Increased frequency of pneumonia in dogs with meningioma in ventral rhombencephalon / Aumento da frequência de pneumonia em cães com meningioma em rombencéfalo ventral

Intracranial tumors occurring in specific brain regions, such as the cerebellopontine angle, may be associated with cranial nerve dysfunction and dysphagia in humans and animals. Although dysphagia is a known risk factor for pneumonia, only postoperative pneumonia has been investigated in veterinary medicine. This study aimed to describe the clinical and pathological features of dogs with untreated intracranial meningiomas and concomitant pneumonia. Data from post-mortem examination registries from 2011 to 2021 were used (n=23). The frequency of pneumonia and other characteristics were compared between dogs with meningiomas in the ventral rhombencephalon region (VR group; n=13) and those with meningiomas in other intracranial sites (OIS group; n=10). The frequency of pneumonia was higher in the VR group than in the OIS group (n=5 vs. n=0; P=0.039). Plaque-like lesions were also more common in the VR group than in the OIS group (P=0.012). Dogs with concomitant pneumonia had cerebellopontine angle (n=3) and basilar meningiomas (n=2), mainly plaque-like lesions extending to or from other brain areas. In dogs with concomitant pneumonia, meningiomas had invasive (n=5) and compressive (n=3) growth behaviors and nerve roots involved in the swallowing process were frequently affected. Microscopically, these meningiomas were classified as atypical (n=4) and meningiomas (n=1). The reported clinical signs included anorexia (n=3), adipsia (n=1), and dysphagia (n=1). Our findings suggest untreated dogs with ventral rhombencephalon meningiomas may develop cranial nerve damage and aspiration pneumonia.

Tumores intracranianos que ocorrem em regiões específicas do cérebro, como o ângulo ponto-cerebelar, podem estar associados à disfunção de nervos cranianos e disfagia em humanos e animais. Embora a disfagia seja um conhecido fator de risco para pneumonia, apenas a pneumonia pós-operatória tem sido investigada na medicina veterinária. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever as características clínicas e patológicas de cães com meningiomas intracranianos não tratados e pneumonia concomitante. Foram utilizados dados de registros de necropsias de 2011 a 2021. A frequência de pneumonia e outras características foram comparadas entre cães com meningiomas na região do rombencéfalo ventral (grupo VR; n=13) e aqueles com meningiomas em outros sítios intracranianos (grupo OIS; n=10). A frequência de pneumonia foi maior no grupo VR do que no grupo OIS (n=5 vs. n=0; P=0,039). Lesões tipo placa também foram mais comuns no grupo VR do que no grupo OIS (P=0,012). Cães com pneumonia concomitante apresentaram meningiomas no ângulo ponto-cerebelar (n=3) e região basilar (n=2), predominantemente lesões em forma de placa que se estendem de ou para outras áreas do cérebro. Em cães com pneumonia concomitante, os meningiomas apresentaram comportamentos de crescimento invasivo (n=5) e compressivo (n=3) e as raízes nervosas envolvidas no processo de deglutição foram frequentemente afetadas. Microscopicamente, esses meningiomas foram classificados como atípicos (n=4) e papilar (n=1). Os sinais clínicos relatados incluíram anorexia (n=3), adipsia (n=1) e disfagia (n=1). Nossos achados sugerem que cães com meningiomas no rombencéfalo ventral, não tratados, podem desenvolver lesão em nervos cranianos e pneumonia aspirativa.

Lesions of the oral cavity of dogs: 720 cases / Lesões da cavidade oral de cães: 720 casos

Seven hundred twenty cases of oral cavity lesions in dogs were diagnosed from 2015 to 2020 in Distrito Federal, Brazil. Four hundred thirty-two (60%) lesions were neoplastic, and 288 (40%) were non-neoplastic. Of the neoplasms, 229 (53%) were considered malignant and 203 (47%) benign, affecting mainly males, of 43 different breeds, with an average age of 9.4 years, mainly the gum and lip. Melanoma was the most (96/432, 22.2%) commonly diagnosed neoplasm, followed by peripheral odontogenic fibroma (68/432, 15.7%), papilloma (63/432, 14.5%) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (56/432, 12.9%). Non-neoplastic lesions also affected males predominantly, from 41 different breeds, with an average age of 8.9 years, mainly in the gums, lip, and tongue. These lesions were diagnosed as inflammatory (230/288, 79.8%), hyperplastic (47/288, 16.3%) and other lesions (11/288, 3.8%).

Foram estudados 720 casos de lesões na cavidade oral em cães diagnosticados entre 2015 e 2020, no Distrito Federal. Dessas alterações, 432 (60%) foram neoplásicas e 288 (40%) não neoplásicas. Dentre os neoplasmas, 229 (53%) foram consideradas malignos e 203 (47%) benignos, acometendo principalmente machos, de 43 raças diferentes, com idade média 9,4 anos, afetando principalmente gengiva e lábio. Melanoma foi o neoplasma mais comumente diagnosticado (96/432; 22,2%), seguido do fibroma odontogênico periférico (68/432; 15,7%), papiloma (63/432; 14,5%) e carcinoma de células escamosas (56/432; 12,9%). As lesões não neoplásicas também acometeram predominantemente machos, de 41 raças diferentes, com idade média 8,9 anos, afetando principalmente gengiva, lábio e língua. Essas lesões foram diagnosticadas como inflamatórias (230/288; 79,8%), hiperplásicas (47/288; 16,3%) e como outras alterações (11/288; 3,8%).

Neoplasia de ducto nasolacrimal em uma cadela / Nasolacrimal duct neoplasm in a bitch

Background: Nasolacrimal duct tumors are divided into primary and secondary, with primary tumors being rare in all species. Secondary involvement of the lacrimal sac and duct can occur from any skin lesion involving the eyelid and/or conjunctiva and from any neoplastic process involving the paranasal sinuses. Lacrimal sac metastatic lesions may originate from any distant site and include carcinomas or melanomas, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common type. The objectives of the present report were to describe a case of squamous cell carcinoma in the nasolacrimal duct and to emphasize the importance of a good ophthalmic evaluation. Case: A 16-year-old spayed bitch white poodle was presented to the veterinary clinic. The owner complained that the animal had epiphora and mucoid secretion in the right eye, eyelid hyperemia in both eyes, and sporadic sneezing with blood. On ophthalmic examination, the animal was initially diagnosed with nasolacrimal duct obstruction and right eye (OD) blepharitis and OU uveitis. Fourteen days after the first evaluation, the nasolacrimal duct region increased, with the presence of bloody secretion. Biomicroscopy showed nodules inside the lacrimal duct, in the punctum region. The animal was sedated to obtain a fragment of the nodule for histopathological analysis, and a subsequent oral cavity evaluation identified a nodule in the transition region between the 4th premolar and 1st molar, which was sent for cytology. Cytology of the medial corner region of the RE showed epithelial and mesenchymal cells with malignancy characteristics, and the biopsy was suggestive of malignant epithelial neoplasia (carcinoma). A surgical procedure for nodule resection was ruled out because bone involvement was extensive, and chemotherapy was selected. The patient died 2 months after the 1st consultation. The diagnosis was confirmed through necropsy via immunohistochemical tests, demonstrating squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) both in the mouth and the nasal and ocular sinuses. Discussion: The most common conditions affecting the nasolacrimal drainage system in dogs are those causing obstructions. These may be congenital, arising from a developmental defect of micropunctum or agenesis of the punctum, they may be acquired, arising from infection and inflammation. SCC is a malignant neoplasm originating in the stratified squamous epithelium. The predisposing factors in cats and dogs include lack of adnexal pigmentation and, possibly, chronic irritation of the ocular surface. A light coat is considered a relevant factor, especially in regions with little hair coverage. In addition to a mass lesion, other clinical signs of eyelid or ocular surface tumors may include epiphora, conjunctival vascular injection, mucopurulent ocular discharge, 3rd eyelid protrusion, conjunctival/corneal roughness or ulceration, and corneal neovascularization or pigmentation. Clinical presentations are nonspecific. Neoplasms, whether nasal and/or in the maxillary sinus, can invade the nasolacrimal duct and spread to the nasal cavity, and neoplasms in the nasal cavity can invade the nasolacrimal duct. Ophthalmic evaluation along with good inspection of the oral cavity is a useful tool in the diagnosis of eye neoplasms that may have effects on the oral cavity or vice versa due to the strong association between them. Early diagnosis is crucial for the clinical or surgical management of each case of ophthalmic neoplasia and for therapeutic success.

Clinicopathological evaluation of disseminated metastases of transmissible venereal tumor in a spayed bitch

Background: Although transmissible venereal tumor (TVT, transmissible venereal sarcoma, Sticker’s sarcoma) that affects dogs and other canids can be seen in many countries, it especially emerges in the countries which homeless dog population is very high. Female dogs are more susceptible than males. Transmissible venereal tumor is usually transmitted to genital organs during coitus and occasionally by social behavior such as sniffing and licking. The tumor is generally observed in the posterior part of the vagina. The tumor usually appears in various sizes, in the appearance of cauliflower, red and fragile. Metastases are rarely reported in cases with TVT. Metastases have been detected in lung, liver, tonsils, skin, lymph nodes, muscles, spleen. The diagnosis of transmissible venereal tumor is achived by considering the history of the animal, gross lesions, cytological examination and histopathology. Chemotherapy is frequently used in the treatment of TVT. In addition, radiotherapy, cryosurgery, surgical incision and immunotherapy are rarely applied for treatment. Chemical agents such as doxorubicin, vincristine sulfate, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate are preferred for chemotherapy.Case: Metastases to all mammary lobes, cervix uteri, neck, skin, gluteal muscles, the oropharyngeal region, and primary vaginal mass were described in spayed bitch, a 10-year old and mixed breed. The clinical examination manifested, fragile and hemorrhagic masses which resemble cauliflower in the vagina, neck, and inguinal region. Furthermore firm and multilobular masses in all mammary lobes, oropharyngeal region, and gluteal muscles of right leg were detected. Firstly, vaginal cytology was performed in order to confirm...

Clinicopathological evaluation of disseminated metastases of transmissible venereal tumor in a spayed bitch

Background: Although transmissible venereal tumor (TVT, transmissible venereal sarcoma, Stickers sarcoma) that affects dogs and other canids can be seen in many countries, it especially emerges in the countries which homeless dog population is very high. Female dogs are more susceptible than males. Transmissible venereal tumor is usually transmitted to genital organs during coitus and occasionally by social behavior such as sniffing and licking. The tumor is generally observed in the posterior part of the vagina. The tumor usually appears in various sizes, in the appearance of cauliflower, red and fragile. Metastases are rarely reported in cases with TVT. Metastases have been detected in lung, liver, tonsils, skin, lymph nodes, muscles, spleen. The diagnosis of transmissible venereal tumor is achived by considering the history of the animal, gross lesions, cytological examination and histopathology. Chemotherapy is frequently used in the treatment of TVT. In addition, radiotherapy, cryosurgery, surgical incision and immunotherapy are rarely applied for treatment. Chemical agents such as doxorubicin, vincristine sulfate, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate are preferred for chemotherapy.Case: Metastases to all mammary lobes, cervix uteri, neck, skin, gluteal muscles, the oropharyngeal region, and primary vaginal mass were described in spayed bitch, a 10-year old and mixed breed. The clinical examination manifested, fragile and hemorrhagic masses which resemble cauliflower in the vagina, neck, and inguinal region. Furthermore firm and multilobular masses in all mammary lobes, oropharyngeal region, and gluteal muscles of right leg were detected. Firstly, vaginal cytology was performed in order to confirm...(AU)

Epidemiological status of felid herpesvirus type-1 and feline calicivirus infections in Brazil / Situação epidemiológica das infecções pelo herpesvírus felino tipo 1 e calicivírus no Brasil

Feline calicivirus (FCV) and felid herpesvirus type-1 (FeHV-1) are the main infectious agents of domestic and wild felines worldwide. The FCV and FeHV-1 viruses were isolated in Brazil in 1988 and 2012, respectively. Serology surveys were performed among domestic feline in the State of Rio Grande do Sul and among wild felines in central Brazilian States. Felines with acute or chronic infections may become carriers for both viruses and, viral transmission occurs mainly by ocular and nasal secretions. In addition, FCV may be transmitted by oropharyngeal secretion and fomites. The clinical signs commonly observed in cats are fever, sneezing, coughing and nasal and ocular discharge; however, oral lesions are restricted to FCV infection. A systemic syndrome showing hemorrhagic lesions, alopecia, facial edema and jaundice has been associated with FCV. Attenuated as well as inactivated vaccines against FCV and FeHV-1 were developed in the middle 1970s, and they are effective at reducing the presentation/development of the diseases, but they are not capable of eliminating the persistence of FCV and FeHV-1. This article presents a brief review of the main aspects of the FCV and FeHV-1 infections, with an emphasis in the current situation on the domestic feline population from Brazil.(AU)

Calicivírus felino (feline calicivirus - FCV) e herpesvírus felino tipo - 1 (felid herpesvirus type 1 - FeHV-1) são os principais agentes envolvidos descritos mundialmente infectando felinos domésticos e selvagens. No Brasil, o FCV e o FeHV-1 foram isolados e caracterizados em 1988 e 2012, respectivamente. Estudos sorológicos em felinos domésticos foram realizados no estado do Rio Grande do Sul e em felinos selvagens em alguns estados da região central do país. Felinos com infecção aguda e/ou infecção crônica podem tornar-se portadores, para ambos os vírus, e a transmissão ocorre principalmente por secreções oculares, nasais. Além disso, o FCV pode também ser transmitido por secreções orofaringeanas e fômites. Os sinais clínicos comumente observados em felinos afetados são: febre, espirros, tosse, descarga nasal e ocular; lesões orais se restringem à infecção pelo FCV; além disso, foi descrita uma síndrome sistêmica que apresenta um quadro hemorrágico, alopecia, edema de face e icterícia. Vacinas vivas e inativadas que amenizam o quadro clínico, mas não previnem infecções persistentes pelos vírus, foram desenvolvidas nos anos 70. Este artigo apresenta uma breve revisão dos principais aspectos da infecção pelo FCV e FeHV-1, com ênfase na atual situação na população de felinos domésticos do Brasil.(AU)

Paracoccidioidomycosis in southern Rio Grande do Sul: a retrospective study of histopathologically diagnosed cases

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and is endemic to Brazil. The aim of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of the PCM cases in the countryside south of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The files from four histopathology laboratories located in the city of Pelotas were obtained, and all of the epidemiological and clinical data from the PCM diagnosed cases were collected for analysis. A total of 123 PCM cases diagnosed between 1966 and 2009 were selected. Of these patients, 104 (84.5%) were male, and 17 were female. The patients ranged from 02 to 92 years of age. Fifty-two cases (41.9%) were obtained from the oral pathology laboratory, and the remaining 71 cases (58.1%) were obtained from the three general pathology laboratories. Of all of the patients studied, 65.2% lived in rural zones and worked in agriculture or other related fields. Data on the evolution of this disease was available for 43 cases, and the time frame ranged from 20 to 2920 days (mean = 572.3 days). An accurate diagnosis performed in less than 30 days only occurred in 21% of the cases. PCM is endemic to the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul. Therefore, it is recommended that PCM be included as a differential diagnosis, mainly for individuals between 30 and 60 years of age, living in rural zones and who have respiratory signs and associated-oropharyngeal lesions.(AU)

Oropharyngeal lesions and poisoning by closantel in sheep after antiparasitic treatment

An outbreak of oropharyngeal lesions and poisoning by closantel in sheep after improper handling and anthelmintic drug overdose is described here. Eleven sheep were affected out of 42 that were dewormed. Eight sheep died. Clinically, the animals showed abdominal recumbency, absent pupillary and palpebral reflexes, bilateral blindness, depression, apathy, emaciation, and corneal opacity. Three sheep exhibited swelling on the right side of the mandible. At necropsy, one sheep exhibited a purulent lesion located on the right, next to the root of the tongue. Microscopically, the main finding was status spongiosus in the central nervous system and optic nerve. The retina showed rod and cone degeneration, ganglionic cell layer vacuolation, karyorrhexis, and vacuolation of the outer plexiform layer. The liver of one sheep exhibited diffused coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes in the centrilobular region associated with high infestation of Haemonchus contortus.

Oropharyngeal lesions and poisoning by closantel in sheep after antiparasitic treatment

An outbreak of oropharyngeal lesions and poisoning by closantel in sheep after improper handling and anthelmintic drug overdose is described here. Eleven sheep were affected out of 42 that were dewormed. Eight sheep died. Clinically, the animals showed abdominal recumbency, absent pupillary and palpebral reflexes, bilateral blindness, depression, apathy, emaciation, and corneal opacity. Three sheep exhibited swelling on the right side of the mandible. At necropsy, one sheep exhibited a purulent lesion located on the right, next to the root of the tongue. Microscopically, the main finding was status spongiosus in the central nervous system and optic nerve. The retina showed rod and cone degeneration, ganglionic cell layer vacuolation, karyorrhexis, and vacuolation of the outer plexiform layer. The liver of one sheep exhibited diffused coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes in the centrilobular region associated with high infestation of Haemonchus contortus.(AU)

Tumor venéreo transmissível canino com múltiplas localizações extragenitais / Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor with Multiple Extragenital Locations

Background: Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is a neoplasm which primarily affects the genital mucosa of canines. However, this tumor has been described in several extragenital areas. Although there are no major difficulties to confirm a TVT when present in the genitalia, it can be confused with several conditions, either neoplastic or non-neoplastic, when located beyond the external reproductive organs. The involvement of multiple extragenital locations is poorly reported, which may compromise the tissues involved and hinder the establishment of a diagnostic conclusion. The study aimed to describe a case of multiple and extragenital TVT in dogs. Case: A two year old mongrel dog had a history of swollen nose and ocular abnormalities. The patient underwent physical examination followed by request of nose and eye cytology. The animal was euthanized and sent for autopsy; the material was intended for cytological diagnosis. It was found an increase in volume in the middle third of the nasal region. In the oral cavity, there was a tumor in the caudal third of the hard palate. Neoformations were also detected in the third eyelid. The nasal and eyelid cytological examination was compatible with TVT plasmacytoid pattern. During the necropsy, it was also detected tumors in the nasal cavity, occupying the space of turbinal bones Proliferation occurred even in the palatine bone and pharynx. In the visual system, the tumors did not involve other attachments or eyeball chambers There were no anatomical lesions In other areas. The cytopathology of all tumors presented diagnosis similar to the initial microscopic findings, thus characterizing a framework of multiple extragenital plasmacytoid TVT. Discussion: A study found that the nasal cavity and skin tissue were the locations most affected by the presentation of extragenital TVT. So, there was a similarity to the present case in relation to the shape of the nasal TVT; however, the occurrence in other sites such as the oral cavity and third eyelid is uncommon, although found in the patient reported. The extragenital location may appear regardless to genital lesions. In the examined animal, the placement of the TVT to extragenital areas such as nasal and ocular adnexa was justified by the fact that these regions correspond to anatomical sites exposed to direct physical contact for the acquisition of neoplastic cells, possibly because of the pre­mating behavior of the male toward the bitch that housed the tumor. As an intranasal neoplasia progresses, some signs, such as the swelling of the hard palate, are presented. Thus, in the current study, the proliferation showed in the oral cavity and the pharynx was regarded as an extension of local mechanical nasal cancer. Recent surveys have ranked the TVT as standard plasmocitoyd, linphocitoyd or mixed. It has been hypothesized that all TVTs start as linphocitoyd, become mixed and then plasmocytoid. The latter condition usually suggests the tumor presence for more than eight weeks, often being seen in non genitals. Accordingly, in the present case there was an agreement with the usual standard morfocelular and the extragenital aspect observed. This morphology suggested that the evolution of TVT showed up late. Although TVT is essentially related to the external reproductive organs, one should be alert to its exclusively extragenital presentation. This peculiar location can lead to a delayed diagnosis because of the similarity with affections of another nature.

Lesões orofaríngeas e neurológicas em ovinos associadas ao uso de pistolas dosificadoras / Oropharyngeal and neurologic lesions in sheep associated with the use of drenching guns

Descrevem-se 6 surtos de lesões orofaríngeas em ovinos causadas por pistolas para administração oral de anti-helmínticos. Em 2 surtos ocorridos no Rio Grande do Sul, com morbidade de 6,25 por cento e 15 por cento as lesões ocorreram em ovinos de diferentes idades após o tratamento anti-helmíntico. Caracterizaram-se por fístulas que se estendiam através dos tecidos moles desde a boca até a pele da face. Todos os animais morreram ou foram eutanasiados após perda contínua de peso após um curso clínico de até 8 meses. Outro surto nesse mesmo Estado, com uma morbidade de 7,22 por cento caracterizou-se por lesões de edema maligno originadas por traumatismos causados na mucosa oral durante a administração de melaço. Todos os animais morreram em 10 dias após o tratamento. No quarto surto observado no Rio Grande do Sul, houve uma ovelha adulta afetada, de um total de 88, que apresentou severa hemorragia pelo nariz e pela boca 8 dias após ter sido tratada oralmente com anti-helmíntico. Na necropsia apresentava aumento de volume pela face interna da mandíbula do lado direito e bochecha cuja mucosa estava ulcerada, com um coágulo e secreção purulenta com formação de fístula que se estendia pelos tecidos moles em direção ao globo ocular. Dois surtos ocorreram no Estado de Goiás, 16-20 dias após o tratamento oral com anti-helmínticos em cordeiros de 5-9 meses de idade. A morbidade foi de 11,43 por cento e 15,62 por cento e mortalidade de 7,14 por cento e 9,38 por cento. Os animais apresentaram, principalmente, sinais nervosos, causados por abscessos que variavam de 0,5-3cm de diâmetro, contendo exsudato purulento amarelado no seu interior, localizados na orofaringe, palato mole e musculatura esquelética adjacente estendendo-se às meninges através da articulação atlanto-occipital. Meningite não-purulenta foi observada histologicamente. Alerta-se para a necessidade de utilização de pistolas em boas condições e prestar atenção no momento do tratamento...(AU)

Six outbreaks of oropharyngeal lesions caused by drenching guns in sheep are reported. In 2 outbreaks in Rio Grande do Sul the morbidity was 6.25 percent and 15 percent, and the lesions observed after antihelmintic treatment in adult sheep were characterized by a fistula extending from mouth to skin of the face. All sheep died or were euthanatized after continuous weight loss for up to 8 months. Another outbreak in the same State affected 26 out of 360 adult sheep after being dosed with molasses, causing lesions in the oral mucosa followed by malignant edema of the oral and subcutaneous tissues. All sheep died within 10 days after treatment. Another case observed in Rio Grande do Sul affected one out of 88 adult ewes. The animal died with hemorrhages from the nose and mouth 8 days after antihelmintic treatment. At necropsy an ulcerated lesion covered by a clot of fibrine was found in the oral mucosa. The lesion had a fistulated tract with purulent exudate extending through the soft tissues in direction to the right eye. Two outbreaks occurred in the State of Goiás 16-20 days after antihelmintic treatment in 5-9 months old lambs. Morbidity was 11.43 percent and 15.62 percent and fatality rate was 7.14 percent and 9.38 percent. Main clinical signs were nervous signs caused by abscesses with a diameter of 0.5-3cm, containing purulent exudates in the oropharynx, soft palate and adjacent muscles extending to the meninges through the atlantoaxial joint. Not-purulent meningitis was observed histologically. The need to use proper drenching guns and pay attention during dosing to avoid lesions of the oropharynx is pointed out.(AU)

Model of experimental infection in healthy and immunosuppressed swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) using Candida albicans strains with different patterns of enzymatic activity

With the purpose to evaluate Candida albicans virulence in vivo, two strains selected were based on their phospholipase and proteinase activity, and used in a model of experimental infection. One strain, isolated from vaginal secretion, was stocked at the URM Culture Collection for 43 years and presented high phospholipase (Pz=0.217) and proteinase (1.386 U.mL-1) activity. The other strain was a fresh strain isolated from oropharyngeal secretion of an AIDS patient, and presented low phospholipase (Pz=0.482) and proteinase (0.780 U.mL-1) activity. The strains were inoculated via intraperitoneum in immunosuppressed and non-immunosuppressed mice (Mus musculus) and the infection was evaluated over a period of 21 days. Liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys were aseptically removed and the blood of the animals was collected every 72 h. The number of colony forming units (c.f.u) isolated from each organ was counted and a histopathologic examination was performed. The freshly isolated strain was more virulent than the stocked strain, as shown by the number of positive cultures and severity of the lesions observed at the histopathologic examination. A correlation between the in vitro enzymatic activity and the in vivo virulence was not observed.

Com o objetivo de avaliar a virulência de Candida albicans in vivo, foram selecionadas duas cepas de acordo com a atividade enzimática de fosfolipase e protease, para utilização em modelo de infecção experimental. Utilizou-se um isolado de secreção vaginal, estocado na Micoteca URM por 43 anos com alta atividade de fosfolipase (Pz=0.217) e de protease (1.386 U.mL-1), e outro recém-isolado de secreção orofaríngea de paciente com AIDS, o qual apresentou baixa atividade de fosfolipase (Pz=0.482) e de protease (0.780 U.mL-1). As amostras foram inoculadas por via intra-peritoneal em camundongos (Mus musculus) na presença e ausência de imunossupressão e a infecção foi avaliada durante 21 dias. A cada 72 h foram assepticamente removidos o fígado, baço, pulmões e rins e coletado o sangue desses animais. Foi quantificado o número de unidades formadoras de colônias (u.f.c.) recuperadas de cada órgão e realizada avaliação histopatológica dos mesmos. A cepa recém-isolada mostrou-se mais virulenta in vivo, quanto ao número de culturas positivas e à severidade das lesões observadas ao exame histopatológico. Não foi observada correlação entre a atividade enzimática in vitro e a virulência in vivo.