The outcomes of polyparasitism in stray cats from Brazilian Midwest assessed by epidemiological, hematological and pathological data / Poliparasitismo em gatos não domiciliados no Centro-Oeste brasileiro avaliado através dos aspectos epidemiológicos, hematológicos e patológicos

We evaluated the epidemiological, hematological, and pathological data of Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Platynosomum illiciens, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infections and the coinfections in stray cats of an endemic area for leishmaniasis. The diagnosis was performed by serological tests and necropsy. We described gross lesions and histopathological findings. We used immunohistochemistry and chromogenic in situ hybridization for L. infantum detection. We found infection in 27 out of 50 sampled cats, among them, 14 presented coinfections. A strong correlation between splenomegaly and lymphadenomegaly with FeLV, and an association between hepatic lesions and cachexia with parasitism due to P. illiciens were observed. Moreover, we found a significant increase in the monocyte count in the FeLV-infected and a decrease in the red blood cell count in the FIV-infected animals. Amastigote forms of Leishmania spp. and tissue changes were detected in lymphoid organs of an animal coinfected with P. illiciens, T. gondii, and FIV. Polyparasitism recorded in stray cats of the Brazilian Midwest should be considered in effective control strategies for public health diseases. Moreover, stray cats of Campo Grande may be a source of infection of FIV, FeLV and P. illiciens for populations of domiciled cats.(AU)

Foi avaliada a epidemiologia, hematologia e patologia das infecções por Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Platynosomum illiciens, vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) e vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV) e das coinfecções em gatos não domiciliados em uma área endêmica para leishmaniose. O diagnóstico foi realizado por exames sorológicos e necropsia. Foram descritas lesões macroscópicas e achados histopatológicos. Usaram-se imuno-histoquímica e hibridização cromogênica in situ para detecção de L. infantum. Encontrou-se infecção em 27 dos 50 gatos amostrados, dentre eles, 14 apresentavam coinfecções. Foi observada forte correlação entre esplenomegalia e linfadenomegalia com FeLV, e associação entre lesões hepáticas e caquexia com parasitismo por P. illiciens. Além disso, foi encontrado um aumento significativo na contagem de monócitos nos animais infectados pelo FeLV e uma diminuição na contagem de hemácias nos animais infectados pelo FIV. Formas amastigotas de Leishmania spp. e alterações teciduais foram detectadas em órgãos linfoides de um animal coinfectado com P. illiciens, T. gondii e FIV. O poliparasitismo registrado em gatos errantes do Centro-Oeste brasileiro deve ser considerado nas estratégias de controle de zoonoses. Além disso, gatos errantes de Campo Grande podem ser fontes de infecção de FIV, FeLV e P. illiciens para populações de gatos domiciliados.(AU)

Mortalidade em pacus (Piaractus mesopotamicus) ocasionada por Pantoea agglomerans e Pseudomonas aeruginosa em tanque escavado / Mortality in pacus (Piaractus mesopotamicus) caused by Pantoea agglomerans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in excavated tank

Background: Fish production in Brazil is growing strongly. This growth is being mainly driven by mainland aquaculture,which in 2017 produced 691.700 tons of fish. To improve production levels, fish farms have become increasingly intensive,but in these systems, the high fish densities in the ponds, the high feeding rate, and the high organic matter levels in thewater can lead the fish becoming stressed. This can cause bacterial proliferation and an increase in mortality. Most species of fish-causing bacteria are saprophytes. They are found naturally in the environment and are usually responsible forsecondary or opportunistic infections. This study reports on an outbreak of Pacus (Piaractus mesopotamicus) mortality atan intensive fish farm, in the municipality of Campo Grande, MS, Brazil, that used excavated tanks.Cases: The outbreak occurred at a fish farm in the municipality of Campo Grande, MS, during August, 2015. A total of200 pacus in two tanks died after they showed the following symptoms: lethargy, anorexia, increased mucus production,and disordered swimming and water surface searching. The temperature and dissolved oxygen were measured using adigital thermometer and an oximeter, respectively, and water transparency was measured with a Secchi disc. The pH wasmeasured using a portable digital potentiometer. The values for the water quality parameters analyzed during the mortalityperiod were temperature, 22.5oC; transparency, 20 cm; oxygen dissolved in the early morning 3 mg/L and at the end ofthe afternoon, 4.5 mg/L; pH 8.3; and toxic ammonia, 0.002 ppm. Five fishes were collected from the tank, immediatelycooled to 4°C, and sent to the Microbiology and Pathology Laboratories to perform the microbiological and pathologicallaboratory procedures. After the replication process, the slow glucose fermentation characteristics in MacConkey Agar andother biochemical tests showed that the lactose non-fermenter bacterium was Pseudomonas...

Mortalidade em pacus (Piaractus mesopotamicus) ocasionada por Pantoea agglomerans e Pseudomonas aeruginosa em tanque escavado / Mortality in pacus (Piaractus mesopotamicus) caused by Pantoea agglomerans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in excavated tank

Background: Fish production in Brazil is growing strongly. This growth is being mainly driven by mainland aquaculture,which in 2017 produced 691.700 tons of fish. To improve production levels, fish farms have become increasingly intensive,but in these systems, the high fish densities in the ponds, the high feeding rate, and the high organic matter levels in thewater can lead the fish becoming stressed. This can cause bacterial proliferation and an increase in mortality. Most species of fish-causing bacteria are saprophytes. They are found naturally in the environment and are usually responsible forsecondary or opportunistic infections. This study reports on an outbreak of Pacus (Piaractus mesopotamicus) mortality atan intensive fish farm, in the municipality of Campo Grande, MS, Brazil, that used excavated tanks.Cases: The outbreak occurred at a fish farm in the municipality of Campo Grande, MS, during August, 2015. A total of200 pacus in two tanks died after they showed the following symptoms: lethargy, anorexia, increased mucus production,and disordered swimming and water surface searching. The temperature and dissolved oxygen were measured using adigital thermometer and an oximeter, respectively, and water transparency was measured with a Secchi disc. The pH wasmeasured using a portable digital potentiometer. The values for the water quality parameters analyzed during the mortalityperiod were temperature, 22.5oC; transparency, 20 cm; oxygen dissolved in the early morning 3 mg/L and at the end ofthe afternoon, 4.5 mg/L; pH 8.3; and toxic ammonia, 0.002 ppm. Five fishes were collected from the tank, immediatelycooled to 4°C, and sent to the Microbiology and Pathology Laboratories to perform the microbiological and pathologicallaboratory procedures. After the replication process, the slow glucose fermentation characteristics in MacConkey Agar andother biochemical tests showed that the lactose non-fermenter bacterium was Pseudomonas...(AU)

Canine oral osteocartilaginous malignant amelanotic melanoma with pulmonary metastasis

Background: Melanomas are typically malignant neoplasms commonly observed in the oral cavity of dogs. The classical presentation of melanomas with characteristic melanin pigmentation is easy to diagnose; however, in some cases, the lack of melanin production in the amelanotic oral tumors cause a delay in establishing the precocious diagnosis and consequent treatment. The aim of this report was to evaluate the histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of an oral amelanotic melanoma with osteocartilaginous formation and metastasis in a dog, in a temporal way.Case: A 10-year-old male German Shepherd dog, presenting mouth bleeding with an amelanotic melanoma located between the upper incisors was received at the Veterinary Hospital of the Catholic University Dom Bosco (UCDB), Campo Grande, MS, Brazil. The animal was clinically evaluated and radiography was performed. The tumor was surgically removed and a sample was collected for histopathological examination that revealed spindloid and some epithelioid morphological cell types surrounded by a fibromatous matrix with moderate amounts of fibrovascular stroma. Approximately 1 month after surgical removal, recovery of the tumor was observed, and a second clinical analysis and collection of sample were performed. These procedures were repeated three times showing the same histopathological characteristics added by myxoid, chondroid, fibromatous tissue, and small groups of chondrocytes as well as central areas of irregular mineralized spicules. X-ray examination revealed proliferative and lytic bone infiltration in the jaw. Immunohistochemical analysis for melanocytic differentiation markers was performed showing positivity to Melan-A, tyrosinase and HMB-45 immunoreactivity, while no S100 reactivity was detected. After 11 months of the first biopsy, pleural effusion and radiopaque disseminated nodules of 1cm in the lungs were detected by X-ray. The animal died and necropsy was conducted.[...](AU)

Canine oral osteocartilaginous malignant amelanotic melanoma with pulmonary metastasis

Background: Melanomas are typically malignant neoplasms commonly observed in the oral cavity of dogs. The classical presentation of melanomas with characteristic melanin pigmentation is easy to diagnose; however, in some cases, the lack of melanin production in the amelanotic oral tumors cause a delay in establishing the precocious diagnosis and consequent treatment. The aim of this report was to evaluate the histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of an oral amelanotic melanoma with osteocartilaginous formation and metastasis in a dog, in a temporal way.Case: A 10-year-old male German Shepherd dog, presenting mouth bleeding with an amelanotic melanoma located between the upper incisors was received at the Veterinary Hospital of the Catholic University Dom Bosco (UCDB), Campo Grande, MS, Brazil. The animal was clinically evaluated and radiography was performed. The tumor was surgically removed and a sample was collected for histopathological examination that revealed spindloid and some epithelioid morphological cell types surrounded by a fibromatous matrix with moderate amounts of fibrovascular stroma. Approximately 1 month after surgical removal, recovery of the tumor was observed, and a second clinical analysis and collection of sample were performed. These procedures were repeated three times showing the same histopathological characteristics added by myxoid, chondroid, fibromatous tissue, and small groups of chondrocytes as well as central areas of irregular mineralized spicules. X-ray examination revealed proliferative and lytic bone infiltration in the jaw. Immunohistochemical analysis for melanocytic differentiation markers was performed showing positivity to Melan-A, tyrosinase and HMB-45 immunoreactivity, while no S100 reactivity was detected. After 11 months of the first biopsy, pleural effusion and radiopaque disseminated nodules of 1cm in the lungs were detected by X-ray. The animal died and necropsy was conducted.[...]

Pathological features of bovine pericardium implanted into mice abdominal wall after preservation with glutaraldehyde or glycerin / Aspectos patológicos do implante de pericárdio bovino tratado pelo glutaraldeído e pela glicerina em parede abdominal de camundongos

Background: Lately, the use of biological materials has been widely indicated in surgical procedures to restore structure and function of injured tissues. Bioimplants require different conservation techniques; among these, glutaraldehyde preservation stands out owing to its higher antimicrobial efficiency as compared to glycerin. In view of the need to determine a concentration of glutaraldehyde that can act as a biocide but do not cause undesirable tissue reactions, this study aimed to identify and quantify gross and microscopic tissue alterations after implantation of bovine pericardium, which was preserved in various concentrations of glutaraldehyde, in the abdominal wall of mice. Materials, Methods & Results: Fresh pericardia from 18 bovines were fractioned into 1cm2 samples and treated with a 98% glycerin solution for 30 days (control group), or 0.625%, 1%, and 1.5% glutaraldehyde solution for 18 days (experimental groups). An abdominal muscle fragment was excised from each mouse, and a 1-cm2 fragment of preserved pericardium was implanted in the area. Sixty mice (n = 15 per treatment) divided into groups were observed for 7, 14, and 30 days, and five animals from each group were euthanized at each time point for gross and microscopic examination. Fragments of the implants and adjacent skin lesions were harvested, fixed in formalin, and processed for routine histology [...](AU)

Pathological features of bovine pericardium implanted into mice abdominal wall after preservation with glutaraldehyde or glycerin / Aspectos patológicos do implante de pericárdio bovino tratado pelo glutaraldeído e pela glicerina em parede abdominal de camundongos

Background: Lately, the use of biological materials has been widely indicated in surgical procedures to restore structure and function of injured tissues. Bioimplants require different conservation techniques; among these, glutaraldehyde preservation stands out owing to its higher antimicrobial efficiency as compared to glycerin. In view of the need to determine a concentration of glutaraldehyde that can act as a biocide but do not cause undesirable tissue reactions, this study aimed to identify and quantify gross and microscopic tissue alterations after implantation of bovine pericardium, which was preserved in various concentrations of glutaraldehyde, in the abdominal wall of mice. Materials, Methods & Results: Fresh pericardia from 18 bovines were fractioned into 1cm2 samples and treated with a 98% glycerin solution for 30 days (control group), or 0.625%, 1%, and 1.5% glutaraldehyde solution for 18 days (experimental groups). An abdominal muscle fragment was excised from each mouse, and a 1-cm2 fragment of preserved pericardium was implanted in the area. Sixty mice (n = 15 per treatment) divided into groups were observed for 7, 14, and 30 days, and five animals from each group were euthanized at each time point for gross and microscopic examination. Fragments of the implants and adjacent skin lesions were harvested, fixed in formalin, and processed for routine histology [...]

Pathology of dogs in Campo Grande, MS, Brazil naturally co-infected with Leishmania infantum and Ehrlichia canis / Patologia de cães naturalmente coinfectados por Leishmania infantum e Ehrlichia canis em Campo Grande, MS, Brasil

Different parasites that commonly occur concomitantly can influence one another, sometimes with unpredictable effects. We evaluated pathological aspects of dogs naturally co-infected with Leishmania infantum and Ehrlichia canis. The health status of the dogs was investigated based on histopathological, hematological and biochemical analyses of 21 animals infected solely with L. infantum and 22 dogs co- infected with L. infantum and E. canis. The skin of both groups showed chronic, predominantly lymphohistioplasmacytic inflammatory reaction. The plasmacytosis in the lymphoid tissues was likely related with the hypergammaglobulinemia detected in all the dogs. The disorganization of extracellular matrix found in the reticular dermis of the inguinal region and ear, characterized by the substitution of thick collagen fibers for thin fibers, was attributed to the degree of inflammatory reaction, irrespective of the presence of parasites. In addition, the histopathological analysis revealed that twice as many dogs in the co-infected group presented Leishmania amastigotes in the ear skin than those infected solely with Leishmania, increasing the possibility of becoming infected through sand fly vectors. Our findings highlight the fact that the health of dogs infected concomitantly with L. infantum and E. canis is severely compromised due to their high levels of total plasma protein, globulins, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase, and severe anemia.

A infecção simultânea por parasitas de diferentes espécies pode resultar em alterações imprevisíveis. O presente estudo avaliou a patologia de cães naturalmente coinfectados por Leishmania infantum e Ehrlichia canis. A saúde dos cães foi investigada pelas análises histopatológicas, hematológicas e bioquímicas de 21 cães infectados somente por L. infantum e 22 cães coinfectados por L. infantum e E. canis. Observou-se uma reação inflamatória crônica, predominantemente linfohistioplasmocítica, na pele dos dois grupos. A plasmocitose, encontrada nos tecidos linfóides, provavelmente estava relacionada com a hipergamaglobulinemia observada em todos os cães amostrados. A desorganização da matriz extracelular da derme da região inguinal e da orelha, demonstrada pela substituição das fibras de colágeno espessas por fibras finas, foi relacionada com o grau de reação inflamatória, independente da presença de parasitas. Ainda, observamos duas vezes mais animais do grupo coinfectado apresentando formas amastigotas na pele de orelha pela histopatologia comparado ao número de cães infectados apenas por Leishmania, tornando-os desta forma mais infectivos aos vetores. Nossos resultados ressaltam que a saúde de cães coinfectados estava severamente comprometida devido aos altos níveis de proteína plasmática total, globulinas, fosfatase alcalina, creatina quinase e anemia acentuada.

Diagnóstico e estudo da patogenia da infecção por Leishmania spp. e Toxoplasma gondii (revisão bibliográfica) / Diagnosis and study of the pathogenesis of Leishmania spp. and Toxoplasma gondii (bibliographic review) / Diagnóstico y estudio de la patogenia de la infección por Leishmania spp. y Toxoplasma gondii (revisión bibliográfica)

As leishmanioses são enfermidades causadas por protozoáriós do gênero Leishmania, podendo causar a leishmaniose tegumentar (LT) , com manifestações cutâneas, mucocutâneas, ou ainda cutâneo difusas, e a leishmaniose visceral (LV), com manifestações sistêmicas. A toxoplasmose é uma cocccidiose dos felídeos, sendo uma das mais comuns parasitoses que afetam os animais homeotérmicos, em todo o mundo, inclusive o homem, constituindo importante zoonose. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo fomentar o estudo do diagnóstico e patogenia dessas enfermidades, através de uma revisão bibliográfica. O trabalho foi desenvolvido mediante pesquisa documental e bibliográfica. Nos trabalhos encontrados, em relação a Leishmania spp. observou-se uma grande variação no número de soro reagentes, que vai de zero a 68%, e quando anticorpos são detectados, baixas titulações como 1:10 e 1:20 são comuns, o que pode estar associada à resistência nestes animais. A infecção pelos vírus da leucemia e da imunodeficiência felina também, parece comprometer a produção de anticorpos anti-Leishmania spp. nesta espécie, e isso também poderia ser responsável pela baixa titulação em felinos infectados pelo protozoário. Em relação à toxoplasmose, a frequência de anticorpos antitoxoplasma na população felina é variada, esta variação pode estar relacionada ao tipo de população estudada. Sabe-se que resultados superiores são encontrados em populações de gatos de rua. Na medida em que o gato é um companheiro muito próximo ao homem e que estas importantes zoonoses podem ser transmitidas direta ou indiretamente, além do fato de que as duas enfermidades podem trazer sinais clínicos inespecíficos, a identificação correta dos aspectos clínicos e a utilização de diagnósticos mais sensíveis são fundamentais para o controle dessas zoonoses.(AU)

Leishmaniasis are diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, may cause cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), with cutaneous manifestations, mucocutaneous, or diffuse cutaneous and visceralleishmaniasis (VL) with systemic manifestations. Toxoplasmosis is a cocccidiose of Felidae, one of the most common parasitic diseases affecting warm-blooded animais throughout the world, including man and an important zoonosis. This study aimed to encourage the study of diagnosis and pathogenesis of these diseases, through a literature review. The study was conducted by documentary and bibliographic research. In studies found, for Leishmania spp. We observed a wide variation in the number of serum reagents, ranging from zero to 68%, and when antibodies are detected, low titrations as is common 1:1O to 1:20, which may be associated with resistance in these animais. Infection by leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency also seems to impair the production of anti-Leishmania spp antibodies. in this species, and this could also be responsible for the low titer in cats infected by the protozoan. In relation to toxoplasmosis, frequency of Toxoplasma antibodies in the cat population is varied, this variation may be related to the type ofthe studied population. It is known that superior results are found in populations of stray cats. To the extent that the cat is very close to fellow man and that these important zoonoses can be transmitted directly or indirectly, other than the fact that both diseases can bring non-specific clinical signs, the correct identification of the clinical aspects and the use of diagnostics most sensitive are essential to controlling these zoonoses.(AU)

Las leishmaniasis son enfermedades causadas por protozoos del género Leishmania, pudiendo causar la leishmaniasis tegumentar (LT) , con manifestaciones cutáneas, mucocutáneas, o aún cutáneas difusas, y la leishmaniasis visceral (LV), con manifestaciones sistémicas. La toxoplasmosis es una cocccidiosis de los felidos, siendo uno de los más comunes parásitos que afectan aios animales homeotérmicos, en todo el mundo, incluso ai hombre, constituyendo importante zoonosis. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo fomentar el estudio del diagnóstico y patogenia de esas enfermedades, a través de una revisión bibliográfica. El trabajo fue desarrollado mediante investigación documental y bibliográfica. En los trabajos encontrados, en relación a Leishmania spp. se observó una gran variación en el número de suero reactivo, que va de cero a 68%, y cuando se detectan anticuerpos, bajas titulaciones como 1:10 y 1:20 son comunes, que puede estar asociado a la resistencia en estos animales. La infección por los virus de la leu cem ia y la inmunodeficiencia felina también, parece comprometer la producción de anticuerpos anti-Leishmania spp. en esta especie, y eso también podría ser responsable por la baja titulación en felinos infectados por el protozoario. En cuanto a la toxoplasmosis, la frecuencia de anticuerpos antitoxoplasma en la población felina es variada, esta variación puede estar relacionada ai tipo de población estudiada. Se sabe que resultados superiores se encuentran en poblaciones de gatos callejeros. En la medida en que el gato es un compariero muy cercano ai hombre y que estas importantes zoonosis pueden ser transmitidas directa o indirectamente, además dei hecho de que las dos enfermedades pueden traer signos clínicos inespecíficos, la identificación correcta de los aspectos clínicos y la utilización de diagnósticos más sensibles son fundamentales para el control de esas zoonosis.(AU)

Diagnóstico e estudo da patogenia da infecção por Leishmania spp. e Toxoplasma gondii (revisão bibliográfica) / Diagnosis and study of the pathogenesis of Leishmania spp. and Toxoplasma gondii (bibliographic review) / Diagnóstico y estudio de la patogenia de la infección por Leishmania spp. y Toxoplasma gondii (revisión bibliográfica)

As leishmanioses são enfermidades causadas por protozoáriós do gênero Leishmania, podendo causar a leishmaniose tegumentar (LT) , com manifestações cutâneas, mucocutâneas, ou ainda cutâneo difusas, e a leishmaniose visceral (LV), com manifestações sistêmicas. A toxoplasmose é uma cocccidiose dos felídeos, sendo uma das mais comuns parasitoses que afetam os animais homeotérmicos, em todo o mundo, inclusive o homem, constituindo importante zoonose. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo fomentar o estudo do diagnóstico e patogenia dessas enfermidades, através de uma revisão bibliográfica. O trabalho foi desenvolvido mediante pesquisa documental e bibliográfica. Nos trabalhos encontrados, em relação a Leishmania spp. observou-se uma grande variação no número de soro reagentes, que vai de zero a 68%, e quando anticorpos são detectados, baixas titulações como 1:10 e 1:20 são comuns, o que pode estar associada à resistência nestes animais. A infecção pelos vírus da leucemia e da imunodeficiência felina também, parece comprometer a produção de anticorpos anti-Leishmania spp. nesta espécie, e isso também poderia ser responsável pela baixa titulação em felinos infectados pelo protozoário. Em relação à toxoplasmose, a frequência de anticorpos antitoxoplasma na população felina é variada, esta variação pode estar relacionada ao tipo de população estudada. Sabe-se que resultados superiores são encontrados em populações de gatos de rua. Na medida em que o gato é um companheiro muito próximo ao homem e que estas importantes zoonoses podem ser transmitidas direta ou indiretamente, além do fato de que as duas enfermidades podem trazer sinais clínicos inespecíficos, a identificação correta dos aspectos clínicos e a utilização de diagnósticos mais sensíveis são fundamentais para o controle dessas zoonoses.

Leishmaniasis are diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, may cause cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), with cutaneous manifestations, mucocutaneous, or diffuse cutaneous and visceralleishmaniasis (VL) with systemic manifestations. Toxoplasmosis is a cocccidiose of Felidae, one of the most common parasitic diseases affecting warm-blooded animais throughout the world, including man and an important zoonosis. This study aimed to encourage the study of diagnosis and pathogenesis of these diseases, through a literature review. The study was conducted by documentary and bibliographic research. In studies found, for Leishmania spp. We observed a wide variation in the number of serum reagents, ranging from zero to 68%, and when antibodies are detected, low titrations as is common 1:1O to 1:20, which may be associated with resistance in these animais. Infection by leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency also seems to impair the production of anti-Leishmania spp antibodies. in this species, and this could also be responsible for the low titer in cats infected by the protozoan. In relation to toxoplasmosis, frequency of Toxoplasma antibodies in the cat population is varied, this variation may be related to the type ofthe studied population. It is known that superior results are found in populations of stray cats. To the extent that the cat is very close to fellow man and that these important zoonoses can be transmitted directly or indirectly, other than the fact that both diseases can bring non-specific clinical signs, the correct identification of the clinical aspects and the use of diagnostics most sensitive are essential to controlling these zoonoses.

Las leishmaniasis son enfermedades causadas por protozoos del género Leishmania, pudiendo causar la leishmaniasis tegumentar (LT) , con manifestaciones cutáneas, mucocutáneas, o aún cutáneas difusas, y la leishmaniasis visceral (LV), con manifestaciones sistémicas. La toxoplasmosis es una cocccidiosis de los felidos, siendo uno de los más comunes parásitos que afectan aios animales homeotérmicos, en todo el mundo, incluso ai hombre, constituyendo importante zoonosis. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo fomentar el estudio del diagnóstico y patogenia de esas enfermedades, a través de una revisión bibliográfica. El trabajo fue desarrollado mediante investigación documental y bibliográfica. En los trabajos encontrados, en relación a Leishmania spp. se observó una gran variación en el número de suero reactivo, que va de cero a 68%, y cuando se detectan anticuerpos, bajas titulaciones como 1:10 y 1:20 son comunes, que puede estar asociado a la resistencia en estos animales. La infección por los virus de la leu cem ia y la inmunodeficiencia felina también, parece comprometer la producción de anticuerpos anti-Leishmania spp. en esta especie, y eso también podría ser responsable por la baja titulación en felinos infectados por el protozoario. En cuanto a la toxoplasmosis, la frecuencia de anticuerpos antitoxoplasma en la población felina es variada, esta variación puede estar relacionada ai tipo de población estudiada. Se sabe que resultados superiores se encuentran en poblaciones de gatos callejeros. En la medida en que el gato es un compariero muy cercano ai hombre y que estas importantes zoonosis pueden ser transmitidas directa o indirectamente, además dei hecho de que las dos enfermedades pueden traer signos clínicos inespecíficos, la identificación correcta de los aspectos clínicos y la utilización de diagnósticos más sensibles son fundamentales para el control de esas zoonosis.

Intoxicação natural por Amaranthus spinosus (Amaranthaceae) em ovinos no Sudeste do Brasil / Amaranthus spinosus (Amaranthaceae) poisoning in sheep in southern Brazil

No Estado do Rio de Janeiro descreve-se um surto de intoxicação aguda por Amaranthus spinosus em 12 ovelhas, caracterizado clinicamente por hálito urêmico, ausência de movimentos ruminais, dispnéia e aborto. Os animais foram colocados em um pasto adubado e severamente invadido pela planta. A necropsia realizada em seis ovinos revelou rins pálidos, em geral, com estriações esbranquiçadas desde o córtex até a medula; em um animal verificaram-se diversos infartos sob forma de figuras geométricas no córtex. O fígado apresentava-se mais claro, por vezes com lobulação evidente. Em um animal verificaram-se áreas pálidas no miocárdio. Os pulmões congestos, algo mais pesados e consistentes, por vezes evidenciavam áreas de hepatização vermelha e cinzenta na porção cranial. Petéquias, equimoses e sufusões foram observadas em serosas, na mucosa do tubo digestório e em outros órgãos. Ao exame histológico verificaram-se acentuada nefrose tubular tóxica, focos aleatórios de necrose coagulativa no fígado, áreas de necrose coagulativa no miocárdio e pneumonia intersticial aguda incipiente acompanhada por áreas de broncopneumonia. Na literatura não foram encontradas referências à intoxicação natural por A. spinosus em ovinos. Tentativas de reprodução da intoxicação com a planta em ovinos, não foram bem sucedidas, provavelmente porque, nos experimentos, não se utilizou A. spinosus proveniente de áreas adubadas. A necrose do miocárdio encontrada, ao exame microscópico do coração de diversos animais foi atribuída a hipercalemia secundária à insuficiência renal, ao passo que a gênese dos infartos renais verificados em um ovino permanece obscura. (AU)