Angistrongylus cantonensis and Ancylostoma caninum detection in snails of São Paulo city (2016-2017), Brazil / Detecção de Angistrongylus cantonensis and Ancylostoma caninum em caramujos da cidade de São Paulo (2016-2017), Brasil

Achatina fulica snails cause environmental problems and represent a public health hazard since it is a host in the life cycles of various parasites, among them, Angiostrongylus cantonensis and, less frequently, Ancylostoma caninum. We report the occurrence of Angistrongylus cantonensis, as well as the unexpected finding of Ancylostoma caninum, in a total of 936 specimens of Achatina fulica snails from different regions of São Paulo city, Brazil. Samples were divided into 492 pools which were screened for nematodes. If present, larvae were submitted to DNA extraction and PCR protocol targeting, the ITS-2 gene junction. From the 183 positive pools for larvae presence, 97 showed specific 650 bp band at electrophoresis and 21 presented bands nearly 300 bp. Two amplicons from each size were and sequenced. A BLAST/n of 650 bp sequences presented identity with Angistrongylus cantonensis, while the two of 300 bp, showed identity with Ancylostoma caninum, also supported by phylogenetic analysis. This is the second report of Ancylostoma caninum found in these snails in the world, therefore, this study allows a better understanding about these diseases and highlights the need of continue systematically mapping sites that can be infested with the mollusc.

Os caramujos Achatina fulica causam problemas ambientais e representam um perigo em Saúde Pública uma vez que são hospedeiros de vários parasitas, entre eles o Angiostrongylus cantonensis e menos frequentemente o Ancylostoma caninum. Nós relatamos a ocorrência de Angistrongylus cantonensis, bem como o achado de Ancylostoma caninum, a partir de 936 espécimens de caramujos Achatina fulica de diferentes regiões da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Amostras foram divididas em 492 pools os quais foram triados para nematóides. Se presentes, larvas foram submetidas a extração de DNA e um protocolo de PCR tendo como alvo a junção do gene ITS-2. De 183 pools contendo larvas, 97 apresentaram bandas específicas de 650 pb e na eletroforese 21 apresentaram bandas próximas aos 300 pb. Dois amplicons de cada tamanho foram sequenciados. A submissão ao BLAST/n das sequências de 650 pb apresentaram identidade das sequências com Angistrongylus cantonensis, enquanto que as duas de 300 pb apresentaram identidade com Ancylostoma caninum, também corroboradas por análises filogenéticas. Este é o segundo relato do encontro de Ancylostoma caninum nestes caramujos no mundo, sendo assim, este estudo permite um melhor entendimento destas doenças e denota a necessidade de contínuo monitoramento de regiões que estejam infestadas pelo molusco.

Angistrongylus cantonensis and Ancylostoma caninum detection in snails of São Paulo city (2016-2017), Brazil / Detecção de Angistrongylus cantonensis and Ancylostoma caninum em caramujos da cidade de São Paulo (2016-2017), Brasil

Achatina fulica snails cause environmental problems and represent a public health hazard since it is a host in the life cycles of various parasites, among them, Angiostrongylus cantonensis and, less frequently, Ancylostoma caninum. We report the occurrence of Angistrongylus cantonensis, as well as the unexpected finding of Ancylostoma caninum, in a total of 936 specimens of Achatina fulica snails from different regions of São Paulo city, Brazil. Samples were divided into 492 pools which were screened for nematodes. If present, larvae were submitted to DNA extraction and PCR protocol targeting, the ITS-2 gene junction. From the 183 positive pools for larvae presence, 97 showed specific 650 bp band at electrophoresis and 21 presented bands nearly 300 bp. Two amplicons from each size were and sequenced. A BLAST/n of 650 bp sequences presented identity with Angistrongylus cantonensis, while the two of 300 bp, showed identity with Ancylostoma caninum, also supported by phylogenetic analysis. This is the second report of Ancylostoma caninum found in these snails in the world, therefore, this study allows a better understanding about these diseases and highlights the need of continue systematically mapping sites that can be infested with the mollusc.(AU)

Os caramujos Achatina fulica causam problemas ambientais e representam um perigo em Saúde Pública uma vez que são hospedeiros de vários parasitas, entre eles o Angiostrongylus cantonensis e menos frequentemente o Ancylostoma caninum. Nós relatamos a ocorrência de Angistrongylus cantonensis, bem como o achado de Ancylostoma caninum, a partir de 936 espécimens de caramujos Achatina fulica de diferentes regiões da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Amostras foram divididas em 492 pools os quais foram triados para nematóides. Se presentes, larvas foram submetidas a extração de DNA e um protocolo de PCR tendo como alvo a junção do gene ITS-2. De 183 pools contendo larvas, 97 apresentaram bandas específicas de 650 pb e na eletroforese 21 apresentaram bandas próximas aos 300 pb. Dois amplicons de cada tamanho foram sequenciados. A submissão ao BLAST/n das sequências de 650 pb apresentaram identidade das sequências com Angistrongylus cantonensis, enquanto que as duas de 300 pb apresentaram identidade com Ancylostoma caninum, também corroboradas por análises filogenéticas. Este é o segundo relato do encontro de Ancylostoma caninum nestes caramujos no mundo, sendo assim, este estudo permite um melhor entendimento destas doenças e denota a necessidade de contínuo monitoramento de regiões que estejam infestadas pelo molusco.(AU)

Investigation of Influenza A, West Nile and Newcastle Disease Viruses in Birds from the Pantanal Wetlands of Mato Grosso, Brazil

The Pantanal is the world's largest wetland biome with a seasonal flood pulse that attracts a great diversity of birds, many of which are migratory. Birds can be natural reservoirs Influenza A, West Nile and Newcastle Disease viruses. However, the occurrence of carriers for these viruses in the Pantanal was not verified yet. The present study evaluated the occurrence of natural infection by Influenza A, WN and ND virus of birds in the municipality of Poconé, a subregion of the Pantanal in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. A total of 76 birds belonging to 11 orders and 20 families were captured using mist nets. The most representative order was Passeriformes, followed by the other nine orders, which included Columbiformes, Psittaciformes, Charadriiformes and Anseriformes. The most representative family was Thamnophilidae, with 16 individuals (21.0%), followed by the family Tyrannidae with 10 individuals (7.6%) and the family Furnariidae, with eight individuals (10.5%). The bird species were identified, and cloacal and tracheal swab samples were collected. The samples were subjected to RNA extraction and tested for the presence of the three agents by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). All the sampled birds were considered healthy, had no clinical sign of infection, and were tested negative for the three viruses. Based on our findings, we can conclude that Influenza, West Nile and Newcastle Disease viruses were absent from the samples in this region of the Pantanal wetlands during the period of this study.

Investigation of Influenza A, West Nile and Newcastle Disease Viruses in Birds from the Pantanal Wetlands of Mato Grosso, Brazil

The Pantanal is the world's largest wetland biome with a seasonal flood pulse that attracts a great diversity of birds, many of which are migratory. Birds can be natural reservoirs Influenza A, West Nile and Newcastle Disease viruses. However, the occurrence of carriers for these viruses in the Pantanal was not verified yet. The present study evaluated the occurrence of natural infection by Influenza A, WN and ND virus of birds in the municipality of Poconé, a subregion of the Pantanal in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. A total of 76 birds belonging to 11 orders and 20 families were captured using mist nets. The most representative order was Passeriformes, followed by the other nine orders, which included Columbiformes, Psittaciformes, Charadriiformes and Anseriformes. The most representative family was Thamnophilidae, with 16 individuals (21.0%), followed by the family Tyrannidae with 10 individuals (7.6%) and the family Furnariidae, with eight individuals (10.5%). The bird species were identified, and cloacal and tracheal swab samples were collected. The samples were subjected to RNA extraction and tested for the presence of the three agents by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). All the sampled birds were considered healthy, had no clinical sign of infection, and were tested negative for the three viruses. Based on our findings, we can conclude that Influenza, West Nile and Newcastle Disease viruses were absent from the samples in this region of the Pantanal wetlands during the period of this study.(AU)

Toad poisoning in three dogs: case reports

Toad poisoning is frequent in dogs, but has been infrequently addressed in published case reports and review articles. Dogs can be poisoned when they bite a toad or otherwise ingest the venom. The venom effects manifest soon after the accident, since the toxin is rapidly absorbed by the mucous membrane of the digestive system. Hospital records of three dogs, diagnosed with toad poisoning, were retrospectively reviewed from January 2005 to July 2007. Poisoned dogs may present only local irritation or systemic signs in the gastrointestinal, cardiac and neurological systems. All three cases presented herein had clinical signs of gastrointestinal alterations including vomiting, sialorrhea and diarrhea. Two dogs developed abnormal cardiac rhythm and two exhibited neurological signs. A poisoned animal requires emergency care and symptomatic therapy with intense monitoring of its clinical parameters. Although there have been reports on the low mortality of dogs poisoned by toads, one animal died even after appropriate therapy. The severity of clinical signs and the risk of death must be considered by the veterinarian.(AU)

ANGISTRONGYLUS CANTONENSIS AND ANCYLOSTOMA CANINUM DETECTION IN SNAILS OF SÃO PAULO CITY (2016-2017), BRAZIL / ANGISTRONGYLUS CANTONENSIS AND ANCYLOSTOMA CANINUM DETECTION IN SNAILS OF SÃO PAULO CITY (2016-2017), BRAZIL.

Achatina fulica snails cause environmental problems and represent a public health hazard since it is a host in the life cycles of various parasites, among them, Angiostrongylus cantonensis and, less frequently, Ancylostoma caninum. We report the occurrence of Angistrongylus cantonensis, as well as the unexpected finding of Ancylostoma caninum, in a total of 936 specimens of Achatina fulica snails from different regions of São Paulo city, Brazil. Samples were divided into 492 pools which were screened for nematodes. If present, larvae were submitted to DNA extraction and PCR protocol targeting, the ITS-2 gene junction. From the 183 positive pools for larvae presence, 97 showed specific 650 bp band at electrophoresis and 21 presented bands nearly 300 bp. Two amplicons from each size were and sequenced. A BLAST/n of 650 bp sequences presented identity with Angistrongylus cantonensis, while the two of 300 bp, showed identity with Ancylostoma caninum, also supported by phylogenetic analysis. This is the second report of Ancylostoma caninum found in these snails in the world, therefore, this study allows a better understanding about these diseases and highlights the need of continue systematically mapping sites that can be infested with the mollusc.

Achatina fulica snails cause environmental problems and represent a public health hazard since it is a host in the life cycles of various parasites, among them, Angiostrongylus cantonensis and, less frequently, Ancylostoma caninum. We report the occurrence of Angistrongylus cantonensis, as well as the unexpected finding of Ancylostoma caninum, in a total of 936 specimens of Achatina fulica snails from different regions of São Paulo city, Brazil. Samples were divided into 492 pools which were screened for nematodes. If present, larvae were submitted to DNA extraction and PCR protocol targeting, the ITS-2 gene junction. From the 183 positive pools for larvae presence, 97 showed specific 650 bp band at electrophoresis and 21 presented bands nearly 300 bp. Two amplicons from each size were and sequenced. A BLAST/n of 650 bp sequences presented identity with Angistrongylus cantonensis, while the two of 300 bp, showed identity with Ancylostoma caninum, also supported by phylogenetic analysis. This is the second report of Ancylostoma caninum found in these snails in the world, therefore, this study allows a better understanding about these diseases and highlights the need of continue systematically mapping sites that can be infested with the mollusc.