Molecular detection of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs from Barão de Melgaço, Pantanal region of Mato Grosso, Brazil

ABSTRACT: The increasing expansion of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Brazilian territory evidences the need for studies focused on the main reservoir of this parasite: the dog. This study aimed to conduct an epidemiological survey in the municipality of Barão de Melgaço, Pantanal region of the state of Mato Grosso (MT), Brazil. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and qualitative SYBR®Green real-time PCR (qPCR) were used to diagnose canine VL (CVL) and characterize the factors associated with this infection. Of the 402 dogs that had blood samples collected, 31 presented the parasite DNA, representing a prevalence of 7.71% in the population studied. Positivity indices for PCR and qPCR were 3.48 (14/402) and 7.21% (29/402), respectively. Comparison of the results obtained by both techniques showed moderate agreement (Kappa = 0.5364). Of the independent variables analyzed, presence of clinical signs (p0.05) was the only one associated with CVL. Based on this study, we conclude that VL is a circulating disease, with relatively low prevalence, in dogs of Barão de Melgaço/MT, and that the presence of clinical signs is the only variable associated with canine infection.

RESUMO: A crescente expansão da leishmaniose visceral (LV) no território brasileiro evidencia a necessidade de estudos voltados ao principal reservatório doméstico do parasito: o cão. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi realizar um inquérito epidemiológico no município de Barão de Melgaço, região do Pantanal Mato-grossense, utilizando as técnicas de reação em cadeia pela polimerase convencional (PCR) e teste qualitativo SYBR®Green real-time PCR (qPCR) para o diagnóstico da LV canina (LVC), além de caracterizar os fatores associados a infecção. Do total de 402 cães que tiveram amostras sanguíneas coletadas, 31 apresentaram o DNA do parasito, perfazendo uma prevalência de 7,71% na população estudada. Os índices de positividade para a PCR e qPCR foram de 3,48% (14/402) e 7,21% (29/402), respectivamente. A comparação dos resultados obtidos por ambas técnicas apresentou moderada concordância (Kappa = 0,5364). Das variáveis independentes analisadas, a presença de sinais clínicos (p0,05) foi a única associada a ocorrência de LVC. Com base neste estudo, concluímos que a LV está circulando, com prevalência relativamente baixa, em cães de Barão de Melgaço/MT, sendo a presença de sinais clínicos a única variável associada à infecção canina.

Molecular detection of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs from Barão de Melgaço, Pantanal region of Mato Grosso, Brazil / Detecção molecular de leishmaniose visceral em cães do município de Barão de Melgaço, Pantanal Mato-Grossense, Brasil

The increasing expansion of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Brazilian territory evidences the need for studies focused on the main reservoir of this parasite: the dog. This study aimed to conduct an epidemiological survey in the municipality of Barão de Melgaço, Pantanal region of the state of Mato Grosso (MT), Brazil. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and qualitative SYBR®Green real-time PCR (qPCR) were used to diagnose canine VL (CVL) and characterize the factors associated with this infection. Of the 402 dogs that had blood samples collected, 31 presented the parasite DNA, representing a prevalence of 7.71% in the population studied. Positivity indices for PCR and qPCR were 3.48 (14/402) and 7.21% (29/402), respectively. Comparison of the results obtained by both techniques showed moderate agreement (Kappa = 0.5364). Of the independent variables analyzed, presence of clinical signs (p≤0.05) was the only one associated with CVL. Based on this study, we conclude that VL is a circulating disease, with relatively low prevalence, in dogs of Barão de Melgaço/MT, and that the presence of clinical signs is the only variable associated with canine infection.(AU)

A crescente expansão da leishmaniose visceral (LV) no território brasileiro evidencia a necessidade de estudos voltados ao principal reservatório doméstico do parasito: o cão. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi realizar um inquérito epidemiológico no município de Barão de Melgaço, região do Pantanal Mato-grossense, utilizando as técnicas de reação em cadeia pela polimerase convencional (PCR) e teste qualitativo SYBR®Green real-time PCR (qPCR) para o diagnóstico da LV canina (LVC), além de caracterizar os fatores associados a infecção. Do total de 402 cães que tiveram amostras sanguíneas coletadas, 31 apresentaram o DNA do parasito, perfazendo uma prevalência de 7,71% na população estudada. Os índices de positividade para a PCR e qPCR foram de 3,48% (14/402) e 7,21% (29/402), respectivamente. A comparação dos resultados obtidos por ambas técnicas apresentou moderada concordância (Kappa = 0,5364). Das variáveis independentes analisadas, a presença de sinais clínicos (p≤0,05) foi a única associada a ocorrência de LVC. Com base neste estudo, concluímos que a LV está circulando, com prevalência relativamente baixa, em cães de Barão de Melgaço/MT, sendo a presença de sinais clínicos a única variável associada à infecção canina.(AU)

Molecular detection of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs from Barão de Melgaço, Pantanal region of Mato Grosso, Brazil / Detecção molecular de leishmaniose visceral em cães do município de Barão de Melgaço, Pantanal Mato-Grossense, Brasil

The increasing expansion of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Brazilian territory evidences the need for studies focused on the main reservoir of this parasite: the dog. This study aimed to conduct an epidemiological survey in the municipality of Barão de Melgaço, Pantanal region of the state of Mato Grosso (MT), Brazil. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and qualitative SYBR®Green real-time PCR (qPCR) were used to diagnose canine VL (CVL) and characterize the factors associated with this infection. Of the 402 dogs that had blood samples collected, 31 presented the parasite DNA, representing a prevalence of 7.71% in the population studied. Positivity indices for PCR and qPCR were 3.48 (14/402) and 7.21% (29/402), respectively. Comparison of the results obtained by both techniques showed moderate agreement (Kappa = 0.5364). Of the independent variables analyzed, presence of clinical signs (p≤0.05) was the only one associated with CVL. Based on this study, we conclude that VL is a circulating disease, with relatively low prevalence, in dogs of Barão de Melgaço/MT, and that the presence of clinical signs is the only variable associated with canine infection.(AU)

A crescente expansão da leishmaniose visceral (LV) no território brasileiro evidencia a necessidade de estudos voltados ao principal reservatório doméstico do parasito: o cão. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi realizar um inquérito epidemiológico no município de Barão de Melgaço, região do Pantanal Mato-grossense, utilizando as técnicas de reação em cadeia pela polimerase convencional (PCR) e teste qualitativo SYBR®Green real-time PCR (qPCR) para o diagnóstico da LV canina (LVC), além de caracterizar os fatores associados a infecção. Do total de 402 cães que tiveram amostras sanguíneas coletadas, 31 apresentaram o DNA do parasito, perfazendo uma prevalência de 7,71% na população estudada. Os índices de positividade para a PCR e qPCR foram de 3,48% (14/402) e 7,21% (29/402), respectivamente. A comparação dos resultados obtidos por ambas técnicas apresentou moderada concordância (Kappa = 0,5364). Das variáveis independentes analisadas, a presença de sinais clínicos (p≤0,05) foi a única associada a ocorrência de LVC. Com base neste estudo, concluímos que a LV está circulando, com prevalência relativamente baixa, em cães de Barão de Melgaço/MT, sendo a presença de sinais clínicos a única variável associada à infecção canina.(AU)

Meat and carcass traits of the red-winged tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens)

Tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens) is a native bird of the Brazilian fauna and has great potential to become a domesticated species. From this perspective, the objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass and main parts yield and to assess meat quality of that bird. Two trials, one studying stocking density and the other litter materials, lasting 60 days each, were conducted. The studied traits were evaluated in two birds/replicate/treatment. Performance was evaluated by the least square method. The results showed that bird age at slaughter significantly influenced carcass and breast yields (p<0.05). Mean carcass, breast, thighs+drumstick and wing yields were 86.50±2.78%, 32.84±1.50%, 27.71±1.44%, and 13.21±0.94%, respectively. Shear force, pH, water holding capacity, lightness, redness and yellowness means and standard deviations were 1.92±0.98 kgf.cm-2, 6.07±0.12; 70±0.53%, 48.30±0.96, 1.96±1.01, and 1.61±1.0, respectively. Moisture, ash, crude protein, fat, and cholesterol contents were 72.35±0.16%, 1.12±0.06%, 25.53±0.50%, 0.17±0.01%, and 18.87±2.76 mg/10g, respectively. Results showed carcass and parts yields and the physical-chemical traits of tinamou meat are similar to chicken meat; however, tinamou meat is less acidic and has higher protein level combined with less calories and lower cholesterol levels.(AU)

Meat and carcass traits of the red-winged tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens)

Tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens) is a native bird of the Brazilian fauna and has great potential to become a domesticated species. From this perspective, the objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass and main parts yield and to assess meat quality of that bird. Two trials, one studying stocking density and the other litter materials, lasting 60 days each, were conducted. The studied traits were evaluated in two birds/replicate/treatment. Performance was evaluated by the least square method. The results showed that bird age at slaughter significantly influenced carcass and breast yields (p 0.05). Mean carcass, breast, thighs+drumstick and wing yields were 86.50±2.78%, 32.84±1.50%, 27.71±1.44%, and 13.21±0.94%, respectively. Shear force, pH, water holding capacity, lightness, redness and yellowness means and standard deviations were 1.92±0.98 kgf.cm-2, 6.07±0.12; 70±0.53%, 48.30±0.96, 1.96±1.01, and 1.61±1.0, respectively. Moisture, ash, crude protein, fat, and cholesterol contents were 72.35±0.16%, 1.12±0.06%, 25.53±0.50%, 0.17±0.01%, and 18.87±2.76 mg/10g, respectively. Results showed carcass and parts yields and the physical-chemical traits of tinamou meat are similar to chicken meat; however, tinamou meat is less acidic and has higher protein level combined with less calories and lower cholesterol levels.

Study of the microbiota causing "blown pack" spoilage of vacuum-packed beef / Estudo da microbiota envolvida na deterioração "blown pack" de cortes cárneos embalados a vácuo

"Blown pack" spoilage is characterized by abundant production of gas and off-odor leading to swelling of the packing of vacuum-packed chilled meat cuts. The aim of this study was to determine possible microorganisms involved in this spoilage by quantifying and characterizing the population of Enterobacteriaceae, quantifying lactic-acid bacteria, as well as researching Clostridium estertheticum and Clostridium gasigenes by PCR in meat proper for consumption and meat presenting "blown pack" spoilage. Fifty-four vacuum-packed meat cuts were analyzed, of which 27 were spoiled and 27 non-spoiled. Average enterobacteria population was 1.7x10° CFU/mL and 5.5x103 CFU/mL for spoiled and non-spoiled samples, respectively. Average lactic-acid bacteria population was 5.5x10 and 1.0x10 CFU/mL for spoiled and non-spoiled samples, respectively. The most prevalent enterobacteria species was Hafnia alvei. Meat showing "blown pack" spoilage had higher frequency of positive samples for Clostridium estertheticum. No statistically significant difference was observed in the population of Clostridium gasigenes between "blown pack" spoilage and non-spoiled meat. It was concluded that the most efficient method to control "blown pack" spoilage is to prevent meat contamination by fecal material.

A deterioração "blown pack" é caracterizada por abundante produção de gás e odor desagradável, induzindo à completa distensão da embalagem durante o processo de estocagem sob refrigeração de cortes cárneos embalados a vácuo. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi o de determinar os possíveis microrganismos envolvidos nessa deterioração através da quantificação e caracterização das populações de Enterobacteriaceae e quantificação de bactérias ácido-lácticas, além da pesquisa de Clostridium estertheticum e Clostridium gasigenes, através da PCR, em carnes próprias para o consumo e em carnes que apresentaram a deterioração "blown pack". Foram analisadas 54 peças de carne embaladas a vácuo, sendo 27 com deterioração e 27 sem deterioração. As populações médias de enterobactérias foram de 1,7x10° UFC/mL para amostras deterioradas e de 5,5x10³ UFC/mL nas não deterioradas, de bactérias ácido-lácticas foram, respectivamente, de 5,5x108 e 1,0x10 UFC/mL. Dentre as enterobactérias, a espécie de maior prevalência foi Hafnia alvei. A maior frequência de amostras positivas para o Clostridium estertheticum foram aquelas apresentando a deterioração "blown pack". Não houve diferença estatística significativa para a presença do Clostridium gasigenes entre amostras com deterioração "blown pack" e carnes não deterioradas. Concluiu-se que a principal forma de controle desta deterioração é a prevenção da contaminação da carne por material fecal.

Effect of crude protein levels and organic selenium supplementation in the diets fed during the breeding season on reproductive parameters of red-winged tinamous (Rhynchotus rufescens)

There is little information on the nutrition of red-winged tinamous (Rhynchotus rufescens) reared in captivity, and their nutritional requirements still need to be determined. This study aimed at determining dietary crude protein requirements and testing four organic selenium supplementation levels in the diet of red-winged tinamous during the breeding season. Birds were housed in a conventional broiler house divided in 16 boxes with one male and three females each. Iso-energy (2800kcal ME/kg) pelleted feeds, based on corn and soybean meal, were supplied in tube feeders. In the first experiment, treatments consisted of four different diets containing different crude protein (CP) contents (15, 18, 21, or 24%) and in the second experiment, the four diets contained equal protein level (22.5%) and four different organic selenium levels (0, 0.2, 0.4, or 0.8ppm). Data were analyzed by the least square method. The best egg weight and eggshell thickness were obtained with 22.5% dietary CP. Organic selenium did not influence the studied reproductive traits of red-winged tinamous (Rhynchotus rufescens) males or females.

Effect of crude protein levels and organic selenium supplementation in the diets fed during the breeding season on reproductive parameters of red-winged tinamous (Rhynchotus rufescens)

There is little information on the nutrition of red-winged tinamous (Rhynchotus rufescens) reared in captivity, and their nutritional requirements still need to be determined. This study aimed at determining dietary crude protein requirements and testing four organic selenium supplementation levels in the diet of red-winged tinamous during the breeding season. Birds were housed in a conventional broiler house divided in 16 boxes with one male and three females each. Iso-energy (2800kcal ME/kg) pelleted feeds, based on corn and soybean meal, were supplied in tube feeders. In the first experiment, treatments consisted of four different diets containing different crude protein (CP) contents (15, 18, 21, or 24%) and in the second experiment, the four diets contained equal protein level (22.5%) and four different organic selenium levels (0, 0.2, 0.4, or 0.8ppm). Data were analyzed by the least square method. The best egg weight and eggshell thickness were obtained with 22.5% dietary CP. Organic selenium did not influence the studied reproductive traits of red-winged tinamous (Rhynchotus rufescens) males or females.

Associação entre otites bacterianas e infecção pelo circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV2) em suínos / Association between bacterial otitis and porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) infection in pigs

Neste trabalho, foi estudada a ocorrência e a bacteriologia das otites purulentas em suínos apresentando três condições clínico-patológicas distintas: síndrome multissistêmica do definhamento dos suínos (SMDS), crescimento retardado (porém sem apresentação de sinais clínicos da SMDS) e crescimento normal. No total, foram examinados 385 animais com idade de 60-130 dias, sendo a confirmação do diagnóstico da SMDS obtida pelos sinais clínicos e achados patológicos e pela detecção de antígenos virais por imunoistoquímica. De 242 animais com a SMDS, 57 (23,5 por cento) apresentaram lesões purulentas no ouvido médio. Entre os 119 animais de baixo desenvolvimento, apenas 1 (0,7 por cento) apresentou a lesão. Não foram detectadas lesões macroscópicas no ouvido médio dos 24 animais com crescimento normal. Os agentes isolados com maior freqüência foram Arcanobacterium pyogenes (43 por cento), Streptococcus α-hemolíticos (37,2 por cento) e Pasteurella multocida (27,9 por cento) dos 86 ouvidos submetidos à bacteriologia. A alta ocorrência de lesões purulentas no ouvido médio de animais com a SMDS sugere que a infecção pelo PCV2 pode tornar o suíno mais suscetível às otites bacterianas. A ocorrência reduzida dessas lesões em suínos de baixo desenvolvimento, sem a manifestação clínica da SMDS, sugere que a otite média não representa uma causa importante de mau desempenho em leitões nas fases de crescimento e terminação. O envolvimento de A. pyogenes, Streptococcus α-hemolíticos e P. multocida na maioria das lesões apontam a importância desses organismos como agentes causais de otite média em suínos.(AU)

The occurrence and bacteriology of purulent otitis in groups of pigs affected by three different clinical conditions are described: postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), depressed growth (attrition) and normal growth (control). A total of 385 animals, 60-130 days of age, were examined. Diagnosis of PMWS was confirmed by the presence of clinical signs and pathological findings compatible with the disease, and through detection of viral antigens in tissues by immunohistochemistry. From 242 pigs with PMWS, 57 (23.5 percent) showed purulent lesions in the middle ear. Among 119 pigs with attrition, only 1 (0.7 percent) presented the lesion. In 24 control pigs, middle ear lesions were not detected. The most frequently isolated agents from the lesions were Arcanobacterium pyogenes (43 percent), á-hemolytic Streptococci (37.2 percent) and Pasteurella multocida (27.9 percent) out of 86 materials. The frequent occurrence of purulent lesions in the middle ear of PMWS affected pigs suggests that PCV2 infection may increase the susceptibility to bacterial otitis. The low occurrence of this disease in piglets with attrition suggests that otitis does not represent a significant cause for depressed growth in pigs from growing and finishing age. The isolation of A. pyogenes, á-hemolytic Streptococci and P. multocida from most of the lesions emphasizes the importance of these organisms as causal agents of otitis media in swine.(AU)

Associação entre otites bacterianas e infecção pelo circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV2) em suínos / Association between bacterial otitis and porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) infection in pigs

Neste trabalho, foi estudada a ocorrência e a bacteriologia das otites purulentas em suínos apresentando três condições clínico-patológicas distintas: síndrome multissistêmica do definhamento dos suínos (SMDS), crescimento retardado (porém sem apresentação de sinais clínicos da SMDS) e crescimento normal. No total, foram examinados 385 animais com idade de 60-130 dias, sendo a confirmação do diagnóstico da SMDS obtida pelos sinais clínicos e achados patológicos e pela detecção de antígenos virais por imunoistoquímica. De 242 animais com a SMDS, 57 (23,5 por cento) apresentaram lesões purulentas no ouvido médio. Entre os 119 animais de baixo desenvolvimento, apenas 1 (0,7 por cento) apresentou a lesão. Não foram detectadas lesões macroscópicas no ouvido médio dos 24 animais com crescimento normal. Os agentes isolados com maior freqüência foram Arcanobacterium pyogenes (43 por cento), Streptococcus α-hemolíticos (37,2 por cento) e Pasteurella multocida (27,9 por cento) dos 86 ouvidos submetidos à bacteriologia. A alta ocorrência de lesões purulentas no ouvido médio de animais com a SMDS sugere que a infecção pelo PCV2 pode tornar o suíno mais suscetível às otites bacterianas. A ocorrência reduzida dessas lesões em suínos de baixo desenvolvimento, sem a manifestação clínica da SMDS, sugere que a otite média não representa uma causa importante de mau desempenho em leitões nas fases de crescimento e terminação. O envolvimento de A. pyogenes, Streptococcus α-hemolíticos e P. multocida na maioria das lesões apontam a importância desses organismos como agentes causais de otite média em suínos.(AU)

The occurrence and bacteriology of purulent otitis in groups of pigs affected by three different clinical conditions are described: postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), depressed growth (attrition) and normal growth (control). A total of 385 animals, 60-130 days of age, were examined. Diagnosis of PMWS was confirmed by the presence of clinical signs and pathological findings compatible with the disease, and through detection of viral antigens in tissues by immunohistochemistry. From 242 pigs with PMWS, 57 (23.5 percent) showed purulent lesions in the middle ear. Among 119 pigs with attrition, only 1 (0.7 percent) presented the lesion. In 24 control pigs, middle ear lesions were not detected. The most frequently isolated agents from the lesions were Arcanobacterium pyogenes (43 percent), á-hemolytic Streptococci (37.2 percent) and Pasteurella multocida (27.9 percent) out of 86 materials. The frequent occurrence of purulent lesions in the middle ear of PMWS affected pigs suggests that PCV2 infection may increase the susceptibility to bacterial otitis. The low occurrence of this disease in piglets with attrition suggests that otitis does not represent a significant cause for depressed growth in pigs from growing and finishing age. The isolation of A. pyogenes, á-hemolytic Streptococci and P. multocida from most of the lesions emphasizes the importance of these organisms as causal agents of otitis media in swine.(AU)

Abscessos dentários periapicais em leitões com síndrome multissistêmica do definhamento / Dental periapical abscesses in piglets affected by postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome PMWS

Duzentos e oitenta leitões, entre 40 e 70 dias de idade, afetados pela sindrome multissistêmica do definhamento (SMD) foram examinados após eutanásia para pesquisa de lesões dentárias. Pelo menos um abscesso periapical foi observado em 58 leitões (20,7 por cento), dos quais 12 apresentaram abscessos múltiplos. Terceiros incisivos superiores, 3os incisivos inferiores, caninos superiores, caninos inferiores e outros dentes apresentaram respectivamente 22 (31,4 por cento), 16 (22,9 por cento), 4 (5,7 por cento), 23 (32,9 por cento) e 5 (7,1 por cento) abscessos periapicais. A maior prevalência de abscessos observada nos dentes 3os incisivos e caninos inferiores está provavelmente associada com a maior área de corte ou desgaste que sofrem esses dentes. Entre as bactérias isoladas de amostras de 65 abscessos, Streptococcus sp. foi a mais prevalente e esteve presente em 21,48 por cento e 27,7 por cento dos isolados em aerobiose e anaerobiose, respectivamente. Na segunda posição em prevalência estiveram as bactérias corineformes, as quais foram mais freqüentemente isoladas em atmosfera anaeróbica do que aeróbica. Houve preponderância de isolamentos de bactérias Gram-positivas. Não foi possível determinar se as co-infecções bacterianas predispuseram às lesões características de SMD ou foram conseqüentes à imunossupressão causada pela infecção com PCV2.(AU)

Swine producers have historically resected needle teeth of newborn pigs to prevent potential injuries to the sow mammary gland and faces of littermates. However, the possible impact of this practice on pig performance has been questioned. As part of a study, 280 PMWS affected piglets, with 40-70 days of age, were examined for the presence of dental lesions immediately after euthanasia. Most pigs were confirmed as PMWS by the detection of typical microscopic lesions and immunohistochemical pattern. At least one periapical abscess was observed in 58 piglets (20.7 percent), of which 12 had multiple abscesses. There were 22 (31.4 percent), 16 (22.9 percent), 4 (5.7 percent), 23 (32.9 percent), and 5 (7.1 percent) abscesses in 3rd upper incisives, 3rd lower incisives, upper canines, lower canines, and other teeth, respectively. The higher prevalence of dental abscesses observed in 3rd incisives and lower canines is probably associated with the wider area of grinding or clipping to which these teeth were subjected. Among bacteria isolated from samples collected from 65 abscesses, Streptococcus sp. was the most prevalent bacteria and was present in 21.48 percent and 27.7 percent of the aerobic and anaerobic isolates, respectively. In the second most frequent group were coryneform microorganisms, which showed higher rate of isolation under anaerobic atmosphere than in aerobic culture. There was preponderance of Gram-positive isolates. It could not be determined whether these bacterial co-infections predisposed pigs to development of PMWS-type lesions or if were subsequent to the PCV2 infection.(AU)

STUDY OF THE MICROBIOTA CAUSING "BLOWN PACK" SPOILAGE OF VACUUM-PACKED BEEF / Estudo da microbiota envolvida na deterioração Blown Pack de cortes cárneos embalados a vácuo.

A deterioração blown pack é caracterizada por abundante produção de gás e odor desagradável, induzindo à completa distensão da embalagem durante o processo de estocagem sob refrigeração de cortes cárneos embalados a vácuo. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi o de determinar os possíveis microrganismos envolvidos nessa deterioração através da quantificação e caracterização das populações de Enterobacteriaceae e quantificação de bactérias ácido-lácticas, além da pesquisa de Clostridium estertheticum e Clostridium gasigenes, através da PCR, em carnes próprias para o consumo e em carnes que apresentaram a deterioração blown pack. Foram analisadas 54 peças de carne embaladas a vácuo, sendo 27 com deterioração e 27 sem deterioração. As populações médias de enterobactérias foram de 1,7x106 UFC/mL para amostras deterioradas e de 5,5x103 UFC/mL nas não deterioradas, d