In vitro anthelmintic activity of nitazoxanide in comparison to praziquantel against Eurytrema coelomaticum / Atividade anti-helmíntica in vitro de nitazoxanida em comparação com praziquantel contra Eurytrema coelomaticum

ABSTRACT: Eurytrema coelomaticum are trematodes that parasitize cattle, buffaloes, goats, sheep, and camelids, and, accidentally, humans and cats. The affected animal usually has a subclinical pancreatic disease, but the damage caused to health and animal production is underestimated. Currently, praziquantel is the unique drug proven effective against this parasite, but no formulations containing this drug are available for ruminants in Brazilian market. The objective of the present study was to separately evaluate in vitro anthelmintic activity of praziquantel (PZQ) and nitazoxanide (NTZ) against E. coelomaticum by assessing motility after 3, 12, and, 15 hours of incubation and subsequent histopathological examination of the parasites. E. coelomaticum specimens were obtained from the pancreas of naturally infected cattle, collected from animals slaughtered in the city of Concordia-SC, Brazil. The specimens were incubated in plates with a culture medium (n = 60 per group), with 80µg/ml of PZQ (positive control group), or 61,5µg/ml of NTZ (treated group), or UNT (untreated control). After 12 hours of incubation all parasites of the NTZ and PZQ groups were motionless or dead, while in the negative control group, 91.67% (55/60) presented normal motility after 15 hours of incubation (P < 0.001). Histopathological examination showed severe damage in vitellogenic gland, intestine, parenchyma, integument, and testicle in both treated and positive control groups. It was concluded that PZQ and NTZ showed in vitro anthelmintic action against the parasite Eurytrema coelomaticum, as they caused significant lesions in the evaluated organs and reduced the parasite's motility.

RESUMO: Eurytrema coelomaticum são trematódeos que parasitam bovinos, bubalinos, caprinos, ovinos e camelídeos, e de forma acidental, humanos e felinos. O animal acometido geralmente apresenta doença pancreática subclínica, mas os danos causados à saúde e produção animal são subestimados. Atualmente, o praziquantel é o único medicamento comprovadamente eficaz contra este parasita, mas não há formulações contendo esse medicamento disponíveis para ruminantes no mercado brasileiro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar separadamente a atividade anti-helmíntica in vitro de praziquantel (PZQ) e nitazoxanida (NTZ) frente ao E. coelomaticum pela avaliação de motilidade após três, 12 e 15 horas de incubação e posterior exame histopatológico dos parasitos. Exemplares de E. coelomaticum foram obtidos do pâncreas de bovinos naturalmente infectados, coletados em animais abatidos na cidade de Concórdia, SC, Brasil. Incubados em placas com meio de cultura (n = 60 por grupo), adicionados de 80µg/ml de PZQ (grupo controle positivo) ou 61,5µg/ml de NTZ (grupo tratado) ou UNT (grupo controle sem tratamento). Em 12h de incubação todos os parasitos dos grupos NTZ e PZQ estavam imóveis ou mortos, enquanto no grupo controle negativo 91,67% (55/60) apresentaram motilidade normal após 15h de incubação (P < 0.001). Por exame histopatológico observou-se danos graves em glândula vitelogênica, intestino, parênquima, tegumento e testículo em ambos os grupos tratado e controle positivo. Concluiu-se que PZQ e NTZ apresentaram ação anti-helmíntica in vitro contra o parasito Eurytrema coelomaticum, pois causaram lesões significativas nos órgãos avaliados e diminuíram a motilidade do parasito.

In vitro anthelmintic activity of nitazoxanide in comparison to praziquantel against Eurytrema coelomaticum / Atividade anti-helmíntica in vitro de nitazoxanida em comparação com praziquantel contra Eurytrema coelomaticum

Eurytrema coelomaticum are trematodes that parasitize cattle, buffaloes, goats, sheep, and camelids, and, accidentally, humans and cats. The affected animal usually has a subclinical pancreatic disease, but the damage caused to health and animal production is underestimated. Currently, praziquantel is the unique drug proven effective against this parasite, but no formulations containing this drug are available for ruminants in Brazilian market. The objective of the present study was to separately evaluate in vitro anthelmintic activity of praziquantel (PZQ) and nitazoxanide (NTZ) against E. coelomaticum by assessing motility after 3, 12, and, 15 hours of incubation and subsequent histopathological examination of the parasites. E. coelomaticum specimens were obtained from the pancreas of naturally infected cattle, collected from animals slaughtered in the city of Concordia-SC, Brazil. The specimens were incubated in plates with a culture medium (n = 60 per group), with 80µg/ml of PZQ (positive control group), or 61,5µg/ml of NTZ (treated group), or UNT (untreated control). After 12 hours of incubation all parasites of the NTZ and PZQ groups were motionless or dead, while in the negative control group, 91.67% (55/60) presented normal motility after 15 hours of incubation (P < 0.001). Histopathological examination showed severe damage in vitellogenic gland, intestine, parenchyma, integument, and testicle in both treated and positive control groups. It was concluded that PZQ and NTZ showed in vitro anthelmintic action against the parasite Eurytrema coelomaticum, as they caused significant lesions in the evaluated organs and reduced the parasite's motility.

Eurytrema coelomaticum são trematódeos que parasitam bovinos, bubalinos, caprinos, ovinos e camelídeos, e de forma acidental, humanos e felinos. O animal acometido geralmente apresenta doença pancreática subclínica, mas os danos causados à saúde e produção animal são subestimados. Atualmente, o praziquantel é o único medicamento comprovadamente eficaz contra este parasita, mas não há formulações contendo esse medicamento disponíveis para ruminantes no mercado brasileiro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar separadamente a atividade anti-helmíntica in vitro de praziquantel (PZQ) e nitazoxanida (NTZ) frente ao E. coelomaticum pela avaliação de motilidade após três, 12 e 15 horas de incubação e posterior exame histopatológico dos parasitos. Exemplares de E. coelomaticum foram obtidos do pâncreas de bovinos naturalmente infectados, coletados em animais abatidos na cidade de Concórdia, SC, Brasil. Incubados em placas com meio de cultura (n = 60 por grupo), adicionados de 80µg/ml de PZQ (grupo controle positivo) ou 61,5µg/ml de NTZ (grupo tratado) ou UNT (grupo controle sem tratamento). Em 12h de incubação todos os parasitos dos grupos NTZ e PZQ estavam imóveis ou mortos, enquanto no grupo controle negativo 91,67% (55/60) apresentaram motilidade normal após 15h de incubação (P < 0.001). Por exame histopatológico observou-se danos graves em glândula vitelogênica, intestino, parênquima, tegumento e testículo em ambos os grupos tratado e controle positivo. Concluiu-se que PZQ e NTZ apresentaram ação anti-helmíntica in vitro contra o parasito Eurytrema coelomaticum, pois causaram lesões significativas nos órgãos avaliados e diminuíram a motilidade do parasito.

Hepatozoonose canina associada a quimioterapia para linfossarcoma de Sticker em Santa Catarina, Brasil / Canine hepatozoonosis associated with chemotherapy for Sticker's Lymphosarcoma in Santa Catarina, Brazil

A hepatozoonose canina, causada pelo protozoário Hepatozoon spp, é uma enfermidade que acomete carnívoros domésticos. O desenvolvimento da doença por vezes depende do estado imunológico do animal e pode se desenvolver, na maioria dos casos, na forma subclínica e crônica. O Linfossarcoma de Sticker, também conhecido como Tumor Venéreo Transmissível (TVT), é uma neoplasia de células redondas que acomete principalmente a membrana mucosa da genitália externa. Este trabalho teve por objetivo descrever o diagnóstico de Hepatozoonose em cão associado ao tratamento quimioterápico para TVT. Foi atendido na Clínica Veterinária Escola da UFSC um cão macho, idoso, SRD, não castrado. Na anamnese foi relatado aumento do volume na base da região peniana com presença de sangramento pelo orifício prepucial. À exposição da glande do pênis, nada foi observado, mas, durante a palpação interna do prepúcio, foram notadas várias massas de aspecto polipoide que, por meio de citologia, evidenciaram TVT. O paciente iniciou quimioterapia com vincristina e, após a terceira sessão, iniciou com quadro clínico de emagrecimento, conjuntivite e blefarite. Ao hemograma, observou-se gamonte de H. canis em neutrófilo. O paciente foi tratado com doxiciclina e dipropionato de imidocarb associado à atropina e recuperou-se bem. O esfregaço sanguíneo foi uma ferramenta diagnóstica muito importante nesse caso, pois as formas de H. canis foram melhor observadas em decorrência do aumento da parasitemia causada pela imunossupressão do animal.

Canine hepatozoonosis, caused by the Hepatozoon spp, is a disease that affects domestic carnivores. The development of the disease sometimes depends on the animal's immune status and it can develop, in most cases, in the subclinical and chronic form. Sticker's Lymphosarcoma, also known as Transmissible Venereal Tumor(TVT), is a round cell neoplasma that mainly affects the mucous membrane of the external genitalia. This study aimed to describe the diagnosis of Hepatozoonosis in a dog associated with chemotherapy treatment for TVT. A male dog, elderly, SRD, not neutered was seen at the Veterinary Clinic of UFSC. In the anamnesis, an increase in volume at the base of the penile with bleeding through the preputial orifice was reported. Upon exposure of the glans penis, nothing was observed, but during the internal palpation of the foreskin, several polypoid masses were noticed, which, through cytology, showed TVT. The patient started chemotherapy with vincristine and, after the third session, started having weight loss, conjunctivitis and blepharitis. At hemogram, a gamonte of H. canis was observed in neutrophils. The patient was treated with doxycycline and atropine-associated imidocarb dipropionate and recovered well. The blood smear was a very important diagnostic tool in this case, as the forms of H. canis were better observed due to the increase in parasitemia caused by the animal's immunosuppression.

Hepatozoonose canina associada a quimioterapia para linfossarcoma de Sticker em Santa Catarina, Brasil / Canine hepatozoonosis associated with chemotherapy for Sticker's Lymphosarcoma in Santa Catarina, Brazil

A hepatozoonose canina, causada pelo protozoário Hepatozoon spp, é uma enfermidade que acomete carnívoros domésticos. O desenvolvimento da doença por vezes depende do estado imunológico do animal e pode se desenvolver, na maioria dos casos, na forma subclínica e crônica. O Linfossarcoma de Sticker, também conhecido como Tumor Venéreo Transmissível (TVT), é uma neoplasia de células redondas que acomete principalmente a membrana mucosa da genitália externa. Este trabalho teve por objetivo descrever o diagnóstico de Hepatozoonose em cão associado ao tratamento quimioterápico para TVT. Foi atendido na Clínica Veterinária Escola da UFSC um cão macho, idoso, SRD, não castrado. Na anamnese foi relatado aumento do volume na base da região peniana com presença de sangramento pelo orifício prepucial. À exposição da glande do pênis, nada foi observado, mas, durante a palpação interna do prepúcio, foram notadas várias massas de aspecto polipoide que, por meio de citologia, evidenciaram TVT. O paciente iniciou quimioterapia com vincristina e, após a terceira sessão, iniciou com quadro clínico de emagrecimento, conjuntivite e blefarite. Ao hemograma, observou-se gamonte de H. canis em neutrófilo. O paciente foi tratado com doxiciclina e dipropionato de imidocarb associado à atropina e recuperou-se bem. O esfregaço sanguíneo foi uma ferramenta diagnóstica muito importante nesse caso, pois as formas de H. canis foram melhor observadas em decorrência do aumento da parasitemia causada pela imunossupressão do animal.(AU)

Canine hepatozoonosis, caused by the Hepatozoon spp, is a disease that affects domestic carnivores. The development of the disease sometimes depends on the animal's immune status and it can develop, in most cases, in the subclinical and chronic form. Sticker's Lymphosarcoma, also known as Transmissible Venereal Tumor(TVT), is a round cell neoplasma that mainly affects the mucous membrane of the external genitalia. This study aimed to describe the diagnosis of Hepatozoonosis in a dog associated with chemotherapy treatment for TVT. A male dog, elderly, SRD, not neutered was seen at the Veterinary Clinic of UFSC. In the anamnesis, an increase in volume at the base of the penile with bleeding through the preputial orifice was reported. Upon exposure of the glans penis, nothing was observed, but during the internal palpation of the foreskin, several polypoid masses were noticed, which, through cytology, showed TVT. The patient started chemotherapy with vincristine and, after the third session, started having weight loss, conjunctivitis and blepharitis. At hemogram, a gamonte of H. canis was observed in neutrophils. The patient was treated with doxycycline and atropine-associated imidocarb dipropionate and recovered well. The blood smear was a very important diagnostic tool in this case, as the forms of H. canis were better observed due to the increase in parasitemia caused by the animal's immunosuppression.(AU)

Hemangiossarcoma associado a quimiodectoma em cadela Pit Bull idosa / Hemangiosarcoma associated with chemodectoma in an old Pit Bull bitch

Background: The prevalence of neoplasms in domestic animals has been augmenting over the years. Hemangiosarcoma, which most frequently affects large breed dogs, is a neoplasm with high metastatic power and corresponds to 5% of malignant neoplasms. Chemodectoma, a neoplasm that can have malignant or benign behavior, is uncommon, corresponding to less than 8% of all cardiac tumors, and originates from cardiac chemoreceptor cells and involves mainly the aortic and carotid bodies. The aim of this study is to describe the case of an elderly Pit Bull dog with hepatic hemangiosarcoma and chemodectoma associated with four other different tumors: hemangioma, papilloma, mastocitoma and melanoma. Case: A 14-year-old female Pit Bull, castrated, was presented to Veterinary Clinic of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Curitibanos Campus, Brazil. The owner referred apathy, hyporexia, and increased abdominal volume for two weeks. Physical examination showed emaciation and abdominal effusion. Abdominocentesis was performed, three liters of serosanguineous fluid was drained and a sample was sent for analysis. Complementary tests were requested and showed mild hypoalbuminemia, normocytic normochromic anemia, and lymphopenia. The ultrasound examination revealed thickening of vessels and hepatomegaly, in addition to the presence of an oval structure containing hyperechogenic cavitations. Diagnostic exploratory laparotomy was indicated, but the owner refused. Drug therapy was prescribed in a palliative manner and, during the clinical follow-up period, two abdominocentesis procedures and one thoracentesis procedure were performed, both resulting in simple transudate. Finally, the patient developed severe apathy, edema in all limbs, and died at home. Necroscopic examination was done and revealed hemoperitoneum and hemothorax...

Hemangiossarcoma associado a quimiodectoma em cadela Pit Bull idosa / Hemangiosarcoma associated with chemodectoma in an old Pit Bull bitch

Background: The prevalence of neoplasms in domestic animals has been augmenting over the years. Hemangiosarcoma, which most frequently affects large breed dogs, is a neoplasm with high metastatic power and corresponds to 5% of malignant neoplasms. Chemodectoma, a neoplasm that can have malignant or benign behavior, is uncommon, corresponding to less than 8% of all cardiac tumors, and originates from cardiac chemoreceptor cells and involves mainly the aortic and carotid bodies. The aim of this study is to describe the case of an elderly Pit Bull dog with hepatic hemangiosarcoma and chemodectoma associated with four other different tumors: hemangioma, papilloma, mastocitoma and melanoma. Case: A 14-year-old female Pit Bull, castrated, was presented to Veterinary Clinic of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Curitibanos Campus, Brazil. The owner referred apathy, hyporexia, and increased abdominal volume for two weeks. Physical examination showed emaciation and abdominal effusion. Abdominocentesis was performed, three liters of serosanguineous fluid was drained and a sample was sent for analysis. Complementary tests were requested and showed mild hypoalbuminemia, normocytic normochromic anemia, and lymphopenia. The ultrasound examination revealed thickening of vessels and hepatomegaly, in addition to the presence of an oval structure containing hyperechogenic cavitations. Diagnostic exploratory laparotomy was indicated, but the owner refused. Drug therapy was prescribed in a palliative manner and, during the clinical follow-up period, two abdominocentesis procedures and one thoracentesis procedure were performed, both resulting in simple transudate. Finally, the patient developed severe apathy, edema in all limbs, and died at home. Necroscopic examination was done and revealed hemoperitoneum and hemothorax...(AU)