Occurrence of IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Leptospira spp. in goats and sheep from an indigenous village in Pernambuco, Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos IgG contra Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum e Leptospira spp. em caprinos e ovinos de uma aldeia indígena em Pernambuco, Brasil

This study aimed to determine the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Leptospira spp. antibodies in sheep and goats raised in villages of the Xukuru do Ororubá indigenous community, Pernambuco, Brazil. A total of 180 serum samples from sheep and 108 serum samples from goats of both sexes and different ages were analyzed. For antibody research, indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) were used for the protozoa T. gondii and N. caninum, and microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for Leptospira spp., with a cutoff titer of 1:64, 1:50 and 1:100, respectively. The frequency of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 16.6% (30/180) for sheep and 11.1% (12/108) for goats. The frequency of anti-N. caninum antibodies was 10.55% (19/180) for sheep, and 20.37% (22/108) for goats, while for Leptospira spp., 2.2% (4/180) of sheep and 1.85% (2/108) of goats reacted positively. The results obtained in this study are unprecedented in indigenous communities in the country and serve as an alert for monitoring goats and sheep from the Xukuru do Ororubá indigenous village regarding the occurrence and productive impact of infections by T. gondii, N. caninum, and Leptospira spp., in addition to the occurrence of the zoonosis toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis in the indigenous community.(AU)

Objetivou-se determinar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum e Leptospira spp., em ovinos e caprinos criados em aldeias da comunidade indígena Xukuru do Ororubá, Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram analisadas 180 amostras de soro de ovinos e 108 amostras de soro de caprinos de ambos os sexos e diferentes idades. Para a pesquisa de anticorpos foi utilizada a técnica de Reação de Imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), para os protozoários T. gondii e N. caninum e Aglutinação Microscópica (MAT) para Leptospira spp., com ponto de corte de 1:64, 1:50 e 1:100, respectivamente. A frequência de anticorpos anti-T gondii foi de 16,6% (30/180) em ovinos e 11,1% (12/108) em caprinos. A frequência de anticorpos anti-N. caninum foi de 10,55% (19/180) para ovinos e 20,37% (22/108) para caprinos, enquanto para Leptospira spp., 2,2% (4/180) dos ovinos e 1,85% (2/108) dos caprinos reagiram positivamente. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo são inéditos em comunidades indígenas do país e alertam para o monitoramento de caprinos e ovinos da aldeia indígena Xukuru do Ororubá, quanto à ocorrência e impacto produtivo de infecções por T. gondii, N. caninum e Leptospira spp., além da ocorrência de zoonoses como a toxoplasmose e leptospirose na comunidade indígena.(AU)

Malformações congênitas em ovinos - surto causado por Mimosa tenuiflora / Congenital malformationsin sheep - outbreak caused by Mimosa tenuiflora

Background: Congenital malformations are anomalies, structural or functional, that occur during the embryonic or fetal phase. There are several causes, one of which is the ingestion of toxic plants. Considering the importance of native toxic plants in the Central Backlands of Ceará state - Brazil, this paper reports cases of congenital malformations in sheep due to ingestion of Mimosa tenuiflora. Cases: Cases of abortion and malformations in sheep, were monitored in a rural property in the municipality of Piquet Carneiro with 20 ruminants (15 sheep and 5 cows) raised on a semi-intensive regime. The animals grazed during the day and were supplemented with corn, having unrestricted access to dam water. On its margins, there was a large amount of jurema preta (Mimosa tenuiflora), which the owner reported that the sheep consumed daily. The owner was unaware of the toxicity of M. tenuiflora but reported that cases of malformations had already occurred on his property some time ago. In an interval of approximately 12 days, 3 sheep miscarriage fetuses with multiple malformations. Malformed fetuses were referred for anatomopathological examination at the Animal Pathology Laboratory of the Veterinary Hospital of Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Campus Patos, Paraíba, Brazil. The fetuses were necropsied and tissue samples of the nervous system and organs from the thoracic and abdominal cavities were collected, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, routinely processed for histopathology, included in paraffin, cut into 3 µm sections and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE). At necropsies were observed permanent contracture of the thoracic limb joints (arthrogryposis), particularly at the radio-carpal joints; incomplete medial fusion of the palatal bone, with communication between the oral and nasal cavities (palatoschisis); hypoplasia of the mandibular bone (micrognathia); unilateral hypoplasia of the incisive bone with discontinuity of the upper lip (cheiloschisis); unilateral hypoplasia of the eyeball (microphthalmia); lateral curvature of the cervical spine (scoliosis); and chest deformity characterized by ventral protrusion of the sternum and ribs (Pectus carinatum). At the histopathological evaluation of the tissues, no alterations were observed. Discussion: The diagnosis was based on the epidemiological, clinical, and anatomopathological findings. The semi-intensive management system applied on the property predisposed the sheep to ingestion of M. tenuiflora, which grows abundantly on the property and throughout the Central Backlands of Ceará, Brazil, with a high rate of geographical coverage. Despite that, most rural producers, especially subsistence farmers, are unaware of the toxic and teratogenic properties of the plant. In the northeastern, where there are long periods of drought coupled with forage shortages, poisoning by M. tenuiflora is a common cause of malformation and mortality in lambs. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt preventive measures in herds, such as raising awareness among producers about the toxic potential of some native plants and the practice of producing and supplying silage to animals, so that native toxic plants are not the only food source during the scarcity period.

True prevalence and spatial distribution of equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) in horses from northeast region of Brazil

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a viral infection, caused by a lentivirus of the Retroviridae family, Orthoretrovirinael subfamily and its occurrence generates significant economic losses due to culling of positive animals as a measure of infection control. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of horses positive for equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) and to identify the occurrence of areas with higher densities of cases in the states of Paraíba (PB), Pernambuco (PE), Rio Grande do Norte (RN) and Ceará (CE), Northeast region of Brazil, during the rainy (May and June) and dry (October and November) periods of 2017 and 2018. Serum samples from 6,566 horses from the states of PB, PE, RN and CE, Brazil, provided by the Laboratório Veterinária Diagnóstico - Ltda., were used. Serological diagnosis of EIA was performed using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a screening test and agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID) as a confirmatory test. The apparent prevalence was obtained by dividing the number of seroreactive animals by the total number of animals, while the true prevalence was estimated by adjusting the apparent prevalence, considering the sensitivity (100%) and specificity (98.6%) of the diagnostic protocol used. For the construction of Kernel estimates, the Quartic function was used. In the dry season, of the 1,564 animals sampled, 28 were serologically positive, of which 19 belonged to the state of Ceará, 7 to Paraíba and 2 to Rio Grande do Norte. In 2018, it was observed that, during the rainy season, 26 of the 1,635 horses were seroreactive, with 19 cases resulting from Ceará, 4 from Paraíba and 3 from Pernambuco. In the dry season, 32 of the 1,526 animals were seroreactive to EIAV, of which 26 were from Ceará, 3 from Paraíba, 1 from Rio Grande do Norte and 2 from Pernambuco. In the dry period of 2017, the CE had a real prevalence of 1.22% (95% CI = 0.05 - 2.99%). In 2018, during the rainy season, prevalences of 0.03% (95% CI = 0 - 1.18%) were identified in CE and 1.69% (95% CI = 0 - 8.38%) in PE. Regarding the 2018 dry period, a prevalence of 1.32% (95% CI = 0.26 - 2.84%) was found in the state of CE. In both dry and rainy periods of 2017, the presence of spatial clusters of animals positive for EIA was observed, mainly in the border areas among the states of CE, PE, PB and RN. In 2018, there was a variation in the distribution of areas with higher densities of cases between the rainy and dry periods. The state of CE had the highest prevalence of positive animals and the presence of areas with higher densities of EIA cases in both climatic periods, in the years 2017 and 2018. In some municipalities of the CE, important sporting events of agglomeration of animals take place, which can favor the transmission of EIAV by facilitating the contact of infected and susceptible animals. Population density may be a factor associated with the higher prevalence observed in this region, as it has the second largest herd among the states studied. Higher densities indirectly contribute to the occurrence of infectious diseases, as they favor the contact of infected and susceptible animals. The occurrence of higher densities of cases in the border areas of the states of PE, RN, CE, and PB may be related to the greater movement of animals in these regions, favoring the indirect contact of infected horses with susceptible ones. The observed results demonstrate the circulation of the EIAV in four states in the Northeast region of Brazil.(AU)

Zoonotic smooth and rough Brucella in dogs: seroprevalence and associated factors in an Atlantic Rainforest area of the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil / Brucella zoonóticalisa e rugosa em cães: soroprevalência e fatores associados em área de Mata Atlântica do estado da Paraíba, Nordeste brasileiro

Canine brucellosisis an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella, with world wide distribution and zoonotic impact, and in humans and animals is a neglected disease. In the present study, the sero prevalence of B. canis and B. abortus were determined in a probabilistic sample of housed dogs from the Atlantic Rainforest area of the state of Paraíba, Brazil, and the factors associated with sero positivity. A total of 386 dogs over three months of age were used. For the search for anti-B.canis antibodies the agar gel immune diffusion test (IDGA) was used as a screening and IDGA+2ME as confirmatory test, and to search for anti-B. abortus antibodies the Rose Bengal test (RBT) test was used. Apparent and real prevalences were calculated, and robust Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with prevalence. The real prevalence fB. Canis was 12.6% and of B. abortus was 22.8%. The factors associated with sero positivity for B. canis were age greater than 10 years (prevalence ratio; PR = 6.38; P = 0.024) and dogs reared in they ard (PR = 5.20; P = 0.035) and for B. abortus was no treplacement of water of animals everyday (PR = 1.48; P = 0.033). It can be concluded that the prevalence of B. canis and B. Abortus in the region is high, which warns to the adopting of control and prevention measures, as well as greater care in the management of animals, especially for elderly dogs.(AU)

A brucelose canina é uma doença infecciosa causada por bactérias do gênero Brucella, com distribuição mundial e de caráter zoonótico, e em humanos e animais é uma doença negligenciada. No presente estudo foram determinados as soroprevalências de B. canis e B. abortusem uma amostra probabilística de cães domiciliados da área urbana de oito municípios localizados na região da Mata Atlântica do Estado da Paraíba, Brasil, e os fatores associados com a soropositividade. Foram utilizados 386 cães com mais de três meses de idade. Para a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-B. canis foi utilizado o teste de imunodifusão em gel de ágar (IDGA) como triagem e IDGA+2ME como confirmatório, e para a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-B. abortusfoi utilizado o teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT). Foram calculadas as prevalências aparente e real, e para a identificação de fatores associados com a prevalência foi empregada regressão robusta de Poisson. A prevalência real de B. canis foi de 12,6% e de B. abortusfoi 22,8%. Os fatores associados com a soropositividade para B. canis foram idade maior que 10 anos (razão de prevalência; RP = 6,38; P = 0,024) e cães criados presos no quintal (RP = 5,20; P = 0,035) e para B. abortus foi não trocar a água dos animais todos os dias (RP = 1,48; P = 0,033). Conclui-se que a prevalência de B. canis e B. abortusem cães da região é alta, o que alerta para a necessidade de adoção de medidas de controle e prevenção, bem como são sugeridos maiores cuidados no manejo dos animais, sobretudo cães idosos.(AU)

High proportion of cattle and sheep seropositive and renal carriers of Leptospira sp. under semiarid conditions / Alta proporção de bovinos e ovinos soropositivos e portadores renais de Leptospira sp. em condições semiáridas

The aims of this study were to perform serological and molecular detection of Leptospira sp. infection in cattle and sheep under semiarid conditions. Based on a preliminary study performed in our research group, we selected six rural properties showing a positivity ≥ 60% for Sejroe serogroup with titer ≥ 200 measured in serological tests from cattle. In the present study, blood and urine samples were collected from 99 females of reproductive age (51 cattle and 48 sheep) for serological diagnosis, molecular detection and Leptospira sp. attempt to strain recovery. Of the 99 analyzed animals 38.4% (38/99) were positively reactive at the serological tests. Of them, 49% (25/51) were cattle and 27.1% (13/48) sheep. The serogroups detected in cattle were Sejroe (36.8%), Hebdomadis (26.3%), Australis (10.5%), Djasiman (10.5%), Ballum (5.3%), Pomona (5.3%), and Cynopteri (5.3%) with titers of 100–800. In sheep, the reactive serogroups were Australis (27.3%), Ballum (27.3%), Djasiman (18.1%), Tarassovi (9.1%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (9.1%), and Cynopteri (9.1%) with titers of 100–400. Leptospiral DNA was detected in nine urine samples, including five cattle and four sheep. Property 1 showed the highest serological positivity frequencies for both cattle (70.6%) and sheep (70.6%). Similarly, the highest frequency of DNA detection was also found (eight samples, 89%). In this property, we observed the existence of consorted rearing of cattle and sheep with close coexistence between these species. In semiarid conditions, transmission among animals of the same species seems to be the main form of Leptospira sp. dissemination in cattle and sheep herds. However, the contribution of other domestic and wild animals cannot be discarded. The practice of consorted rearing of cattle and sheep and their close coexistence may facilitate the spread of the pathogen in rural properties.(AU)

Os objetivos deste estudo foram realizar detecção sorológica e molecular da infecção por Leptospira sp. em bovinos e ovinos em condições semiáridas. Com base em estudo preliminar realizado em nosso grupo de pesquisa, foram selecionadas seis propriedades rurais com soropositividade ≥ 60% para o sorogrupo Sejroe com título ≥ 200 em bovinos. No presente estudo, amostras de sangue e urina foram coletadas de 99 fêmeas em idade reprodutiva (51 bovinos e 48 ovinos) para diagnóstico sorológico, detecção molecular e tentativa de recuperação de estirpesde Leptospira sp. Dos 99 animais analisados, 38,4% (38/99) foram sororeativos nos testes sorológicos. Destes, 49% (25/51) eram bovinos e 27,1% (13/48) ovinos. Os sorogrupos detectados em bovinos foram Sejroe (36,8%), Hebdomadis (26,3%), Australis (10,5%), Djasiman (10,5%), Ballum (5,3%), Pomona (5,3%) e Cynopteri (5,3%) com títulos de 100 a 800. Nos ovinos, os sorogrupos reativos foram Australis (27,3%), Ballum (27,3%), Djasiman (18,1%), Tarassovi (9,1%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (9,1%) e Cynopteri (9,1%) com títulos de 100-400. O DNA leptospiral foi detectado em nove amostras de urina, incluindo cinco bovinos e quatro ovinos. A propriedade 1 apresentou as maiores frequências de positividade sorológica para bovinos (70,6%) e ovinos (70,6%). Da mesma forma, a maior frequência de detecção de DNA também foi encontrada (oito amostras, 89%). Nesta propriedade observou-se a existência de criação consorciada de bovinos e ovinos com estreita convivência entre estas espécies. Em condições semiáridas, a transmissão entre animais da mesma espécie parece ser a principal forma de disseminação de Leptospira sp. em rebanhos bovinos e ovinos. No entanto, a contribuição de outros animais domésticos e selvagens não pode ser descartada. A prática de criação consorciada de bovinos e ovinos e sua estreita convivência podem facilitar a disseminação do patógeno em propriedades rurais.(AU)

High proportion of cattle and sheep seropositive and renal carriers of Leptospira sp. under semiarid conditions / Alta proporção de bovinos e ovinos soropositivos e portadores renais de Leptospira sp. em condições semiáridas

The aims of this study were to perform serological and molecular detection of Leptospira sp. infection in cattle and sheep under semiarid conditions. Based on a preliminary study performed in our research group, we selected six rural properties showing a positivity ≥ 60% for Sejroe serogroup with titer ≥ 200 measured in serological tests from cattle. In the present study, blood and urine samples were collected from 99 females of reproductive age (51 cattle and 48 sheep) for serological diagnosis, molecular detection and Leptospira sp. attempt to strain recovery. Of the 99 analyzed animals 38.4% (38/99) were positively reactive at the serological tests. Of them, 49% (25/51) were cattle and 27.1% (13/48) sheep. The serogroups detected in cattle were Sejroe (36.8%), Hebdomadis (26.3%), Australis (10.5%), Djasiman (10.5%), Ballum (5.3%), Pomona (5.3%), and Cynopteri (5.3%) with titers of 100­800. In sheep, the reactive serogroups were Australis (27.3%), Ballum (27.3%), Djasiman (18.1%), Tarassovi (9.1%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (9.1%), and Cynopteri (9.1%) with titers of 100­400.Leptospiral DNA was detected in nine urine samples, including five cattle and four sheep. Property 1 showed the highest serological positivity frequencies for both cattle (70.6%) and sheep (70.6%). Similarly, the highest frequency of DNA detection was also found (eight samples, 89%). In this property, we observed the existence of consorted rearing of cattle and sheep with close coexistence between these species. In semiarid conditions, transmission among animals of the same species seems to be the main form of Leptospira sp. dissemination in cattle and sheep herds. However, the contribution of other domestic and wild animals cannot be discarded. The practice of consorted rearing of cattle and sheep and their close coexistence may facilitate the spread of the pathogen in rural properties.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram realizar detecção sorológica e molecular da infecção por Leptospira sp. em bovinos e ovinos em condições semiáridas. Com base em estudo preliminar realizado em nosso grupo de pesquisa, foram selecionadas seis propriedades rurais com soropositividade ≥ 60% para o sorogrupo Sejroe com título ≥ 200 em bovinos. No presente estudo, amostras de sangue e urina foram coletadas de 99 fêmeas em idade reprodutiva (51 bovinos e 48 ovinos) para diagnóstico sorológico, detecção molecular e tentativa de recuperação de estirpesde Leptospira sp. Dos 99 animais analisados, 38,4% (38/99) foram sororeativos nos testes sorológicos. Destes, 49% (25/51) eram bovinos e 27,1% (13/48) ovinos. Os sorogrupos detectados em bovinos foram Sejroe (36,8%), Hebdomadis (26,3%), Australis (10,5%), Djasiman (10,5%), Ballum (5,3%), Pomona (5,3%) e Cynopteri (5,3%) com títulos de 100 a 800. Nos ovinos, os sorogrupos reativos foram Australis (27,3%), Ballum (27,3%), Djasiman (18,1%), Tarassovi (9,1%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (9,1%) e Cynopteri (9,1%) com títulos de 100-400. O DNA leptospiral foi detectado em nove amostras de urina, incluindo cinco bovinos e quatro ovinos. A propriedade 1 apresentou as maiores frequências de positividade sorológica para bovinos (70,6%) e ovinos (70,6%). Da mesma forma, a maior frequência de detecção de DNA também foi encontrada (oito amostras, 89%). Nesta propriedade observou-se a existência de criação consorciada de bovinos e ovinos com estreita convivência entre estas espécies. Em condições semiáridas, a transmissão entre animais da mesma espécie parece ser a principal forma de disseminação de Leptospira sp. em rebanhos bovinos e ovinos. No entanto, a contribuição de outros animais domésticos e selvagens não pode ser descartada. A prática de criação consorciada de bovinos e ovinos e sua estreita convivência podem facilitar a disseminação do patógeno em propriedades rurais.

High proportion of cattle and sheep seropositive and renal carriers of Leptospira sp. under semiarid conditions / Alta proporção de bovinos e ovinos soropositivos e portadores renais de Leptospira sp. em condições semiáridas

The aims of this study were to perform serological and molecular detection of Leptospira sp. infection in cattle and sheep under semiarid conditions. Based on a preliminary study performed in our research group, we selected six rural properties showing a positivity ≥ 60% for Sejroe serogroup with titer ≥ 200 measured in serological tests from cattle. In the present study, blood and urine samples were collected from 99 females of reproductive age (51 cattle and 48 sheep) for serological diagnosis, molecular detection and Leptospira sp. attempt to strain recovery. Of the 99 analyzed animals 38.4% (38/99) were positively reactive at the serological tests. Of them, 49% (25/51) were cattle and 27.1% (13/48) sheep. The serogroups detected in cattle were Sejroe (36.8%), Hebdomadis (26.3%), Australis (10.5%), Djasiman (10.5%), Ballum (5.3%), Pomona (5.3%), and Cynopteri (5.3%) with titers of 100–800. In sheep, the reactive serogroups were Australis (27.3%), Ballum (27.3%), Djasiman (18.1%), Tarassovi (9.1%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (9.1%), and Cynopteri (9.1%) with titers of 100–400. Leptospiral DNA was detected in nine urine samples, including five cattle and four sheep. Property 1 showed the highest serological positivity frequencies for both cattle (70.6%) and sheep (70.6%). Similarly, the highest frequency of DNA detection was also found (eight samples, 89%). In this property, we observed the existence of consorted rearing of cattle and sheep with close coexistence between these species. In semiarid conditions, transmission among animals of the same species seems to be the main form of Leptospira sp. dissemination in cattle and sheep herds. However, the contribution of other domestic and wild animals cannot be discarded. The practice of consorted rearing of cattle and sheep and their close coexistence may facilitate the spread of the pathogen in rural properties.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram realizar detecção sorológica e molecular da infecção por Leptospira sp. em bovinos e ovinos em condições semiáridas. Com base em estudo preliminar realizado em nosso grupo de pesquisa, foram selecionadas seis propriedades rurais com soropositividade ≥ 60% para o sorogrupo Sejroe com título ≥ 200 em bovinos. No presente estudo, amostras de sangue e urina foram coletadas de 99 fêmeas em idade reprodutiva (51 bovinos e 48 ovinos) para diagnóstico sorológico, detecção molecular e tentativa de recuperação de estirpesde Leptospira sp. Dos 99 animais analisados, 38,4% (38/99) foram sororeativos nos testes sorológicos. Destes, 49% (25/51) eram bovinos e 27,1% (13/48) ovinos. Os sorogrupos detectados em bovinos foram Sejroe (36,8%), Hebdomadis (26,3%), Australis (10,5%), Djasiman (10,5%), Ballum (5,3%), Pomona (5,3%) e Cynopteri (5,3%) com títulos de 100 a 800. Nos ovinos, os sorogrupos reativos foram Australis (27,3%), Ballum (27,3%), Djasiman (18,1%), Tarassovi (9,1%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (9,1%) e Cynopteri (9,1%) com títulos de 100-400. O DNA leptospiral foi detectado em nove amostras de urina, incluindo cinco bovinos e quatro ovinos. A propriedade 1 apresentou as maiores frequências de positividade sorológica para bovinos (70,6%) e ovinos (70,6%). Da mesma forma, a maior frequência de detecção de DNA também foi encontrada (oito amostras, 89%). Nesta propriedade observou-se a existência de criação consorciada de bovinos e ovinos com estreita convivência entre estas espécies. Em condições semiáridas, a transmissão entre animais da mesma espécie parece ser a principal forma de disseminação de Leptospira sp. em rebanhos bovinos e ovinos. No entanto, a contribuição de outros animais domésticos e selvagens não pode ser descartada. A prática de criação consorciada de bovinos e ovinos e sua estreita convivência podem facilitar a disseminação do patógeno em propriedades rurais.

Seroprevalence and predominant serogroups of Leptospira sp. in serological tests of ruminants in northeastern Brazil / Soroprevalência e sorogrupos de Leptospira sp. predominantes em exames sorológicos de ruminantes do Nordeste do Brasil

The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of leptospirosis and the predominant serogroups in serological tests of ruminants performed at the Transmissible Diseases Laboratory of the Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraíba, northeastern Brazil, between 2010 and 2017. This research included the records of serological tests for leptospirosis from 5594 animals, including 1527 cattle, 1761 goats, 2170 sheep, and 136 buffaloes from four Brazilian states (Paraíba, Pernambuco, Maranhão, and Rio Grande do Norte). Of the 5594 serum samples, 662 were serologically positive, corresponding to a frequency of 11.8%. Serjoe (30.6%), Autumnalis (13.6%), and Icterohaemorrhagiae (11.3%) were the most frequent subgroups among all species. The individual frequencies in cattle, goats, sheep, and buffaloes were 20% (306/1527), 8.3% (147/1761), 7.9% (171/2170), and 27.9% (38/136), respectively, with titers ranging from 1:100 to 1:3200. The most frequent serogroups according to animal species were as follows: Serjoe predominated in cattle (62%), followed by Icterohaemorrhagiae (12.5%) and Tarassovi (6.6%); Autumnalis was the most frequent in goats and sheep (29.4% and 26.9%, respectively), followed by Seramanga (12.5%) in goats and Icterohaemmorrhagiae (13.5%) in sheep; and Australis predominated in buffaloes (39.5%), followed by Pomona (31.6%) and Canicola (21.1%). Leptospira sp. infection, determined by serology, is widespread in ruminants (cattle, goats, sheep, and buffaloes) in northeastern Brazil, suggesting the existence of alternative transmission routes that are less dependent on environmental factors. Identification of the most frequent serogroups highlights the need to improve sanitary conditions, and implement efficient and targeted control measures directed at the primary infection sources.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a soropositividade para leptospirose e os sorogrupos predominantes nos testes sorológicos realizados no Laboratório de Doenças Transmissíveis (LDT) da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Patos, Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil, em bovinos, caprinos, ovinos e bubalinos no período de 2010 a 2017. Foram computados os registros dos exames sorológicos para leptospirose de 5.594 animais, que incluíram 1.527 bovinos, 1.761 caprinos, 2.170 ovinos e 136 bubalinos, provenientes de quatro estados brasileiros (Paraíba, Pernambuco, Maranhão e Rio Grande do Norte). Das 5.594 amostras de soro de bovinos, caprinos, ovinos e bubalinos, 662 amostras foram positivas no teste sorológico, resultando em uma frequência de 11,8%. Serjoe (30,6%), Autumnalis (13,6%) e Icterohaemorrhagiae (11,3%) foram os sorogrupos mais frequentes para todas as espécies. As frequências individuais de bovinos, caprinos, ovinos e bubalinos foram de 20% (306/1.527), 8,3% (147/1.761), 7,9% (171/2.170), e 27,9% (38/136), respectivamente, com títulos variando de 1:100 a 1:3200. Com relação aos sorogrupos mais frequentes por espécie animal, o Serjoe predominou em bovinos (62%), seguido de Icterohaemorrhagiae (12,5%) e Tarassovi (6,6%); Autumnalis foi o mais frequente em caprinos e ovinos (29,4% e 26,9%, respectivamente), seguido de Seramanga (12,5%) em caprinos e Icterohaemmorrhagiae (13,5%) em ovinos; Australis predominou nos bubalinos (39,5%), seguido de Pomona (31,6%) e Canicola (21,1%)...(AU)

Seroprevalence and predominant serogroups of Leptospira sp. in serological tests of ruminants in northeastern Brazil / Soroprevalência e sorogrupos de Leptospira sp. predominantes em exames sorológicos de ruminantes do Nordeste do Brasil

The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of leptospirosis and the predominant serogroups in serological tests of ruminants performed at the Transmissible Diseases Laboratory of the Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraíba, northeastern Brazil, between 2010 and 2017. This research included the records of serological tests for leptospirosis from 5594 animals, including 1527 cattle, 1761 goats, 2170 sheep, and 136 buffaloes from four Brazilian states (Paraíba, Pernambuco, Maranhão, and Rio Grande do Norte). Of the 5594 serum samples, 662 were serologically positive, corresponding to a frequency of 11.8%. Serjoe (30.6%), Autumnalis (13.6%), and Icterohaemorrhagiae (11.3%) were the most frequent subgroups among all species. The individual frequencies in cattle, goats, sheep, and buffaloes were 20% (306/1527), 8.3% (147/1761), 7.9% (171/2170), and 27.9% (38/136), respectively, with titers ranging from 1:100 to 1:3200. The most frequent serogroups according to animal species were as follows: Serjoe predominated in cattle (62%), followed by Icterohaemorrhagiae (12.5%) and Tarassovi (6.6%); Autumnalis was the most frequent in goats and sheep (29.4% and 26.9%, respectively), followed by Seramanga (12.5%) in goats and Icterohaemmorrhagiae (13.5%) in sheep; and Australis predominated in buffaloes (39.5%), followed by Pomona (31.6%) and Canicola (21.1%). Leptospira sp. infection, determined by serology, is widespread in ruminants (cattle, goats, sheep, and buffaloes) in northeastern Brazil, suggesting the existence of alternative transmission routes that are less dependent on environmental factors. Identification of the most frequent serogroups highlights the need to improve sanitary conditions, and implement efficient and targeted control measures directed at the primary infection sources.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a soropositividade para leptospirose e os sorogrupos predominantes nos testes sorológicos realizados no Laboratório de Doenças Transmissíveis (LDT) da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Patos, Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil, em bovinos, caprinos, ovinos e bubalinos no período de 2010 a 2017. Foram computados os registros dos exames sorológicos para leptospirose de 5.594 animais, que incluíram 1.527 bovinos, 1.761 caprinos, 2.170 ovinos e 136 bubalinos, provenientes de quatro estados brasileiros (Paraíba, Pernambuco, Maranhão e Rio Grande do Norte). Das 5.594 amostras de soro de bovinos, caprinos, ovinos e bubalinos, 662 amostras foram positivas no teste sorológico, resultando em uma frequência de 11,8%. Serjoe (30,6%), Autumnalis (13,6%) e Icterohaemorrhagiae (11,3%) foram os sorogrupos mais frequentes para todas as espécies. As frequências individuais de bovinos, caprinos, ovinos e bubalinos foram de 20% (306/1.527), 8,3% (147/1.761), 7,9% (171/2.170), e 27,9% (38/136), respectivamente, com títulos variando de 1:100 a 1:3200. Com relação aos sorogrupos mais frequentes por espécie animal, o Serjoe predominou em bovinos (62%), seguido de Icterohaemorrhagiae (12,5%) e Tarassovi (6,6%); Autumnalis foi o mais frequente em caprinos e ovinos (29,4% e 26,9%, respectivamente), seguido de Seramanga (12,5%) em caprinos e Icterohaemmorrhagiae (13,5%) em ovinos; Australis predominou nos bubalinos (39,5%), seguido de Pomona (31,6%) e Canicola (21,1%)...

Spatial distribution of equine seroreagent to Leptospira spp. in Northeastern Brazil / Distribuição espacial de equinos sororreagentes à Leptospira spp. no Nordeste do Brasil

Considering the importance of leptospirosis in both equine husbandry and public health, as well as the relevance of knowledge of current serogroup and the small number of studies addressing this disease in equines in Northeastern Brazil, the present study performed a serological survey of Leptospira spp. in a serum bank of 1,267 equines originating from 177 municipalities, located in four states in Northeastern Brazil: Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba and Pernambuco. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was used for diagnosis of leptospirosis using 24 serovars as antigens. The frequency of reagent equines was 29.7% (376/1,267), and 68.9% (122/177) of municipalities had at least one positive reaction. The serogroups reagent were Australis (37.2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (29.3%), Tarassovi (9.6%), Sejroe (5.8%), Pomona (5.3%), Grippotyphosa (4.5%), Pyrogenes (2.4%), Bataviae (1.9%), Ballum and Hebdomadis (1.3%), Mini (0.5%), Celledoni, Shermani, and Javanica (0.3% each). There were significant statistical differences regarding sex and age, with a higher frequency in females (P= 0.014), and in animals 6 years (P=0.001). We concluded that seropositivity to Leptospira spp. is high in equines in Northeastern Brazil, with a predominance of serologic reactions to the Australis serogroup in the border areas between the states, and the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup in coastal areas

Considerando a importância da leptospirose na equinocultura e na saúde pública, bem como a relevância do conhecimento dos sorogrupos circulantes e do pequeno número de estudos realizados sobre esta doença em equinos no Nordeste do Brasil, o presente trabalho foi delineado para realizar um inquérito sorológico de Leptospira spp. em um banco de soros de 1.267 equinos provenientes de 177 municípios distribuídos em quatro estados: Piaui, Ceará, Paraíba e Pernambuco, localizados na região Nordeste do Brasil. Os soros foram examinados com o teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM), utilizando uma coleção de 24 sorovares como antígenos. A frequência de equinos reagentes foi de 29,7% (376 / 1.267) e 68,9% (122/177) dos municípios que tiveram pelo menos uma reação positiva. Os sorogrupos reagentes foram Australis (37,2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (29,3%), Tarassovi (9,6%), Sejroe (5,8%), Pomona (5,3%), Grippotyphosa (4,5%), Pyrogenes (2,4%), Bataviae (1,9%), Ballum e Hebdomadis (1,3%), Mini (0,5%), Celledoni, Shermani e Javanica (0,3%). Houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes quanto ao sexo e idade, com maior frequência no sexo feminino (P = 0,014) e no animal com idade 6 anos (P = 0,001). Conclui-se que a infecção por Leptospira spp. tem ocorrência significativa em equídeos do Nordeste do Brasil, com predominância de reações para o sorogrupo Australis nas áreas de fronteira ent

Spatial distribution of equine seroreagent to Leptospira spp. in Northeastern Brazil / Distribuição espacial de equinos sororreagentes à Leptospira spp. no Nordeste do Brasil

Considering the importance of leptospirosis in both equine husbandry and public health, as well as the relevance of knowledge of current serogroup and the small number of studies addressing this disease in equines in Northeastern Brazil, the present study performed a serological survey of Leptospira spp. in a serum bank of 1,267 equines originating from 177 municipalities, located in four states in Northeastern Brazil: Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba and Pernambuco. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was used for diagnosis of leptospirosis using 24 serovars as antigens. The frequency of reagent equines was 29.7% (376/1,267), and 68.9% (122/177) of municipalities had at least one positive reaction. The serogroups reagent were Australis (37.2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (29.3%), Tarassovi (9.6%), Sejroe (5.8%), Pomona (5.3%), Grippotyphosa (4.5%), Pyrogenes (2.4%), Bataviae (1.9%), Ballum and Hebdomadis (1.3%), Mini (0.5%), Celledoni, Shermani, and Javanica (0.3% each). There were significant statistical differences regarding sex and age, with a higher frequency in females (P= 0.014), and in animals 6 years (P=0.001). We concluded that seropositivity to Leptospira spp. is high in equines in Northeastern Brazil, with a predominance of serologic reactions to the Australis serogroup in the border areas between the states, and the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup in coastal areas

Considerando a importância da leptospirose na equinocultura e na saúde pública, bem como a relevância do conhecimento dos sorogrupos circulantes e do pequeno número de estudos realizados sobre esta doença em equinos no Nordeste do Brasil, o presente trabalho foi delineado para realizar um inquérito sorológico de Leptospira spp. em um banco de soros de 1.267 equinos provenientes de 177 municípios distribuídos em quatro estados: Piaui, Ceará, Paraíba e Pernambuco, localizados na região Nordeste do Brasil. Os soros foram examinados com o teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM), utilizando uma coleção de 24 sorovares como antígenos. A frequência de equinos reagentes foi de 29,7% (376 / 1.267) e 68,9% (122/177) dos municípios que tiveram pelo menos uma reação positiva. Os sorogrupos reagentes foram Australis (37,2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (29,3%), Tarassovi (9,6%), Sejroe (5,8%), Pomona (5,3%), Grippotyphosa (4,5%), Pyrogenes (2,4%), Bataviae (1,9%), Ballum e Hebdomadis (1,3%), Mini (0,5%), Celledoni, Shermani e Javanica (0,3%). Houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes quanto ao sexo e idade, com maior frequência no sexo feminino (P = 0,014) e no animal com idade 6 anos (P = 0,001). Conclui-se que a infecção por Leptospira spp. tem ocorrência significativa em equídeos do Nordeste do Brasil, com predominância de reações para o sorogrupo Australis nas áreas de fronteira ent

Spatial distribution of equine seroreagent to Leptospira spp. in Northeastern Brazil / Distribuição espacial de equinos sororreagentes à Leptospira spp. no Nordeste do Brasil

Considering the importance of leptospirosis in both equine husbandry and public health, as well as the relevance of knowledge of current serogroup and the small number of studies addressing this disease in equines in Northeastern Brazil, the present study performed a serological survey of Leptospira spp. in a serum bank of 1,267 equines originating from 177 municipalities, located in four states in Northeastern Brazil: Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba and Pernambuco. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was used for diagnosis of leptospirosis using 24 serovars as antigens. The frequency of reagent equines was 29.7% (376/1,267), and 68.9% (122/177) of municipalities had at least one positive reaction. The serogroups reagent were Australis (37.2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (29.3%), Tarassovi (9.6%), Sejroe (5.8%), Pomona (5.3%), Grippotyphosa (4.5%), Pyrogenes (2.4%), Bataviae (1.9%), Ballum and Hebdomadis (1.3%), Mini (0.5%), Celledoni, Shermani, and Javanica (0.3% each). There were significant statistical differences regarding sex and age, with a higher frequency in females (P= 0.014), and in animals 6 years (P=0.001). We concluded that seropositivity to Leptospira spp. is high in equines in Northeastern Brazil, with a predominance of serologic reactions to the Australis serogroup in the border areas between the states, and the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup in coastal areas

Considerando a importância da leptospirose na equinocultura e na saúde pública, bem como a relevância do conhecimento dos sorogrupos circulantes e do pequeno número de estudos realizados sobre esta doença em equinos no Nordeste do Brasil, o presente trabalho foi delineado para realizar um inquérito sorológico de Leptospira spp. em um banco de soros de 1.267 equinos provenientes de 177 municípios distribuídos em quatro estados: Piaui, Ceará, Paraíba e Pernambuco, localizados na região Nordeste do Brasil. Os soros foram examinados com o teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM), utilizando uma coleção de 24 sorovares como antígenos. A frequência de equinos reagentes foi de 29,7% (376 / 1.267) e 68,9% (122/177) dos municípios que tiveram pelo menos uma reação positiva. Os sorogrupos reagentes foram Australis (37,2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (29,3%), Tarassovi (9,6%), Sejroe (5,8%), Pomona (5,3%), Grippotyphosa (4,5%), Pyrogenes (2,4%), Bataviae (1,9%), Ballum e Hebdomadis (1,3%), Mini (0,5%), Celledoni, Shermani e Javanica (0,3%). Houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes quanto ao sexo e idade, com maior frequência no sexo feminino (P = 0,014) e no animal com idade 6 anos (P = 0,001). Conclui-se que a infecção por Leptospira spp. tem ocorrência significativa em equídeos do Nordeste do Brasil, com predominância de reações para o sorogrupo Australis nas áreas de fronteira ent

Spatial distribution of equine seroreagent to Leptospira spp. in Northeastern Brazil / Distribuição espacial de equinos sororreagentes à Leptospira spp. no Nordeste do Brasil

Considering the importance of leptospirosis in both equine husbandry and public health, as well as the relevance of knowledge of current serogroup and the small number of studies addressing this disease in equines in Northeastern Brazil, the present study performed a serological survey of Leptospira spp. in a serum bank of 1,267 equines originating from 177 municipalities, located in four states in Northeastern Brazil: Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba and Pernambuco. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was used for diagnosis of leptospirosis using 24 serovars as antigens. The frequency of reagent equines was 29.7% (376/1,267), and 68.9% (122/177) of municipalities had at least one positive reaction. The serogroups reagent were Australis (37.2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (29.3%), Tarassovi (9.6%), Sejroe (5.8%), Pomona (5.3%), Grippotyphosa (4.5%), Pyrogenes (2.4%), Bataviae (1.9%), Ballum and Hebdomadis (1.3%), Mini (0.5%), Celledoni, Shermani, and Javanica (0.3% each). There were significant statistical differences regarding sex and age, with a higher frequency in females (P= 0.014), and in animals 6 years (P=0.001). We concluded that seropositivity to Leptospira spp. is high in equines in Northeastern Brazil, with a predominance of serologic reactions to the Australis serogroup in the border areas between the states, and the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup in coastal areas

Considerando a importância da leptospirose na equinocultura e na saúde pública, bem como a relevância do conhecimento dos sorogrupos circulantes e do pequeno número de estudos realizados sobre esta doença em equinos no Nordeste do Brasil, o presente trabalho foi delineado para realizar um inquérito sorológico de Leptospira spp. em um banco de soros de 1.267 equinos provenientes de 177 municípios distribuídos em quatro estados: Piaui, Ceará, Paraíba e Pernambuco, localizados na região Nordeste do Brasil. Os soros foram examinados com o teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM), utilizando uma coleção de 24 sorovares como antígenos. A frequência de equinos reagentes foi de 29,7% (376 / 1.267) e 68,9% (122/177) dos municípios que tiveram pelo menos uma reação positiva. Os sorogrupos reagentes foram Australis (37,2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (29,3%), Tarassovi (9,6%), Sejroe (5,8%), Pomona (5,3%), Grippotyphosa (4,5%), Pyrogenes (2,4%), Bataviae (1,9%), Ballum e Hebdomadis (1,3%), Mini (0,5%), Celledoni, Shermani e Javanica (0,3%). Houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes quanto ao sexo e idade, com maior frequência no sexo feminino (P = 0,014) e no animal com idade 6 anos (P = 0,001). Conclui-se que a infecção por Leptospira spp. tem ocorrência significativa em equídeos do Nordeste do Brasil, com predominância de reações para o sorogrupo Australis nas áreas de fronteira ent