Seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. in horses from Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil / Soroprevalência de Leptospira spp. em equinos do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with the presence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in horses reared in the Eastern and Western Potiguar mesoregion, State of Rio Grande do Norte, northeastern Brazil. Seven hundred and eighty-five animals (785) were used from 90 properties from 2018 to 2019. The serological diagnosis was performed by the microscopic agglutination technique (MAT), using a collection of live antigens composed of twenty serovars belonging to sixteen serogroups. Variable data associated with risk factors were obtained from questionnaires carried out to herd owners and statistically analyzed. The absolute and relative frequencies were determined by descriptive analysis and risk factors by univariate analysis of the variables using the Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, when necessary, and then assessed by Poison regression. The positivity frequency among animals was 97.2% (763), and from all properties, there was at least one seropositive animal. The main reactive serogroup was Icterohaemorrhagiae (72.88%), followed by reactive animals to Australis (14,94%), Sejroe (4.43%), Shermani (2.77%), Autumnalis and Pomona (1.29%). It was observed occurrences lower than 1% to serogroups Canicola, Ballum, Grippotyphosa and Hebdomadis, with titles ≤400 in 78,97% of cases. The significant occurrence of seropositive horses and the serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae predominance highlights the importance of vaccination and hygiene in Potiguares herds facilities to prevent leptospirosis cases and the consequent elimination of the agent in the environment.

Este estudo objetivou determinar a prevalência e os fatores de risco associados à presença de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. em equinos criados na mesorregião Leste e Oeste Potiguar, estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Nordeste do Brasil. Foram utilizados 785 animais oriundos de noventa propriedades durante o período de 2018 e 2019. O diagnóstico sorológico foi realizado pela técnica de soroaglutinação microscópica (MAT) utilizando coleção de antígenos vivos composta por vinte sorovares, pertencentes a dezesseis sorogrupos. Os dados das variáveis associadas aos fatores de risco que podem predispor a presença de equinos soropositivos, foram obtidos a partir de questionários aplicados aos proprietários dos rebanhos e analisados estatisticamente. As frequências absolutas e relativas foram determinadas por análise descritiva e os fatores de risco por análise univariada das variáveis de interesse pelo Teste de Qui-quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher, quando necessário, e em seguida submetidos à análise de regressão de Poison. A frequência de equinos soropositivos foi de 97,2% (763), sendo que em todas as propriedades houve pelo menos um animal com presença de anticorpos. O sorogrupo predominante foi o Icterohaemorrhagiae (72,88%), seguido do Australis (14,94%), Sejroe (4,43%), Shermani (2,77%), Autumnalis e Pomona (1,29%). Ocorrências menores que 1% foram observadas para os sorogrupos Canicola, Ballum, Grippotyphosa e Hebdomadis, com títulos ≤400 em 78,97% dos casos. Devido à alta ocorrência de equinos soropositivos e a predominância do sorogrupo Icterohaemorrhagiae, ressalta-se a importância da vacinação e da higiene das instalações nos rebanhos Potiguares na prevenção de casos de leptospirose e a consequente eliminação do agente no ambiente.

Antibody prevalence of Leptospira spp. and Brucella abortus in domestic cats from Araguaína, Tocantins, North Region of Brazil / Prevalência de anticorpos para Leptospira spp. e Brucella Abortus em gatos domésticos de Araguaína, Tocantins, Região Norte do Brasil

Leptospira spp. and Brucella abortus are bacterial pathogens that can infect humans and animals. The present study aimed to detect anti-Leptospira and anti-B. abortus antibodies and verified the presence of factors associated with seropositivity in cats. One hundred and eighty serum samples were collected from domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) from the urban area of the municipality of Araguaína-Tocantins by phlebocentesis of the cephalic and jugular veins. The samples were subjected to detection of anti-Leptospira and anti-B.abortus antibodies, respectively, by microscopic seroagglutination and buffered acidified antigen testing, followed by confirmation by the 2-mercaptoethanol test and slow seroagglutination in tubes. Data from the epidemiological questionnaire (the age, sex, origin, breed, and presence of clinical signs) were analyzed using Epi Info® software with seropositivity data found to search for associated factors using the chi-square test. In the present study, the prevalence of Leptospira spp. was 5.56% (10/180). However, no sample was reactive to B. abortus. None of the studied variables were associated with seropositivity for the pathogens evaluated. Therefore, there is contact between Leptospira spp. and the feline population of the municipality, indicating the possibility of the circulation of pathogenic serovars and that the presence of anti-Leptospira antibodies does not depend on the variables analyzed.

Leptospira spp. e Brucella abortus são patógenos bacterianos que podem infectar humanos e animais. O presente estudo teve como objetivo detectar anticorpos anti-Leptospira e anti-B.abortus e verificar a presença de fatores associados com a soropositividade em gatos. Foram coletadas 180 amostras de soro de gatos domésticos (Felis silvestris catus) da zona urbana do município de Araguaína-Tocantins por flebocentese das veias cefálica e jugular. As amostras foram submetidas à detecção de anticorpos anti-Leptospira e anti-B. abortus, respectivamente, por soroaglutinação microscópica e teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado, seguido de confirmação pelo teste de 2-mercaptoetanol e soroaglutinação lenta em tubos. Os dados do questionário epidemiológico (idade, sexo, procedência, raça e presença de sinais clínicos) foram analisados no software Epi Info® com os dados de soropositividade encontrados para pesquisa de fatores associados pelo teste do qui-quadrado. No presente estudo, a prevalência de Leptospira spp. foi de 5,56% (10/180). No entanto, nenhuma amostra foi reativa para B. abortus. Nenhuma das variáveis estudadas foi associada com a soropositividade para os patógenos avaliados. Portanto, há contato entre Leptospiraspp. e a população felina do município, indicando a possibilidade de circulação de sorovares patogênicos e que a presença de anticorpos anti-Leptospira independe das variáveis analisadas.

Antibody prevalence of Leptospira spp. and Brucella abortus in domestic cats from Araguaína, Tocantins, North Region of Brazil / Prevalência de anticorpos para Leptospira spp. e Brucella Abortus em gatos domésticos de Araguaína, Tocantins, Região Norte do Brasil

Leptospira spp. and Brucella abortus are bacterial pathogens that can infect humans and animals. The present study aimed to detect anti-Leptospira and anti-B. abortus antibodies and verified the presence of factors associated with seropositivity in cats. One hundred and eighty serum samples were collected from domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) from the urban area of the municipality of Araguaína-Tocantins by phlebocentesis of the cephalic and jugular veins. The samples were subjected to detection of anti-Leptospira and anti-B.abortus antibodies, respectively, by microscopic seroagglutination and buffered acidified antigen testing, followed by confirmation by the 2-mercaptoethanol test and slow seroagglutination in tubes. Data from the epidemiological questionnaire (the age, sex, origin, breed, and presence of clinical signs) were analyzed using Epi Info® software with seropositivity data found to search for associated factors using the chi-square test. In the present study, the prevalence of Leptospira spp. was 5.56% (10/180). However, no sample was reactive to B. abortus. None of the studied variables were associated with seropositivity for the pathogens evaluated. Therefore, there is contact between Leptospira spp. and the feline population of the municipality, indicating the possibility of the circulation of pathogenic serovars and that the presence of anti-Leptospira antibodies does not depend on the variables analyzed.(AU)

Leptospira spp. e Brucella abortus são patógenos bacterianos que podem infectar humanos e animais. O presente estudo teve como objetivo detectar anticorpos anti-Leptospira e anti-B.abortus e verificar a presença de fatores associados com a soropositividade em gatos. Foram coletadas 180 amostras de soro de gatos domésticos (Felis silvestris catus) da zona urbana do município de Araguaína-Tocantins por flebocentese das veias cefálica e jugular. As amostras foram submetidas à detecção de anticorpos anti-Leptospira e anti-B. abortus, respectivamente, por soroaglutinação microscópica e teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado, seguido de confirmação pelo teste de 2-mercaptoetanol e soroaglutinação lenta em tubos. Os dados do questionário epidemiológico (idade, sexo, procedência, raça e presença de sinais clínicos) foram analisados no software Epi Info® com os dados de soropositividade encontrados para pesquisa de fatores associados pelo teste do qui-quadrado. No presente estudo, a prevalência de Leptospira spp. foi de 5,56% (10/180). No entanto, nenhuma amostra foi reativa para B. abortus. Nenhuma das variáveis estudadas foi associada com a soropositividade para os patógenos avaliados. Portanto, há contato entre Leptospiraspp. e a população felina do município, indicando a possibilidade de circulação de sorovares patogênicos e que a presença de anticorpos anti-Leptospira independe das variáveis analisadas.(AU)

Leptospira spp. in sheep of the state of Maranhao, Brazil: frequency, risk factors and foci mapping

The objective of this research was to estimate the frequency, risk factors and mapping of outbreaks in ovine flocks in the State of Maranhao, Brazil, related to Leptospira spp. A total of 575 samples of blood serum from sheep were collected, from 116 flocks, and 20 municipalities. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to verify the association of risk factors. Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) was used for 24 serovars of Leptospira spp. 100% of the flocks (116) and 94.43% of animals (543/575) were reagents for at least one of the 24 serovars tested. The most frequent serovars were Sentot (236, 41.04%), Hadjo (197, 34.26%), Adamana (178; 30.95%), Pomona (158, 27.47%) and Autumnallis (148, 25.73%). The presence of rodents, felines, goats, pigs and wild animals had a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) with the occurrence of Leptospira spp. It was concluded that the frequency of Leptospiraspp was high in sheep from the State of Maranhao. However, all municipalities had infected animals, therefore, it is considered necessary to implement sanitary measures for the control and prevention of this disease in ovine flocks in the state of Maranhao.

Leptospira spp. in sheep of the state of Maranhao, Brazil: frequency, risk factors and foci mapping

The objective of this research was to estimate the frequency, risk factors and mapping of outbreaks in ovine flocks in the State of Maranhao, Brazil, related to Leptospira spp. A total of 575 samples of blood serum from sheep were collected, from 116 flocks, and 20 municipalities. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to verify the association of risk factors. Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) was used for 24 serovars of Leptospira spp. 100% of the flocks (116) and 94.43% of animals (543/575) were reagents for at least one of the 24 serovars tested. The most frequent serovars were Sentot (236, 41.04%), Hadjo (197, 34.26%), Adamana (178; 30.95%), Pomona (158, 27.47%) and Autumnallis (148, 25.73%). The presence of rodents, felines, goats, pigs and wild animals had a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) with the occurrence of Leptospira spp. It was concluded that the frequency of Leptospiraspp was high in sheep from the State of Maranhao. However, all municipalities had infected animals, therefore, it is considered necessary to implement sanitary measures for the control and prevention of this disease in ovine flocks in the state of Maranhao.(AU)

Occurrence of antibodies against Leptospira spp in dogs from Teresina, Piauí, Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos contra Leptospira spp em cães de Teresina, Piauí, Brasil

Leptospirosis is a systemic disease caused by the species of bacteria Leptospira spp., which affects human beings, domestic and wild animals. The present study searched the presence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. in the canine population of the city Teresina, Piauí, and the most common serovars. Blood samples from 425 stray dogs were collected in the local zoonosis center in Teresina from July 2010 to January 2012 and submitted to the Microscopic Seroagglutination Test (MAT). This study found an average infection rate of 17.41% (IC 95%; 13,8 ­ 21,0) by 11 different serovars; the four most frequent were Canicola (18.9%), Autumnalis (16.2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (12.1%), and Butembo (12.1%). The questions raised in this study indicated the occurrence of Leptospira spp infection in dogs of Terezina- Piaui, Brazil.(AU)

A leptospirose é uma doença sistêmica causada por bactéria Leptospira spp. que afeta seres humanos, animais domésticos e selvagens. O presente trabalho investigou a presença de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. na população canina da cidade de Teresina-Piauí, e os respectivos sorovares predominantes. Amostras de sangue de 425 cães foram coletadas no Centro de Controle de Zoonoses de Teresina, no período de julho de 2010 a janeiro de 2012, e submetidas à prova de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM). Este estudo encontrou uma taxa de infecção média com 17,41% (IC 95%; 13,8 ­ 21,0) e 11 sorovares reagentes, sendo os prevalentes Canicola (18,9%), Autumnalis (16,2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (12,1%) e Butembo (12,1%). As questões levantadas neste estudo indicam a ocorrência de infecção por Leptospira spp em cães da cidade de Teresina-Piauí, Brasil.(AU)

Occurrence of antibodies against Leptospira spp in dogs from Teresina, Piauí, Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos contra Leptospira spp em cães de Teresina, Piauí, Brasil

Leptospirosis is a systemic disease caused by the species of bacteria Leptospira spp., which affects human beings, domestic and wild animals. The present study searched the presence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. in the canine population of the city Teresina, Piauí, and the most common serovars. Blood samples from 425 stray dogs were collected in the local zoonosis center in Teresina from July 2010 to January 2012 and submitted to the Microscopic Seroagglutination Test (MAT). This study found an average infection rate of 17.41% (IC 95%; 13,8 ­ 21,0) by 11 different serovars; the four most frequent were Canicola (18.9%), Autumnalis (16.2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (12.1%), and Butembo (12.1%). The questions raised in this study indicated the occurrence of Leptospira spp infection in dogs of Terezina- Piaui, Brazil.(AU)

A leptospirose é uma doença sistêmica causada por bactéria Leptospira spp. que afeta seres humanos, animais domésticos e selvagens. O presente trabalho investigou a presença de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. na população canina da cidade de Teresina-Piauí, e os respectivos sorovares predominantes. Amostras de sangue de 425 cães foram coletadas no Centro de Controle de Zoonoses de Teresina, no período de julho de 2010 a janeiro de 2012, e submetidas à prova de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM). Este estudo encontrou uma taxa de infecção média com 17,41% (IC 95%; 13,8 ­ 21,0) e 11 sorovares reagentes, sendo os prevalentes Canicola (18,9%), Autumnalis (16,2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (12,1%) e Butembo (12,1%). As questões levantadas neste estudo indicam a ocorrência de infecção por Leptospira spp em cães da cidade de Teresina-Piauí, Brasil.(AU)

SOROPREVALÊNCIA DA LEPTOSPIROSE EM VACAS LEITEIRAS EM PROPRIEDADES DA AGRICULTURA FAMILIAR, COM FOCO NA SAÚDE ÚNICA

A agricultura familiar faz parte da base econômica de 90% dos municípios brasileiros com até 20 mil habitantes, proporcionalmente, representa 40% da população economicamente ativa do país, destacando- se o envolvimento com a produção leiteira. Como essa atividade é essencial para a alimentação humana, a produção de leite possui grande importância na agricultura familiar. Entretanto o convívio entre seres humanos, animais de produção, e de companhia, pode contribuir para a ocorrência de zoonoses, trazendo inúmeros prejuízos aos produtores rurais, e entre elas destaca-se a leptospirose. No presente trabalho foram avaliadas 272 fêmeas bovinas, de 20 propriedades de agricultura familiar localizadas nos municípios de Botucatu 2 (10%), Bofete 14 (70%), Pardinho 2 (10%), e Torrinha 2(10%), no estado de São Paulo. O número de amostras variou de acordo com os animais disponíveis nas propriedades. Coletou-se sangue de todos os animais para posteriormente avaliar a soroprevalência de leptospirose em cada rebanho, pela prova de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM). Simultaneamente à coleta foi aplicado aos produtores rurais, um questionário epidemiológico para avaliar aspectos referentes às características da propriedade, do rebanho, dos animais de companhia e silvestres presentes na propriedade, bem como hábitos higiênicos dos produtores rurais. Dentre os 272 animais avaliados,45 (16,54%) foram reagentes a pelo menos uma sorovariedade de leptospira. As sorovariedades encontradas foram: Hardjo prajitino (43%), Wolffi (19%), Hardjo CTG (8,9%), Hardjo bovis (3,8%), Guaricura (7,6%), Grippotyphosa (8,9%), Tarassovi (5,1%), Copenhageni (2,5%), e Canícola (1,3%). Conclui-se que há dispersão de diferentes sorovariedades nas propriedades avaliadas, principalmente com a participação de sorovares adaptados a espécies silvestres e não adaptados a bovinos (incidentais), eliminando a bactéria no meio ambiente, podendo, os animais soropositivos ser reservatórios, com riscos de contaminação e infecção ao ser humano.

Family farming is part of the economic base of 90% of Brazilian municipalities with up to 20 thousand inhabitants, proportionally representing 40% of the economically active population in the country, with emphasis on involvement in dairy production. As this activity is essential for human consumption, milk production has great importance in family farming. However the interaction between humans, livestock, and companion, may contribute to the occurrence of zoonoses,bringing numerous losses to farmers, and among them there is the leptospirosis. In the present study, 272 bovine females, from 20 family farms located in the municipalities of Botucatu 2 (10%), Bofete 14 (70%), Pardinho 2 (10%), and Torrinha 2 (10%), were evaluated in the state from Sao Paulo. The number of samples varied according to the animals available on the properties. Blood was collected from all animals to subsequently assess the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in each herd, using the Microscopic Seroagglutination test (SAM). Simultaneously to the collection, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied to the rural producers to assess aspects related to the characteristics of the property, the herd, the companion and wild animals present on the property, as well as the hygienic habits of the rural producers. Of the 272 animals evaluated, 45 (16.54%) were reactive to at least one of Leptospira serovar. The serovarieties found were: Hardjo prajitino (43%), Wolffi (19%), Hardjo CTG (8.9%), Hardjo bovis (3.8%), Guaricura (7.6%), Grippotyphosa (8.9%), Tarassovi (5.1%), Copenhageni (2.5%), and Canícola (1.3%). It is concluded that there is dispersion of different serovarieties in the evaluated properties, with the participation of serovars adapted and not adapted to cattle (incidental), and seropositive animals can be reservoirs, and eliminate leptospires in the environment, with risks of contamination and infection to the human being.

Avaliação dos fatores de risco e prevalência da leptospirose em caprinos em municípios do Alto Médio Gurguéia do Estado do Piauí / Evaluation of risk factors and prevalence of leptospirosis in goats in minicipalities of Microrregion of the Upper-middle Gurguéia the State of Piaui

The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors and to calculate the prevalence ofLeptospirosis in goats in municipalities of the Upper Gurguéia micro region of the State of Piauí. A total of 143goat samples were collected from four (4) municipalities of the micro-region. Applied an epidemiologicalquestionnaire with possible risk factors. The diagnosis was made by the microscopic sero-agglutination (SAM)technique against 22 pathogenic serovars. The reagents were determined serovar appears when 50% or moreagglutination reaction on the cutting point titer of 1: 100. The overall prevalence was 9.09%. SerumIcterohaemorrhagiae were found in 5.59%, Grippotyphosa in 1.4%, Icterohaemorragiae + Pomona (0.7%),Icterohaemorrhagiae + Canicola (0.7%) and Icterohaemorrhagiae + Autumnalis (0.7%). It is concluded that inthe studied region it has a high prevalence for leptospirosis and that there are no measures of controls tocontain the risk factors.(AU)

Avaliação dos fatores de risco e prevalência da leptospirose em caprinos em municípios do Alto Médio Gurguéia do Estado do Piauí / Evaluation of risk factors and prevalence of leptospirosis in goats in minicipalities of Microrregion of the Upper-middle Gurguéia the State of Piaui

The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors and to calculate the prevalence ofLeptospirosis in goats in municipalities of the Upper Gurguéia micro region of the State of Piauí. A total of 143goat samples were collected from four (4) municipalities of the micro-region. Applied an epidemiologicalquestionnaire with possible risk factors. The diagnosis was made by the microscopic sero-agglutination (SAM)technique against 22 pathogenic serovars. The reagents were determined serovar appears when 50% or moreagglutination reaction on the cutting point titer of 1: 100. The overall prevalence was 9.09%. SerumIcterohaemorrhagiae were found in 5.59%, Grippotyphosa in 1.4%, Icterohaemorragiae + Pomona (0.7%),Icterohaemorrhagiae + Canicola (0.7%) and Icterohaemorrhagiae + Autumnalis (0.7%). It is concluded that inthe studied region it has a high prevalence for leptospirosis and that there are no measures of controls tocontain the risk factors.

Screening of feral pigeons (columba livia) for pathogens of veterinary and medical importance

Pathogens of veterinary and medical importance were investigated in 240 feral pigeons (Columba livia) captured in warehouses in São Paulo State, Brazil for one year. Rapid serum agglutination test (RST) was performed for the detection of antibodies against Mycoplasma synoviae, Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Salmonella Pullorum/Gallinarum. Positive samples were submitted to hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and tube seroagglutination tests, respectively. Molecular techniques (RT-PCR and PCR) were performed for Newcastle Diseases Virus (NDV) and Chlamydia psittaci diagnosis. Additionally, HI test was applied to detect antibodies against NDV. Serological results by RST were 3.3% positive for M. synoviae, 2.5% for M. gallisepticum, and 0.4% for S. Pullorum/Gallinarum, all negative on the confirmatory tests performed. NDV RNA or antibodies were not detected. C. psittaci DNA was detected in 13% of the samples. Further research on pigeon health status should be conducted because this species is highly adaptable and their numbers are rapidly rising around the world, posing risks for animals and human beings.

Screening of feral pigeons (columba livia) for pathogens of veterinary and medical importance

Pathogens of veterinary and medical importance were investigated in 240 feral pigeons (Columba livia) captured in warehouses in São Paulo State, Brazil for one year. Rapid serum agglutination test (RST) was performed for the detection of antibodies against Mycoplasma synoviae, Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Salmonella Pullorum/Gallinarum. Positive samples were submitted to hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and tube seroagglutination tests, respectively. Molecular techniques (RT-PCR and PCR) were performed for Newcastle Diseases Virus (NDV) and Chlamydia psittaci diagnosis. Additionally, HI test was applied to detect antibodies against NDV. Serological results by RST were 3.3% positive for M. synoviae, 2.5% for M. gallisepticum, and 0.4% for S. Pullorum/Gallinarum, all negative on the confirmatory tests performed. NDV RNA or antibodies were not detected. C. psittaci DNA was detected in 13% of the samples. Further research on pigeon health status should be conducted because this species is highly adaptable and their numbers are rapidly rising around the world, posing risks for animals and human beings.(AU)

CARACTERIZAÇÃO SOROEPIDEMIOLÓGICA DA LEPTOSPIROSE EM BOVINOS ABATIDOS EM FRIGORÍFICOS DO SUDOESTE GOIANO

A leptospirose é uma zoonose de grande importância em saúde pública. Além disso, a Leptospira sp. é considerada uma das bactérias mais relacionadas com problemas reprodutivos em bovinos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a frequência da leptospirose em bovinos provenientes de 14 dos 18 munícipios presentes na região do Sudoeste Goiano. Foram analisadas 2.006 amostras de soro sanguíneo por meio do teste de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM), perante uma bateria de 32 sorovares de leptospira, em que, eram considerados positivos títulos iguais ou superiores a 100. A frequência da leptospirose bovina nessa região foi 70,1%. O sorovar mais provável foi o Guaricura (30,80%), seguido dos sorovares Wolffi (30,51%), Shermani (9,39%), Hardjo (7,54%), Bananal (4,27%) e Pomona (3,27%). O resultado obtido demostra que a Leptospirose está amplamente difundida entre os bovinos desta região, verificando assim, a importância da implementação de medidas de controle eficientes e direcionadas para as principais fontes de infecção, sendo a vacinação sistemática com a utilização dos sorovares prevalentes na região uma das mais importantes medidas para prevenção da leptospirose.

Leptospirosis is a great of importance in public health zoonosis, Leptospira sp. it is considered to be one of the most responsible bacterias for reproductive problems in cattle. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of leptospirosis in cattle from 14 of the 18 districts in the Southwest region of the state of Goias. A total of 2,006 blood serum samples were analyzed by the microscopic serum agglutination test (SAM) against a battery of 32 leptospira serovars, where titers of 100 or greater were considered positive. The frequency of bovine leptospirosis in this region was 70.1 %. The most probable serovar was Guaricura (30.80%), followed by Wolffi (30.51%), Shermani (9.39%), Hardjo (7.54%), Bananal (4.27%) and Pomona serovars. (3.27%). The results shows that Leptospirosis is widespread among cattle in this region, therefore, this verifies the importance of implementing efficient and targeted control measures for the main sources of infection, being systematic vaccination with use of serovars prevalente in the region one of most importante measures for the prevention of leptospirosis.

Diagnosis of bovine brucellosis in bulls by seroagglutination and seminal plasma agglutination tests / Diagnóstico da brucelose bovina em reprodutores através da soroaglutinação e sêmen plasma aglutinação

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with common agent is Brucella abortus in bovine specie. The disease in bulls is usually asymptomatic and could have absence of anti-B. abortus antibody in serum. It was investigated of the occurrence of bovine brucellosis in bulls, which involved testing blood serum and seminal plasma from 177 bulls used for natural mating or as semen donors. Blood was collected from all the animals by venipuncture of the jugular vein to obtain the serum samples, while seminal plasma was obtained from the animals by electroejaculation. Samples were tested in a screening test (rose Bengal test). In the second stage, the samples testing positive in the RBT were subjected to the confirmatory test (2-mercaptoethanol). None of the animals tested positive when blood serum was used. However, 5.06% of the bulls were considered reagent positive when seminal plasma was tested. It also sought to determine whether there was an association between the kind of production and the destination of animals with positive results. The calculated odds ratio indicated that bulls of the kind of production dairy/both (beef and dairy) had a higher risk of brucellosis infection. It is recommended that seminal plasma agglutination and seroagglutination techniques are applied concomitantly.(AU)

Brucelose é uma zoonose que nos bovinos tem como principal agente a bactéria Brucella abortus. A doença nos touros é geralmente assintomática e pode haver ausência de anticorpos anti- B. abortus no soro sanguíneo. O presente estudo teve como objetivo principal avaliar a ocorrência da brucelose bovina em reprodutores para isso foram empregados testes oficiais tendo como material o soro sanguíneo e o plasma seminal. Foram utilizados 177 machos bovinos destinados à monta natural ou doação de sêmen. O soro sanguíneo foi obtido através de venopunção da jugular e o plasma seminal através da eletroejaculação. As amostras foram submetidas ao teste de triagem (Antígeno acidificado tamponado) e na segunda etapa, apenas as amostras positivas na triagem foram submetidas ao exame confirmatório (2-mercaptoetanol). Não houveram animais positivos quando utilizado o soro sanguíneo. Para plasma seminal houve 5,06% de touros reagentes. Avaliou-se também se sistema produtivo ou a destinação do animal possuíam associação com resultados positivos. O cálculo de odds ratio demonstrou que os reprodutores bovinos do sistema produtivo misto/leite tem maior risco de infecção para brucelose. Recomenda-se que a técnica de sêmen plasma aglutinação seja feita em conjunto com a soroaglutinação.(AU)

Seroprevalence for brucellosis and leptospirosis in dogs from Belém and Castanhal, State of Pará, Brazil / Soroprevalência para brucelose e leptospirose em cães de Belém e Castanhal, Pará, Brasil

Brucellosis and leptospirosis are widely spread bacterial infections and dogs are the most important source of infection and reservoir for diseases. Dogs can disseminate the agents in the environment and transmit them to humans and/or other animals. The objective of this study was assess the occurrence of reactive to antibodies anti-Leptospira spp., Brucella canis and B. abortus in Belém and Castanhal, State of Pará, Amazon, Brazil. A total of 156 samples were randomly collected in the city of Belém and 158 samples in Castanhal. The anti-B. canis antibodies research was performed by Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID) with and without 2-mercaptoethanol serum treatment (AGID-2ME). To assess the anti-B. abortus antibodies, the technique of Fast Seroagglutination with buffered acidified plate antigen (BAPAT) was used. For anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies research, the Microscopic Agglutination Technique (MAT) was used. No animal reacted to Brucella abortus and one animal was reactive to B. canis at the AGID, but it was negative to the AGID-2ME test. Seventeen percent of dogs (47/274) presented anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies, with prevalence of serovar Canicola. The dogs from Belém and Castanhal are not source of infection for B. abortus and B. canis, however, they are reservoirs for different serovars of Leptospira spp.(AU)

Brucelose e leptospirose são enfermidades bacterianas amplamente disseminadas e o cão é importante fonte de infecção e reservatório para ambas, podendo eliminar o agente no meio ambiente, e transmiti-lo para humanos e/ou outros animais. O presente estudo teve como objetivo pesquisar a ocorrência de cães reagentes para anticorpos contra Leptospira spp., Brucella canis e B. abortus em Belém e Castanhal, Pará, Amazônia, Brasil. Foram colhidas de forma aleatória 156 amostras no município de Belém e 158 amostras em Castanhal. A pesquisa de anticorpos anti-B. canis foi realizada pela técnica de Imunodifusão em Gel de Ágar (IDGA) com e sem tratamento do soro com 2-mercaptoetanol (IDGA-2ME) e para pesquisa de anticorpos anti-B. abortus foi utilizada a técnica de Soroaglutinação Rápida com antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT). Para pesquisa de anticorpos contra-Leptospira spp. utilizou-se a Técnica de Aglutinação Microscópica (MAT). Nenhum animal reagiu para Brucella abortus e um animal foi reagente para B. canis na IDGA, porém foi negativo na IDGA-2ME. Dezessete por cento dos cães (47/274) apresentaram anticorpos contra-Leptospira spp., com predominância do sorovar Canicola. Os cães de Belém e Castanhal não são fontes de infecção para B. abortus e B. canis, no entanto são reservatórios de diferentes sorovares de Leptospira spp.(AU)

Seroprevalence for brucellosis and leptospirosis in dogs from Belém and Castanhal, State of Pará, Brazil / Soroprevalência para brucelose e leptospirose em cães de Belém e Castanhal, Pará, Brasil

Brucellosis and leptospirosis are widely spread bacterial infections and dogs are the most important source of infection and reservoir for diseases. Dogs can disseminate the agents in the environment and transmit them to humans and/or other animals. The objective of this study was assess the occurrence of reactive to antibodies anti-Leptospira spp., Brucella canis and B. abortus in Belém and Castanhal, State of Pará, Amazon, Brazil. A total of 156 samples were randomly collected in the city of Belém and 158 samples in Castanhal. The anti-B. canis antibodies research was performed by Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID) with and without 2-mercaptoethanol serum treatment (AGID-2ME). To assess the anti-B. abortus antibodies, the technique of Fast Seroagglutination with buffered acidified plate antigen (BAPAT) was used. For anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies research, the Microscopic Agglutination Technique (MAT) was used. No animal reacted to Brucella abortus and one animal was reactive to B. canis at the AGID, but it was negative to the AGID-2ME test. Seventeen percent of dogs (47/274) presented anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies, with prevalence of serovar Canicola. The dogs from Belém and Castanhal are not source of infection for B. abortus and B. canis, however, they are reservoirs for different serovars of Leptospira spp.

Brucelose e leptospirose são enfermidades bacterianas amplamente disseminadas e o cão é importante fonte de infecção e reservatório para ambas, podendo eliminar o agente no meio ambiente, e transmiti-lo para humanos e/ou outros animais. O presente estudo teve como objetivo pesquisar a ocorrência de cães reagentes para anticorpos contra Leptospira spp., Brucella canis e B. abortus em Belém e Castanhal, Pará, Amazônia, Brasil. Foram colhidas de forma aleatória 156 amostras no município de Belém e 158 amostras em Castanhal. A pesquisa de anticorpos anti-B. canis foi realizada pela técnica de Imunodifusão em Gel de Ágar (IDGA) com e sem tratamento do soro com 2-mercaptoetanol (IDGA-2ME) e para pesquisa de anticorpos anti-B. abortus foi utilizada a técnica de Soroaglutinação Rápida com antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT). Para pesquisa de anticorpos contra-Leptospira spp. utilizou-se a Técnica de Aglutinação Microscópica (MAT). Nenhum animal reagiu para Brucella abortus e um animal foi reagente para B. canis na IDGA, porém foi negativo na IDGA-2ME. Dezessete por cento dos cães (47/274) apresentaram anticorpos contra-Leptospira spp., com predominância do sorovar Canicola. Os cães de Belém e Castanhal não são fontes de infecção para B. abortus e B. canis, no entanto são reservatórios de diferentes sorovares de Leptospira spp.

Evaluation of glycerin as preserving agent of chicken serum for plate agglutination test

Serum is widely used for the purpose of monitoring and diagnosis support for most of poultry diseases. In the case of the serum plate agglutination test (SPA), commonly used to detect antibodies for Salmonella Pullorum (SP), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), serum cannot be frozen because it may result in false positive. Without freezing, serum can last only for a few days. In this experiment, glycerin was evaluated as a serum preservering agent. About 50 samples for each disease and analyzed by SPA test previously were separated. Glycerin was added to serum from commercial chickens, with and without antibodies for SP, MG and MS, in the proportion of 1:1 (serum:glycerin) and kept at refrigerated conditions (2 to 8 ºC). For four years they were tested by the SPA, initially weekly, afterward monthly and then annually. The results show that serum with glycerin give consistent and valid results according to the kind of antibodies present for the period tested. Sera that glycerin was not added to, the results were valid only for the first week. From the second week on, microbial growth affected the test results of the sera without glycerin. Our investigation shows that glycerin can be used to preserve chicken serum for SPA under refrigerated conditions. It is an easy, simple and cheap procedure that can extend serum shelf life, useful mainly for control sera.

Evaluation of glycerin as preserving agent of chicken serum for plate agglutination test

Serum is widely used for the purpose of monitoring and diagnosis support for most of poultry diseases. In the case of the serum plate agglutination test (SPA), commonly used to detect antibodies for Salmonella Pullorum (SP), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), serum cannot be frozen because it may result in false positive. Without freezing, serum can last only for a few days. In this experiment, glycerin was evaluated as a serum preservering agent. About 50 samples for each disease and analyzed by SPA test previously were separated. Glycerin was added to serum from commercial chickens, with and without antibodies for SP, MG and MS, in the proportion of 1:1 (serum:glycerin) and kept at refrigerated conditions (2 to 8 ºC). For four years they were tested by the SPA, initially weekly, afterward monthly and then annually. The results show that serum with glycerin give consistent and valid results according to the kind of antibodies present for the period tested. Sera that glycerin was not added to, the results were valid only for the first week. From the second week on, microbial growth affected the test results of the sera without glycerin. Our investigation shows that glycerin can be used to preserve chicken serum for SPA under refrigerated conditions. It is an easy, simple and cheap procedure that can extend serum shelf life, useful mainly for control sera.

LEPTOSPIROSE BOVINA EM REGIÃO FRONTEIRIÇA

O Brasil possui uma vasta área de fronteira, totalizando 15735 quilômetros, fazendo divisa com dez países, parte desta fronteira é considerada seca, aumentando o risco de veiculação de agentes quando do trânsito de animais vivos com ou sem fiscalização. O rebanho presente na faixa de fronteira compreende mais de 35 milhões de cabeças de bovinos, pertencentes a 588 municípios em 11 estados, o que compreende cerca de 20% de todo rebanho brasileiro. Com aumento da globalização, uma preocupação para a doença é o risco de entrada de novos sorovares pela da entrada de animais oriundos de países vizinhos. A leptospirose é uma doença amplamente distribuída no Brasil e no mundo. Tem caráter zoonótico e em bovinos impacta diretamente nos resultados reprodutivos quando presente nas fazendas. Nos bovinos, a transmissão da Leptospira spp. ocorre principalmente pela presença de animais doentes ou assintomáticos que eliminam a bactéria pela urina, podendo ainda ser transmitida por descargas vaginais, placenta ou fetos abortados infectados. Para o diagnóstico desta enfermidade para a espécie bovina é importante a obtenção de dados epidemiológicos levando em consideração os sinais clínicos apresentados pelo animal, tipo de manejo, local de criação, vacinação, presença de roedores, localização geográfica entre outras variáveis, entretanto é imprescindível a realização do diagnóstico laboratorial, tanto sorológico utilizando a técnica de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM) para a detecção de anticorpos quanto o molecular utilizando a reação em cadeia pela polimerase (PCR) para a detecção do DNA do agente etiológico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi utilizar a biologia molecular e técnicas sorológicas como ferramenta de diagnóstico para a detecção da leptospirose em vacas com transtornos reprodutivos de propriedades rurais de duas regiões fronteiriças (Brasil x Bolívia e Peru Brasil x Paraguai), colhendo-se material de 9 vacas nelore e 50 vacas holandesas respectivamente. Foi realizada colheita de muco vaginal, sangue e urina de vacas de leite para a pesquisa de DNA e anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. Para a pesquisa de DNA foi realizada a técnica da cadeia em reação pela polimerase (PCR) e para a pesquisa de anticorpos a técnica de SAM. Na PCR, cinco amostras e muco vaginal e uma amostra de soro amplificaram produtos com 331 e 549pb com os primers do Mérien e secY respectivamente, sendo possível realizar o sequenciamento da amostra de soro e foi identificado a Leptospira interrogans. Nas amostras de urina não foram detectados DNA de Leptospira spp. Na soroaglutinação microscópica 48,00% foram sororeagentes na SAM com títulos variando de 100 a 400 e o anticorpo contra o sorovar mais prevalente foi o Hardjo. Novos estudos sorológicos e moleculares utilizando primers que permitam a identificação da espécie de Leptospira devem ser conduzidos em regiões de fronteira a fim de se elucidar quais as possíveis espécies deste agente etiológico e os possíveis reservatórios da doença. Além disso, é importante a realização do sequenciamento da amostra positiva para se caracterizar a epidemiologia dos possíveis genótipos e suas possíveis consequências nos rebanhos afetados visando sempre à eficiência da produção em regiões fronteiriças.

Brazil has a large frontier area, totaling 15735 kilometers, bordering ten countries, being part of this border considered to be dry and increasing the risk of agents being used during the transit of live animals with or without inspection. The herd present in the frontier range comprises more than 35 million head of cattle, belonging to 588 municipalities in 11 states, which comprises about 20% of all Brazilian herds. With increasing globalization, a concern for the disease is the risk of entry of new serovars through the entry of animals from neighboring countries. Leptospirosis is a disease widely distributed in Brazil and worldwide. It has a zoonotic character and in cattle directly impacts the reproductive results when present in farms. In cattle, transmission of Leptospira spp. is mainly due to the presence of diseased or asymptomatic animals that eliminate the bacteria through the urine and may be transmitted by vaginal discharges, placenta or infected aborted fetuses. For the diagnosis of this disease for the bovine species it is important to obtain epidemiological data taking into account the clinical signs presented by the animal, type of management, place of breeding, vaccination, presence of rodents, geographical location among other variables, however it is essential to laboratory diagnosis, both serologically using the microscopic sero-agglutination (SAM) technique for the detection of antibodies and the molecular utilization of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the DNA of the etiological agent. The objective of this work was to use molecular biology and serological techniques as a diagnostic tool for the detection of leptospirosis in cows with reproductive disorders of rural properties in two border regions (Brazil x Bolivia and Peru - Brazil x Paraguay). A collection of vaginal mucus, blood and urine from dairy cows was performed for DNA and anti-Leptospira spp antibodies. The DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and the microscopic sero-agglutination (SAM) technique were used for the DNA research. In the PCR, five samples of vaginal mucus and one serum samples amplified products with 331 and 549bp with the primers of Mérien and secY respectively, being possible the sequencing of the serum samples and was identified to Leptospira interrogans. No DNA from Leptospira spp. Was detected in the urine samples. In the microscopic serum agglutination, 48.00% were seroreagents in the SAM with titers varying from 100 to 400 and the most prevalent antibody to the serovar was the Hardjo. New serological and molecular studies using primers that allow the identification of the Leptospira species should be conducted in frontier regions in order to elucidate the possible species of this etiological agent and the possible reservoirs of the disease. In addition, it is important to carry out the sequencing of the positive sample to characterize the epidemiology of possible genotypes and their possible consequences in affected herds, always aiming at the production efficiency in border regions.

Evaluation of glycerin as preserving agent of chicken serum for plate agglutination test

Serum is widely used for the purpose of monitoring and diagnosis support for most of poultry diseases. In the case of the serum plate agglutination test (SPA), commonly used to detect antibodies for Salmonella Pullorum (SP), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), serum cannot be frozen because it may result in false positive. Without freezing, serum can last only for a few days. In this experiment, glycerin was evaluated as a serum preservering agent. About 50 samples for each disease and analyzed by SPA test previously were separated. Glycerin was added to serum from commercial chickens, with and without antibodies for SP, MG and MS, in the proportion of 1:1 (serum:glycerin) and kept at refrigerated conditions (2 to 8 ºC). For four years they were tested by the SPA, initially weekly, afterward monthly and then annually. The results show that serum with glycerin give consistent and valid results according to the kind of antibodies present for the period tested. Sera that glycerin was not added to, the results were valid only for the first week. From the second week on, microbial growth affected the test results of the sera without glycerin. Our investigation shows that glycerin can be used to preserve chicken serum for SPA under refrigerated conditions. It is an easy, simple and cheap procedure that can extend serum shelf life, useful mainly for control sera.(AU)