Lytic to temperate switching of viral communities.

Microbial viruses can control host abundances via density-dependent lytic predator-prey dynamics. Less clear is how temperate viruses, which coexist and replicate with their host, influence microbial communities. Here we show that virus-like particles are relatively less abundant at high host densities. This suggests suppressed lysis where established models predict lytic dynamics are favoured. Meta-analysis of published viral and microbial densities showed that this trend was widespread in diverse ecosystems ranging from soil to freshwater to human lungs. Experimental manipulations showed viral densities more consistent with temperate than lytic life cycles at increasing microbial abundance. An analysis of 24 coral reef viromes showed a relative increase in the abundance of hallmark genes encoded by temperate viruses with increased microbial abundance. Based on these four lines of evidence, we propose the Piggyback-the-Winner model wherein temperate dynamics become increasingly important in ecosystems with high microbial densities; thus 'more microbes, fewer viruses'.

Association of antibodies against Neospora caninum in mares with reproductive problems and presence of seropositive dogs as a risk factor.

Sera from 112 mares from 5 horse-breeding farms was examined for the presence of antibodies to Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), as well as from dogs and cattle present on these properties for the presence of antibodies to N. caninum. Among the 112 mares, 35 had a history of reproductive problems in the last breeding season and 77 had no reproductive problems. The rates of seroprevalence of N. caninum in mares with and without a history of reproductive problems were 25.71% and 6.49% and from T. gondii 2.85% and 1.29%, respectively. In dogs and cattle, the rates of seroprevalence of N. caninum were 10.52% and 15.55%, respectively. A positive correlation was found between the presence of antibodies against N. caninum (p=0.010) in mares and the occurrence of reproductive problems using the Fisher's exact test. Significantly higher seroprevalence for N. caninum in mares was observed on the farm that had seropositive dogs (p=0.018). Cattle on this farm were also seropositive. No significant differences in seropositivity were found on farms where dogs were seronegative, or absent. This result suggests, for the first time, the presence of seropositive dogs as a risk factor for N. caninum in mares and the necessity for further investigation of the epidemiology of this parasite in horse-breeding farms with reproductive problems and the presence of cattle and dogs. This is the first report on the occurrence of antibodies against N. caninum in horses from the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Tumor maligno da bainha perineural retrobulbar e intracraniano em cão: relato de caso / Malignant neoplasm of the perineural sheath retrobulbar and intracranial in dog: case report

Os tumores da bainha perineural são pouco frequentes em animais domésticos. Relata-se o caso de um cão, sem raça definida, de cinco anos, fêmea, com histórico de aumento de volume em região retrobulbar do globo ocular direito (GOD) havia três semanas. Ao exame clínico, constatou-se a presença de uma neoformação retrobulbar direita com deslocamento do globo ocular cranialmente. Aos exames realizados durante o internamento, não foi possível localizar a origem e a extensão da neoformação. O animal veio a óbito por parada cardiorrespiratória e foi encaminhado para a necropsia. À avaliação macroscópica, observou-se neoformação esbranquiçada fixada à base do crânio em região selar, com possível origem no terceiro (III) par de nervos cranianos, a qual se infiltrava no encéfalo na altura do hipotálamo, estendia-se caudalmente em direção ao tronco encefálico e cranialmente à órbita direita, comprimindo, assim, o GOD. Microscopicamente consistia de feixes curtos entrelaçados ou enovelados de células fusiformes com pleomorfismo discreto a moderado, alternando-se a áreas de necrose multifocalmente, compatível com tumor da bainha perineural. Ao exame imuno-histoquímico, apresentou marcação fraca para S100 e GFAP e marcação positiva para vimentina, o que indica caráter maligno.(AU)

Tumors of the perineural sheath are uncommon in domestic animals. We report the case of a 5-year-old female dog with a history of increased volume in the retrobulbar region of the right eye (RE) three weeks ago. The clinical examination revealed a presence of a right retrobulbar neoformation with cranial ocular globe displacement. In the examinations carried out during hospitalization, it was not possible to locate a source and an extension of the neoformation. The animal died of cardiorespiratory arrest and was referred to an autopsy. The macroscopic evaluation revealed a whitish neoformation fixated to the base of the skull in a seal region, with a possible non-III origin of cranial nerves, infiltrating non-encephalon at the height of the hypothalamus, extending caudally towards the brainstem and cranially to the orbit right, compressing RE. Microscopically it consisted of short bundles intertwined or enovelados of spindle cells with discrete to moderate pleomorphism, alternating to areas of multifocal necrosis, compatible with tumor of the perineural sheath. Immunohistochemical examination showed weak marking for S100 and GFAP and positive marking for vimentin, indicating malignancy.(AU)

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.