa of Chicken

The present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of oral administration of L. reuteri on growth performance, intestine histomorphology, immunological and gut microbiome of broilers. A total of twenty healthy chickens were used in a five-week experimental trial. Birds were assigned into one of two groups with orally administrated L. reuteri probiotic and without probiotic- (Control -Phosphate-buffered saline). A significant (p<0.05) body weight gain was observed in the chickens in L. reuteri treatment group compare to those in the control group at the end of the trial. In addition, the serum IGF-1 cytokines level significantly enhanced in L. reuteri treatment group. However, there were no notable effects observed on the villus height, crypt depth, muscularis thickness, and submucosal thickness in chickens orally inject with and without L. reuteri. At the phylum level, the presence of Firmicutes (99.5%) was highly abundantin the L. reuteri treatment group. Moreover, the fecal microbial communities of Lactobacillus (99.9%) showed average relative abundance at genus level in L. reuteri treatment group. From this, we concluded that oral administration of L. reuteri would be beneficial to enhance the body weight gain, gut microbiome, and immune status of broiler.(AU)

Effects of ZooBioR2 product as feed supplement in laying hens on the morphofunctional state of intestinal mucosa / Efeitos do produto ZooBioR2 como suplemento alimentar em galinhas poedeiras sobre o estado funcional da mucosa intestinal

Spirulina platensis is a microalga with biological activity used to produce nutritional supplements rich in proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The current study aims to prove the impact of the product ZooBioR2 (obtained from Spirulina platensis) on health, and on the histology of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum in laying hens. The experiment was performed in duplicate on 5 groups of hens (14 birds/group), one control and four experimental, in which the feed was supplemented with ZooBioR2 in different doses (5.0; 10.0; 15.0; 20.0mg active substance/kg of fodder). Inclusion of the supplement in the diet have determined a significant decrease of height of intestinal villi, the depth of the crypts and the thickness of muscular layer of mucosa in the experimental groups receiving 15.0 and 20.0mg/kg. The decrease of crypts depth is an indicator of a higher rate of turn-over of epithelial tissue. The morphological changes of intestinal mucosa could be involved in a better digestibility of the fodder.

Spirulina platensis é uma microalga com atividade biológica utilizada para produzir suplementos nutricionais ricos em proteínas, ácidos graxos essenciais, vitaminas e minerais. O estudo atual visa provar o impacto do produto ZooBioR2 (obtido da Spirulina platensis) na saúde e na histologia do duodeno, jejuno, íleo e ceco em galinhas poedeiras. O experimento foi realizado em duplicata em cinco grupos de galinhas (14 aves/grupo), um controle e quatro experimentais, nos quais a ração foi suplementada com ZooBioR2 em diferentes doses (5,0; 10,0; 15,0; 20,0mg de substância ativa/kg de forragem). A inclusão do suplemento na ração determinou uma diminuição significativa da altura das vilosidades intestinais, da profundidade dos crypts e da espessura da camada muscular da mucosa nos grupos experimentais que receberam15,0 e 20,0mg/kg. A diminuição da profundidade das criptas é um indicador de maior taxa de rotação do tecido epitelial. As alterações morfológicas da mucosa intestinal podem estar envolvidas em uma melhor digestibilidade da forragem.

Expression of TGF-ß/Smads in Cecum and Spleen of Chicken Infected with E. Tenella

Chicken coccidiosis is a common and severe parasitic disease caused by infection from Eimeria spp., which affects the integrity of the intestinal mucosa. TGF-ß has been shown to play an important role in the healing of intestinal mucosas, immunity, and the maintenance of bowel mucosa integrity. Very little is known about the presence of the components of TGF-ß/Smads signaling pathway of chicken at different times following coccidian infection. In the present study, we measured the levels of TGF-ß2, 3, 4, receptor TßRI, II, down-stream Smad 2, 3, 7 in cecum and spleen of chicken at different times after inoculation with Eimeria tenella using quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that the TGF-ß/Smads signaling pathway was not activated in cecum in the early stage of infection. However, on the 8th day, the expression of TGF-ß2, 4, down-stream protein Smad 2, 7 were significant up-regulated in the spleen, which indicated that the TGF-ß/Smads signaling was changed in the E. tenella infection and was differentially expressed in various tissues in the early stages of infection.(AU)

Primary intestinal fibrosarcoma in cats

Background: Fibrosarcomas are malignant neoplasms of mesenchymal origin and can have different symptoms depending on the species, age, location and etiopathogenesis. Intestinal tumors in domestic cats are common and the small intestine is the most common site; however, fibrosarcomas are rare in the intestine of all animal species. This work reports intestinal fibrosarcoma in 2 domestic cats and aims to clarify and present information concerning this neoplastic type in the gastrointestinal tract of this species. Cases: We report 2 cases of intestinal fibrosarcoma in domestic felines (Felis catus). Cat 1. A 14-year-old female Persian breed, domestic cat, was taken to the Feline Sector of the Veterinary Hospital of Small Animals (HVPA) of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). The main complaint was chronic constipation and rectal prolapse. The clinical examination revealed an ulcerated mass, measuring 4.0 cm x 1.7 cm. Cat 2. A 10-year-old female undefined breed, domestic cat, was taken to the private clinic. The main complaint was diarrhea with bloody and rectal prolapse. The clinical examination revealed nodule measuring 2.5 cm in diameter. The surgical option decided upon was to use the rectal pull-through technique in both animals. The patients had no trans-surgical or postoperative complications. The material collected during the surgical interventions was analyzed macroscopically and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for 24 h and then sent to the Histopathology Laboratory of the Pathological Anatomy Sector (SAP) at UFRRJ for the cat 1 and in private laboratory for the cat 2. After fixation, it was cleaved for routine microscope exam using Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) stains and for the histochemical method of Masson's Trichrome staining technique. Complementary immunohistochemistry tests and electron microscopy were also performed. The patients were followed up clinically, showing complete remission of the clinical signs and survival for approximately 1 year after the neoplastic resection. Discussion: There are few reports of intestinal fibrosarcomas in veterinary medicine, therefore, little is known about racial predilection, age, sex or biological behavior. As far as these authors know, this is the 6th and 7th report of this neoplasm with a primary site in the large intestine in this species. The morphological diagnosis of fibrosarcoma is relatively simple, whereas, in some cases the differential diagnosis for tumors of the peripheral nerve sheath, leiomyosarcomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) can be extremely difficult. The immunohistochemistry technique in these cases may not be particularly useful. The fibrosarcoma diagnosis was also confirmed by electron microscopy since no evidence was found that could lead to a neuronal origin, thus excluding tumors such as neurofibrosarcoma and schawnoma, corroborating the immunohistochemical examination. The surgical management of tumor resection with wide safety margins (minimum 2 cm) remains the "gold standard" therapy for dealing with fibrosarcomas since they have a low response rate to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and the use of these therapies as an adjuvant is controversial. The advantages of this technique are related to the surgical time, simplicity, easy access and reduction in the risk of abdominal contamination. Histopathological, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy evaluations were sufficient to enable the diagnosis of an intestinal fibrosarcoma in both cats. The occurrence of this neoplasm with intestinal involvement in the feline species is rare; therefore, this description is important as it provides information about epidemiology, associated signs, differential diagnoses, biological behavior, treatment and prognosis.

Serum calprotectin levels in dogs with diarrhea

Background: Diarrhea induced by infectious factors may lead to significant health problems in dogs. Canine parvovirus(CPV), canine coronavirus (CCV), canine distemper virus (CDV), Giardia spp., Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Salmonella spp. are the important infectious agents that may induce diarrhea in dogs. The present study aimed to investigatethe effect of CPV, CCV, CDV, Giardia spp., E. coli, and Salmonella spp. infections on the change in serum calprotectin(Calp) concentration.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 30 dogs were enrolled in the study. The study dogs were divided into 3 groups.Healthy animals as confirmed by clinical examination and animals negative for the specified pathogens were placed inGroup 1. Animals infected by one or more agents, including CPV, CCV, CDV, and Giardia spp., but negative for E. coli orSalmonella spp. were placed in Group 2. Finally, animals positive for E. coli or Salmonella spp. and infected or not infectedby one or more agents, including CPV, CCV, CDV, and Giardia spp., were placed in Group 3. Stool samples and rectaland conjunctival swab samples were collected to investigate the etiologic agents that induced diarrhea. Blood samples werecollected through vena cephalica antebrachii for hematological and biochemical examinations. The samples were obtainedvia routine clinical examinations at the Prof. Dr. Servet Sekin outpatient clinic at Dicle University Veterinary Faculty. CPV,CCV, CDV, and Giardia spp. diagnoses were made based on immunochromatographic test kits. The bacteriological analysisof stool samples was used to diagnose E. coli and Salmonella spp. infection...

Serum calprotectin levels in dogs with diarrhea

Background: Diarrhea induced by infectious factors may lead to significant health problems in dogs. Canine parvovirus(CPV), canine coronavirus (CCV), canine distemper virus (CDV), Giardia spp., Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Salmonella spp. are the important infectious agents that may induce diarrhea in dogs. The present study aimed to investigatethe effect of CPV, CCV, CDV, Giardia spp., E. coli, and Salmonella spp. infections on the change in serum calprotectin(Calp) concentration.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 30 dogs were enrolled in the study. The study dogs were divided into 3 groups.Healthy animals as confirmed by clinical examination and animals negative for the specified pathogens were placed inGroup 1. Animals infected by one or more agents, including CPV, CCV, CDV, and Giardia spp., but negative for E. coli orSalmonella spp. were placed in Group 2. Finally, animals positive for E. coli or Salmonella spp. and infected or not infectedby one or more agents, including CPV, CCV, CDV, and Giardia spp., were placed in Group 3. Stool samples and rectaland conjunctival swab samples were collected to investigate the etiologic agents that induced diarrhea. Blood samples werecollected through vena cephalica antebrachii for hematological and biochemical examinations. The samples were obtainedvia routine clinical examinations at the Prof. Dr. Servet Sekin outpatient clinic at Dicle University Veterinary Faculty. CPV,CCV, CDV, and Giardia spp. diagnoses were made based on immunochromatographic test kits. The bacteriological analysisof stool samples was used to diagnose E. coli and Salmonella spp. infection...(AU)

Trophic relationships among three species of ornamental fish from the region of Lake Amanã, Amazon / Relações tróficas entre três espécies de peixes ornamentais da região do lago de Amanã, Amazonas

The present study objectified to evaluate the trophic relationships and the possible aggressive mimicry involving Carnegiella strigata, Carnegiella marthae and Gnathocharax steindachneri, in lowland forest streams. Samplings occurred in November 2002, March and August 2003 in Amanã Sustainable Development Reserve (ASDR). The total of 943 fish was caught, being 79.43% of C. marthae, 3.18% of C. strigata and 17.39% of G. steindachneri. Stomach contents, degree of stomach repletion, relative volume and frequency of occurrence of food items were evaluated. Thirteen food items were identified, and the presence of terrestrial and aquatic insects indicates the high dependence of these species and the flooded forest. Low feeding overlap was observed between Carnegiella strigata and C. marthae compared to Gnathocharax steindachneri. However, the overlap between the two Carnegiella species was relatively high, which could explain the low frequency of syntopic occurrence among these species, suggesting a possible case of competitive exclusion.

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as relações tróficas e a possível existência de uma relação de mimetismo agressivo envolvendo Carnegiella strigata, Carnegiella marthae e Gnathocharax steindachneri, em igarapés de terra firme. As coletas ocorreram em novembro de 2002, março e agosto de 2003 e foram realizadas na Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável de Amanã (RDSA). Foram capturados 943 peixes, onde C. marthae representou 79,43%, C. strigata 3,18% e G. steindachneri 17,39%. Foram analisados os conteúdos estomacais e verificados grau de repleção, volume relativo e frequência de ocorrência dos alimentos. Foram identificados 13 itens alimentares, onde insetos terrestres e aquáticos denotaram alto grau de dependência destas espécies em relação à floresta alagada. Ocorreu baixa sobreposição alimentar das espécies Carnegiella strigata e C. marthae em relação a Gnathocharax steindachneri. Entretanto, a sobreposição entre as duas espécies de Carnegiella foi relativamente alta, o que poderia explicar a baixa frequência de ocorrência sintópica entre essas espécies, sugerindo um possível caso de exclusão competitiva.

Large bowel obstruction by enteroliths and/or foreign bodies in domestic equids: retrospective study of cases seen from January 2003 to March 2020 / [Obstrução do intestino grosso por enterólitos e/ou por corpos estranhos em equídeos domésticos: estudo retrospectivo de casos observados de janeiro de 2003 a março de 2020]

This retrospective study was based on data extracted from medical records of 48 horses with intestinal obstruction caused by enteroliths and/or foreign bodies seen over the course of 17 years. Data analysis was aimed at describing the major features of this type of colic. Obstructions caused by enteroliths, foreign bodies or both accounted for 40 (83.34%), 6 (12.50%) and 2 (4.16%) cases in this sample respectively. Affected horses were aged 1 to 32 years (mean age 9.5 years) and 14 horses were fed alfalfa. Alfalfa is thought to contribute to enterolith formation. Foreign bodies and enteroliths were found in the transverse (12 cases, 25%), the large or the small colon (10 cases, 20.83% respectively). Concurrent obstruction of different intestinal segments was also recorded. These involved the small and the large colon in 10 cases (20.83%), the transverse and the large colon in 4 cases (8.33%), the small and the transverse colon in 1 case (2.08%) and the transition from the large to the transverse colon in one case (2.08%). Short term survival was 77.08% overall and 87.50% when only patients submitted to postoperative treatment were accounted for. Survival data are consistent with survival rates of 91% reported in literature.

Este estudo retrospectivo foi baseado em dados extraídos de prontuários de 48 cavalos com obstrução intestinal causada por enterólitos e / ou corpos estranhos observados ao longo de 17 anos. A análise dos dados teve como objetivo descrever as principais características desse tipo de cólica. Obstruções provocadas por enterólitos, corpos estranhos ou ambos foram responsáveis por 40 (83,34%), seis (12,50%) e dois (4,16%) casos nesta amostra, respectivamente. Os cavalos afetados tinham entre um e 32 anos (idade média de 9,5 anos), e 14 cavalos foram alimentados com alfafa. Acredita-se que a alfafa contribua para a formação de enterólitos. Corpos estranhos e enterólitos foram encontrados no cólon transverso (12 casos, 25%), maior ou menor (10 casos, 20,83%, respectivamente). A obstrução simultânea de diferentes segmentos intestinais também foi registrada. Estes envolveram o cólon menor e o cólon maior em 10 casos (20,83%), o cólon transverso e o cólon maior em quatro casos (8,33%), o cólon menor e o transverso em um caso (2,08%) e a transição do cólon maior para o cólon transverso em um caso (2,08%). A sobrevida em curto prazo foi de 77,08%, em geral, e de 87,50% quando contabilizados apenas os pacientes submetidos ao tratamento pós-operatório. Os dados de sobrevivência são consistentes com as taxas de sobrevivência de 91% relatadas na literatura.

Standardization of molecular techniques for the detection and characterization of intestinal protozoa and other pathogens in humans

Background: The intrinsic sensitivity limitations of basic parasitological methods, along with the particular biological characteristics of parasites, make these methods ineffective to differentiate morphologically indistinguishable species. Molecular detection and characterization techniques could be used to overcome these problems. The purpose of this work was to standardize molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, described in the literature, for the detection and molecular characterization of intestinal protozoa and other pathogens in humans. Methods: DNA was extracted from human or animal feces, previously washed or cultured in Boeck Drbohlav's Modified Medium. DNA extraction was performed with Machery-Nagel extraction kits. The standardization of the PCR, nested-PCR or RFLP techniques was carried out according to the literature. For each molecular technique performed, the sensitivity of the test was determined based on the minimun quantity required of DNA (sensitivity A) and the minimum quantity of life forms that the test detected (sensitivity B). Results: Sensitivity A was 10 fg for G. duodenalis, 12.5 pg for Entamoeba histolytica or Entamoeba dispar, 50 fg for Cryptosporidium spp., 225 pg for Cyclospora spp. and 800 fg or 8 fg for Blastocystis spp. after performing a 1780 bp PCR or 310 bp nested PCR, respectively. The sensitivity B was 100 cysts for G. duodenalis, 500 cysts for E. histolytica or E. dispar, 1000 oocysts for Cyclospora spp. and 3600 or four vegetatives forms for PCR or nested PCR of Blastocystis spp., respectively. Conclusions: The molecular detection of protozoa and chromist was achieved and the molecular characterization allowed the genotyping of some of the parasites such as Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Blastocystis spp. This study summarizes the molecular techniques for epidemiological studies in humans and animals, and helps in the investigation of their transmission sources in countries where intestinal parasites are a public health problem.(AU)

Canine gastrointestinal pythiosis: a case report in Brazilian Pantanal from a diagnostic approach / Pitiose gastrointestinal canina: relato de caso no Pantanal brasileiro a partir de uma abordagem diagnóstica

Pythiosis is caused by an aquatic fungus-like organism (Pythium insidiosum). It is considered an important public health issue as it can affect both animals and humans. This paper reports a case of gastrointestinal pythiosis in a dog. The patient was hospitalized for four days, during which the animal received supportive and symptomatic treatment. But the applied treatment was unsuccessful and the dog's clinical condition worsened, culminating in death. Complementary imaging tests such as radiography and ultrasonography, as well as hematological tests, were performed during the hospitalization period. The definitive diagnosis was reached in the postmortem as macroscopic and microscopic characteristics suggested the presence of intestinal granuloma and accentuated multifocal suppurative necrotic enteritis. Additionally, the histological evaluation revealed morphological structures compatible with P. insidiosum. Also, the results of nested PCR performed showed partial amplification (105 bp) of the ITS1 region of the ribosomal gene of P. insidiosum.(AU)

A pitiose é causada por um organismo aquático semelhante a um fungo (Pythium insidiosum) e considerada um importante problema de saúde pública, pois pode afetar animais e humanos. Este artigo relata um caso de pitiose gastrointestinal em um cão. O paciente ficou internado por quatro dias, período em que o animal recebeu tratamento de suporte e sintomático. No entanto, o tratamento aplicado não teve sucesso e o quadro clínico do cão piorou, culminando com a morte. Exames de imagem complementares, como radiografia e ultrassonografia, bem como exames hematológicos, foram realizados durante o período de internação. O diagnóstico definitivo foi feito na autópsia, pois as características macroscópicas e microscópicas sugeriam a presença de granuloma intestinal e acentuada enterite necrótica multifocal supurativa. Além disso, a avaliação histológica revelou estruturas morfológicas compatíveis com P. insidiosum. Além disso, a nested PCR foi realizada e mostrou amplificação parcial (105 pb) da região ITS1 do gene ribossomal de P. insidiosum.(AU)

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic diseases in school children of rural areas of district Lower Dir, Pakistan / Prevalência de doenças parasitárias intestinais em escolares de áreas rurais do distrito de Lower Dir, Paquistão

Present study was conducted among school children to recognize the prevalence of IPIs in rural communities of district Dir Lower, Pakistan. A sum of 324 samples of stool were collected (210 boys and 114 girls). Used direct smear method and formol ether sedimentation concentration technique for processing the samples. The result shows that 82% (n=266) were found infected comprised 64.8% male and 35.1% females. Children of the age group 10 to 12 years were found extremely infected 94.2% while 4-6 year age group were having minimum ratio of infection 72%. Current study shows mono parasitism in 50.6% of the students while 22.2% were infected with 2 species and 7.40% were infected with three species of parasites. Seven species of intestinal parasites were reported include Ascaris lumbricoid in male (n=122) 58.0% and in female (n=65) 57.0% followed by Hook worm (n=88) 41.9% and (n=44) 38.5%; Tania saginata (n=44) 20.9% and (n=24) 21.0%; Entrobius vermicularis (n=32) 15.2% and (n=16) 14.0%; Trichuris trichura (n=25) 11.9% and (n=22) 19.2%; Hymenolepis nana (n=24) 11.4% and (n=18) 15.7% and Entameoba histolytica (n=16) 7.61% and (n=14) 12.2% in male and females respectively. The study indicates that most occurring intestinal parasite in the current study were Ascaris lumbricoides 58.0% (n=122) followed by hookworms 41.9% (n=88). Male students were more infected than females in the present study.

O presente estudo foi conduzido entre crianças em idade escolar para reconhecer a prevalência de IPIs em comunidades rurais do distrito de Dir Lower, Paquistão. Foram coletadas 324 amostras de fezes (210 meninos e 114 meninas). Método de esfregaço direto usado e técnica de concentração de sedimentação de formol éter para processar as amostras. O resultado mostra que 82% (n = 266) dos infectados eram 64,8% do sexo masculino e 35,1% do feminino. Crianças da faixa etária de 10 a 12 anos foram encontradas extremamente infectadas 94,2%, enquanto a faixa etária de 4 a 6 anos apresentava proporção mínima de infecção de 72%. O estudo atual mostra monoparasitismo em 50,6% dos alunos, enquanto 22,2% estavam infectados com 2 espécies e 7,40% estavam infectados com três espécies de parasitas. Sete espécies de parasitas intestinais foram relatadas incluindo Ascaris lumbricoid em machos (n = 122) 58,0% e em fêmeas (n = 65) 57,0% seguido por anzol (n = 88) 41,9% e (n = 44) 38,5%; Tania saginata (n = 44) 20,9% e (n = 24) 21,0%; Entrobius vermicularis (n = 32) 15,2% e (n = 16) 14,0%; Trichuris trichura (n = 25) 11,9% e (n = 22) 19,2%; Hymenolepis nana (n = 24) 11,4% e (n = 18) 15,7% e Entameoba histolytica (n = 16) 7,61% e (n = 14) 12,2% em homens e mulheres, respectivamente. O estudo indica que os parasitas intestinais que mais ocorreram no presente estudo foram Ascaris lumbricoides 58,0% (n = 122), seguidos por ancilóstomos 41,9% (n = 88). Estudantes do sexo masculino foram mais infectados do que do sexo feminino no presente estudo.

Feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia

A female Persian cat arrives for clinical assessment with a 3-month history of weight loss and sporadic vomiting. The clinical and paraclinical findings were hypodynamia cachexia, leukocytosis and presence of a mass in duodenum. Histopathological evaluation revealed a non-neoplastic tumor proliferation, which was organized into dense, sclerotic-like connective tissue trabeculae that anastomosed, with cells of spindle-shaped morphology, elongated and rounded nuclei with prominent nucleoli and fine granular chromatin. These cells were intermingled with abundant eosinophils and in smaller proportion lymphocytes, macrophages, plasma cells, with transmural distribution. Masson's trichrome differential staining trabeculae of collagen fibers. Based on the clinical and microscopic findings, the diagnosis of feline eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia is established, being this pathology's first documented report in Colombia.(AU)

Niche partitioning of two piscivorous fish species in a river in the western brazilian amazon / Particionamento de nicho de duas espécies de peixes piscívoros em um rio na amazônia ocidental brasileira

We analyzed the seasonal variation in the diet, trophic niche breadth (Levins index), the partitioning of food resources (Pianka's symmetric index) and trophic level (weighed average of trophic level of each prey determined in FishBase and SeaLifeBase platform) of Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel, 1840) and Hydrolycus scomberoides (Cuvier, 1819) in the Machado River, Rondônia, Brazil. Fish samplings were conducted bimonthly from June 2013 to May 2015 in five sites, using eight sets of gillnets. The occurrence frequency and volumetric frequency were used to quantify the food items. We analyzed the stomach contents of 283 individuals, 134 of H. scomberoides and 149 of P. squamosissimus. Fish were the most consumed food item by both piscivorous species. However, H. scomberoides mostly ingested pelagic fish (e.g. Characiformes fishes and Prochilodus nigricas Spix & Agassiz, 1829), while P. squamosissimus mostly consumed benthic fish [e.g. Pimelodus blochii Valenciennes, 1840 and Tenellus trimaculatus (Boulenger, 1898)]. Hydrolycus scomberoides presented the trophic level 3.55 for both periods analyzed, while P. squamosissimus 4.01 in the flood period and 3.82 in the drought period. Seasonal variations in the diet of H. scomberoides and P. squamosissimus were observed (PERMANOVA). Specifically, P. squamosissimus consumed mainly "Siluriformes" fishes and P. blochii in the drought period. The trophic niche breadth of P. squamosissimus was greater than that of H. scomberoides in the flood period. The species P. squamosissimus and H. scomberoides had low (0.35) food niche overlap in both seasons analysed. The data indicated that P. squamosissimus has a generalist feeding habit, while H. scomberoides is specialized in prey selection. The overlap of food niche between the species in both periods of the hydrological cycle was low, indicating that niche partitioning was probably the main mechanism of coexistence of these species, with little relationship with variations of the hydrological cycle.

Nós analisamos a variação sazonal na dieta, a amplitude do nicho trófico (Índice de Levins), a partição dos recursos alimentares (Índice simétrico de Pianka) e o nível trófico (média do nível trófico de cada presa determinada pela plataforma FishBase e SeaLifeBase) de Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel, 1840) e Hydrolycus scomberoides (Cuvier, 1819) no rio Machado, Rondônia, Brasil. As amostragens de peixes foram realizadas bimestralmente de junho de 2013 a maio de 2015 em cinco locais, utilizando oito conjuntos de redes de emalhar. A frequência de ocorrência e a frequência volumétrica foram utilizados para quantificar os itens alimentares. Analisamos o conteúdo estomacal de 283 indivíduos, 134 de H. scomberoides e 149 de P. squamosissimus. Peixes foram o item alimentar mais consumido pelas duas espécies piscívoras. No entanto, H. scomberoides ingeriu principalmente peixes pelágicos (ex. peixes Characiformes e Prochilodus nigricas Spix & Agassiz, 1829), enquanto P. squamosissimus consumiu principalmente peixes bentônicos [ex. Pimelodus blochii Valenciennes, 1840 e Tenellus trimaculatus (Boulenger, 1898)]. Hydrolycus scomberoides apresentou nível trófico de 3,55 para ambos os períodos analisados, enquanto para P. squamosissimus o nível trófico foi de 4,01 no período da cheia e 3,82 no período de seca. Variações sazonais na dieta de H. scomberoides e P. squamosissimus foram observadas (PERMANOVA). Especificamente, P. squamosissimus consumiu principalmente peixes "Siluriformes" e P. blochii no período de seca. A largura do nicho trófico de P. squamosissimus foi maior que a de H. scomberoides no período da cheia. Plagioscion squamosissimus e H. scomberoides apresentaram baixa (0,35) sobreposição de nicho alimentar nas duas estações analisadas. Os dados indicaram que P. squamosissimus tem hábito alimentar generalista, enquanto H. scomberoides é especializado na seleção de presas. A sobreposição de nicho alimentar entre as espécies em ambos os períodos do ciclo hidrológico foi baixa, indicando que a partição de nicho foi provavelmente o principal mecanismo de coexistência dessas espécies, com pouca relação com as variações do ciclo hidrológico.