Comparison of diagnostic methods for laboratory diagnosis of the zoonotic tapeworm Dipylidium caninum in cats.

The tapeworm Dipylidium caninum is the most widely distributed cestode infecting dogs, cats, and sometimes humans, worldwide. The diagnosis of the infection caused by D. caninum is achieved via the visualization of proglottids in feces or with traditional microscopic tests, but both lack sensitivity. The present study has evaluated and compared the diagnostic performance of a PCR protocol on different feline biological samples to detect D. caninum. A sample of feces, a Scotch tape test from the perianal area, and a rectal swab were collected from a total of 100 privately owned cats from Italy and Greece. All fecal samples were subjected to macroscopic examination and to floatation. Based on the results of the above tests the cats were divided in three groups, i.e. (i) cats positive for D. caninum (regardless of positivity for other endoparasites (Group A; n = 50 cats), (ii) cats negative for D. caninum but infected by other helminths (Group B; n = 25 cats), and (iii) cats negative for intestinal endoparasites (Group C; n = 25 cats). For each sample, the DNA was extracted from feces, floatation supernatant, Scotch tape test and rectal swabs and subjected to PCR. For 33 cats from Group A, at least one sample type scored positive at PCR. Of these, all were PCR-positive in the floatation aliquot, while nine and one cats were positive by PCR on feces and Scotch tape test, respectively. Swabs were negative by PCR for all the cats. None of the samples from cats of Groups B and C was positive by any PCR. Sequences obtained from amplicons generated from samples of cats enrolled in Italy had 99-100 % identity with the recently described D. caninum feline genotype. The data presented here suggest that PCR could be a useful tool for diagnosing D. caninum infections, under certain circumstances, e.g. when proglottids are unidentified, unseen or overlooked, even though it has limitations, e.g. false negative results due to fecal PCR inhibitors, uneven distribution of parasitic elements, or to intermittent proglottid and/or egg shedding. Thus, it may not be, currently, the best diagnostic choice for dipylidiosis.

Faecal egg count reduction test in goats: Zooming in on the genus level.

The faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) is the most widely used method to assess treatment efficacy against gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). Information on genera composition of the GIN community is not available with this test and it is commonly obtained by identifying cultured third-stage larvae (L3) or through molecular assays in the post-treatment survey, but results provided are usually only qualitative or semi-quantitative. The updated WAAVP guidelines now recommend assessing anthelmintic efficacy for each GIN genus/species separately (genus-specific FECRT), but this approach is poorly employed in Europe and in goats especially. For this reason, four FECRT trials were conducted using oxfendazole and eprinomectin in two Italian goat farms. Samples were processed individually using the McMaster technique and then pooled to create two samples from faeces of 5 animals each. Pooled samples were analysed using the McMaster and cultured for seven days at 26°C to obtain L3s. The genus-specific FECRT was based on larval identification, integrating coproculture and FEC results. Larvae were identified as Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Teladorsagia, Oesophagostomum / Chabertia and Bunostomum. Molecular assays (a multiplex real-time PCR and two end-point PCRs) were also implemented on pooled samples to support the morphological identification. The Spearmann Rho test confirmed a high correlation between the two approaches (Rho = 0.941 and Rho = 0.914 respectively for Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus, the two most common genera). Both oxfendazole and eprinomectin were effective in one farm, while none in the other farm (FECR = 75.9% and 73.3% respectively). In the second farm, the genus-specific FECRT highlighted a different response to treatment among genera: oxfendazole lacked efficacy against both Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus spp., eprinomectin only against Haemonchus, while all other genera were susceptible to both drugs. This study brings new attention on the importance of adopting a genus-specific approach to identify and quantify differences in susceptibility to anthelmintics among genera in goats, providing support for FECRT interpretation, anthelmintic resistance evaluation and evidence-based GIN control.

Differential diagnosis of Eimeria species in farmed Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica).

Similarly to poultry industry, coccidiosis may cause significant economic losses also in the commercial quail industry, an emerging sector undergoing uneven development around the world. Although scant and mostly dated, the available literature reports detailed morphological and morphometric features of both oocysts and sporocysts of the Eimeria species hitherto recognized in Japanese quails, i.e. E. tsunodai, E. uzura, E. bateri, and E. fluminensis. Mixed infections are very common in the field and require an accurate differential diagnosis of diverse species of coccidia, identifying the highly pathogenic ones, in particular E. tsunodai (localized in the caeca), and E. uzura (localized in both caeca and small intestine). This goal is hampered by time-consuming laboratory procedures involving highly qualified staff and facilities, and poorly compatible with routine management practices in farmed quails. A supplemental difficulty is represented by the lack of nucleotide sequences available in GenBank. To overcome these issues, copromicroscopic and molecular analyses (amplifying the 18S rRNA region, and the internal transcribed spacers regions ITS1-5.8rRNA-ITS2) were performed on oocysts populations separately isolated from pools of 12 caecal and 12 cloacal contents collected from 240 naturally infected laying Japanese quails. Data on morphological and morphometric features of 1,000 sporulated oocysts were statistically compared, demonstrating the presence of different Eimeria species colonizing the 2 intestinal tracts. This result was also confirmed by PCR and phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA gene. Overall results allowed to hypothesize the presence of E. uzura in our Japanese quails. Although a certain identification at species level was not obtained, the present study demonstrates that reasonable turnaround times of monitoring procedures performed on Japanese quail farms, shedding light on the in vivo and post-mortem differential diagnosis of coccidiosis can be achieved, and provide obvious benefits in disease understanding and control.

Complicação pós-cirúrgica por extração de dente incluso: abscesso retrofaríngeo ­ relato de caso / Postoperative complications due to inclusive tooth extraction: retropharyngeal abscess ­ case report

A extração do terceiro molar é um procedimento comum dentro da área cirúrgica da odontologia e, como todo procedimento dessa natureza, está sujeito a intercorrências e complicações como hemorragias, trismo e infecções. Os abscessos de origem odontogênica são casos comumente encontrados nos atendimentos de urgências odontológicas e quando bem tratados geralmente evoluem com melhora do quadro, porém essa infecção pode evoluir com disseminação para espaços faciais e cervicais, acarretando piora do quadro e podendo levar o paciente a óbito. O objetivo desse relato é descrever um caso clínico de abscesso retrofaríngeo, por origem de foco odontogênico, ressaltando suas particularidades e a importância do diagnóstico precoce para controle e resolução do caso. Conclui-se que é importante uma rápida intervenção e acompanhamento multidisciplinar em um serviço de referência estruturado e capaz de fazer evoluir o caso com suporte e segurança (AU).

Third molar extractions are frequent procedures within the surgical area of dentistry and, like any procedure of this nature, these extractions are susceptible to intercurrences and complications such as hemorrhages, trismus and infections. Abscesses of odontogenic origin are common in dental emergency services. When well treated, they usually evolve with improvement of the condition, but these infections can also evolve with dissemination to facial and cervical spaces, leading to condition worsening and even death. The objective of this report is to describe a clinical case of a retropharyngeal abscess of odontogenic origin, highlighting its particularities and the importance of early diagnosis for the control and resolution of the case. It was concluded that a rapid intervention and multidisciplinary follow-up is important in a structured reference service capable of evolving the case with support and security (AU).

Avaliação das alterações sistêmicas de pacientes submetidos a exodontias de terceiros molares inferiores sob o efeito da Lidocaína a 2 por cento com adrenalina 1: 100.000 / Evaluation of system changes of patients submittes to lower third molar extration under the effect of Lidocaine 2 per cent with adrenaline 1: 100.000

Introdução: Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar o efeito da Lidocaína 2 por cento com adrenalina 1:100.000 (Alphacaine - DFL) sobre a pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), pressão arterial diastólica (PAD), pressão arterial média (PAM), freqüência cardíaca (FC) e saturação de oxigênio (Sp02)' de pacientes jovens, saudáveis, classificados como ASA I com indicação de exodontia de terceiros molares inferiores. Material e Métodos - Foram avaliados 84 pacientes monitoriiados com oxímetro de pulso e aferição da pressão arterial em quatro instantes: exame clínico, pré-anestesia, pós-anestesia e após o procedimento cirúrgico. Resultados - Alterações sistêmicas estatisticamente significantes da PAS, PAD e FC, sendo positivas (aumento) para PAS e FC e negativa (diminuição) para PAD foram observadas. As variações da PAM e Sp02 não foram estatisticamente significantes (>0,05). Conclusão - A Lidocaína 2 por cento com adrenalina I: 100.000 é um anestésico local seguro quando respeitada a qualidade de fabricação da solução anestésica e individualização da dose para cada paciente.

Analgesia preemptiva em cirurgias de terceiros molares inferiores: estudo piloto / Preemptive analgesia in molar third surgery: a pilot study

Objetivo: Nesta pesquisa buscou-se avaliar, através de um estudo piloto, do tipo ensaio clínico aleatório, duplo-cego, de amostras pareadas, a eficácia da analgesia preemptiva da Nimesulida 100 mg em exodontias de terceiros molares inferiores bilaterais. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 06 pacientes, que necessitavam exodontias de terceiros molares inferiores em ambos os lados homólogos, de forma que fizeram parte de dois conjuntos-amostra: um teste e um controle que receberam Nimesulida 100 mg e medicação placebo respectivamente, uma hora antes da cirurgia. A avaliação da dor pósy operatória imediatamente após a cirurgia e nos 07 dias de pós-operatórios foi realizada através da utilização da escala visual analógica (EVA). Resultados: As médias da dor foram correspondentemente mais elevadas quando o paciente utilizou Placebo do que a Nimesulida 100 mg; as médias diminuíram da avaliação inicial para a avaliação com 07 dias com pequenas oscilações entre os dias intermédios. Conclusões: Na análise do pós-operatório imediato, desta amostragem, a Nimesulida 100 mg foi mais eficaz no combate à dor no pós-operatório imediato, sinalizando efeito preemptivo desta medicação.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the preemptive analgesia efficacy of Nimesulide 100 mg in bilateral lower third molar surgery by means of an analytical pilot study in the form of a randomized, double-blind, paired sample clinical trial. Methods: The study population consisted of 6 patients who needed removal of symmetrical lower third molar on the right and left sides. Patients were distributed in a two sample-set: one test and the other control, who were given Nimesulide 100 mg and placebo, respectively, one hour before each procedure. Postoperative pain was evaluated through a visual analog scale 01AS) in me immediate postoperative period and at 07 days. Results: Pain means were correspondingly higher when patients used Placebo rather than Nimesulide 100 mg on the immediately after surgery; means diminished between the initial evaluation and that made at 7 days with few oscilations in the intervining period. Conclusions: On analysis of the immediate postoperative period, Nimesulide 100 mg was more effecrive in alleviating imediate postoperative pain, thereby demonstrating the preemptive analgesia effect of this medication.

Tratamento do granuloma central de células gigantes / Treatment of Central Giant Cell Granuloma

Com o objetivo de discutir as principais formas de tratamento do granuloma central de células gigantes(GCCG), foi realizada uma pesquisa nas bases de dados BBO, LILACS, Scielo (BIREME), Medline e Pubmed à procura de artigos científicos que trouxessem informações a respeito da administração de calcitonina, interferon e corticoesteróides no tratamento do GCCG. O GCCG é uma lesão proliferativa não-neoplásica, que tem sido reportada como a segunda lesão mais ocorrente nos ossos maxilares, logo após os cistos odontogênicos na mandíbula. Apresenta crescimento predominantemente lento, bem circunscrito e assintomático, sendo geralmente diagnosticado através de exame radiográfico de rotina. Essa patologia apresenta comportamento agressivo, expandindo corticais e apresentando considerável grau de recidiva. Os aspectos clínicos,radiográficos e histológicos não são patognomônicos, sendo a etiologia ainda muito discutida entre os autores.O tratamento de eleição para essa lesão é curetagem simples ou ressecção em bloco. No entanto, em pacientes adultos, jovens e crianças, principalmente quando portadores de lesões extensas, o efeito mutilante que esse tipo de tratamento pode acarretar deve ser levado em consideração. Nesses casos, uma extensa reconstrução para restabelecer a forma e a função é necessária. Há alternativa de tratamento não-cirúrgico, como injeções intralesionais de corticoesteróides, administração de interferon e calcitonina.

Estudo comparativo da ação do formocresol e glutaraldeído pós-pulpotomia: revisão de literatura / Comparative study between formocresol and glutaraldehyde in pulpotomy: literature review

As exposições pulpares ocasionadas por lesões de cárie ou traumas, na dentição decídua, frequentemente resultam na necessidade de pulpotomia, compreendida pela remoção do tecido que preenche a câmara pulpar - ou seja, polpa coronária - e proteção do remanescente radicular com um medicamento. Tal procedimento conservador pulpar está indicado em dentes decíduos que se encontrem em fase inicial do processo de rizólise ou, idealmente, naqueles em que tal processo ainda não tenha se iniciado, além dos que apresentarem características inflamatórias reversíveis, requisito básico para a manutenção da vitalidade pulpar. A presente investigação teve por objetivo contribuir para a decisão terapêutica acerca do uso do formocresol ou glutaraldeído como agentes químicos nas pulpotomias de dentes decíduos. A conclusão é que tanto o formocresol como o glutaraldeído não são fármacos totalmente biocompatíveis, no entanto a pulpotomia seguida do uso do glutaraldeído sugere ser superior àquela com formocresol, pois apresenta menor índice de reações pulpares indesejáveis, quando usado a 2% por tempo igual a 5 minutos

The pulps exposures caused by caries lesions or trauma, in deciduous teeth, frequently result in pulpotomy. Pulpotomy is the removal of the tissue that fills the camera pulp ­ that is to say, coronary pulp ­ and also the protection of the remaining root pulp with medication. This conservative procedure is recommended to deciduous teeth in the initial phase of the root reabsorption process or ­ even better ­ when the process hasn't occurred yet. Besides, they present reversible inflammatory characteristics, basic requirement to maintain the pulp vitality. The present study aims at determining if one should make therapeutic use of the formocresol or glutaraldehyde as chemical agents in the pulpotomy of deciduous teeth. The conclusion is that the formocresol as well as the glutaraldehyde are not totally innocuous materials. However, the pulpotomy with glutaraldehyde seems to present better results than that one, because it presents a lower rate of undesirable pulp reactions, when used at 2% for a 5-minute period.