Accidental monensin poisoning in goats.

Sodium monensin is the most frequently used ionophore as a growth promoter in ruminant diets. It has numerous benefits; however its toxic effects have also been observed in several animal species. Naturally occurring cases have not yet been reported in goats. This study describes an outbreak of accidental poisoning, characterizing its clinical, laboratory and pathological findings. Thirty-seven of 40 Anglo Nubian goat kids became intoxicated after receiving a diet that was erroneously supplemented with sodium monensin. They ingested an estimated toxic dose between 25 and 39 mg/kg BW. Clinical evolution was monitored (n = 27), followed by serum creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities measurements, and blood gas analysis. Postmortem examinations were performed between 1 and 8 days of evolution (n = 14). Clinical signs began 5 h after ingestion and included reticuloruminal hypomotility, lethargy, anorexia, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, wet cough, pulmonary and tracheal crackles, and serous nasal discharge. The morbidity and lethality rates were 92.5 and 62.1%, respectively. CK and AST activities increased, reaching median values of 10,860 and 1596 U/L, respectively; the hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis was mild. The lesions were characterized by degeneration and necrosis of the cardiac and skeletal muscles, pulmonary congestion and edema, and passive liver congestion. The kids essentially developed cardiomyopathy with left and right congestive heart failures. Unlike in other ruminant species, skeletal muscle functional disability was infrequent. It can be concluded that monensin is toxic to goats and should be used with caution in their diet.

Canine Cutaneous Haemangiosarcoma: Biomarkers and Survival.

Haemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a malignant tumour of vascular endothelial cells. It is common in dogs, but rare in other species, and may arise in any tissue. A dermal location of canine HSA has been associated with short survival and recurrence after surgical excision. Solar radiation has been proposed as a predisposing factor in shorthaired dogs with light skin pigmentation. There are no studies relating the expression of immunohistochemical markers to survival of dogs with cutaneous haemangiosarcoma (cHSA). Such data could contribute to establishing prognostic factors and new therapies based on the expression of target molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate biomarkers and overall survival (OS) of dogs with cHSA, therefore helping to understand the biological behaviour of this neoplasm and determine prognostic factors. Sixty samples of canine cHSA were evaluated for the expression of factor VIII (FVIII), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3 (Casp-3) by immunohistochemistry. The results were related to OS of animals through the model of competitive risks. In addition, the relationships between age, sex, breed, tumour invasiveness, histological differentiation scoring, mitotic rate and tumour size were correlated with the OS of the dogs. Markers expression was positive in 80-100% of the samples, predominantly with weak to moderate labelling intensity for FVIII, COX-2, and VEGF, but with strong expression of PCNA and Casp-3. The median OS of dogs was 12 months. The variables of dog age, tumour invasiveness, histological differentiation scoring, mitotic rate and tumour size were not related to the survival rate. Some predisposed breeds (i.e. pitbull, boxer, Basset hound and Dalmatian) showed greater OS than non-predisposed breeds. Dogs affected by other concomitant primary neoplasms had a longer survival curve than those with only cHSA, while the females of the former group had lower OS than males. The labelling indices of FVIII, COX-2, VEGF, PCNA and Casp-3 had no relationship to OS, neither did the labelling intensity of FVIII, COX-2 and VEGF. However, the expression of COX-2 and VEGF is frequent in canine cHSA so these possible therapeutic targets should be investigated further.

Pyogenic Ventriculitis and Ventricular Empyema associated with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in a Puppy.

A 40-day-old male, blue heeler puppy with hindlimb ataxia, nystagmus, apathy, motor incoordination and hyperaesthesia of the forelimbs died 3 days after the onset of clinical signs. Significant gross findings included cerebellar herniation, cerebral oedema and dilation of the third and right lateral cerebral ventricles due to the accumulation of a purulent exudate. Histopathological examination revealed pyogenic ventriculitis and purulent meningoencephalitis. Pure colonies of a coagulase-positive Staphylococcus were isolated from the purulent cerebral exudate. A polymerase chain reaction assay that targeted the 16S rRNA gene of bacteria amplified the desired product from bacterial colonies. Direct sequencing revealed the organism to be Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the organism was antigenically similar to Staphylococcus intermedius and Staphylococcus delphini, being part of the S. intermedius group of bacteria. These findings confirmed the participation of S. pseudintermedius in the development of the pathological manifestations and lesions observed in this puppy.

Aflatoxins ingestion and canine mammary tumors: There is an association?

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of mycotoxins on dogs feed and to explore the potential association between mycotoxins exposure and the chance of mamary tumors in a case-control study. The study included 256 female dogs from a hospital population, 85 with mammary tumors (case group) and 171 without mammary tumors (control group). An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to both groups, and the data were analyzed by the EpiInfo statistical package. For the study, 168 samples of the feed offered to dogs were analyzed for the presence of aflatoxins, fumonisins and zearalenone by high-performance liquid chromatography. Mycotoxins were found in 79 samples (100%) in the case group and 87/89 (97.8%) in the control group. Mycotoxins were detected in all types of feed, regardless feed quality. Level of aflatoxin B1 (p = 0.0356, OR = 2.74, 95%, CI 1.13 to 6.60), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1) (p = 0.00007, OR = 4.60, 95%, CI = 2.16 to 9.79), and aflatoxin G2 (AFG2) (p = 0.0133, OR = 9.91, 95%, CI 1.21 to 81.15) were statistically higher in case of mammary cancer. In contrast, neutering was a protective factor for mammary cancer (p = 0.0004, OR = 0.32, 95%, CI = 0.17 to 0.60).

Use of infrared thermography to evaluate the inflammatory reaction in cat testis after intratesticular injection of 0. 9% NaCl or 20% CaCl2 with 1% lidocaine / O uso da termografia infravermelha para avaliar a reação inflamatória após a injeção intratesticular de NaCL 0, 9 % e cloreto de cálcio 20% com lidocaína 1%

Due to the doubts and questions about the inflammatory reaction caused by chemical castration, this study aimed to use infrared thermography to detect, evaluate and monitor the inflammatory reaction caused by the intratesticular injection of calcium chloride (CaCl2) 20% with lidocaine 1%. For this, thermographic measurements were taken before (M0), 10 minutes (M1), 1 and 6 hours (M2 and M3), for 7 consecutive days (M4 to M10), at 15 (M11), 30 (M12) and 60 (M13) days after intratesticular injection. Additionally, changes to testicular tissue and effects over spermatogenesis were evaluated by andrological exam before (M0) and 60 days (M13) after intratesticular injection. All cats were orchiectomized at M13, and testicles were submitted to histological analysis. CaCl2 (20%) with lidocaine (1%) administration produced testicular tissue damage and interfered with the spermatogenesis in 70% of treated cats without exacerbating the inflammatory reaction or impairing the cat's welfare. It was concluded that thermographic evaluation is a useful, efficient, easy and quick method to diagnose and monitor cat testicular inflammatory reactions.(AU)

Devido a constantes dúvidas e questionamentos sobre a reação inflamatória ocasionada pela castração química, este estudo objetivou o uso da termografia infravermelha para detectar, avaliar e monitorar a reação inflamatória causada pela injeção intratesticular de cloreto de cálcio (CaCl 2 ) 20% associada à lidocaína 1%. Para isso, medidas termográficas foram aferidas antes (M0), 10 minutos (M1), uma e seis horas (M2 e M3), por sete dias consecutivos (M4 a M10), aos 15 (M11), 30 (M12), e 60 (M13) dias após injeção intratesticular, nos grupos tratado e controle. Todos os gatos foram orquiectomizados no M13, e os testículos submetidos à análise histológica. A injeção CaCl 2 a 20% associada com lidocaína a 1% produziu lesão testicular e interferiu na espermatogênese de 70% dos gatos tratados, sem exacerbar a reação inflamatória ou prejudicar o bem-estar do animal. Foi concluído que a avaliação termográfica é uma ferramenta útil, eficiente, rápida e fácil para o diagnóstico e o monitoramento da reação inflamatória em gatos.(AU)

Helicobacter spp. infection induces changes in epithelial proliferation and E-cadherin expression in the gastric mucosa of pigs.

Gastric disease is common in finishing pigs. Helicobacter spp. infection has been associated with gastritis, gastric ulcers and gastric neoplasia in man and animals. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Helicobacter spp. infection on gastric morphology in pigs, with emphasis on glandular cell proliferation and E-cadherin expression. Samples of fundus and antrum from 67 finishing pigs were examined microscopically and by immunohistochemistry. The presence of Helicobacter spp. was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Mucosal changes were evaluated and epithelial proliferation was determined by evaluation of the morphometry of nucleolar organizer regions and counting proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells and mitotic figures. Intercellular adhesion was evaluated by E-cadherin expression. In 47 (70%) pigs, Helicobacter spp. infection was confirmed by PCR. Histological findings associated with the infection included mononuclear cell infiltration of the lamina propria and glandular degeneration. There was a significant association between infection and epithelial proliferation in both regions as well as a decrease in the expression of E-cadherin in the antrum.

Malignant pilomatricoma in a dog.

An 11-year-old female German shepherd dog was presented with a history of lameness and pain in the left forelimb. Clinical examination revealed ataxia of the hindlimbs and a subcutaneous mass in the left prescapular region. Radiography revealed metastatic foci in the left humerus, lung and abdomen. Gross necropsy examination revealed a firm, white mass in the left prescapular region. Multiple nodules with similar characteristics were observed in the lung, liver and spleen. Bone lysis was noted in the humerus and the fifth to seventh lumbar vertebrae. Microscopical examination revealed a proliferation of basal cells forming irregular islands of various sizes and surrounding extensive zones of keratinized 'ghost' cells. A definitive diagnosis of malignant pilomatricoma was made. This is a rare tumour in dogs with no previous report of metastasis to the spleen and liver.

Helicobacter spp. in cats: association between infecting species and epithelial proliferation within the gastric lamina propria.

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between Helicobacter spp. infection of the feline stomach and the presence of gastric lesions and epithelial proliferation within the mucosa of this tissue. The study included 23 pet cats of both sexes and of varied age and breed. Eighteen of these animals were clinically normal and five had a history of chronic vomiting. Samples of the mucosa of the pyloric antrum, corpus and fundus were collected by gastroscopy. The presence of Helicobacter spp. was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Warthin-Starry (WS) staining and the species of Helicobacter was determined by PCR. Mucosal lesions were evaluated by examination of sections stained by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and epithelial proliferation was determined by enumerating nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR). In 20 (87%) cats the presence of Helicobacter spp. was confirmed by both PCR and WS. There was no significant difference in colonization density between the different gastric regions. H. heilmannii was the most frequently identified species (17 of 20 cats), and H. felis was only identified in co-infection (two of 17 cats). One sample that was PCR positive to the genus level for Helicobacter spp. was negative for the four individual species reactions. Histological changes in the lamina propria included mild mononuclear inflammatory infiltration, the presence of lymphoid follicles, fibrosis and glandular degeneration. These changes were most severe in the pyloric antrum. There was significant association between infection with gastric Helicobacter spp. and the presence of lymphoid follicles (P=0.03), and between infection and epithelial proliferation in the antrum (P<0.01), corpus (P<0.001) and fundus (P<0.001).

Efeito de dietas contendo plasma sanguíneo desidratado sobre características microbiológicas, imunológicas e histológicas de leitões leves ao desmame / Effect of spray-dried plasma diets on microbiological, immunological and histological parameters of light weight weaned pigs

Foram avaliados os efeitos do plasma sanguíneo desidratado (PSD) sobre desempenho, perfil imunológico, histológico, microbiológico e peso de órgãos de leitões leves, desmamados aos 21 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 24 leitões, com idade média inicial de 21 dias, em delineamento experimental completamente ao acaso. Os tratamentos foram: T1 - animais pesados ao desmame, sem suplementação com PSD; T2 - animais leves ao desmame, suplementados com 10g/animal/dia de PSD; T3 - animais leves ao desmame, suplementados com 20g/animal/dia de PSD; T4 - animais leves ao desmame, sem suplementação com PSD. A adição de 20g de PSD na dieta melhorou o ganho diário de peso, aumentou o peso (g/kg) do baço e o título de IgA no soro entre 21 e 31 dias de idade. A inclusão de 10g de PSD aumentou o comprimento e a largura do linfonodo ileocólico. A inclusão de PSD traz benefícios aos leitões nos primeiros 10 dias pós-desmame, atuando principalmente nos órgãos linfoides e na mucosa intestinal.

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of spray-dried plasma (SDP) on the growth performance, immunological, histological and microbiological profile and weight of organs of light weight weaned pigs. The trial was done using 24 pigs with an initial mean age of 21 days in a completely randomized experimental design. The treatments were: T1 - heavy weight weaned pigs, without SDP supplementation; T2 - light weight weaned pigs, supplemented with 10g/animal/day of SDP; T3 - light weight weaned pigs, supplemented with 20g/animal/day of SDP; T4 - light weight weaned pigs, without SDP supplementation. The inclusion of 20g of SDP in the diet improved the weight gain, spleen weight (g/kg) and serum IgA title between 21 and 31 days of age. The inclusion of 10g of SDP in the diet improved the length and width of the ileocolic lymph node. In the first 10 days after weaning, SDP improved the development of lymphoid organs and the protection of the intestinal mucosa.

Experimental paracoccidioidomycosis in dogs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of dogs to develop paracoccidioidomycosis by experimental infection. Puppies were inoculated with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis by an intravenous route and two out of four died 1 week postinoculation, showing, at histopathological analysis, granulomas in the lungs, spleen and liver. P. brasiliensis was isolated from these organs. The animals that survived the infection showed a strong reaction when skin was tested with gp43, a specific antigen of P. brasiliensis. These animals were killed at 1 and 5 months after infection, and no lesions, macroscopic or microscopic, were observed in the lungs, spleen or liver; furthermore no P. brasiliensis culture was obtained from these organs. These results suggest that dogs can develop paracoccidioidomycosis and reinforces the importance of this animal as a sensitive indicator of P. brasiliensis in the environment.

Use of polymerase chain reaction and enzymatic cleavage in the identification of Helicobacter spp. in gastric mucosa of human beings from North Paraná, Brazil.

Helicobacter pylori is the most common gastric bacteria of human beings. Animal-borne helicobacter have been associated with gastritis, ulceration, and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid-tissue lymphoma in people. We attempted to identify the species of Helicobacter spp. that infect human beings in north Paran , Brazil. Samples of gastric mucosa from 38 dyspeptic patients were analyzed by optic microscopy on silver stained slides, polimerase chain reaction (PCR), and enzymatic cleavage. Genus and species-specific primers to H. pylori, H. heilmannii, H. felis, and consensual primers to H. bizzozeronii or H. salomonis were used. The PCR products were submitted to enzymatic cleavage by VspI (Helicobacter spp. product) and HinfI (species products) enzymes. Thirty-two out of 38 patients evaluated had 3.2 to 5 m long bacteria that resembled H. pylori in Warthin-Starry stained slides and were positive to the genus Helicobacter by PCR. In 30 of these patients the bacteria were identified as H. pylori. Two samples positive by silver stain were negative to all species tested by PCR. None of the 38 samples was positive to animal-origin helicobacter species. These results show that PCR and enzymatic restriction are practical methods to identify the species of helicobacters present in gastric mucosa of human beings. People in north Paran appear to be infected mostly with H. pylori.

Alterações histológicas da pars esophagea de suínos e sua relação com Helicobacter spp / Histological findings in swine pars esophagea and its Helicobacter spp. relationship

A relação entre Helicobacter spp. e a presença de alterações histológicas na pars esophagea de suínos foi avaliada em 67 estômagos de animais em idade de abate. Para a identificação das helicobactérias, utilizou-se a técnica da PCR com primers específicos para o gênero Helicobacter. As alterações histológicas foram identificadas e classificadas como ulceração, erosão, degeneração epitelial, alongamento de papilas, hiperplasia, paraqueratose, intensidade do infiltrado inflamatório e aumento do número de folículos linfoides. As alterações mais frequentemente encontradas na pars esophagea foram a degeneração epitelial e o alongamento de papilas, observadas em 83,5 por cento (n=56) das amostras analisadas. Em 77,5 por cento (n=52) das amostras, observou-se paraqueratose e em 61,1 por cento (n=41) hiperplasia epitelial. Quarenta e sete (70,1 por cento) foram positivas na PCR para Helicobacter spp. Nessas amostras a erosão foi a lesão mais observada (40,2 por cento), seguida de ulceração da mucosa (11,9 por cento). Em 58,2 por cento das amostras positivas na PCR, não foram observadas ulcerações de mucosa. Observou-se associação significativa (P=0,003) entre a presença de Helicobacter spp. e a degeneração epitelial da pars esophagea de suínos em idade de abate.

The association between histological findings of gastric mucosa in pigs at slaughtering age and the presence of Helicobacter spp., identified by PCR, assay was investigated. Stomachs from 67 pigs were examined. Histological changes of pars esophagea were identified and classified as gastric ulcers, erosion, degeneration, distortion of papils, hyperplasia, paraqueratosis, and number of lymphoid follicles. Microscopic analysis revealed the most frequent alteration: 83.5 percent (n= 56) stomachs with epithelial degeneration and distortion of papils. Paraqueratosis of pars esophagea was observed in 77.5 percent (n=52) of the samples and epithelial hyperplasia in 61 percent (n=41). Forty-seven (70.1 percent) pigs were positive to Helycobacter spp. by PCR. Erosion of pars esophagea and ulceration were the most frequent findings in Helicobacter spp. PCR-positive pigs, occurring, respectively, in 40.2 percent and 11.9 percent. The frequency of animals without ulceration and Helicobacter spp. PCR-positive was 58.2 percent. It was observed a significant association (P=0.003) between Helicobacter spp. and epithelial degeneration of gastric mucosa in pigs at slaughtering age.

Immune response in dogs experimentally infected with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immune response of young dogs experimentally infected with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Six dogs were infected intravenously with P. brasiliensis and one control dog was inoculated with sterile saline. The infected animals were sacrificed in groups of two at 1, 6 and 12 months after infection. During the experimental period, the immune responses of the dogs to the fungus were followed by ELISA (IgM and IgG), by the immunodiffusion test and by the skin test with gp43. After killing the dogs, samples from several organs were submitted to histopathological analysis (H&E and Grocott stains) but the fungus was not observed in any tissue. Attempts to isolate the fungus from these tissue samples were also unsuccessful. All infected dogs, except one, reacted positively to the immunodiffusion and skin tests. All infected dogs showed a humoral immune response to the gp43 antigen detected by ELISA. The IgM and IgG response peaked by the first and second month, respectively. We conclude that young dogs appear to be resistant to the development of paracoccidioidomycosis.

Valores de referência e influência da idade no eritrograma de fêmeas bovinas da raça Aquitânica / Reference values and age effect on the erythrogram of bovine females of the Aquitanian breed

Determinaram-se os valores de referência e estudou-se a influência da idade sobre o eritrograma em fêmeas bovinas da raça Aquitânica. Amostras de sangue de 80 fêmeas bovinas, acima de 12 meses de idade, e não reagentes ao antígeno do vírus da leucose dos bovinos, foram colhidas utilizando-se EDTA como anticoagulante para realização das seguintes provas: contagem global das hemácias, determinação do volume globular, concentração de hemoglobina, cálculo dos índices hematimétricos absolutos - volume corpuscular médio (VCM), hemoglobina corpuscular média (HCM) e concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM). A idade exerceu influência significativa (P<0,05) sobre a maioria dos parâmetros hematológicos estudados, com diminuição da quantidade de hemácias e aumento do volume globular, quantidade de hemoglobina, VCM e HCM. Os valores foram: hemácias 6,68±0,58×10(6)/mm³, volume globular 41,2±4,5 por cento, hemoglobina 12,8±1,31g/dl, VCM 61,83±6,54fl, HCM 19,28±2,25pg, CHCM 31,4±2,3 por cento.

The reference values and the influence of the age factor on the erytrogram in bovine females of the Aquitanian breed were evaluated. Blood samples of 80 healthy females, all tested negative for bovine leucose virus, were utilized for the analysis. Erythrocyte counts, determination of the packed cell volume, concentration of hemoglobin, calculation of hematimetric absolute rates of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were evaluated. Significant influence (P<0.05) of age was observed for most of the hematological characteristics, with decreased of the number of erythrocytes and increase of packed cell volume, quantity of hemoglobin, MCV, MCH. The reference values were: erythrocytes counting 6.68±0.58×10(6)/mm³, packed cell volume 41.2±4.5 percent, hemoglobin 12.8±1.31g/dl, VCM 61.83±6.54fl, HCM 19.28±2.25pg, CHCM 31.4±2.3 percent.

Alterações anátomo-histopatológicas em ratos submetidos à dieta com extrato de broto de samambaia (Pteridium aquilinum var. arachnoideum) de dois municípios do estado do Paraná / Macroscopic and microscopic changes in rats fed on a bracken fern diet (Pteridium aquilinum var. arachnoideum) from different regions of Parana State, Brazil

The carcinogenicity of bracken fern harvest from two regions of Paraná State to induce hematury in rats was studied. In order to do that, 33 Wistar rats were divided in three groups. Groups I and II received an aqueous extract of bracken fern from Londrina-PR or Ibaiti-PR, respectively, in drinking water for 60 days. Group III, control group, received regular plain water with no bracken fern. After 15 months, euthanasia was performed in all animals and samples were collected for histology examination. Histologic analysis revealed that two animals of Group II had ileal adenocarcinoma and soft tissue fibroma of leg.

Dairy cow abortion associated with Neospora caninum and other infectious agents

Trinta e cinco vacas de rebanhos leiteiros da região Norte do estado do Paraná, com histórico de abortamento, foram pesquisadas sorologicamente para verificar a presença de anticorpos contra Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Leptospira spp., Brucella abortus, BHV-1 e BVDV. Vinte e uma vacas apresentaram títulos sorológicos compatíveis com infecção. Todas elas, soropositivas para N. caninum, foram também soropositivas para outros agentes infecciosos, sugerindo a possibilidade de associação desses agentes nos problemas reprodutivos de bovinos, no estado do Paraná.

Achados histológicos em fetos bovinos abortados e näo abortados / Histological findings in aborted and non-aborted cattle fetuses

Tissue fragments from 17 non-aborted and 93 aborted fetuses were histologically studied. No histological lesions were observed in non-aborted fetuses, and 51.6 percent of the aborted fetuses presented histological lesions. The main lesions were: focal gliosis and mononuclear infiltrate in liver, CNS, lungs and muscular tissues

Vaccination of pigs with Toxoplasma gondii antigens incorporated in immunostimulating complexes (iscoms)

Immunity to Toxoplasma gondii was studied in pigs, after vaccination with T. gondii antigens incorporated into immunostimulating complexes. Nine pigs (group 1 - G1) were inoculated subcutaneously with T. gondii iscoms (LIV-5 sample) and three doses were given at 21 and 13 day-intervals. The results were compared in other three groups of nine pigs each: animals in group 2 (G2) were immunized with the LIV-5 antigens without Quil A, animals in group 3 (G3) were inoculated with tachyzoites of RH T. gondii isolate, and animals in group 4 (G4) received no vaccination. Four animals were neither vaccinated nor challenged with T. gondii (group 5 - G5). Thirty days after vaccination, pigs were challenged orally with 5´10(4) oocysts at AS-28 T. gondii isolate. Euthanasia was carried out 47 days after challenge and specimens of the heart, muscle, brain, liver, tongue and retina were inoculated into mice. Three out of nine pigs from G2 and one out of nine pigs from G4 showed hypertermia after the challenge. Antibody response was analysed by indirect fluorescent antibody test. The first iscom immunization (G1) induced low antibody levels, the second and third produced high antibody levels, similarly to the RH isolate infection (G3). Western blotting analysis indicated that the antibody response in animals in G1, after challenge, was more intense than in animals in the non-vaccinated group. T. gondii was not isolated by bioassays from tissues of iscom vaccinated pigs, while recovery was obtained from four animals in G4, one in G2 and one in G3.

Aspectos ultraestruturais da criptosporidiose experimental em suínos / Ultrastructural aspects of experimental cryptosporidiosis in pigs

O presente estudo teve por objetivo investigar as alteraçöes ultraestruturais da mucosa intestinas e do tecido linfóide associado na inoculaçäo experimental de Cryptosporidium sp. Doze leitöes foram inoculados experimentalmente por via oral com 1x10 elevada a sexta potência oocistos e sacrificados 3, 6, 9 e 12 dias depois. Ao exame ultraestrutural de células intestinais observou-se espessamento e irregularidade de microvilosidades, citoplasma vacuolizado e com protrusöes, edema mitocondrial, hipertrofia de organelas citoplasmáticas e do núcleo. Nas placas de Peyer observou-se ocasionalmente mitose de células linfóides, verificando-se maior número de células blásticas