Background and common lesions in the female reproductive organs of giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla).

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a vulnerable species in South America and is considered endangered or near extinction in Central America. Therefore, studies describing the reproductive characteristics of this species are pivotal for its conservation. Thus, this study aimed to provide a morphological description of the female reproductive tissues of this species. We collected tissue samples from six female giant anteaters and performed gross, morphological, and histochemical analyses. Five adult subjects and one juvenile were included in the study. In the ovary, classifications were made according to the follicle and oocyte sizes: primordial, primary, secondary, early antral, or antral. Typical follicles with a single oocyte surrounded by a simple or stratified layer of cubic epithelium, atretic follicles, corpora lutea, corpora albicans, and ovarian cysts were also observed. No ovarian lesions were observed. By contrast, endometritis, metritis, mucometra, and endometrial cysts were identified in the uterus. Uterine alterations in these subjects were frequent and could affect reproduction.

Lethal acute diarrhea associated with Clostridioides difficile toxin A and B in a buffy-tufted-ear marmoset (Callithrix aurita).

This is a case of lethal acute diarrhea associated with a mild neutrophilic enteritis in a buffy-tufted-ear marmoset (Callithrix aurita) with detection of A/B toxins and isolation of a toxigenic clade 3 Clostridioides difficile strain (A+ B+ CDT+ , ST5), which should be considered as a potential cause of enteritis in this species.

Epitope-Based Vaccine of a Brucella abortus Putative Small RNA Target Induces Protection and Less Tissue Damage in Mice.

Brucella spp. are Gram-negative, facultative intracellular bacteria that cause brucellosis in humans and animals. Currently available live attenuated vaccines against brucellosis still have drawbacks. Therefore, subunit vaccines, produced using epitope-based antigens, have the advantage of being safe, cost-effective and efficacious. Here, we identified B. abortus small RNAs expressed during early infection with bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and an apolipoprotein N-acyltransferase (Int) was identified as the putative target of the greatest expressed small RNA. Decreased expression of Int was observed during BMDM infection and the protein sequence was evaluated to rationally select a putative immunogenic epitope by immunoinformatic, which was explored as a vaccinal candidate. C57BL/6 mice were immunized and challenged with B. abortus, showing lower recovery in the number of viable bacteria in the liver, spleen, and axillary lymph node and greater production of IgG and fractions when compared to non-vaccinated mice. The vaccinated and infected mice showed the increased expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6 following expression of the anti-inflammatory genes IL-10 and TGF-ß in the liver, justifying the reduction in the number and size of the observed granulomas. BMDMs stimulated with splenocyte supernatants from vaccinated and infected mice increase the CD86+ marker, as well as expressing greater amounts of iNOS and the consequent increase in NO production, suggesting an increase in the phagocytic and microbicidal capacity of these cells to eliminate the bacteria.

Necrotizing placentitis in a cow caused by Bacillus cereus / Placentite necrotizante em uma vaca por Bacillus cereus

ABSTRACT: This report described a case of necrotizing placentitis caused by Bacillus cereus in a cow associated with abortion and maternal lethality. The etiological diagnosis of placentitis by B. cereus was based on histopathology of placenta, cytology and bacterial isolation from intrauterine aminiotic fluid in retained placenta and further characterization of the pathogen by the MALDI-TOF. Although, B. cereus abortions are sporadic, the bacterium has the ability to release necrotizing toxins that can lead to placentitis, fetal death and abortion.

RESUMO: Este relato descreve a placentite necrotizante causada por Bacillus cereus em uma vaca associada a aborto e mortalidade materna. O diagnóstico etiológico de placentite por B. cereus foi baseado na histopatologia da placenta, citologia e isolamento bacteriano partir do líquido aminiótico em placenta retida e identificação do patógeno pela técnica de MALDI-TOF. Embora abortos por B. cereus sejam esporádicos, a bactéria tem a capacidade de liberar toxinas necrotizantes que podem levar a placentite e aborto.

Intra-abdominal granulomas caused by Clostridium tertium in an American Fuzzy Lop rabbit / Granulomas intra-abdominais causados por Clostridium tertium em um coelho American Fuzzy Lop

ABSTRACT: A 6-year-old Fuzzy Lop rabbit was referred to a veterinary hospital with a complaint of lameness. In addition to a vertebral subluxation, two radiopaque and well-defined structures were revealed by radiographic evaluation. Ultrasonographically, the masses were characterized as parenchymal structures with diffuse mineralization and formation of reverberation artifacts, suggesting presence of gas. These two structures were excised during a laparotomy and Clostridium tertium was isolated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. tertium infection in a pet animal.

RESUMO: Um coelho de seis anos de idade da raça Fuzzy Lop foi encaminhado a um hospital veterinário devido a uma queixa de claudicação. Além de uma subluxação vertebral, duas estruturas radiopacas e bem delimitadas foram identificadas pela avaliação radiográfica. Em um exame ultrassonográfico, as massas foram caracterizadas como formações parenquimatosas e heterogêneas, apresentando mineralização difusa e com formação de artefatos de reverberação, sugerindo a presença de gás. Estas duas estruturas foram extirpadas durante uma laparotomia e Clostridium tertium foi isolado. Este é o primeiro relato de infecção por C. tertium em um animal de estimação.

Alterações anatomopatológicas em rete ovarii de fêmeas bovinas mestiças / Anatomopathological changes in rete ovarii of mestizo cattle

O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar e caracterizar as principais alterações patológicas em rete ovarii, observadas em rebanho bovino mestiço. Foram coletadas amostras de 467 pares de ovários de fêmeas bovinas (gestantes e não gestantes), com idades variáveis, provenientes de dois frigoríficos da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil, no período de setembro a dezembro de 2012, para avaliação anatomopatológica. Das amostras coletadas, observou-se a rete ovarii em ambos os lados de 417/467 animais (89,3%). Na análise macroscópica, verificou-se a presença de cistos foliculares (5,03%), cistos de corpo lúteo (0,72%) e secreções purulentas (0,48%) de coloração amarela intensa e consistência viscosa, indicativo de processo inflamatório supurativo. No exame microscópico, observaram-se em 23/417 amostras (5,51%), um processo hiperplásico adenomatoso de rete ovarii, com espessamento da camada epitelial, modificação do padrão de epitélio variando de cúbico a colunar, com duas ou três camadas de células, sendo em alguns momentos ciliadas e com dilatação tubular. Destas amostras, verificou-se associação de lesão hiperplásica com infiltrado inflamatório predominantemente linfomacrofágico em 15/23 amostras (65,22%). Ainda em relação às amostras confirmadas para hiperplasia, observou-se reação proliferativa estromal com característica fibroplástica em 21/23 amostras (91,30%). Conclui-se que em fêmeas bovinas mestiças a frequência de alterações encontradas em rete ovarii é baixa ou rara e o conhecimento desta lesão pode auxiliar no manejo reprodutivo desta espécie animal, a fim de diagnosticar possíveis alterações patológicas que podem promover subfertilidade e até infertilidade do rebanho bovino, que resultam em significativas perdas econômicas.

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the main pathological changes in rete ovarii observed in cattle herd mestizo. Samples were collected from 467 pairs of ovaries of cows (pregnant and non-pregnant), with varying ages, from two refrigerators in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in the period from September to December 2012 for anatomopathological evaluation. From samples collected, the rete ovarii was observed on both sides of 417/467 animals (89.3%). In macroscopic analysis, the presence of follicular cysts (5.03%), corpus luteum cyst (0.72%) and purulent discharge (0.48%) with yellow color and viscous consistency indicating a suppurative inflammatory process. At microscopic analysis, were observed in 23/417 samples (5.51%), a hyperplastic adenomatous rete ovarii process, and thickening of the epithelial cell layer, with two or three cell layers of cuboidal to columnar cells, and some cilia and tubular dilatation. From these samples, there was association between hyperplastic lesions with predominantly a lymphomacrofagic inflammatory cell infiltrate in 15/23 samples (65.22%). Also in relation to the samples confirmed for hyperplasia, there was proliferating fibroblasts in 21/23 samples (91.30%). It is concluded that in mestizo cattle the frequency of alterations found in rete ovarii is low or rarity, and the knowledge of this lesion may assist in the reproductive management of this animals species, in order to diagnose possible pathological alterations that can promote subfertility and even infertility of the herd that results in significant economic losses

Pathological and parasitological characterization of infection by trematodes (Paramphistomatidae) in the large intestine of capybaras.

Gross and histological lesions caused by an intestinal parasite were described in three capybaras. The parasites presented a mean length of 14 mm and width of 7 mm, were round to oval or piriform, reddish and pedunculated, and adhered strongly to the mucosa of the large intestine. The intestinal mucosa at the parasite attachment site presented loss of surface epithelium and most glands, with replacement by fibrovascular proliferation that protruded from the mucosa and was involuted by the ventral sucker of the parasite. The lamina propria presented cellular debris, eosinophils, macrophages and plasma cells. The morphological characteristics, observed using serial histological sections, made it possible to classify the parasite as a trematode (Paramphistomatidae), compatible with Taxorchis schistocotyle. One capybara also harbored many ciliated protozoa in the large intestine (at the site of attachment of the parasite) and inside the caeca of the trematodes. In conclusion, this study described a multifocal necrotizing colitis associated with T. schistocotyle parasitism in capybaras.

Pathological and parasitological characterization of infection by trematodes (Paramphistomatidae) in the large intestine of capybaras / Caracterização patológica e parasitológica da infecção por trematódeos (Paramphistomatidae) no intestino grosso de capivaras

Gross and histological lesions caused by an intestinal parasite were described in three capybaras. The parasites presented a mean length of 14 mm and width of 7 mm, were round to oval or piriform, reddish and pedunculated, and adhered strongly to the mucosa of the large intestine. The intestinal mucosa at the parasite attachment site presented loss of surface epithelium and most glands, with replacement by fibrovascular proliferation that protruded from the mucosa and was involuted by the ventral sucker of the parasite. The lamina propria presented cellular debris, eosinophils, macrophages and plasma cells. The morphological characteristics, observed using serial histological sections, made it possible to classify the parasite as a trematode (Paramphistomatidae), compatible with Taxorchis schistocotyle. One capybara also harbored many ciliated protozoa in the large intestine (at the site of attachment of the parasite) and inside the caeca of the trematodes. In conclusion, this study described a multifocal necrotizing colitis associated with T. schistocotyle parasitism in capybaras.

Lesões macroscópicas e histológicas causadas por um parasita intestinal foram descritas em três capivaras. Os parasitas apresentaram média de 14 mm de comprimento e 7 mm de largura, eram de circulares a ovais ou piriformes, avermelhados, pedunculados e estavam fortemente aderidos à mucosa do intestino grosso. A mucosa intestinal, em que os parasitas estavam aderidos, apresentou perda do epitélio e da maioria das glândulas, sendo substituídos por proliferação fibrovascular que se projetava a partir da mucosa e era envolvida pela ventosa ventral do parasita. A lâmina própria apresentou restos celulares, eosinófilos, macrófagos e plasmócitos. As características morfológicas, utilizando cortes histológicos seriados, proporcionaram a classificação do parasita como um trematoda Paramphistomatidae, compatível com Taxorchis schistocotyle. Uma capivara continha também numerosos protozoários ciliados no intestino grosso (no local de fixação do parasita) e no lúmen do ceco desses parasitos. Em síntese, este estudo demonstrou a ocorrência de colite necrótica associada ao parasitismo por T. schistocotyle em capivaras.

Etiologic diagnosis of bovine infectious abortion by PCR / Diagnóstico etiológico de aborto infeccioso bovino por PCR

Infectious abortion is a significant cause of reproductive failure and economic losses in cattle. The goal of this study was to detect nucleic acids of several infectious agents known to cause abortion including Arcanobacterium pyogenes, Bovine Herpesvirus 1, Brucella abortus, Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis, Chlamydophila abortus, Leptospira sp., Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella sp., Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma bovigenitalium, Neospora caninum, and Tritrichomonas foetus. Tissue homogenates from 42 fetuses and paraffin-embedded tissues from 28 fetuses and 14 placentas/endometrium were included in this study. Brucella abortus was detected in 14.2 percent (12/84) of the samples. Salmonella sp. DNA was amplified from 2 fetuses, and there was one positive for Neospora caninum, and another for Listeria monocytogenes. This PCR-based approach resulted in identification of the etiology in 19 percent of samples, or 20 percent if considered fetal tissues only.

Aborto infeccioso é uma causa significativa de falhas reprodutivas e perdas econômicas na bovinocultura. O objetivo deste estudo foi detectar ácidos nucleicos de vários agentes infecciosos reconhecidos como causadores de aborto, incluindo-se Arcanobacterium pyogenes, Herpesvirus bovino tipo 1, Brucella abortus, Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis, Chlamydophila abortus, Leptospira sp., Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella sp., Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma bovigenitalium, Neospora caninum e Tritrichomonas foetus. Homogenados de tecidos de 42 fetos e tecidos incluídos em parafina de 28 fetos e 14 placentas/endométrio foram incluídos neste estudo. Brucella abortus foi detectada em 14,2 por cento (12/84) das amostras. DNA de Salmonella sp. foi amplificado de dois fetos e houve um feto positivo para Neospora caninum e outro para Listeria monocytogenes. Essa metodologia baseada em PCR resultou na identificação da etiologia em 19 por cento das amostras ou 20 por cento se considerados somente os tecidos fetais.

Anti-Sarcocystis neurona immunostaining associated with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis in Brazil

A retrospective study (1942 to 2005) of histopathological lesions included samples of central nervous system (SNC) from 203 animals in the Equidae family. A total of 42.4 percent of these samples had significant pathological changes, which were classified as inflammatory (62.8 percent), degenerative (25.6 percent), circulatory (10.5 percent), and neoplasic (1.1 percent) lesions. Immunohistochemistry anti-Sarcocystis neurona antigens was performed in all the cases with inflammatory changes (54), of which one of the case of encephalitis resulted positive to immunostaining. Although evidence of EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis) has been previously reported in Brazil, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in which characteristic EPM lesion was associated with anti-S. neurona immunostaining in Brazil.

Em um estudo retrospectivo (de 1942 a 2005), amostras do sistema nervoso central de 203 eqüídeos foram avaliadas para a presença de alterações histológicas. Dessas amostras, 42,4 por cento apresentaram alguma lesão histopatológica significativa, das quais foram classificadas como alterações inflamatórias (62,8 por cento), degenerativas (25,6 por cento), circulatórias (10,5 por cento) e neoplásicas (1,1 por cento). Fragmentos de SNC dos 54 animais com alterações inflamatórias foram avaliados para detecção de antígenos de Sarocystis neurona pela técnica de imunoistoquímica, que foi positiva em um caso de encefalite em eqüino. Embora haja registros de MPE no Brasil, este é o primeiro caso confirmado imunoistoquimicamente.

Cholelithiasis with atrophy of the right lateral hepatic lobe in a horse

A 22 year-old horse developed cholelithiasis with marked atrophy of the right lateral hepatic lobe. The horse had a history of intermittent colic since three years of age, and one of the first episodes of colic was associated with icterus. The size of the right lateral hepatic lobe was extremely reduced. There was a large choledocholith in the common hepatic duct, and several hepatoliths and choleliths in the intra- and extra-hepatic billiary ducts. Microscopically, there was severe atrophy of the right lobe with diffuse proliferation of connective tissue and billiary ducts. The left lateral lobe had peri-portal fibrosis with proliferation of billiary ducts, and billiary stasis. Chemical analysis of the calculi detected amorphous and triple phosphate, bilirubin, calcium, and iron.

Um cavalo de 22 anos de idade desenvolveu quadro de colelitíase severa com atrofia do lobo lateral direito. O animal tinha histórico de cólica recorrente, desde os três anos de idade, sendo que um dos primeiros episódios de cólica foi acompanhado de icterícia. O lobo hepático lateral direito estava extremamente diminuído de volume. Havia um grande coledocólito localizado no ducto hepático comum e inúmeros hepatólitos e colélitos nos ductos biliares intra e extra-hepáticos. Microscopicamente, foi observada atrofia acentuada do lobo direito, com proliferação difusa de tecido conjuntivo fibroso e de ductos biliares. O lobo lateral esquerdo apresentava fibrose periportal difusa associada à proliferação acentuada de ductos biliares e estase biliar. Análise química das concreções detectou fosfato triplo e amorfo, bilirrubina, cálcio e ferro.

An alternative immunohistochemical method for detecting Leishmania amastigotes in paraffin-embedded canine tissues.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a zoonosis and a chronic systemic disease of the dog caused by a protozoan by the species Leishmania infantum in the Old World and Leishmania chagasi in the New World. Several methods are currently employed for the diagnosis of CVL including microscopic detection of the parasite in bone marrow and lymph node aspirates, demonstration of specific antibodies anti-Leishmania in sera from infected animals, and isolation of the parasite by in vitro culture or by inoculation of laboratory animals. However, a definitive diagnosis is based on the actual detection of the parasite, which is conventionally achieved by examining Giemsa-stained smears or histopathological sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin. These methods have a low sensitivity, and therefore, they are often inconclusive. This is particularly true in canine organs that have a low level of parasitism such as kidneys, lungs, central nervous system, and testis, or, in some cases, the skin. The technique for immunohistochemical detection of leishmanial amastigotes in canine tissues has been reported previously and has proved to be undoubtedly efficient for the diagnosis. In this paper, we describe a straightforward and inexpensive immunohistochemical approach for Leishmania detection in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded canine tissues. Amastigote forms of Leishmania were easily observed within macrophages in several organs from naturally infected dogs using the streptavidin-biotin immunohistochemical method with canine hyperimmune serum as the primary antibody. In addition, the secondary antibody used was not specific to canine immunoglobulin, characterizing a cross-immune reaction. Our results indicate that this technique could be a useful tool for epidemiological, clinical, and histopathological studies.

Aspergilose em avestruz (Struthio camelus) no Brasil / Aspergillosis in an ostrich (Struthio camelus) in Brazil

Criatórios de avestruz têm se tornado comuns no Brasil, mas por se tratar de espécie exótica, as informações sobre as doenças desses animais no nosso ambiente são escassas. Um avestruz de cinco meses de idade apresentou tosse, anorexia, perda de peso, dispnéia discreta, temperatura corporal normal e morreu oito dias após o início dos sinais clínicos. Macroscopicamente foram observados nódulos múltiplos no pulmão e nos sacos aéreos. Histolopatogicamente, observou-se pneumonia granulomatosa e necrosante multifocal com hifas ramificadas e septadas intralesionais com características morfológicas de Aspergillus sp. Nos sacos aéreos, além das hifas e processo inflamatório adjacente haviam vários micélios com conidióforos na superfície interna. Foi isolado Aspergillus fumigatus dos tecidos afetados. De acordo com os achados histopatológicos e micológicos firmou-se o diagnóstico de pneumonia e aerossaculite micótica severa causada por Aspergillus fumigatus. Com base nas informações disponíveis na literatura, esse é o primeiro caso de aspergilose em avestruz documentado no Brasil.