Identification of management factors associated with glanders's occurrence in equids in Brazilian Northeast region / Identificação dos fatores de manejo associados à ocorrência do Mormo em equídeos no Nordeste do Brasil

ABSTRACT: Glanders is a contagious zoonotic infectious disease characterized by an acute or chronic condition that mainly affects equids and is caused by Burkholderia (B.) mallei. From January 2005 to December 2017, 697 farms with positive cases of this disease were registered in Brazil, with the Northeast region accounting for 61.4% (428/697) of the total number of cases. This study conducted an epidemiological study of B. mallei infections that occurred in farms in the states of Pernambuco, Paraíba, Ceará and Alagoas. For this purpose, investigative questionnaires were applied to six farms where there were outbreaks of glanders and 11 farms where there were no reports of glanders between 2017 and 2021, and statistical analysis of the factors associated with the occurrence of glanders in Northeastern Brazil was performed. Factors such as the purpose of rearing (P = 0.023), lack of information on disease transmission modes (P = 0.034), failure to carry out periodic tests for glanders diagnosis (P = 0,029), no request for glanders tests prior to the purchase of new animals periodic tests for glanders diagnosis (P = 0.029), not requiring a negative test for glanders in the acquisition of animals (P = 0.06), use of extensive breeding systems(P = 0.027), and poor stall hygiene were associated with disease occurrence (P = 0.001). Understanding the factors related to the occurrence of glanders in the Northeast Region of Brazil helps to establish management measures that minimize bacteria transmission, thereby reducing the number of cases in the region and economic losses associated with glanders.

RESUMO: O mormo é uma doença infectocontagiosa, zoonótica, de caráter agudo ou crônico, que acomete principalmente os equídeos, causado por Burkholderia (B.) mallei. De janeiro de 2005 até dezembro de 2017, 697 focos da doença foram registrados no Brasil, sendo que a região Nordeste detém 61,4% (428/697) do total de focos. Objetivou-se realizar um estudo epidemiológico da infecção por Burkholderia mallei em propriedades nos estados de Pernambuco, Paraíba, Ceará e Alagoas. Para tal foi aplicado questionário investigativo em seis fazendas onde houve caso de Mormo e 11 fazendas em que não houve relato entre 2007 e 2011 e realizada análise estatística dos fatores de manejo associados à ocorrência do Mormo no Nordeste do Brasil. Observou-se associação significativa para as seguintes variáveis: objetivo da criação (comércio, esporte e trabalho nas fazendas) (P = 0,023); ausência de informação sobre as formas de transmissão da bactéria (P = 0,034); não realização de exames periódicos para o diagnóstico do mormo (P = 0,029); exigência de exame negativo na compra de equinos (P = 0,06); utilização do sistema de criação extensivo (P = 0,027) e deficiência de higienização das baias (P = 001). Os resultados obtidos devem ser utilizados na implementação de medidas de manejo que minimizem o risco de transmissão da bactéria, reduzindo os casos da doença na região e as perdas econômicas com o mormo.

Identification of management factors associated with glanders's occurrence in equids in Brazilian Northeast region / Identificação dos fatores de manejo associados à ocorrência do Mormo em equídeos no Nordeste do Brasil

Glanders is a contagious zoonotic infectious disease characterized by an acute or chronic condition that mainly affects equids and is caused by Burkholderia (B.) mallei. From January 2005 to December 2017, 697 farms with positive cases of this disease were registered in Brazil, with the Northeast region accounting for 61.4% (428/697) of the total number of cases. This study conducted an epidemiological study of B. mallei infections that occurred in farms in the states of Pernambuco, Paraíba, Ceará and Alagoas. For this purpose, investigative questionnaires were applied to six farms where there were outbreaks of glanders and 11 farms where there were no reports of glanders between 2017 and 2021, and statistical analysis of the factors associated with the occurrence of glanders in Northeastern Brazil was performed. Factors such as the purpose of rearing (P = 0.023), lack of information on disease transmission modes (P = 0.034), failure to carry out periodic tests for glanders diagnosis (P = 0,029), no request for glanders tests prior to the purchase of new animals periodic tests for glanders diagnosis (P = 0.029), not requiring a negative test for glanders in the acquisition of animals (P = 0.06), use of extensive breeding systems(P = 0.027), and poor stall hygiene were associated with disease occurrence (P = 0.001). Understanding the factors related to the occurrence of glanders in the Northeast Region of Brazil helps to establish management measures that minimize bacteria transmission, thereby reducing the number of cases in the region and economic losses associated with glanders.

O mormo é uma doença infectocontagiosa, zoonótica, de caráter agudo ou crônico, que acomete principalmente os equídeos, causado por Burkholderia (B.) mallei. De janeiro de 2005 até dezembro de 2017, 697 focos da doença foram registrados no Brasil, sendo que a região Nordeste detém 61,4% (428/697) do total de focos. Objetivou-se realizar um estudo epidemiológico da infecção por Burkholderia mallei em propriedades nos estados de Pernambuco, Paraíba, Ceará e Alagoas. Para tal foi aplicado questionário investigativo em seis fazendas onde houve caso de Mormo e 11 fazendas em que não houve relato entre 2007 e 2011 e realizada análise estatística dos fatores de manejo associados à ocorrência do Mormo no Nordeste do Brasil. Observou-se associação significativa para as seguintes variáveis: objetivo da criação (comércio, esporte e trabalho nas fazendas) (P = 0,023); ausência de informação sobre as formas de transmissão da bactéria (P = 0,034); não realização de exames periódicos para o diagnóstico do mormo (P = 0,029); exigência de exame negativo na compra de equinos (P = 0,06); utilização do sistema de criação extensivo (P = 0,027) e deficiência de higienização das baias (P = 001). Os resultados obtidos devem ser utilizados na implementação de medidas de manejo que minimizem o risco de transmissão da bactéria, reduzindo os casos da doença na região e as perdas econômicas com o mormo.

Antiparasitic action of ivermectin, moxidectin and piperazine against Parascaris spp. in foals at southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Ação antiparasitária de Ivermectina, Moxidectina e Piperazina contra Parascaris spp. em potros no sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Parascaris spp. are the most dangerous parasites of foals, and their presence is related to poor growth, weight loss, colics and death after impaction or intestinal perforation.The reduction in the effectiveness of antiparasitics has become a serious threat to animal health and there is little prospect of the emergence of a new anthelmintic for horses. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of active principles used in the control of ascarids in Creole foals, in a ownership located in the south of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The Gordon and Whitlock technique was used on 12 samples of foal faeces that were collected on the date of administration of the antiparasitic and 14 days afterwards. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the active principles was carried out through the Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT). All the anthelmintics used failed against Parascaris spp. and therefore should not be used to control infections caused by these helminths in the population studied. In addition, generalized resistance of ascarids to avermectins was observed. The results also show that other management practices should be implemented on the ownership, in an attempt to reduce infections by these helminths.

Parascaris spp. são os parasitas mais perigosos dos potros e estão relacionados ao baixo crescimento, perda de peso, cólicas e morte após impactação ou perfuração intestinal. A redução da eficácia dos antiparasitários tornou-se uma séria ameaça à saúde animal e há poucas perspectivas de surgimento de um novo anti-helmíntico para equinos. Portanto, objetivou-se avaliar a eficácia dos princípios ativos utilizados no controle de ascarídeos em potros crioulos, em uma propriedade localizada no sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram utilizados os resultados da técnica de Gordon e Whitlock de 12 amostras de fezes de potros, que foram coletadas na data da administração do antiparasitário e 14 dias após. A avaliação da eficácia dos princípios ativos foi realizada por meio do Teste de Redução de Contagem de Ovos nas Fezes (TRCOF). Todos os anti-helmínticos utilizados falharam contra Parascaris spp. e não devem ser usados para controlar as infecções desses helmintos na população estudada, além disso, há uma resistência generalizada dos ascarídeos contra as avermectinas. Os resultados também mostram que outras práticas de manejo devem ser implementadas na propriedade, na tentativa de reduzir as infecções por esses helmintos.

Historical highlights regarding glanders, from 2007 to 2017, in the state of Maranhão, Brazil / Destaques históricos do mormo, de 2007 a 2017, no estado do Maranhão, Brasil

Glanders is an infectious disease of equids caused by Burkholderia mallei, a facultative intracellular non-mobile Gram-negative bacterium that can be transmitted to other animals and humans. This study described glanders cases reported in the state of Maranhão, located within an Amazon-Cerrado transition region in northeastern Brazil, from 2007 to 2017. A database in an electronic spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel 2010) was developed containing information on the number of positive animals according to age, sex, purpose, year and month, municipality and mesoregion of origin of the animal. The descriptive analyzis was performed on data provided by the State Agency for Agricultural and Livestock Protection of the state of Maranhão (AGED), and by the official private laboratory. As the database did not have information data about negative animals, possible risk factors could not be evaluated. Among the total of 62,555 equids were evaluated by means of the complement fixation test (CFT), 59,036 were horses, 2,981 mules and 538 donkeys. Thirty-five samples (0.06%) reacted in the CFT. Five additional samples were by the western blot technique and three of them were positive. All the reactive horses (Equuscaballus) were from rural areas. Results presented here indicate that glanders may be endemic in the state of Maranhão and is a public health concern.

O mormo é uma doença infecciosa de equídeos causada por Burkholderia mallei, uma bactéria Gram-negativa intracelular, não móvel e facultativa que pode ser transmitida a outros animais e humanos. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os casos de mormo relatados no estado do Maranhão, em uma região de transição Amazônia-Cerrado do Nordeste do Brasil, no período de 2007 a 2017. Um banco de dados em uma planilha eletrônica (Microsoft Excel 2010) foi desenvolvido contendo informações sobre o número de animais positivos de acordo com a idade, sexo, finalidade, ano, mês, municípios e mesorregiões de origem do animal. A análise descritiva foi realizada sobre os dados fornecidos pela Agência Estadual de Defesa Agropecuária do Estado do Maranhão (AGED), e pelo laboratório privado oficial. Como o banco de dados não possui informações sobre animais negativos, possíveis fatores de risco não puderam ser avaliados. Entre o total de 62.555 equídeos foram avaliados com o teste de fixação do complemento (CFT), 59.036 eram cavalos, 2.981 mulas e 538 jumentos. Trinta e cinco (0,06%) amostras reagiram ao CFT. Cinco amostras adicionais foram testadas pela técnica de western blot e três foram positivas. Todos os animais positivos foram cavalos (Equus caballus) da área rural. Os resultados indicam que o mormo pode ser endêmico no estado do Maranhão e uma preocupação de saúde pública.

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in horses associated to pituitary adenoma / Disfunção da pars intermedia da hipófise em equinos associado a adenoma pituitário

The clinical syndrome of the pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is the most common endocrinopathy of older horses. This syndrome is characterized by several clinical and pathological changes, which are usually associated with adenomas of the pars intermedia (PI) of the pituitary gland. The aim of this work is to describe five cases of pituitary adenoma of the PI associated with PPID in horses, addressing its clinical and pathological aspects. The horses had a mean of 22 years of age. The main clinical signs were hirsutism and paresis of hind limbs, and at post mortem examination all horses had hirsutism, and a nodule in the pituitary gland, which was histologically characterized as an adenoma of PI (5/5). Furthermore, two horses had gross lesions suggestive of chronic laminitis. Moreover, there was intense parasitism of Sarcocystis neurona (2/5), Strongylus vulgaris (1/5), Parascaris equorum (1/5), Draschia megastoma (1/5), and Klossiella equi (1/5).

A síndrome clínica da disfunção da pars intermedia da hipófise (PPID) é a endocrinopatia mais comum em cavalos idosos. Essa síndrome é caracterizada por várias alterações clínicas e patológicas, geralmente associadas a adenomas da pars intermedia (PI) da hipófise. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever cinco casos de adenoma hipofisário de PI associado a PPID em equinos, abordando seus aspectos clínicos e patológicos. Os cavalos apresentaram média de 22 anos de idade. Os principais sinais clínicos incluíam hirsutismo e paresia dos membros pélvicos, e no exame post mortem todos os equinos apresentavam hirsutismo e um nódulo na glândula pituitária, que foi histologicamente caracterizada como um adenoma de PI (5/5). Além disso, dois cavalos tinham lesões macroscópicas sugestivas de laminite crônica. Ainda, havia intenso parasitismo de Sarcocystis neurona (2/5), Strongylus vulgaris (1/5), Parascaris equorum (1/5), Draschia megastoma (1/5) e Klossiella equi (1/5).

Seroepidemiology of leptospirosis in horses from Santarém, Pará / Soroepidemiologia de leptospirose em equinos da região de Santarém, Pará

Leptospirosis is an endemic zoonotic disease that is distributed worldwide, which has the potential to have health and economic impacts. Leptospira spp. is spiral-shaped and capable of infecting mammals, including horses, which may result in asymptomatic or clinical forms. Therefore, the current study aimed to analyze the frequency of anti-Leptospira antibodies in serum samples from horses from Santarém, Pará, Brazil. For that purpose, 88 blood samples from horses without a history of leptospirosis vaccination were serologically evaluated through the microscopic agglutination technique (MAT) with a 13 serovars, belonging to ten different serogroups. There were 58 samples that were seropositive (65.90%), which included 28 samples seropositive for Pyrogenes (48.3%), 24 for Autumnalis (41.4%), 18 for Icterohaemorrhagiae (31.0%), and 16 for Grippotyphosa (27.6%). Even without clinical suspicion of leptospirosis or a history of vaccination, the horses showed different frequency of seropositivity. Considering the well-known impact of leptospirosis in human and animal health, our results are important to establish preventive measures to reduce the economic loss in equine production as well as a reduction in public health risk.

Leptospira spp. é a bactéria causadora da leptospirose, uma doença endêmica, distribuída mundialmente, de caráter zoonótico responsável por gerar impacto sanitário e também econômico. Esse microrganismo, com característica espiralada, infecta mamíferos, dentre eles, os equinos. Estes animais, podem apresentar a doença na forma assintomáticos ou clínica. Desta forma, o atual estudo objetivou analisar amostras equinas na região de Santarém- Pará. Analisou-se 88 amostras de animais que não apresentavam histórico de vacinação contra a leptospirose, através da técnica da Microaglutinação Microscópica (MAT), utilizando um painel de13 sorovares, pertencentes a dez diferentes sorogrupos. Desses animais, 58 foram soropositivos (65,90%), distribuídos em 28 (48,3%) amostras soro reagentes para Pyrogenes, 24 (41,4%) para Autumnalis, 18 (31%) para Icterohaemorrhagiae e 16 (27,6%) para Grippotyphosa. Mesmo não havendo suspeita de leptospirose, os animais apresentaram diferentes frequências sorológicas. Considerando-se o conhecido impacto da leptospirose na saúde humana e animal, nossos resultados apontam que é de suma importância estabelecer medidas de prevenção para reduzir perdas econômicas e não oferecer riscos à saúde pública.

Cardiorespiratory/sedative effects of a peptide identified in crotalic venom compared to acepromazine and xylazine in horses / Efeitos cardiorrespiratórios/sedativos de um peptídeo identificado no veneno crotálico comparado à acepromazina e à xilazina em equinos

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether intravenous crotalphine produces significant sedation, as well as physiological changes, in healthy standing horses. Six mares, aged 8 years and weighing 415kg underwent three different treatments in a crossover design: TA (acepromazine: 50µg.kg-1), TC (crotalphine: 0.01µg.kg-1) and TX (xylazine: 1000µg.kg-1), intravenously. At various time points over 60 minutes, physiologic variables were recorded: heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature. The head height from the ground (HHG) was evaluated in centimeters. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test or Friedman followed by Dunn's test, under 5% significance. Heart rate decreased significantly at M5 and M10 compared with Mb in TX (28±7, 26±6 and 40±8 beats/minute-1, respectively; p=0.0004). Respiratory rate and rectal temperature did not differ among groups or time points. The HHG significantly decreased in all groups compared with Mb at various time points (p<0.0001). In conclusion, crotalphine did not produce reliable and durable sedation in healthy standing mares and did not influence cardiorespiratory variables in a clinically relevant manner.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar se a administração de crotalfina intravenosa produz sedação significativa e alterações fisiológicas em equinos saudáveis. Seis éguas, idade média de oito anos e peso médio de 415kg, foram submetidas a três tratamentos distintos: TA (acepromazina: 50µg/kg), TC (crotalfina: 0,01µg/kg) e TX xilazina: 1000µg/kg), por via intravenosa. Em vários momentos, ao de longo de 60 minutos, as variáveis fisiológicas registradas foram frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória e temperatura retal. A altura de cabeça ao solo (ACS) foi avaliada em centímetros. Os dados foram analisados pela ANOVA, seguida pelo teste de Dunnett ou de Friedman e, depois, pelo teste de Dunn, sob 5% de significância. A frequência cardíaca diminuiu significativamente em M5 e M10 em comparação com Mb em TX (28±7, 26±6 e 40±8 bpm, respectivamente; P=0,0004). A frequência respiratória e a temperatura retal não diferiram entre os grupos ou os pontos de tempo. O HHG diminuiu significativamente em todos os grupos em comparação com Mb em vários momentos (P <0,0001). Em conclusão, a crotalfina não produziu sedação confiável e durável em éguas saudáveis e não influenciou as variáveis cardiorrespiratórias de maneira clinicamente relevante.

Reactivity against Sarcocystis neurona and Sarcocystis falcatula-like in horses from Southeastern and Midwestern Brazil / Reatividade contra Sarcocystis neurona e Sarcocystis falcatula-like em equinos das regiões Sudeste e Centro-Oeste do Brasil

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a neurological disease caused by Sarcocystis neurona. Immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFATs) have been widely used to identify exposure of horses to S. neurona in Brazil. Here we used IFAT to search for IgG antibodies against Sarcocystis falcatula-like (Dal-CG23) and S. neurona (SN138) in sera from 342 horses sampled in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul state (Midwestern), and São Paulo, São Paulo state (Southeastern), Brazil. The 1:25 cutoff value was chosen to maximize sensitivity of the test. IgG antibodies against S. neurona were detected in 239 horses (69.88%), whereas IgG antibodies against S. falcatula-like were detected in 177 horses (51.75%). Sera from 132 horses (38.59%) reacted against both isolates. Absence of reactivity was evidenced in 58/342 horses (16.95%). The lower cutoff used, and the presence of opossums infected with S. falcatula-like and Sarcocystis spp. in the regions where the horses were sampled, might justify the high seroprevalence observed here. Owing to the similarity among antigens targeted in immunoassays, reports on S. neurona-seropositive horses in Brazil may also derive from the exposure of horses to other Sarcocystis species. The role of other Sarcocystis species in causing neurological diseases in horses in Brazil remains unclear.(AU)

Mieloencefalite protozoária equina (MPE) é uma doença neurológica causada por Sarcocystis neurona. Reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) tem sido utilizada para identificar a exposição de equinos à S. neurona no Brasil. Neste estudo, a RIFI foi utilizada para avaliar a presença de anticorpos IgG anti-Sarcocystis falcatula-like (Dal-CG23) e anti-S. neurona (SN138) no soro de 342 equinos de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul (Centro-oeste) e São Paulo, São Paulo (Sudeste), Brasil. O ponto de corte de 1:25 foi escolhido para maximizar a sensibilidade. Anticorpos IgG anti-S. neurona foram detectados em 239 cavalos (69,88%), enquanto anticorpos IgG anti-S. falcatula-like foram detectados em 177 cavalos (51,75%). O soro de 132 animais (38,59%) reagiu contra ambos os isolados. A ausência de reatividade foi evidenciada em 58/342 animais (16,95%). O baixo ponto de corte e a presença de gambás infectados com S. falcatula-like e Sarcocystis spp., nas regiões onde os equinos foram amostrados podem justificar a alta soroprevalência aqui observada. Devido à similaridade entre antígenos de superfície detectados nos imunoensaios, relatos de soropositividade contra S. neurona no Brasil podem resultar da exposição dos equinos a outras espécies de Sarcocystis. O papel de outras espécies de Sarcocystis como causa de doença neurológica em equinos no Brasil permanece incerto.(AU)

Clinical and epidemiological findings of cecal disorders in horses in the state of Paraíba / Achados clínicos e epidemiológicos dos distúrbios cecais em cavalos no estado da Paraíba

This was a retrospective case study of colic syndrome of cecal origin in 159 horses treated at a reference Veterinary Center between June 2015 and July 2021. The data studied were breed, age, sex, clinical examinations of the initial emergency care, treatment protocols (clinical and/or surgical) and resolution (hospital discharge, euthanasia or death). It was observed that 7.55% (n = 12) of the cases corresponded to colic syndrome of cecal origin, where 75% (n = 9) had heart rate within the physiological range for the species, as well as 50% (n = 6) for capillary refill time values, 33.33% (n = 4) for pink mucosa, 41.67% (n = 5) for rectal temperature, and 16.67% (n = 2) on abdominal auscultation. In 58.34% (n = 7) of patients, pain could be controlled with analgesics, with recurrence in 41.67% (n = 5). All treated cases were cecal impaction, where 58.33% (n = 7) ruptured the cecum. In 75% (n = 9) of the cases, surgical treatment was performed. Regarding the general resolution of cases, 41.67% (n = 5) of the animals were discharged. Therefore, it is concluded that despite the increase in the diagnosis of colic of cecal origin, this disease is still rare (7.55%) and has a high potential for death since there are few clinical alterations, making its early diagnosis difficult.(AU)

Este foi um estudo retrospectivo dos casos de síndrome cólica de origem cecal em 159 cavalos atendidos em um Centro Veterinário de referência entre junho de 2015 e julho de 2021. Os dados estudados foram raça, idade, sexo, exames clínicos do atendimento inicial de emergência, protocolos de tratamento (clínico e/ou cirúrgica) e resolução (alta hospitalar, eutanásia ou óbito). Observou-se que 7,55% (n = 12) dos casos correspondiam à síndrome cólica de origem cecal, onde 75% (n = 9) apresentavam frequência cardíaca dentro da faixa fisiológica para a espécie, assim como 50% (n = 6) para valores de tempo de enchimento capilar, 33,33% (n = 4) para mucosa rosada, 41,67% (n = 5) para temperatura retal e 16,67% (n = 2) para ausculta abdominal. Em 58,34% (n = 7) dos pacientes, a dor pôde ser controlada com analgésicos, com recidiva em 41,67% (n = 5). Todos os casos tratados foram de impactação cecal, onde 58,33% (n = 7) romperam o ceco. Em 75% (n = 9) dos casos, o tratamento cirúrgico foi realizado. Em relação à resolução geral dos casos, 41,67% (n = 5) dos animais tiveram alta. Portanto, conclui-se que apesar do aumento do diagnóstico de cólica de origem cecal, esta enfermidade ainda é rara (7,55%) e apresenta um alto potencial de óbito visto que há poucas alterações clínicas dificultando seu diagnóstico precoce.(AU)

Occurrence of Salmonella spp. in fecal samples from foals with and without diarrhea in the state of São Paulo: microbiological diagnosis, antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and molecular detection / Ocorrência de Salmonella spp. em amostras fecais de potros com e sem diarreia no estado de São Paulo: diagnóstico microbiológico, perfil de susceptibilidade aos antimicrobianos e detecção molecular

ABSTRACT: The present study investigated Salmonella spp. in the feces of 200 foals up to one year of age (100 with clinical signs of diarrhea and 100 without clinical signs of diarrhea). Bacteriological culture, serotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility, and real-time PCR (qPCR SYBR® Green or a TaqMan®) for detecting the invA gene (with and without a selective pre-enrichment step in tetrathionate broth) were performed. Bacterial culture revealed 15% (n=30) of positive animals (21 animals with diarrhea and nine without diarrhea). Among the 30 isolates, 13 different serovars were identified: S. Infantis, S. Minnesota, S. I.4,5,12:i:-; S. Anatum, S. Cerro, S. Oranienburg, S. Braenderup, S. Give, S. Newport, S. IIIb 61:c:z35, S. 109:-:1.5, S. I.4.12:d:-, S. I.6.8:-:-. Multidrug resistance was found in 43.33% (n=13) of the isolates, with one isolate obtained from animals without diarrhea and 12 isolates from animals with diarrhea. All qPCR techniques used in the study classified more samples as positive for Salmonella spp. than the bacterial culture of feces. In addition, all qPCR techniques detected more positive animals in the diarrhea group than in the diarrhea-free group. The results confirm the utility of the qPCR method without the pre-enrichment step in tetrathionate as a rapid test for Salmonella spp. in carrier animals. In animals with clinical signs of diarrhea, it can be combined with bacterial culture (antimicrobial susceptibility testing and serotyping). The isolation of Salmonella spp. in nine animals without diarrhea confirms the importance of asymptomatic carrier animals in the epidemiology of the disease. The multidrug resistance observed highlights the importance of rational antimicrobial use in horses and adopting biosecurity protocols that are efficacious in controlling the spread of infections between animals and zoonotic transmission in farms.

RESUMO: O presente estudo investigou a ocorrência de Salmonella spp. em fezes de 200 potros com até um ano de idade (100 com sinais clínicos de diarreia e 100 sem sinais clínicos de diarreia), utilizando as técnicas de cultivo bacteriológico e PCR em tempo real (qPCR) pelos métodos de corante fluorescente (SYBR® Green) e sonda específica (Taqman®) para a detecção do gene invA com e sem etapa de pré-enriquecimento seletivo em caldo de tetrationato. O cultivo bacteriológico revelou 15% (n=30) de animais positivos (21 animais com diarreia e nove animais sem diarreia). Dentre esses 30 isolados, 13 sorovares diferentes foram identificados: S. Infantis, S. Minnesota, S. I.4,5,12:i:-; S. Anatum, S. Cerro, S. Oranienburg, S. Braenderup, S. Give, S. Newport, S. IIIb 61:c:z35, S. 109:-:1.5, S. I.4.12:d:-, S. I.6.8:-:-. Multirresistência foi constatada em 43,33% (n=13) dos isolados, sendo um isolado obtido de animal sem diarreia e 12 isolados de animais com diarreia. Todas as técnicas de qPCR empregadas no estudo apresentaram maior número de amostras classificadas como positivas para Salmonella spp. comparadas ao cultivo bacteriológico de fezes. Adicionalmente, em todas as técnicas de qPCR houve maior número de animais detectados como positivos no grupo de animais com diarreia em relação aos animais sem diarreia. Os resultados confirmaram a utilidade do método qPCR sem a etapa de pré-enriquecimento em tetrationato, como um teste rápido para detecção de Salmonella spp. em animais portadores ou em animais com sinais clínicos de diarreia. O cultivo bacteriológico deve ser associado para a realização do teste de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos e sorotipificação. O isolamento de Salmonella spp. em nove animais sem diarreia, confirma a importância dos animais portadores assintomáticos na epidemiologia da doença. A multirresistência observada evidencia a importância do uso racional de antimicrobianos em equinos e a importância da adoção de protocolos de biossegurança que sejam eficazes para controlar a disseminação de infecções entre animais e a transmissão zoonótica nas fazendas.

Genetic identification, clinical and epidemiological aspects of an equine infectious anemia outbreak in the Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil / Identificação genética, aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos de um foco de anemia infecciosa equina no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

The study describes the genetic identification, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics of an outbreak of equine infectious anemia occurring in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Three animals kept in the periurban region of Uruguaiana city tested positive for the AGID test. The serology was performed as a requirement for transit. None of the animals showed clinical signs of infection, one animal was necropsied, and the others were stolen. In the post-mortem examination, no macroscopic changes were observed, and microscopically, discrete hemosiderosis was detected in fragments of the liver and spleen. Amplifying and sequencing a proviral DNA fragment in blood, spleen, and mesenteric lymph node samples confirmed EIAV infection. Phylogenetic analysis of the first sequenced EIAV sample from the Rio Grande do Sul State indicates a high similarity with other Brazilian samples. Results confirmed the viral presence in the state's herds and described epidemiological and virological characteristics of EIA that contribute to the maintenance and dissemination of the virus in herds.

O estudo descreve a identificação genética, as características clínicas e epidemiológicas de um foco de Anemia Infecciosa Equina que ocorreu no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Três equinos criados na região periurbana da cidade de Uruguaiana testaram positivos pela prova sorológica de IDGA. O exame foi realizado como requerimento para trânsito dos animais. Nenhum animal apresentava sinais clínicos da infecção, um cavalo foi necropsiado e os outros dois foram roubados. Na necropsia não obsevou-se nenhuma alteração e microscopicamente foi constatada hemosiderose discreta em fragmento do fígado e baço. A infecção foi confirmada pela amplificação e sequenciamento de um segmento do genoma pró-viral do EIAV de amostras do sangue, baço e linfonodo mesentérico. A análise filogenética do primeiro EIAV sequenciado no Estado do RS indica similaridade com outras amostras que circulam no Brasil. O resultado confirma a presença do vírus no rebanho equino da região e descreve características clínicas e epidemiológicas que contribuem para a manutenção e disseminação do vírus no rebanho.

Growth predictability models in Mangalarga marchador horses / Modelos de previsibilidade de crescimento em cavalos Mangalarga marchador

This study evaluated the suitability of the Brody, logistic, and quadratic response plateau models to describe chest and cannon girth data obtained cross-sectionally in Mangalarga Marchador horses, in order to select the best model and predict the growth and maturity of males and females of this breed. Data were collected from 230 horses aged 6 to 176 months, divided by sex and age (16 age classes). The studied models were compared according to each quality evaluator by computing the adjusted coefficient of determination (R²adj) and residual standard deviation (RSD) with R statistical software. The chest girths obtained by the models ranged from 172.06 (males) to 181.50 cm (females) (Brody), 172.51 (males) to 181.89 cm (females) (logistic), and 177.67 (males) to 183.09 cm (females) (plateau). For cannon girth, the values were 18.18 (females) to 19.33 cm (males) (Brody), 18.11 (females) to 19.41 cm (males) (logistic), and 18.70 (females) to 19.40 cm (males) (plateau). The logistic model was best suited to describe the growth in chest girth of male and female Mangalarga Marchador horses. For cannon girth growth, the model best suited for males was the logistic model, and the one best suited for females was the Brody model.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o ajuste dos modelos Brody, Logístico e Platô de resposta quadrática aos dados de perímetros torácico e de canela em equinos Mangalarga Marchador obtidos pelo método transversal, a fim de selecionar o melhor modelo e predizer sobre o crescimento e a maturidade de machos e fêmeas desta raça. Foram utilizados dados de 230 equinos de seis a 176 meses de idade que foram divididos por sexo e em 16 classes de idade. Os modelos estudados foram comparados segundo os avaliadores de qualidade: coeficiente de determinação ajustado (R²adj) e desvio padrão residual (DPR), utilizando-se o software estatístico R. Os perímetros torácicos obtidos pelos modelos variaram de 172,06 a 181,50 cm (Brody), 172,51 a 181,89 cm (Logístico) e 183,09 a 177,67 cm (Platô) para fêmeas e machos, respectivamente. Para o perímetro de canela os valores variaram de 18,18 a 19,33 cm (Brody), 18,11 a 19,41 cm (Logístico) e 18,70 a 19,40 cm (Platô) para fêmeas e machos, respectivamente. O modelo logístico é mais indicado para expressar o crescimento em perímetro torácico de machos e fêmeas da raça Mangalarga Marchador. Já para a variável perímetro de canela, o modelo mais indicado para os machos foi o modelo Logístico e para as fêmeas o modelo de Brody.

Streptococcus spp. in equines - infection and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles

Background: Empirical antimicrobial prescribing is commonly used in equine veterinary. Therefore, professionals can obtain information about antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the bacterial strains based on veterinary literature. Considering equine infections, Streptococcus spp. are important pathogens that can cause serious damage in horses. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and infection profiles of Streptococcus spp. strains isolated from equines with infectious diseases subjected to microbiological analysis. Materials, Methods & Results: Veterinarians sent 13 samples and culture in Blood and MacConkey Agar were performed. After the incubation period, suspected colonies, which showed significative growth, were analyzed by Gram-staining, biochemical tests, and subjected to confirmatory identification in Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry. In vitro AST analysis were performed by disc diffusion method, in accordance with the veterinarians' request. The antimicrobials tested in this study were: ceftiofur, gentamicin, ampicillin, enrofloxacin, amikacin, penicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, vancomycin and metronidazole. The samples included uterine exudate, hock fistula, osteosynthesis exudate, exudate from the guttural pouch, and were originated from animals located in different and distant geographical regions in the cities of Porto Alegre, Pelotas, and Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus equi and Streptococcus thoraltensis were the Streptococcus species identified in the samples. S. dysgalactiae was the mainly species found in the uterus samples, while S. thoraltensis, an unusual Streptococcus species, was identified as etiological agent of endometritis in 2 of the analyzed animals. On the other hand, S. equi was found in both the guttural pouch, representing the etiological agent of the strangle case, and in the osteosynthesis exudate, as infectious agent of post-osteosynthesis surgery. The majority of streptococci strains were susceptible to ceftiofur drug. Amikacin and ciprofloxacin, however, were the drugs for which the strains were mainly resistant according to the results. Discussion: The present study provided the AST and infection profile of Streptococcus species related to equine infectious diseases. S. dysgalactiae is considered an unusual bacterium isolated from horses that can be related to endometritis, S. equi is the causative agent of strangles, and S. thoraltensis is unusual in equines. Generally, the observed susceptibility to ceftiofur of the strains analyzed was in agreement with previous results reported in the literature. However, ceftiofur is a third-generation cephalosporin and is considered a critically important antibiotic for human health and its use in veterinary medicine should be cautious. Considering the resistance profile found, Streptococcus spp. can be intrinsically resistant to low drug concentrations of aminoglycosides. Moreover, the emergence and spread of fluoroquinolones resistance may also be due to the acquisition of resistance via horizontal gene transfer. Therefore, the present study described both infection and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Streptococcus strains related to equine infectious diseases. Considering the findings, the results found in this study might contribute to the decision-making by veterinarians to further equine treatments.

Infecção pelo vírus da Febre do Nilo Ocidental em equinos no Estado de São Paulo / West Nile Fever virus infection in horses in São Paulo state, Brazil

Background: The West Nile virus (WNV) antibodies were reported in Brazil in the serum samples taken from horses andbirds in the Midwest region and Paraíba state in 2008 and 2013, respectively. In 2014, the first human case was confirmedin a rural worker in the state of Piauí and, in 2018, the virus was isolated from the central nervous system of a horse withnervous symptoms in the state of Espírito Santo. The virus is a member of the Flaviviridae family of the genus Flavivirus(neurotropic), infecting several mammalian species, with humans and horses being the most susceptible. Approximately35% of horses develop clinical signs, thus they are considered the best sentinels for this disease. The aim of this case reportis to describe the first confirmed cases of West Nile Fever (WNF) in two horses in the state of São Paulo.Cases: Two horses with neurological symptoms were treated at the Veterinary Hospital of Cruzeiro do Sul University (SãoPaulo, SP), in 2019. Both horses came from neighboring regions that have a large Atlantic Forest preservation area and arealso routes for migratory birds, known to be competent hosts for transmitting the West Nile Fever virus, such as the swallow,the falcon and the hawk. The first one had symptoms, such as weakness and sporadic seizures; however, after recovering,it was hospitalized a few days later due to kidney failure and laminitis. The second one showed incoordination, pelviclimb weakness, and was walking in circles, evolving to seizures. Both animals were euthanized, and their central nervoussystem samples and total blood samples were tested for rabies, herpes virus, and WNV; the first 2 tests showed negativeresults. Ribonucleic acids (RNA) were extracted from erythrocytes using the polymerase...

Infecção pelo vírus da Febre do Nilo Ocidental em equinos no Estado de São Paulo / West Nile Fever virus infection in horses in São Paulo state, Brazil

Background: The West Nile virus (WNV) antibodies were reported in Brazil in the serum samples taken from horses andbirds in the Midwest region and Paraíba state in 2008 and 2013, respectively. In 2014, the first human case was confirmedin a rural worker in the state of Piauí and, in 2018, the virus was isolated from the central nervous system of a horse withnervous symptoms in the state of Espírito Santo. The virus is a member of the Flaviviridae family of the genus Flavivirus(neurotropic), infecting several mammalian species, with humans and horses being the most susceptible. Approximately35% of horses develop clinical signs, thus they are considered the best sentinels for this disease. The aim of this case reportis to describe the first confirmed cases of West Nile Fever (WNF) in two horses in the state of São Paulo.Cases: Two horses with neurological symptoms were treated at the Veterinary Hospital of Cruzeiro do Sul University (SãoPaulo, SP), in 2019. Both horses came from neighboring regions that have a large Atlantic Forest preservation area and arealso routes for migratory birds, known to be competent hosts for transmitting the West Nile Fever virus, such as the swallow,the falcon and the hawk. The first one had symptoms, such as weakness and sporadic seizures; however, after recovering,it was hospitalized a few days later due to kidney failure and laminitis. The second one showed incoordination, pelviclimb weakness, and was walking in circles, evolving to seizures. Both animals were euthanized, and their central nervoussystem samples and total blood samples were tested for rabies, herpes virus, and WNV; the first 2 tests showed negativeresults. Ribonucleic acids (RNA) were extracted from erythrocytes using the polymerase...(AU)

Use of enteral electrolyte solutions with different sodium acetate concentrations in weaned foals: the effects on acid-base balance, blood glucose, lactate, and urine ph / Utilização de soluções eletrolíticas enterais com diferentes concentrações de acetato em potros desmamados: efeitos sobre o equilíbrio ácido base, concentrações plasmáticas de glicose e lactato e pH urinário

The effects of acetate as an alkalinizing agent in maintenance enteral electrolyte solutions administered by nasogastric route in a continuous flow have not been previously described in weaned foals. This is the second part of a study that evaluated the effects of two electrolyte solutions of enteral therapy fluid in weaned foals. In this part, will be considered the effects of enteral electrolyte solutions containing different acetate concentrations on acid-base balance, blood glucose, lactate and urine pH of weaned foals. This was a controlled trial in a cross-over design performed in six foals with a mean age of 7.3 ± 1.4 months. After 12 h of water and food deprivation, each animal received the following two treatments by nasogastric route in a continuous flow of 15 ml/kg/h during 12 h: HighAcetate (acetate 52 mmol/l) and LowAcetate (acetate 22.6 mmol/l). The HighAcetate treatment was effective in generating a slight increase in blood pH, blood bicarbonate concentration, base excess and urinary pH.

Os efeitos da utilização de acetato como um agente alcalinizante em soluções eletrolíticas enterais de manutenção administradas por sonda nasogástrica em fluxo contínuo não foram descritos em potros desmamados. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de soluções eletrolíticas enterais contendo diferentes concentrações de acetato sobre o equilíbrio ácido base, concentrações plasmáticas de glicose e lactato, e pH urinário de potros desmamados. Este trabalho foi um estudo controlado em um delineamento cross-over (6X2) utilizando seis potros com idade média de 7.3 ± 1.4 meses. Após 12h de restrição hídrica e alimentar, cada animal recebeu os dois tratamentos por via nasogástrica em fluxo contínuo de 15 ml/kg/h durante 12h: HighAcetate (52 mmol/l) e LowAcetate (22.6 mmol/l). O grupo HighAcetate foi eficaz em gerar um pequeno aumento no pH sanguíneo, concentração de bicarbonato sanguíneo, excesso de base e pH urinário.

Estratégias para melhorar a qualidade seminal em garanhões / Strategies to improve seminal quality in stallions

A grande quantidade de garanhões com alteração na qualidade seminal, seja pela idade, genética ou afecções do trato reprodutivo, resultou nos últimos anos, no rápido avanço do desenvolvimento de técnicas para recuperar e aumentar o potencial reprodutivo dos animais. Os detalhes antes e após a colheita seminal são fundamentais para alcançar o máximo da eficiência reprodutiva e obter índices de concepção adequados. Objetiva-se com esta revisão de literatura abordar as principais técnicas para melhorar a qualidade espermática em garanhões.(AU)

The large number of stallions with alterations in seminal quality, whether due to age, genetics or reproductive tract disorders, has resulted in the rapid advance of the development of techniques to recover and increase the reproductive potential of animals in recent years. Details before and after seminal collection are essential to achieve maximum reproductive efficiency and obtain adequate conception rates. The aim of this paper was to review the main techniques to improve sperm quality in stallions.(AU)

Sarcoide em equinos - tratamento com associação de Aciclovir e excisão cirúrgica / Equine sarcoids - treatment with a combination of Acyclovir and surgical excision

Background: Sarcoids are the most frequent skin tumors among horses, causing serious lesions due to their different shapes, sizes, degree of invasiveness and distribution on the body. The pathogenesis of sarcoids is multifactorial, with genetic, viral and environmental involvement, making their treatment complex. The aggressiveness and high rate of recurrence of sarcoids makes it difficult to use an effective treatment, which is why there are several therapeutic routes described in the literature. Aiming to describe and expand sarcoid treatments, this paper reports on the use of acyclovir in the treatment of this type of tumor. Cases: Four horses sent to the Large Animal Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Lavras - UFLA were diagnosed and treated for sarcoids. Case 1. Lesions on the right ear, region of the masseter muscle of the right side of the face, neck, vulva and medial aspect of the left pelvic limb. Case 2. Lesion in the left groin region. Case 3. Lesions on the face, masseter muscle region on the left side, mandibular region and right ear pinna. Case 4. Lesion in the lateral region of the left pelvic limb, close to the tarsometatarsal joint. All horses had a diagnosis of sarcoid, which was confirmed by histopathological examination of material collected after surgical excision. Macroscopically, the neoplastic lesions were classified as fibroblastic, verrucous and nodular. The tumors exhibited irregular surfaces, keratinization, and a firm consistency. Their surfaces were alopecic, slightly rough, some of them were ulcerated, and their color ranged from greyish to rosy and reddish. All the tumor masses were surgically excised from the 4 horses, and one sarcoid was treated by thermal cauterization with liquid nitrogen due to the lesion's depth and size. In most cases, the sarcoid removal sites were closed with sutures. Only 2 lesions were not sutured due to the impossibility of bringing the edges of tissue close together, or due to proximity to the tarsometatarsal joint. The surgical wounds were cleaned twice a day with sterile saline solution followed by the topical application of Acyclovir. One of the animals received complementary therapy with Cimetidine. Discussion: The equines recovered completely from their sarcoid treatment, and no recurrences were reported a year later. Thus, the combination of treatments employed for the extirpation of sarcoids proved to have greater chances of success. First, all the tumors were surgically removed with the largest possible margins of safety in order to ensure the elimination of neoplastic cells. In the postoperative period, all the animals received topical treatment of the lesions with acyclovir after surgical resection of the tumors. The drug aided the complete healing of post-surgical wounds, and healing time varied according to the size and depth of the lesion. One tumor was treated with liquid nitrogen after surgical excision of the sarcoid. Another horse was treated with cimetidine over a 3-month period after surgical excision of the neoplasm in order to reduce the sarcoid and prevent its evolution. Surgical excision of the sarcoid associated with topical application of acyclovir ointment showed satisfactory results. Moreover, the combination of surgical excision and administration of liquid nitrogen on the lesion and topical application of acyclovir ointment in the postoperative period also provided good results. Given the complexity of sarcoid treatment and the high recurrence rate of these tumors, the use of combined treatments should be taken into account.

Effects of breed, age and gender on equine platelet rich plasma and correlation of platelet count with its physical aspect / [Efeitos de raça, idade e gênero sobre o plasma rico em plaquetas em equinos e correlação da contagem plaquetária com seu aspecto físico]

Platelet rich plasma samples from 50 healthy horses of five different breeds (Thoroughbreds - TB, Brazilian Criollo Horses - BCH, Brazilian Sport Horses - BSH, Miniature Horses - MH and Crossbred Horses - CB), were investigated as to breed, age, and gender effect for platelet concentration. Moreover, a score for physical analysis was established to correlate PRP physical aspect with platelet count. Platelet count was performed by an automatic hematology analyzer and by manual count. PRP physical analysis was based on color, aspect, and capacity to separate blood components. MH showed significant higher platelet concentration than BSH (p<0.05), while the other breed comparisons showed no significant difference. There was no significant difference for gender but there was a weak correlation of age with PRP platelet concentrations (rs = -0.24). Most of the PRP presented yellow color, the separation of blood components showed no correlation, but the aspect showed a moderate correlation (rs = 0.30) with platelet count. Results suggest that PRP platelet concentration can be influenced by intrinsic factors such as breed. Additionally, the analysis of PRP aspect can help to evaluate the quality of the product when there is no access to platelet counts.

Amostras de plasma rico em plaquetas de 50 cavalos saudáveis, de cinco raças diferentes (Puro Sangue de Corrida, Crioula, Brasileiro de Hipismo, Pônei Brasileiro e sem raça definida), foram investigadas quanto à concentração plaquetária em relação à raça, à idade e ao sexo. Além disso, um escore foi estabelecido para correlacionar o aspecto físico do PRP com a contagem plaquetária. A contagem celular foi realizada por um analisador hematológico automático e pelo método manual. A análise física baseou-se na cor, no aspecto e na capacidade de separar hemocomponentes. Pôneis tiveram concentração plaquetária significativamente maior que os Brasileiros de Hipismo (P<0,05), mas as demais comparações entre raças não apresentaram diferença quanto à contagem plaquetária. Não houve diferença para o gênero, mas a idade demonstrou correlação fraca com as concentrações plaquetárias do PRP (rs = -0,24). A maioria dos PRPs apresentaram coloração amarela, e a separação dos hemocomponentes não mostrou correlação com a contagem plaquetária, mas o aspecto apresentou uma correlação moderada (rs = 0,30). Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que a concentração plaquetária do PRP pode ser influenciada por fatores intrínsecos, como a raça. Além disso, a análise do aspecto do PRP pode ajudar na avaliação da qualidade do produto quando não há acesso à contagem plaquetária.

Ozonioterapia em animais domésticos: conceitos básicos e diretrizes / Ozone therapy in domestic animals: basic concepts and guidelines

Ozonioterapia é uma técnica de tratamento de diversas doenças locais e sistêmicas por meio da administração de uma mistura oxigênio-ozônio. O gás pode ser aplicado diretamente no corpo do paciente ou ainda ser diluído em soro ou sangue, a chamada auto-hemoterapia ozonizada. Seus efeitos são mediados por mecanismos de oxidação direta ou indireta de células ou patógenos. Dentre os efeitos de oxidação direta, destaca-se a microporação na superficie de microorganismos incapazes de se protegerem por antioxidantes, resultando em destruição fisica de suas membranas e/ou paredes celulares, o conhecido efeito antisséptico ou desinfetante da ozonioterapia local, tópica ou cavitaria. Ao entrar em contato com sangue ou outros fluidos biológicos, o gás ozônio imediatamente se combina com a água resultando em radicais livres e oxida lipídeos, formando os lipoperóxidos. Os radicais livres e lipoperóxidos passam a ser os mediadores dos efeitos do ozônio em diversas células, como as hemácias, leucócitos, plaquetas, fibroblastos, entre outras. Como resultado, obtém-se os efeitos de melhora de perfusão e oxigenação tecidual, modulação da inflamação, analgesia, cicatrização e produção de antioxidantes enzimáticos. Porém, o planejamento terapêutico deve compreender a escolha das vias adequadas de tratamento, concentrações, doses de aplicações sistêmicas e frequência de aplicação para que os resultados sejam maximizados. Além disso, o profissional deve estar corretamente capacitado e conhecer todas as limitações e efeitos adversos possíveis da técnica.

Ozone therapy is a technique for treating various local and systemic diseases by administering an oxygen-ozone mixture. The gas can be applied directly to the patient's body or diluted in serum or blood, the so-called ozone auto-hemotherapy. Its effects are mediated by mechanisms of direct or indirect oxidation of cells or pathogens. Among the direct oxidation effects is microporation on the surface of microorganisms that are unable to be protected by antioxidants, resulting in physical destruction of their membranes and/or cell walls, the well-known antiseptic or disinfectant effect of local, topical or cavitating ozone therapy. When in contact with blood or other biological fluids, ozone gas immediately combines with water resulting in free radicals and oxidizes lipids, forming lipoperoxides. The free radicals and lipoperoxides become the mediators of ozone effects on various cells, such as red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets, fibroblasts, and others. As a result, we obtain the effects of improved tissue perfusion and oxygenation, modulation of inflammation, analgesia, healing, and production of enzymatic antioxidants. However, the therapeutic planning must include the choice of adequate treatment routes, concentrations, doses of systemic applications, and frequency of application so that the results are maximized. In addition, the professional must be properly trained and know all the possible limitations and adverse effects of the technique.