Resumo

Background: Dioctophymosis is caused by Dioctophyma renale, a parasite known as the giant kidney worm, that canparasitize the kidneys of domestic and wild animals. There are also reports of its occurrence in humans, thus revealing itszoonotic potential. In most cases, parasitized animals are asymptomatic. This parasite can cause atrophy or destroy therenal parenchyma, although ectopic locations may occur. The diagnosis is made through ultrasonography, based on thepresence of eggs in the urine, visualization of the parasite, or during necropsy. Therefore, the aim of this work was to reportthe case of a young dog infected with D. renale and subjected to nephrectomy in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.Case: A 6-month-old bitch with a clinical suspicion of hydronephrosis in the right kidney was referred to the VeterinaryHospital of Anhanguera-Uniderp University in the city of Campo Grande, MS. A physical examination of the patientrevealed an alteration in the urinary system. An abdominal ultrasound, urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC) tests andbiochemical profile were ordered. The erythrogram indicated erythrocytosis resulting from dehydration and loss of bodyfluids, while enzyme levels (creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and albumin) were within normal limits.The abdominal ultrasound showed the presence of a cylindrical and rounded structure characteristic of a nematode and inthe right kidney, and loss of renal parenchyma typical of D. renale infection. A urinalysis then revealed the presence ofhelminth eggs, confirming the diagnosis. The owner was informed about the need for nephrectomy of the affected rightkidney, which showed destruction of the renal parenchyma. One adult female and one adult male parasite were removedfrom inside the kidney, measuring approximately 50 cm and 35 cm in length. The patient was successfully treated, keptin hospital for observation, and returned two weeks later for reassessment of her...

Resumo

A biossíntese de nanopartículas a partir de fungos nematófagos vem sendo estudada mundialmente e é uma área promissora da nanobiotecnologia. Neste estudo, realizamos a biossíntese de nanopartículas de prata (AgNPs) utilizando o fungo nematófago Duddingtonia flagrans. Foi estudado o melhor método para liofilização e ressuspensão das nanopartículas, sendo a melhor forma para liofilizá-las na rotação 12.000 rpm por 20 minutos e o melhor meio para ressuspensão foi em água ultrapura. O ensaio do MTT revelou que o IC50 da AgNP biossintetizada foi de 43,4 g/mL. Foram obtidas imagens por MET das AgNPs mostrando sua forma esférica,tamanho e monodispersão. O método de Bradford e técnicas espectroscópicas (UV-Vis, FTIR, DRX) foram utilizadas para indicar quais moléculas estão envolvidas na formação das nanopartículas, como a quitinase, explicando a ação penetrante das AgNPs biossintetizadas nos nematoides. Foi realizado o teste de atividade nematicida das AgNPs comparando-as com outras substâncias. As AgNPs obtiveram eficácia em sua ação nematicida, sendo as únicas capazes de penetrar a cutícula das larvas causando alterações tegumentares levando o parasita à morte. Dessa forma, as nanopartículas biossintetizadas são promissoras para aplicações terapêuticas de verminoses em animais e humanos.

Nanoparticle biosynthesis from nematophagous fungi has been studied worldwide and is a promising area for nanobiotechnology. In this study, we performed silver nanoparticle biosynthesis (AgNP's) using the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans. The best method for lyophilization and resuspension of the nanoparticles was the best way to freeze dry them at 12,000 rpm for 20 minutes and the best medium for resuspension was in ultrapure water. The MTT assay revealed that the biosynthesized AgNP IC50 was 43.4 g/mL. MET images of the AgNPs were obtained showing their spherical shape, size and monodispersion. The Bradford method and spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, FTIR, DRX) were used to indicate which molecules are involved in the formation of nanoparticles, such as chitinase, explaining the penetrating action of biosynthesized AgNPs in the nematodes. The nematicidal activity test of the AgNPs was performed comparing them with other substances. The AgNPs obtained efficacy in their nematicidal action, being the only ones able to penetrate the cuticle of the larvae causing tegumentary changes leading the parasite to death. Thus, biosynthesized nanoparticles are promising for therapeutic applications of verminoses in animals and humans.