Seroprevalence of influenza D virus in bulls in Argentina.

Influenza D virus (IDV) is considered a new agent involved in bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Based on seroprevalence studies or isolation from clinical samples, this virus has been detected on several continents and in several animal species, including cattle, pigs, camel, horses, and goats. We used an indirect in-house ELISA to detect anti-IDV antibodies in 165 serum samples from bulls on 116 farms in the province of La Pampa, Argentina. Eighty-five of 116 (73%) farms had at least 1 positive animal, and 112 of 165 (68%) of the analyzed samples were positive. There were no significant differences in the proportion of seropositive samples depending on the geographic region in which the samples were taken. Our results suggest that IDV infection is endemic in La Pampa; the clinical importance of IDV in Argentina remains to be investigated.

La técnica de polarización fluorescente para el diagnóstico de Brucella en Chaetophractus villosus / Technique of fluorescence polarization for the diagnosis of Brucella in Chaetophractus villosus / A técnica de polarização fluorescente para o diagnóstico de Brucella em Chaetophractus villosus

La brucelosis es una enfermedad muy extendida por todo el mundo. El diagnóstico se realiza mediante el uso de diferentes técnicas, entre ellas el aislamiento del agente etiológico o por serología detectando anticuerpos específicos. Todos estos métodos están estandarizados y validados en general para las distintas especies animales de interés zootécnico. En animales silvestres pueden utilizarse los mismos procedimientos serológicos, pero cada uno debe ser validado para la especie animal estudiada. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comprobar si la técnica de Polarización Fluorescente (FPA) utilizada para la determinación de anticuerpos contra Brucella en bovinos puede ser usada para el diagnóstico de Brucella en el armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus). Para ello se tomaron 150 muestras de sangre de Chaetophractus villosus. Veinticuatro muestras fueron positivas por medio de las técnicas de antígeno bufferado en placa, seroaglutinación lenta en tubo, 2-mercaptoetanol y fijación del complemento. Las mismas muestras resultaron positivas a la técnica de Polarización Fluorescente, estableciéndose un límite de corte de 82 mP. El índice Kappa registrado fue de 1 para todos los tests de diagnóstico comparados con FPA (IC: 0,84-1).

Brucellosis is a disease widespread throughout the world. The diagnosis is made through the use of different techniques including the isolation of the etiological agent or by serology detecting specific antibodies. All these methods are standardized and validated in general for animal species of zoo-technical interest. In wild animals, serological procedures may be used, but each should be validated for the particular animal species studied. The objective of this work was to verify if the technique of Fluorescent Polarization used for the determination of antibodies against Brucella in ruminants can be used for the diagnosis of Brucella in Chaetophractus villosus. To this aim, s 150 blood samples of Chaetophractus villosus were taken. Twenty-four samples were positive by the techniques of Antigen Buffered in Plate, serum agglutination test (SAT), 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) agglutination test and complement fixation test (CFT). The same samples were also positive by Fluorescent Polarization, and a cut-off limit of 82 mP was established. The KAPPA index was 1 for all diagnostic tests compared to FPA (CI: 0.84-1).

A brucelose é uma doença muito espalhada pelo mundo. O diagnóstico é feito por meio de diferentes técnicas, incluindo o isolamento do agente etiológico ou por sorologia detectando anticorpos específicos. Todos esses métodos são padronizados e validados em geral para diferentes espécies animais de interesse zootécnico. Em animais silvestres podem ser utilizados os mesmos métodos serológicos, mas cada um tem de ser validado para a espécie de animal estudada. O objectivo deste estudo foi testar se a técnica de Polarização Fluorescente utilizada para a determinação de anticorpos contra Brucella em bovinos pode ser utilizada para o diagnóstico de Brucella em tatu (Chaetophractus villosus). Para isso, 150 amostras de sangue de Chaetophractus villosus foram coletadas. Vinte e quatro amostras foram positivas por técnicas de antígeno bufferado em placa, soroaglutinação lenta em tubo, 2-mercaptoetanol e fixação do complemento. As mesmas amostras foram positivas para a técnica de Polarização Fluorescente, estabelecendo um limite de corte de 82 mP. O índice Kappa registrado foi de 1 para todos os testes de diagnóstico em comparação com FPA (CI: 0,84-1).

Clearance of Tritrichomonas foetus in experimentally infected heifers protected with vaccines based on killed-T. foetus with different adjuvants.

Tritrichomonas foetus is a flagellated protozoan that causes a sexually transmitted disease in cattle. Trichomonosis is characterized by early abortions, subfertility and a significant decrease in productivity. Vaccine preparations containing whole T. foetus can reduce the time of residence of the pathogen in the host cervix after experimental infection. Here, T. foetus vaccines prepared with different adjuvants were tested, in parallel with a commercial vaccine, for their efficacy to clear the infection. The median time for clearance of infection was 69days in non-immunized animals, 55days in animals treated with aluminum hydroxide, 41days with oil-in-water or saponin based vaccines or with a commercial vaccine and 27days in animals treated with saponin plus aluminum hydroxide. A slight increase in the risk of T. foetus clearance from the genital tract was found with the saponin based vaccine (hazard ratio, 2.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-6.17) or the commercial vaccine (hazard ratio, 2.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-6.38). A significant increase in the risk of T. foetus clearance was found with the combination of saponin plus aluminum hydroxide based vaccine (hazard ratio, 5.12; 95% confidence interval, 2.04-12.83).

Estenosis papilar benigna: nuestra experiencia / Benign papillary stenosis

Introducción: La Estenosis papilar benigna tiene diferentes etiologías. Se presenta como dolor biliar agudo o recurrente, alteración del perfil colestásico e ictericia. La colangiografía endoscópica es el gold estándar en el diagnóstico: dilatación de la vía biliar extrahepática y disminución del colédoco intrapapilar en “punta de lápiz”. La esfinterotomía endoscópica tiene una tasa de éxito de 99 a 100%. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes desde enero 2004 a febrero 2012 con dilatación de la vía biliar, alteración de las pruebas de colestasis y dolor tipo biliar. Resultados: De 1128 colangiografías retrógradas endoscópicas, 96 casos (6.11%) fueron estenosis papilar benigna. 64 (66.7%) sexo femenino, 45 (46.9%) vesícula in situ y 19 (19.8%) colecistectomizados. Alteración del perfil colestásico en 78 (81.3%). Endoscópicamente: papila rasgada 54 (56.3%). El acceso a la vía biliar se logró en todos los casos, 80 (83.3%) con esfinterotomo de arco. Coledocolitiasis asociada 33 (34.4%). Las complicaciones fueron: pancreatitis y hemorragia leves (5.2%). Conclusiones: La incidencia de Estenosis papilar benigna fue de 6.11%. La papila rasgada nos hace inferir la etiología traumática por el paso de los cálculos e hipertrofia de los elementos musculares del Esfínter de Oddi. La esfinterotomía endoscópica es una técnica segura y efectiva para resolver la Estenosis Papilar benigna.

Introduction: Benign papillary stenosis has different etiologies. It present as acute or recurrent biliar pain, alteration in cholestatic profi le and jaundice. Endoscopic Cholangiography is the gold standard in the diagnoses: extra hepatic biliar tract dilatation and intrapapillary narrowing of common bile duct in “pen tip”. Endoscopic sphincterotomy has a success rate from 99 to 100%. Methods: We included patients from January 2004 to February 2012 with biliary tract dilatation, alteration in cholestasis profi le and biliary pain. Results: From 1128 Retrograde cholangiography endoscopic, 96 (6.11%) were benign papillary stenosis. 64 (66.7%) female, 45 (46.9%) in situ gall bladder and 19 (19.8%) cholecistectomized. Alteration in cholestasis profi le in 78 patients (81.3%). Endoscopic fi ndings: torn sphincter 54 (56.3%). Biliary tract access in all cases, 80 (83.3%) arch sphincterotomo. Association with choledocholithiasis 33 (34.4%). The complications were mild pancreatitis and hemorrhage (5.2%). Conclusions: Benign papillary stenosis incidence was 6.11%. Torn sphincter makes us suppose a traumatic etiology by the passage of the stones and hypertrophy of the muscle elements in sphincter of Oddi. Endoscopic sphincterotomy is a safe and effective technique to resolve the benign papillary stenosis.

First record of Toxoplasma gondii in Chaetophractus villosus in Argentina.

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite that causes abortion and reproductive disorder in domestic animals. T. gondii is a common worldwide disease in homeothermic animals, including birds and humans. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of antibodies against T. gondii in the armadillo Chaetophractus villosus in the province of La Pampa, Argentina. Serum samples were collected from 150 individuals (70 males and 80 females). For serological detection of T. gondii, a latex agglutination test was first performed and then positive sera were confirmed with an indirect hemagglutination test, using 1:4 to 1:64 dilutions. Results showed that 27% (41) of the samples presented titers for antibodies against T. gondii. There were not significant differences between the presence of antibodies against T. gondii and age or sexes of the armadillos. Results show that presence of T. gondii antibodies in armadillos were associated with presence of pigs, and sheep, however there was not association with chickens and dairy cattle in capture site. T. gondii has an important presence in C. villosus population, suggesting a potential zoonotic risk for humans and wildlife animals when C. villosus meats are consumed raw or undercooked. This is the first record of the presence of antibodies against T. gondii in C. villosus.

Esfinterotomía de aguja / Needle sphincterotomy

La canulación fallida del conducto biliar común durante la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica es del 5 al 20% según la experticia del operador. El uso de guías hidrofílicas y la canulación profunda y selectiva son claves en el adecuado abordaje de la vía biliar. La inadecuada selección del paciente, papilas pequeñas o peridiverticulares, cálculo impactado, disfunción del Oddi o traumatismo repetido durante la canulación son las causas más frecuentes. La esfinterotomía de aguja en sus dos modalidades infundibulotomía y el precorte son técnicas opcionales para el abordaje del conducto biliar ante el fallo de la técnica convencional. Ambas técnicas son igualmente efectivas para el abordaje biliar en coledocolitiasis. La hiperamilasemia es más frecuente en el precorte (17.75%) en infundibulotomía (2.7%). La incidencia de pancreatitis post colangiografía es de 15% posterior a 15 o más intentos de canulación. La pancreatitis en el precorte puede alcanzar el 8% y es rara durante la infundibulotomía. El sangramiento ocurre de forma comparable con ambas técnicas. La esfinterotomía de aguja temprana en la canulación fallida disminuye la ocurrencia de pancreatitis post procedimiento. Debe ser realizada por colangiografistas expertos en la técnica y manejo de las complicaciones y contarse con los equipos y materiales adecuados

The failed cannulation of the common bile duct during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is from 5 to 20% depending on operator expertise. The use of hydrophilic guides and the deep and selective cannulation are key to sucessfull access to the bile duct. Inadequate patient selection, small duodenal papilla or peridiverticular, impacted gallstone, Oddi dysfunction or repeated trauma during cannulation are the most common causes of failure. Needle-knife sphincterotomy in its two modalities: infundibulotomy and precut are optional techniques for accessing the bile duct when confronted with the conventional technique failure. Both techniques are equally effective for biliary choledocholithiasis. Hyperamylasemia is more common in the precut (17.75%) infundibulotomy (2.7% ). The incidence of post cholangiography pancreatitis is 15% after 15 or more cannulation attempts. Pancreatitis in precut can reach 8% and is rare during the infundibulotomy. Bleeding occurs in a similar way in both techniques. Early needle-knife use, in failed in cannulation decreases the occurrence of post procedure pancreatitis. It must be perfomed by experts in the technique that are able to manage eventual complications beside having adequate equipment and materials available

Experimental infection of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with Brucella suis biovar 1 isolated from wild hares (Lepus europaeus).

Brucella suis biovar 1 is the causative agent of brucellosis in several domestic and wild animals and it is a common agent of human brucellosis. European hares (Lepus europaeus) have been shown to be infected by B. suis biovar 1 and the transmission to other animals has been suggested. In this work, experimental rabbits (Cuniculus orictolagus) were infected with B. suis biovar 1 isolated from wild hares. Infected rabbits showed high serological response in 2 weeks after discharge and typical granulomatous lesions (2mm diameter) were found in liver, spleen and kidneys after 50 days. B. suis biovar 1 was cultured from the lesion of the organs mentioned above as well as from urine, placenta and fetuses. These data suggest that hares are a potential source for horizontal transmission of B. suis biovar 1 to other mammalians.

Neosporosis y toxoplasmosis en la liebre europea (Lepus europaeus) en la provincia de La Pampa (Argentina) / Infectious diseases and reproductive status in european hare (Lepus europaeus) in La Pampa province (Argentina)

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia a Neospora caninum (Nc) y Toxoplasma gondii (Tg) y conocer el periodo reproductivo de la liebre europea (Lepus europaeus) en la provincia de La Pampa (Argentina). Para ello se muestrearon 106 liebres procedentes de acopiadores de la provincia de La Pampa. Los sueros fueron analizados por un ensayo inmunoenzimático de competición para determinar anticuerpos a Nc y para Tg se realizó una prueba de hemaglutinación indirecta. Se encontraron 66 hembras, de las cuales 13 estaban preñadas, y 40 machos (p=0,01). Sobre un total de 44 sueros analizados para Nc, 5 (11,4%) dieron positivo. De los 106 sueros estudiados para Tg ninguno fue positivo.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of these diseases and to know the reproductive season of the European hare (Lepus europaeus) in the Province of La Pampa (Argentina). To that aim, 106 hares coming from different places from La Pampa province were sampled. .Nc antibody diagnosis was performed by means of a competitive enzimoimmunoassay (ELISA-c), and an hemo-agglutination indirect assay (HAI) for Tg were carried out to know the disease status. From the total of hares sampled, 40 were male, 66 female (p=0.01) and 13 (19.7%) of them were detected as pregnant. Nc sero-prevalence was 11.4% over a total of 44. From 106 sera analyzed by HAI no one was positive for Tg.

Brucelosis en el zorro gris pampeano (Pseudalopex gymnocercus) en la provincia de La Pampa (Argentina) / Brucelosis in the grey fox of the pampas (Pseudalopex gymnocercus) in La Pampa province (Argentina)

Brucella abortus (Br abortus) es una de las principales causas de abortos y pérdidas reproductivas en el ganado bovino. Los fetos abortados y sus fluidos fetales son la mayor fuente de infección. Es así como la enfermedad puede llegar a animales silvestres cuando ingieren esos tejidos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia serológica de brucelosis en el zorro gris pampeano (Pseudalopex gymnocercus). Se tomaron muestras de sangre de 41 zorros de la región centro-este de la provincia de La Pampa, Argentina. Para determinar la presencia de anticuerpos específicos contra Br abortus se utilizaron las Pruebas de Polarización de la Fluorescencia (FPA), Seroaglutinación en Microplaca (SAP) y Seroaglutinación en Microplaca con 2-mercaptoetanol (2-ME). Sobre un total de 41 sueros procesados por FPA, en 7 (17,1%) se detectaron anticuerpos contra Br abortus. Sólo 34 sueros fueron analizados por las pruebas de SAP y 2-ME, encontrando 5 (14,7%) y 4 (11,8%) muestras positivas, respectivamente. Los resultados permiten inferir que el zorro gris pampeano es susceptible a infectarse con Br. abortus a una tasa de incidencia importante. Es necesario realizar futuros estudios para establecer el rol del zorro en la transmisión de la enfermedad y sus consecuencias en esta especie.

Brucellosis is produced by several species of Brucella. Brucella abortus causes abortion and reproductive loss in bovine cattle. In the epidemiology of brucellosis, aborted fetus and their fetal fluids are the main source of infection and dissemination. Although the biological cycle and the disease consequences to domestic cattle have been widely studied, it is not the case with wild fauna. The objective of this study was to determine the serologic prevalence to brucellosis in the grey fox of the pampas (Pseudalopex gymnocercus). To that purpose, 41 foxes were sampled in the centre-east area of La Pampa province (Argentina). Blood samples for serologic studies were collected. A test of agglutination in microplate (SAP), another SAP with the addition of 2-mercapto-etanol (2-ME) and a test of polarization of the fluorescence (FPA) were used for the diagnosis of antibodies against Brucella abortus. For this, 17.1%, 14.7% and 11.8% was the prevalence found by FPA, SAP and SAP with 2-ME. More studies will be necessary to know the role of foxes in disease transmission and maintenance as well as the consequence of the diseases in foxes.