A Molecular Phylogenetic Study of the Eye Fluke Philophthalmus lacrymosus (Trematoda: Philophthalmidae) Found in Larus dominicanus (Aves: Laridae) from Brazil.

PURPOSE: Species of the genus Philophthalmus are eye flukes with a complex taxonomy, which began to be improved with the help of molecular data only recently. However, most described species have never been placed into a phylogenetic context. In this study, eye flukes previously found on kelp gulls, Larus dominicanus, from Brazil and identified as Philophthalmus lacrymosus were subjected to molecular analysis. METHODS: For the molecular analyses, we analyzed parasites found in six infected gulls (one worm per bird) collected from different municipalities of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. We carried out the amplification and sequencing of the partial region of the 28S and cox1 genes and the data obtained were compared with sequences available to philophthalmid species and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: The isolates of P. lacrymosus from Brazil grouped in well-supported clades with five other species of Philophthalmus with sequences available for comparison. Interspecific divergences of 0.1-1.6% in 28S and 8.2-14.9% in cox1 were found in relation to other isolates of Philophthalmus spp. Two cox1 haplotypes differing in one nucleotide (0.1%) were found between the six eye flukes isolates in gulls from different localities. The Brazilian isolates grouped in a subclade with parasites identified as P. lacrymosus in Portugal; however, the molecular divergences found in cox1 (8.2-8.5%) strongly suggest that these isolates belong to different species. The phylogenetic trees obtained and the intergeneric divergences to species of the genera Cloacitrema and Parorchis did not support the validity of the genus Natterophthalmus, for which P. lacrymosus was proposed as the type species in the past. CONCLUSION: As P. lacrymosus was described from Brazil, we recommend that this name be applied to the South American isolates and that the Portuguese isolates be provisionally considered as Philophthalmus sp., a probable cryptic species. Moreover, data obtained supports the previous morphology-based synonymizing between Natterophthalmus and Philophthalmus. Considering our results and most of previous reports of P. lacrymosus in South America, we suggest this species presents a marine life cycle.

Ocular disease caused by the trematode Philophthalmus lachrymosus in free-living kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus) of Brazil.

In this study, clinical, parasitological and histopathological findings of thirteen kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus) found infected with eyeflukes in Brazil are presented. Parasites detected in the ventral conjunctival fornix were identified as Philophthalmus lachrymosus [mean intensity of infection: 16 (5-36) worms/bird]. Eleven birds (85%) presented signs of systemic disease, such as emaciation, dehydration and depressed consciousness. Conjunctival hyperemia was observed in 22 eyes (85%). Keratitis, corneal ulcers, corneal abscess and chemosis were also detected in some eyes (4-8%). Histopathologic lesions, likely due to the parasite attachment to the conjunctiva, were found in the eyes of one infected bird that died from unrelated causes. Philophthalmosis by P. lachrymosus is here reported as a clinically relevant eye disease in kelp gulls.

First Report of 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematomacacae' in Laboratory-Kept Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta) Maintained in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Health monitoring programs in animals used as experimental models are essential, since only disease-free subjects are considered suitable for research purposes. In laboratory-kept animals, hemoplasmas have been described as an important confounding variable. Different hemoplasma species have been detected infecting non-human primates (NHP) from Brazil. However, the occurrence of hemoplasma species in laboratory-kept NHP in Brazil has not-yet been assessed. Accordingly, this study aimed (i) to screen laboratory-kept rhesus monkeys for hemoplasmas, (ii) to verify if any of the hemoplasma-positive animals demonstrate hematological abnormalities, and (iii) to assess the genotype diversity of hemoplasma species in NHP from Brazil. Five out of eight (62.5%; 95% CI: 3.05-8.63) rhesus monkeys tested positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. by PCR. Sequencing, phylogenetic, distance, and genotype diversity analyses of partial 16S rRNA gene demonstrate that rhesus monkeys were infected by 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematomacacae' (formerly 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemomacaque'). Assessments of partial 16S rRNA diversity of hemoplasma species in NHP suggest that at least four genetically diverse groups may occur in Brazil. Although no hematological abnormalities were demonstrated in rhesus monkeys evaluated herein, future studies are needed to elucidate the influence of 'Ca. M. haematomacacae' as a confounding variable on research studies.

Potential of Human Neural Precursor Cells in Diabetic Retinopathy Therapeutics - Preclinical Model.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate a cell therapy strategy with human neural precursor cells (hNPCs) to treat diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Wistar rats induced to diabetes by injecting streptozotocin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) were isolated, expanded, and seeded onto a biopolymer substrate to develop neurospheres and obtain the hNPCs. The animals were divided into three groups: non-diabetic (ND) n = four, diabetic without treatment (DM) n = nine, and diabetic with cell therapy (DM + hNPCs) n = nine. After 8 weeks of diabetes induction and DR characteristics installed, intravitreal injection of hNPCs (1 × 106 cell/µL) was performed in the DM + hNPCs group. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Electroretinography (ERG) evaluations were conducted before and during diabetes and after cell therapy. Four weeks posttreatment, histopathological and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed. RESULTS: The repair of the retinal structures in the treated group (DM + hNPCs) was observed by increased thickness of neuroretinal layers, especially in the ganglion cell and photoreceptor layers, higher ERG oscillatory potentials (OPs) amplitudes, and transplanted hNPCs integration into the Retinal Pigment Epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that hNPCs reduced DR progression by a neuroprotective effect and promoted retinal repair, making them potential candidates for regenerating the neuroretinal tissue.

The crested caracara (Caracara plancus) eye: Morphologic observations and results of selected diagnostic tests.

PURPOSE: To provide a descriptive investigation about relevant features of the crested caracara's eye (Caracara plancus) and bony orbit, as well as provide data for ophthalmic tests. METHODS: Morphological observations and the following diagnostic tests were performed: Schirmer tear test (STT), conjunctival flora evaluation, corneal touch threshold (CTT), intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), B-mode ocular biometry, palpebral fissure length (PFL), and corneal diameter (CD) in 19 healthy birds, plus two macerated skulls. Not all birds were used for each test. RESULTS: STT: 7.84 ± 3.05 mm/min; CTT: 2.46 ± 1.10 cm; IOP: 19.18 ± 3.07 mmHg; CCT: 0.31 ± 0.02 mm; PFL: 13.32 ± 1.06 mm; CD: 10.26 ± 2.43 mm; Axial globe length: 1.89 ± 0.06 cm; Anterior chamber depth: 0.27 ± 0.06 cm; Lens axial length: 4.55 ± 0.06 cm; Vitreous chamber depth: 1.2 ± 0.07 cm. The most frequent conjunctival bacterial isolates were Corynebacterium sp. (10/23.8%), Staphylococcus sp. (9/21.42%), Streptococcus sp. (7/16.6%), and E. coli (7/16.66%). The large lateral part of the palatine bone likely plays a role in the ventral protection of the globe against the impact of prey. Observed results are generally reflective of increased body mass compared to other Falconiformes, with values approaching those of similar sized Accipitriformes. CONCLUSIONS: These data may help veterinarians recognize peculiar morphologic features and perform a more accurate diagnosis of eye diseases of this avian species.

Ophthalmic findings in sheep treated with closantel in Curitiba, Brazil.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Closantel is a widely used anti-parasitic drug that is known to cause ophthalmic problems that lead to blindness. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible electroretinographic changes in sheep that received closantel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four 30-day-old Suffolk sheep were split into control group (12 animals) and closantel group (12 animals). The latter group received 15 mg/kg of closantel subcutaneously immediately after the first electroretinography (ERG). The ISCEV protocol was used to perform the ERGs pre-dose (0), 7, and 30 days after treatment. Statistical analyses to compare ERG responses using t-test and analysis of variance were performed (p<0.05). Three months later, the animals were euthanized and the eyes and a part of optic nerve were collected for histopathology. Photography of the retina and optic nerve was taken, and measures of the retinal layers were made and analyzed by paired t-test. RESULTS: Closantel group showed a significant increase of the mean scotopic a-wave amplitude from 0 to 7 days after closantel administration, using a stimulus of 10,000 mcd.s/m2 and a decrease of the mean scotopic and photopic a-wave amplitude (from 7 to 30 days) using the same flash intensity, as well as a decrease in mean photopic b-wave amplitude (from 7 to 30 days) within the group. Control group showed a significant increase of the mean scotopic b-wave implicit time from pre to 30 days after treatment and an increase of the mean scotopic a-wave implicit time from pre to 7 days after treatment, with the stimulus of 10,000 mcd.s/m2. This group also showed a decrease in mean photopic b-wave implicit time (from pre to 30 days after treatment), using a stimulus of 10,000 mcd.s/m2 and a decrease in mean photopic a-wave implicit time from pre to 30 days after treatment, using a stimulus of 3000 mcd.s/m2. The no difference was found in images neither in the measurements of the retina layers. CONCLUSION: As observed by ERG responses and the histopathology, a dose of 15 mg/kg of closantel does not significantly affect retinal and optic nerve structures in sheep but the electroretinographic results, however, showed alterations on the phototransduction.

Surveying veterinary ophthalmologists to assess the advice given to owners of pets with irreversible blindness.

BACKGROUND: The primary purpose of this survey was to determine how veterinary ophthalmologists manage cases of irreversible blindness and to report the most common causes of blindness. METHODS: Respondents completed a questionnaire sent by email with the cooperation of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and the Latin American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. The questionnaire was developed containing 12 questions with both open and closed multiple-choice response options. RESULTS: One hundred and eight veterinary ophthalmologists answered the questionnaire. Of the respondents, 83 per cent had graduated for more than 10 years. Glaucoma (63.56 per cent) was the main cited cause of blindness, followed by progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) (17.80 per cent) and retinal detachment (6.78 per cent). The major concerns of owners refer to the impact of blindness on quality-of-life, (39.31 per cent), followed by depression and anxiety (20 per cent), and environment adaptation (11.72 per cent). General recommendations include avoidance of changes in the domestic environment (18.45 per cent), use of auditory stimulation (14.09 per cent) and avoidance of dangerous areas (12.75 per cent). Almost 31 per cent of professionals do not recommend the use of literature on how to deal with blind pets. CONCLUSIONS: The survey determined glaucoma and PRA as the most common causes of irreversible blindness in pets. Several recommendations that are frequently given to owners of blind pets are presented.

Reference values for selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests in two species of microchiroptera bats (Artibeus lituratus and Anoura caudifer).

OBJECTIVE: To establish reference values for ophthalmic tests in two bat species. BATS: Fourteen bats including seven great fruit-eating bats (Artibeus lituratus) and seven tailed tailless bats (Anoura caudifer). PROCEDURES: Normal values for following ophthalmic tests were investigated as follows: (a) aqueous tear production using the standardized endodontic paper point tear test (EPPTT), (b) rebound tonometry, and (c) horizontal palpebral fissure length. RESULTS: Aqueous tear production was 2.53 ± 1.65 mm/min for A lituratus and 1.89 ± 0.62 for A caudifer. Intraocular pressure measured in the upright position was 11.0 ± 3.28 mm Hg for A lituratus and 7.28 ± 2.70 for A caudifer. Horizontal palpebral fissure length was 5.04 ± 0.45 mm for A lituratus and 3.92 ± 0.51 for A caudifer. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained in the present study may serve as a reference for ophthalmic parameters and help practitioners in the diagnosis and management of eye diseases in bats, as well for future investigations about microchiroptera bats.

Characterization of a novel form of progressive retinal atrophy in Whippet dogs: a clinical, electroretinographic, and breeding study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in Whippets including clinical, electroretinographic, optical coherence tomographic changes and pedigree analysis. ANIMALS STUDIED: Client-owned Whippet dogs (n = 51) living in Brazil. PROCEDURES: All animals were submitted for routine ophthalmic screening for presumed inherited ocular disease, which included the following: visual tests, such as obstacle course tests, in scotopic and photopic conditions, cotton ball test, dazzle reflex, ocular fundus evaluation by indirect ophthalmoscopy followed by fundus photography. Additionally, electroretinography (ERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed in 24 and four dogs, respectively. RESULTS: Sixteen dogs were diagnosed with PRA. Vision deficits in dim light were detected in dogs examined at a young age associated with nystagmus. Funduscopic changes included the development of multifocal retinal bullae from 6 months of age. Retinal thinning became apparent later, at which time the bullae were no longer detected. OCT examination of selected young dogs revealed that the retinal bullae were due to separation between photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium, and of dogs with more advanced disease confirmed the development of retinal thinning. Electroretinography in young dogs revealed a negative ERG due to a lack of b-wave in both scotopic and photopic recordings. With progression, the ERG became unrecordable. Pedigree analysis suggested an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. CONCLUSION: The retinal dystrophy reported here in Whippet dogs has a unique phenotype of an initial lack of ERG b-wave, development of retinal bullae then a progressive generalized retinal degeneration.

Congenital cataract associated with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous and persistent tunica vasculosa lentis in a sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) - clinical, ultrasonographic, and histological findings.

Ultrasonography suggested the diagnosis of cataract associated with persistent fetal intraocular vasculature in a 26-day-old sambar deer. The deer was ill and died despite intense critical care. Globes were removed. Histological characteristics of persistent fetal vasculature and secondary cataract are reported expanding the knowledge of ophthalmic disorders in wild ungulates.