Abortion and congenital transmission of Trypanosoma vivax in goats and ewes in semiarid northeastern Brazil.

The main effects of trypanosomosis in Brazil are related to reproductive alterations. In this context, the present study aimed to report the occurrence of abortions in goats and sheeps in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil, associated with Trypanosoma vivax. Trypomastigotes forms visualized by Buffy coat technique (BCT) method in 68.7% of the goats and 50.0% of the ewes that aborted. PCR identified that 100% of the goats and ewes that aborted were infected with T. vivax. The goats and ewes that aborted showed high parasitemia and developed clinical signs of trypanosomosis. The presence of T. vivax DNA was identified in the blood of fetuses by the PCR technique, proving infection by T. vivax in aborted fetuses, as well as confirming the congenital transmission of the parasite.

Colocolic Intussusception Associated with Octangium sp. (Digenea: Microscaphidiidae) in a Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas.

Reports of intussusception in sea turtles are generally linked to marine debris ingestion; therefore, only a few cases of the disease are associated with parasitic infestations. The objective of this study was to describe the necropsy findings of the first reported case of colocolic intussusception in a green sea turtle Chelonia mydas, associated with the helminth Octangium sp. A juvenile female green sea turtle, which was registered and rescued by the team from the Cetaceans Project of Costa Branca, State University of Rio Grande do Norte, was examined. The animal died 1 d after being treated and was immediately submitted for necropsy. Our findings indicated that parasitic infestation by Octangium sp. in the green sea turtle caused intussusception and consequently led to the animal's death. Early diagnosis and surgical correction are fundamental for a good prognosis and, consequently, for successful rehabilitation of marine species.

Report of Dirofilaria immitis infection with acute cardiopulmonary complications in a cat from Northeastern Brazil / Relato de infecção por Dirofilaria immitis com complicações cardiopulmonares agudas em um gato no Nordeste do Brasil

Dirofilariasis is a zoonotic disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a nematode found mainly in the pulmonary artery and right chambers of the heart, lungs, and large vessels of dogs. This parasitism also occasionally occurs in cats, causing an amicrofilaremic and asymptomatic infection, resulting in severe illness and rapid death. In this case report, it was described acute clinical signs and histopathological alterations in a domestic cat with heartworm disease from the city of Mossoró, the Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The nematode species, D. immitis, was confirmed by morphological and molecular analyses. This is the first documented and full report of feline heartworm disease in northeastern Brazil.(AU)

A dirofilariose é uma doença zoonótica causada por Dirofilaria immitis, um nematódeo que parasita cães, principalmente a artéria pulmonar e as câmaras direitas do coração, pulmões e grandes vasos. Este parasita também ocorre ocasionalmente em gatos, geralmente causando uma infecção amicrofilarêmica e assintomática, que pode resultar em doença grave e morte rápida. Neste relato de caso, são apresentados os sinais clínicos agudos e alterações histopatológicas em um gato doméstico do município de Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil, com dirofilariose. A espécie de nematóide, D. immitis, foi confirmada por análises morfológicas e moleculares. Este é o primeiro relato documentado e completo de dirofilariose felina no Nordeste do Brasil.(AU)

Cardiac involvement in trypanosomiasis in sheep experimentally infected by Trypanosoma vivax (Ziemman, 1905).

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical signs, electrocardiographic signs and evolution of histopathological lesions in the heart of sheep experimentally infected by Trypanosoma vivax during the acute and chronic phases of infection as well as to investigate the presence of parasitic DNA in the heart using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Twenty-two male sheep were divided into the following four groups: G1, which consisted of six sheep infected by T. vivax that were evaluated until 20 days post-infection (dpi; acute phase); G2, which consisted of six sheep infected by T. vivax that were evaluated until 90 dpi (chronic phase); and G3 and G4 groups, which each consisted of five uninfected sheep. At the end of the experimental period, electrocardiographic evaluations and necroscopic examinations were performed. Fragments of the heart were collected and stained by Hematoxylin-Eosin and Masson's trichrome, and the fragments were also evaluated by PCR for T. vivax. G2 animals presented clinical signs suggestive of heart failure and electrocardiogram alterations characterized by prolonged P, T and QRS complex durations as well as by a cardiac electrical axis shift to the left and increased heart rate. In these animals, mononuclear multifocal myocarditis and interstitial fibrosis were also observed. PCR revealed positivity for T. vivax in two G1 animals and in all G2 animals. Thus, these findings suggested that T. vivax is responsible for the occurrence of cardiac lesions, which are related to heart failure, electrocardiographic alterations and mortality of the infected animals.

Detection of Trypanosoma vivax DNA in semen from experimentally infected goats.

The present work aimed to investigate the presence of T. vivax DNA in the semen of experimentally infected goats. Twelve male goats native to the Brazilian Northeast, adults, were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: the infected group consisting of six goats infected intravenously with 0.5 mL of blood containing approximately 1.25 × 105 trypomastigotes of T. vivax, and a control group composed of six uninfected goats. After the infection, clinical examinations aiming to evaluate rectal temperature, parasitemia and hematocrit were performed. Semen samples were collected from goats by electroejaculation on the 7th, 14th and 21st days post-infection (dpi). The recombinant DNA-encoding gene encoding the L-like-specific gene for T. vivax. The infection was characterized by increased rectal temperature, high parasitemia and significant reduction of hematocrit values. Results for T. vivax DNA detection using TviCatL-PCR were positive in all semen samples from the infected group collected on 7th, 14th and 21st dpi. The presence of T. vivax DNA in 7th dpi suggests the early invasion of the parasite in the reproductive organs. Also, the finding of T. vivax DNA in all periods analyzed may suggest the continued elimination of the parasite in the semen, which may increase the chances of sexual transmission. Thus, T. vivax DNA is recorded for the first time in the semen of infected goats. Thus, these data are of great importance, since the detection of the T. vivax genetic material in the semen may point to the possibility that the parasite may be transmitted through the sexual pathway.

Risk factors for trypanosomiasis by Trypanosoma vivax in cattle raised in Rio Grande do Norte state / Fatores de risco para tripanossomose por Trypanosoma vivax em bovinos criados no estado do Rio Grande do Norte

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anti Trypanosoma vivax antibodies and the possible risk factors associated with the infection in cattle in Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, through a cross-sectional epidemiological study, with non-probabilistic convenience sampling. A total of 467 cattle's serum samples were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence. Forty-two samples tested positive for Trypanosoma vivax IgG antibodies, corresponding to the prevalence of 9%. Risk factors influencing the occurrence of trypanosomiasis were milk exploration, raising of European breeds, productivity category: lactation cow, purchase of new cattle, foraging habits near ponds and rivers, and the presence of mechanical vectors. So, high prevalence in beef animals (59.5%), females (95.2%), European breed (88.1%), lactating cows (85.7%), pasture at banks of dams and rivers (95.2%), in addition to the presence of mechanical vectors (81%) and acquisition of animals (88.1%), indicates the expansion of trypanosomiasis in Northeastern semi-arid region, and the information obtained may explain the epidemiological factors that determine the occurrence of trypanosomiasis by T. vivax in this region.(AU)

Objetivando determinar a prevalência de anticorpos anti-Trypanosoma vivax e os possíveis fatores de risco associados à infecção em bovinos no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, nordeste do Brasil, o trabalho consistiu em um estudo epidemiológico transversal, com amostragem não probabilística por conveniência, no qual foram analisadas, por meio da reação de imunofluorescência indireta, 467 amostras de soro sanguíneo de bovinos. Das amostras testadas, 42 foram reagentes para anticorpos IgG anti-Trypanosoma vivax, o que correspondeu à prevalência de 9,0%. Os fatores de risco que influenciaram a ocorrência da tripanossomose foram: exploração com finalidade do tipo leite, criação de bovinos de raça europeia, categoria animal vaca em lactação, aquisição de animais, forrageamento das margens de açudes e rios, além da presença de vetores mecânicos. A alta prevalência encontrada em animais de corte (59,5%), fêmeas (95,2%), raça europeia (88,1%), vacas em lactação (85,7%), pastagem a margens de açudes e rios (95,2%), além da presença de vetores mecânicos (81%) e aquisição de animais (88,1%), indica a expansão da tripanossomose no semiárido do Nordeste, e as informações obtidas poderão esclarecer os fatores epidemiológicos que determinam a ocorrência da tripanossomose por T. vivax na região.(AU)

Lactation curve and milk quality of goats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma vivax.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Trypanosoma vivax infection on the shape of the lactation curve and the milk quality of dairy goats experimentally infected with T. vivax. In total, twenty Saanen goats, aged 26-30 months and the same number of calving (two calvings), were divided into two experimental groups: an infected group, consisting of ten goats intravenously infected with 0.5 ml of blood containing approximately 1.25 × 10(5) trypomastigotes of T. vivax and ten uninfected animals as the control group. Clinical tests and hematocrit, parasitemia, and serum biochemistry evaluations were performed on all of the goats. Milk production was measured daily for 152 days by hand milking the goats and weighing the milk. Every seven days, physiochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the milk. Wood's nonlinear model was used to analyze the lactation curve parameters. The infected goats had high levels of parasitemia and hyperthermia, significantly reduced hematocrit, serum total protein, albumin, and glucose levels and increased cholesterol and urea concentrations. Wood's model indicated that the milk production of goats in the infected group declined sharply over a short period of time and produced a flattened yield curve and significant difference (P < 0.05) in the rate of increase of peak milk production, rate of decrease of milk production after the peak, day of peak milk production, and maximum peak milk production compared with that of the control group. Trypanosomiasis also affected the persistency of lactation, which was significantly reduced in goats in the infected group. In addition, the physico-chemical properties of the milk, including the fat content, defatted dry extracts (DDE) and protein content, decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the goats in the infected group compared with those in the control group. The T. vivax-infected goats showed reduction in milk production, persistence of lactation, and fat levels, the defatted dry extract (DDE) content, and protein, changing the quality of milk.

Atypical mannheimiosis in captive rheas (Rhea americana) / Mannheimiose atípica em emas (Rhea americana) cativas

Mannheimia haemolytica (MH) is a major cause of respiratory disease in bovine complex (BRDC) that causes great economic losses. To this day, there are no reports of birds affected by this bacterium. The present report describes an atypical outbreak of mannheimiosis in captive rheas (Rhea americana).(AU)

Mannheimia haemolytica (MH) é uma das principais causas da doença do complexo respiratório dos bovinos (DCRB) que causa grandes perdas econômicas. Até os dias atuais, não há relato de aves acometidas por tal bactéria. Relata-se um surto atípico de mannheimiose em emas em cativeiro (Rhea americana).(AU)

Surto de botulismo tipo C em aves domésticas no semiárido do Nordeste, Brasil / Outbreak of type C botulism in poultry in the semiarid Northeast, Brazil

O presente estudo tem como objetivo relatar um surto de botulismo tipo C em galinhas (Gallus gallus domesticus), patos (Anas platyrhynchos) e em galinhas-d'-angola (Numida meleagris) criadas no semiárido do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. As aves incluídas neste estudo foram oriundas de um criatório com 80 animais, sendo 48 galinhas, 12 patos e 20 galinhas-d'angola. Os animais apresentaram paralisia flácida simétrica das patas, asas, pescoço e pálpebras, desprendimento de penas e dispneia. Vinte e quatro horas após início dos sinais clínicos constatou-se a mortalidade de 30 aves (37,5%). Após 48 horas, os 50 animais restantes também apresentaram sinais clínicos similares e vieram a óbito. Três aves com sinais clínicos de botulismo foram enviadas ao Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, onde coletou-se sangue e realizou-se necropsia seguida de avaliação anatomopatológica. Não foram observadas lesões macro e microscópicas nos órgãos da cavidade celomática e encéfalo. As alíquotas de soro foram encaminhadas para o Setor de Clostridioses do Laboratório Nacional Agropecuário de Minas Gerais (LANAGRO-MG) para pesquisa da toxina botulínica por soroneutralização em camundongos, que resultou na detecção da toxina botulínica tipo C. Este é o primeiro relato de botulismo em aves na região Nordeste do Brasil, e a primeira descrição da doença em galinhas d'Angola.

This study aims to report an outbreak of type C botulism in chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) and guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) created in semiarid region of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The birds included in this study were derived from a farm with 80 animals (48 chickens, 12 ducks and 20 guinea fowls). The birds had symmetrical flaccid paralysis of the legs, wings, neck and eyelids, shedding feathers and dyspnea. After 24 hours of onset of clinical signs, 30 (37.5%) of the birds were found dead. After 48 hours, the 50 remaining animals also showed similar clinical signs and came to death. Three birds with clinical signs of botulism were sent to the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido, where blood was collected and held necropsy followed by histopathologic evaluation. There were no gross and microscopic lesions in the organs of the coelomic cavity and brain. There were no gross and microscopic lesions in the organs of the coelomic cavity and brain. The serum samples were sent to the Clostridial Section of the Laboratório Nacional Agropecuário de Minas Gerais (LANAGRO- MG) to search botulinic toxin by serumneutralization, which resulted in the detection of type C botulinic toxin. This is the first description of botulism in avian in the Northeastern Brazil and the first report of the disease in guinea fowls.

Avaliação de cinco casos de abortamento associado à leptospirose em éguas no Rio Grande do Norte / Five cases of miscarriage associated with leptospirosis assessment mares in Rio Grande do Norte

Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever casos de abortamento por leptospirose em éguas, ocorrido no município de Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte. Cinco éguas com histórico de abortamento foram submetidas a exames clínicos, hematológico e pesquisa de aglutininas anti-Leptospira para 22 diferentes sorovares, pelo Teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM). Foi realizado exame anatomopatológico da placenta e de um feto equino abortado com 9 meses de idade. A infecção por Leptospira sp. ocorreu em três éguas que abortaram, sendo uma positiva para o sorovar Pomona, título 800; uma para o sorovar Hardjo, título 400; uma para o sorovar Icterohaemorrhagiae, título 400. No exame anatomopatológico da placenta foram observados cotilédones edemaciados de coloração vermelho escuro, com áreas focais enegrecidas, friáveis e necróticos. No exame necroscópico do feto observou-se icterícia, presença de líquido sero-sanguinolento na cavidade abdominal, torácica e saco pericárdico, áreas multifocais de hemorragia no fígado, coração e pulmão, rins de consistência friável e áreas multifocais branco amareladas. Histologicamente, verificou-se necrose e inflamação do epitélio placentário coriônico; necrose difusa de hepatócitos e hepatite mononuclear; acentuada hemorragia no interstício do córtex renal, degeneração hidrópica e necrose das células do epitélio tubular e presença de cilindros hemáticos intratubular; além de nefrite intersticial mononuclear e pneumonia intersticial mononuclear difusa acentuada. Os resultados deste estudo demonstraram títulos elevados de aglutininas anti-Leptospira em éguas e a presença de lesões histológicas nos órgãos fetais e placenta, confirmando a importância da Leptospira como agente causador de abortamento

This study aimed to describe cases of leptospirosis abortions in horses, which occurred in the city of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte. Five mares with abortion history, were submitted to clinical, hematological and detection of specific anti-Leptospira agglutinins facing 22 different serotypes, by Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). It was performed a pathological examination of the placenta and an equine aborted fetus with 9 months old. The Leptospira sp. infection occurred in three mares that aborted. One was positive for Pomona, title 800; one for the Hardjo serovar, title 400 and one for Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar, title 400. In examination of the placenta were observed swollen cotyledons, dark red color with blackened focal areas, friable and necrotic. In the fetus's autopsy was observed icterus, serous-sanguineous fluid in the abdominal cavity, chest and pericardium, multifocal areas of hemorrhage in the liver, heart, lungs, and friable multifocal yellowish white areas in the kidney. Histologically, it was found necrosis and inflammation of the placental chorionic epithelium; diffuse necrosis hepatocyte and mononuclear hepatitis; severe hemorrhage in the interstitium of the renal cortex, hydropic degeneration and necrosis of the tubular epithelial cells and the presence of haematic intratubular cylinders; mononuclear interstitial nephritis and a severe diffuse interstitial mononuclear pneumonia. The results showed high levels of anti-Leptospira agglutinins in mares and presence of histological lesions in the placenta and fetal organs, confirming the importance of Leptospira as abortion-causing agent.

Isolamento de Alcaligenes faecalis em peixe Betta splendens Regan, 1910 no Brasil / Isolation of Alcaligenes faecalis in fish Betta splendens Regan, 1910 in Brazil

Descreve-se um caso de infecção por Alcaligenes faecalis em peixe ornamental Betta splendens, incluindo avaliação clínica, patológica e bacteriológica. Um peixe fêmea, com peso de 16 g, inicialmente demonstrou discreta lesão escoriativa no tegumento, inapetência, emagrecimento progressivo, letargia, dispneia e aumento de volume na região lateral esquerda. Constataram-se em necropsia a presença de exoftalmia bilateral, opacidade de córnea, ascite e abscesso no subcutâneo provocando distensão da cavidade celomática. As alterações histológicas da pele se caracterizaram por abscesso, necrose, hemorragia e infiltrado inflamatório constituído principalmente de heterófilos. No exame microbiológico com exsudato e sangue venoso isolou-se exclusivamente A. faecalis.(AU)

This paper aimed to describe one case of infection by Alcaligenes faecalis in an ornamental fish Betta splendens, including clinical, pathological, and bacteriological evaluation. A female fish weighing 16 g initially showed discrete ulcerative lesions in the integument, inappetence, progressive weight loss, lethargy, dyspnea, and increased volume in the left lateral region. Necropsy revealed bilateral exophthalmia, corneal opacity, ascites, and subcutaneous abscess causing distension of the celomatic cavity. Histological changes of the skin were characterized by abscess, necrosis, hemorrhage, and inflammatory infiltrate consisting mainly of heterophils. Microbiological assays using the exudates and venous blood isolated exclusively A. faecalis.(AU)

Leishmaniose tegumentar americana canina na zona rural do município de São Miguel, Rio Grande do Norte* / Leishmaniasis Tegumentary American dog in rural area of the county of São Miguel, Rio Grande do Norte Francisco Rodrigues de Freitas Araújo,** Weibson Paz Pinheiro Andre,*** Paulo Fernando Cisneiros da Costa Reis,****

Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana (LTA) constitui um problema de saúde pública emergente no Rio Grande do Norte, com relatos de casos humanos principalmente na Região Serrana do Alto Oeste do estado, uma vez que o cão tem um importante papel na manutenção da doença neste ambiente. O presente estudo teve por objetivo analisar prevalência da LTA canina em quatro localidades localizadas na Zona Rural do município de São Miguel, RN. Foram realizados exames clínicos e diagnóstico sorológico através das técnicas de ELISA e RIFI em 100 cães de diferentes sexo, idade e categorias companhia e de caça. Todas as localidades apresentaram cães soropositivos com resultados de 21% de positividade para a técnica de ELISA e 10% para a de RIFI. Maiores prevalências foram observadas em cães machos, assintomáticos, na faixa etária de dois anos de idade e de caça. O presente estudo confirma a importância epidemiológica como reservatório da infecção e poderá auxiliar nas medidas de prevenção e controle da doença no município. .

American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis ( ACL) is an emerging public health problem in Rio Grande do Norte , with reports of human cases mainly in the mountainous region of the Upper Midwest state . Once the dog has an important role in maintaining the disease in this environment the present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of canine ACL at four sites located in the Rural Area of São Miguel , RN . Clinical and serological diagnosis through ELISA and IFA in 100 dogs of different sex, age and company categories and hunting were performed . All towns had seropositive dogs with results of 21 % positivity for ELISA and 10 % for the IFA. Highest prevalence rates were observed in males , healthy dogs aged two years old and hunting . The present study confirms the epidemiological importance as a reservoir of infection and may assist in the prevention and control of disease in the city.

Leishmaniose tegumentar americana canina na zona rural do município de São Miguel, Rio Grande do Norte / Leishmaniasis Tegumentary American dog in rural area of the county of São Miguel, Rio Grande do Norte

Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana (LTA) constitui um problema de saúde pública emergente no Rio Grande do Norte, com relatos de casos humanos principalmente na Região Serrana do Alto Oeste do Estado. Uma vez que o cão tem um importante papel na manutenção da doença neste ambiente. O presente estudo teve por objetivo analisar prevalência da LTA canina em quatro localidades localizadas na Zona Rural do município de São Miguel, RN. Foram realizados exames clínicos e diagnóstico sorológico através das técnicas de ELISA e RIFI em 100 cães de diferentes sexo, idade e categorias companhia e de caça. Todas as localidades apresentaram cães soropositivos com resultados de 21% de positividade para a técnica de ELISA e 10% para a de RIFI. Maiores prevalências foram observadas em cães machos, assintomáticos, na faixa etária de dois anos de idade e de caça. O presente estudo confirma a importância epidemiológica como reservatório da infecção e poderá auxiliar nas medidas de prevenção e controle da doença no município.

American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis ( ACL) is an emerging public health problem in Rio Grande do Norte , with reports of humancases mainly in the mountainous region of the Upper Midwest state . Once the dog has an important role in maintaining the diseasein this environment the present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of canine ACL at four sites located in the Rural Area of SãoMiguel , RN . Clinical and serological diagnosis through ELISA and IFA in 100 dogs of different sex, age and company categoriesand hunting were performed . All towns had seropositive dogs with results of 21 % positivity for ELISA and 10 % for the IFA.Highest prevalence rates were observed in males , healthy dogs aged two years old and hunting . The present study confirms theepidemiological importance as a reservoir of infection and may assist in the prevention and control of disease in the city.

Toxicity effects of toad (Rhinella jimi Stevaux, 2002) venom in chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus).

This study aimed to evaluate the pathological changes that occur after administering different doses of R. jimi (Stevaux, 2002) parotoid glands secretion to Gallus gallus domesticus chicks. Twenty-three animals were used in this study and were divided into 5 groups that received a toad venom dose of 0, 3.0 mg/kg, 6.0 mg/kg, 10.0 mg/kg, and 25.0 mg/kg. After 48 h, the necropsy and pathological examinations were performed. No clinical signs of toxicity were observed in any group. Macroscopically, hepatomegaly, areas of liver necrosis, splenomegaly, necrotic and hemorrhagic cardiac regions, hydropericardium, dark necrotic lesions of Meckel's diverticulum, and hemorrhages in the lungs and kidneys were detected. Histopathological changes included diffuse vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes, severe sinusoidal congestion, focal areas of hemorrhage in the parenchyma, swollen cardiac fibers, necrotic myocardial fibers, moderate to acute diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, vacuolar degeneration of the renal tubular epithelium, necrosis of renal tubules, and extensive hemorrhagic areas below the brain and cerebellar meninges. In conclusion, pathological changes of the R. jimi toxins in chicks were noted in the heart, spleen, liver, Meckel's diverticulum, lungs, and kidneys. Most of the changes were similar to those observed in humans and animals exposed to toxins from other toad species.

Suppurative intracranial processes in 15 domestic ruminants / Processos supurativos intracranianos em 15 ruminantes domésticos

In addition to listeriosis which is relatively common in ruminants, there are three other uncommon suppurative intracranial processes (SIP) identifiable in adult ungulates as brain abscess, basilar empyema and suppurative meningitis. The present paper reports the epidemiological, clinical, laboratorial, pathological and microbiological findings of 15 domestic ruminants with SIP. A total of 15 animals were selected (eight sheep, four cattle and three goats); with the definitive diagnoses of basilar empyema (n=3), brain abscess (n=1), listeriosis (n=5) and suppurative meningitis (n=6). Hematology revealed leukocytosis with inversion of the lymphocyte/ neutrophil ratio in 4 cases. In the majority of animals, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) presented light yellow coloration and cloudy aspect due to neutrophilic pleocytosis (15 - 997 leukocytes/µL). Microbiological culture of CSF or central nervous system (CNS) fragments resulted on isolation of Trueperella (Arcanobacterium) pyogenes,Listeria monocytogenes,Escherichia coli and Stenotrophomonas sp. In a goat with thalamic abscess, microbiological assay was not performed, but Gram positive bacilli type bacteria were observed in histology. The diagnosis of these outbreaks was based on the association of epidemiological, clinical, pathological and bacteriological findings; reiterating that the infectious component remains an important cause of CNS disease in domestic ruminants and also shows the need for dissemination of information about the most effective preventive measures for the ranchers.

Além da listeriose, que é relativamente comum em ruminantes, existem outros três processos supurativos intracranianos (PSI) identificáveis em ungulados adultos, que não são comuns, como: abscesso cerebral, empiema basilar e meningite supurativa. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar os achados epidemiológicos, clínicos, laboratoriais, patológicos e microbiológicos de 15 ruminantes domésticos com PSI. O total de 15 animais foi selecionado (oito ovinos, quatro bovinos e três caprinos), com o diagnóstico definitivo de empiema basilar (n=3), abscesso cerebral (n=1), listeriose (n=5) e meningite supurativa (n=6). A hematologia revelou leucocitose com inversão da relação linfócito/ neutrófilo em quatro animais. Na maioria dos animais, a análise do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) revelou coloração amarelado clara e aspecto turvo devido à pleocitose neutrofílica (15 - 997 leucócitos/µL). A cultura microbiológica de LCR ou de fragmentos do sistema nervoso central (SNC), permitiu o isolamento de Trueperella (Arcanobacterium) pyogenes,Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli e Stenotrophomonas sp. No caprino com abscesso de tálamo, a cultura microbiológica não foi realizada, mas bactérias Gram positivas tipo bacilos foram observadas na histologia. O diagnóstico desses surtos foi baseado na associação dos achados epidemiológicos, clínicos, patológicos e bacteriológicos; reiterando que o componente infeccioso continua sendo uma causa importante de doença do SNC em ruminantes domésticos e também mostra a necessidade de disseminação da informação sobre as medidas preventivas mais eficazes para os criadores.

Listeriose em ovinos associada ao consumo de silagem no Rio Grande do Norte / Listeriosis in sheep linked to silage consumption in Rio Grande do Norte

O relato objetivou descrever os achados epidemiológicos, clínico-patológicos, laboratoriais e microbiológicos em um surto de meningoencefalite em ovinos por Listeria monocytogenes associado ao consumo de silagem. A enfermidade acometeu oito ovinos pertencentes a um rebanho de 600 animais, alcançando letalidade de 100%. A única ovelha examinada apresentou apatia, febre, cegueira bilateral com midríase, hipotonia lingual, nistagmo e torneio à direita com quedas esporádicas. A hematologia revelou linfopenia absoluta com inversão na relação de linfócito / neutrófilo (0,16). A análise do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) mostrou aspecto turvo e pleocitose neutrofílica (92 leucócitos/µL). L. monocytogenes foi isolada em quatro alíquotas de LCR submetidas à cultura microbiológica. Em quatro ovinos necropsiados, as lesões macroscópicas consistiram de congestão das meninges e turbidez do LCR. Microscopicamente, a principal característica foi meningoencefalite do troco encefálico, bulbo, ponte, mesencéfalo e medula oblonga, com microabscessos multifocais e gliose. Infiltrado neutrofílico e linfocítico multifocal nos fascículos do nervo trigêmeo foi também observado. Os autores reiteram a importância das medidas preventivas, a fim de reduzir a incidência da listeriose.

This report aimed to describe epidemiological, clinical-pathological, laboratorial and microbiological findings in an outbreak of meningoencephalitis in sheep due to L. monocytogenes linked to silage consumption. The disease affected eight sheep from a 600 sheep flock, achieving 100% lethality. The only ewe examined presented apathy, fever, bilateral blindness with mydriasis, tongue hypotony, nystagmus and right circling with sporadic falls. Hematology revealed absolute lymphopenia with inversion in the lymphocyte/neutrophil ratio (0.16). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed turbid aspect and neutrophilic pleocytosis (92leukocytes/µL). L. monocytogenes was isolated from four CSF samples submitted to microbiological assays. In four necropsied sheep, gross lesions included meningeal congestion and CSF clouding. Microscopically, the main feature was meningoencephalitis of the brainstem, bulb, pons, mesencephalus and medulla oblongata, with multifocal microabscesses and gliosis. Multifocal lymphocyticand neutrophilic infiltrate in the trigeminal nerve fascicles was also observed. The authors reiterate the importance of adequate preventive measures to reduce incidence of listeriosis.

Atividade antibacteriana e cicatrizante do óleo de buriti Mauritia flexuosa L. / Antibacterial and healing activities of buriti oil Mauritia flexuosa L.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antibacteriana in vitro e cicatrizante do óleo de buriti (M. flexuosa) em feridas realizadas em ratos (Rattus norvegicus albinus). Para a avaliação antibacteriana in vitro, foram utilizados cinco patógenos bacterianos incluindo espécies gram-positivas e espécies gram-negativas mediante o uso do método de difusão em ágar. Para a avaliação da atividade cicatrizante, foram utilizados 40 ratos da linhagem Wistar, divididos em dois grupos: o grupo I, composto por 20 ratos com feridas cutâneas, tratados com aplicação tópica do creme base com 10 por cento de óleo de buriti, e o grupo II, controle, com o mesmo número de animais que receberam a aplicação tópica do creme base. A aplicação do produto foi realizada em feridas padronizadas, circulares de 1cm de diâmetro na região dorsolombar. As avaliações clínica, morfométrica e histopatológica das feridas foram realizadas no 3°, 7°, 14° e 21° dias. Em relação à avaliação da atividade antibacteriana, os resultados mostraram que houve inibição do crescimento bacteriano em quatro dos cinco patógenos testados. Em relação à área da ferida, foi observada redução significativa da área no 14o dia e maior percentual de contração das feridas do grupo tratado em relação ao controle. No décimo quarto dia, as feridas tratadas com o óleo do buriti apresentavam aumento significativo na contagem de fibroblastos e fibras colágenas, além de completo processo de reepitelização, enquanto o grupo controle necessitava de mais tempo para resolução do processo cicatricial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity and wound healing effect of buriti oil (M. flexuosa) in rats. To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity, five species of bacteria, including both gram-negative and gram-positive, were tested by the agar diffusion method. To assess the wound healing effect, 40 rats of Wistar lineage were clustered into two groups: G1, composed by 20 rats with cutaneous wounds and treated using topic administration of basic cream containing 10 percent of buriti oil; and G2 or control group, composed by 20 rats with cutaneous wounds and treated using topic administration of basic cream without any buriti oil. The cream administration was performed on circular wounds of 1 cm area in the lumbodorsal region. Clinical, histopathologic and morphometric evaluations of the wounds were done in 3rd, 7th, 14th and 21th days. Four from five bacteria species tested had growing inhibition, which demonstrates the antimicrobial potential of buriti oil. A significant reduction on the wound area with contraction of the edges was found for G1 in the 14th day. On this same day, the wounds treated using buriti oil showed an increase in the fibroblasts and collagen fibers countings and complete reephitelialization, characteristics not demonstrated by G2.

Rhinocerebral and rhinopharyngeal conidiobolomycosis in sheep / Conidiobolomicose rinocerebral e rinofaríngea em ovinos

The present study aimed to report the occurrence as well as the clinical, laboratorial, pathological and mycological findings of three outbreaks of rhinocerebral and rhinopharyngeal conidiobolomycosis in sheep from Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil. A total of six sheep with clinical signs of conidiobolomycosis were evaluated, and information on history was obtained from ranchers. Clinical signs included depression, progressive emaciation, sero-sanguinolent nasal discharge, tachycardia, dyspnea, miosis and unilateral exophthalmia with increased ocular globe volume, corneal ulceration and nervous system signs. The main hematological alteration was neutrophilia. Serum biochemical evaluation revealed increased values for AST, GGT, creatinine, urea, and glucose, and decreased total proteins and albumin levels. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed the presence of fibrin reticules and pleocytosis. Upon necropsy, longitudinal sections of the head revealed the presence of a nodular mass with a friable consistency and a white-yellowish coloration. Microscopic findings included meningitis, cortex necrosis and encephalitis with the presence of eosinophilic Splendore-Hoeppli substance. Histopathology of the lungs revealed a Splendore-Hoeppli-like material and hyperplasia of alveolar and bronchiolar epithelium. Renal lesions were suggestive of amyloidosis.

O presente estudo objetivou relatar a ocorrência e os achados clínicos, laboratoriais, patológicos e micológicos de três surtos de conidiobolomicose rinocerebral e rinofaríngea em ovinos do estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Um total de seis ovinos com sinais clínicos de conidiobolomicose foi avaliado, e informações sobre o histórico foram obtidas dos proprietários. Os sinais clínicos incluíram depressão, emaciação progressiva, descarga nasal serossanguinolenta, taquicardia, dispneia, miosite e exoftalmia unilateral com aumento do volume do globo ocular, ulceração da córnea e sinais nervosos. A principal alteração hematológica foi neutrofilia. A avaliação bioquímica sérica revelou aumento nos valores de AST, GGT, creatinina, ureia e glicose, e redução nos níveis de proteínas totais e albumina. A análise do fluido cerebrospinal revelou presença de retículos de fibrina e pleocitose. À necropsia, secções longitudinais da cabeça revelaram presença de uma massa nodular com consistência friável e coloração branco-amarelada. Os achados microscópicos incluíram meningite, necrose do córtex e encefalite com presença da substância eosinofílica de Splendore-Hoeppli. A histopatologia dos pulmões revelou uma substância similar à de Splendore-Hoeppli e hiperplasia do epitélio alveolar e bronquiolar. As lesões renais foram sugestivas de amiloidose.

Clinical and pathological effects of Calotropis procera exposure in sheep and rats.

This study aimed to describe the toxic effects resulting from the administration of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W. T. Aiton latex to rats and C. procera leaves to sheep. We studied male sheep that received C. procera leaves by gavage. Twenty male rats were separated into 5 groups and were subjected to an intra-peritoneal injection of fresh C. procera latex (without carrier solvent) at 1.0, 0.6, 0.3 or 0.1 ml of latex/kg of body weight, and control animals were injected with 0.9% NaCl. All rats were treated with the highest dose, but none of the rats from the other groups, died. The histological lesions were restricted to rats dosed with 1.0 ml of latex/kg body weight and included multi-focal coagulation necrosis of cardiac fibers and vacuolized hepatocytes. Subsequently, three groups of two sheep were treated with (1) a single dose of 30 g/kg, (2) a single dose of 60 g/kg or (3) 60 g/kg per day for 10 consecutive days. Exposure to the C. procera leaves was responsible for tachycardia and transitory cardiac arrhythmias in sheep from all groups. Gross pathological analysis of sheep dosed with 60 g/kg per day for 10 days revealed mild ascites, exudates on the trachea, pulmonary edema, mild hemorrhage in the liver, hydropericardium, flaccid heart, ulcers on the abomasum and kidneys presenting pale juxtamedullary cortex. The histological findings of the rat and sheep studies were similar and included multi-focal coagulation necrosis of cardiac fibers and vacuolized hepatocytes. In conclusion, our findings indicate that C. procera is a cardiotoxic and hepatotoxic plant.

Infecção experimental por Trypanosoma vivax em ovinos / Experimental infection by Trypanosoma vivax in sheep

O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar as alterações clínicas, hematológicas e patológicas em ovinos infectados experimentalmente com Trypanosoma vivax, utilizando-se um isolado proveniente de bovinos infectados naturalmente no município de Catolé do Rocha, Paraíba. Quatro ovinos da raça Santa Inês foram infectados por via intravenosa com 1ml de sangue contendo 1,85x10(5) tripomastigotas de T. vivax e outros quatro ovinos foram destinados ao grupo controle. A parasitemia e a temperatura foram determinadas diariamente durante 30 dias após a infecção (dpi) e quinzenalmente dos 31 aos 90 dias. A cada 15 dias os animais foram pesados e realizados coletas de sangue para hemograma. Um ovino morreu aos 75 dpi, os demais animais do grupo infectado e do grupo controle foram sacrificados 90 dias após o início do experimento. T. vivax foi evidenciado a partir do 4° dpi em todos os ovinos infectados. A parasitemia foi constante até os 15 dias e irregular entre os 16 e 30 dias. Após o 30° dia não foram observados parasitas no sangue. Foi observada correlação linear positiva entre temperatura retal e parasitemia [Y=0,027x + 38,515; R²=0,9444 (P<0,05)]. Diferença significativa do peso entre os grupos infectado e controle foi verificada a partir do 30° ao 90° dpi. Do 30° ao 90° os animais apresentaram anemia e leucopenia. As lesões macroscópicas encontradas na necropsia foram palidez da carcaça, aumento generalizado dos linfonodos e do baço, e discreta quantidade de líquido nas cavidades peritoneal e pericárdica. Histologicamente, em todos os animais infectados foi observada miocardite multifocal mononuclear. Concluiu-se que o isolado é patogênico para ovinos. Sugere-se que a região semi-árida onde ocorreu o surto, não é endêmica para a tripanossomíase e a doença pode ocorrer se o parasita for introduzido na presença de vetores.