Infections by entomopathogenic fungi in common green iguanas (Iguana iguana) in captivity in Brazil.

Entomopathogenic fungi, widely available biological agents used to control agricultural pests, are sporadically reported to cause focal or disseminated infection in reptiles and mammals, including humans. This study summarizes the clinical presentation, histopathological and molecular findings by panfungal polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of four cases of hypocrealean fungal infections in captive common green iguanas (Iguana, iguana). One case of granulomatous pneumonia, hepatitis and serositis was related to Metarhizium flavoviride complex infection. Two disseminated fungal infection cases, with scarce inflammatory cell infiltration, were caused by Beauveria bassiana while there was one case of multifocal granulomatous and necrotizing pneumonia by Purpureocillium spp. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of fatal mycosis infection due to entomopathogenic fungi in captive common green iguanas.

Toxoplasmosis in a free-ranging hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus spinosus) with a potential novel genotype.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the ubiquitous coccidia Toxoplasma gondii. Rodents play an important role in maintaining its life cycle, as they are one of the main diet sources for felids (wild and domestic), the unique definitive hosts. However, reports of toxoplasmosis in porcupines (Order Rodentia) are uncommon, with gaps concerning its pathophysiology. South America is the continent with the greatest genetic diversity of rodents and T. gondii. A free-ranging hairy dwarf porcupine was admitted to a wildlife rescue centre with a history of trauma. During rehabilitation, the animal presented neurological symptoms (sporadic episodes of hind limbs paresis) and died 5 months later. The main findings during necropsy were brain congestion and severe incisor overgrowth associated with maxillary perforation. The histopathological exam showed moderate encephalitis, with variable-sized round cysts, positive for PAS stain and immunohistochemistry for T. gondii. Additionally, two cysts were observed in the medulla of the adrenal gland. Molecular techniques were performed to characterize the parasite load by qPCR (Cq = 30) and the genotype by PCR-RFLP with 11 markers, which revealed a potential new genotype. This case adds to the body of knowledge in comparative pathology of Neotropical Rodentia and reports a new potential genotype circulating in South America.

Choroid plexus papilloma in a free ranging eared dove (Zenaida auriculata)

Os tumores do plexo coróide (CPT) são neoplasias raras e histologicamente classificados como papiloma do plexo coróide (PPC), papiloma atípico do plexo coróide (APP) e carcinoma do plexo coróide (CPC). Essas neoplasias foram descritas em humanos, animais domésticos (caninos, felinos, equinos, caprinos) e alguns animais selvagens (cetáceos e aves Psittacidae ). Para nosso melhor conhecimento, aqui relatamos o primeiro CCP em uma pomba orelhuda de vida livre (Columbiformes; Zenaida auriculata, de Murs 1847). Histologicamente, o ventrículo estava dilatado, com proliferação papilar (padrão arboriforme) em topografia de PC. A neoplasia era bem diferenciada, composta por uma única camada de células cuboidais, ancoradas em um delicado estroma fibrovascular. As células neoplásicas exibiam estroma moderado, com bordas bem definidas e núcleos arredondados, com cromatina vesicular e nucléolos imperceptíveis. A atividade mitótica foi baixa (<1 mitose por 10 campos de grande aumento). A imunohistoquímica para marcadores de citoqueratina (anticorpo AE1 / AE3) foi implementada, entretanto, tanto as células neoplásicas quanto os tecidos epiteliais normais não apresentam imunorreatividade.

Choroid plexus papilloma in a free ranging eared dove (Zenaida auriculata)

Os tumores do plexo coróide (CPT) são neoplasias raras e histologicamente classificados como papiloma do plexo coróide (PPC), papiloma atípico do plexo coróide (APP) e carcinoma do plexo coróide (CPC). Essas neoplasias foram descritas em humanos, animais domésticos (caninos, felinos, equinos, caprinos) e alguns animais selvagens (cetáceos e aves Psittacidae ). Para nosso melhor conhecimento, aqui relatamos o primeiro CCP em uma pomba orelhuda de vida livre (Columbiformes; Zenaida auriculata, de Murs 1847). Histologicamente, o ventrículo estava dilatado, com proliferação papilar (padrão arboriforme) em topografia de PC. A neoplasia era bem diferenciada, composta por uma única camada de células cuboidais, ancoradas em um delicado estroma fibrovascular. As células neoplásicas exibiam estroma moderado, com bordas bem definidas e núcleos arredondados, com cromatina vesicular e nucléolos imperceptíveis. A atividade mitótica foi baixa (<1 mitose por 10 campos de grande aumento). A imunohistoquímica para marcadores de citoqueratina (anticorpo AE1 / AE3) foi implementada, entretanto, tanto as células neoplásicas quanto os tecidos epiteliais normais não apresentam imunorreatividade.(AU)

Yellow fever surveillance challenge: Investigation of a marmoset non-autochthonous case

Yellow fever (YF) surveillance in Brazil is focused mainly on the detection of epizootic events regarding New World non-human primates (NWNHP). We present a challenging case of a Callitrichidae (Callithrix spp) kept as a domiciliated pet that lived in the urban area of São Paulo municipality and was positive to YF virus by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. After investigation, it was the first occurrence of non-autochthonous YF case of NWNHP described, with probable place of infection in the North shore of São Paulo state. This case illustrates the importance of coordinated laboratorial and field actions, and risks posed by transit of wildlife.