Commercial mastitis vaccines - effects on mastitis rates and somatic cell counts in Saanen goats

Background: Staphylococcus spp. are the most frequently isolated microorganisms in mastitis cases of small ruminants. The virulence factors of Staphylococcus spp. are critical in the treatment. Therefore, preventive medicine and mastitis control programs, especially herd vaccinations are of great importance in the prevention of mastitis. However, it is not always easy to obtain these vaccines under field conditions. This study, it was aimed to compare the effects of different commercial Staphylococcus spp. vaccines licensed for bovines and species-specific mastitis vaccines on mastitis rates and somatic cell count (SCC) on Saanen goats on field conditions. Materials, Methods & Results: The animal material consisted of 115 (230 udder halves) nulliparous Saanen goats. Goats were randomly grouped as bovine vaccine 1 (BV1 , n = 58), bovine vaccine 2 (BV2 , n = 58), small ruminant vaccine (SRV, n = 56), and control (n = 56). Vaccines were administered to goats in 2 doses according to the label regimen. First milk samples were collected between 0-5 days in milk (DIM) for microbiological analysis and 25-35 DIM for SCC. The other milk samples were collected at 25-35 (1st month) DIM, 60-65 (2nd month) DIM, 85-95 (3rd month) DIM, 115-125 (4th month) DIM, 145-155 (5th month) DIM for microbiological analysis and SCC. Non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) and Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequently isolated microorganism. It was found that the total mastitis rate decreased in vaccine groups compared to the control group. A significant difference was found only in the BV2 and SRV groups. The significant difference in S. aureus infection was found only in the SRV group. Mastitis vaccines used in this study decreased the NAS mastitis rate, but no significant difference was observed. It was found that the clinical mastitis incidence decreased in all vaccine groups compared to the control group, and a significant difference was found between the BV2 and SRV groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Somatic cell count was lower in the SRV and BV2 groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Discussion: In this study, compatible with the previous reports NAS and S. aureus were the most frequently isolated microorganism. The diversity of virulence factors of Staphylococcus spp. also plays an important role in its high incidence. In some countries, mastitis vaccines used in cows are also administered to small ruminants for reducing infection rates. Similarly, in this study, it was found that the mastitis rate decreased in all vaccine groups compared to the control group. A significant difference was found only in the BV2 and SRV groups. It is thought that the reason for the statistical difference may be due to the biofilm antigen in the BV2 and SRV. In addition, J5 strain in the BV2 is estimated to be effective in reducing the prevalence of gram-negative mastitis. It was observed that the infection rates decreased in the vaccine groups, especially due to S. aureus and NAS. Spontaneous treatment rates were very close to each other between the groups. The reason for the high rate of spontaneous treatment in this study can be explained by the fact that the animals were young and in their 1st lactation. SCC was lower in all vaccine groups compared to the control group. This situation is associated with the decrease in infection rates related to the use of vaccines. It was observed that SCC was lower in the vaccine groups. In addition, SCC was found to be lower in this study compared to similar studies. However, it is evident that the use of species-specific vaccines in the SRV group significantly reduced the rates of total S. aureus mastitis, subclinical NAS mastitis, and new infections by NAS compared to other vaccines. Furthermore, the species-specific vaccine significantly increased the rate of spontaneous treatment for S. aureus mastitis.

Evaluation of three alum-precipitated Aeromonas hydrophila vaccines administered to Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala and Ctenopharyngodon idella: immunokinetics, immersion challenge and histopathology / Avaliação de três vacinas de Aeromonas hydrophila precipitadas com alúmen administradas a Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala e Ctenopharyngodon idella: imunocinética, desafio de imersão e histopatologia

Aeromonas hydrophila is a cause of infectious disease outbreaks in carp species cultured in South Asian countries including Pakistan. This bacterium has gained resistance to a wide range of antibiotics and robust preventive measures are necessary to control its spread. No prior use of fish vaccines has been reported in Pakistan. The present study aims to develop and evaluate inactivated vaccines against local strain of A. hydrophila in Pakistan with alum-precipitate as adjuvant. The immunogenic potential of vaccine was evaluated in two Indian major carps (Rohu: Labeo rohita, Mori: Cirrhinus mrigala) and a Chinese carp (Grass carp: Ctenopharyngodon idella). Fish were vaccinated intraperitoneally followed by a challenge through immersion. Fish with an average age of 4-5 months were randomly distributed in three vaccinated groups with three vaccine concentrations of 108, 109 and 1010 colony forming unit (CFU)/ml and a control group. Fixed dose of 0.1ml was applied to each fish on 1st day and a booster dose at 15 days post-vaccination (DPV). Blood samples were collected on 14, 28, 35, 48 and 60 DPV to determine antibody titers in blood serum using compliment fixation test (CFT). Fish were challenged at 60 DPV with infectious A. hydrophila with 108 CFU/ml through immersion. Significantly higher levels of antibody titers were observed from 28 DPV in all vaccinated groups as compared to those in the control group. In challenge experiment the average RPS (relative percent survivability) was 71% for groups vaccinated with 109 and 1010 CFU/ml and 86% for 108 CFU/ml. Vaccine with 108 CFU/ml induced highest immune response followed by 109 and 1010 CFU/ml. The immune response of L. rohita and C. idella was better than that of C. mrigala. In general, normal histopathology was [...].

Aeromonas hydrophila é uma causa de surtos de doenças infecciosas em espécies de carpas cultivadas em países do sul da Ásia, incluindo o Paquistão. Essa bactéria ganhou resistência a uma ampla gama de antibióticos, e medidas preventivas robustas são necessárias para controlar sua disseminação. Nenhum uso anterior de vacinas para peixes foi relatado no Paquistão. O presente estudo tem como objetivo desenvolver e avaliar vacinas inativadas contra cepa local de A. hydrophila no Paquistão com precipitado de alúmen como adjuvante. O potencial imunogênico da vacina foi avaliado em duas carpas principais indianas (Rohu: Labeo rohita, Mori: Cirrhinus mrigala) e uma carpa chinesa (Grass Carp: Ctenopharyngodon idella). Os peixes foram vacinados por via intraperitoneal, seguido de um desafio por imersão. Peixes com idade média de 4-5 meses foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos vacinados com três concentrações de vacina de 108, 109 e 1010 unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC) / ml e um grupo de controle. Foi aplicada dose fixa de 0,1ml em cada peixe no 1º dia e dose de reforço 15 dias pós-vacinação (DPV). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas em 14, 28, 35, 48 e 60 DPV para determinar os títulos de anticorpos no soro sanguíneo usando o teste de fixação de elogio (CFT). Os peixes foram desafiados a 60 DPV com infecciosa A. hydrophila com 108 CFU / ml por imersão. Níveis significativamente mais elevados de títulos de anticorpos foram observados em 28 DPV em todos os grupos vacinados, em comparação com aqueles no grupo de controle. Na experiência de desafio, o RPS médio (sobrevivência percentual relativa) foi de 71% para os grupos vacinados com 109 e 1010 CFU / ml e 86% para 108 CFU / ml. A vacina com 108 UFC / ml induziu a maior resposta imune seguida por 109 e 1010 UFC / ml. A resposta imune de L. rohita e C. idella foi melhor do que a de C. mrigala. Em geral, histopatologia normal foi observada em diferentes [...].

Evaluation of three alum-precipitated Aeromonas hydrophila vaccines administered to Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala and Ctenopharyngodon idella: immunokinetics, immersion challenge and histopathology

Abstract Aeromonas hydrophila is a cause of infectious disease outbreaks in carp species cultured in South Asian countries including Pakistan. This bacterium has gained resistance to a wide range of antibiotics and robust preventive measures are necessary to control its spread. No prior use of fish vaccines has been reported in Pakistan. The present study aims to develop and evaluate inactivated vaccines against local strain of A. hydrophila in Pakistan with alum-precipitate as adjuvant. The immunogenic potential of vaccine was evaluated in two Indian major carps (Rohu: Labeo rohita, Mori: Cirrhinus mrigala) and a Chinese carp (Grass carp: Ctenopharyngodon idella). Fish were vaccinated intraperitoneally followed by a challenge through immersion. Fish with an average age of 4-5 months were randomly distributed in three vaccinated groups with three vaccine concentrations of 108, 109 and 1010 colony forming unit (CFU)/ml and a control group. Fixed dose of 0.1ml was applied to each fish on 1st day and a booster dose at 15 days post-vaccination (DPV). Blood samples were collected on 14, 28, 35, 48 and 60 DPV to determine antibody titers in blood serum using compliment fixation test (CFT). Fish were challenged at 60 DPV with infectious A. hydrophila with 108 CFU/ml through immersion. Significantly higher levels of antibody titers were observed from 28 DPV in all vaccinated groups as compared to those in the control group. In challenge experiment the average RPS (relative percent survivability) was 71% for groups vaccinated with 109 and 1010 CFU/ml and 86% for 108 CFU/ml. Vaccine with 108 CFU/ml induced highest immune response followed by 109 and 1010 CFU/ml. The immune response of L. rohita and C. idella was better than that of C. mrigala. In general, normal histopathology was observed in different organs of vaccinated fish whereas minor deteriorative changes were found in fish vaccinated with higher concentrations of the vaccine.

Resumo Aeromonas hydrophila é uma causa de surtos de doenças infecciosas em espécies de carpas cultivadas em países do sul da Ásia, incluindo o Paquistão. Essa bactéria ganhou resistência a uma ampla gama de antibióticos, e medidas preventivas robustas são necessárias para controlar sua disseminação. Nenhum uso anterior de vacinas para peixes foi relatado no Paquistão. O presente estudo tem como objetivo desenvolver e avaliar vacinas inativadas contra cepa local de A. hydrophila no Paquistão com precipitado de alúmen como adjuvante. O potencial imunogênico da vacina foi avaliado em duas carpas principais indianas (Rohu: Labeo rohita, Mori: Cirrhinus mrigala) e uma carpa chinesa (Grass Carp: Ctenopharyngodon idella). Os peixes foram vacinados por via intraperitoneal, seguido de um desafio por imersão. Peixes com idade média de 4-5 meses foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos vacinados com três concentrações de vacina de 108, 109 e 1010 unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC) / ml e um grupo de controle. Foi aplicada dose fixa de 0,1ml em cada peixe no 1º dia e dose de reforço 15 dias pós-vacinação (DPV). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas em 14, 28, 35, 48 e 60 DPV para determinar os títulos de anticorpos no soro sanguíneo usando o teste de fixação de elogio (CFT). Os peixes foram desafiados a 60 DPV com infecciosa A. hydrophila com 108 CFU / ml por imersão. Níveis significativamente mais elevados de títulos de anticorpos foram observados em 28 DPV em todos os grupos vacinados, em comparação com aqueles no grupo de controle. Na experiência de desafio, o RPS médio (sobrevivência percentual relativa) foi de 71% para os grupos vacinados com 109 e 1010 CFU / ml e 86% para 108 CFU / ml. A vacina com 108 UFC / ml induziu a maior resposta imune seguida por 109 e 1010 UFC / ml. A resposta imune de L. rohita e C. idella foi melhor do que a de C. mrigala. Em geral, histopatologia normal foi observada em diferentes órgãos de peixes vacinados, enquanto pequenas alterações deteriorantes foram encontradas no grupo de controle e nos peixes vacinados com concentrações mais altas da vacina.

Evaluation of three alum-precipitated Aeromonas hydrophila vaccines administered to Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala and Ctenopharyngodon idella: immunokinetics, immersion challenge and histopathology / Avaliação de três vacinas de Aeromonas hydrophila precipitadas com alúmen administradas a Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala e Ctenopharyngodon idella: imunocinética, desafio de imersão e histopatologia

Abstract Aeromonas hydrophila is a cause of infectious disease outbreaks in carp species cultured in South Asian countries including Pakistan. This bacterium has gained resistance to a wide range of antibiotics and robust preventive measures are necessary to control its spread. No prior use of fish vaccines has been reported in Pakistan. The present study aims to develop and evaluate inactivated vaccines against local strain of A. hydrophila in Pakistan with alum-precipitate as adjuvant. The immunogenic potential of vaccine was evaluated in two Indian major carps (Rohu: Labeo rohita, Mori: Cirrhinus mrigala) and a Chinese carp (Grass carp: Ctenopharyngodon idella). Fish were vaccinated intraperitoneally followed by a challenge through immersion. Fish with an average age of 4-5 months were randomly distributed in three vaccinated groups with three vaccine concentrations of 108, 109 and 1010 colony forming unit (CFU)/ml and a control group. Fixed dose of 0.1ml was applied to each fish on 1st day and a booster dose at 15 days post-vaccination (DPV). Blood samples were collected on 14, 28, 35, 48 and 60 DPV to determine antibody titers in blood serum using compliment fixation test (CFT). Fish were challenged at 60 DPV with infectious A. hydrophila with 108 CFU/ml through immersion. Significantly higher levels of antibody titers were observed from 28 DPV in all vaccinated groups as compared to those in the control group. In challenge experiment the average RPS (relative percent survivability) was 71% for groups vaccinated with 109 and 1010 CFU/ml and 86% for 108 CFU/ml. Vaccine with 108 CFU/ml induced highest immune response followed by 109 and 1010 CFU/ml. The immune response of L. rohita and C. idella was better than that of C. mrigala. In general, normal histopathology was observed in different organs of vaccinated fish whereas minor deteriorative changes were found in fish vaccinated with higher concentrations of the vaccine.

Resumo Aeromonas hydrophila é uma causa de surtos de doenças infecciosas em espécies de carpas cultivadas em países do sul da Ásia, incluindo o Paquistão. Essa bactéria ganhou resistência a uma ampla gama de antibióticos, e medidas preventivas robustas são necessárias para controlar sua disseminação. Nenhum uso anterior de vacinas para peixes foi relatado no Paquistão. O presente estudo tem como objetivo desenvolver e avaliar vacinas inativadas contra cepa local de A. hydrophila no Paquistão com precipitado de alúmen como adjuvante. O potencial imunogênico da vacina foi avaliado em duas carpas principais indianas (Rohu: Labeo rohita, Mori: Cirrhinus mrigala) e uma carpa chinesa (Grass Carp: Ctenopharyngodon idella). Os peixes foram vacinados por via intraperitoneal, seguido de um desafio por imersão. Peixes com idade média de 4-5 meses foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos vacinados com três concentrações de vacina de 108, 109 e 1010 unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC) / ml e um grupo de controle. Foi aplicada dose fixa de 0,1ml em cada peixe no 1º dia e dose de reforço 15 dias pós-vacinação (DPV). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas em 14, 28, 35, 48 e 60 DPV para determinar os títulos de anticorpos no soro sanguíneo usando o teste de fixação de elogio (CFT). Os peixes foram desafiados a 60 DPV com infecciosa A. hydrophila com 108 CFU / ml por imersão. Níveis significativamente mais elevados de títulos de anticorpos foram observados em 28 DPV em todos os grupos vacinados, em comparação com aqueles no grupo de controle. Na experiência de desafio, o RPS médio (sobrevivência percentual relativa) foi de 71% para os grupos vacinados com 109 e 1010 CFU / ml e 86% para 108 CFU / ml. A vacina com 108 UFC / ml induziu a maior resposta imune seguida por 109 e 1010 UFC / ml. A resposta imune de L. rohita e C. idella foi melhor do que a de C. mrigala. Em geral, histopatologia normal foi observada em diferentes órgãos de peixes vacinados, enquanto pequenas alterações deteriorantes foram encontradas no grupo de controle e nos peixes vacinados com concentrações mais altas da vacina.

A glycoprotein E gene-deleted bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 strain is attenuated and immunogenic for calves with passive immunity upon intranasal immunization / Cepa de alfaherpesvírus bovino 1 com deleção do gene da glicoproteína E é atenuada e imunogênica para bezerros com imunidade passiva após imunização intranasal

ABSTRACT: Vaccination has been used to prevent the losses associated with Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) infection but passively acquired antibodies may compromise vaccine efficacy. Intranasal immunization (IN) of calves with modified live viral BoHV-1 vaccines has proven to overcome the acquired passive antibodies and confer adequate protection. Herein, we evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a glycoprotein E-deleted Brazilian BoHV-1 strain (BoHV-1gEΔ) for IN immunization of calves. Ten 1-to-2 months-old calves with virus-neutralizing titers (VN) ranging from 2-64 were immunized IN with viable BoHV-1gEΔ (107.1 TCID50) and four remained as unvaccinated controls (VN titers 8-32). After IN immunization, calves presented a transient (2-6 days) mild nasal secretion and shed the vaccine virus in nasal secretions in low titers (<102.6TCID50/mL) for 4-8 days. Interestingly, the vaccinated calves did not show an increase in VN titers after vaccination. Rather, they presented a gradual reduction in serum VN antibodies in the following weeks - similarly to unvaccinated controls. Upon IN challenge with a virulent heterologous BoHV-1 strain at day 55 post-immunization (107.63TCID50), vaccinated calves shed significantly less virus from day 6 post-challenge onwards (p < 0.07) and for a shorter period of time than the controls (p < 0.0024). Importantly, both the duration and intensity of clinical signs were reduced in vaccinated animals. In addition, vaccinated calves showed an abrupt raise in VN titers post-challenge, indicating adequate immunological priming by vaccination. In summary, immunization of calves harboring passive antibodies with BoHV-1gEΔ by the IN route was able to prime the immunity to afford partial virological and clinical protection upon challenge.

RESUMO: A vacinação tem sido usada para prevenir perdas associadas à infecção pelo alfaherpesvírus bovino 1 (BoHV-1), embora anticorpos adquiridos passivamente possam comprometer a eficácia das vacinas. A imunização intranasal (IN) de bezerros com vacinas de BoHV-1 vivas modificadas pode contornar o obstáculo relacionado à presença de anticorpos adquiridos passivamente, conferindo proteção aos animais vacinados. Nesse contexto, avaliou-se a segurança e imunogenicidade de uma cepa brasileira de BoHV-1 com deleção no gene da glicoproteína E (BoHV-1gEΔ) na imunização IN de bezerros. Dez bezerros, de um a dois meses de idade e com títulos neutralizantes (VN) variando de 2-64, foram inoculados IN com BoHV-1gEΔ (107,1TCID50), e quatro permaneceram como controles não vacinados (títulos de VN 8-32). Após a instilação IN, os bezerros apresentaram secreção nasal transitória leve (2-6 dias) e excretaram o vírus vacinal nas secreções nasais em baixos títulos (<102,6TCID50/mL) por 4-8 dias. Interessantemente, os bezerros vacinados não apresentaram aumento nos títulos de anticorpos neutralizantes após a vacinação. Em vez disso, eles apresentaram uma redução gradual nos anticorpos neutralizantes séricos nas semanas seguintes - semelhante aos controles não vacinados. Após o desafio IN com uma cepa BoHV-1 virulenta heteróloga no dia 55 pós-imunização (107,63TCID50), os bezerros vacinados excretaram o vírus em títulos menores a partir do sexto dia pós-desafio (p < 0,07) e por um período de tempo menor do que o observado nos controles (p < 0,0024). É importante notar que tanto a duração quanto a intensidade dos sinais clínicos foram reduzidas nos animais vacinados. Além disso, os bezerros vacinados apresentaram um aumento abrupto nos títulos neutralizantes após o desafio, indicando uma imunização adequada por BoHV-1gEΔ. Em resumo, a imunização IN de bezerros com anticorpos passivos com a cepa BoHV-1gEΔ foi capaz de estimular a imunidade, proporcionando proteção virológica e clínica parciais após o desafio.

A glycoprotein E gene-deleted bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 strain is attenuated and immunogenic for calves with passive immunity upon intranasal immunization / Cepa de alfaherpesvírus bovino 1 com deleção do gene da glicoproteína E é atenuada e imunogênica para bezerros com imunidade passiva após imunização intranasal

Vaccination has been used to prevent the losses associated with Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) infection but passively acquired antibodies may compromise vaccine efficacy. Intranasal immunization (IN) of calves with modified live viral BoHV-1 vaccines has proven to overcome the acquired passive antibodies and confer adequate protection. Herein, we evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a glycoprotein E-deleted Brazilian BoHV-1 strain (BoHV-1gEΔ) for IN immunization of calves. Ten 1-to-2 months-old calves with virus-neutralizing titers (VN) ranging from 2-64 were immunized IN with viable BoHV-1gEΔ (107.1 TCID50) and four remained as unvaccinated controls (VN titers 8-32). After IN immunization, calves presented a transient (2-6 days) mild nasal secretion and shed the vaccine virus in nasal secretions in low titers (<102.6TCID50/mL) for 4-8 days. Interestingly, the vaccinated calves did not show an increase in VN titers after vaccination. Rather, they presented a gradual reduction in serum VN antibodies in the following weeks - similarly to unvaccinated controls. Upon IN challenge with a virulent heterologous BoHV-1 strain at day 55 post-immunization (107.63TCID50), vaccinated calves shed significantly less virus from day 6 post-challenge onwards (p < 0.07) and for a shorter period of time than the controls (p < 0.0024). Importantly, both the duration and intensity of clinical signs were reduced in vaccinated animals. In addition, vaccinated calves showed an abrupt raise in VN titers post-challenge, indicating adequate immunological priming by vaccination. In summary, immunization of calves harboring passive antibodies with BoHV-1gEΔ by the IN route was able to prime the immunity to afford partial virological and clinical protection upon challenge.

A vacinação tem sido usada para prevenir perdas associadas à infecção pelo alfaherpesvírus bovino 1 (BoHV-1), embora anticorpos adquiridos passivamente possam comprometer a eficácia das vacinas. A imunização intranasal (IN) de bezerros com vacinas de BoHV-1 vivas modificadas pode contornar o obstáculo relacionado à presença de anticorpos adquiridos passivamente, conferindo proteção aos animais vacinados. Nesse contexto, avaliou-se a segurança e imunogenicidade de uma cepa brasileira de BoHV-1 com deleção no gene da glicoproteína E (BoHV-1gEΔ) na imunização IN de bezerros. Dez bezerros, de um a dois meses de idade e com títulos neutralizantes (VN) variando de 2-64, foram inoculados IN com BoHV-1gEΔ (107,1TCID50), e quatro permaneceram como controles não vacinados (títulos de VN 8-32). Após a instilação IN, os bezerros apresentaram secreção nasal transitória leve (2-6 dias) e excretaram o vírus vacinal nas secreções nasais em baixos títulos (<102,6TCID50/mL) por 4-8 dias. Interessantemente, os bezerros vacinados não apresentaram aumento nos títulos de anticorpos neutralizantes após a vacinação. Em vez disso, eles apresentaram uma redução gradual nos anticorpos neutralizantes séricos nas semanas seguintes - semelhante aos controles não vacinados. Após o desafio IN com uma cepa BoHV-1 virulenta heteróloga no dia 55 pós-imunização (107,63TCID50), os bezerros vacinados excretaram o vírus em títulos menores a partir do sexto dia pós-desafio (p < 0,07) e por um período de tempo menor do que o observado nos controles (p < 0,0024). É importante notar que tanto a duração quanto a intensidade dos sinais clínicos foram reduzidas nos animais vacinados. Além disso, os bezerros vacinados apresentaram um aumento abrupto nos títulos neutralizantes após o desafio, indicando uma imunização adequada por BoHV-1gEΔ. Em resumo, a imunização IN de bezerros com anticorpos passivos com a cepa BoHV-1gEΔ foi capaz de estimular a imunidade, proporcionando proteção virológica e clínica parciais após o desafio.

Evaluation of three alum-precipitated Aeromonas hydrophila vaccines administered to Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala and Ctenopharyngodon idella: immunokinetics, immersion challenge and histopathology / Avaliação de três vacinas de Aeromonas hydrophila precipitadas com alúmen administradas a Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala e Ctenopharyngodon idella: imunocinética, desafio de imersão e histopatologia

Aeromonas hydrophila is a cause of infectious disease outbreaks in carp species cultured in South Asian countries including Pakistan. This bacterium has gained resistance to a wide range of antibiotics and robust preventive measures are necessary to control its spread. No prior use of fish vaccines has been reported in Pakistan. The present study aims to develop and evaluate inactivated vaccines against local strain of A. hydrophila in Pakistan with alum-precipitate as adjuvant. The immunogenic potential of vaccine was evaluated in two Indian major carps (Rohu: Labeo rohita, Mori: Cirrhinus mrigala) and a Chinese carp (Grass carp: Ctenopharyngodon idella). Fish were vaccinated intraperitoneally followed by a challenge through immersion. Fish with an average age of 4-5 months were randomly distributed in three vaccinated groups with three vaccine concentrations of 108, 109 and 1010 colony forming unit (CFU)/ml and a control group. Fixed dose of 0.1ml was applied to each fish on 1st day and a booster dose at 15 days post-vaccination (DPV). Blood samples were collected on 14, 28, 35, 48 and 60 DPV to determine antibody titers in blood serum using compliment fixation test (CFT). Fish were challenged at 60 DPV with infectious A. hydrophila with 108 CFU/ml through immersion. Significantly higher levels of antibody titers were observed from 28 DPV in all vaccinated groups as compared to those in the control group. In challenge experiment the average RPS (relative percent survivability) was 71% for groups vaccinated with 109 and 1010 CFU/ml and 86% for 108 CFU/ml. Vaccine with 108 CFU/ml induced highest immune response followed by 109 and 1010 CFU/ml. The immune response of L. rohita and C. idella was better than that of C. mrigala. In general, normal histopathology was [...].(AU)

Aeromonas hydrophila é uma causa de surtos de doenças infecciosas em espécies de carpas cultivadas em países do sul da Ásia, incluindo o Paquistão. Essa bactéria ganhou resistência a uma ampla gama de antibióticos, e medidas preventivas robustas são necessárias para controlar sua disseminação. Nenhum uso anterior de vacinas para peixes foi relatado no Paquistão. O presente estudo tem como objetivo desenvolver e avaliar vacinas inativadas contra cepa local de A. hydrophila no Paquistão com precipitado de alúmen como adjuvante. O potencial imunogênico da vacina foi avaliado em duas carpas principais indianas (Rohu: Labeo rohita, Mori: Cirrhinus mrigala) e uma carpa chinesa (Grass Carp: Ctenopharyngodon idella). Os peixes foram vacinados por via intraperitoneal, seguido de um desafio por imersão. Peixes com idade média de 4-5 meses foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos vacinados com três concentrações de vacina de 108, 109 e 1010 unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC) / ml e um grupo de controle. Foi aplicada dose fixa de 0,1ml em cada peixe no 1º dia e dose de reforço 15 dias pós-vacinação (DPV). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas em 14, 28, 35, 48 e 60 DPV para determinar os títulos de anticorpos no soro sanguíneo usando o teste de fixação de elogio (CFT). Os peixes foram desafiados a 60 DPV com infecciosa A. hydrophila com 108 CFU / ml por imersão. Níveis significativamente mais elevados de títulos de anticorpos foram observados em 28 DPV em todos os grupos vacinados, em comparação com aqueles no grupo de controle. Na experiência de desafio, o RPS médio (sobrevivência percentual relativa) foi de 71% para os grupos vacinados com 109 e 1010 CFU / ml e 86% para 108 CFU / ml. A vacina com 108 UFC / ml induziu a maior resposta imune seguida por 109 e 1010 UFC / ml. A resposta imune de L. rohita e C. idella foi melhor do que a de C. mrigala. Em geral, histopatologia normal foi observada em diferentes [...].(AU)

Tracheal post-vaccinal reaction to different strains of Newcastle disease vírus / Reação traqueal pós-vacinal à diferentes cepas do vírus da doença de Newcastle

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the post-vaccinal reaction to two lentogenic vaccine strains of Newcatle disease virus (NDV) and a recombinant turkey herpesvirus (rHVT) vaccine expressing the fusion glycoprotein of NDV in broiler chickens through histomorphometric and histopathologic analyses of the trachea. The experiment involved 245 chicks housed in randomized blocks with three different enclosures under controlled conditions of temperature, light and ventilation. Each enclosure represented a vaccine strain and was divided into groups according to the administration route. Each block also had its own control group composed of unvaccinated birds. The vaccine strains PHY.LMV.42 (PL42) and La Sota (LS) were selected according to the Intracerebral Pathogenicity Index (ICPI) and the rHVT-NDV Serotype 3 strain (ST3) was selected for representing non-NDV infection. At two, four, seven, 14 and 21 days post vaccination, fragments from the middle third of the trachea were collected and submitted to routine histological processing. For the histomorphometric analysis, the slides were photographed, and the thickness of the tracheal mucosa was measured. Statistical analysis involved two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test with a 5% significance level. For the histopathological evaluation, lesions were described as to the degree of intensity and distribution. At four and 14 days post vaccination with the LS strain administered by the ocular route, the means of thickening of the tracheal mucosa (20.85±7.31µm and 26.97±5.50µm, respectively) were significantly higher (p<0.05) than for all other strains, which was related to the severe histopathological lesions found in this group, characterized by hyperemia, hyperplasia of the mucous glands, moderate deciliation and multifocal lymphohistiocytic inflammatory infiltrate. At 21 days, broiler chickens vaccinated with the ST3 strain showed more discrete lesions and less thickening of the tracheal mucosa (23.23±7.62µm; p<0.05) in comparison with other studied strains. The lesions found in this group were only hemorrhage, deciliation and mild focal lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate. The results of the histomorphometry and histopathology of the trachea indicated that vaccination with rHVT-NDV Serotype 3 strain induced lower degree post-vaccine tracheal lesions compared to other vaccine strains analyzed in this study.

Objetivou-se avaliar a reação pós-vacinal de duas estirpes lentogênicas do vírus da doença de Newcastle (VDN) e uma vacina recombinante de herpesvirus de perus (rHVT) que expressa a glicoproteína de fusão de VDN em frangos de corte por meio da histomorfometria e histopatologia da traqueia. Foram utilizados 245 pintos alojados em blocos ao acaso, sendo três galpões distintos em condições controladas de temperatura, luz e ventilação. Cada galpão representou uma cepa vacinal, onde foram divididos por grupos de acordo com a via de administração. Todos os blocos possuíam um grupo controle composto por aves não vacinadas. As cepas vacinais PHY.LMV.42 (PL42) e La Sota (LS) utilizadas foram selecionadas de acordo com o Índice de Patogenicidade Intracerebral (IPIC) e a cepa Sorotipo 3 (ST3), da vacina rHVT-VDN foi selecionada por não representar infecção do VDN. Aos dois, quarto, sete, 14 e 21 dias pós-vacinação, fragmentos do terço médio da traqueia foram coletados e posteriormente processados conforme rotina histológica. Para análise histomorfométrica da mucosa traqueal, as lâminas foram fotografadas e realizadas as mensurações da espessura da mucosa traqueal sendo aplicado teste de análise de variância a dois critérios (ANOVA) e utilizando o post-hoc de Tukey com nível de significância de 5%. Para a avaliação histopatológica foram observadas a presença de lesões microscópicas e estas foram descritas quanto ao grau de intensidade e distribuição. Aos quatro e quatorze dias pós-vacinação com a cepa LS administrada por via ocular, as médias do espessamento da mucosa traqueal (20,85±7,31µm e 26,97±5,50µm, respectivamente) foram significativamente maiores (p<0,05) quando comparada a todas as demais cepas utilizadas, isto se deve às severas lesões histopatológicas encontrados neste grupo, caracterizadas por hiperemia, hiperplasia das glândulas mucosas, deciliação moderada e infiltrado inflamatório linfohistiocitário multifocal moderado. Já aos 21 dias as aves vacinadas com a cepa ST3 apresentaram lesões mais discretas e menor espessamento da mucosa da traqueia (23,23±7,62µm; p<0,05) em comparação às demais cepas estudadas. As lesões encontradas neste grupo foram apenas hemorragia, deciliação e infiltrado inflamatório linfocitário focal discreto. Os resultados da histomorfometria e da histopatologia da traqueia indicou que a vacinação com a rHVT-NDV, cepa Sorotipo 3 induziu menor grau de lesões pós-vacinais na traqueia comparada a outras cepas vacinais analisadas nesse estudo.

Passive immunity in foals born from mares vaccinated against Theileira equi and Streptococcus equi subspecies equi / Imunidade passiva em potros provenientes de éguas vacinadas contra Theileira equi e Streptococcus equi subspécie equi

The aims of this study were: 1) determine total specific IgG and subisotypes in serum and colostrum of pregnant mares vaccinated against Theileria equi and Streptococcus equi subspecies equi; 2) determine total specific IgG and subisotypes in foals born from these mares. In mares, the highest total serum IgG value for T. equi was at 335 days of gestation declining 30 days postpartum, while for S. equi was at 328 days of gestation remaining high up to 30 days postpartum. Transfer of passive immunity against both antigens was observed with specific IgG values in colostrum and foals' serum proportional to mares' values. The most detected specific IgG subisotypes were IgG3/5 and IgG4/7 for both antigens. Foals born from mares immunized with T. equi kept maternal IgG values until 2 months of age, while those born from mares immunized with S. equi kept maternal IgG values until 3-4 months of age. These results suggest that foals should be vaccinated after this period.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram: 1) determinar IgG total específica e seus subisotipos no soro e colostro de éguas vacinadas contra Theileria equi e Streptococcus equi subspécie equi; 2) determinar IgG total específica e seus subisotipos em potros provenientes dessas éguas. Em éguas vacinadas contra T. equi, o maior nível sérico de IgG total específico ocorreu aos 335 dias de gestação, decaindo 30 dias pós parto, enquanto nas vacinadas contra S. equi, ocorreu aos 328 dias de gestação e manteve-se pelo mesmo período. A avaliação de IgG total específica no colostro de éguas vacinadas demonstrou níveis de IgG proporcionais aos títulos do soro materno. Os isotipos de IgG mais detectados foram IgG3/5 e IgG4/7 para ambos antígenos avaliados. Potros provenientes de éguas vacinadas com antígeno de T. equi mantiveram os níveis de IgG específica até dois meses de idade, enquanto potros provenientes de éguas vacinadas com antígeno de S. equi mantiveram por três a quatro meses, sugerindo que esse seja o período ideal para início do esquema vacinal em potros.

Vaccination principles for dogs and cats in animal shelters / Princípios da vacinação de cães e gatos em abrigos

Animal shelters are places with a high risk of exposure to infectious diseases due to the high density, population dynamics of the shelter, and the stress to which dogs and cats are subjected. The immunization process through vaccines is an essential component in the prevention and health and welfare management program for these animals. This review aims to evaluate the guidelines on vaccination of dogs and cats in shelter environments, highlighting points of comparison with the Brazilian reality.(AU)

Os abrigos de animais são locais com um alto risco de exposição às doenças infecciosas devido à alta densidade, à dinâmica populacional do abrigo e ao estresse a que os cães e gatos estão submetidos. O processo de imunização por meio das vacinas é um componente essencial no programa de prevenção e gestão de saúde e bem-estar para esses animais. Esta revisão tem como objetivo revisar as diretrizes sobre a vacinação de cães e gatos em ambientes de abrigos, ressaltando pontos de comparação com a realidade brasileira.(AU)

Association of porcine circovirus infection with mycotoxicosis: a case report / Infecção por circovírus suíno associado a micotoxicose: relato de caso

Circovirus is widespread in pig farming, and mainly affects piglets increasing morbidity and mortality rates, being vaccination the most effective strategy to control one. However, for an effective vaccine response, certain factors must be considered, such as the adoption of good practices during the conservation and handling of vaccines, environmental challenges, nutritional and health status of the animals, and presence of immunosuppressive agents, such as mycotoxins, in the feed. Here, we describe a circovirus outbreak associated with mycotoxin immunosuppression that occurred in the piglets during the nursery phase at a commercial farm, which initiated with a sudden increase in the mortality of vaccinated piglets. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using RT-PCR, while the feed was subjected to mycotoxicological analysis. RT-PCR analysis revealed the presence of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2) in the blood serum samples, thereby confirming the circovirus outbreak. The feed analysis revealed elevated levels of mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol, aflatoxins, and fumonisins), which were above the levels tolerated by the piglets during the nursery phase. Therefore, the contaminated feed was discarded, and a new ration was made available. Concurrently, the vaccination program was amended to normalize the mortality rate. The presence of mycotoxins in the feed could be the predisposed factor for piglet infection caused by PCV-2 and other diseases. This is an important aspect because the immunosuppressive effect of mycotoxins can alter the vaccine response, thereby making the piglets more susceptible to the diseases even after being vaccinated, although they should be immunologically protected.(AU)

O circovírus é muito difundido na suinocultura e atinge principalmente leitões, aumentando as taxas de morbi-mortalidade, sendo a vacinação a estratégia mais eficaz de controle. No entanto, para uma resposta vacinal eficaz, alguns fato-res devem ser considerados, como a adoção de boas práticas durante a conservação e manuseio de vacinas, desafios ambientais, estado nutricional e de saúde dos animais e presença de agentes imunossupressores, como micotoxinas, na ração. Descreveu-se um surto de circovírus associado à imunossupressão por micotoxinas que ocorreu em leitões durante a fase de creche em uma granja comercial, que começou com um aumento repentino na mortalidade de leitões vacinados. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas e analisadas por RT-PCR, enquanto a ração foi submetida à análise micotoxicológica. A análise de RT-PCR revelou a presença de circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV-2), confirmando assim o surto de circovírus. A análise da ração revelou níveis de micotoxinas (desoxinivalenol, aflatoxinas e fumonisinas) acima dos tolerados pelos leitões nesta fase. Portanto, o alimento con-taminado foi descartado e uma nova ração foi disponibilizada. Simultaneamente, o programa de vacinação foi alterado para normalizar a taxa de mortalidade. A presença de micotoxinas na ração pode ser o fator predisponente para infecção de leitões causada por PCV-2 e outras doenças. Esse é um aspecto importante, pois o efeito imunossupressor das micotoxinas pode alte-rar a resposta vacinal, tornando os leitões mais suscetíveis às doenças mesmo após vacinação.(AU)

A five-year surveillance study of vaccination schedules using viral-vectored vaccines against infectious laryngotracheitis in a high-density layer region / Cinco anos de monitoramento de esquemas vacinais com vacinas virais vetorizadas contra laringotraqueíte infecciosa em uma região altamente povoada por galinhas poedeiras

The effectiveness of vectored recombinant vaccines to control infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) in chickens from a region (State of Minas Gerais, Brazil) with ~10 million layers was evaluated under field conditions from 2014-2018. During this period, only recombinant turkey herpesvirus (rHVT) or fowl poxvirus (rFPV) vaccines that express antigens of infectious laryngotracheitis virus (Gallid herpesvirus-1; GaHV-1) were used. Layer chickens (n=1,283), from eight different egg-producing companies, were individually sampled and examined (active surveillance), and in instances when government poultry health veterinarians were notified due to respiratory disease (passive surveillance). Clinical, macroscopic, and histopathology examinations were performed to diagnose ILT as well as molecular techniques for the detection and characterization of the GaHV-1 DNA from the trachea and trigeminal ganglia (TG). The layer hens sampled and examined belonged to flocks and farms that used different vaccination protocols (non-vaccinated, single dose vaccination, and prime/ boost vaccination). This is the first long-term field study of the effectiveness of ILT vectored vaccines in a high-density multiple age layer hen region. Using various diagnostic methods, the occurrence of GaHV-1 infection and ILT clinical disease in layer hens vaccinated with vectored recombinant vaccines in one quarantined region of Brazil were investigated. The number of ILTV positive chickens by PCR and ILT clinical disease cases was lower in farms when all chickens were vaccinated with at least one vaccine. However, the difference in the detection rates of GaHV-1 infection was significant only when compared farms with prime/ boost and farms using single dose of HTV-LT.

A efetividade das vacinas recombinantes vetorizadas para o controle da laringotraqueíte infecciosa (LTI) nas aves de uma região (Minas Gerais, Brasil) com aproximadamente 10 milhões de poedeiras foi avaliada em condições de campo, no período de 2014 a 2018. Durante este período, somente as vacinas recombinantes "turkey herpesvirus" (rHVT) ou "fowl poxvirus" (rFPV), que expressam antígenos do vírus da laringotraqueíte (Gallid herpesvirus-1; GaHV-1) foram utilizadas. Galinhas poedeiras (n=1.283), de oito diferentes granjas produtoras de ovos, foram individualmente amostradas e examinadas por monitoramento ativo e, na ocorrência de notificação de doença respiratória aos veterinários do serviço oficial, por monitoramento passivo. Exames clínicos, macroscópicos e histopatológicos foram realizados para o diagnóstico de LTI, bem como técnicas moleculares para a detecção e caracterização do DNA de GaHV-1 da traqueia e gânglio trigêmeo. As galinhas poedeiras pertenciam a lotes e granjas que usavam diferentes protocolos de vacinação (não vacinadas, uma dose ou tipo de vacina e duas doses ou tipos de vacina). Este é o primeiro longo estudo a campo sobre a efetividade das vacinas vetorizadas em uma região com população elevada de poedeiras de múltiplas idades. Utilizando vários métodos de diagnóstico, a ocorrência da infecção por GaHV-1 e a LTI clínica em poedeiras de uma região interditada do Brasil foi investigada. O número de galinhas positivas para o vírus GaHV-1 e para casos clínicos de LTI nas granjas foi menor quando todas as aves estavam vacinadas com, pelo menos, um tipo ou dose de vacina. Entretanto, a diferença na taxa de detecção da infecção por GaHV-1 foi significativa somente quando a comparação foi realizada entre granjas com aves vacinadas com duas doses e aves de granjas vacinadas com uma única dose de HVT-LT.

Profilaxia antirrábica humana: um diagnóstico de riscos e desperdícios em Fortaleza, Ceará, 2009 a 2019 / Human anti-rabies prophylaxis: a diagnosis of risks and wastes in Fortaleza, Ceará, 2009 to 2019 / Profilaxia humana antirrábica: um diagnóstico de riesgos y desperdicios en Fortaleza, Ceará, 2009 a 2019

Introdução: A raiva é uma antropozoonose que acomete apenas mamíferos. Todo atendimento por acidente por animal potencialmente transmissor da raiva deve ser notificado. A correta indicação de uso dos insumos para o tratamento profilático deve obedecer às normas do Ministério da Saúde, para que não sejam prescritos tratamentos incorretos ou desnecessários. Objetivo: Avaliar o desperdício de imunobiológicos e os riscos aos quais pacientes foram expostos devido a prescrições inadequadas da profilaxia antirrábica humana no município de Fortaleza, Ceará, de 2009 a 2019. Método: Estudo descritivo com dados secundários consolidados das Fichas de Investigação de Atendimento Antirrábico Humano do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). Resultados: Foram incluídas 53.251 notificações de atendimento antirrábico humano nesse trabalho. Deste total, 43,8% prescrições foram incorretas, sendo que 55,7% ofereceram risco à vida do paciente e 42,9% envolveram excesso de vacinas. Além disso, 43,3% continham lacunas em seu preenchimento. Conclusão: Foi possível constatar o alto percentual de fichas de atendimento antirrábico humano com prescrições inadequadas e preenchimento incompleto, evidenciando a necessidade de capacitação dos profissionais de saúde. Sugere-se a inclusão de médicos veterinários nos serviços de Atenção Primária e Vigilância Epidemiológica para reduzir erros e otimizar a utilização dos recursos públicos.

Introduction: Rabies is an anthropozoonosis that affects only mammals. All care for an accident by a potential rabies-transmitting animal must be notified. The correct designation of supplies for prophylactic treatment in Brazil must comply with the norms of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, so that incorrect or unnecessary treatments are not prescribed. Objective: To evaluate the immunobiological waste and the risks to which patients were exposed due to inadequate prescriptions for human anti-rabies prophylaxis in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, from 2009 to 2019. Methods: Descriptive study using with consolidated secondary data from the Investigation Forms of Human Anti-rabies Care of the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System. Results: 53,251 notifications of human anti-rabies care were included in this study. Of this total, 43.8% prescriptions were incorrect, with 55.7% offering risk to the patient's life and 42.9% involving excess vaccines. In addition, 43.3% contained gaps on notification form filling. Conclusion: It was possible to verify high percentage of records of human anti-rabies care with inadequate prescriptions and incomplete form filling, showing the need of training of health professionals. It is suggested that veterinarians be included in Primary Care and Epidemiological Monitoring services to reduce errors and optimize the use of public resources.

Introducción: La rabia es una antropozoonosis que afecta únicamente a los mamíferos. Toda atención a un accidente por un animal potencialmente transmisor de la rabia debe ser notificada. La indicación correcta para el uso de insumos para el tratamiento profiláctico debe cumplir con las normas del Ministerio de Salud brasileño, para que no se prescriban tratamientos incorrectos O innecesarios. Objetivo: Evaluar el desperdicio de inmunobiológicos y los riesgos que estuvieron expuestos los pacientes por prescripción inadecuada de profilaxis antirrábica humana en la ciudad de Fortaleza, Ceará, de 2009 a 2019. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo con datos secundarios consolidados de los Formularios de Investigación de Atención Antirrábica Humana del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria brasileño. Resultados: En este estudio se incluyeron 53.251 notificaciones de atención antirrábica en humanos. De este total, el 43,8% de las prescripciones fueron incorrectas, el 55,7% de las cuales ofrecieron riesgo para la vida del paciente y el 42,9% involucró un exceso de vacunas. Además, el 43,3% contenía lagunas em su llenado. Conclusión: Se pudo constatar el alto porcentaje de registros de atención antirrábica humana con prescripción inadecuada y llenado incompleto, evidenciando la necesidad de capacitación de los profesionales de la salud. Se sugiere incluir a los veterinarios en los servicios de Atención Primaria y Vigilancia Epidemiológica para reducir errores y optimizar el uso de los recursos públicos.

Reproductive parameters of lambs immunocastrated with anti-GnRH vaccine

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the testicular biometric, seminal, and plasma testosterone levels in lambs subjected to an anti-GnRH vaccine as a method of castration. Thirty entire, crossbred Santa Inês male lambs were randomly distributed into three treatment (T): T1 was the control group, with the administration of 1 mL of saline solution subcutaneously (SC); 1.0 and 0.5 mL of an anti-GnRH vaccine were administered SC in T2 and T3, respectively. Testicular biometric variables, physical and morphological variables of semen, and plasma testosterone concentrations were evaluated. At D60, there was a reduction in testicular length, width, thickness, and scrotal circumference of the immunocastrated animals regardless of the vaccine dose used (P < 0.05). A reduction in semen physical variables at both dosages (P < 0.05) was observed, with azoospermia, in 80% and 70% of animals in the T2 and T3 groups, respectively. At D60, the immunocastrated animals also showed an increase in spermatozoa defects (P < 0.05), whereas plasma testosterone concentration decreased (P < 0.05). Immunocastration of lambs using the Bopriva vaccine at doses of 1.0 and 0.5 mL is efficient in inducing azoospermia in up to 80% of animals, although two doses in a 30-day interval are necessary for it to be an effective and safe method. Efficacy was demonstrated through a reduction in serum testosterone levels, testicular biometry, and seminal fluid analysis. Considering the efficacy of both doses in this study, we recommend using the lower dose (0.5 mL), which will allow for a 50% reduction in vaccine costs.

Vector saliva controlled inflammatory response of the host may represent the Achilles heel during pathogen transmission

Infection with vector-borne pathogens starts with the inoculation of these pathogens during blood feeding. In endemic regions, the population is regularly bitten by naive vectors, implicating a permanent stimulation of the immune system by the vector saliva itself (pre-immune context). Comparatively, the number of bites received by exposed individuals from non-infected vectors is much higher than the bites from infected ones. Therefore, vector saliva and the immunological response in the skin may play an important role, so far underestimated, in the establishment of anti-pathogen immunity in endemic areas. Hence, the parasite biology and the disease pathogenesis in "saliva-primed" and "saliva-unprimed" individuals must be different. This integrated view on how the pathogen evolves within the host together with vector salivary components, which are known to be endowed with a variety of pharmacological and immunological properties, must remain the focus of any investigational study dealing with vector-borne diseases. Considering this three-way partnership, the host skin (immune system), the pathogen, and the vector saliva, the approach that consists in the validation of vector saliva as a source of molecular entities with anti-disease vaccine potential has been recently a subject of active and fruitful investigation. As an example, the vaccination with maxadilan, a potent vasodilator peptide extracted from the saliva of the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis, was able to protect against infection with various leishmanial parasites. More interestingly, a universal mosquito saliva vaccine that may potentially protect against a range of mosquito-borne infections including malaria, dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever. In this review, we highlight the key role played by the immunobiology of vector saliva in shaping the outcome of vector-borne diseases and discuss the value of studying diseases in the light of intimate cross talk among the pathogen, the vector saliva, and the host immune mechanisms.(AU)

Reproductive parameters of lambs immunocastrated with anti-GnRH vaccine

The objective of this study was to evaluate the testicular biometric, seminal, and plasma testosterone levels in lambs subjected to an anti-GnRH vaccine as a method of castration. Thirty entire, crossbred Santa Inês male lambs were randomly distributed into three treatment (T): T1 was the control group, with the administration of 1 mL of saline solution subcutaneously (SC); 1.0 and 0.5 mL of an anti-GnRH vaccine were administered SC in T2 and T3, respectively. Testicular biometric variables, physical and morphological variables of semen, and plasma testosterone concentrations were evaluated. At D60, there was a reduction in testicular length, width, thickness, and scrotal circumference of the immunocastrated animals regardless of the vaccine dose used (P < 0.05). A reduction in semen physical variables at both dosages (P < 0.05) was observed, with azoospermia, in 80% and 70% of animals in the T2 and T3 groups, respectively. At D60, the immunocastrated animals also showed an increase in spermatozoa defects (P < 0.05), whereas plasma testosterone concentration decreased (P < 0.05). Immunocastration of lambs using the Bopriva vaccine at doses of 1.0 and 0.5 mL is efficient in inducing azoospermia in up to 80% of animals, although two doses in a 30-day interval are necessary for it to be an effective and safe method. Efficacy was demonstrated through a reduction in serum testosterone levels, testicular biometry, and seminal fluid analysis. Considering the efficacy of both doses in this study, we recommend using the lower dose (0.5 mL), which will allow for a 50% reduction in vaccine costs.(AU)

Vector saliva controlled inflammatory response of the host may represent the Achilles heel during pathogen transmission

Infection with vector-borne pathogens starts with the inoculation of these pathogens during blood feeding. In endemic regions, the population is regularly bitten by naive vectors, implicating a permanent stimulation of the immune system by the vector saliva itself (pre-immune context). Comparatively, the number of bites received by exposed individuals from non-infected vectors is much higher than the bites from infected ones. Therefore, vector saliva and the immunological response in the skin may play an important role, so far underestimated, in the establishment of anti-pathogen immunity in endemic areas. Hence, the parasite biology and the disease pathogenesis in "saliva-primed" and "saliva-unprimed" individuals must be different. This integrated view on how the pathogen evolves within the host together with vector salivary components, which are known to be endowed with a variety of pharmacological and immunological properties, must remain the focus of any investigational study dealing with vector-borne diseases. Considering this three-way partnership, the host skin (immune system), the pathogen, and the vector saliva, the approach that consists in the validation of vector saliva as a source of molecular entities with anti-disease vaccine potential has been recently a subject of active and fruitful investigation. As an example, the vaccination with maxadilan, a potent vasodilator peptide extracted from the saliva of the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis, was able to protect against infection with various leishmanial parasites. More interestingly, a universal mosquito saliva vaccine that may potentially protect against a range of mosquito-borne infections including malaria, dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever. In this review, we highlight the key role played by the immunobiology of vector saliva in shaping the outcome of vector-borne diseases and discuss the value of studying diseases in the light of intimate cross talk among the pathogen, the vector saliva, and the host immune mechanisms.(AU)

Celulite juvenil canina – relato de caso / Canine juvenile cellulite - case report

A celulite canina juvenil é uma afecção rara, que acomete, em sua maioria, filhotes entre três semanas e seis meses de idade, cuja patogênese não está completamente elucidada; entretanto, pressupõe-se estar relacionada à falha imunológica e a reações à vacina polivalente, podendo ocorrer predisposição racial. Como manifestações clínicas, o cão apresenta pápulas, pústulas, alopecia, edema, eritema, crostas e cicatrizes, especialmente em pálpebras, lábios e focinhos, sendo também acometido o pavilhão auricular. Além dessas alterações dermatológicas, nota-se linfoadenomegalia regional. O diagnóstico se baseia em exclusão de dermatopatias que mimetizam o quadro clínico, e o tratamento precisa ser realizado de forma precoce e adequada, normalmente se utilizando doses altas de glicocorticoides. Quando iniciada a terapia precoce, o prognóstico é bom, embora as cicatrizes possam ser permanentes. No presente estudo, foi relatado um caso de filhote fêma mestiça de poodle, que começou a apresentar sinais de otite purulenta, lesões edemaciadas, crostosas e supurativas em região periocular, perilabial, mentoniana, pápulas e pústula em pavilhão auricular, linfoadenomegalia de linfonodos submandibulares e poplíteos, sendo que os sintomas começaram após aplicação da vacina polivalente canina. Foi iniciado tratamento à base de glicocorticoide e, devido à resposta rápida à terapia, foi iniciado desmame da medicação, quando a paciente teve quadro de recidiva, que se resolveu após reajustes terapêuticos.

Canine juvenile cellulitis is a rare condition that affects, in its majority, puppies between three weeks and six months of age, whose pathogenesis has not been completely elucidated; however, it is assumed to be related to immunological failure and reactions to the polyvalent vaccine, which may lead to racial predisposition. As clinical manifestations, the dog presents papules, pustules, alopecia, edema, erythema, crusts and scars, especially on the eyelids, lips and snouts, and the ear pinna is also affected. In addition to these dermatological changes, regional lymphadenomegaly is noted. Diagnosis is based on the exclusion of dermatopathies that mimic the clinical picture, and treatment needs to be carried out early and properly, usually using high doses of glucocorticoids. When therapy is started early, the prognosis is good, although scarring may be permanent. In the present study, a case of a crossbred female poodle pup was reported, which began to show signs of purulent otitis, swollen, crusty and suppurative lesions in the periocular, perilabial, mental region, papules and pustules in the pinna, lymphadenomegaly of submandibular lymph nodes and poplites, and the symptoms started after application of the polyvalent canine vaccine. Glucocorticoid-based treatment was started and, due to the rapid response to therapy, weaning from the medication was started, when the patient had a relapse, which resolved after therapeutic adjustments

Celulite juvenil canina relato de caso / Canine juvenile cellulite - case report

A celulite canina juvenil é uma afecção rara, que acomete, em sua maioria, filhotes entre três semanas e seis meses de idade, cuja patogênese não está completamente elucidada; entretanto, pressupõe-se estar relacionada à falha imunológica e a reações à vacina polivalente, podendo ocorrer predisposição racial. Como manifestações clínicas, o cão apresenta pápulas, pústulas, alopecia, edema, eritema, crostas e cicatrizes, especialmente em pálpebras, lábios e focinhos, sendo também acometido o pavilhão auricular. Além dessas alterações dermatológicas, nota-se linfoadenomegalia regional. O diagnóstico se baseia em exclusão de dermatopatias que mimetizam o quadro clínico, e o tratamento precisa ser realizado de forma precoce e adequada, normalmente se utilizando doses altas de glicocorticoides. Quando iniciada a terapia precoce, o prognóstico é bom, embora as cicatrizes possam ser permanentes. No presente estudo, foi relatado um caso de filhote fêma mestiça de poodle, que começou a apresentar sinais de otite purulenta, lesões edemaciadas, crostosas e supurativas em região periocular, perilabial, mentoniana, pápulas e pústula em pavilhão auricular, linfoadenomegalia de linfonodos submandibulares e poplíteos, sendo que os sintomas começaram após aplicação da vacina polivalente canina. Foi iniciado tratamento à base de glicocorticoide e, devido à resposta rápida à terapia, foi iniciado desmame da medicação, quando a paciente teve quadro de recidiva, que se resolveu após reajustes terapêuticos.(AU)

Canine juvenile cellulitis is a rare condition that affects, in its majority, puppies between three weeks and six months of age, whose pathogenesis has not been completely elucidated; however, it is assumed to be related to immunological failure and reactions to the polyvalent vaccine, which may lead to racial predisposition. As clinical manifestations, the dog presents papules, pustules, alopecia, edema, erythema, crusts and scars, especially on the eyelids, lips and snouts, and the ear pinna is also affected. In addition to these dermatological changes, regional lymphadenomegaly is noted. Diagnosis is based on the exclusion of dermatopathies that mimic the clinical picture, and treatment needs to be carried out early and properly, usually using high doses of glucocorticoids. When therapy is started early, the prognosis is good, although scarring may be permanent. In the present study, a case of a crossbred female poodle pup was reported, which began to show signs of purulent otitis, swollen, crusty and suppurative lesions in the periocular, perilabial, mental region, papules and pustules in the pinna, lymphadenomegaly of submandibular lymph nodes and poplites, and the symptoms started after application of the polyvalent canine vaccine. Glucocorticoid-based treatment was started and, due to the rapid response to therapy, weaning from the medication was started, when the patient had a relapse, which resolved after therapeutic adjustments(AU)

Reverse vaccinology and subtractive genomics approaches for identifying common therapeutics against Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis

Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis are gram-positive bacterial pathogens and the causative agents of leprosy in humans across the world. The elimination of leprosy cannot be achieved by multidrug therapy alone, and highlights the need for new tools and drugs to prevent the emergence of new resistant strains. Methods In this study, our contribution includes the prediction of vaccine targets and new putative drugs against leprosy, using reverse vaccinology and subtractive genomics. Six strains of Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis (4 and 2 strains, respectively) were used for comparison taking Mycobacterium leprae strain TN as the reference genome. Briefly, we used a combined reverse vaccinology and subtractive genomics approach. Results As a result, we identified 12 common putative antigenic proteins as vaccine targets and three common drug targets against Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Furthermore, the docking analysis using 28 natural compounds with three drug targets was done. Conclusions The bis-naphthoquinone compound Diospyrin (CID 308140) obtained from indigenous plant Diospyros spp. showed the most favored binding affinity against predicted drug targets, which can be a candidate therapeutic target in the future against leprosy.(AU)