Experimental infection of BALB/c mice with felid alphaherpesvirus 1 / Infecção experimental de camundongos BALB/c com alphaherpesvírus felino tipo 1

Felid alphaherpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is an important cause of respiratory and ocular diseases in cats worldwide. Mice have been widely used to study the pathogenesis of several human and animal viruses, especially herpesviruses. This study aimed to verify whether BALB/c mice are susceptible to FHV-1 infection. The animals were intranasally inoculated with FHV-1 and their clinical signs were observed from 3 days postinfection (dpi). At 10 dpi, the animals were euthanized and the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys were collected for histopathological examination and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that mice were infected with FHV-1 and reproduced several features of the disease observed in its natural host. Histological lesions and viral DNA were found in all sampled tissues, with a higher frequency of FHV-1 DNA copies detected in the lungs. All mice were seroconverted to FHV-1 at 7 dpi. To our knowledge, this is the first report of experimental infection of BALB/c mice with FHV-1. Our findings demonstrate that this murine model can contribute to understanding of FHV-1 pathogenesis and may be useful for trials against this virus.(AU)

O herpesvírus felino tipo 1 (FHV-1) é um importante agente causador de doença respiratória e ocular em gatos em todo o mundo. Camundongos têm sido amplamente utilizados para estudar a patogenia de diversos vírus humanos e animais, especialmente os herpesvírus. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se camundongos BALB/c poderiam ser suscetíveis a infecção pelo FHV-1. Os animais foram inoculados com FHV-1 intranasalmente e sinais clínicos foram observados a partir do dia 3 após a infecção (dpi). Após dez dias da inoculação, os animais foram eutanasiados e os pulmões, fígado, baço e rins foram coletados para exame histopatológico e PCR quantitativo (qPCR). Os resultados mostraram que os camundongos foram infectados com o FHV-1 e reproduziram várias características da doença que são observadas em seu hospedeiro natural. Lesões histológicas e DNA viral foram detectadas em todos os tecidos amostrados, com maior frequência de DNA do FHV-1 nos pulmões. Todos os camundongos soroconverteram para FHV-1 aos 7 dpi. Para nosso conhecimento, este estudo é o primeiro relato de infecção experimental de camundongos BALB/c com FHV-1. Nossos resultados demonstraram que esse camundongo pode contribuir para o entendimento da patogenia do FHV-1 e pode ser um modelo útil para ensaios contra esse vírus.(AU)

Protection against leptospirosis conferred by Mycobacterium bovis BCG expressing antigens from Leptospira interrogans.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease worldwide and caused by the pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. Bacterins make up the vaccines used against leptospirosis, but they only succeed in providing short-term and serovar-specific protection. The use of Mycobacterium bovis BCG as a live vaccine vector expressing leptospiral antigens is a promising alternative, particularly due to its adjuvant properties. Four distinct portions P1 (lipL32), P2 (ligAni), P3 (lemA:ligAni) and P4 (lipL32:lemA) of a recombinant chimera composed of the lipL32, lemA and ligANI genes from Leptospira interrogans were cloned individually according to the BioBricks® strategy in the plasmid pUP500/PpAN. These constructs were individually transformed into a BCG Pasteur strain, and protein expression was detected by Western blot. For vaccination, 5 groups of 10 Golden Syrian hamsters were used, aged 4-6 weeks - group 1, rBCG (LipL32); group 2, rBCG (LigAni); group 3, rBCG (LemA:LigAni); group 4, (LipL32:LemA); group 5, wild-type BCG Pasteur (negative control). Two doses containing 106 CFU of rBCG were administered subcutaneously, the challenge was performed with 5 × LD50 of Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni L1-130, and the animals were observed for a 30-day period until the endpoint was reached. Humoral immunity was assessed via indirect ELISA, while renal colonisation was assessed by culture and quantitative real-time PCR. All vaccinated groups were protected against lethal challenge and renal colonisation, in comparison with negative control group (P < 0.05). Recombinant vaccines were not effective at inducing significant humoral immunity, which suggests the induction of cellular immunity - a characteristic of M. bovis BCG. In conclusion, all formulations provide 100% significant protection against leptospirosis in hamsters with no renal colonisation. The use of rBCG as a vaccine vector represents a promising alternative for the control of animal leptospirosis, allowing for protection against clinical signs of leptospirosis and renal colonisation.

Meroanencephaly in an English Pointer neonate

Background: Malformations are structural or functional abnormalities in the organs and structures present at birth. Theseconditions are rarely described in the newborns of dogs and can lead to their death. Meroanencephaly is a defect of theneural tube closure malformation, a type of anencephaly and results from a failure of closure of the rostral neuropore(neural crest), and consequently the development of the calvary becomes defective. This study aims to characterize theclinical-pathological aspects of neonatal meroanencephaly since brain malformations are rare in newborn dogs.Case: A 2-day-old English Pointer canine was sent for a necropsy. The newborn belonged to a litter of eight puppies, andonly this one had macroscopic cranial alterations. Another puppy that died as a consequence of being trampled by thebitch was also necropsied. The newborn was alive for 48 h until death and presented apathy, crying, sucking reflex andopisthotonus. Macroscopic examination of the baby revealed flattening of the skull, with a slit at the site of bone symphysis fusion, and a slit in the skin of the parietal region, covered by thin, translucent meningeal tissue. The newborn hadno other macroscopic changes. The heads of the two animals were examined by radiography to identify the features ofanencephaly in one of the animals by visualizing skull bone flattening. Upon removing the skin and exposing the cranialcavity, an irregular reddish mass was revealed, that corresponded microscopically to area cerebrovasculosa, composed ofneurons and rudimentary glial tissue, vascular neoformation and, hemorrhage and congestion. The cranial nerves was notpossible to observe. There was disorganization of the brain areas with no limitation of white and gray matter and scarceneurons and also a region similar to the cerebellum, with a molecular layer but without the Purkinje neurons. In the spinal...(AU)

Meroanencephaly in an English Pointer neonate

Background: Malformations are structural or functional abnormalities in the organs and structures present at birth. Theseconditions are rarely described in the newborns of dogs and can lead to their death. Meroanencephaly is a defect of theneural tube closure malformation, a type of anencephaly and results from a failure of closure of the rostral neuropore(neural crest), and consequently the development of the calvary becomes defective. This study aims to characterize theclinical-pathological aspects of neonatal meroanencephaly since brain malformations are rare in newborn dogs.Case: A 2-day-old English Pointer canine was sent for a necropsy. The newborn belonged to a litter of eight puppies, andonly this one had macroscopic cranial alterations. Another puppy that died as a consequence of being trampled by thebitch was also necropsied. The newborn was alive for 48 h until death and presented apathy, crying, sucking reflex andopisthotonus. Macroscopic examination of the baby revealed flattening of the skull, with a slit at the site of bone symphysis fusion, and a slit in the skin of the parietal region, covered by thin, translucent meningeal tissue. The newborn hadno other macroscopic changes. The heads of the two animals were examined by radiography to identify the features ofanencephaly in one of the animals by visualizing skull bone flattening. Upon removing the skin and exposing the cranialcavity, an irregular reddish mass was revealed, that corresponded microscopically to area cerebrovasculosa, composed ofneurons and rudimentary glial tissue, vascular neoformation and, hemorrhage and congestion. The cranial nerves was notpossible to observe. There was disorganization of the brain areas with no limitation of white and gray matter and scarceneurons and also a region similar to the cerebellum, with a molecular layer but without the Purkinje neurons. In the spinal...

Combined use of ELISA and Western blot with recombinant N protein is a powerful tool for the immunodiagnosis of avian infectious bronchitis.

BACKGROUND: The avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) remains a significant source of loss in the poultry industry and early diagnosis is required to prevent the disease from spreading. This study examined the combined use of an ELISA and Western blot (WB) to detect antibodies against the nucleocapsid protein (N) of IBV. The coding sequence for N was amplified by RT-PCR and expressed in Escherichia coli. A soluble recombinant N protein (rN) of approximately 50 kDa was obtained. A total of 389 sera were tested against the rN in ELISA and the results were compared with those of the commercial IDEXX IBV Ab test. ELISA-rN achieved a 90.34% sensitivity and 90.16% specificity. WB confirmed all false negative sera in ELISA-rN or IDEXX test as truly positive. The current study indicate that the combined use of rN in ELISA and WB is a powerful tool for the immunodiagnosis of avian infectious bronchitis. METHODS: Constructed recombinant pAE/n expression vectors were used to transform E. coli BL21(DE3) Star competent cells (Invitrogen). The rN of infectious bronchitis virus was purified by affinity chromatography using HisTrap HP 1 mL columns pre-packed with pre-charged Ni Sepharose in the ÄKTAprime Automated Liquid Chromatography system (GE Healthcare). A total of 389 serum samples from chickens were used to develop and evaluate the ELISA-rN test. To standardize the indirect ELISA development, serum dilutions (1:100, 1:200 and 1:400) and different concentrations of purified rN antigen (50, 100 and 200 ng/well) were tested. Positive and negative sera for IBV were used as controls. The results were compared with those obtained from a commercial kit. Serum samples scored as negative with the commercial kit but as positive with the ELISA-rN were further analysed by Western blot analyses using the rN protein as an antigen. The results of the ELISA-rN were compared to the commercial kit results using receiver-operating characteristics curves, area under the curve, and confidence intervals with the software GraphPad Prism version 6.0 for Windows (GraphPad Software, USA). RESULTS: The expected cDNA fragment of approximately 1240 bp was successfully amplified by PCR using primers designed to select for the coding region of the N protein. The rN was expressed as a soluble protein to avoid the refolding steps and, after purification a yield of 10 mg/L of rN was obtained. The SDS-PAGE results demonstrated the presence of two distinct bands that had a molecular mass of approximately 45 and 50 KDa. Out of 244 sera that scored positive in the commercial ELISA IDEXX IBV Ab Test, 220 were also positive in the ELISA-rN, yielding an ELISA-rN test sensitivity of 90.16%. Out of 145 sera that scored negative in the IDEXX IBV Ab Test, 131 also scored negative in the ELISA-rN, indicating a specificity of 90.34%. Sera that tested negative in the ELISA-rN and positive in the commercial test also reacted with the rN protein in Western blot. CONCLUSIONS: The association between the ELISA and Western blot techniques developed in this study with a subunit of IBV (rN) were able to detect antibodies that the commercial ELISA did not detect suggesting that the ELISA-rN has greater sensitivity.

Activity of the antimicrobial peptide P34 against bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 / Atividade do peptídeo antimicrobiano P34 contra o alfaherpesvírus bovino tipo 1

Previous studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of the peptide P34. In this study, the antiviral potential of P34 and the in vitro mechanism of action were investigated against bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 (BoHV1). P34 exhibited low toxicity, a high selectivity index (22.9) and a percentage of inhibition of up to 100% in MDBK cells. Results from antiviral assays indicated that P34 did not interact with cell receptors, but it was able to inhibit the viral penetration immediately after pre-adsorption. In addition, BoHV1 growth curve in MDBK cells in the presence of P34 revealed a significant reduction in virus titer only 8h post-infection, also suggesting an important role at late stages of the replicative cycle. Virucidal effect was observed only in cytotoxic concentrations of the peptide. These findings showed that the antimicrobial peptide P34 may be considered as a potential novel inhibitor of in vitro herpesviruses and must encourage further investigation of its antiherpetic activity in animal models as well as against a wide spectrum of viruses.

A atividade antimicrobiana do peptídeo P34 já foi previamente demonstrada. Neste estudo, o potencial antiviral do P34 e o mecanismo de ação in vitro contra o alfaherpesvírus bovino tipo 1 (BoHV1) foram investigados. O P34 exibiu baixa toxicidade, alto índice de seletividade (22.9) e percentagem de inibição viral de até 100% em células MDBK. Os resultados dos ensaios antivirais indicaram que não interage com receptores celulares, mas é capaz de inibir a penetração viral, imediatamente após a pré-adsorção. Além disso, a curva de crescimento do BoHV1 em células MDBK na presença do P34 revelou uma significativa redução no título somente após 8h de infecção, sugerindo também uma importante atividade do peptídeo nas fases finais do ciclo replicativo. Efeito virucida frente / BoHV1 foi observado apenas em concentrações citotóxicas do peptídeo. Os dados obtidos indicam que o peptídeo antimicrobiano P34 pode ser considerado um potencial composto inibidor de herpesvírus, in vitro, e estimulam posteriores investigações sobre sua atividade anti-herpética em modelos animais, bem como contra outros vírus.

Activity of the antimicrobial peptide P34 against bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 / Atividade do peptídeo antimicrobiano P34 contra o alfaherpesvírus bovino tipo 1

Previous studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of the peptide P34. In this study, the antiviral potential of P34 and the in vitro mechanism of action were investigated against bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 (BoHV1). P34 exhibited low toxicity, a high selectivity index (22.9) and a percentage of inhibition of up to 100% in MDBK cells. Results from antiviral assays indicated that P34 did not interact with cell receptors, but it was able to inhibit the viral penetration immediately after pre-adsorption. In addition, BoHV1 growth curve in MDBK cells in the presence of P34 revealed a significant reduction in virus titer only 8h post-infection, also suggesting an important role at late stages of the replicative cycle. Virucidal effect was observed only in cytotoxic concentrations of the peptide. These findings showed that the antimicrobial peptide P34 may be considered as a potential novel inhibitor of in vitro herpesviruses and must encourage further investigation of its antiherpetic activity in animal models as well as against a wide spectrum of viruses.(AU)

A atividade antimicrobiana do peptídeo P34 já foi previamente demonstrada. Neste estudo, o potencial antiviral do P34 e o mecanismo de ação in vitro contra o alfaherpesvírus bovino tipo 1 (BoHV1) foram investigados. O P34 exibiu baixa toxicidade, alto índice de seletividade (22.9) e percentagem de inibição viral de até 100% em células MDBK. Os resultados dos ensaios antivirais indicaram que não interage com receptores celulares, mas é capaz de inibir a penetração viral, imediatamente após a pré-adsorção. Além disso, a curva de crescimento do BoHV1 em células MDBK na presença do P34 revelou uma significativa redução no título somente após 8h de infecção, sugerindo também uma importante atividade do peptídeo nas fases finais do ciclo replicativo. Efeito virucida frente / BoHV1 foi observado apenas em concentrações citotóxicas do peptídeo. Os dados obtidos indicam que o peptídeo antimicrobiano P34 pode ser considerado um potencial composto inibidor de herpesvírus, in vitro, e estimulam posteriores investigações sobre sua atividade anti-herpética em modelos animais, bem como contra outros vírus.(AU)

Activity of the antimicrobial peptide P34 against bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 / Atividade do peptídeo antimicrobiano P34 contra o alfaherpesvírus bovino tipo 1

ABSTRACT: Previous studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of the peptide P34. In this study, the antiviral potential of P34 and the in vitro mechanism of action were investigated against bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 (BoHV1). P34 exhibited low toxicity, a high selectivity index (22.9) and a percentage of inhibition of up to 100% in MDBK cells. Results from antiviral assays indicated that P34 did not interact with cell receptors, but it was able to inhibit the viral penetration immediately after pre-adsorption. In addition, BoHV1 growth curve in MDBK cells in the presence of P34 revealed a significant reduction in virus titer only 8h post-infection, also suggesting an important role at late stages of the replicative cycle. Virucidal effect was observed only in cytotoxic concentrations of the peptide. These findings showed that the antimicrobial peptide P34 may be considered as a potential novel inhibitor of in vitro herpesviruses and must encourage further investigation of its antiherpetic activity in animal models as well as against a wide spectrum of viruses.

RESUMO: A atividade antimicrobiana do peptídeo P34 já foi previamente demonstrada. Neste estudo, o potencial antiviral do P34 e o mecanismo de ação in vitro contra o alfaherpesvírus bovino tipo 1 (BoHV1) foram investigados. O P34 exibiu baixa toxicidade, alto índice de seletividade (22.9) e percentagem de inibição viral de até 100% em células MDBK. Os resultados dos ensaios antivirais indicaram que não interage com receptores celulares, mas é capaz de inibir a penetração viral, imediatamente após a pré-adsorção. Além disso, a curva de crescimento do BoHV1 em células MDBK na presença do P34 revelou uma significativa redução no título somente após 8h de infecção, sugerindo também uma importante atividade do peptídeo nas fases finais do ciclo replicativo. Efeito virucida frente / BoHV1 foi observado apenas em concentrações citotóxicas do peptídeo. Os dados obtidos indicam que o peptídeo antimicrobiano P34 pode ser considerado um potencial composto inibidor de herpesvírus, in vitro, e estimulam posteriores investigações sobre sua atividade anti-herpética em modelos animais, bem como contra outros vírus.

Antiviral activity of a Bacillus sp. P34 peptide against pathogenic viruses of domestic animals.

P34 is an antimicrobial peptide produced by a Bacillus sp. strain isolated from the intestinal contents of a fish in the Brazilian Amazon basin with reported antibacterial activity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the peptide P34 for its in vitro antiviral properties against canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), canine coronavirus (CCoV), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), equine arteritis virus (EAV), equine influenza virus (EIV), feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1). The results showed that the peptide P34 exhibited antiviral activity against EAV and FHV-1. The peptide P34 inhibited the replication of EAV by 99.9% and FHV-1 by 94.4%. Virucidal activity was detected only against EAV. When P34 and EAV were incubated for 6 h at 37 °C the viral titer reduced from 10(4.5) TCID50 to 10(2.75) TCID50, showing a percent of inhibition of 98.6%. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that P34 inhibited EAV and FHV-1 replication in infected cell cultures and it showed virucidal activity against EAV. Since there is documented resistance to the current drugs used against herpesviruses and there is no treatment for equine viral arteritis, it is advisable to search for new antiviral compounds to overcome these infections.

Antiviral activity of a Bacillus sp: P34 peptide against pathogenic viruses of domestic animals

P34 is an antimicrobial peptide produced by a Bacillus sp. strain isolated from the intestinal contents of a fish in the Brazilian Amazon basin with reported antibacterial activity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the peptide P34 for its in vitro antiviral properties against canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), canine coronavirus (CCoV), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), equine arteritis virus (EAV), equine influenza virus (EIV), feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1). The results showed that the peptide P34 exhibited antiviral activity against EAV and FHV-1. The peptide P34 inhibited the replication of EAV by 99.9% and FHV-1 by 94.4%. Virucidal activity was detected only against EAV. When P34 and EAV were incubated for 6 h at 37 °C the viral titer reduced from 10(4.5) TCID50 to 10(2.75) TCID50, showing a percent of inhibition of 98.6%. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that P34 inhibited EAV and FHV-1 replication in infected cell cultures and it showed virucidal activity against EAV. Since there is documented resistance to the current drugs used against herpesviruses and there is no treatment for equine viral arteritis, it is advisable to search for new antiviral compounds to overcome these infections.

Antiviral activity of a Bacillus sp: P34 peptide against pathogenic viruses of domestic animals

P34 is an antimicrobial peptide produced by a Bacillus sp. strain isolated from the intestinal contents of a fish in the Brazilian Amazon basin with reported antibacterial activity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the peptide P34 for its in vitro antiviral properties against canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), canine coronavirus (CCoV), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), equine arteritis virus (EAV), equine influenza virus (EIV), feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1). The results showed that the peptide P34 exhibited antiviral activity against EAV and FHV-1. The peptide P34 inhibited the replication of EAV by 99.9% and FHV-1 by 94.4%. Virucidal activity was detected only against EAV. When P34 and EAV were incubated for 6 h at 37 °C the viral titer reduced from 10(4.5) TCID50 to 10(2.75) TCID50, showing a percent of inhibition of 98.6%. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that P34 inhibited EAV and FHV-1 replication in infected cell cultures and it showed virucidal activity against EAV. Since there is documented resistance to the current drugs used against herpesviruses and there is no treatment for equine viral arteritis, it is advisable to search for new antiviral compounds to overcome these infections.

Perspectivas terapêuticas no tratamento das infecções pelo herpesvírus felino tipo 1 / Therapeutic perspectives for the treatment of feline herpesvirus type 1 infections / Perspectivas terapéuticas en el tratamiento de las infecciones por herpesvirus felino tipo 1

O herpesvírus felino tipo 1 é uma causa muito comum de doença do trato respiratório superior entre os felinos. A doença, conhecida como rinotraqueíte viral felina, possui alta morbidade e é autolimitante em animais hígidos, porém causa severos sinais clínicos em felinos debilitados, imunocomprometidos e filhotes. Muitas drogas antivirais comumente utilizadas no tratamento das infecções pelos herpesvírus humanos já foram testadas in vitro e in vivo contra o herpesvírus felino tipo 1, demonstrando diferentes graus de eficácia e toxicidade. Entretanto, nenhuma droga antiviral foi desenvolvida especificamente contra o herpesvírus felino até o momento, limitando os tratamentos ao uso do aciclovir e do famciclovir. O objetivo do presente artigo foi revisar as terapias convencionais e adjuvantes utilizadas para o tratamento das infecções pelo herpesvírus felino tipo 1, abrangendo os mecanismos de ação e a natureza de alguns compostos antivirais.

Feline herpesvirus type 1 is a very common cause of upper respiratory tract disease among cats. The disease, known as feline viral rhinotracheitis, has high morbidity and it is self-limiting in healthy cats, but it causes severe clinical signs in kittens and immunocompromised animals. Many antiviral drugs commonly used for the treatment of human herpesvirus were already tested in vitro and in vivo against feline herpesvirus type 1, showing different degrees of efficacy and toxicity. Nevertheless, so far no antiviral drug has been developed specifically against feline herpesvirus, limiting therapeutic options to acyclovir and famciclovir. The objective of this work was to review the conventional and adjuvant therapies used for the treatment of feline herpesvirus type 1 infections, including aspects about the mechanisms of action and the nature of some antiviral compounds.

El herpersvirus felino tipo 1 es una causa frecuente de enfermedades del tracto respiratorio superior de los gatos. La enfermedad, también conocida como rinotraqueítis viral felina, posee alta morbilidad y se autolimita en animales sanos, pero causa signos clínicos graves entre los gatos debilitados, inmuno comprometidos y en animales jóvenes. Muchos fármacos antivirales comumente usados en el tratamiento de las infecciones por herpesvirus humanos ya fueron testados, tanto in vitro como in vivo, contra el herpesvirus felino tipo 1 mostrando diferentes grados de eficacia y toxicidad. Hasta el momento no se ha desarrollado ningún fármaco específico contra el herpesvirus felino, y los tratamientos se limitan a la utilización del aciclovir y del famciclovir. El objetivo del presente trabajo ha sido revisar las terapias convencionales y adyuvantes que se utilizan para el tratamiento de las infecciones por herpesvirus felino tipo 1, incluyendo los mecanismos de acción y las características de algunos compuestos antivirales.

Perspectivas terapêuticas no tratamento das infecções pelo herpesvírus felino tipo 1 / Therapeutic perspectives for the treatment of feline herpesvirus type 1 infections / Perspectivas terapéuticas en el tratamiento de las infecciones por herpesvirus felino tipo 1

O herpesvírus felino tipo 1 é uma causa muito comum de doença do trato respiratório superior entre os felinos. A doença, conhecida como rinotraqueíte viral felina, possui alta morbidade e é autolimitante em animais hígidos, porém causa severos sinais clínicos em felinos debilitados, imunocomprometidos e filhotes. Muitas drogas antivirais comumente utilizadas no tratamento das infecções pelos herpesvírus humanos já foram testadas in vitro e in vivo contra o herpesvírus felino tipo 1, demonstrando diferentes graus de eficácia e toxicidade. Entretanto, nenhuma droga antiviral foi desenvolvida especificamente contra o herpesvírus felino até o momento, limitando os tratamentos ao uso do aciclovir e do famciclovir. O objetivo do presente artigo foi revisar as terapias convencionais e adjuvantes utilizadas para o tratamento das infecções pelo herpesvírus felino tipo 1, abrangendo os mecanismos de ação e a natureza de alguns compostos antivirais.(AU)

Feline herpesvirus type 1 is a very common cause of upper respiratory tract disease among cats. The disease, known as feline viral rhinotracheitis, has high morbidity and it is self-limiting in healthy cats, but it causes severe clinical signs in kittens and immunocompromised animals. Many antiviral drugs commonly used for the treatment of human herpesvirus were already tested in vitro and in vivo against feline herpesvirus type 1, showing different degrees of efficacy and toxicity. Nevertheless, so far no antiviral drug has been developed specifically against feline herpesvirus, limiting therapeutic options to acyclovir and famciclovir. The objective of this work was to review the conventional and adjuvant therapies used for the treatment of feline herpesvirus type 1 infections, including aspects about the mechanisms of action and the nature of some antiviral compounds.(AU)

El herpersvirus felino tipo 1 es una causa frecuente de enfermedades del tracto respiratorio superior de los gatos. La enfermedad, también conocida como rinotraqueítis viral felina, posee alta morbilidad y se autolimita en animales sanos, pero causa signos clínicos graves entre los gatos debilitados, inmuno comprometidos y en animales jóvenes. Muchos fármacos antivirales comumente usados en el tratamiento de las infecciones por herpesvirus humanos ya fueron testados, tanto in vitro como in vivo, contra el herpesvirus felino tipo 1 mostrando diferentes grados de eficacia y toxicidad. Hasta el momento no se ha desarrollado ningún fármaco específico contra el herpesvirus felino, y los tratamientos se limitan a la utilización del aciclovir y del famciclovir. El objetivo del presente trabajo ha sido revisar las terapias convencionales y adyuvantes que se utilizan para el tratamiento de las infecciones por herpesvirus felino tipo 1, incluyendo los mecanismos de acción y las características de algunos compuestos antivirales.(AU)

Investigation on Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) and Avian Poxvirus (APV) in magellanic penguins in Southern region of Brazil

To investigate the exposure of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and avian poxvirus (APV) in Magellanic penguins found on the beaches in Southern regions of Brazil, the frequency of serum antibodies was estimated in 89 samples taken during 2005 and 2006. All the penguins were negative for the presence of antibodies against NDV by hemagglutination inhibition test and to APV by indirect ELISA. The reactivity was similar to the positives controls using ELISA kit for the IBDV made in the chickens in 50 samples. This reactivity also was demonstrated in 42 samples using agar gel immunodiffusion. No clinical signs related to IBDV infection were observed. The results indicated the absence of infection by NDV and APV but suggested IBDV exposure in the population of penguins studied.

Effect of the ethanolic extract from green propolis on production of antibodies after immunization against canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine coronavirus (CCoV) / Efeito do extrato etanólico de própolis verde sobre a produção de anticorpos após imunização contra parvovírus canino (CPV) e coronavírus canino (CCoV)

This study was designed to evaluate whether an ethanolic extract of green propolis (EEP) can interfere with p roduction of specific antibodies after immunization against parvovirus (CPV) and canine coronavirus (CCoV). Mice were vaccinated with CPV and CCoV (0.75, 1.5 and 3 x 106 TCID50) with or without 400 μg/dose of the EEP. Twenty one days after the third dose was measured serum IgG. The co-administration of the EEP significantly enhanced serum specific IgG responses to CPV in animals inoculated with the highest concentration of the antigen, and had no influence on levels of antibodies to CCoV. The results indicate that the EEP has immunomodulatory action closely dependent on the type and concentration of antigen used, being able to increase the levels of antibodies to CPV.(AU)

Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar se extrato etanólico de própolis verde (EEP) pode interferir na produção de anticorpos específicos após imunização contra parvovírus (CPV) e coronavírus canino (CCoV). Camundongos foramvacinados com CPV e CCoV (0.75, 1.5 e 3 x 106 TCID50) com ou sem 400 μg/dose de EEP. Vinte e um dias após a terceira dose foi mensurado IgG sérica. A coadministração de EEP aumentou significativamente os níveis de IgG específica para o CPV em animais inoculados com a maior concentração do antígeno, e não teve influência sobre os níveis de anticorpos para CCoV. Os resultados indicam que o EEP tem ação imunomoduladora intimamente dependente do tipo e concentração do antígeno utilizado, sendo capaz de aumentar os níveis de anticorpos contra CPV.(AU)

Effect of the ethanolic extract from green propolis on production of antibodies after immunization against canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine coronavirus (CCoV) / Efeito do extrato etanólico de própolis verde sobre a produção de anticorpos após imunização contra parvovírus canino (CPV) e coronavírus canino (CCoV)

This study was designed to evaluate whether an ethanolic extract of green propolis (EEP) can interfere with p roduction of specific antibodies after immunization against parvovirus (CPV) and canine coronavirus (CCoV). Mice were vaccinated with CPV and CCoV (0.75, 1.5 and 3 x 106 TCID50) with or without 400 μg/dose of the EEP. Twenty one days after the third dose was measured serum IgG. The co-administration of the EEP significantly enhanced serum specific IgG responses to CPV in animals inoculated with the highest concentration of the antigen, and had no influence on levels of antibodies to CCoV. The results indicate that the EEP has immunomodulatory action closely dependent on the type and concentration of antigen used, being able to increase the levels of antibodies to CPV.

Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar se extrato etanólico de própolis verde (EEP) pode interferir na produção de anticorpos específicos após imunização contra parvovírus (CPV) e coronavírus canino (CCoV). Camundongos foramvacinados com CPV e CCoV (0.75, 1.5 e 3 x 106 TCID50) com ou sem 400 μg/dose de EEP. Vinte e um dias após a terceira dose foi mensurado IgG sérica. A coadministração de EEP aumentou significativamente os níveis de IgG específica para o CPV em animais inoculados com a maior concentração do antígeno, e não teve influência sobre os níveis de anticorpos para CCoV. Os resultados indicam que o EEP tem ação imunomoduladora intimamente dependente do tipo e concentração do antígeno utilizado, sendo capaz de aumentar os níveis de anticorpos contra CPV.

Coronavirus canino (CCoV) em cães vacinados e não vacinados domiciliados em Pelotas, RS / Canine coronavirus (CCoV) in dogs vaccinated and unvaccinated domiciliated in Pelotas, RS, Brazil

Coronavírus canino (CCoV) foi relatado como causa de doença entérica principalmente em cães jovens. Nesse estudo, para investigar imunidade e exposição ao CCoV, foi estimado a frequência de anticorpos em 121 cães de Pelotas, sul do Brasil, pelo teste de soro-neutralização (SN): 22 não haviam sido vacinados, 69 haviam sido vacinados com pelo menos uma dose, e 30 possuíam histórico de vacinação desconhecido. Foram detectados anticorpos em 47,8% (33/69) dos cães vacinados, em 45,5% (10/22) dos não vacinados, e em 43,3% (13/30) dos cães com histórico de vacinação desconhecido. Não houve associação significativa entre os anticorpos e sexo, idade, habitação e estação da coleta. Os resultados confirmam a circulação do CCoV entre essa população de cães e indicam que a infecção acomete população significativa de animais. A grande proporção de cães vacinados soronegativos indica falha da vacina em indução de anticorpos neutralizantes, sugerindo que as imunizações para CCoV devam ser reavaliadas. Os autores por meio de seus dados indicam ainda a necessidade de posteriores estudos para avaliar o impacto da infecção causada pelo CCoV, bem como para avaliar e  propor mediadas preventivas.

Canine coronavirus (CCoV) has been reported causing enteric disease mainly in young pups. In this study, to investigate immunity and exposure to CCoV, was estimated the frequency of serum antibodies to CCoV in 121 dogs in the Pelotas, South of Brazil, by serum neutralization test (SN): 22 had not been vaccinated, 69 had been vaccinated at least once, and 30 had unknown vaccination history. Antibodies were present in 47,8% (33/69) of the vaccinated dogs, in 45,5% (10/22) of the unvaccinated, and in 43,3% (13/30) of the dogs with unknown historical vaccination. There was no significant relationship between these antibodies and sex, age, habitat, and season of collection. The results proved the circulation of the CCoV among this dog population and indicated that the infection affects a significant group of animals. The large proportion of seronegative vaccinated dogs indicates failure of CCoV vaccine in inducing neutralizing antibodies, suggesting that immunizations to CCoV should be reevaluated. The authors indicate the need for further studies in order to evaluate the impact of the infection caused by CCoV, as well as to propose and evaluate preventive measures.