Occurrence of Apicomplexa protozoa in wild birds in the Northeast region of Brazil.

Protozoa of the Apicomplexa phylum are worldwide distributed with capacity to infect endothermic animals. The study of these protozoa in wild birds in Brazil is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of apicomplexan protozoa in wild birds in the Northeast of Brazil. From October to December 2019, brain tissue samples were collected from 71 captive birds from the Wild Animal Screening Center of the Pernambuco State (CETRAS-Tangara) and 25 free-living birds from the Caatinga biome in Rio Grande do Norte, totaling 96 animals (41 species). Brain fragments were subjected to molecular diagnosis by nested PCR for the 18s rDNA gene of Apicomplexa parasites, followed by DNA sequencing. This gene was detected in 25% (24/96) of the samples, and it was possible to perform DNA sequencing of 14 samples, confirming three genera: Isospora, Sarcocystis and Toxoplasma from eight bird species (Amazona aestiva, Coereba flaveola, Egretta thula, Paroaria dominicana, Sporophila nigricollis, Cariama cristata, Columbina talpacoti, Crypturellus parvirostris). The occurrence these coccidia in wild birds provides important epidemiological information for the adoption of preventive measures for its conservation. Future studies are needed to better understand the consequence of Apicomplexa infection in birds in Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes.

Vesicular stomatitis due to Indiana III (Alagoas/VSIV-3) is endemic in Brazilian state of Ceará / Estomatite vesicular causada pelo subtipo Indiana III (Alagoas/VVI-3) é endêmica no estado do Ceará, Brasil

ABSTRACT: Although Northeast Brazil is considered free of foot and mouth disease (FMD) with vaccination, several economic and health damages are still recorded due to the occurrence of vesicular syndromes that can be evaluated, such as Vesicular Stomatitis (VS). Therefore, this study aimed to confirm the occurrence of this disease and to determine the predominant viral serotype in suspected cases notified to the Official Veterinary Service of Ceará in 2013 performing official diagnostic protocols recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health. After clinical and epidemiological investigation in 46 farms, 32 probable cases of VS were considered with 78 sampled animals, 65 bovines and 13 equines. Serum (54) and epithelium (24) samples were collected. Six (14.6%) of 41 bovines and 8 (61.5%) of 13 equines described seroconversion to Indiana Vesiculovirus (IVV) by viral neutralization. The IVV was detected in 15 (62.5%) of 24 bovines epithelia using the indirect sandwich ELISA. Finally, positive epithelium underwent complement fixation test viral subtyping that identified the occurrence of Indiana III serotype (Alagoas/IVV-3) in 11 (73.3%) of 15 previous positives cattle. These were the first confirmed cases of VS in Ceará with an official diagnosis of IVV-3, confirming the endemic character attributed to the state through previous unofficial serological surveys. The presence of VS is a continuing diagnostic challenge, given the risk of possible incursions of FMD. Vesicular stomatitis is recurrent and is a worrying in this area free of foot and mouth disease with vaccination that bring damage to producers and a maximum alert to the Sanitary Defense Organs in the face of a probable case of vesicular syndrome.

RESUMO: Embora o Nordeste do Brasil seja considerado livre de Febre Aftosa (FA) com a vacinação, ainda são registrados vários prejuízos econômicos e sanitários devido à ocorrência de síndromes vesiculares que precisam ser adequadamente avaliadas, como Estomatite Vesicular (EV). Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo confirmar a ocorrência desta doença e determinar o sorotipo viral predominante em casos suspeitos notificados ao Serviço Veterinário Oficial do Ceará no ano de 2013 realizando protocolos oficiais de diagnóstico recomendados pela Organização Mundial de Saúde Animal. Após investigação clínica e epidemiológica em 46 propriedades rurais, foram considerados 32 casos prováveis de propriedade foco de EV com 78 animais amostrados, sendo 65 bovinos e 13 equídeos. Amostras de soro (54) e epitélio (24) foram coletadas. Análises sorológicas de 6 (14,6%) de 41 bovinos e 8 (61,5%) de 13 equídeos apresentaram soroconversão ao Vesiculovírus Indiana (VVI) por neutralização viral. O VVI foi detectado em 15 (62,5%) de 24 epitélios bovinos usando ELISA indireto sanduíche. Por fim, amostras de epitélio positivas foram submetidas a subtipagem viral por fixação do complemento que identificou a ocorrência do sorotipo Indiana III (Alagoas/VVI-3) em 11 (73,3%) de bovinos. Estes foram os primeiros casos confirmados de EV no estado do Ceará com diagnóstico oficial de VVI-3 confirmando o caráter endêmico atribuído ao Estado por meio de levantamentos sorológicos não oficiais anteriores. A presença de EV é um desafio diagnóstico contínuo, dado o risco de possíveis incursões de FA. A Estomatite Vesicular é recorrente e preocupante nesta área livre de FA com vacinação pois, além de prejuízos aos produtores, traz um alerta máximo aos Órgãos de Defesa Sanitária diante de um caso provável de síndrome vesicular.

Seroprevalence of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and Toxoplasma gondii in sheep in semi-arid region of Ceará state / Soroprevalência de Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis de Toxoplasma gondii em ovinos de região semi-árida do estado do Ceará

ABSTRACT: The present study was conducted to investigate in 20 extensive sheep farms for the seroprevalence of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (n=402) and Toxoplasma gondii (n=228). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the detection of antibodies to C. pseudotuberculosis/T. gondii. It was observed that C. pseudotuberculosis showed the highest prevalence in the region (34.07%) with statistically significant presence (p<0.05) in ewes. Antibodies to T. gondii was reported in 14.91% of the animals studied. About C. pseudotuberculosis/T. gondii coinfection the categories of rams showed significant (p<0.05) differences, suggesting that this gender could perpetuate the diseases in the flocks. It was concluded that the knowledge about the diseases in the region under study would facilitate the execution of prophylactic measures, especially against the diseases that pose risks to the public health and cause damages to the producer.

RESUMO: O presente estudo foi conduzido para investigar a soroprevalência em 20 fazendas de criação extensiva de ovinos quanto à presença de anticorpos para Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (n=402) e Toxoplasma gondii (n=228). Ensaio de imunoabsorção enzimático (ELISA) foi utilizado para a detecção de anticorpos contra C. pseudotuberculosis/T. gondii. Observou-se que C. pseudotuberculosis apresentou a maior prevalência na região (34,07%), com presença estatisticamente significante (p <0,05) nas categorias de ovelha. Anticorpos contra T. gondii foram encontrados em 14,91% dos animais estudados. Sobre a coinfecção de C. pseudotuberculosis/T. gondii, as categorias carneiro apresentaram diferenças significativas (p <0,05), sugerindo que esse gênero poderia perpetuar as doenças nos rebanhos. Concluiu-se que o conhecimento sobre as doenças na região em estudo facilitaria a execução de medidas profiláticas, principalmente contra as doenças que apresentam riscos à saúde pública e causam danos ao produtor.

Serological and molecular investigation of Leishmania spp. infection in cats from an area endemic for canine and human leishmaniasis in Northeast Brazil / Investigação sorológica e molecular da infecção por Leishmania spp. em gatos provenientes de uma área endêmica para leishmaniose canina e humana no nordeste brasileiro

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Leishmania spp. antibodies, and its association with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), in domestic cats from an area endemic for canine and human leishmaniasis in Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. Ninety-one cats were subjected to a complete clinical exam, and blood samples were collected. An epidemiological questionnaire was used to investigate the risk factors. IgG anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies were detected by immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), with a cut-off value of 1:40. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect genetic material of Leishmania spp. in the blood samples. The presence of antibodies against FIV and antigens of FeLV was evaluated using an immunochromatographic test. Seropositivity for Leishmania spp., FIV, and FeLV was observed in 14/91 (15.38%), 26/91 (28.57%), and 3/91 (3.29%) cats, respectively. All samples gave negative results on PCR analysis. Based on these data, no significant statistical association was observed between seropositivity for Leishmania spp., and sex, age, presence of clinical signs, evaluated risk factors, and positivity for retroviruses. These findings demonstrated for the first time that cats from Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, are being exposed to this zoonosis and might be part of the epidemiological chain of transmission of visceral leishmaniasis.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a ocorrência de anticorpos contra Leishmania spp., e sua associação com o vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) e o vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV), em felinos domésticos provenientes de uma área endêmica no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, para a leishmaniose visceral canina e humana. Noventa e um gatos foram submetidos a exame clínico completo e amostras de sangue foram coletadas. Um questionário epidemiológico foi feito para investigar fatores de risco. Anticorpos IgG anti-Leishmania spp. foram identificados por meio da imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), adotando-se como ponto de corte a diluição de 1:40. A reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) foi executada visando detectar o material genético de Leishmania spp. a partir de amostras de sangue total. Para avaliar a presença de anticorpos contra o FIV e antígenos do FeLV foi utilizado um teste imunocromatográfico. Observou-se soropositividade em 14/91 (15,38%), 26/91 (28,57%) e 3/91 (3,29%) animais para Leishmania spp., FIV e FeLV, respectivamente. Nenhuma amostra foi positiva na PCR. Baseado nestes dados, não foi observada nenhuma associação estatística significativa entre a soropositividade para Leishmania spp. e gênero, idade, presença de sinais clínicos, fatores de risco avaliados e positividade para as retroviroses. Esses achados demonstram pela primeira vez que felinos da cidade Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, estão sendo expostos a esta zoonose, sugerindo que os mesmos podem estar participando da cadeia epidemiológica de transmissão da leishmaniose visceral.

Serological and molecular investigation of Leishmania spp. infection in cats from an area endemic for canine and human leishmaniasis in Northeast Brazil.

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Leishmania spp. antibodies, and its association with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), in domestic cats from an area endemic for canine and human leishmaniasis in Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. Ninety-one cats were subjected to a complete clinical exam, and blood samples were collected. An epidemiological questionnaire was used to investigate the risk factors. IgG anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies were detected by immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), with a cut-off value of 1:40. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect genetic material of Leishmania spp. in the blood samples. The presence of antibodies against FIV and antigens of FeLV was evaluated using an immunochromatographic test. Seropositivity for Leishmania spp., FIV, and FeLV was observed in 14/91 (15.38%), 26/91 (28.57%), and 3/91 (3.29%) cats, respectively. All samples gave negative results on PCR analysis. Based on these data, no significant statistical association was observed between seropositivity for Leishmania spp., and sex, age, presence of clinical signs, evaluated risk factors, and positivity for retroviruses. These findings demonstrated for the first time that cats from Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, are being exposed to this zoonosis and might be part of the epidemiological chain of transmission of visceral leishmaniasis.

Effects of Experimental Lead Exposure on Testis of the Chestnut Capped Blackbird Chrysomus ruficapillus.

Lead (Pb) effects on testis histology, as well as sperm quality and oxidative status were evaluated in male Chestnut Capped Blackbird (Chrysomus ruficapillus). Wild blackbirds were captured, immediately sampled (field group) or kept in captivity and treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of saline solution (control) or saline solution with Pb acetate (50 or 100 mg/kg Pb). Seven days after injection, whole blood, ductus deferens and testis samples were collected. Increased Pb concentrations were observed in whole blood and testis of Pb-exposed blackbirds with respect to those from field and control blackbirds. Sperm cells of Pb-exposed blackbirds showed loss of membrane integrity, mitochondrial functionality, and DNA integrity. Also, oxidative damage was observed in testis of blackbirds injected with 100 mg/kg Pb. These findings indicate that Pb is accumulated in testis of C. ruficapillus, inducing severe morphological and biochemical injury that can compromise the reproductive performance of male blackbirds. Although the exposure scenario (Pb acetate, high dosage and intraperitoneal injection) tested in the present study would likely not occur in the wild, it was adequate to show potential and relevant toxic effects of Pb in wild birds.

Research on viral agents associated with feline reproductive problems reveals a high association with feline panleukopenia virus.

Although reproductive failures (RF) such as abortion, stillbirth and neonatal mortality in cats are still under researched, it is known that many RF are caused by viral agents. This research surveyed the viral agent prevalence in queens with RF. Queens were excluded from the study if their RF was caused by issues other than infection, such as genetic, traumatic, hormonal or nutritional problems, or if they had a history of RF. Blood samples from 26 pregnant females with RF were collected for complete blood counts (BCC), renal/hepatic biochemistry and glycaemic analysis. Ultrasonography was performed to evaluate gestational age and foetal viability. When possible, placentas, humours and foetal tissues were collected. Blood samples were tested by PCR and qPCR for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline alphaherpesvirus 1 (FeHV-1) and carnivore protoparvovirus 1 (CPPV-1). All maternal samples were negative for FeLV, FIV and FeHV-1 and positive for CPPV-1. In addition, foetuses from one queen and three females were positive for CPPV-1 by qPCR and for feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) through DNA sequencing. The BCC and biochemistry results revealed significant neutrophilia, lymphopenia, monocytosis, and liver enzymes. These results provide the first description of an FPV agent causing only RF-related clinical signs in queens.

Hepatozoon spp. infections in wild rodents in an area of endemic canine hepatozoonosis in southeastern Brazil.

Hepatozoon canis is a tick-borne parasite that occurs worldwide. In rural areas of Brazil, H. canis vectors remain unknown, which has led to speculation about alternative routes of transmission. Small rodents can play a role in the transmission (via predation) of Hepatozoon americanum, which led us to question whether predation might be an alternative mode of transmission for H. canis. Thus, this study investigated whether Hepatozoon spp. are present in wild small rodents in forest fragments that surround rural areas in Botucatu County, São Paulo, Brazil, where canine hepatozoonosis is endemic. The study included blood samples from 158 dogs, which were screened by microscopy and molecular analysis. Blood samples and tissues from 67 rodents were obtained for histopathology and molecular detection. The prevalence of H. canis was high (66.45%) in dogs from rural areas of Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. The molecular analysis showed that wild rodent species in Brazil were infected with Hepatozoon spp. other than H. canis. Therefore, although the hypothesis that sylvatic rodents act as reservoirs for H. canis was not supported, the presence of monozoic cysts in the rodents suggests that, in addition to intermediate hosts, wild small rodents in Brazil might act as paratenic hosts of Hepatozoon spp. because they harbor infective stages for intermediate host predators.

Primeiro relato de Salmonella enterica e Campylobacter spp. isolados de Garibaldi (Chrysomus ruficapillus) e Canário-da-terra (Sicalis flaveola) silvestres / First report on the Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter spp. isolation from wild birds Garibaldi (Chrysomus ruficapillus) and Canário-da-terra (Sicalis flaveola)

Algumas espécies de aves silvestres têm sido identificadas como reservatórios de Campylobacter e Salmonella, as quais atuam como propagadoras desses micro-organismos; entretanto, não há estudo sobre o papel das aves silvestres na transmissão desses agentes patogênicos no Brasil. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi de verificar a presença desses agentes patogênicos em aves silvestres que se alimentam em lavouras orizícolas. Vinte e três Garibaldis (Chrysomus ruficapillus), uma Rolinha-picuí (Columbinapicui) e um Canário-da-terra (Sicalis flaveola) foram capturados com redes de neblina. As amostras de fezes das aves foram coletadas com o uso de zaragatoas e foram processadas para efetuar pesquisa de Campylobacter spp. e Salmonella enterica. Oito (32%) amostras de fezes de C. ruficapillus foram positivas para Campylobacter e seis (24%) foram positivas para Salmonella enterica. Cinco (20%) amostras coletadas de C. ruficapillus e uma de S. flaveola foram positivas para Salmonella. C. ruficapillus e S. flaveola mostraram ser reservatórios de Campylobacter e Salmonella e, consequentemente, podem atuar como potenciais disseminadores destes patógenos. Este é o primeiro registro de isolamento de Campylobacter e Salmonella de amostras de fezes de C. ruficapillus e S. flaveola silvestres...

Swimming with predators and pesticides: how environmental stressors affect the thermal physiology of tadpoles.

To forecast biological responses to changing environments, we need to understand how a species's physiology varies through space and time and assess how changes in physiological function due to environmental changes may interact with phenotypic changes caused by other types of environmental variation. Amphibian larvae are well known for expressing environmentally induced phenotypes, but relatively little is known about how these responses might interact with changing temperatures and their thermal physiology. To address this question, we studied the thermal physiology of grey treefrog tadpoles (Hyla versicolor) by determining whether exposures to predator cues and an herbicide (Roundup) can alter their critical maximum temperature (CTmax) and their swimming speed across a range of temperatures, which provides estimates of optimal temperature (Topt) for swimming speed and the shape of the thermal performance curve (TPC). We discovered that predator cues induced a 0.4°C higher CTmax value, whereas the herbicide had no effect. Tadpoles exposed to predator cues or the herbicide swam faster than control tadpoles and the increase in burst speed was higher near Topt. In regard to the shape of the TPC, exposure to predator cues increased Topt by 1.5°C, while exposure to the herbicide marginally lowered Topt by 0.4°C. Combining predator cues and the herbicide produced an intermediate Topt that was 0.5°C higher than the control. To our knowledge this is the first study to demonstrate a predator altering the thermal physiology of amphibian larvae (prey) by increasing CTmax, increasing the optimum temperature, and producing changes in the thermal performance curves. Furthermore, these plastic responses of CTmax and TPC to different inducing environments should be considered when forecasting biological responses to global warming.

Los huevos falsos (SAGs) facilitan el comportamiento social de emergencia en las crías de la tortuga laúd Dermochelys coriacea (Testudines: Dermochelyidae)

False eggs (SAGs) facilitate social post-hatching emergence behaviour in Leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea (Testudines: Dermochelyidae) nests. Hatchling emergence to the beach surface from deep sand nests occurs without parental care. Social behaviour among siblings is crucial to overcome this first challenge in sea turtles life. This study, carried out at the Caribbean coast of Colombia, describes the emergence social behaviour of hatchlings from eight nests, and assess the nests translocation effects on temporal patterns of emergence. For the first time, we propose that space released by dehydration of shelled albumen globes (SAGs) at the top of the clutch, might be a reproductive advantage, while facilitating neonates to group together in a very limited space, and favouring the synchrony of emergence. The mean time of groups emergence was of 3.3 days, varying between 1 and 6 days. We found that relocation of the nests did not significantly affect the temporal pattern of emergence, which was mainly nocturnal (77.7% of natural nests and 81.7% of translocated ones). The maximum number of emergences to the surface occurred at the lowest air temperatures (22:00h-06:00h). The selective advantage of this pattern is probably related to the greater rate of predation and mortality by hyperthermia observed during the day. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (3): 943-954. Epub 2010 September 01.

La emergencia de las crías de tortuga laúd eclosionadas en los nidos profundos desde la arena hasta la superficie de la playa ocurre sin ayuda parental y es el primer gran desafío de supervivencia en su ciclo de vida. Este estudio, desarrollado en la costa Caribe colombiana, describe el comportamiento social de emergencia de neonatos y evalúa el efecto de la traslocación de los nidos en los patrones temporales de emergencia. Se propone por primera vez que el espacio liberado por la deshidratación de falsos huevos (SAGs) en la nidada, representa una ventaja reproductiva al facilitar el agrupamiento de los neonatos en un espacio muy limitado y favorecer la sincronía de la emergencia. El tiempo medio registrado para la emergencia en grupo fue de 3.3 días, variando entre uno y seis días. La traslocación de los nidos no afectó el patrón temporal de emergencia que fue predominantemente nocturno (77.77% en nidos naturales y 81.65% en trasladados). Los picos máximos de emergencias a la superficie coincidieron con los periodos de menor temperatura ambiental exterior (22:00h-06:00h). La ventaja selectiva de este patrón temporal y de la emergencia sincrónica está probablemente relacionada con las mayores tasas de depredación y mortalidad por hipertermia observadas durante el día.

[False eggs (SAGs) facilitate social post-hatching emergence behaviour in Leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea (Testudines: Dermochelyidae) nests]. / Los huevos falsos (SAGs) facilitan el comportamiento social de emergencia en las crías de la tortuga laúd Dermochelys coriacea (Testudines: Dermochelyidae).

Hatchling emergence to the beach surface from deep sand nests occurs without parental care. Social behaviour among siblings is crucial to overcome this first challenge in sea turtles life. This study, carried out at the Caribbean coast of Colombia, describes the emergence social behaviour of hatchlings from eight nests, and assess the nests translocation effects on temporal patterns of emergence. For the first time, we propose that space released by dehydration of shelled albumen globes (SAGs) at the top of the clutch, might be a reproductive advantage, while facilitating neonates to group together in a very limited space, and favouring the synchrony of emergence. The mean time of groups emergence was of 3.3 days, varying between 1 and 6 days. We found that relocation of the nests did not significantly affect the temporal pattern of emergence, which was mainly nocturnal (77.7% of natural nests and 81.7% of translocated ones). The maximum number of emergences to the surface occurred at the lowest air temperatures (22:00h-06:00h). The selective advantage of this pattern is probably related to the greater rate of predation and mortality by hyperthermia observed during the day.

Blood chemistry of wild Brazilian Coscoroba Swans during molt.

The Coscoroba Swan (Coscoroba coscoroba) is an unusual member of the Anatidae found in South America, from the Falkland Islands and Tierra del Fuego through Chile and Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay as far north as Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil. The species is not threatened globally, but some local populations have declined and the status of others is unknown. The objective of this study was to quantify the plasma chemistry of a wild population of Coscoroba Swans in southern Brazil during their molting period. We captured 12 chicks, 14 juveniles, and 31 mature birds. The following blood parameters were measured: glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, uric acid, creatine-kinase, aspartate amino transferase, alanine-aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, and pancreatic amylase. Significant differences between males and females were not observed for any of the parameters, and only the levels of alkaline phosphatase differed significantly among age groups.