Leptospira borgptersenii and Leptospira interrogans identified in wild mammals in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Leptospira spp. are bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease with considerable impacts on the economy, animal health, and public health. This disease has a global distribution and is particularly prevalent in Brazil. Both rural and urban environments are habitats for Leptospira spp., which are primarily transmitted through contact with the urine of infected animals. Consequently, domestic and wild species can harbor these prokaryotes and serve as infection sources for other hosts. In the context of wild animals, there is a dearth of molecular studies elucidating the roles of various animal and bacterial species in the epidemiology of leptospirosis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of Leptospira spp. DNA in different species of free-living and captive wild animals and to assess the phylogenetic relationships of the identified microorganisms in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The samples were evaluated for the presence of the gene lipL32 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the amplified fragment after which phylogenetic analyzes were carried out. DNA from Leptospira spp. was extracted from kidney tissue from wild animals (Mammalia class). Pathogenic Leptospira spp. DNA was detected in 9.6% (11/114) of the samples, originating from nine species of wild animals, including the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris), skunk (Conepatus chinga), geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi), margay (Leopardus wiedii), pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus), capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), neotropical river otter (Lontra longicaudis), and european hare (Lepus europaeus). Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of Leptospira borgpetersenii and Leptospira interrogans in these animals. This research is the first study contributing to the epidemiology of leptospirosis by identifying L. borgpetersenii and L. interrogans in free-living and captive wild animals in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, potentially acting as bacterial reservoirs. Additionally, our findings can inform sanitary measures for controlling and preventing the disease, thereby safeguarding public health.

Detection of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in unconventional pets.

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by Leptospira spp. responsible for considerable impacts on the public and animal health. In the past two decades, non-domesticated species of pets (unconventional pets) have become popular. However, the role of these unconventional pets on maintaining diseases still unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to survey the presence of Leptospira spp. DNA in unconventional pets. Samples of kidney tissues from 29 animals belonging to the Mammalia class (including Orders Carnivora, Lagomorpha and Rodentia) were analyzed for the presence of the gene lipL32. As a result, DNA of pathogenic Leptospira spp. from specie L. interrogans was detected in four (13,80%) of the analyzed samples: three from Oryctolagus cuniculus and one from Mesocricetus auratus. This study highlights the importance of epidemiological surveillance of leptospirosis, as it identified in species of unconventional pets, that may possibly act as reservoirs of Leptospira spp.

Leptospira interrogans in bats in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil: epidemiologic aspects and phylogeny.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by Leptospira spp. and affects animals and humans. Reports of leptospirosis in bats have increased and prompted epidemiological research in Brazil. This study aimed to perform a molecular and epidemiological investigation of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in bat kidneys. The total DNA was extracted from 102 kidney samples from chiropterous of different species and cities in Rio Grande do Sul State (RS), Brazil. The polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify a fragment corresponding to lipL32 gene, which is only present in pathogenic Leptospira spp. lipL32 gene was detected in 22.5% (23/102) of the bat kidney tissues. Phylogenetic analysis showed that L. interrogans is circulating in bats in RS. Most species of the bats collected were insectivores. Pathogenic Leptospira spp. detection in bats demonstrated that these animals participate in the infection chain of leptospirosis and, therefore, may play as reservoirs and disseminators of this microorganism. Thus, it is important to monitor infectious agents, especially with zoonotic potential in bats.

General biosafety measures for laboratory environments, outpatient clinics, medical centers, and veterinary hospitals during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

This study aimed to guide professionals working in veterinary laboratories, outpatient clinics, medical centers, and hospitals regarding the biosafety measures that should be adopted during the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. While the population is not yet fully immunized by vaccines, the adoption of biosafety measures is essential to control the spread of circulating strains of the new coronavirus. Thus, the importance of professionals and collaborators following biosafety guidelines in different veterinary work environments is highlighted. The main protocols on biosafety to be adopted include frequent handwashing with water and soap or using 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizers, using personal protective equipment (PPE) (including gloves, lab coat, face mask), avoiding the contact of the hands with mucous membranes (eyes, nose and mouth), not sharing personal objects, keeping environments clean and well ventilated, social distancing of 1.5 m between individuals, and maintaining objects and surfaces regularly clean throughout the work environment. The transformation of work processes, such as various biosafety practices, is necessary within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and improves the safety of professionals in their work environment and other people and animals, decreasing contamination risks in order to reduce the spread of this viral agent.

Occurrence of Leptospira spp. and factors associated with the infection in horses from a military contingent in the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil / Ocorrência de Leptospira spp. e fatores associados à infecção em equinos de contingente militar no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

The seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. and infection risk factors were investigated in horses from a military contingent in the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A total of 446 horses were evaluated and categorized into 309 mares, 11 stallions, and 126 horses with an average age of three years. To determine seroprevalence, serum samples from all horses were submitted to the microscopic agglutination test against 12 serovars belonging to nine serogroups, usually circulating in equine populations. To investigate the possible risk factors of infection by Leptospira spp., questionnaires were applied in that military unit. The seroprevalence in the horses with an average age of 3 years, mares, and stallions were 57.94% (73/126), 54.05% (165/309), and 45.45% (5/11), respectively. The main risk factors identified were contact with different water sources, the presence of rodents, and contact with wild and domestic animals. The high seroprevalence of anti­Leptospira spp. antibodies may be associated with the presence of these risk factors. Therefore, the exposure of horses to possible reservoirs of Leptospira spp. should be minimized. Also, the immunoprophylaxis protocol should be reviewed and a shorter interval between vaccinations adopted to control leptospirosis in this herd.(AU)

A soroprevalência de Leptospira spp. e os fatores de risco para infecção foram investigados em cavalos de um contingente militar no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Um total de 446 cavalos foram avaliados e categorizados em 309 éguas, 11 garanhões e 126 cavalos com idade média de três anos. Para determinação da soroprevalência, amostras de soro de todos os equinos foram submetidas ao teste de aglutinação microscópica contra 12 sorovares pertencentes a nove sorogrupos, normalmente circulantes em populações equinas. Para investigar os possíveis fatores de risco da infecção por Leptospira spp., foi aplicado um questionário naquela unidade militar. A soroprevalência nos cavalos com idade média de três anos, éguas e garanhões foi de 57,94% (73/126), 54,05% (165/309) e 45,45% (5/11), respectivamente. Os principais fatores de risco identificados foram o contato com diferentes fontes de água, a presença de roedores e o contato com animais silvestres e domésticos. A alta soroprevalência de anticorpos anti­Leptospira spp. pode estar associada à presença desses fatores de risco. Portanto, a exposição destes equinos aos possíveis reservatórios de Leptospira spp. deve ser minimizada. Além disso, o protocolo de imunoprofilaxia deve ser revisto e, possivelmente, um menor intervalo entre as vacinas deve ser adotado para o controle da leptospirose neste plantel.(AU)

Leptospira spp. in horses in southern Brazil: Seroprevalence, infection risk factors, and influence on reproduction.

Leptospirosis in horses is often associated with reproductive disorders. In the southern states of Brazil, horses are used for various jobs and cultural practices; nevertheless, serological surveillance for Leptospira is rare. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. in horses in southern Brazil, as well as to identify the risk factors for infection and its impacts on reproduction. We performed microscopic agglutination tests for 12 serovars that corresponding 9 serogroup (Sejroe, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Australis, Pyrogenes, Pomona, Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Tarassovi and Ballum) in 595 samples from 60 herds. A brief history was obtained to analyze risk factors for reproductive disorders. A total of 45.9% of the tested horses were seropositive, of which the most frequent serogroups were Icterohaemorrhagiae (Icterohaemorrhagiae and Copenhageni serovars) and Ballum (Ballum serovar). Simple infections were found in 45.4% of seropositive animals, while mixed infections occurred in 54.6% of horses. There was a correlation between seropositivity and age and sex, that is, seropositivity was more frequent in animals over 6 years old and in females. There was no correlation between seropositivity and reproductive disorders. We conclude that there is a high seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. in southern Brazil with predominance of Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup, mainly in older animals. Location, breeds, contact with dogs or other domestic animals are not risk factors, whereas gender is a risk factor. Reproductive disorders are not due to leptospirosis in the study region.

Relation of reproductive disturbance in sheep and Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae infection: Impacts on cellular oxidation status.

This study evaluated the seropositivity of Brucella abortus and Leptospira interrogans in ewes with reproductive disturbances in southern Brazil and verified the creatine kinase (CK) activity and oxidation status via assessment of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione transferase in serum of seropositive animals for L. interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae. For Leptospira infection 381 animals with clinical history of reproductive disturbance from Planalto Serrano de Santa Catarina (Brazil) were analyzed, showing an occurrence for L. interrogans of 20.2% from which 81.8% were seropositive for L. interrogans Icterohaemorrhagiae. Serovars Wolfii, Grippothyphosa, Bratislava, Canicola and Butembo were also identified. In the case of B. abortus, positive cases were identified by buffered acidified antigen, finding 14 positive samples, but none of them were positive after a second test (2-mercaptoethanol), showing the absence of relationship between infection with B. abortus and abortion in the tested individuals. Serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and CK activity were found higher in animals positive for Leptospira infection, presenting higher titrations (1:320) than non-infected individuals. Serum glutathione peroxidase activity was higher in positive animals with titrations 1:160 and 1:320, while serum glutathione S-transferase was higher in positive individuals only for titrations 1:320. Serum superoxide dismutase showed lower activity in infected animals with titrations of 1:320. Our results show the region of Planalto Serrano de Santa Catarina with a high occurrence levels of sheep infected by L. interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae, from which animals with high titrations (1:320) present oxidative stress elicited by excessive ROS production, triggering the stimulation of antioxidant systems to counter this excess. In summary, ovine with higher titrations (1:320) present oxidative damage that can contribute to disease pathophysiology.

Characterization of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from a fresh mixed sausage processing line in Pelotas-RS by PFGE / Caracterização de Listeria monocytogenes isoladas em uma linha de processamento de lingüiça mista frescal em Pelotas-RS por PFGE

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium capable to adhere to the surfaces of equipment and utensils and subsequently form biofilms. It can to persist in the food processing environmental for extended periods of time being able to contaminate the final product. The aim of this study was to trace the contamination route of L. monocytogenes on a fresh mixed sausage processing line, from raw material to the final product. The isolates obtained were characterized by serotyping and molecular typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) using the restriction enzymes ApaI and AscI. L. monocytogenes was detected in 25 percent of the samples. The samples of raw material were not contaminated, however, the microorganism was detected in 21 percent of the environmental samples (food contact and non-food contact), 20.8 percent of the equipments, 20 percent of the food worker's hands, 40 percent of the mass ready to packaging and in all the final products samples, demonstrating that the contamination of final product occurred during the processing and the importance of cross contamination. PFGE yielded 22 pulsotypes wich formed 7 clusters, and serotyping yielded 3 serotypes and 1 serogroup, however, the presence of serotypes 4b and 1/2b in the final product is of great concern for public health. The tracing of contamination showed that some strains are adapted and persisted in the processing environment in this industry.

Listeria monocytogenes é uma bactéria com capacidade de formar biofilmes e de colonizar superfícies de equipamentos e utensílios. Esse microrganismo pode persistir por longos períodos em plantas de processamento de alimentos, sendo capaz de contaminar o produto final. O objetivo deste estudo foi traçar a rota de contaminação de L. monocytogenes em uma linha de processamento de lingüiça mista frescal, desde a matéria-prima até o produto final. Os isolados obtidos foram caracterizados por sorotipagem e por tipagem molecular, através de Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE), usando as enzimas de restrição ApaI and AscI. L. monocytogenes foi detectada em 25 por cento das amostras. Nenhuma amostra da matéria-prima apresentava o patógeno, entretanto, o microrganismo foi detectado em 21 por cento das amostras ambientais (com e sem contato com o alimento), 20,8 por cento dos equipamentos, 20 por cento das amostras de mãos de manipuladores, 40 por cento da massa pronta para o embutimento, e em todas as amostras do produto final. Isso demonstra que a contaminação do produto final ocorreu durante o processamento, e a importância da contaminação cruzada. PFGE produziu 22 pulsotipos e a sorotipagem produziu 3 sorotipos e 1 sorogrupo, entretanto, a presença dos sorotipos 4b e 1/2b no produto final é de grande importância para a saúde pública. Os perfis de macrorestrição mostraram que algumas cepas são adaptadas e persistiram no ambiente de processamento dessa indústria.

Caracterização de Escherichia coli produtoras de toxina de Shiga (STEC) isoladas na produção de bovinos de corte e nas respectivas carcaças dos animais abatidos / Characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) isolated in feedlot beef cattle production and their carcasses

Escherichia coli produtoras de toxina de Shiga (STEC) são considerados importantes patógenos de origem alimentar que apresentam o trato intestinal de ruminantes domésticos, principalmente bovinos, seu reservatório natural. Esses microrganismos estão associados com doenças severas em humanos, tais como colite hemorrágica (CH) e síndrome urêmica hemolítica (SHU). Este trabalho teve como objetivos avaliar a ocorrência de STEC em diferentes fontes, ambientais ou não, da criação e abate de bovinos confinados. Além disso, detectar a presença dos genes stx1, stx2, ehxA e eaeA; identificar cepas O157:H7 através da pesquisa do gene uidA; evidenciar a capacidade de produção de Stx e de Eh; identificar variantes de stx e de eaeA; e determinar os sorotipos a diversidade genética das cepas de STEC. A avaliação da presença dos genes (stx1, stx2, ehxA e eaeA) e da produção de Eh foi utilizada como triagem para a seleção de cepas possivelmente patogênicas, sendo que do total de 628 isolados avaliados, foram selecionadas 47 cepas STEC típicas e outras 12 consideradas como atípicas. Das STEC típicas 80,9% foram isolados provenientes de amostras de fezes, enquanto 19,1% foram de amostras de carcaças. Seis cepas isoladas de fezes e 1 de carcaça foram sorotipificadas como 0157:H7, todas positivas para a presença do gene uidA. Além do sorogrupo 0157, nenhum outro, dentre os principais causadores de surtos e casos esporádicos de CH e SHU, foi detectado...

Characterization of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from a fresh mixed sausage processing line in Pelotas-RS by PFGE.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium capable to adhere to the surfaces of equipment and utensils and subsequently form biofilms. It can to persist in the food processing environmental for extended periods of time being able to contaminate the final product. The aim of this study was to trace the contamination route of L. monocytogenes on a fresh mixed sausage processing line, from raw material to the final product. The isolates obtained were characterized by serotyping and molecular typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) using the restriction enzymes ApaI and AscI. L. monocytogenes was detected in 25% of the samples. The samples of raw material were not contaminated, however, the microorganism was detected in 21% of the environmental samples (food contact and non-food contact), 20.8% of the equipments, 20% of the food worker's hands, 40% of the mass ready to packaging and in all the final products samples, demonstrating that the contamination of final product occurred during the processing and the importance of cross contamination. PFGE yielded 22 pulsotypes wich formed 7 clusters, and serotyping yielded 3 serotypes and 1 serogroup, however, the presence of serotypes 4b and 1/2b in the final product is of great concern for public health. The tracing of contamination showed that some strains are adapted and persisted in the processing environment in this industry.