Detection of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in soil and risk mapping in an island environment in the Northeast of Brazil.

Toxoplasmosis is an emerging and re-emerging infectious disease that can be transmitted through a contaminated environment. Environmental contamination is an emergency health issue, and determining its occurrence is fundamental to a One Health approach. In this study, we addressed the extent of environmental contamination and viability of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in soil in different environments on Fernando de Noronha Island, Brazil. In addition, we performed species distribution modelling to predict the environmental suitability for coccidia persistence in the studied area. Soil samples were collected in 14 neighbourhoods of the Island and in the four main squares, creating a total of 95 soil samples (five samples per site). The samples were analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for the presence of the 18S ribosomal DNA gene of Apicomplexan protozoa, followed by genetic sequencing. We obtained 4.2% (4/95) positive soil samples with 100% similarity for T. gondii sequences. Two out of four positive sites on PCR showed viability of T. gondii oocysts through the mouse bioassay technique. As a result of the application of the species distribution modelling, environmental adequacy for the coccidia was observed throughout the Island. The results confirm the contamination of the soil in this insular environment by T. gondii oocysts and the environmental suitability by modelling application. These findings are an alert for the possibility of infection in animals and humans by contaminated soil, and for contamination of the maritime environment in addition to water resources for consumption by the local population.

Occurrence of Atypical and New Genotypes of Toxoplasma Gondii in Free-Range Chickens Intended for Human Consumption in Brazil.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to detect and genotype T. gondii in free-range chickens destined to human consumption in Alagoas state, Brazil. METHODS: Two hundred blood samples were collected from free-range chickens and submitted to indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Brain tissue from 14 animals randomly selected were subjected to mouse bioassay. Positive samples in mouse bioassay were submitted to PCR and genotyped by PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: Out of two hundred blood samples from chickens, 72 (36%) samples were considered positive by IFAT. Two T. gondii strains were isolated, both being characterized as atypical and classified as #146 and a new genotype, named #279 in ToxoDB database. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed a sero-occurrence of T. gondii in free-range chickens intended for humans, and the genetic diversity of the parasite in Brazil, with a new genotype described.

Anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in feral cats on the Island of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil.

Neospora caninum is a protozoan responsible for abortions, stillbirths (mainly among cattle) and neuromuscular diseases in dogs. Its importance in wild species and its impact on the environmental preservation of different ecosystems have been little described. This study aimed to investigate the presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in feral cats on the island of Fernando de Noronha and contribute epidemiological data on this disease in these animals and its impact on the environmental preservation of the island. Serum samples from 257 feral cats on the island were analyzed through the Neospora agglutination test (NAT) to search for anti-Neospora caninum antibodies. Among the 257 serum samples analyzed, 8 (3.11%) were positive in the NAT. The antibody titers were 20 in seven animals (87.5%) and 40 in one animal (12.5%). These results demonstrate that feral cats are exposed to infection by N. caninum on the island of Fernando de Noronha, at a low frequency. Greater knowledge on this infection in this animal species in this insular environment is important for elucidating its impact on the conservation of species and the maintenance of this parasite on the island.

First description of clonal lineage type II (genotype #1) of Toxoplasma gondii in abortion outbreak in goats.

The purpose of this study was to perform genotypic characterization and to evaluate the virulence of Toxoplasma gondii obtained from aborted fetuses in an abortion outbreak in goats from northeastern Brazil. Brain samples from 32 fetuses were submitted to mouse bioassay for T. gondii isolation. Two isolates were obtained and subjected to genotypic characterization. Isolate virulence was evaluated using murine model in different doses (from 105 to 101 tachyzoites/mL). In genotyping, both isolates were classified as clonal lineage type II (genotype #1 ToxoDB) and showed to be virulent for mice. This is the first description of genotype #1 in cases of goat abortion, showing the circulation of virulent T. gondii isolate producing reproductive disorders in pregnant goat.

Frequency of antibodies against Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora caninum in domestic cats in the state of Bahia, Brazil.

Sarcocystis neurona is the major agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. It infects several mammalian species in the Americas, where the definitive hosts, marsupials of the genus Didelphis (D. virginiana and D. albiventris) are found. Domestic cats are one of the confirmed intermediate hosts of the parasite; however, antibodies against S. neurona had never before been demonstrated in Brazilian cats. The aim of this study was to determine whether cats in Bahia, Brazil, are exposed to the parasite. A total of 272 feline serum samples (134 from feral and 138 from house cats) were subjected to an indirect fluorescent antibody test using cultured merozoites of S. neurona as antigen. Positivity was detected in 4.0% (11/272) of the tested samples, with titers ranging from 25 to 800. The feline sera were also tested for antibodies against the protozoan Neospora caninum, with an observed antibody frequency of 2.9%. To the author's knowledge, this is the first study to report antibodies against S. neurona in Brazilian cats. We conclude that cats are exposed to the parasite in the region of this study. Further investigations are needed to confirm the role of cats in the transmission cycle of S. neurona in Brazil.

Frequency of antibodies against Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora caninum in domestic cats in the state of Bahia, Brazil / Frequência de anticorpos contra Sarcocystis neurona e Neospora caninum em gatos domésticos do Estado da Bahia, Brasil

Sarcocystis neurona is the major agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. It infects several mammalian species in the Americas, where the definitive hosts, marsupials of the genus Didelphis (D. virginiana and D. albiventris) are found. Domestic cats are one of the confirmed intermediate hosts of the parasite; however, antibodies against S. neurona had never before been demonstrated in Brazilian cats. The aim of this study was to determine whether cats in Bahia, Brazil, are exposed to the parasite. A total of 272 feline serum samples (134 from feral and 138 from house cats) were subjected to an indirect fluorescent antibody test using cultured merozoites of S. neurona as antigen. Positivity was detected in 4.0% (11/272) of the tested samples, with titers ranging from 25 to 800. The feline sera were also tested for antibodies against the protozoan Neospora caninum, with an observed antibody frequency of 2.9%. To the author's knowledge, this is the first study to report antibodies against S. neurona in Brazilian cats. We conclude that cats are exposed to the parasite in the region of this study. Further investigations are needed to confirm the role of cats in the transmission cycle of S. neurona in Brazil.

Sarcocystis neurona é o principal agente da mieloencefalite protozoária equina. Esse parasito infecta várias espécies de mamíferos nas Américas, onde são encontrados os hospedeiros definitivos, os marsupiais do gênero Didelphis (D. virginiana and D. albiventris). O gato doméstico é um dos hospedeiros intermediários do parasito. Contudo, anticorpos contra S. neurona ainda não tinham sido demonstrados em gatos brasileiros. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar se gatos da Bahia, Brasil, são expostos ao parasito. Amostras séricas de 272 felinos (134 de gatos errantes e 138 de gatos domiciliados) foram testadas pelo teste de imunofluorescência indireta, utilizando-se como antígeno, merozoítos produzidos em cultura celular. Entre as amostras testadas, 4,0% (11/272) foram positivas com títulos entre 25 e 800. Os soros dos felinos foram também testados para anticorpos contra o protozoário Neospora caninum, cuja frequência de anticorpos foi de 2,9%. Esse é o primeiro relato de anticorpos contra S. neurona em gatos brasileiros. Conclui-se que os gatos da região estudada são expostos a S. neurona. Estudos futuros são necessários, a fim de se confirmar o papel dos gatos no ciclo de transmissão de S. neurona no Brasil.

Uma abordagem sItuacional do gerenciamento de resíduos de serviços de saúde animal / Enfoque de la situación de la gestión de los residuos de servicios de salud animal / Findings about animal health waste management

O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma análise situacional sobre o gerenciamento de resíduos de serviços de saúde em unidades veterinárias na cidade de Salvador, Bahia. O estudo foi realizado no período de abril de 2007 a setembro de 2008. Um questionário foi elaborado e aplicado em 38 unidades veterinárias distribuídas pelo município de Salvador, Bahia. Os dados foram avaliados e quantificados proporcionalmente. A maioria dos estabelecimentos entrevistados (79%) não possuía plano de gerenciamento de resíduos de serviços de saúde. Entre os poucos que o possuíam, apenas 25% cumpriam as regras plenamente. Quando questionados sobre a legislação, mais da metade dos entrevistados informava não conhecer nenhuma legislação referente ao assunto e afirmava que a falta de informação é o principal motivo para o não cumprimento do gerenciamento de resíduos de serviços de saúde. A maioria dos entrevistados informava ter interesse em cursos de capacitação para os funcionários. Adicionalmente, os dados obtidos mostraram que 63% dos estabelecimentos utilizavam empresa pública para a coleta externa dos resíduos. Acredita-se que a realização de mais estudos, aliada a um incremento nas atividades educativas e na fiscalização dos estabelecimentos são necessários para promover a resolução do problema.

The scope of this study was to realize a situational analysis about the health solid waste management in veterinary establishments in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The study was realized in the period of April 2007 to September 2008. A questionnaire was elaborated and applied in 38 veterinary unities distributed in the municipal of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The data was evaluated and quantified proportionally. The majority of the interviewed establishments (79%) did not have a plan for the management of health solid waste. Among the few that had it, only 25% follow the rules. When questioned about the legislation, more than a half informed that they were not aware of any legislation regarding the issue and declared that the lack of information was the main reason for the non-compliance to the management of health solid waste. The majority of those interviewed had interest in training courses for their staff. Additionally, it was verified that 63% of the establishments used public institutions for the collection of waste. It is believed that the realization of more studies, together with an increment in the educative activities and inspection of the establishments are necessary to promote the resolution of the problem.

El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar un análisis de la situación en la Gestión de Residuos de Servicios de Salud en las unidades veterinarias de la ciudad de Salvador, Bahia. El estudio se realizó en el periodo comprendido entre abril de 2007 y septiembre de 2008. Fue elaborado y aplicado un cuestionario a 38 unidades veterinarias distribuidas por la ciudad de Salvador, Bahia. Los datos fueron evaluados y cuantificados proporcionalmente. La mayoría de los establecimientos encuestados (79%) no tenían Plan de Gestión de Residuos de Servicios de Salud, y entre los pocos que lo tenían sólo el 25% cumplen plenamente con las normas. En cuanto a la legislación, más de la mitad de los encuestados informaron no saber nada de la legislación con respecto al tema y que la falta de información es la principal razón para el incumplimiento de la Gestión de Residuos de Servicios de Salud. La mayoría de los encuestados reportaron un interés en cursos de capacitación para los empleados. Además, los datos obtenidos mostraron que el 63% de los establecimientos utilizaban empresa pública para recoger los residuos. Se cree que otros estudios, combinado con un aumento en las actividades educativas y la supervisión de las instituciones son necesarios para promover la resolución del problema.