Screening for canine coronavirus, canine influenza virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in dogs during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic.

Background and Aim: Although most cases of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) are in humans, there is scientific evidence to suggest that the virus can also infect dogs and cats. This study investigated the circulation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), canine coronavirus (CCV), and canine influenza virus (CIV) in domiciled and/or stray dogs from different locations in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: In total, 86 dogs living in homes, on the streets, or in shelters in the cities of Taiobeiras, Salinas, Araçuaí, and Almenara were randomly selected for this study. The COVID Ag Detect® Self-Test was used to detect SARS-CoV-2. The ACCUVET CCV AG TEST - CANINE CORONAVIROSIS® was used to detect CCV, whereas canine influenza was detected using the ACCUVET CIV AG TEST - INFLUENZA CANINA®. All collected data were mapped using QGIS 3.28.1 for spatial data analysis and the identification of disease distribution patterns. Descriptive analysis of the collected data, prevalence calculations, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals, when possible, was performed. Results: Of the 86 animals tested, only one dog tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 using the rapid test for viral antigen detection. No animals tested positive for CIV. Canine coronavirus was detected in almost half of the animals tested in Almenara. Severe acute respiratory syndrome-CoV-2 had a low prevalence (1.16%), versus 15.62% for CCV. Although the results were not significant, the age and breed of animals appeared to be associated with the occurrence of CCV. The results indicated that younger animals were 2.375-fold more likely to be infected. Likewise, purebred animals were more likely to contract the disease (OR = 1.944). Conclusion: The results indicate the need to maintain preventive measures against CCV, canine influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 in dogs. More studies are needed to better elucidate the panorama of these diseases in dogs, mainly in underdeveloped and developing countries.

Protein-coding gene interaction network prediction of bioactive plant compound action against SARS-CoV-2: a novel hypothesis using bioinformatics analysis.

This study aimed to verify the action of bioactive compounds from Brazilian plants on the leader genes involved in the SARS-CoV-2 pathway. The main human genes involved were identified in GeneCards and UNIPROT platforms, and an interaction network between leader genes was established in the STRING database. To design chemo-biology interactome networks and elucidate the interplay between genes related to the disease and bioactive plant compounds, the metasearch engine STITCH 3.1 was used. The analysis revealed that SMAD3 and CASP3 genes are leader genes, suggesting that the mechanism of action of the virus on host cells is associated with the molecular effects of these genes. Furthermore, the bioactive plant compounds, such as ascorbate, benzoquinone, ellagic acid, and resveratrol was identified as a promising adjuvant for the treatment inhibiting CASP3-mediated apoptosis. Bioactive plant compounds were verified as the main pathways enriched with KEGG and related to viral infection, assessments/immune/infections, and cell proliferation, which are potentially used for respiratory viral infections. The best-ranked molecule docked in the CASP3 binding site was rutin, while the SMAD3 binding site was resveratrol. In conclusion, this work identified several bioactive compounds from Brazilian plants showing potential antiviral functions that can directly or indirectly inhibit the new coronavirus.

Antioxidant activity and chemical composition of meat from broilers fed diets containing different essential oils.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Broiler meat is susceptible to lipid oxidation due to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, especially when stored for a long time. Concerning with that problem, we can add natural compounds to the animal feed, as the plant essential oils, which have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity, fatty acid profile, and chemical composition of the meat of broilers fed with diets containing different essential oil, including lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and pedestrian tea (Lippia aff. rotundifolia). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experimental design used was a 4×4 factorial scheme (storage time×diets), and each treatment was repeated thrice. The treatments were applied as negative control (without antimicrobial); positive control (ration supplemented with 10 ppm of enramycin and 42 ppm of salinomycin), lemongrass (ration with 120 mg of essential oil of lemongrass for each kilogram of live weight of the animals), and pedestrian tea (ration with 120 mg of essential oil of pedestrian tea for each kilogram of live weight of the animals). Storage was performed after slaughter and evaluated monthly for 4 months. RESULTS: The inclusion of lemongrass oil and pedestrian tea in the broiler diet did not change the ether extract content of the meat sample obtained from thigh and drumstick. The storage time promotes an increase in the moisture loss of the meat from the 2nd month in all treatments. There was an interaction between the additive and storage time for moisture loss. In the 2nd month of storage, the meat from broilers fed the antibiotic-containing feed had a lower moisture loss than those from broilers in the other treatment groups. The fatty acid profile did not differ statistically between the different treatment groups. The inclusion of additives in the food dropped the lipid oxidation at the 2nd month of storage. From the 3rd month, however, only the essential oils showed antioxidant effect. CONCLUSION: Antioxidant activity was positive for treatments that included essential oils. The lemongrass oil and pedestrian tea can be used as antioxidant additives in broiler diets to improve the oxidative stability of thigh-drumstick meat during storage. The results of the study suggest a good prospective for further research with profitability of usage essentials oils examined, for their economical application as feed components in broiler nutrition.

Efficacy of novel antiseptic product containing essential oil of Lippia origanoides to reduce intramammary infections in cows.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The use of antimicrobials in the control of mastitis is of concern in public health due to their inefficiency in targeting microorganisms. Studies with medicinal plants have risen as an alternative to the use of conventional products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an experimental disinfectant based on the essential oil (EO) from Lippia origanoides in preventing the development of new intramammary infections (IMI) in Holstein cows. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The conventional protocol of pre- and post-milking was used and the control (Conventional treatment [CNV]) and experimental (Experimental treatment [PEX]) products containing EO at 120 µL/mL were applied by immersion. Individual milk samples were analyzed using sheep blood agar methodologies and biochemical tests. The efficiency of the treatment was defined by the presence or absence of Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus spp. RESULTS: There were no clinical and subclinical mastitis cases, no lesions in the mucosal of teats, nor dirt score between groups in this study. Both treatments did not influence the occurrence of IMI. CONCLUSION: The results revealed that PEX acts efficiently against microorganisms compared to the disinfection by the conventional product demonstrating the efficacy of the alternative product on the prevention of new IMIs in dairy cows.

Identification and characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. isolated from surfaces near patients in an intensive care unit of a hospital in southeastern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Contaminated hospital environments contribute to the transmission of microorganisms associated with healthcare. Contaminated surfaces handled by patients or healthcare professionals are a source of microorganism transmission by hand. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus bacteria are among the main agents responsible for increasing healthcare-associated infections in Brazil and worldwide. METHODS: The objective of this study was to screen and characterize methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. on surfaces near patients in an intensive care unit. Microbiological samples, collected from ten beds in an intensive care unit with five sampling sites, were inoculated into a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus chromogenic medium. MALDI-TOF and PCR analyses were used to identify the bacteria. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the disk diffusion test. The presence of the mecA gene was investigated using PCR. RESULTS: We observed that 44 out of the 50 sampling sites presented grown isolates in the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus medium. The incidence of isolated microorganisms on the right side rail, left side rail, tables, infusion pump keypad, and cardiac monitor were 18.8 %, 36.7 %, 10.9 %, 2.4 %, and 31 %, respectively. The 42 isolates included in this study were identified as coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. All of these microorganisms were multidrug-resistant and mecA gene-positive. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified the presence of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus on the beds of an intensive care unit, providing evidence for the necessity of assertive actions to decrease the risk of healthcare-associated infections at the site.

Elaboration, evaluation of nutritional information and physical-chemical stability of dairy fermented drink with caja-mango pulp / Elaboração, avaliação de informação nutricional e estabilidade físico-química de bebida láctea fermentada com polpa de cajá-manga

ABSTRACT: Whey is a by-product of the dairy industry of great importance due to its high nutritional value, and can be used for the manufacture of fermented dairy drinks which, combined with fruit, increase the nutritional value and add characteristic flavors. Therefore, a fermented dairy beverage with caja-mango pulp (Spondias dulcis) was elaborated and its nutritional information as well as the physical-chemical stability were evaluated during storage. The results showed that the nutritional information met the requirements stipulated by the Brazilian legislation. The physical-chemical stability of the dairy fermented drink in terms of pH, acidity, syneresis and sedimentation was influenced by the storage time, possibly associated with uncontrolled factors in this study, such as the initial and final dairy culture concentration of the processed product, protein biodegradation during storage and low solids contents. It is concluded that the elaborated drink constitutes a food source of several nutrients, and may complement the daily diet of children, adolescents and adults, supplying nutritional deficiencies.

RESUMO: O soro lácteo é um subproduto da indústria de laticínios de grande importância devido ao seu alto valor nutritivo, podendo ser utilizado para fabricação de bebida láctea fermentada que, associada a frutas, aumenta o valor nutricional e agrega sabores característicos. A partir disso, foi elaborada uma bebida láctea fermentada adicionada de polpa de cajá-manga (Spondias dulcis), sendo avaliada sua informação nutricional bem como a estabilidade físico-química, durante o armazenamento. Os resultados mostram que a informação nutricional atendeu os requisitos estipulados pela legislação brasileira. A estabilidade físico-química da bebida, quanto aos parâmetros analisados de pH, acidez, sinerese e sedimentação, sofreu influência pelo o tempo de armazenamento, possivelmente, associados a fatores não controlados neste estudo como a concentração de cultura láctea iniciadora e final do produto elaborado, a biodegradação de proteínas durante a estocagem e baixos teores de sólidos. Conclui-se que a bebida elaborada constitui um alimento fonte de diversos nutrientes, e poderá complementar a alimentação diária de crianças, adolescentes e adultos, suprindo as carências nutricionais.

Mechanism of Brassica oleracea performance in bovine infectious mastitis by bioinformatic analysis.

Bovine mastitis affects dairy cattle worldwide and, despite the existing therapeutic measures, is not totally under control, leading to the need to develop alternative strategies. Brassica oleracea is a phytochemical commonly used in the control and prevention of human and animal diseases. The use of this plant in the treatment of infectious bovine mastitis has been little referenced in the literature and its molecular mechanism of action in this disease has not been clarified yet. This study aimed to reveal, through bioinformatic analysis, the molecular mechanism of action of Brassica oleracea in bovine mastitis. We investigated genes expressed in the signaling pathways of bovine mastitis and Brassica oleracea performance and elaborated the Venn diagram. A gene network was developed using the STRING 10 database. Leader genes were identified by calculating the weighted number of links (WNL). The NetworkAnalyzer plugin for Cytoscape software was used to characterize network topology. For the visualization of highly interconnected regions in the network, the MCODE was used. The BINGO and GFD-Net plugins were used to perform the ontological analysis. The TP53 and MTOR leader genes were identified in the sub-networks of the bovine mastitis signaling pathway and Brassica oleracea performance, respectively. Topological analysis confirmed the leader condition of the genes. Although the overlap of genes in the Venn diagram was not observed, the leader genes were found to be interconnected (confidence = 0.9). In the network that interconnected the leader genes two molecular complexes were detected and the ontological analysis revealed biological processes, cellular components and important molecular functions. It was concluded that Brassica oleracea may be a promising candidate to be included in a mammalian herbal cocktail against infectious bovine mastitis by interfering in the mechanisms of action of genes such as MTOR and TP53.

Characterization and molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus strains resistant to beta-lactams isolated from the milk of cows diagnosed with subclinical mastitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The term ESKAPE, recognized by the WHO, is an acronym, which refers to the pathogens Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp., which is extremely virulent and multidrug-resistant. Although the term is used to designate nosocomial pathogens, in a milking environment, strains of Methicillin-resistant S. aureus have been isolated from cattle diagnosed with clinical and subclinical mastitis. Resistant strains may be involved in the transfer of genes conferring resistance to beta-lactam antimicrobials among the species of microorganisms related to mastitis etiology. This study aimed to trace the phenotypic and genotypic profiles of susceptibility to beta-lactams in S. aureus isolated from milk of cattle diagnosed with subclinical mastitis obtained from different rural properties located in the North of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen microorganisms previously identified as S. aureus isolated from milk of cattle diagnosed with subclinical mastitis were submitted to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF), mass spectrometry, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for microbial species confirmation. The S. aureus beta-lactams antimicrobial phenotypic resistance profile was investigated by disk diffusion method. PCR methods were also performed to investigate the S. aureus genotypic beta-lactams resistance profile. For this purpose, bla Z, mec A, mec ALGA251, bla Oxa23, and bla KPC genes were screened among S. aureus isolates. The genetic diversity of S. aureus by fingerprint random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR was also performed in this study. RESULTS: All isolates showed phenotypic resistance to at least three beta-lactams, among which was meropenem. None of the isolates tested positive for the genes mec ALGA251, bla Oxa23, and bla KPC; however, the presence of the genes bla Z and mecA was detected among the isolates. The fingerprint analysis divided isolates into two distinct groups and 15 different subgroups. Despite the presence of clonality among the isolates, the PCR-RAPD analysis unveiled a heterogeneous profile with genetic diversity among the S. aureus isolates. CONCLUSION: In this study, we identified beta-lactams resistant S. aureus strains isolated from the milk of cows diagnosed with subclinical mastitis. The S. aureus beta-lactams resistance was investigated using a phenotypic and genotypic approach. We believe that molecular epidemiology, improved knowledge, and genetic basis of resistance to beta-lactams might assist in asserting guidelines for better management practices of dealing with subclinical mastitis and mapping of origin of resistant pathogens in the studied Brazilian area.

Antioxidant activity of essential oils from condiment plants and their effect on lactic cultures and pathogenic bacteria / Atividade antioxidante do óleo essencial de plantas condimentares e efeito sobre culturas lácticas e bactérias patogênicas

ABSTRACT: Studies about preservative and antioxidant activity of essential oils have been encouraged in recent years, given their importance to food industry. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activity of essential oils deriving from Syzygium aromaticum, Cymbopogon citratus and Lippia alba against lactic and pathogenic bacteria responsible for food-borne diseases. Essential oil antibacterial activity was assessed through disc diffusion and macrodilution tests conducted in a mixed lactic culture of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus (YF-L903) and of Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Salmonella enterica (ATCC 6017) strains. Based on the chromatographic analysis results, the essential oils shown to be composed of eugenol (79.41%) which was the prevalent compound in S. aromaticum, geranial (31.89%), neral (24.52%) and β-myrcene (25.37%) in C. citratus, as well as of geranial (33.80%) and neral (25.63%) in L. alba. The observed antibacterial activity confirmed the dose-dependent effect of these three oils on all the assessed bacteria; there was halo inhibition at concentration 20μL mL-1. The essential oil of S. aromaticum presented better antioxidant activity, with IC50 equal to 5.76μg mL-1 and antioxidant activity index of 6.94, and it was considered strong (AAI>2.0) in comparison to the other evaluated oils. This essential oil also presented excellent antioxidant activity at concentrations lower than the one required to inhibit lactic cultures. Based in this outcome, the essential oil from S. aromaticum can be used as preservative agent in processed food whose formulation presents lactic cultures.

RESUMO: A atividade conservante e antioxidante de óleos essenciais são importantes ferramentas para uso na indústria de alimentos e pesquisas são estimuladas na atualidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as propriedades antioxidantes e a atividade antimicrobiana de óleos essenciais de Syzygium aromaticum, Cymbopogon citratuse Lippia alba (LA) contra bactérias lácticas e patogênicas com importância em doenças transmitidas por alimentos. A atividade antibacteriana dos óleos foi avaliada por testes de disco-difusão e macrodiluição em caldo, utilizando-se cultura láctica mista de Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus e Streptococcus thermophilus (YF-L903), e Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Salmonella enterica (ATCC 6017). Os compostos dos óleos essenciais foram identificados por cromatografia, mostrando eugenol (79,41%) como composto predominante em S. aromaticum, geranial (31,89%), neral (24,52%) e β-mirceno (25,37%) em C. citratus, e o geranial (33,80%) e neral (25,63%) em L. alba. A atividade antibacteriana confirmou o efeito dose-dependente dos três óleos para todas as bactérias avaliadas, apresentando halos de inibição a partir da concentração de 20μL mL-1. O óleo essencial de S. aromaticum apresentou melhor atividade antioxidante, com IC 50 IC50 (at concentration capable of generating 50% inhibition) igual a 5.76μg mL-1 e índice de atividade antioxidante (AAI) de 6,94, considerado forte (AAI>2,0) em relação aos demais óleos avaliados. O óleo essencial de S. aromaticum apresentou excelente atividade antioxidante em menor concentração que anecessário para inibir a cultura láctica, indicando que este óleo pode ser usado como conservante em alimentos processados contendo culturas lácticas.

Leader gene of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis may be useful in vaccines against caseous lymphadenitis of goats: a bioinformatics approach.

We conducted an in silico analysis to search for important genes in the pathogenesis of Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL), with prospects for use in formulating effective vaccines against this disease. For this, we performed a survey of proteins expressed by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, using protein sequences collected from the NCBI GenPept database and the keywords "caseous lymphadenitis" and "Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis" and "goats". A network was developed using the STRING 10 database, with a confidence score of 0.900. For every gene interaction identified, we summed the interaction score of each gene, generating a combined association score to obtain a single score named weighted number of links (WNL). Genes with the highest WNL were named "leader genes". Ontological analysis was extracted from the STRING database through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. A search in the GenPept database revealed 2,124 proteins. By using and plotting with STRING 10, we then developed an in silico network model comprised of 1,243 genes/proteins interconnecting through 3,330 interactions. The highest WNL values were identified in the rplB gene, which was named the leader gene. Our ontological analysis shows that this protein acts effectively mainly on Metabolic pathways and Biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. In conclusion, the in silico analyses showed that rplB has good potential for vaccine development. However, functional assays are needed to make sure that this protein can potentially induce both humoral and cellular immune responses against C. pseudotuberculosis in goats.

Aspectos epidemiológicos e distribuição da cisticercose bovina: uma revisão / Epidemiological aspects and distribution of bovine cysticercosis: a review

A cisticercose é uma parasitose cosmopolita relevante para a saúde pública, animal e economia. Neste estudo objetivou-se analisar dados epidemiológicos da ocorrência da cisticercose bovina em diferentes continentes. Promoveu-se revisão bibliográfica em artigos científicos, dissertações e teses sobre aspectos epidemiológicos e distribuição espacial da cisticercose bovina. Observa-se que a ocorrência dessa parasitose relaciona-se com diversos fatores de natureza socioeconômica, cultural e práticas de manejo empregues em distintos sistemas de produção animal. Baseada principalmente em dados de inspeção de carnes, a ocorrência dessa parasitose tende a ser subestimada, entretanto, muitos dos casos reportados da parasitose apontam ocorrência de forma endêmica em algumas regiões da África e América Latina. A heterogeneidade na distribuição espacial da parasitose, associada a variações de fontes de infecção dos animais, justifica a necessidade de implantação de práticas de vigilância sanitária e informações adicionais referentes às práticas de criação dos animais aos frigoríficos, possibilitando identificar riscos espidemiologicos e desenvolver medidas alternativas de controle do complexo teníase cisticercose.(AU)

Anti-botulism single-shot vaccine using chitosan for protein encapsulation by simple coacervation.

The aim of the present study was to compare the potency and safety of vaccines against Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) type C and D formulated with chitosan as controlled release matrix and vaccines formulated in conventional manner using aluminum hydroxide. Parameters were established for the development of chitosan microspheres, using simple coacervation to standardize the use of this polymer in protein encapsulation for vaccine formulation. To formulate a single shot vaccine inactivated antigens of C. botulinum type C and D were used with original toxin titles equal to 5.2 and 6.2 log LD50/ml, respectively. For each antigen a chitosan based solution of 50 mL was prepared. Control vaccines were formulated by mixing toxoid type C and D with aluminum hydroxide [25% Al(OH)3, pH 6.3]. The toxoid sterility, innocuity and potency of vaccines were evaluated as stipulated by MAPA-BRASIL according to ministerial directive no. 23. Encapsulation efficiency of BSA in chitosan was 32.5-40.37%, while that the encapsulation efficiency to toxoid type C was 41,03% (1.94 mg/mL) and of the toxoid type D was 32.30% (1.82 mg/mL). The single shot vaccine formulated using chitosan for protein encapsulation through simple coacervation showed potency and safety similar to conventional vaccine currently used in Brazilian livestock (10 and 2 IU/mL against C. botulinum type C and D, respectively). The present work suggests that our single shot vaccine would be a good option as a cattle vaccine against these C. botulinum type C and D.

Atividade antisséptica do óleo essencial de Lippia origanoides Cham. (Alecrim-pimenta) na presença de leite bovino / Antiseptic activity of the essential oil of Lippia origanoides in the presence of bovine milk

Objetivou-se determinar atividade antisséptica do óleo essencial de Lippia origanoides na presença de leite bovino. A composição química do óleo essencial de alecrim pimenta foi determinada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (CG-EM), sendo detectados 53 compostos, dos quais 16 foram identificados (>0,1% área total). O carvacrol (32,7%), p-cimeno (23%), timilmetil éter, cariofileno (7,98%) e o γ-terpineno (5,40%) foram os componentes mais abundantes. A concentração inibitória mínima para Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 e E. coli ATCC 8739 foi de 60µL/mL, enquanto para Salmonella Choleraesuis ATCC 35640 foi de 90µL/mL. A concentração bactericida mínima foi de 120µL/mL para as três bactérias. Avaliou-se a atividade antisséptica do óleo essencial na concentração de 120µL/mL na presença de leite bovino sobre as mesmas cepas bacterianas. O óleo em estudo apresentou efeito inibitório do crescimento das cepas em diferentes tempos de ação (p<0,05). S. aureus apresentou maiores índices de inibição após 5 min de contato e Escherichia coli e Salmonella Choleraesuis após 15 min. O óleo essencial de alecrim-pimenta revelou ser um potencial antimicrobiano natural, mesmo na presença de matéria orgânica constituída de uma matriz nutricional complexa que é o leite bovino.(AU)

This study aimed to determine the antiseptic activity of the essential oil of Lippia origanoides in the presence of bovine milk. The essential oil chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (CG EM) 53 compounds were detected, of which 16 were identified (>0.1% total area). The carvacrol (32.7%), p-cymene (23%), thymil methyl ether (10.03%), caryophyllene (7.98 %) and γ-terpinene (5.40%) were the most abundant components. The minimum inhibitory concentration for Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 was 60uL/mL, as for this Salmonella Choleraesuis ATCC 35640 was 90uL/mL. The minimum bactericidal concentration was 120µL/mL for all three bacteria. We evaluated the antiseptic activity of the essential oil in the concentration of 120µL/mL in the presence of bovine milk for the same bacterial strains. The oil under study It showed an inhibitory effect of growth of the strains in different action times (p <0.05). S. aureus showed higher inhibition rates after 5 min of contact and E. coli and Salmonella Choleraesuis after 15 min. The essential oil Lippia origanoides proved to be a natural antimicrobial potential even in the presence of organic matter consists of a complex nutritional matrix is bovine milk.(AU)

Uso de aminas bioativas na dieta de aves de corte: uma revisão / Use of bioactive amines in the cutting bird diet: a review

Aminas bioativas vêm, ao longo dos anos, despertando o interesse dos pesquisadores no que se refere aos benefícios e aos prejuízos da sua presença ou mesmo do seu uso intencional, principalmente na alimentação de aves de corte, refletindo posteriormente na qualidade da carne produzida pelas mesmas. A presença de determinadas aminas em rações de aves de corte pode beneficiar e acelerar o desenvolvimento das mesmas, no entanto, quando presente em níveis elevados pode retardar o crescimento, causar disfunções metabólicas ou mesmo a morte dos animais. Estudos vêm sendo realizados a fim de definir quantidades ideais e tipos de aminas a ser adicionada à dieta a fim de propiciar um desenvolvimento adequado às aves sem, no entanto, apresentar resíduos na carne das mesmas.

Serologic and molecular evidence of Brucella ovis infection in ovine and caprine flocks in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Brucella ovis infection is one of the leading causes of sub fertility and infertility in ovine, been characterized mainly by epididymitis, orchitis and testicular atrophy in rams. This study aimed to determine the frequency of B. ovis positivity in rams and goats flocks in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, by agarose gel immunodiffusion (AGID), ELISA, Rose Bengal, PCR and bacteriological isolation as diagnostic tools. FINDINGS: Serum and urine samples were collected from properties with sheep or goat flocks, or from properties with mixed flock. Out of 50 sheep flocks, 6% (3/50) were seropositive by AGID while 4% (2/50) were positive by urine PCR for B. ovis. Out of five goat farms, 20% (1/5) were seropositive for B. ovis by AGID. Mixed flock farms had 11.1% (2/18) of positivity by AGID. By ELISA, 19.5% (8/41) of sheep properties and 61.1% (11/18) of the properties with mixed flocks were positive for B. ovis. No samples were positive in the test of Rose Bengal, ruling out exposure to smooth LPS Brucella species (particularly Brucella melitensis) and indicating that the positive in the ELISA was associated with Brucella spp. LPS rough (presumably B. ovis). No urine sample from sheep or goat was positive by bacteriological isolation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate serologic or molecular evidence of B. ovis infection in several rams and billy goats from meso-regions of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Also, this study report the indirect ELISA as an important tool for the diagnosis of B. ovis infection, as indirect ELISA in this study demonstrated to be the most sensitive diagnostic method adopted.

Sobrevivência de patógenos de origem alimentar aderidos em aço inoxidável após aplicação de óleo essencial de Cymbopogon flexuosus / Survival of foodborne pathogens adhered Survival of foodborne pathogens adhered to the stainless steel after applying the Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil

Foi avaliada a atividade antimicrobiana de diferentes concentrações do óleo essencial (OE) de Cymbopogon flexuosus sobre as estirpes padrão de Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli e Salmonella Choleraesuis aderidas em superfície de aço inoxidável AISI 304 #4. Inicialmente, as concentrações inibitórias mínimas (CIM) e as concentrações bactericidas mínimas (CBM) do OE foram determinadas pela técnica de macrodiluição em caldo. Posteriormente, a adesão e a formação de biofilme em superfícies de aço inoxidável foram avaliadas por 15 h a 37 °C sob agitação, e a ação sanitizante do OE contra as células aderidas nos cupons após 20 e 40 min de contato. O valor da CIM encontrada para todas as espécies foi de 7,5 μL.mL-1, e esta concentração foi utilizada para o preparo da solução sanitizante. Após ambos os períodos de sanitização constatou-se a remoção total das células aderidas para as espécies de E. coli e S. Choleraesuis. Não foi possível eliminar as células aderidas de S. aureus, contudo, houve uma redução quando comparada ao número de células aderidas antes de serem submetidas aos tratamentos de sanitização. O OE de C. flexuosus pode ser uma alternativa no controle microbiano em superfícies durante o processamento de alimentos.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different concentrations of essential oil (EO) of Cymbopogon flexuosos on the standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella Choleraesuis adhered to the stainless steel surface AISI 304 #4. Initially, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined by means of EO macrodilution broth assay. Subsequently, the adhesion and the biofilm formation on stainless steel surface were evaluated for 15 h at 37 °C under agitation, and also the OE sanitizing action against adherent cells on the coupons after 20 and 40 min of contact. The MIC value found for all species was 7.5 μL.mL-1, which is the concentration used for preparing the sanitizing solution. A complete removal of adhered cells of E. coli and S. Choleraesuis occurred after being exposed during both periods of time. The adhered cells of S. aureus were not removed; however, a reduction in the number of adhered cells was detected when compared to that quantity showed before being subjected to sanitizing treatments. The EO of C. flexuosus might be an alternative for microbial control in surfaces during food processing.

Qualidade microbiológica de cortes cárneos utilizados para elaboração de carne de sol no Norte de Minas Gerais submetidos a diferentes tecnologias de conservação / Microbiological quality of beef cuts used in the preparation of sundried meat in the North of Minas Gerais, Brazil, submitted to different conservation technologies

Carne de sol é um produto obtido pela salga leve e discreta e posterior desidratação pelo ar atmosférico dos cortes cárneos de bovinos, sendo um produto muito apreciado no Norte de Minas Gerais. A falta de regulamentação técnica e utilização de tecnologia adequada para o processamento e armazenamento contribuem para baixa qualidade sanitária e coloca em risco a saúde do consumidor. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar e comparar a contaminação microbiológica entre amostras de carne bovina - chã de fora (coxão duro), utilizadas no preparo da carne de sol, em diferentes locais e condições de armazenamento. Foram analisadas 15 amostras. Os resultados obtidos na pesquisa de coliformes variaram de <3,0 NMP/g a >1100 NMP/g. Foram constatadas contagens de Staphylococcus spp., variando de 5,5 x 103 a 2,9 x 106 UFC/g. A presença de Escherichia coli foi confirmada em 66,67% e de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva em 26,67% das amostras analisadas. O produto não está adequado para o consumo, pois apresentou elevada contagem de micro-organismos patogênicos capazes de causar surtos alimentares, além da possibilidade de comprometer a qualidade do produto final.

Sun-dried meat is a product obtained through slight salted and dehydrated by the atmospheric air of cuts of beef, which is a product much appreciated in the North of Minas Gerais. Deficient technical regulations and use of appropriate technology for processing and storage contribute to a low health quality and endangers the health of the consumer. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the microbiological contamination between samples of beef - Biceps femoris, used in the preparation of sun-dried meat, in different places and storage conditions. 15 samples were analyzed. The results of coliforms obtained in the study ranged from < 3.0 NMP/g to > 1100 NMP/g. Staphylococcusspp counts ranged from 5.5 x 103 to 2.9 x 106 UFC/g. The presence of Escherichia coli was confirmed in 66.67% and Staphylococcus positive coagulase in 26.67% of the samples analyzed. The product is not appropriate for consumption because it showed high counts of pathogenic microorganisms sufficient to cause foodborne outbreaks, furthermore the possibility of compromising the quality of final product.

Qualidade microbiológica do leite cru produzido no Norte de Minas Gerais* / Microbiological quality of raw milk produced in northern of Minas Gerais

Objetivou-se verificar a contaminação do leite cru por micro-organismos mesófilos, psicrotróficos, coliformes a 45°C e Enterococcus spp., produzido por rebanhos mestiços, em 30 unidades agrícolas familiares produtoras de leite em Juramento e Montes Claros, na região Norte de Minas gerais. Houve quatro coletas de amostras durante um ano, sendo duas na época de chuva e duas na época da seca. Coletaram-se amostras de leite cru e cru refrigerado, observando-se a contagem total de micro-organismos mesófilos, psicrotróficos, Enterococcus spp. e a contagem de coliformes a 45°C. Coletaram-se também, amostras de Swabs de equipamentos utilizados em ordenha (baldes e latões) utilizando-se a técnica do esfregaço em superfície, a fim de avaliar a contagem total bacteriana presente nesses utensílios para verificar a sua higienização. As amostras de leite apresentaram contaminação elevada por micro-organismos aeróbios mesófilos, psicrotróficos, Enterococcus spp.,coliformes a 45°C, comprometendo a qualidade higiênico-sanitária do produto, bem como as amostras de Swabs, que apresentaram níveis de contaminação elevados, quanto à presença de aeróbios mesófilos. Existiu deficiência quanto às práticas de antissepsias adotadas nos equipamentos utilizados na ordenha, levando a contaminações acima do permitido por mesófilos aeróbios, tornando-se evidente a necessidade de adoção de boas práticas agropecuárias e maiores investimentos em treinamentos e assistência técnica de qualidade com o intuito de provocar melhorias na qualidade microbiológica do leite produzido nessa região.

This study aimed to investigate the contaminationby mesophilic, psychrotrophic, coliform microorganisms at 45°C and Enterococcus spp., produced by crossbred herds, in raw milk produced in 30 family dairy farms in Juramento and Montes Claros, Northern Minas Gerais. Samples were collected 4 times, 2 during the rainy season and 2 during the dry season. Raw milk samples and milk samples refrigerated were collected, observing the total count of mesophilic, psychrotrophic microorganisms, Enterococcus sppand coliform at 45°C. Was collected too, Swabs samples from milking materials (buckets, cans) were collected using the surface scrubbing technique, in order to assess the total bacterial count of those utensils to verify their hygiene. The milk samples showed high contamination by micro-organisms aerobic mesophilic, psychrotrophic, Enterococcus spp., Coliforms at 45°C, compromising the sanitary quality of the product as well as Swab samples that hight contamination levels, with aerobic mesophilic. What compromised the sanitary quality of the product. There are shortcomings regarding antiseptic practices adopted on the milking equipment, leading to aerobic mesophilic contamination higher than allowed. Becoming evident the need for adoption of good agricultural practices, greater investments in training and quality technical assistance in order to stimulate improvements in the microbiological quality of the milk produced in the region.