Inhibitor activity of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP5 on thermotolerant campylobacter with different biofilm-forming capacities.

AIMS: To evaluate the biofilm-forming capacity of thermotolerant Campylobacter (TC) strains from poultry production and to analyse the inhibitory capacity of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP5 against TC on different materials. METHODS AND RESULTS: Biofilm-forming capacity by Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli was analysed by cell adhesion in polystyrene plates. TC were classified as non-biofilm-forming (NBF, 1.3%), weak biofilm-forming (WBF, 68.4%), moderate biofilm-forming (MBF, 27.6%), and strong biofilm-forming (SBF, 2.7%). The inhibitory capacity of L. plantarum LP5 against TC was tested on stainless-steel, nylon, aluminium, and glass disks (treated group) and compared with biofilm-forming TC (control group). Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP5 was inoculated, and then TC. Biofilm was removed in both experimental groups and TC and LP5 bacterial counts were performed. The L. plantarum LP5 presence reduced the formation of TC biofilm (P < 0.001). The material type and strain category influenced biofilm formation, with stainless-steel and the SBF strain being the material and TC having the highest adhesion (P < 0.001). Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP5 formed a similar biofilm on all materials (P = 0.823). CONCLUSIONS: This trial showed very promising results; L. plantarum LP5 could be incorporated as a bio-protector of TC on different surfaces.

Migration of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks among cattle.

The aim of this work was to quantitatively analyse the magnitude of the migration of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks among cattle under field conditions, in groups of bovines with different stocking rates. The role of this phenomenon in the epidemiology of Anaplasma marginale has been discussed. Cattle naturally infested with R. microplus (donors) and cattle non-infested with R. microplus (recipients) were clustered for 13 days into two groups with low and high stocking rates (G1 and G2 respectively). The initial prevalence of infestation (infested cattle / total cattle) was 20% in both groups. Adult migratory ticks from donor to recipient cattle were recorded by examination of the recipient cattle on days 2, 6, 9, and 13. The tick infestation rate, calculated using the Kaplan-Meier survival test, was higher in G2 (p = 0.05). The cumulative incidence on day 13 was 25% in G1 and 65% in G2, with no significant differences. The results demonstrate that migration of adults of R. microplus under field conditions occurs, in accordance with previous studies, and that its magnitude is associated with the stocking rate. These results highlight the relevance of R. microplus in the epidemiology of A. marginale through its role as a vector in the intrastadial transmission of this pathogen of cattle.

Lactic acid bacteria viability in different refrigerated food matrices: a systematic review and Meta­analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine which variables affect the viability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) added to different types of refrigerated foods during the first 28 days. Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Reviews databases were searched from 1997 to April 2022. A total of 278 studies, which showed randomized and controlled experiments published in peer reviewed journals, were included. The viability of LAB in different moments during the storage process was synthesized as mean point estimate (MPE) via random-effects meta-analyses and the effect of multiple factors on the LAB´s viability was evaluated by multiple meta-regression. The meta-analysis showed that the decrease in LAB viability will be more abrupt the greater the initial dose. The physical structure of food may influence bacterial viability. Fruit was the type of product that most quickly lost viability. Co-culture of two or more species did not affect viability. Preservation methods had an unfavorable effect and prebiotics had a beneficial effect on bacterial viability. Viability was genus dependent. The data obtained in this study provide an overview of the factors to be taken into account for the design of new foods.

Association between heat stress during intrauterine development and the expression and regulation of ovarian steroid hormone receptors in adult Holstein cows.

CONTEXT: Dairy cattle experience stressful environmental situations that affect production. Heat stress during gestation can influence the intrauterine development of offspring, resulting in long-term damage that can affect the reproductive life of the adult offspring. AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in the expression and regulation of steroid hormone receptors in the ovary of Holstein cows gestated under different temperature-humidity index (THI) during their in utero development. METHODS: Animals were classified by their exposure to temperature-humidity index (THI) ≥72 during their development in utero according to date of birth or date of effective service of their mother. This study was not carried out under controlled conditions, but the conditions to which the cows were naturally exposed during their development were considered retrospectively, controlling the variables in the statistical analyses (age as a covariate, dairy farm as a random factor). Gestation was divided into two periods (P1=days 0-150; and P2=day 151 to calving) and three trimesters (T1=days 0-90; T2=days 91-180; and T3=day 181 to calving), and the exposure to THI ≥72 was calculated in each one. The following characteristics were evaluated: gene expression of estrogen receptor (ESR) 1, ESR2 and progesterone receptor (PGR), CpG methylation in the 5'UTR of ESR1 and ESR2, and protein expression of ESR1, ESR2, PGR and coregulatory proteins in the dominant follicles of daughter cows in adulthood. KEY RESULTS: We found associations between heat stress variables during gestation and the methylation status of CpG sites in the 5'UTR of ESR1 and ESR2 in dominant follicles. Results also showed association between exposure to high THI values during intrauterine development and expression of ESR1, ESR2 and PGR and coregulatory proteins in dominant follicles of adult cows. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide novel information about the impact of prenatal heat stress on molecular aspects at the ovary level in the offspring, during their adult life, which probably impacts the reproductive aspects of the herd.

Efficacy of Panax ginseng extract combined with cephalexin as a dry cow therapy.

Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of intramammary administration, at drying-off, of a Panax ginseng extract (PGe) combined with cephalexin (Ceph) on the post-calving bacteriological cure rate of pre-existing intramammary infections (IMI) and on the occurrence of new IMI during the dry period. In addition, milk yield and somatic cell count (SCC) in the post-treatment lactation were evaluated. One hundred and eight late-lactation cows were randomly divided into two experimental groups and were treated at drying-off with Ceph alone or PGe combined with Ceph.Cure rates for IMI present at drying-off were similar for both treatments (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.33-2.74). Cure rates for Staphylococcus aureus were lower (OR = 15.4, 95% CI = 1.66-142.52) in quarters treated with PGe + Ceph than in those treated with Ceph alone. Intramammary infusion of PGe + Ceph at drying-off had no effect on preventing new dry period IMI (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.38-1.51), compared with infusion of Ceph alone. Milk production and SCC in the ensuing lactation were not affected by PGe + Ceph treatment. In conclusion, addition of PGe to dry cow therapy did not show any advantage over the use of dry cow therapy alone.

Risk factors of S. aureus intramammary infection in pre partum dairy heifers under grazing conditions and molecular characterization of isolates from heifers and cows.

The aims of the research reported here were to identify potential risk factors associated with the presence of Staphylococcus aureus intramammary infection (IMI) in pre partum dairy heifers on 17 dairy farms from three provinces of Argentina and to characterize, at molecular level, isolates from those heifers and lactating cows from two selected herds. A total of 1474 heifers and 4878 lactating cows were studied. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus IMI in the heifers, heifers at quarter level and lactating cow mammary quarters was 14.41, 4.82, and 14.65%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed the key variables associated with S. aureus IMI presence in the heifers were: S. aureus IMI prevalence in cows of the lactating herd, the time calves stayed with their dam after birth, the calf rearing system, the place of rearing (own farm or other dairy farm) and fly control on the farm. None of the variables included in the multivariable analysis was associated with the presence of S. aureus IMI in the pre partum heifers, probably due to low variability among management practices used by the farms for rearing the heifer calves. At the molecular level, S. aureus isolates were grouped into three main PFGE clusters and several genotypes within the clusters. Isolates from mammary secretion of pre partum heifers and milk of lactating cows comprised different PFGE clusters in both herds, although two exceptions occurred. The absence of gene fnbpB, which codifies for a virulence factor protein involved in cell invasion by S. aureus, was significantly more frequent in pre partum heifer secretion isolates than in isolates from lactating cow milk. These results suggest that, under these management conditions, isolates from mammary secretions of pre partum heifers do not originate from the milk of lactating cows, but rather other sources to which the heifer is exposed.

National short-term dietary exposure assessment of a selected group of pesticides in Argentina.

An evaluation of acute dietary exposure to pesticide residues, applying deterministic and stochastic methods, was performed for a selected group of pesticides in two representative age groups from Argentina. Thus, 28 active ingredients (a.i.) and 75 food items were evaluated for the group of 2-5-year-old children, while 9 a.i. and 59 food items were considered for the 10-49-year-old women group. A deterministic assessment was conducting following the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) procedure but using the national maximum residue limits (MRLs) as pesticide residue concentration data, while in the stochastic approach, a theoretical distribution modeled with the available information was used. Food consumption data were obtained from the 2004-2005 comprehensive national nutrition and health survey. The risk was estimated by comparing the short-term dietary exposure with the acute reference dose (ARfD) values for each pesticide-food combination evaluated. In the deterministic assessment, 173 (39.1%) and 40 (31.3%) combinations exceeded the ARfD thresholds for the 2-5-year-old children and 10-49-year-old women groups, respectively. This conservative study generated relevant information as a first stage of acute dietary risk assessment in Argentina.

Development and storage studies of high density macrocapsules containing Lactobacillus spp. strains as nutritional supplement in young calves.

The aim of this study was to evaluate different production methodologies of probiotic macrocapsules with high bacterial densities destined to lactating calves. Three types of capsules containing Lactobacillus casei DSPV318T and Lactobacillus plantarum DSPV354T were prepared from an overnight culture in whey medium: (1) mixing the culture with calcium alginate and then, reincubating the capsules in whey (RC); (2) concentrating the biomass by centrifugation and mixing the pellet with calcium alginate (CC) at different concentrations with respect to the initial culture (5X and 12.5X); (3) CC with cryoprotectants: whey permeate (Per) and glycerol (Gly). Chitosan coating was evaluated. Capsules were freeze-dried and viability was assessed before freezing, after freeze-drying and every two weeks for 84 days of storage at room temperature, 4°C and -20°C. CC showed higher cell densities than RC. Storage temperature affected viability: greater viability at lower temperature. Moreover, the effect of temperature was influenced by other factors, such as capsule coating, culture neutralization and cryoprotectants. Coating improved viability at room temperature; however no effect was observed at 4°C. Culture neutralization allowed greater survival during storage. Cryoprotectants improved viability during freezing, but they also generated a positive or negative effect depending on storage temperature. The best results were: at refrigeration Gly12.5X exhibited counts above 109CFU/capsule until day 70 and Per12.5X until day 56 of storage and at -20°C Gly12.5X showed counts above 109CFU/capsule until the end of the study (84 days). A 109CFU capsule is the daily dose per calf which would facilitate the administration of this probiotic inoculum to field animals.

Comprehensive estimate of the theoretical maximum daily intake of pesticide residues for chronic dietary risk assessment in Argentina.

A chronic dietary risk assessment for pesticide residues was conducted for four age groups of the Argentinian population following the procedure recommended by the WHO. The National Theoretical Maximum Daily Intake (NTMDI) for 308 pesticides was calculated for the first time, using the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) from several Argentinean regulations and food consumption data from a comprehensive National Nutrition and Health Survey. The risk was estimated by comparing the TMDI with the Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADI) identified by various sources. Furthermore, for each of the compounds with a TMDI >65% of the ADI, a probabilistic analysis was conducted to quantify the probability of exceeding the ADI. In this study 27, 22, 10, and 6 active ingredients (a.i.) were estimated to exceed the 100% of the ADI for the different population groups: 6-23 month-old children, 2-5 year-old children, pregnant women, and 10-49 year-old women, respectively. Some of these ADI-exceeding compounds (carbofuran, diazinon, dichlorvos, dimethoate, oxydemeton-methyl and methyl bromide) were found in all four of these groups. Milk, apples, potatoes, and tomatoes were the foods that contributed most to the intake of these pesticides. The study is of primary importance for the improvement of risk assessment, regulations, and monitoring activities.

Genetic diversity of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. isolates from different stages of the poultry meat supply chain in Argentina.

The objective of this study was to investigate a clonal relationship among thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. isolates from different stages of the poultry meat supply chain in Argentina. A total of 128 thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. (89 C. jejuni and 39 C. coli) isolates from six poultry meat chains were examined. These isolates were from: a) hens from breeder flocks, b) chickens on the farm (at ages 1 wk and 5 wk), c) chicken carcasses in the slaughterhouse, and d) chicken carcasses in the retail market. Chickens sampled along each food chain were from the same batch. Campylobacter spp. isolates were analyzed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to compare different profiles according to the source. Clustering of C. jejuni isolates resulted in 17 profiles, with four predominant genotypes and many small profiles with just a few isolates or unique patterns, showing a very high degree of heterogeneity among the C. jejuni isolates. Some clusters included isolates from different stages within the same chain, which would indicate a spread of strains along the same poultry meat chain. Moreover, twenty-two strains of C. coli clustered in seven groups and the remaining 17 isolates exhibited unique profiles. Evidence for transmission of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. through the food chain and cross contamination in the slaughterhouses were obtained. This collective evidence should be considered as the scientific basis to implement risk management measures to protect the public health.

Prevalence of honey bee (Apis mellifera) viruses in temperate and subtropical regions from Argentina.

In Argentina, bee virus studies are still incipient, and there are no studies regarding the climatic effect. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the presence of honeybee viruses in different climatic regions from Argentina. A total of 385 colonies distributed in five Argentinean eco-regions were examined to evaluate the percentage of infestation with Varroa destructor and the presence of seven virus species (Deformed wing virus, DWV; Acute bee paralysis virus, ABPV; Chronic bee paralysis virus, CBPV; Black queen cell virus, BQCV; Kashmer bee virus, KBV; Israeli acute bee paralysis virus, IAPV; and Sacbrood bee virus, SBV) after honey yield. Two viruses, KBV and IAPV, were not detected. The other five viruses were found in different prevalences: DWV (35%), ABPV (21.5%), BQCV (8.0%), CBPV (2.2%), and SBV (1.1%). We found double and triple viral associations in approximately 25% of the sampled colonies. The mean V. destructor infestation in the colonies prior to the acaricide treatment was 7.12%±8.7%. The knowledge of the prevalence of these viruses in the region and their relation with the mite and other possible influencing factors is important for preventing colony losses. Further studies are necessary to identify the risk factors associated with virus presence and its relationship with other pathogens such as V. destructor.

[Campylobacter jejuni O:19 serotype in Argentine poultry meat supply chain]. / Presencia de serotipos de Campylobacter jejuni O:19 en la cadena avícola Argentina.

Thermotolerant species of Campylobacter have been focus of attention in the last years because they are the major agent causing zoonotic foodborne diseases. In addition, Campylobacter jejuni O:19 serotype was associated with Guillain Barré syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of C. jejuni O:19 serotype isolated at different stages of three poultry meat supply chain in Santa Fe, Argentina. The analysis showed that 18% of isolated C. jejuni belong to serotype O:19. It was also determined that the presence of these strains is given in almost all production stages. These results reflect a significant risk to public health of consumers. Epidemiological studies of Campylobacter should be considered to establish a risk manager policy.

Comparison of phenotypic tests for detecting penicillin G resistance with presence of blaZ gene in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine intramammary infections.

Few studies have described the relationship between genotypic and phenotypic methods for detecting penicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine intramammary infection (IMI). Six phenotypic methods for penicillinase detection were compared with a genotypic method testing the presence of the ß-lactamase gene blaZ in Staph. aureus (n = 150) isolated from bovine IMI. Highest sensitivities and specificities were observed for disk diffusion (DD) (93 and 97.4%), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (90.3 and 97.4%), Cefinase™ (85.9 and 97.4%) and Diatabs™ (85.7 and 98.7%). The estimated cut-off points estimated in the present study can be considered close to the ones indicated by CLSI (2013). The molecular detection of blaZ gene is the only method that may indicate the real or potential capacity of producing ß-lactamase in Staph. aureus. Considering that from a clinical standpoint a false negative result from a phenotypic test is the most unfavourable situation, a combination of standard DD with Diatabs™ or Cefinase™ should be performed by routine mastitis laboratories to minimise false negative results.

[Probiotics in broilers' rearing: A strategy for intensive production models]. / Probióticos en pollos parrilleros: una estrategia para los modelos productivos intensivos.

The broiler industry has become an important economic activity in Argentina. Global production of broiler meat has been growing in Argentina faster than for any other meats, possibly due to declining poultry prices and increasing incomes. Modern rearing systems can produce broilers ready to slaughter in 50 days, with the required 2.7kg of weight and a feed conversion of about 1.6kg feed/kg of meat. Nevertheless, broilers raised under these intensive conditions are exposed to various stressors every day. For many years, feed supplementation with antibiotics was widely used to stabilize the gut flora, improve general parameters and prevent avian diseases. However, the utility of antibiotics has been questioned because of the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in meat. Therefore, there is a renewed interest in finding viable alternatives to antibiotics. One potential method is the supplementation of broiler diets with probiotics. This review provides an updated summary of the use of probiotics to improve sanitary conditions and enhance performance in broilers, demonstrating the role of probiotics as a reliable option to replace antimicrobial growth promoters.

[Knowledge of zoonoses transmission routes and of the species concerned among rural workers]. / Conocimiento de las vías de transmisión de las zoonosis y de las especies afectadas entre los trabajadores rurales.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness of zoonoses among rural workers and their potential associations with socio-demographic factors. A cross-sectional study was performed by holding personal interviews (N=110, n=94) using a structured questionnaire. The statistical analysis included the χ(2) test, the Student's t test and Pearson and Spearman correlations. The highest level of awareness was found for trichinosis, rabies and scabies. Species transmitting brucellosis, tuberculosis and anthrax were well known, but not their modes of transmission. The least known diseases were toxocariasis and hydatidosis, followed by leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis. Significant associations were found (p<0.001) between the knowledge of transmitting species and the modes of transmission. Senior male owners, married, and living in urban areas showed the highest overall knowledge of zoonoses. Awareness of zoonoses among rural workers is inadequate. Veterinarians in conjunction with risk insurers may play a key role in providing information to people at risk.

Comparison of real-time PCR and nested PCR based on the HlyA gene for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes. Application on cheese samples.

The aim of the present study was to compare the performance of a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) and a real-time PCR based on the amplification of the HlyA gene from Listeria monocytogenes using a plasmid DNA standard. Nested PCR was developed with an internal amplification control (IAC). Both techniques were validated in soft cheese samples by comparing their results with the results of the microbiological reference method ISO 11290-1:2017. Cheese samples artificially contaminated with 3.5 to 3,500 UFC/25 g were processed by ISO 11290-1:2017 and, at several times of culture, DNA samples were extracted. All cheeses contaminated with L. monocytogenes were positive for the microbiological method 96 h post contamination and for nPCR and real-time PCR 48 h post contamination. At this time, the HlyA gene was amplified in all contaminated samples. Both molecular techniques showed the same sensitivity, 30 copies/reaction or 3.5 UFC/25 g, when plasmid DNA standard or artificially contaminated cheese samples were used. Finally, eighty soft cheese samples obtained from local retail stores and tested by three methods were negative, indicating a 100% concordance in results. The development of an nPCR with IAC reinforces the reliability of the negative results without increasing the costs of the reaction. Besides, nPCR showed less sensitivity to the presence of inhibitory substances in the reaction. The use of one of these molecular techniques could be easily coupled to the microbiological method, serving as a screening method in the food industry for hygiene monitoring and early identification of contaminated foods.

Analysis of management factors influencing Anaplasma marginale transmission.

The aim of this study was to identify factors that play a key role in the epidemiology of bovine anaplasmosis by adapting a model primarily developed for cattle babesiosis. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted to study the proportion of calf herds in endemic stability/instability for A. marginale in a semi-arid area of Argentina. The A. marginale inoculation rate (h) was calculated from age-specific seroprevalence using double-antigen sandwich ELISA in 58 herds of 4.5-8.5-month-old calves. Herds were considered to be in endemic instability (EI) at h < 0.005 and, therefore, at risk of anaplasmosis outbreaks. A generalized linear model was performed to explore husbandry practices associated with differences in A. marginale transmission. Additionally, spatial clustering of herds with the same immunological status was analyzed using spatial scan statistics (SatScan, Bernoulli model). Spearman's correlation was used to explore a possible association between A. marginale h and Babesia bovis and B. bigemina h (data obtained in previous works). Almost half (43 %) of the herds were in the EI zone for A. marginale. Calves raised under forage combinations had a greater risk of being in EI (OR = 5.41, CI95 %OR = 1.43-20.41) than those reared exclusively on permanent pastures, where cattle density is higher (P = 0.01). Moreover, calves from herds treated only with pyrethroids to control ticks had more chances of being in EI (OR = 4.16, CI95 %OR = 1.12-15.38) than calves from herds receiving different acaricide combinations (P = 0.03). Calves from herds subjected to more than two treatments against Haematobia irritans had higher odds for EI (OR = 5.69, CI95 %OR = 1.24-26.11) than those from herds using fewer than two treatments (P = 0.02). The spatial analysis revealed no spatial clustering of the immune status of the herds (P = 0.67 and P = 0.74 for low and high incidence rates, respectively). A significant variation between farms was observed in A. marginale h (CV = 90.38 %). The correlation analysis revealed a strong epidemiological link of A. marginale h with B. bovis h (Rho=0.794, P<0.001) and B. bigemina h (Rho=0.839, P<0.001). Given that R. microplus is the only vector of B. bovis and B. bigemina in the region, the results of this work strongly suggest an active and significant role of R. microplus in the transmission of A. marginale.

Seroprevalence of Leptospira antibodies in dogs and cats from Santa Fe, a city in East-Central Argentina endemic for leptospirosis.

This study examines household pets as potential epidemiological links between environments contaminated with pathogenic leptospires and humans in Santa Fe, Argentina. The aims of our study were: (a) to characterize the habits and exposure to environmental sources of leptospirosis in the population of dogs and cats attending to municipal spay and neutering campaigns in Santa Fe, Argentina, (b) to assess the seroprevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in asymptomatic dogs and cats, (c) to evaluate factors that could increase seropositivity, and (d) to identify spatial clusters of seropositive dogs and cats in the capital city of Santa Fe. From May to November 2022, a cross-sectional serosurvey was conducted during municipal spaying/neutering campaigns. Eligible household dogs and cats were over 6 months old, apparently healthy, and not vaccinated against leptospirosis in the past 6 months. We used microagglutination test (MAT) to assess anti-Leptospira antibodies using a panel of 10 reference strains. We used generalized linear mixed effects models (GLMM) to examine individual and census tract-level risk factors for seropositivity, and local Moran's I statistic for spatial clusters. Results showed higher leptospiral antibody prevalence in dogs (18.2 %) than cats (3.6 %, p = 0.002). Dogs with street access had higher likelihood of being seropositive (OR: 3.8, 95 % CI: 1.2; 11.9), and areas with chronic poverty showed an elevated risk of presenting seropositive animals (RR: 4.0, 95 % CI: 1.1; 14.4). Spatial analysis didn't reveal significant seropositivity clusters among census tracts. These findings shed light on widespread Leptospira seropositivity in pets in this endemic region. Understanding seroprevalence and risk factors can guide public and veterinary health strategies, emphasizing increased leptospirosis vaccination for dogs in vulnerable areas and promoting responsible pet care.

[Epidemiological study of recorded trichinosis cases in Santa Fe Province, Argentina, 1998-2009]. / Estudio epidemiológico de los casos de triquinelosis registrados en la provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina, 1998-2009.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize recorded trichinosis cases and outbreaks in Santa Fe Province, Argentina, from 1998 to 2009 from epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory viewpoints. METHODS: An analysis was conducted of 1 519 epidemiological records of persons who had signs and symptoms compatible with trichinosis in Santa Fe Province in the period 1998-2009. A descriptive statistical analysis of information in epidemiological records and of clinical and laboratory results, as well as a bifactorial analysis of possible associations with epidemiological and environmental factors were also carried out. RESULTS: Trichinosis symptoms were found in 1 276 cases; 372 met the clinical case definition and 224 samples were positive by indirect immunofluorescence, independent of their clinical case classification. There were 27 outbreaks that involved 1 157 cases identified in eight departments, with greater frequency in the province's center and south. Annual distribution of epidemiologically associated cases was heterogeneous, with greater frequency in the period 2000-2003 and in the months of August to October. Probability of becoming sick was greater with consumption of products from informal sources (OR = 3.69; P = 0.014) and in rural areas (OR = 1.799; P = 0.011). Disease incubation period (median) was 12 days. The risk of becoming sick was 2.06 times greater in persons who ate meat or ate pork by-products than in those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: The greatest number of outbreaks occurred in departments that were more populous and where pork production was greater. Specific actions should be designed for prevention and control of the disease in those departments. Epidemiological risk analysis should be considered in evaluating, managing, and communicating trichinosis health risks.

Zoonoses in rural veterinarians in the central region of Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency of zoonoses in rural veterinarians and to search for risk factors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study based on an anonymously answered structured questionnaire. SETTING: The interviewees participated in mandatory continuing education classes scheduled throughout the province by the College of Veterinary Surgeons. PARTICIPANTS: Overall, 741 professionals were surveyed, and 75.8% (n = 562) of them completed the structured questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cumulative incidence (CIR) and incidence density (IDR) rates, standardised rates, χ(2) , Student's t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and logistic regression. RESULTS: The CIR for all zoonoses was 34.1% (brucellosis, 29.1%; toxoplasmosis, 2.1%; leptospirosis, 0.6%; tuberculosis, 0.6%; anthrax, 0.6%; ringworm, 0.4%; other, 0.6%). The IDR for the period 1964-2008 was estimated to be 20.7% (19.5% for brucellosis). The brucellosis IDR decreased between 1964 and 2008 and was higher during early post-graduation. The risk of brucellosis was associated with the number of years of practice and the geographical area. Sixty-nine respondents had at least one day of absence from work (24.0 ± 27.8 days). CONCLUSIONS: A high frequency of zoonoses was reported by veterinarians with a large animal practice. Although the rate of zoonoses may be decreasing, further studies are needed to confirm this finding. A joint effort of all institutions is needed to prevent zoonoses among private practitioners.