Serological survey of selected pathogens of free-ranging foxes in southern Argentina, 1998--2001.

A serological survey was conducted in the Patagonia region of Argentina to estimate the prevalence of nine disease agents within the populations of free-ranging culpeo (Dusicyon culpaeus) and grey (Dusicyon griseus) foxes. The disease agents were Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV), Brucella, canine adenovirus (CAV), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Leptospira, Neospora caninum, and Toxoplasma gondii. A total of 84 foxes were sampled (28 culpeo and 56 grey), and 73% of the sera had antibodies against one or more pathogens. Among these seropositive sera, 47% of them reacted to only one antigen, while the other 53% reacted to multiple antigens. The presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma (20%), Neospora (44%), Leptospira (30%) and Brucella (18%) suggests that these organisms actively circulate in the area. Antibodies against CDV, CAV and CPV were detected in 2%, 5% and 5% of foxes, respectively. Regarding Encephalitozoon cuniculi and ADV, no evidence of either was found.

Lyme disease: antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in farm workers in Argentina.

Lyme Disease is a tick-borne (specially by Ixodes ticks) immune-mediated inflammatory disorder caused by a newly recognize spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi. Indirect fluorescent antibody (IF) staining methods and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay are frequently relied upon to confirm Lyme borreliosis infections. Although serologic testing for antibodies has limitations, it is still the only practical means of confirming B. burgdorferi infections. Because we have no previous report of Lyme disease in human inhabitants in Argentina, a study was designed as a seroepidemiologic investigation of the immune response to B. burgdorferi in farm workers of Argentina with arthritis symptoms. Three out of 28 sera were positive (#1, 5 and 9). Serum #1 was positive for Immunoglobulin G at dilution 1:320, serum #5 and #9 both to dilution 1:160; while for Immunoglobulin M all (#1, 5 and 9) were positive at low dilution (1:40) using IF. The results showed that antibodies against B. burgdorferi are present in an Argentinian population. Thus caution should be exercised in the clinical interpretation of arthritis until the presence of B. burgdorferi be confirmed by culture in specific media.

[Epidemiology of latrodectism in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina]. / Epidemiología del latrodectismo en la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Epidemiological data related to Latrodectus bites over a 10-year period (1979-1988) in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, are presented. Data on distribution of accidents by year, month, sex, residence of person bitten and general symptomatology are given. Statistical analysis showed a mean of 28.1 bites cases per year, 80% in males, most of whom were farm workers. The Latrodectus bites were localized in arms, pelvic waist and legs. Forty-six per cent of bitten persons visit the clinic within 1 to 3 hours after the incident, and only 15% capture the animal responsible for the accident.

[Presence of antileptospira antibodies in ophidia in Argentina]. / Presencia de anticuerpos antileptospiras en ofidios de Argentina.

Sera obtained from 18 Bothrops alternatus and 2 Phylodrias burmeisteri were analyzed for the presence of antileptospiral antibodies using a microscopic agglutination test. Out of 18 Bothrops sera, 13 (72%) gave positive results. Snake serum reacted with patoc, andamana, wolffi, tarassovi, pomona, pyrogenes and shermani serovars. It can be concluded that Leptospiral antibodies are present in snake sera in Argentina, suggesting that the circulating antibodies may have an important role in the epizoothiology of the disease.

[Investigation of LIsteria monocytogenes in soft cheeses]. / Investigación de Listeria monocytogenes en quesos de pasta blanda.

Listeria monocytogenes has been recognized as a bacteria that produces severe illness in animals and humans. Considering the importance of the presence of L. monocytogenes in soft paste cheeses, a study of diverse cheeses from supermarkets of direct sale to the public was carried out. From the 35 analyzed cheeses, 4 strains were isolated (11.4%). The result of the serological study showed that all the strains corresponded to the serotype 4. The proteic profiles of the isolated strains showed similarity with the used pattern (4b). Several authors reported the importance of L. monocytogenes as contaminant in foods ready to eat like the soft paste cheeses. Thus, it must be remarked the importance of the good handling practices in the production, transport, refrigeration and exhibition of this product.

One-month safety study of intraperitoneal VRCTC-310-Onco (crotoxin + cardiotoxin) in rats.

To evaluate the toxicity of VRCTC-310-Onco (Crotalus durissus terrificus crotoxin + cardiotoxin from Naja naja atra), 10 Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with intraperitoneal slow-release devices and subjected to treatment with 0.5 microgram/g body weight/d for 14 days. Biochemical evidence at days 7 and 14 showed blood, muscular, renal and metabolic disturbance, mostly reversed by day 28. No significant changes were found in necropsy. The limited toxicity of i.p. VRCTC-310-Onco in rats deserves further study.

Investigación de Listeria monocytogenes en quesos de pasta blanda / Investigation of LIsteria monocytogenes in soft cheeses

Listeria monocytogenes has been recognized as a bacteria that produces severe illness in animals and humans. Considering the importance of the presence of L. monocytogenes in soft paste cheeses, a study of diverse cheeses from supermarkets of direct sale to the public was carried out. From the 35 analyzed cheeses, 4 strains were isolated (11.4). The result of the serological study showed that all the strains corresponded to the serotype 4. The proteic profiles of the isolated strains showed similarity with the used pattern (4b). Several authors reported the importance of L. monocytogenes as contaminant in foods ready to eat like the soft paste cheeses. Thus, it must be remarked the importance of the good handling practices in the production, transport, refrigeration and exhibition of this product.

Presencia de anticuerpos antileptospiras en ofidios de Argentina / Antileptospiral antibodies in snakes of Argentina

Los sueros de 18 Bothrops alternatus y 2 Phylodrias burmeisteri se analizaron para detectar la presencia de anticuerpos antileptospiras mediante la técnica de aglutinación microscópica. De los 18 sueros de Bothrops, 13 (72%) resultaron positivos, mientras que los de Phylodrias fueron negativos. Los sueros reaccionaron con las serovars patoc, andamana, wolffi, tarassovi, pomona, pyrogenes y shermani. Este es el primer informe de seropositividad para anticuerpos antileptospiras en ofidios de Argentina, y permitiría suponer que éstos pueden cumplir un rol importante en la epizootiología de la enfermedad