Sensitivity and specificity of the FAMACHA© system in tropical hair sheep.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the FAMACHA© (F©) system in Morada Nova ewes. The conjunctivae of 562 ewes were evaluated using the F© system. Packed cell volume (PCV) served as the gold standard for clinical F© evaluation. To calculate the sensitivity and specificity of the F© system, different criteria were adopted: animals classified as (I) F© 4 and 5 or (II) 3, 4, and 5 were considered to be anemic and animals classified as (I) F© 1, 2, and 3, or (II) 1 and 2 were considered to be non-anemic. Three standard values of PCV, namely, ≤ 19%, ≤ 18%, or ≤ 15%, were used to confirm anemia. The percentage of correct treatments was always high when the F© values 4 and 5 were used as criteria for positive tests. For all the PCV cut-off values, more animals were classified as false positives when evaluated using F© 3, 4, and 5 as criteria for a positive test and more true negative animals when evaluated using only F© 4 and 5 as criteria for a positive test. For both sets of criteria for the positive tests, few animals were classified as false negatives and true positives. Eliminating the classification of F© 3 as anemic decreased the sensitivity and increased the specificity for all the PCV cut-off values for the ewes. The F© system can be used as a reliable alternative to reduce selection pressure for anthelmintics in relation to routine non-selective blanket treatment for worm control in the Morada Nova ewes.

Abortion and congenital transmission of Trypanosoma vivax in goats and ewes in semiarid northeastern Brazil.

The main effects of trypanosomosis in Brazil are related to reproductive alterations. In this context, the present study aimed to report the occurrence of abortions in goats and sheeps in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil, associated with Trypanosoma vivax. Trypomastigotes forms visualized by Buffy coat technique (BCT) method in 68.7% of the goats and 50.0% of the ewes that aborted. PCR identified that 100% of the goats and ewes that aborted were infected with T. vivax. The goats and ewes that aborted showed high parasitemia and developed clinical signs of trypanosomosis. The presence of T. vivax DNA was identified in the blood of fetuses by the PCR technique, proving infection by T. vivax in aborted fetuses, as well as confirming the congenital transmission of the parasite.

In vitro nematocidal activity of Punica granatum L. against gastrointestinal helminths in goats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro ovicidal activity, phytochemistry, and toxicity of a saline extract obtained from peel of Punica granatum L fruits. The ovicidal activity was evaluated by the hatching inhibition of eggs recovered from fecal samples of naturally infected goats; the phytochemical analysis was carried out using the fruit peel; and the toxicity was tested on Artemia salina, using saline extract. The results showed that the ovicidal effect of the tested extract was 99% (25 mg mL-1), 99% (12.5 mg mL-1), 98% (6.25 mg mL-1), and 95% (3.12 mg mL-1), higher than that of the control drug, thiabendazole (83%). The phytochemical analysis showed presence of phenols, anthraquinones, and condensed and hydrolysable tannins in the fruit extract. The toxicity test of the extract of P. granatum showed an LC50 of 6.19 mg mL-1, which indicates a safe use for a concentration of 3.12 mg mL-1, since it was the tested concentration that was below the reliable LC50. The saline extract from peels of P. granatum has ovicidal activity, important secondary metabolites, and absence of toxicity at the lowest concentration tested. However, in vivo tests in experimental models are recommended before performing experiments in ruminants.

A multivariate approach to the diagnosis of gastrointestinal infection in ewes.

Diagnosing the effects of helminth infections is an efficient way to manage the problem in ruminant production systems. Selection of animals in a flock that are infected with Haemonchus has traditionally involved differential packed cell volume measurements (PCV), and in recent years, the FAMACHA© system has been used. However, few small analytical changes have been made. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of different diagnoses linked to packed cell volume (PCV) and FAMACHA© system scores in native ewes, using a multivariate approach. Ewes were classified into three categories according to their score in the FAMACHA© system (FS) and their packed cell volumes (PCV) as follows: Group AG (FS between 1 and 2 and PCV ≥ 30%); Group BG (FS score of 3 and PCV between 21 and 29%); Group CG (FS between 4 and 5 and PCV ≤ 20%). The animals were evaluated using performance characteristics, parasitological examinations, blood values and serum biochemistry. The data show that the use of a multivariate approach for different diagnoses using the FAMACHA© system and PCV measurements gives similar results, although they have particular pathophysiological indicator patterns.

Nematicidal activity of a water soluble lectin from seeds of Moringa oleifera.

Gastrointestinal nematodes are the major cause of animal diseases, and the indiscriminate use of synthetic anthelmintic contributes to the development of drug resistance. Natural bioproducts are noteworthy since they have proved to be promising for alternative antiparasitic therapies. This study evaluated the in vitro effect of WSMoL (water soluble Moringa oleifera lectin) on hatching of eggs and on the development of early-stage larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes from naturally infected goats. In addition, the interference of WSMoL on activity of proteases was determined and the affinity of the lectin for glycosylated molecules of these parasites was investigated using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled WSMoL. WSMoL at 250µgmL-1 interfered on hatching of eggs (40.4% of not hatched eggs; p=0.018), and on larval development (stages L1-L3) (IC50 of 78.22µgmL-1). The activity of secreted proteases showed a significant increase in the presence of WSMoL (307.14U/mg-1031U/mg). FITC-labeled WSMoL recognized embryonic egg content and larval content after hatching, which suggests that WSMoL interact with intestinal glycoconjugate receptors in the embryo, as well as in cuticle of the larvae.

Anthelmintic effect of Cassia fistula and Combretum leprosum protein fractions against goat gastrointestinal nematodes.

In this study, we evaluated the ovicidal and larvicidal activity of protein preparations obtained from Cassia fistula L. and Combretum leprosum Mart. leaves on the gastrointestinal parasites of goats. Protein preparations were obtained after the extraction of C. fistula L. and C. leprosum Mart. leaves, followed by protein fractionation (with ammonium sulfate saturation percentages of 30%, 30%-60%, and 60%-90%) and dialysis, which resulted in protein fractions (called F1, F2, and F3, respectively). The fractions were evaluated by egg hatching (the eggs were recovered in stool samples from naturally infected goats) and larval development tests. The results reveled that the inhibition of hatching of eggs caused by the protein fractions of C. fistula (38%) were similar to that of the control drug, thiabendazole. In addition, the fractions of C. fistula caused significant inhibition (61-69%) of larval development also. However, C. leprosum did not reveal significant inhibition of egg hatching and larval development. We conclude that C. fistula L. showed better ovicidal and larvicidal activity against endoparasites.

Performance, endoparasitary control and blood values of ewes locally adapted in semiarid region.

This study evaluated the variation in the prevalence of endoparasitoses and their impact on body condition and blood values of sheep of the Morada Nova breed. A total of 138 ewes were examined for their morphology (body weight, BW; body condition score, BCS), parasitology (faecal egg count, FEC; Famacha© score; coproculture), hematology (red blood cell count,RBC); hemoglobin concentration, HE; packet cell volume, PCV; mean corpuscular volume, MCV,; mean corpuscular hemoglobin, MCH; mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, MCHC; leukocytes, WBC) and serum biochemistry (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, AST and ALT). Overall the animals presented higher BW and BCS in the months of September and December, however, with high FEC, in addition to a large number of animals with Famacha score 4 and 5. The results showed that the main hematophagous worm affecting the sheep, the genus Haemonchus ssp, appeared in a greater proportion (30-71.66%) than the other worms in all months of the study, except in March. About 30% of the hematological values found in the study are outside the reference ranges for suable sheep e 45.50% for serum biochemistry. These findings demonstrate the most healthy period of the year was from March to June for endoparasites control, however, in the months of September and December the animals showed better performance measures.

In vitro anthelmintic activity of Lippia gracilis Schauer essential oil against egg-hatching of goat gastrointestinal nematodes / Atividade anti-helmíntica in vitro do óleo essencial de Lippia gracilis Schauer contra a eclosão de nematódeos gastrintestinais de caprinos

Since drug-resistant nematodes became a common problem in sheep and goat industries, alternative methods using natural products have emerged as a viable and sustainable anthelmintic treatment option. Here, the in vitro effect of essential oil extracted from Lippia gracilis Schauer was assessed on the hatching process of nematodes recovered from naturally infected goats. Essential oil at concentrations of 0.08% (0.008 µL/mL), 0.12% (0.012 µL/mL), and 0.16% (0.016 µL/mL) was able to induce an average inhibition of 74.7, 84 and 93%, respectively. The effective concentration required to inhibit egg hatching in 50% of eggs (EC50) was 0.03452%. Therefore, essential oil of L. gracilis showed promisor in vitro anthelmintic results against egg-hatching of goat gastrointestinal nematodes.(AU)

Como os nematoides resistentes a drogas se tornaram um problema comum nas indústrias de ovinos e caprinos, métodos alternativos que utilizam produtos naturais surgiram como uma opção de tratamento anti-helmíntico viável e sustentável. Aqui, o efeito in vitro do óleo essencial extraído de Lippia gracilis Schauer foi avaliado no processo de eclosão de nematoides recuperados de caprinos naturalmente infectadas. O óleo essencial nas concentrações de 0,08% (0,008 µL/mL), 0,12% (0,012 µL/mL), e 0,16% (0,016 µL/mL)foi capaz de induzir uma inibição média de 74,7, 84 e 93%, respectivamente. A concentração efetiva necessária para inibir a eclosão de ovos em 50% dos ovos (CE50) foi de 0,03452%. Portanto, o óleo essencial de L. gracilis apresentou resultados anti-helmínticos in vitro promissores contra a eclosão de nematódeos gastrintestinais de caprinos.(AU)

First occurrence of Amblyomma ovale in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

This study aims to report the occurrence of parasitism by Amblyomma ovale (Koch, 1844) in dogs in the municipality of Apodi, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Specimens were identified as being one female and two males of A. ovale, besides; the animal was infested by five females of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and seven females and three males of R. sanguineus. The finding of A. ovale confirms results in the literature that these ticks, reported in several species of wild carnivores, can also infect dogs in Brazil. The distribution of this tick species in several Brazilian states has already been confirmed, but this is the first report in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. This finding highlights the risk of the carrying of emerging and re-emerging pathogens to peridomestic hosts are as, either because of the frequency of these ticks in wild environments or the presence of infected wild animals near peridomestic environments, exposing domestic dogs to parasitism by A. ovale ticks and, therefore, to agents potentially carried by this ectoparasite.

Campanulotes compar (Burmeister, 1838) (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) in chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) from Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. The reemergence of an ectoparasite?

The importance of ectoparasites in the transmission of pathogens, as well as the variability of species from one region to another, motivated this notification of the ectoparasite lice Campanulotes compar in range chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) reared in an extensive system in the city of Apodi, Rio Grande do Norte state, in the Northeast region of Brazil. The examined birds were infested with ten males and six females of C. compar. Thus, C. compar is recorded as parasitizing chickens in the state of Rio Grande do Norte after 77 years from its unique citation in the Southeast region of Brazil. We further discuss the possible risks of this finding.

Investigação dos perigos de natureza biológica em saladas comercializadas em restaurantes self service / Investigation of biological hazards in salads marketed in self service restaurants

Com o intuito de obter uma alimentação mais prática, que não interfira no cumprimento da jornada de trabalho, grande parcela dos indivíduos tem recorrido a refeições provenientes de estabelecimentos de autosserviço, inclusive as saladas prontas para o consumo. Neste sentido, este estudo teve por finalidade a investigação dos perigos de natureza biológica em saladas cruas de restaurantes tipo self service localizados no município de Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte. Foram realizadas análises parasitárias, pesquisa de coliformes e determinação de Escherichia coli e Salmonella sp., observando-se a conformidade das amostras com a legislação vigente. Sobre os micro-organismos, foi constatada a presença de coliformes a 45°C, mas com valores dentro do preconizado, bem como a ausência de E. coli e Salmonella sp. Apesar de não detectada a presença de parasitos, foram observadas sujidades em algumas das saladas avaliadas. Tais resultados ressaltam a necessidade de maiores cuidados quanto à manipulação do produto.

In order to obtain a more practical diet, which does not interfere with the work day, a large proportion of individuals have used meals from self-service establishments, including ready-to-eat salads. In this sense, the purpose of the study was to investigate biological hazards in raw salads of self-service restaurants located in the municipality of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte. Parasite analyzes, coliform research and determination of Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. were realized, observing the compliance of the samples with the current legislation. On the microorganisms, the presence of coliforms at 45°C, but with values within the recommended, as well as the absence of E. coli and Salmonella sp. Although no parasites were detected, soils were observed in some of the evaluated salads. These results highlight the need for greater care in handling the product.

Anthelmintic effect of Cassia fistula and Combretum leprosum protein fractions against goat gastrointestinal nematodes / Efeito antihelmíntico das frações proteicas de Cassia fistula e Combretum leprosum contra nematodeos gastrintestinais de caprinos

Abstract In this study, we evaluated the ovicidal and larvicidal activity of protein preparations obtained from Cassia fistula L. and Combretum leprosum Mart. leaves on the gastrointestinal parasites of goats. Protein preparations were obtained after the extraction of C. fistula L. and C. leprosum Mart. leaves, followed by protein fractionation (with ammonium sulfate saturation percentages of 30%, 30%-60%, and 60%-90%) and dialysis, which resulted in protein fractions (called F1, F2, and F3, respectively). The fractions were evaluated by egg hatching (the eggs were recovered in stool samples from naturally infected goats) and larval development tests. The results reveled that the inhibition of hatching of eggs caused by the protein fractions of C. fistula (38%) were similar to that of the control drug, thiabendazole. In addition, the fractions of C. fistula caused significant inhibition (61-69%) of larval development also. However, C. leprosum did not reveal significant inhibition of egg hatching and larval development. We conclude that C. fistula L. showed better ovicidal and larvicidal activity against endoparasites.

Resumo Neste estudo, foram avaliadas as atividades ovicida e larvicida de preparações proteicas de Cassia fistula L. e Combretum leprosum Mart. em parasitas gastrointestinais de caprinos. As preparações proteicas foram obtidas por extração das folhas de C. fistula L. e C. leprosum Mart. seguido pelo fracionamento proteico (com porcentagens de saturação de sulfato de amônio de 30%, 30-60%, 60-90%) e diálise, resultando nas frações proteicas (intituladas F1, F2 e F3, respectivamente). As frações foram avaliadas nos testes de eclosão de ovos (os ovos foram recuperados em amostras de fezes de cabras naturalmente infectadas) e de desenvolvimento larvar. Os resultados revelaram que a inibição da eclosão de ovos causada pelas frações proteicas de C. fistula (38%) foi semelhante à do fármaco controle, o tiabendazol. Além disso, as frações de C. fistula também causaram inibição significativa (61-69%) do desenvolvimento larvar. No entanto, C. leprosum não revelou inibição significativa na eclosão dos ovos e no desenvolvimento larvar. Concluiu-se que C. fistula L. mostrou uma melhor atividade ovicida e larvicida contra endoparasitas.

Quitosana fúngica sobre larvas de nematoides gastrintestinais de caprinos / Fungal chitosan on gastrointestinal nematodes larvae of goats

A caprinocultura é representada por um efetivo bastante considerável no Nordeste brasileiro, porém, infecções causadas por nematoides e o sério problema da resistência parasitária se tornaram barreiras para a criação desses animais. Como alternativa, o controle com bioprodutos entra como uma solução sustentável e viável para auxiliar na criação da região. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho avaliou a atuação da quitosana fúngica sobre o desenvolvimento larval de nematoides gastrintestinais em amostras de caprinos naturalmente infectados. Para tanto, foi realizada a seleção de 5 propriedades e confirmada a positividade do rebanho, além de coproculturas com solução de quitosana a 0,5; 1,0 e 1,5%, com cada tratamento realizado em 5 repetições. As larvas de terceiro estágio (L3) foram recuperadas e cem larvas por tratamento foram contabilizadas e identificadas. Os gêneros identificados foram Haemonchus, Strongyloides, Oesophagostomum e Trichostrongylus. Na análise da inibição do desenvolvimento larval, a concentração de 1,0% impediu o desenvolvimento larval do Haemonchus em 35%, porém, os resultados não tiveram diferença estatística significante. Assim, sugere-se buscar novas concentrações de quitosana fúngica como anti-helmíntico, visto que se apresenta como uma alternativa promissora no controle sustentável desses endoparasitos.(AU)

The goat is represented by a very considerable effective in the Northeastern Brazil, but infections caused by nematodes and the serious problem of parasitic resistance have become barriers to breed these animals. Alternatively, the control with bioproducts comes as a sustainable and viable solution to help breeding in this region. In this context, the present study evaluated the performance of fungal chitosan on the larval development of gastrointestinal nematodes in naturally infected goat samples. Therefore, the selection was performed at five properties. The positive herd was confirmed, and coprocultures were performed with chitosan solution 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%, with each treatment performed in 5 replicates. The third-stage larvae (L3) were recovered and one hundred larvae/treatment were counted and identified. The identified genera were Haemonchus, Strongyloides, Oesophagostomum and Trichostrongylus. In the analysis of inhibition of larval development, the concentration of 1.0% prevented the development of larval Haemonchus by 35%, but the results were not statistically significant. Thus, it is suggested to seek new concentrations of fungal chitosan as anthelmintic, since it appears as a promising alternative to sustainable control of these endoparasites.(AU)

First occurrence of Amblyomma ovale in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil / Primeira ocorrência de Amblyomma ovale no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

This study aims to report the occurrence of parasitism by Amblyomma ovale (Koch, 1844) in dogs in the municipality of Apodi, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Specimens were identified as being one female and two males of A. ovale, besides; the animal was infested by five females of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and seven females and three males of R. sanguineus. The finding of A. ovale confirms results in the literature that these ticks, reported in several species of wild carnivores, can also infect dogs in Brazil. The distribution of this tick species in several Brazilian states has already been confirmed, but this is the first report in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. This finding highlights the risk of the carrying of emerging and re-emerging pathogens to peridomestic hosts are as, either because of the frequency of these ticks in wild environments or the presence of infected wild animals near peridomestic environments, exposing domestic dogs to parasitism by A. ovale ticks and, therefore, to agents potentially carried by this ectoparasite.

O presente estudo objetiva comunicar a ocorrência do parasitismo por Amblyomma ovale (Koch, 1844) em cão, no município de Apodi, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Os exemplares foram identificados como sendo uma fêmea e dois machos de A. ovale, além destes, o animal estava parasitado por cinco fêmeas de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, sete fêmeas e três machos de R. sanguineus. O encontro de A. ovale confirma os resultados da literatura de que esses carrapatos, relatados em várias espécies de carnívoros silvestres, também podem infestar cães no Brasil. Este carrapato tem sua distribuição confirmada em vários estados brasileiros, sendo este o primeiro relato no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Este achado alerta para o risco do carreamento de patógenos emergentes e re-emergentes para regiões peridomiciliares, seja devido a frequência destes carrapatos em ambientes silvestres ou da presença de animais silvestres parasitados próximos a ambientes peridomiciliares, expondo cães domésticos ao parasitismo por carrapatos A. ovale e, consequentemente, a agentes potencialmente veiculados por este ectoparasito.