Steroid-responsive myelitis in dogs - comparison with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis

Background: Myelitis is the inflammation of the spinal cord parenchyma alone, whereas meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges. Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) is a meningomyelitis in which the major lesions involve the meninges, not the spinal cord parenchyma, and respond well to glucocorticoid treatment. However, myelitis in dogs has rarely been reported, and myelitis with a good response to glucocorticoid treatment without relapse has not been reported. This report describes 5 cases of steroid-responsive myelitis (SRM) in dogs. Cases: Case 1. A 8-year-old intact female Cocker Spaniel presented with progressive nonambulatory paraplegia. Whole spinal parenchymal lesions were identified using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Mononuclear pleocytosis with increased total protein levels was the only abnormal finding on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Prednisolone (PDS) was administered followed by dose tapering according to therapeutic response. Cyclosporine was administered until the termination of PDS. Since then, no recurrence of neurological symptoms has been observed. Follow-up MRI and CSF analysis revealed resolution of previously observed abnormal findings. Case 2. A 2-year-old intact female Maltese presented with non-progressive paraparesis. A spinal parenchymal lesion in the lumbosacral region was observed on MRI. PDS was administered and slowly tapered at approximately 3-week intervals. No recurrence of neurological symptoms was observed after the treatment. Case 3. A 6-year-old intact female Miniature Pinscher presented with neck pain, along with leukocytosis and neutrophilia. Cervical spinal parenchyma lesions were revealed through MRI. Increased total protein concentration with mixed cell pleocytosis was observed on CSF analysis. Immunomodulatory therapy, similar to that in case 2, was initiated. A second MRI and CSF analysis revealed an improvement in the previously observed abnormalities. Case 4. A 2-year-old, intact female Toy Poodle presented with acute paraplegia and back pain. Lesions were observed in the spinal parenchyma at the T12-L3 levels on MRI. The treatment was conducted as in case 2. During treatment, neurological symptoms, including paraplegia and back pain, were not observed. Follow-up MRI revealed improvement in the spinal lesion. Case 5. A 6-month-old, castrated male Standard Poodle presented with progressive paraparesis. On MRI, lesions were observed in the T11-T13 regions. Immunomodulation therapy, similar to that in case 2, was initiated. No recurrence of neurological symptoms was observed after treatment initiation Discussion: SRM is similar to SRMA in terms of good steroid-responsiveness and noninfectious inflammation etiology; however, it does not exactly satisfy the diagnostic criteria for SRMA, nor does it progress similarly. The characteristics of SRM that do not satisfy the diagnostic criteria of SRMA include the absence of fever, C-reactive protein elevation, hyperglobulinemia, and relapse, and the presence of spinal parenchymal lesions without parenchymal or meningeal enhancement on MRI. It is also a seemingly different from spinal cord-only meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin due to its better treatment response and prognosis. However, the dogs in the present report with SRM satisfied the diagnostic criteria for transverse myelitis in human patients. Therefore, SRM, including good steroid responsiveness and good prognosis without relapse, may represent a novel type of meningomyelitis.

Listeria innocua and serotypes of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from clinical cases in small ruminants in the northwest of Uruguay / Listeria innocua e serotipos do Listeria monocytogenes isoladas dos casos clínicos em pequenos ruminantes no noroeste do Uruguai

Listeriosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Listeria, the neurological form being more common in ruminants. There are many reports of listeriosis in small ruminants in the region that includes Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. However, these diagnoses were mainly based on histological lesions in the central nervous system (CNS) without the isolation and characterization of the involved Listeria strains. The aim of this study was to report sheep and goats listeriosis cases from 2016 to 2021 in northwestern Uruguay. The diagnosis was made according to lesions observed at histopathology, plus Listeria isolation in CNS, identifying it at specie and serotype level. Nine animals (n=9) of three outbreaks and five sporadic cases of listeriosis were studied. Sheep was the species with more cases in relation to goats, and adults were the category most affected. Cases occurred in spring and less frequently in winter. All presented neurological clinical signs and the lesions in the CNS were consistent with suppurative meningoencephalitis and micro-abscesses in the brainstem. In eight of nine CNS samples, Listeria strains were isolated (seven L. monocytogenes and one L. innocua). All the L. monocytogenes isolates carried the inlA gene; serotyping showed that four strains belonged to serotype 1/2b, two isolates belonged to serotype 4b, and one to serotype 1/2a. Considering that listeriosis is a common disease in this region and the fact that isolates are scarcely recovered from small ruminants, it would be important to emphasize the need for Listeria isolation to better characterize the strains that affect animals. Not only to improve knowledge about the epidemiology of disease but also with the objective of developing serotype specific vaccines for animal use.

Listeriose uma doença bacteriana causada pelo gênero Listeria, a forma nervosa é a mais comum em ruminantes. No Brasil, Argentina e Uruguai há vários relatos de listeriose em pequenos ruminantes com diagnóstico baseado na histopatologia do sistema nervoso central (SNC), sem o isolamento e a caracterização do agente. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar uma série de casos diagnosticados em ovinos e caprinos no período 2016-2021 no noroeste do Uruguai. O diagnóstico foi feito basado nas lesões observadas na histopatologia, e caracterização das cepas de Listeria recuperadas do SNC quanto à espécie e sorotipo. Nove animais (n=9) do três surtos e cinco casos isolados de listeriose foram estudados. Os ovinos foram a espécie com o maior número de casos em relação aos caprinos, sendo os animais adultos a categoria mais afetada em ambas espécies. A doença ocorreu principalmente na primavera com alguns casos observados no inverno. Todos os casos apresentavam sinais clínicos nervosos e as lesões no SNC caracterizavam-se por meningoencefalite supurativa com presença de microabscessos no tronco encefálico. Em oito de nove amostras do SNC foram isoladas cepas de Listeria (sete L. monocytogenes e uma L. innocua). Todos os isolados de L. monocytogenes continham o gene inlA; a sorotipagem apresentou quatro cepas do serotipo 1/2b, duas cepas serotipo 4b e uma cepa 1/2a. Levando em consideração que nesta região a listeriose é uma doença frequente e que existem poucos isolados recuperados de casos clínicos em pequeño ruminantes, torna-se relevante o isolamento deste agente para caracterização das cepas que afetam os animais. Não só para melhorar o conhecimento sobre a epidemiologia da doença, mas também com o objetivo de desenvolver vacinas sorotipo-especificas para uso animal.

Staphylococcus aureus-induced pyogranulomatous dermatitis, osteomyelitis, and meningitis with Splendore-Hoeppli reaction in a cat coinfected with the feline leukemia virus and Leishmania sp

This report describes a case of a pyogranulomatous dermatitis, osteomyelitis, and meningitis with Splendore-Hoeppli reaction caused by Staphylococcus aureus in a sheltered female adult cat coinfected with the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Leishmania sp. The cat had a mild anemia and marked increased total leukocytes, particularly band and segmented neutrophils. The cat had laboratorial diagnosis of FeLV and Leishmania sp. infections. Clinically, the cat had extensive and multifocal areas of ulceration in cranial region. Due to the progression of cutaneous lesions, progressive weight loss, and the risk for other sheltered animals, the cat was euthanized. Microscopically, there was marked pyogranulomatous ulcerative dermatitis, osteomyelitis and meningitis, with multiple large intralesional colonies of Gram-positive cocci associated with Splendore-Hoeppli reaction. Aerobic bacterial isolates were identified as S. aureus by MALDI-ToF MS. Leishmania sp. DNA sequences were detected in liver and spleen, and amastigotes were demonstrated in skin sections by immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, here we describe a case of S. aureus-induced pyogranulomatous meningitis with SH reaction in a cat naturally coinfected with FeLV and Leishmania sp(AU)

Detection of antigens in paraffin sections of worms and snails infected by Angiostrongylus cantonensis by immunofluorescence reaction / Detecção de antígenos em cortes parafinados de vermes e caramujos infectados por Angiostrongylus cantonensis pela reação de imunofluorescência

The Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) was used to identify stage-specific antigenic structures in paraffin sections of female larvae and worms and snails tissues, infected with third stage larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Sera from eosinophilic meningitis cases were used to assess reactivity. Non-reactive sera from patients with other parasitic diseases and from individuals without other etiologies were used as controls for cross-reactivity. Larvae and worms showed high reactivity to IgG antibodies. IgM antibodies reacted with low intensity only to larvae. Fluorescent reactions were observed in the cuticles and internal structures on worms sections, with a marked reaction in the uterus content. In the snail tissues, the larvae were found exclusively inside the granulomas, with fluorescent markings in the cuticles of the larvae and inside the granulomatous tissues. This fluorescent pattern suggests the presence of excretory/secretory antigens distributed throughout the granulomas. Expressive cross-reactivity occurred in sera from patients with other parasitic diseases, especially strongyloidiasis. The use of IFA applied to paraffin sections to identify structures with antigenic potential and the study of new serological markers, can contribute to the improvement of the laboratory diagnosis of eosinophilic meningitis. (AU)

A Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) foi utilizada para localizar antígenos em estruturas estágio-específicas em cortes parafinados de vermes fêmeas e em tecidos de caramujos do Gênero Biomphalaria infectados com larvas de terceiro estágio de Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Soros de casos confirmados de meningite eosinfílica foram usados para avaliação da reatividade. Soros não reagentes de casos suspeitos; de pacientes com outras parasitoses e de indivíduos sem outras etiologias foram utilizados como controle de reatividade cruzada. Anticorpos da classe IgG foram reativos para antígenos presentes nos dois estágios e, anticorpos IgM somente para o estágio larvário. Nos cortes de vermes, as marcações fluorescentes foram assinaladas nas cutículas e estruturas internas, com acentuada marcação para os conteúdos uterinos. Nos tecidos dos caramujos as larvas foram encontradas exclusivamente no interior dos granulomas, com marcações fluorescentes nas cutículas das larvas e no interior dos tecidos granulomatosos. O padrão de fluorescência no granuloma sugere a marcação de antígenos excretores/secretores. Reatividade cruzada mais expressiva ocorreu com anticorpos presentes em soros de pacientes com outras parasitoses, com destaque para estrongiloidíase. A RIFI em cortes parafinados abre novas perspectivas para identificação de antígenos e de marcadores sorológicos, que possam ser aplicados no aprimoramento do diagnóstico laboratorial da meningite eosinofílica. (AU)

Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory aspects of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection: an integrative review / Aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e laboratoriais de infecção por Angiostrongylus cantonensis: uma revisão integrativa

This integrative literature review study analyzes the findings of the last 5 years of the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis. It is known that this nematode is found in the pulmonary arteries of rats, where it remains as a definitive host. From mice, the cycle spreads to animals, such as snails, which in contact with humans can trigger the disease. In humans, the parasite causes several neurological, abdominal manifestations and mainly meningitis. Based on the review of studies, its epidemiology shows worldwide distribution, although there are endemic cases for this parasite, such as asian countries. Laboratory findings generally showed altered CSF with turbidity, increased protein and eosinophilia, which generated meningeal signs in the patient, moreover MRI exams showed multiple alterations. Rare findings of the nematode in the eyeball, lung and signs of peritoneal inflammation were reported, which requires further studies to understand the whole pathophysiology. Finally, conservative treatment based on anthelmintics and anti-inflammatories brought good responses, although there are reports of deaths, which demonstrates the importance in the prevention and therapy of this disease.

Este estudo de revisão integrativa da literatura analisa os achados dos últimos 5 anos do parasita Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Sabe-se que esse nematoide é encontrado nas artérias pulmonares de ratos, onde permanece como hospedeiro definitivo. Dos camundongos, o ciclo se espalha para os animais, como os caracóis, que em contato com humanos podem desencadear a doença. Em humanos, o parasita causa diversas manifestações neurológicas, abdominais e principalmente meningite. Com base na revisão de estudos, sua epidemiologia mostra distribuição mundial, embora existam casos endêmicos para esse parasito, como países asiáticos. Os achados laboratoriais geralmente mostraram LCR alterado com turbidez, aumento de proteínas e eosinofilia, o que gerou sinais meníngeos nos pacientes, além disso, os exames de ressonância magnética mostraram múltiplas alterações. Foram relatados achados raros do nematoide no globo ocular, pulmão e sinais de inflamação peritoneal, o que requer mais estudos para o entendimento de toda a fisiopatologia. Por fim, o tratamento conservador à base de anti-helmínticos e anti-inflamatórios trouxe boas respostas, embora haja relatos de óbitos, o que demonstra a importância na prevenção e terapia dessa doença.

Infecção pelo vírus da Febre do Nilo Ocidental em equinos no Estado de São Paulo / West Nile Fever virus infection in horses in São Paulo state, Brazil

Background: The West Nile virus (WNV) antibodies were reported in Brazil in the serum samples taken from horses andbirds in the Midwest region and Paraíba state in 2008 and 2013, respectively. In 2014, the first human case was confirmedin a rural worker in the state of Piauí and, in 2018, the virus was isolated from the central nervous system of a horse withnervous symptoms in the state of Espírito Santo. The virus is a member of the Flaviviridae family of the genus Flavivirus(neurotropic), infecting several mammalian species, with humans and horses being the most susceptible. Approximately35% of horses develop clinical signs, thus they are considered the best sentinels for this disease. The aim of this case reportis to describe the first confirmed cases of West Nile Fever (WNF) in two horses in the state of São Paulo.Cases: Two horses with neurological symptoms were treated at the Veterinary Hospital of Cruzeiro do Sul University (SãoPaulo, SP), in 2019. Both horses came from neighboring regions that have a large Atlantic Forest preservation area and arealso routes for migratory birds, known to be competent hosts for transmitting the West Nile Fever virus, such as the swallow,the falcon and the hawk. The first one had symptoms, such as weakness and sporadic seizures; however, after recovering,it was hospitalized a few days later due to kidney failure and laminitis. The second one showed incoordination, pelviclimb weakness, and was walking in circles, evolving to seizures. Both animals were euthanized, and their central nervoussystem samples and total blood samples were tested for rabies, herpes virus, and WNV; the first 2 tests showed negativeresults. Ribonucleic acids (RNA) were extracted from erythrocytes using the polymerase...

Infecção pelo vírus da Febre do Nilo Ocidental em equinos no Estado de São Paulo / West Nile Fever virus infection in horses in São Paulo state, Brazil

Background: The West Nile virus (WNV) antibodies were reported in Brazil in the serum samples taken from horses andbirds in the Midwest region and Paraíba state in 2008 and 2013, respectively. In 2014, the first human case was confirmedin a rural worker in the state of Piauí and, in 2018, the virus was isolated from the central nervous system of a horse withnervous symptoms in the state of Espírito Santo. The virus is a member of the Flaviviridae family of the genus Flavivirus(neurotropic), infecting several mammalian species, with humans and horses being the most susceptible. Approximately35% of horses develop clinical signs, thus they are considered the best sentinels for this disease. The aim of this case reportis to describe the first confirmed cases of West Nile Fever (WNF) in two horses in the state of São Paulo.Cases: Two horses with neurological symptoms were treated at the Veterinary Hospital of Cruzeiro do Sul University (SãoPaulo, SP), in 2019. Both horses came from neighboring regions that have a large Atlantic Forest preservation area and arealso routes for migratory birds, known to be competent hosts for transmitting the West Nile Fever virus, such as the swallow,the falcon and the hawk. The first one had symptoms, such as weakness and sporadic seizures; however, after recovering,it was hospitalized a few days later due to kidney failure and laminitis. The second one showed incoordination, pelviclimb weakness, and was walking in circles, evolving to seizures. Both animals were euthanized, and their central nervoussystem samples and total blood samples were tested for rabies, herpes virus, and WNV; the first 2 tests showed negativeresults. Ribonucleic acids (RNA) were extracted from erythrocytes using the polymerase...(AU)

Clinical and pathological aspects of an outbreak of Streptococcus suis serotype 9 infection in pigs / Aspectos clínicos e patológicos de um surto de infecção por Streptococcus suis sorotipo 9 em suínos

Streptococcus suis is a Gram-positive pathogen that inhabits the upper respiratory tract and can cause severe systemic inflammatory disease in pigs, mainly during the nursery phase. Streptococcus suis is a reemergent pathogen, and outbreaks of its inducing disease represent significant economic losses for the pig industry worldwide. In this study, we described the clinical, pathological, and molecular aspects of an outbreak of S. suis infection with atypically high mortality. The outbreak occurred in nursery farms integrated into a cooperative in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Of the 30 nurseries, 10 were severely affected by the pathogen and had high economic losses. Clinical signs usually started approximately 10 days after weaning and were mainly characterized by acute nervous and locomotor disorders. The mortality of the affected batches usually ranged between 8% and 10%, but in some cases, it reached 18%. Nine piglets were submitted to post mortem examination. Macroscopically, the synovial joints were enlarged and contained fibrinous exudates. In the central nervous system, there was hyperemia of the leptomeningeal vessels associated with deposition of fibrin and purulent exudate in the leptomeninges. In three piglets, there was thickening of the choroid plexus associated with dilation of the lateral ventricles. Microscopic lesions were characterized mainly by fibrinosuppurative inflammation, which involved the synovial membranes, leptomeninges of the brain, and spinal cord. Furthermore, it also affects the choroid plexus, ependyma, nerve roots, and central canal of the spinal cord. S. suis was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid, meningeal swabs, and/or synovial fluid of 8/9 piglets, and typified as serotype 9 by multiplex PCR.

Streptococcus suis é um patógeno Gram positivo que habita o trato respiratório superior e pode causar doença inflamatória sistêmica grave em suínos, principalmente durante a fase de creche. Streptococcus suis é um patógeno reemergente e surtos representam perdas econômicas significativas a suinocultura mundial. Neste estudo descrevemos os aspectos clínicos, patológicos e moleculares de um surto de infecção por S. suis com mortalidade atipicamente alta. O surto ocorreu em creches integradas a uma cooperativa do estado do Paraná, Brasil. Das 30 creches, 10 foram severamente afetadas pelo patógeno e apresentavam elevadas perdas econômicas. Os sinais clínicos iniciavam em torno de 10 dias após o desmame e eram caracterizados principalmente por sinais clínicos nervosos e locomotores agudos. A mortalidade dos lotes afetados variava entre 8% e 10%, mas em alguns casos ultrapassava 18%. Nove leitões foram submetidos ao exame post mortem. Macroscopicamente, as articulações sinoviais estavam aumentadas e continham exsudato fibrinoso. No sistema nervoso central havia hiperemia dos vasos leptomeníngeos associada a deposição de fibrina e exsudato purulento nas leptomeninges. Em três leitões havia espessamento do plexo coroide associado a dilatação dos ventrículos laterais. As lesões microscópicas eram caracterizadas principalmente por inflamação fibrinossupurativa que envolvia as membranas sinoviais, as leptomeninges do cérebro e medula espinhal. Além disso, também afetava o plexo coroide, epêndima, raízes nervosas e canal central da medula espinhal. S. suis foi isolado do líquido cefalorraquidiano, suabe de meninge e/ou líquido sinovial de 8/9 leitões e tipificado como sorotipo 9 por PCR multiplex.

Identification of Virulence-Associated Markers in Escherichia Coli Isolated from Captive Red-Browed Amazon Parrot (Amazona Rhodocorytha)

Due to the genetic similarity of pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from birds and pathotypes of human origin, it is suggested that they have a common ancestor and may exchange virulence-associated genes. This study aimed to detect virulence-associated genes in E. coli strains isolated from the Red-browed Amazon parrot (Amazona rhodocorytha) kept at a conservation institute in Brazil. High genetic variability in virulence was observed, since 12 virulence profiles were found among 14 strains. The number of virulence-associated genes of single strains ranged from 5 to 22 out of 33 genes tested, and only one strain did not present any virulence genes. Regarding adhesion genes, most strains presented from two to five genes, and crlA (85.7%) and fimC (85.7%) were the most frequent. Frequencies were similar for invasion and iron acquisition genes. Variations among genes were observed for serum resistance and toxin-related genes. Some of the E. coli strains isolated from parrots presented virulence genes that are commonly associated with pathotypes of human origin, including newborn meningitis E. coli, uropathogenic E. coli, and sepsis-associated E. coli. It is noteworthy that some of these genes were present in the majority of the analyzed strains. Our results indicate that these strains detected in clinically healthy parrots can be potential reservoirs of several virulence-associated genes. These genes can be transmitted to other E. coli strains, including those that affect humans. These E. coli strains present a high pathogenic potential of virulence-associated genes in extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli strains.(AU)

Zoonoses como importantes causas de internamento hospitalar: um estudo de 15 anos em Portugal / Zoonoses as important causes of hospital admission: a 15-year study in Portugal

As zoonoses representam 75% das doenças emergentes. Estas doenças são uma ameaça permanente à saúde e bem-estar humanos, e têm o potencial de se tornar cada vez mais frequentes devido à degradação de habitats, alteração de utilização das terras, e aumento da mobilidade global de pessoas, animais e produtos animais. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o impacto de dez zoonoses (brucelose, cisticercose, equinococose, leishmaniose, leptospirose, doença de Lyme, raiva, toxoplasmose, triquinelose e febre do Nilo Ocidental) nos internamentos em hospitais do Serviço Nacional de Saúde português entre 2002 e 2016.(AU)

Antifungal activity of liriodenine on clinical strains of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes

Background: Cryptoccocal meningitis continues to present high incidence among AIDS patients. The treatment of choice is the synergistic combination of flucytosine (5-FC) with amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmBd) or its lipid formulations. However, 5-FC is unavailable in many countries and AmB demands hospitalization. The combination of AmB with the fungistatic fluconazole (FLC) or the use of high FLC daily doses alone became the choice. Nonetheless, sterilization of cerebrospinal fluid is delayed with FLC monotherapy, mainly with high fungal burden. These findings suggest the search for new antifungal compounds, such as liriodenine. Methods: Liriodenine antifungal activity was evaluated by three procedures: determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on 30 strains of the Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) complex and 30 of the Cryptococcus gattii (C. gattii) complex, using EUCAST methodology and amphotericin B deoxycholate as control; performing the time-kill methodology in two strains of the C. neoformans complex and one of the C. gattii complex; and injury to cryptococcal cells, evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Liriodenine absorption and safety at 0.75 and 1.50 mg.kg-1 doses were evaluated in BALB/c mice. Results: Liriodenine MICs ranged from 3.9 to 62.5 µg.mL-1 for both species complexes, with no differences between them. Time-kill methodology confirmed its concentration-dependent fungicidal effect, killing all the strains below the limit of detection (33 CFU.mL-1) at the highest liriodenine concentration (32-fold MIC), with predominant activity during the first 48 hours. Liriodenine induced severe Cryptococcus alterations ­ cytoplasm with intense rarefaction and/or degradation, injury of organelles, and presence of vacuoles. Liriodenine was better absorbed at lower doses, with no histopathological alterations on the digestive tract. Conclusion: The fungicidal activity confirmed by time-kill methodology, the intense Cryptococcus injury observed by TEM, the absorption after gavage administration, and the safety at the tested doses indicate that the liriodenine molecule is a promising drug lead for development of anticryptococcal agents.(AU)

Diseases of the central nervous system in swine in Southern Brazil / Doenças do sistema nervoso central de suínos no Sul do Brasil

Brazil is the fourth largest exporter of pork worldwide, with its production concentrated in the Southern region of the country. To reduce the economic impacts and increase herd health, an efficient diagnosis of diseases is necessary. The frequency, seasonal, and annual distribution of diseases that affecting the swine nervous system in Southern Brazil were determined through a retrospective study conducted from 2008 to 2018. A total of 231 pigs were evaluated, and distributed in the following phases: suckling piglets, nursery, growing, finishing, and adults. Piglets in the nursery phase were the most affected with 58.01%. Infectious diseases accounted for 87.01% (201/231) of lesions in the nervous system. Bacterial meningitis was observed in 58.87% of cases, presenting an endemic distribution, and a propensity to occur in the months of autumn/winter. The highest number of cases of porcine circovirus-2 were observed in 2008 and 2009, with a subsequent decline. Porcine circovirus, salt poisoning, and brain abscesses exhibited no association between the seasonal occurrence and annual distribution. Salt poisoning was observed more frequently in the last years of this study. Both, non-suppurative encephalomyelitis and selenium toxicosis exhibited an association between their occurrence and seasonal distribution in, the months of winter, and summer, respectively.(AU)

Brasil é o quarto maior exportador de carne suína do mundo, com sua produção concentrada na região Sul do país. Para reduzir os impactos econômicos e aumentar a saúde do rebanho, é necessário o diagnóstico eficiente das doenças. A frequência, distribuição sazonal e anual das doenças que afetam o sistema nervoso de suínos no Sul do Brasil foram determinadas através de um estudo retrospectivo no período de 2008 a 2018. Foram avaliados 231 suínos, distribuídos nas seguintes fases: maternidade, creche, crescimento, terminação e adultos. Leitões da fase de creche foram os mais afetados com 58,01%. As doenças de origem infecciosa foram responsáveis por 87,01% (201/231) das causas de lesões no sistema nervoso. Meningite bacteriana foi observada em 58,87% dos casos, apresentando distribuição endêmica, e uma tendência a ocorrer nos meses de outono/inverno. O maior número de casos de circovírus suíno foram observados em 2008 e 2009, com declínio posterior. Circovírus suíno, intoxicação por sal e os abscessos encefálicos não apresentaram associação entre a ocorrência sazonal e distribuição anual. A intoxicação por sal foi observada com maior frequência nos últimos anos deste estudo. A encefalomielite não supurativa e a intoxicação por selênio exibiram associação entre a sua ocorrência e distribuição sazonal, nos meses de inverno e verão, respectivamente.(AU)

Diseases of the central nervous system in swine in Southern Brazil / Doenças do sistema nervoso central de suínos no Sul do Brasil

Brazil is the fourth largest exporter of pork worldwide, with its production concentrated in the Southern region of the country. To reduce the economic impacts and increase herd health, an efficient diagnosis of diseases is necessary. The frequency, seasonal, and annual distribution of diseases that affecting the swine nervous system in Southern Brazil were determined through a retrospective study conducted from 2008 to 2018. A total of 231 pigs were evaluated, and distributed in the following phases: suckling piglets, nursery, growing, finishing, and adults. Piglets in the nursery phase were the most affected with 58.01%. Infectious diseases accounted for 87.01% (201/231) of lesions in the nervous system. Bacterial meningitis was observed in 58.87% of cases, presenting an endemic distribution, and a propensity to occur in the months of autumn/winter. The highest number of cases of porcine circovirus-2 were observed in 2008 and 2009, with a subsequent decline. Porcine circovirus, salt poisoning, and brain abscesses exhibited no association between the seasonal occurrence and annual distribution. Salt poisoning was observed more frequently in the last years of this study. Both, non-suppurative encephalomyelitis and selenium toxicosis exhibited an association between their occurrence and seasonal distribution in, the months of winter, and summer, respectively.(AU)

Brasil é o quarto maior exportador de carne suína do mundo, com sua produção concentrada na região Sul do país. Para reduzir os impactos econômicos e aumentar a saúde do rebanho, é necessário o diagnóstico eficiente das doenças. A frequência, distribuição sazonal e anual das doenças que afetam o sistema nervoso de suínos no Sul do Brasil foram determinadas através de um estudo retrospectivo no período de 2008 a 2018. Foram avaliados 231 suínos, distribuídos nas seguintes fases: maternidade, creche, crescimento, terminação e adultos. Leitões da fase de creche foram os mais afetados com 58,01%. As doenças de origem infecciosa foram responsáveis por 87,01% (201/231) das causas de lesões no sistema nervoso. Meningite bacteriana foi observada em 58,87% dos casos, apresentando distribuição endêmica, e uma tendência a ocorrer nos meses de outono/inverno. O maior número de casos de circovírus suíno foram observados em 2008 e 2009, com declínio posterior. Circovírus suíno, intoxicação por sal e os abscessos encefálicos não apresentaram associação entre a ocorrência sazonal e distribuição anual. A intoxicação por sal foi observada com maior frequência nos últimos anos deste estudo. A encefalomielite não supurativa e a intoxicação por selênio exibiram associação entre a sua ocorrência e distribuição sazonal, nos meses de inverno e verão, respectivamente.(AU)

Suppurative meningoencephalitis secondary to a Trueperella pyogenes-induced mandibular abscess in a free-ranging gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira)

Trueperella pyogenes é um patógeno oportunista, afetando mais comumente ruminantes e porcos. Uma fêmea de veado-mato-cinzento ( Mazama gouazoubira ) teve um abscesso no músculo masseter associado a uma osteólise e osteomielite na mandíbula direita adjacente, com um trato fistuloso até a órbita e através do forame óptico no crânio, causando uma supuração meningite. Histologicamente, o abscesso foi caracterizado por um infiltrado inflamatório neutrofílico e histiocítico com uma miríade de bactérias Gram-positivas em forma de bastonete e uma leptomeningite supurativa e histiocítica focalmente extensa das porções ventrais do cérebro. A cultura microbiológica aeróbia, MALDI-ToF e PCR identificaram T. pyogenes.

Suppurative meningoencephalitis secondary to a Trueperella pyogenes-induced mandibular abscess in a free-ranging gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira)

Trueperella pyogenes é um patógeno oportunista, afetando mais comumente ruminantes e porcos. Uma fêmea de veado-mato-cinzento ( Mazama gouazoubira ) teve um abscesso no músculo masseter associado a uma osteólise e osteomielite na mandíbula direita adjacente, com um trato fistuloso até a órbita e através do forame óptico no crânio, causando uma supuração meningite. Histologicamente, o abscesso foi caracterizado por um infiltrado inflamatório neutrofílico e histiocítico com uma miríade de bactérias Gram-positivas em forma de bastonete e uma leptomeningite supurativa e histiocítica focalmente extensa das porções ventrais do cérebro. A cultura microbiológica aeróbia, MALDI-ToF e PCR identificaram T. pyogenes.(AU)

Febre do Nilo Ocidental no Brasil: o novo desafio aos médicos-veterinários / West Nile Fever in Brazilian horses: new challenge for veterinarians

O vírus do Nilo Ocidental (VNO) é um arbovírus transmitido principalmente por mosquitos do gênero Culex e responsável pela doença Febre do Nilo Ocidental (FNO). Foi identificado no Brasil pela primeira vez em 2009, através de um estudo soro-epidemiológico em equídeos e, desde então, a presença de anticorpos contra o VNO e/ou ácido nucleico viral tem sido identificado em seres humanos, equídeos e aves. Por causar infecções neurológicas em animais e humanos, é considerado um problema global de saúde pública. O controle da FNO está intimamente relacionado à atuação dos médicos-veterinários na vigilância, principalmente, de casos em equídeos, animais considerados sentinelas na identificação da doença.(AU)

The West Nile virus is an arbovirus transmitted mainly by Culex mosquitoes and responsible for West Nile Fever (FNO) disease. It was identified in Brazil for the first time in 2009, through a seroepidemiological surveillance in equids and, since then, the presence of antibodies against the virus and/or viral nucleic acid has been identified in humans, horses and birds. The virus is responsible for neurological infections in animals and humans, and is considered a global public health problem. The control of WNF is closely related to the role of veterinarians, mainly in the surveillance of cases in equines, animals considered sentinels in the identification of the disease.(AU)

Febre do Nilo Ocidental no Brasil: o novo desafio aos médicos-veterinários / West Nile Fever in Brazilian horses: new challenge for veterinarians

O vírus do Nilo Ocidental (VNO) é um arbovírus transmitido principalmente por mosquitos do gênero Culex e responsável pela doença Febre do Nilo Ocidental (FNO). Foi identificado no Brasil pela primeira vez em 2009, através de um estudo soro-epidemiológico em equídeos e, desde então, a presença de anticorpos contra o VNO e/ou ácido nucleico viral tem sido identificado em seres humanos, equídeos e aves. Por causar infecções neurológicas em animais e humanos, é considerado um problema global de saúde pública. O controle da FNO está intimamente relacionado à atuação dos médicos-veterinários na vigilância, principalmente, de casos em equídeos, animais considerados sentinelas na identificação da doença.

The West Nile virus is an arbovirus transmitted mainly by Culex mosquitoes and responsible for West Nile Fever (FNO) disease. It was identified in Brazil for the first time in 2009, through a seroepidemiological surveillance in equids and, since then, the presence of antibodies against the virus and/or viral nucleic acid has been identified in humans, horses and birds. The virus is responsible for neurological infections in animals and humans, and is considered a global public health problem. The control of WNF is closely related to the role of veterinarians, mainly in the surveillance of cases in equines, animals considered sentinels in the identification of the disease.

Glässer's disease in swine from Northeastern Brazil / Doença de Glässer em suínos no Nordeste do Brasil

Glässer's disease is an important infectious disorder of swine caused by Haemophilus parasuis. Although well recognized in most regions of Brazil, outbreaks of Glässer's disease have not been described in Northeastern region. For this reason, three municipalities of the Pernambuco State were visited in order to identify histories of high mortality in growing and finishing pigs. The main clinical signs consisted of dry cough, apathy, fever, anorexia, paresis, muscle tremors, motor incoordination, seizures leading to high mortality rates. Nine pigs were necropsied, and fragments of the nervous system, organs of the abdominal and thoracic cavities were collected for histological analysis. In addition, lung and brain fragments were used for DNA extraction and molecular testing by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Grossly, the main lesions consisted of petechial hemorrhages or ecchymosis on the skin of the face, abdomen, forelimbs, and hind limbs. The main severe lesions consisted of hydropericardium, hemopericardium, fibrinous pericarditis and pleuropneumonia. Microscopically, pericarditis, epicarditis and subepicardial myocarditis, followed by a moderate to severe multifocal pleuropneumonia, fibrinosuppurative and necrotizing were the most frequent lesions observed. Real-time PCR amplified H. parasuis infB gene in all samples analyzed, confirming the presence of this etiologic agent.(AU)

A doença de Glässer é uma importante enfermidade infecciosa de suínos causada pela bactéria Haemophilus parasuis. Embora bem reconhecida na maioria das regiões do Brasil, surtos de doença de Glässer não têm sido descritos na região Nordeste. Por este motivo, três regiões do Estado de Pernambuco foram visitadas com o objetivo de se identificar históricos de alta mortalidade em leitões e suínos em fase de terminação. Nove suínos foram necropsiados e fragmentos do sistema nervoso, órgãos das cavidades abdominal e torácica foram coletados para análise histopatológica. Além disso, fragmentos de pulmão e cérebro foram utilizados para extração de DNA e realização de teste molecular por meio da Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) em tempo real. Os principais sinais clínicos consistiram em tosse seca, apatia, febre, anorexia, paresia, tremores musculares, incoordenação motora e convulsões levando a altas taxas de mortalidade. As lesões macroscópicas mais severas consistiam em petéquias e equimoses na pele da face, abdome, membros anteriores e posteriores, além de hidropericárdio, hemopericárdio, pericardite fibrinosa e pleuropneumonia. Microscopicamente, pericardite, epicardite e miocardite subepicárdica, seguidas de pleuropneumonia multifocal moderada a grave, fibrino-supurativa e necrosante foram as lesões mais frequentes observadas. A PCR em tempo real amplificou o gene infB de H. parasuis em todas as amostras analisadas, confirmando a presença deste agente etiológico.(AU)

Glässer's disease in swine from Northeastern Brazil / Doença de Glässer em suínos no Nordeste do Brasil

Glässer's disease is an important infectious disorder of swine caused by Haemophilus parasuis. Although well recognized in most regions of Brazil, outbreaks of Glässer's disease have not been described in Northeastern region. For this reason, three municipalities of the Pernambuco State were visited in order to identify histories of high mortality in growing and finishing pigs. The main clinical signs consisted of dry cough, apathy, fever, anorexia, paresis, muscle tremors, motor incoordination, seizures leading to high mortality rates. Nine pigs were necropsied, and fragments of the nervous system, organs of the abdominal and thoracic cavities were collected for histological analysis. In addition, lung and brain fragments were used for DNA extraction and molecular testing by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Grossly, the main lesions consisted of petechial hemorrhages or ecchymosis on the skin of the face, abdomen, forelimbs, and hind limbs. The main severe lesions consisted of hydropericardium, hemopericardium, fibrinous pericarditis and pleuropneumonia. Microscopically, pericarditis, epicarditis and subepicardial myocarditis, followed by a moderate to severe multifocal pleuropneumonia, fibrinosuppurative and necrotizing were the most frequent lesions observed. Real-time PCR amplified H. parasuis infB gene in all samples analyzed, confirming the presence of this etiologic agent.(AU)

A doença de Glässer é uma importante enfermidade infecciosa de suínos causada pela bactéria Haemophilus parasuis. Embora bem reconhecida na maioria das regiões do Brasil, surtos de doença de Glässer não têm sido descritos na região Nordeste. Por este motivo, três regiões do Estado de Pernambuco foram visitadas com o objetivo de se identificar históricos de alta mortalidade em leitões e suínos em fase de terminação. Nove suínos foram necropsiados e fragmentos do sistema nervoso, órgãos das cavidades abdominal e torácica foram coletados para análise histopatológica. Além disso, fragmentos de pulmão e cérebro foram utilizados para extração de DNA e realização de teste molecular por meio da Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) em tempo real. Os principais sinais clínicos consistiram em tosse seca, apatia, febre, anorexia, paresia, tremores musculares, incoordenação motora e convulsões levando a altas taxas de mortalidade. As lesões macroscópicas mais severas consistiam em petéquias e equimoses na pele da face, abdome, membros anteriores e posteriores, além de hidropericárdio, hemopericárdio, pericardite fibrinosa e pleuropneumonia. Microscopicamente, pericardite, epicardite e miocardite subepicárdica, seguidas de pleuropneumonia multifocal moderada a grave, fibrino-supurativa e necrosante foram as lesões mais frequentes observadas. A PCR em tempo real amplificou o gene infB de H. parasuis em todas as amostras analisadas, confirmando a presença deste agente etiológico.(AU)

Babesiose encefálica em cães: aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e patológicos / Encephalic babesiosis in dogs: clinical, epidemiological and pathological aspects

Background: Babesiosis is a hemolytic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Babesia spp. responsible for causinganemia, fever and splenomegaly in several animal species. The cerebral involvement of babesiosis in dogs manifests itselfin a hyperacute manner with neurological disorders such as motor incoordination, nystagmus, anisocoria and convulsions.In Brazil there still are no studies which describe the pathological aspects of cerebral babesiosis in dogs together withinformation relating to its clinical aspects and epidemiology. Therefore, this work had as an objective to describe sevencases of canine cerebral babesiosis, emphasizing its epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects.Materials, Methods & Results: All the records of the necropsies performed in dogs at Animal Pathology Laboratory (LPA/HV) of the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Patos Campus, Paraíba, Northeast of Brazil were identified. In Theperiod from January 2003 to December 2017. Later, were selected all the cases of cerebral babesiosis. Were included in thestudy the cases in which was possible to detect structures that were morphologically compatible with Babesia spp. trophozoites,intra-erythrocyte in vessels, associated to the presence of lesions in the CNS. For the microscopical description all the histological slides of the cases were revised, in addition to new slides were made with the fragments stored in parafin blocks or withthe material fixed in a 10% formalin solution. The clinical course of the animals studied was hyperacute. In 4 cases, there wassudden death within 24 h, from the appearance of the first symptoms and case 7 presented an evolution of approximately 12 h.The main clinical symptoms described were vocalization, anorexia/hyporexia, jaundice and decubitus. Additionally, the mostconsistente macroscopical findings observed...