Hemotropic mycoplasma in domestic cats from the central region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil / Micoplasma hemotrópico em felinos domésticos na região central do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Os micoplasmas hemotróficos também conhecidos como hemoplasmas são bactérias que se aderem aos eritrócitos e podem levar ao desenvolvimento de uma doença conhecida como anemia infecciosa felina (AIF). A AIF pode ser leve ou grave e pode levar à morte. Os hemoplasmas foram descritos em vários países, incluindo o Brasil, contudo, estudos sobre a frequência de infecção na região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, não foram descritos até o momento. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a prevalência de hemoplasmas nessa região, bem como avaliar alterações hematológicas, e fatores de risco para infecção, como idade e sexo. Para isso, 192 amostras de sangue de gatos domésticos foram coletadas e analisadas através da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), método de escolha para diagnóstico de infecção. Dos felinos testados, 14,6% apresentaram-se positivos para infecção por hemoplasmas, no entanto, não foram identificadas estruturascompatíveis com micoplasmas na superfície de eritrócitos na avaliação do esfregaço sanguíneo. Em relação à idade, animais com idade ≤3 anos apresentaram maior incidência de infecção do que felinos com mais de 3 anos de idade. Sendo que, 75% das amostras infectadas eram de machos. Não houve diferença nas variáveis hematológicas entre felinos infectados e não infectados. Assim, conclui-se que a prevalência de micoplasmas hemotrópicos na região central do Rio Grande do Sul é de 14,6% e que a infecção não está relacionada à anemia, além de ser mais frequente em animais jovens e machos.

Hemotropic mycoplasmas, also known as hemoplasmas, are bacteria that attach to the redblood cells and are the causative agents of feline infectious anemia (AIF). AIF can be mild or severe and can eventually lead to death. The hemoplasmas have been described in several countries, including Brazil; however, studies on the frequency of infection in central Rio Grande do Sul state is yet unknown. The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of hemoplasmas in this region as well as to evaluate the hematological changes and risk factors such age and sex, associated with infection. For this, 192 blood samples from domestic cats were collected and analyzed by species-specific conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Overall, 14,6% cats were infected by at least one hemoplasma, but structures morphologically compatible with hemoplasmas were not identified in blood smears. Concerning age, animals aged ≤3 years had a higher incidence of infection than cats older than 3 years of age with 75% of infected samples being males. There was no statistical difference in hematological variables between infected and uninfected cats. Thus, we conclude that the prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasmas in Central Rio Grande do Sul state is 14.6% and that infection was not correlated with the presence of anemia and young male cats were more likely to be infected.

Hemotropic mycoplasma in domestic cats from the central region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil / Micoplasma hemotrópico em felinos domésticos na região central do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Os micoplasmas hemotróficos também conhecidos como hemoplasmas são bactérias que se aderem aos eritrócitos e podem levar ao desenvolvimento de uma doença conhecida como anemia infecciosa felina (AIF). A AIF pode ser leve ou grave e pode levar à morte. Os hemoplasmas foram descritos em vários países, incluindo o Brasil, contudo, estudos sobre a frequência de infecção na região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, não foram descritos até o momento. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a prevalência de hemoplasmas nessa região, bem como avaliar alterações hematológicas, e fatores de risco para infecção, como idade e sexo. Para isso, 192 amostras de sangue de gatos domésticos foram coletadas e analisadas através da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), método de escolha para diagnóstico de infecção. Dos felinos testados, 14,6% apresentaram-se positivos para infecção por hemoplasmas, no entanto, não foram identificadas estruturascompatíveis com micoplasmas na superfície de eritrócitos na avaliação do esfregaço sanguíneo. Em relação à idade, animais com idade ≤3 anos apresentaram maior incidência de infecção do que felinos com mais de 3 anos de idade. Sendo que, 75% das amostras infectadas eram de machos. Não houve diferença nas variáveis hematológicas entre felinos infectados e não infectados. Assim, conclui-se que a prevalência de micoplasmas hemotrópicos na região central do Rio Grande do Sul é de 14,6% e que a infecção não está relacionada à anemia, além de ser mais frequente em animais jovens e machos.(AU)

Hemotropic mycoplasmas, also known as hemoplasmas, are bacteria that attach to the redblood cells and are the causative agents of feline infectious anemia (AIF). AIF can be mild or severe and can eventually lead to death. The hemoplasmas have been described in several countries, including Brazil; however, studies on the frequency of infection in central Rio Grande do Sul state is yet unknown. The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of hemoplasmas in this region as well as to evaluate the hematological changes and risk factors such age and sex, associated with infection. For this, 192 blood samples from domestic cats were collected and analyzed by species-specific conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Overall, 14,6% cats were infected by at least one hemoplasma, but structures morphologically compatible with hemoplasmas were not identified in blood smears. Concerning age, animals aged ≤3 years had a higher incidence of infection than cats older than 3 years of age with 75% of infected samples being males. There was no statistical difference in hematological variables between infected and uninfected cats. Thus, we conclude that the prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasmas in Central Rio Grande do Sul state is 14.6% and that infection was not correlated with the presence of anemia and young male cats were more likely to be infected.(AU)

Cholinesterase activity in serum, whole blood and lymphocytes of dogs experimentally infected with Rangelia vitalii

Background: The cholinergic system is involved in many biological functions in mammals and is associated with pathogenesis of infectious diseases, as has participation in transmission of nerve impulses in cholinergic synapses, haematopoiesis, regulation of inflammatory markers, production and coordination of movement, and memory. Rangelia vitalii is a parasite endemic to south of Brazil. This parasite multiplies in the blood and can be visualized in plasma in its free form and/or within leukocytes and erythrocytes, causing various pathologies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the activity of cholinergic system enzymes in dogs experimentally infected with R. vitalii. Materials, Methods & Results: Twelve dogs were used, divided into two groups: control group (n = 5), consisting of healthy animals, and infected group with R. vitalii (n = 7). Fresh blood samples of these infected animals were inoculated in seven dogs (2 mL/dog through the jugular vein). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 10 and 20 post-infection (PI). Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity was measured in serum and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in lymphocytes and whole blood. Boold samples were diluted 1:50 (v/v) in lysis solution (0.1 mmol/L potassium/sodium phosphate buffer containing 0.03% Triton X-100) and frozen (-20 ºC by 7 days) to determine AChE activity in whole blood. Lymphocytes were also obtained from whole blood with EDTA by gradient separation using Ficoll-Histopaque™ plus to AChE activity this cell. After analysis of the samples, was observed that the dogs infected with R. vitalii presented a signifi cant (P < 0.01) increase in AChE activity in whole blood on days 10 and 20 PI. However, the infected group showed a reduced activity in AChE in lymphocytes (P < 0.01) and BChE in serum (P < 0.05) on day 20 PI. Discussion: According to the literature, infected dogs R. vitalii develop regenerative anemia evidenced by an increase in the erytroid precursors in bone marrow associated with alterations of leucogram as leukopenia, neutropenia, eosinopenia, lymphocytosis and monocytosis. Furthermore, it was observed severe thrombocytopenia, with alteration in platelet aggregation and activity of enzymes involved in the control of ATP, ADP and adenosine levels on platelets, thereby influencing hemostasis and contributing to the typical bleeding disease. AChE activity in whole blood was increased in dogs parasitized by R. vitalii observed in this study. This increase may be a compensatory effect to severe anemia caused by the parasite infection, because this enzyme is involved in the maturation of erythrocytes and in the regulation of hematopoiesis. In the present study, we found that the reduction in AChE activity in lymphocytes is associated to lymphocytosis; and it is known that ACh is produced within lymphocytes and has the ability to negatively modulate the immune response, acting directly on the inhibition of inflammatory mediators. Therefore, the decrease of AChE activity may have an anti-inflammatory action in order to have more free ACh to bind lymphocytes and inhibit inflammation. The enzyme BChE can also act as an inflammatory marker in various diseases, similar to AChE, because the enzyme can hydrolyze acetylcholine when AChE is inhibited. In conclusion, our results indicate that canine rangeliosis alters the activity of cholinesterase's, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, as well as various pathological conditions.

Serological survey on Ehrlichia sp. among dogs in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul / Pesquisa sorológica de Ehrlichia sp. em cães da região central do Rio Grande do Sul

A serological survey on Ehrlichia canis was conducted among dogs in the central area of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus is a common parasite of dogs. Out of a total of 316 dogs attended at the veterinary teaching hospital in the municipality of Santa Maria, only 14 (4.43%) reacted positively to E. canis antigens in the indirect immunofluorescence assay, with the following endpoint titers: 80 (three dogs), 160 (five), 320 (four), 640 (one) and 1280 (one). Like in previous studies in other regions of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, only a very small portion of the dogs in Santa Maria presented antibodies reactive to E. canis, even though canine infestations due to R. sanguineus are very common in this study region. These results contrast with other regions of Brazil, where E. canis is endemic among canine populations, with seropositivity values generally higher than 30%. Genetic differences among the R. sanguineus populations in South America might be implicated in these contrasting results.(AU)

Foi realizada uma pesquisa sorológica para Ehrlichia canis, em cães, na região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, onde o carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus é um parasita comum em cães. De um total de 316 cães atendidos no Hospital Veterinário Universitário no Município de Santa Maria, somente 14 (4,43%) reagiram positivamente para o antígeno de E. canis pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta, com os seguintes títulos finais: 80 (3 cães), 160 (5), 320 (4), 640 (1) e 1.280 (1). Semelhante aos estudos anteriores em outras regiões do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, apenas uma pequena parcela dos cães de Santa Maria apresentaram anticorpos reativos para E. canis, mesmo que as infestações caninas por R. sanguineus sejam muito comuns na região de estudo. Esses resultados contrastam com outras regiões do Brasil, nas quais E. canis é endêmica entre a população canina, com valores de soropositividade geralmente superiores a 30%. Diferenças genéticas entre as populações de R. sanguineus, na América do Sul, poderiam estar envolvidas nesses resultados contrastantes.(AU)

A hematologic and electrophoretic study in puppies vaccinated against canine distemper virus and canine parvovirus

Background: Canine distemper is a contagious multisystemic viral disease that affects canines and others carnivores. Canine parvovirus infection is one of the most important viral diseases in young dogs. Side effects of vaccine generally include fever, lethargy and local inflammation. Complementary exams are important to evaluate the strenght of immungenic stimulation. This study was aimed at evaluating hematological and electrophoretic alterations in puppies after inoculation of live attenuated vaccine against canine distemper virus and canine parvovirus. Materials, Methods & Results: Five non-breeding newborn dogs of the same litter were used. Animals received three subcutaneous injection of 1mL (at days 0, 21 and 42). Blood was collected at day 0 (day of vaccination) and for three times for each dose: at days 7, 14 and 21 (first dose); at days 28, 35 and 42 (second dose); and at days 49, 56 and 63 (third dose). Blood containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as anticoagulant was used for hematological evaluation. The total serum protein were determined by the biuret method, using commercial reagent, according to fabricant instructions. Serum was used for protein fractionation by using cellulose acetate strip electrophoresis. A decrease in platelet count was observed at days 7 and 28 post-vaccination. Lymphocyte number increased 88.4%, as well as the level of the protein fractions alpha-1 globulin (68%) and alpha-2 globulin (41.4%) at day 7. Moreover, a 5-fold increase in the fibrinogem concentration and in the number of eosinophils was observed at day 14. Thereafter, the platelet count decreased by 27.3% and the number of monocytes increased 5-fold at day 28. Discussion: Mild to moderate thrombocytopenia is often observed in dogs 3-5 days post-vaccination with live attenuated vaccines, mainly those against CDV and CPV. Besides the platelet damage caused by the CDV per se, infected animals showed secondary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and decreased platelet production due to direct viral megakaryocyte infection. The increase in alpha-1 globulin may be related to the augment in the synthesis of alpha-1 antitrypsin, the main protein of the alpha-1 globulin region, in response to the vaccine-induced acute inflammatory process. The alpha-2 globulin region includes haptoglobin, alpha-2 macroglobulin and ceruloplasmin, and the increase observed in this fraction suggested that both haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin levels were augmented, following acute inflammatory response pattern. Fibrinogen is a soluble plasma glycoprotein that is converted by thrombin into fibrin during blood clotting. Despite the increase in fibrinogen concentration be the best indicator of inflammation in large animals, the hyperfibrinogenemia observed suggests that the inflammatory process was adequate to stimulate synthesis of this acute phase protein (P < 0,05). Absence of lymphocytosis observed at days 49, 56 and 63 associated to the progressive increase of the gamma globulin fraction, although not statistically significant, suggested an augment of B lymphocytes. The eosinophilia was observed in highlighting the presence of inflammation. Moreover, an increase in monocyte count indicating the presence of subacute or chronic inflammation after the second dose of the vaccine.

Activities of the enzymes NTPDase, 5'-nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase in platelets of rats experimentally infected with Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae

Background: Leptospirosis, a spirochetal zoonotic disease caused by different serovars of Leptospira interrogans, is increasingly recognized as an important cause of hemorrhagic fever. Although the haemorrhagic potential of leptospirosis was noted by Weil (1886) as early as 1886, its pathophysiology is still not clearly elucidated, particularly regarding the cause and mechanisms of bleeding. Studies with ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase; EC 3.6.1.5; CD39), 5'-nucleotidase (EC 3.1.3.5; CD73) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) have demonstrated the involvement of these enzymes in thromboregulation mechanisms, and altered enzymatic activities have been reported in many diseases. Since leptospirosis is a disease increasingly recognized as an important cause of hemorrhagic fever, the aim of this study was to evaluate these enzymes activities and parameters of platelet aggregation in platelets from rats experimentally infected with Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae during different periods of experimental infection. Materials, Methods & Results: For this purpose, thirty-six adult male rats were divided into two groups: A, as uninfected control (subgroups A1, A2 and A3); and B, infected (subgroups B1, B2 and B3). Group B was inoculated intraperitoneally (Day 0) with 2 x 108 organisms per rat. Blood samples were collected on days 05 (A1 and B1), 10 (A2 and B2) and 20 (A3 and B3) post-inoculation (PI). In the infected group, platelet count had a decrease on day 10 PI and prothrombin time (PT) had an increase on day 5 PI. In the same group, platelet aggregation decreased (P < 0.01) day 10 PI. The hydrolysis of ATP in platelets was also decreased (P < 0.05) on day 10 PI, when compared to the control group. By the other side, ADP hydrolysis was increased (P < 0.05) on days 5 and 10 PI. 5'-nucleotidase activity was significantly increased on day 5 (P < 0.01) and 20 (P < 0.05) PI. Results of adenosine deamination into inosine by ADA in platelets showed a signifi cant (P < 0.01) increase on days 5 and 10 PI in the infected group. Discussion: Studies with NTPDase, 5'nucleotidase and ADA have demonstrated the involvement of these enzymes in the thromboregulation mechanisms, and altered enzymatic activities have been reported in many diseases. It has been established that extracellular adenosine nucleotides and adenosine are versatile signaling molecules known to participate in an array of platelet functions. For example, the nucleotide ADP is the main promoter of platelet aggregation, while adenosine can act as a vasodilator and an inhibitor of platelet aggregation. In addition, high concentrations of ATP have been shown to inhibit ADP-induced aggregation in vitro, while low concentrations of ATP can significantly enhance platelet aggregation. In our experimental study the coagulation cascade was activated, since when the activities of NTPDase, 5'-nucleotidase and ADA were analyzed is possible to suggest that levels of ATP were decreased, unlike of ADP and AMP levels, supposedly increased during determinate periods of our experiment. Adenosine levels were also enhanced due to the higher levels of its precursors. This cascade activation may be a mechanism of bleeding prevention front to leptospires infection, especially the ones caused by serovar icterohaemorrhagiae.

Rangelia vitalii: changes in the enzymes ALT, CK and AST during the acute phase of experimental infection in dogs / Rangelia vitalii: mudanças nas enzimas ALT, CK e AST na fase aguda da infecção experimental em cães

Rangelia vitalii is a protozoon that causes diseases in dogs, and anemia is the most common laboratory finding. However, few studies on the biochemical changes in dogs infected with this protozoon exist. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the biochemical changes in dogs experimentally infected with R. vitalii, during the acute phase of the infection. For this study, 12 female dogs (aged 6-12 months and weighing between 4 and 7 kg) were used, divided in two groups. Group A was composed of healthy dogs (n = 5); and group B consisted of infected animals (n = 7). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 10, 20 and 30 after infection, using tubes without anticoagulant to obtain serum and analyze the biochemical parameters. An increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) on day 20 (P < 0.05) was observed. Also, increased creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were observed throughout the experimental period (P < 0.05). No changes in the serum gamma-glutamyltransferase, urea and creatinine levels were observed. Thus, is possible to conclude that experimental infection with R. vitalii in dogs causes changes to the biochemical profile, with increased ALT, AST and CK enzyme levels.(AU)

Rangelia vitalii é um protozoário que causa doença em cães, sendo a anemia o achado laboratorial mais frequente. No entanto, existem poucos estudos sobre as alterações bioquímicas em cães infectados com o protozoário. Assim, este estudo tem como objetivo investigar as alterações bioquímicas de cães experimentalmente infectados com R. vitalii na fase aguda da infecção. Para o estudo, foram utilizados 12 cães fêmeas (com idade entre 6 a 12 meses e peso entre 4 a 7 kg), divididos em dois grupos. O grupo A (n = 5) foi composto de animais saudáveis e o grupo B (n = 7) de animais infectados. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos dias zero, dez, vinte e trinta PI, utilizando tubos sem anticoagulante para obtenção de soro e análise dos parâmetros bioquímicos. Foi observado um aumento na alanino aminotransferase (ALT) no dia 20 PI (P < 0,05) e aumento na creatinoquinase (CK) e aspartato aminotransferase (AST) em todo o período experimental (P < 0,05). Não foram observadas alterações séricas na gama-glutamiltransferase, uréia e creatinina. Portanto, é possível concluir que a infecção experimental por R. vitalii causa alterações no perfil bioquímico, com aumento na ALT, CK e AST.(AU)

First Autochthonous Case of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in the Center of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

Background: Leishmaniasis is one of the most important vector-borne diseases of humans. This parasitic disease can be caused by many species of Leishmania. In humans, different species of the parasite are associated with different forms of the disease, cutaneous and visceral. Among domesticated animals, dogs are the most important species in the epidemiology of this disease. Leishmania chagasi, an important zoonosis, is well established as the agent of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. The disease is endemic in north, northeast, midwest and southeast, and is transmitted to mammals by hematophagous insects such as the Lutzomyia longipalpis. In 2008, our research group has diagnosed a case of canine leishmaniasis in the municipality of Uruguaiana and subsequently there were several cases in the city and the neighbor municipality of São Borja. Most Brazilian states are endemic for leishmaniasis, with the exception of Rio Grande do Sul. In southern Brazil, the reports of humans and dogs infected by Leishmania spp. are the source of endemic area in the country. Therefore, the aim of this study is register the first clinical case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the municipality of Santa Maria, RS. Case: In october 2010, a veterinary clinic of Santa Maria received a canine, female, Doberman, with two years of age. The animal had severe skin lesions on the head and limbs, pale mucous membranes, and enlarged lymph nodes. According to the owner, the animal showed progressive weight loss and anorexia for more than five days. During the clinical examination the blood was collected for hemogram and cytology of lymph nodes was performed by puncture aspiration with a fine needle. In the erythrogram, it was observed a decrease in the total number of erythrocytes (2.8 x 106 /µL), hematocrit (21%), hemoglobin (6.8 g/dL) and platelets (98 x 103 /µL). In the leucogram, any alteration was observed.[...]

First Autochthonous Case of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in the Center of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

Background: Leishmaniasis is one of the most important vector-borne diseases of humans. This parasitic disease can be caused by many species of Leishmania. In humans, different species of the parasite are associated with different forms of the disease, cutaneous and visceral. Among domesticated animals, dogs are the most important species in the epidemiology of this disease. Leishmania chagasi, an important zoonosis, is well established as the agent of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. The disease is endemic in north, northeast, midwest and southeast, and is transmitted to mammals by hematophagous insects such as the Lutzomyia longipalpis. In 2008, our research group has diagnosed a case of canine leishmaniasis in the municipality of Uruguaiana and subsequently there were several cases in the city and the neighbor municipality of São Borja. Most Brazilian states are endemic for leishmaniasis, with the exception of Rio Grande do Sul. In southern Brazil, the reports of humans and dogs infected by Leishmania spp. are the source of endemic area in the country. Therefore, the aim of this study is register the first clinical case of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the municipality of Santa Maria, RS. Case: In october 2010, a veterinary clinic of Santa Maria received a canine, female, Doberman, with two years of age. The animal had severe skin lesions on the head and limbs, pale mucous membranes, and enlarged lymph nodes. According to the owner, the animal showed progressive weight loss and anorexia for more than five days. During the clinical examination the blood was collected for hemogram and cytology of lymph nodes was performed by puncture aspiration with a fine needle. In the erythrogram, it was observed a decrease in the total number of erythrocytes (2.8 x 106 /µL), hematocrit (21%), hemoglobin (6.8 g/dL) and platelets (98 x 103 /µL). In the leucogram, any alteration was observed.[...](AU)

Protein profile of buffaloes of different ages

Background: In Brazil, the official buffalo herd has about three million animals, distributed over many states of the country. Many times, abnormalities found in proteinogram are not related to illness conditions, but with physiological organic and individuals conditions, that are relatively constant. The interpretation of biochemical constituents depends on the disponibility of knowledge of the variation that exists among different species of animals. Factors like age, stage of development, breed, hormones, pregnancy, nutrition, stress and loss of fluid are directly related to changes in proteinogram. Proteinogram is an important auxiliary exam, helpfull to clinical biochemistry, and represents one of the most reliable methods for identification of blood proteins. The aim of this research was to evaluate the proteinogram of buffaloes of different ages reared in extensive system in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Materials, Methods & Results: Forty-five buffaloes were separated into three groups: group 1 (n = 15), six-months old animals; group 2 (n = 16), twelve-month old animals and group 3 (n = 14), twenty-four months old animals. The total serum protein were determined by the biuret method, using commercial reagent Labtest® and the analysis were realized in semi-automatic spectrophotometer BioPlus-Bio-2000®, according to fabricant instructions. The fractionation of serum proteins were determined by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate strips celugell Labex®. The samples were layered on the strip and, after the closing of the horizontal plane, it was applied a constant voltage of 220 volts for 15 min. Significant differences were verified among groups in the following protein fractions: total serum protein, betaglobulin, gammaglobulin and albumin:globulin ratio. In correlation tests, there was a positive correlation between total proteins and gamaglobulins, albumin:globulin ratio and albumin and negative correlation between the albumin:globulin ratio and gamaglobulins. Discussion: With age, there is a significant increase in total serum protein, as can be seen in our work. Thus, it is possible to justify the increase in total serum proteins with the increase of gamaglobulins. In a study realized, who evaluated pregnant sheeps, observed that the total serum protein concentration diminishes with the proximity of the parturition, indicating the importance in evaluating the total serum proteins in different moments of life in different species. With age, the total serum protein tend to increase, resulting in decrease in albumin, with progressive increase in globulins. However, in this study, it was not noticed any significant statistic difference in albumin among the groups. Proteins that compose the alfaglobulin, are acute phase proteins and their concentrations increase rapidly in response to antigenic and traumatic stimuli in bovine. However, in our study, no statistic difference was observed. The proteins that compose the betaglobulin fraction are: lipoprotein, transferrin, ferritin, hemopexin, complement C3, protein C-reative, complement C4, plasminogen and fibrinogen. Some authors observed a decrease in fraction beta at the end of gestation in sheeps, other did not observed any variation in this fraction in neonatal bovine. The proteins that compose the gamaglobulin fraction are immunoglobulins IgG, IgA, IgE and IgM. In general, due to the age, there is an increase in gamaglobulin concentration, because of a higher exposure of organism to pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Similar data were observed in this study. The results indicate that there are some variations according to the analyzed age. Then, some abnormalities found in the protein profile may be due to physiological variations.(AU)

Experimental Infection by Tripanossoma evansi in Rabbits: Levels of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Phosphorus in Serum

Background: Trypanosoma evansi is the most widely distributed of the pathogenic African animal trypanosomes, affecting domestic livestock and wildlife in country. The animals presented clinical sings as anemia, emaciation, apathy, recurrent fever , enlarged lymph nodes, edema and abortion The minerals have different functions in the organism, and an imbalance, either by excess or deficiency, or a pathological condition, causes alterations in the respective serum levels, as well as in trypanosomosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus in blood serum of rabbits experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi. Materials, Methods & Results: Twelve adult female Oryctolagus cuniculus, weighing average 3.9 kg, were used. Rabbits were divided into two groups, a control group with six animals (rabbits 1-6) and an infected group with six animals (rabbits 7-12). Animals from trypanosome-infected groups were inoculated intraperitoneally with 0.5 mL of rat blood containing 10 8 trypanosomes (Day 1). Control group received physiological solution by the same route. Parasitemia was estimated daily for 118 days post- inoculation (PI) by microscopic examination of smears. Blood samples for hematology and evaluation of serum minerals were collected at days 1, 5, 20, 35, 50, 80 and 118 PI. Hematocrit was evaluated for monitoring of the disease. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) was used to measure the levels of sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus. Hyporexia, edema and fever were clinical signs associated with change in the levels of the minerals. A decrease in the number of red blood cells was only observed at day 5 post-inoculation. Significant differences were observed among groups (P < 0.05) in minerals levels. Sodium and calcium were reduced at days 35, 50, 80 and 118 PI. [...]

Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Enzymes Activity of Wistar Rats Experimentally Infected with Leptospira interrogans

Background: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with world-wide distribution, caused by various serovars of Leptospira interrogans and is presumed to be the most widespread zoonosis. Hematological and biochemical changes associated with renal and hepatic pathology are commonly observed in leptospirosis. All leptospires are aerobes and therefore might be expected to generate peroxides during respiration. Enzymatic reduction of H 2 0 2 by leptospires has been reported by researchers. The pathogenesis may be related to direct effects of leptospiral compounds or inflammatory response due to oxidative stress. The present investigation was designed to study the lipid peroxidation and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in rats experimentally infected with L. interrogans . Materials, Methods & Results: Fifty four male adult rats (Wistar) specific pathogen free, weighing in average 200 grams were used. Rats were divided in nine groups, six animals each group, eight infected groups and one as not infected. Inoculation was performed intraperitoneally (Day 1), using different serovars of L. interrogans distributed by groups: hardjo (group A), wolffi (group B), grippotyphosa (group C), canicola (group D), Icterohaemorrhagiae (group E), bratislava (group F), pomona (group G) and butembo (group H) . Group I was composed by not-infected rats, serving as the negative control group. On day 15 PI all animals were anesthetized with isoflurane for blood collection and subsequently decapitated. Liver, spleen, kidney and brain were collected from all animals. Blood was allocated in tube without anticoagulant for serum acquisition to measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Lipid peroxidation (TBARS levels), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and non-protein thiols (NPSH) were measured in the liver, spleen and kidney, and TBARS were also evaluated in serum and brain. [...]

A new therherapeutic prrotocol f for dogs infectted with Trrypanosoma evansi

Background: Trypanosomosis is a disease caused by a flagellate protozoan known as Trypanosoma evansi, transmitted by hematophagous insects. It parasites showed a large diversity of mammalian hosts. Dogs may show clinical changes such as weight loss, progressive weakness, anorexia, anemia, intermittent fever, conjunctivitis, swelling of limbs and increased of superficial lymph nodes. Treatment of trypanosomosis relies on the use of diminazene aceturate which is effective for the treatment of disease in infected animals. However, a single dose of drug are not effective for horses, mules and dogs, since drug neither cross the blood-brain barrier or has insufficient doses to control the T. evansi infection. Therefore, the present study aimed to report the curative efficacy of a new therapeutic protocol, based on diminazene aceturate, for dogs infected with T. evansi. Case: The treatment against trypanosomosis was performed in a dog, male, two years old, from the municipality of Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil.. The animal showing clinical signs such as apathy, vomit, increase of left submandibular lymph node, edema of the left face and change of gait in the hind limbs when it was evaluated by veterinarians. The hematological and biochemical parameters revealed normocytic-hypochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperglobulinemia and hypoalbuminemia. Trypomastigotes of T. evansi were identified in blood smears stained by panoptic method. The parasitism by T. evansi was confirmed by blood inoculation in two rats (xenodiagnosis) and by PCR T. evansi-specific. The canine was treated with diminazene aceturate (intramuscular injection) using a dose of 3.5 mg kg-1 for 5 days at 24h of intervals. After treatment the dog showed clinical signs of health improvement, and clinical signs disappeared after the seventh day of treatment. The parasite was not found in blood smears after the third day of treatment and PCR was negative on days 30 and 50 post-treatment. During the treatment signs of drug intoxication were not observed, as well as hepatic and renal functions were not affected. The animal showed normal biochemical and hematological parameters after 30 days of treatment. Discussion: In this study, the treatment tested was effective, leading to the cure of the disease. Previously, the same protocol was used for cats experimentally infected with T. evansi, obtaining 85.7% (6/7) of curative efficacy. In a comparative study of doses of diminazene aceturate in rats infected with T. evansi, inefficiency and death of rats treated with a single dose of 3.5 and 7.0 mg kg-1 were observed. In contrast, the cure in rats occurred when animals received a dose of 3.5 and 7.0 mg kg-1 during five consecutive days. The return of the parasitemia after treatment may be related to the impossibility of the medicament pass through the blood-brain barrier or the doses is insufficient. Our data reveal that five-dose protocol obtained higher efficiency because it provided greater passage of drug molecules through blood-brain barrier, which could eliminate the parasite from brain. After treatment, all clinical signs disappeared, biochemical and hematological parameters returned to normal levels, allowing us to conclude that this new protocol tested was effective to cure of this disease in dogs.

Protein profile of buffaloes of different ages

Background: In Brazil, the official buffalo herd has about three million animals, distributed over many states of the country. Many times, abnormalities found in proteinogram are not related to illness conditions, but with physiological organic and individuals conditions, that are relatively constant. The interpretation of biochemical constituents depends on the disponibility of knowledge of the variation that exists among different species of animals. Factors like age, stage of development, breed, hormones, pregnancy, nutrition, stress and loss of fluid are directly related to changes in proteinogram. Proteinogram is an important auxiliary exam, helpfull to clinical biochemistry, and represents one of the most reliable methods for identification of blood proteins. The aim of this research was to evaluate the proteinogram of buffaloes of different ages reared in extensive system in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Materials, Methods & Results: Forty-five buffaloes were separated into three groups: group 1 (n = 15), six-months old animals; group 2 (n = 16), twelve-month old animals and group 3 (n = 14), twenty-four months old animals. The total serum protein were determined by the biuret method, using commercial reagent Labtest® and the analysis were realized in semi-automatic spectrophotometer BioPlus-Bio-2000®, according to fabricant instructions. The fractionation of serum proteins were determined by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate strips celugell Labex®. The samples were layered on the strip and, after the closing of the horizontal plane, it was applied a constant voltage of 220 volts for 15 min. Significant differences were verified among groups in the following protein fractions: total serum protein, betaglobulin, gammaglobulin and albumin:globulin ratio. In correlation tests, there was a positive correlation between total proteins and gamaglobulins, albumin:globulin ratio and albumin and negative correlation between the albumin:globulin ratio and gamaglobulins. Discussion: With age, there is a significant increase in total serum protein, as can be seen in our work. Thus, it is possible to justify the increase in total serum proteins with the increase of gamaglobulins. In a study realized, who evaluated pregnant sheeps, observed that the total serum protein concentration diminishes with the proximity of the parturition, indicating the importance in evaluating the total serum proteins in different moments of life in different species. With age, the total serum protein tend to increase, resulting in decrease in albumin, with progressive increase in globulins. However, in this study, it was not noticed any significant statistic difference in albumin among the groups. Proteins that compose the alfaglobulin, are acute phase proteins and their concentrations increase rapidly in response to antigenic and traumatic stimuli in bovine. However, in our study, no statistic difference was observed. The proteins that compose the betaglobulin fraction are: lipoprotein, transferrin, ferritin, hemopexin, complement C3, protein C-reative, complement C4, plasminogen and fibrinogen. Some authors observed a decrease in fraction beta at the end of gestation in sheeps, other did not observed any variation in this fraction in neonatal bovine. The proteins that compose the gamaglobulin fraction are immunoglobulins IgG, IgA, IgE and IgM. In general, due to the age, there is an increase in gamaglobulin concentration, because of a higher exposure of organism to pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Similar data were observed in this study. The results indicate that there are some variations according to the analyzed age. Then, some abnormalities found in the protein profile may be due to physiological variations.

A new therherapeutic prrotocol f for dogs infectted with Trrypanosoma evansi

Background: Trypanosomosis is a disease caused by a flagellate protozoan known as Trypanosoma evansi, transmitted by hematophagous insects. It parasites showed a large diversity of mammalian hosts. Dogs may show clinical changes such as weight loss, progressive weakness, anorexia, anemia, intermittent fever, conjunctivitis, swelling of limbs and increased of superficial lymph nodes. Treatment of trypanosomosis relies on the use of diminazene aceturate which is effective for the treatment of disease in infected animals. However, a single dose of drug are not effective for horses, mules and dogs, since drug neither cross the blood-brain barrier or has insufficient doses to control the T. evansi infection. Therefore, the present study aimed to report the curative efficacy of a new therapeutic protocol, based on diminazene aceturate, for dogs infected with T. evansi. Case: The treatment against trypanosomosis was performed in a dog, male, two years old, from the municipality of Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil.. The animal showing clinical signs such as apathy, vomit, increase of left submandibular lymph node, edema of the left face and change of gait in the hind limbs when it was evaluated by veterinarians. The hematological and biochemical parameters revealed normocytic-hypochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperglobulinemia and hypoalbuminemia. Trypomastigotes of T. evansi were identified in blood smears stained by panoptic method. The parasitism by T. evansi was confirmed by blood inoculation in two rats (xenodiagnosis) and by PCR T. evansi-specific. The canine was treated with diminazene aceturate (intramuscular injection) using a dose of 3.5 mg kg-1 for 5 days at 24h of intervals. After treatment the dog showed clinical signs of health improvement, and clinical signs disappeared after the seventh day of treatment. The parasite was not found in blood smears after the third day of treatment and PCR was negative on days 30 and 50 post-treatment. During the treatment signs of drug intoxication were not observed, as well as hepatic and renal functions were not affected. The animal showed normal biochemical and hematological parameters after 30 days of treatment. Discussion: In this study, the treatment tested was effective, leading to the cure of the disease. Previously, the same protocol was used for cats experimentally infected with T. evansi, obtaining 85.7% (6/7) of curative efficacy. In a comparative study of doses of diminazene aceturate in rats infected with T. evansi, inefficiency and death of rats treated with a single dose of 3.5 and 7.0 mg kg-1 were observed. In contrast, the cure in rats occurred when animals received a dose of 3.5 and 7.0 mg kg-1 during five consecutive days. The return of the parasitemia after treatment may be related to the impossibility of the medicament pass through the blood-brain barrier or the doses is insufficient. Our data reveal that five-dose protocol obtained higher efficiency because it provided greater passage of drug molecules through blood-brain barrier, which could eliminate the parasite from brain. After treatment, all clinical signs disappeared, biochemical and hematological parameters returned to normal levels, allowing us to conclude that this new protocol tested was effective to cure of this disease in dogs.(AU)

Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Enzymes Activity of Wistar Rats Experimentally Infected with Leptospira interrogans

Background: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with world-wide distribution, caused by various serovars of Leptospira interrogans and is presumed to be the most widespread zoonosis. Hematological and biochemical changes associated with renal and hepatic pathology are commonly observed in leptospirosis. All leptospires are aerobes and therefore might be expected to generate peroxides during respiration. Enzymatic reduction of H 2 0 2 by leptospires has been reported by researchers. The pathogenesis may be related to direct effects of leptospiral compounds or inflammatory response due to oxidative stress. The present investigation was designed to study the lipid peroxidation and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in rats experimentally infected with L. interrogans . Materials, Methods & Results: Fifty four male adult rats (Wistar) specific pathogen free, weighing in average 200 grams were used. Rats were divided in nine groups, six animals each group, eight infected groups and one as not infected. Inoculation was performed intraperitoneally (Day 1), using different serovars of L. interrogans distributed by groups: hardjo (group A), wolffi (group B), grippotyphosa (group C), canicola (group D), Icterohaemorrhagiae (group E), bratislava (group F), pomona (group G) and butembo (group H) . Group I was composed by not-infected rats, serving as the negative control group. On day 15 PI all animals were anesthetized with isoflurane for blood collection and subsequently decapitated. Liver, spleen, kidney and brain were collected from all animals. Blood was allocated in tube without anticoagulant for serum acquisition to measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Lipid peroxidation (TBARS levels), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and non-protein thiols (NPSH) were measured in the liver, spleen and kidney, and TBARS were also evaluated in serum and brain. [...](AU)

Experimental Infection by Tripanossoma evansi in Rabbits: Levels of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Phosphorus in Serum

Background: Trypanosoma evansi is the most widely distributed of the pathogenic African animal trypanosomes, affecting domestic livestock and wildlife in country. The animals presented clinical sings as anemia, emaciation, apathy, recurrent fever , enlarged lymph nodes, edema and abortion The minerals have different functions in the organism, and an imbalance, either by excess or deficiency, or a pathological condition, causes alterations in the respective serum levels, as well as in trypanosomosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus in blood serum of rabbits experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi. Materials, Methods & Results: Twelve adult female Oryctolagus cuniculus, weighing average 3.9 kg, were used. Rabbits were divided into two groups, a control group with six animals (rabbits 1-6) and an infected group with six animals (rabbits 7-12). Animals from trypanosome-infected groups were inoculated intraperitoneally with 0.5 mL of rat blood containing 10 8 trypanosomes (Day 1). Control group received physiological solution by the same route. Parasitemia was estimated daily for 118 days post- inoculation (PI) by microscopic examination of smears. Blood samples for hematology and evaluation of serum minerals were collected at days 1, 5, 20, 35, 50, 80 and 118 PI. Hematocrit was evaluated for monitoring of the disease. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) was used to measure the levels of sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus. Hyporexia, edema and fever were clinical signs associated with change in the levels of the minerals. A decrease in the number of red blood cells was only observed at day 5 post-inoculation. Significant differences were observed among groups (P < 0.05) in minerals levels. Sodium and calcium were reduced at days 35, 50, 80 and 118 PI. [...](AU)

Estudo clínico de osteossarcoma canino / Clinical study of canine osteosarcoma

The canine osteosarcoma is characterized by being an aggressive bone tumor that affects mainly large dogs, middle-aged and male, accounting for 80-85% of bone tumors and 5-6% of all tumors. The risk of developing this tumor is, on average, 125 times greater in dogs weighing over 36 kg than in dogs weighing less than 9 kg. This cancer develops more frequently in the appendicular skeleton (75%), preferably the bones of the forelimbs, where approximately 60% of body weight are sustained. The canine osteosarcoma is very similar to human, in which the metaphyseal region of long bones is the most affected, causing lameness and swelling of the affected limb. The diagnosis is made from epidemiological data, history of the animal, X-rays and laboratory tests such as cytology fine-needle aspiration (FNAC) and measurement of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The staging of the disease becomes a major method for the treatment, whereas primary bone tumors are highly complex and end up interfering with the animal organism in whole. The objective of this study is to report a clinical study of 12 dogs with osteosarcoma, showing the procedures performed from diagnosis to treatment.

Estudo clínico de osteossarcoma canino / Clinical study of canine osteosarcoma

The canine osteosarcoma is characterized by being an aggressive bone tumor that affects mainly large dogs, middle-aged and male, accounting for 80-85% of bone tumors and 5-6% of all tumors. The risk of developing this tumor is, on average, 125 times greater in dogs weighing over 36 kg than in dogs weighing less than 9 kg. This cancer develops more frequently in the appendicular skeleton (75%), preferably the bones of the forelimbs, where approximately 60% of body weight are sustained. The canine osteosarcoma is very similar to human, in which the metaphyseal region of long bones is the most affected, causing lameness and swelling of the affected limb. The diagnosis is made from epidemiological data, history of the animal, X-rays and laboratory tests such as cytology fine-needle aspiration (FNAC) and measurement of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The staging of the disease becomes a major method for the treatment, whereas primary bone tumors are highly complex and end up interfering with the animal organism in whole. The objective of this study is to report a clinical study of 12 dogs with osteosarcoma, showing the procedures performed from diagnosis to treatment.(AU)

Tripanossomose em equinos na região sul do Brasil / Trypanosomosis in equines in southern Brazil

Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) is a protozoan which causes trypanosomosis in livestock in many countries of Southeast Asia, Africa and South America. Patterns of disease vary from acute epidemics with high case-fatality rates to subclinical and/or chronic disease in endemic animal populations. It is a problem of great economic importance due to the death of sick animals and high cost of treatment. This article aims to review the outbreaks of the infection by T. evansi in horses that occurred in southern Brazil.