High discrimination of Mycobacterium bovis isolates in Brazilian herds by spoligotyping.

Bovine tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), that leads to economic losses in infected herds and it is also considered an important zoonosis. The molecular typing methods of M. bovis isolates are fundamental for the bovine tuberculosis surveillance system, and spoligotyping is the standard genotyping technique for this species. Thus, the aim of the present study is to analyze the spatial and cluster distribution of M. bovis strains from several regions of Brazil through molecular typing. Spoligotyping technique was applied on 422 isolates identified as M. bovis, and Ripley's K function was used to perform the spatial and cluster analysis of each identified profile. Forty-three (43) different profiles were identified and spoligotype SB0121 was the most frequent and showed a uniform pattern in the spatial distribution while spoligotypes SB0295, SB1380 and SB1050 formed clusters. In addition, three novel spoligotype profiles (SB2361, SB2362, SB2364) were identified in different herds. In this perspective, it is believed that molecular identification and typing can significantly improve the performance of surveillance systems for bovine tuberculosis in Brazil.

[Prudent use of antimicrobial agents and proposals for improvement in veterinary medicine]. / Uso prudente de antimicrobianos y propuestas de mejora en veterinaria.

The alarms that have sounded in the last two decades of the 20(th) century in the feld of antimicrobial resistance in livestock farming have led to the development of various measures that have substantially improved the use of antimicrobial agents in veterinary medicine. These measures mainly involve the implementation of new pharmaceutical legislation and the hygiene package provisions. Even though awareness of the regulations is high, surveillance systems have been implemented and the promotion of appropriate use has begun to show results, it is necessary to maintain these measures while promoting alternatives to the use of antimicrobials. In particular, alternatives are needed for those agents used for prevention of bacterial diseases, either specifically, through vaccination and improvement of biosafety (use of insecticides, disinfectants and insect repellents), or generally by improving farm facilities and animal welfare. All of these alternatives would reduce the need to use antimicrobial agents in animals. These actions should be complemented by training for all those players involved (veterinarians, farmers, the pharmaceutical industry, veterinary medicines suppliers and food retailers), and by establishing more effective cooperation between human and veterinary medicine.