Assessment of rSodC, rPknG, rNanH, and rSpaC as Antigens for Diagnostic Tools Against Caseous Lymphadenitis.

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is a bacillus that causes caseous lymphadenitis in small ruminants, leading to great losses to rural producers; thus, an efficient diagnosis is necessary for using disease control measures. This study aimed to evaluate the antigenic potential of four C. pseudotuberculosis recombinant proteins (rSodC, rPknG, rNanH, and rSpaC) against sera of goat and sheep experimentally infected with one of three different C. pseudotuberculosis strains. Goats were infected with CAP76 or CAP21 strain (n = 10), sheep with VD57 strain (n = 6), and a group of not-infected animals (goats and sheep) were kept as a healthy control (healthy n = 12). Sera were collected at 0, 14, 60, 90, 180, or 190 days after inoculation for antigenicity testing using Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Cross-reactivity tests with recombinant proteins were performed in goat serum experimentally vaccinated with Nocardia sp. or Rhodococcus equi bacterin. The rSodC protein showed discriminatory antigenic reactivity with a statistically significant difference against three different C. pseudotuberculosis strains evaluated in goats and sheep samples, while rPknG showed statistical significance only against two C. pseudotuberculosis strains evaluated in goats. rSodC was proved to be a strong candidate as a tool for diagnosis of C. pseudotuberculosis infection, once it was able to recognize antibodies against all strains evaluated in goats and sheep.

Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats: serological, pathological, and clinical monitoring during gestation.

This study aimed to evaluate Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant goats. The goats were divided into two groups: group one (G1) comprised of 31 pregnant goats naturally infected with T. gondii, and group two (G2) comprised of seven uninfected pregnant goats from a flock with a history of abortion due to toxoplasmosis. Serological investigation, ultrasonography, and clinical testing were performed on all goats during gestation. Serum samples from goats and their offspring (precolostral) were collected to evaluate the vertical transmission of T. gondii. Samples from placentas and aborted fetuses were also collected for molecular and histopathological analysis. Results showed that in G1, estrus recurrence occurred in 22.6% (7/31) of the goats, embryonic death in 3.3% (1/31), and abortion in 19.4% (6/31). An increase in anti-T. gondii antibodies was observed in G1 goats at day 150 of pregnancy. T. gondii DNA was detected in 42.8% (3/7) of aborted fetuses and was associated with histopathological lesions caused by this parasite. Moreover, toxoplasmosis in field conditions caused by genotype ToxoDB #1 in pregnant goats resulted in severe reproductive loss in the flock.

Evaluation of B. melitensis whole-cell lysate antigen-based indirect ELISA for the serodiagnosis of caprine brucellosis.

Different fractions of Brucella (B) abortus or Brucella melitensis have been used as antigens for the detection of anti-Brucella antibodies in goat sera, being their accomplishment cumbersome and time consuming. In an attempt to achieve a simpler enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antigen preparation method for serodiagnosis of caprine brucellosis, we developed and evaluated a B. melitensis whole-cell lysate antigen-based indirect ELISA (Bm-WCL iELISA). A total of 162 serum samples from female crossbred goats collected from non-vaccinated herds against brucellosis were classified according to the buffered plate antigen (BPA) screening test and the complement fixation (CF) test and used for the indirect ELISA (iELISA) evaluation. The Bm-WCL iELISA showed a high Se and Sp [95.7% (CI 88.1% - 98.8%), and 92.4% (CI 83.4% - 96.7%), respectively] to detect the serological response against Brucella in commercial goat herds, and an almost perfect agreement with combined official tests results (κ = 0.88), when goat sera with concordant results in both official serological tests (BPA and CF; n = 136) were used. However, the agreement dropped to substantial (k > 0.73) when 26 goat serum samples with BPA and CF not concordant results were incorporated for the iELISA performance evaluation and the comparison was made for each test independently. Comparison of the Bm-WCL iELISA results with Brucella abortus sLPS iELISA showed almost perfect agreement (κ > 0.83). Even when a larger number of samples are needed to validate this test, these preliminary results encourage the optimization of the Brucella melitensis whole cell lysate antigen-based iELISA.

Correlation between the natural infection by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in goats and serum progesterone levels and corpus luteum development.

Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA) is an infectious disease that affects small ruminants, and the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is its etiologic agent. This disease presents a high morbidity and a great economic impact on goat farming, leading to reduced milk and meat production and reproductive losses. The available data about the influence of C. pseudotuberculosis on the reproductive system were obtained after experimental inoculations. In this way, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of the natural infection by C. pseudotuberculosis on the luteal function and serum progesterone (P4) levels in goats. Sixteen female goats were diagnosed for the presence of C. pseudotuberculosis specific antibodies and divided into 2 groups: CLA positive and negative animals. They were submitted to estrous synchronization, followed by controlled mating. Corpus luteum and serum levels of P4 were evaluated on the 7th and 20th days after mating (D7 and D20). The ultrasonographic results were not statistically different between the 2 groups, as well as serum P4 levels on D7. However, a significant increase in serum P4 levels on the CLA positive group was identified on D20, along with a significant correlation between C. pseudotuberculosis specific antibody production, and P4 serum levels. The result of this study indicates that the infection by C. pseudotuberculosis may influence the reproductive status of female goats through an enhanced production of progesterone.

Detection of Trypanosoma vivax in tissues of experimentally infected goats: what is the role of adipose tissue in the life cycle of this protozoon?

Trypanosomiasis, caused by Trypanosoma vivax, is responsible for great economic losses among livestock in Africa and South America. During the life cycle of these parasites, they may present different morphological, metabolic and physiological characteristics depending on the interactions that are encountered at each point of their life cycle. Although T. vivax is frequently reported in the circulation of its mammalian hosts, it has the ability to migrate to the tissues of these individuals. However, this characteristic is poorly understood. In this context, we aimed to investigate the presence of T. vivax and the changes caused in different tissues of experimentally infected goats. Despite the animals were not perfused before tissues collection, using different approaches, we demonstrated its presence in different samples, including in the adipose tissue and skin of infected animals. In addition, a mononuclear inflammatory reaction, mostly characterized by an infiltrate of lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages were observed. The results highlight the possibility that, like other trypanosomatids, T. vivax may use these tissues during its life cycle. Future studies aiming to elucidate the length of time for which T. vivax remains active in these sites, and whether it uses these sites as a refuge from trypanocidal drugs, and whether it is capable of recolonizing the blood circulation, are much needed.

Influence of caprine arthritis encephalitis on milk production and quality along the lactation curve in primiparous dairy goats / Influência da artrite encefalite caprina na produção e qualidade do leite ao longo da curva de lactação em cabras leiteiras primíparas

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) on the production of milk and its components (protein, fat and total solids) along the lactation curve of primiparous goats. The study was developed using a database from the years 2014 to 2018. Sixty-one animals were subjected to the serological test for CAE, whose result indicated that 42 were seropositive and 19 seronegative, and milk production and quality data were compiled. To adjust the curve for production of milk, fat, protein and total solids during lactation, the following nonlinear model developed by Wood (1967) was used: Y = atb e-ct, where Y represents the observations of milk, fat, protein or total solid production at time t; a is the parameter associated with the initial production; b is the parameter associated with the rate of rise in production until the peak; c is the parameter associated with the rate of decline of the lactation curve; and t is the representative time of the day in milk. The parameters were compared by the confidence interval considering 95% probability. Peak production was calculated using the following formula: a(b/c)b e-b. There was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) between seropositive and seronegative primiparous goats for initial production and the rates of rise and decline of the parameters of milk, fat, protein and total solid production. However, at their peak, these variables were 26, 27, 23 and 23% higher, respectively, in the seronegative goats than in their seropositive counter parts. In conclusion, CAE does not affect milk production or the production of fat, protein and total solids along the lactation curve, but seropositive goats produce less milk and respective components at the peak of the lactation curve than seronegative goats.

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da artrite encefalite caprina (CAE) sobre a produção leiteira e seus constituintes (proteína, gordura e sólidos totais) ao longo da curva de lactação de cabras primíparas. O estudo foi realizado a partir do banco de dados dos anos de 2014 a 2018. Foram utilizados um total de 61 animais, todos submetidos ao teste de sorologia para CAE, sendo 42 cabras soropositivas e 19soronegativas, e os dados foram compilados de produção e qualidade do leite. Para o ajuste da curva para a produção de leite, gordura, proteína e sólidos totais ao longo da lactação foi utilizado o modelo não linear de Wood (1967): Y = atb e-ct, no qual: Y representa as observações de produção de leite, gordura, proteína ou sólidos totais no tempo t, a é o parâmetro associado à produção inicial, b é o parâmetro associado à taxa de ascensão da produção até o pico, c é o parâmetro associado à taxa declínio da curva de lactação e t é o tempo representativo do dia em lactação. Os parâmetros foram comparados pelo intervalo de confiança considerando 95% de probabilidade. A produção no pico foi calculada pela fórmula: a(b/c)b e-b. Não houve diferença estatística (p > 0,05) entre cabras primíparas soropositivas e soronegativas para a produção inicial, taxa de ascensão e taxa de declínio dos parâmetros para a produção de leite, de gordura, de proteína e de sólidos totais. Porém a produção no pico das variáveis em cabras soronegativas foi de26%, 27%, 23% e 23%, respectivamente, mais altas que em soropositivas. Conclui-se que a CAE não afeta a produção leiteira, bem como a produção de gordura, proteína e sólidos totais ao longo da curva de lactação, entretanto cabras soropositivas têm menor produção de leite e de seus componentes no pico da curva de lactação em relação às soronegativas.

Influence of caprine arthritis encephalitis on milk production and quality along the lactation curve in primiparous dairy goats / Influência da artrite encefalite caprina na produção e qualidade do leite ao longo da curva de lactação em cabras leiteiras primíparas

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) on the production of milk and its components (protein, fat and total solids) along the lactation curve of primiparous goats. The study was developed using a database from the years 2014 to 2018. Sixty-one animals were subjected to the serological test for CAE, whose result indicated that 42 were seropositive and 19 seronegative, and milk production and quality data were compiled. To adjust the curve for production of milk, fat, protein and total solids during lactation, the following nonlinear model developed by Wood (1967) was used: Y = atb e-ct, where Y represents the observations of milk, fat, protein or total solid production at time t; a is the parameter associated with the initial production; b is the parameter associated with the rate of rise in production until the peak; c is the parameter associated with the rate of decline of the lactation curve; and t is the representative time of the day in milk. The parameters were compared by the confidence interval considering 95% probability. Peak production was calculated using the following formula: a(b/c)b e-b. There was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) between seropositive and seronegative primiparous goats for initial production and the rates of rise and decline of the parameters of milk, fat, protein and total solid production. However, at their peak, these variables were 26, 27, 23 and 23% higher, respectively, in the seronegative goats than in their seropositive counter parts. In conclusion, CAE does not affect milk production or the production of fat, protein and total solids along the lactation curve, but seropositive goats produce less milk and respective components at the peak of the lactation curve than seronegative goats.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da artrite encefalite caprina (CAE) sobre a produção leiteira e seus constituintes (proteína, gordura e sólidos totais) ao longo da curva de lactação de cabras primíparas. O estudo foi realizado a partir do banco de dados dos anos de 2014 a 2018. Foram utilizados um total de 61 animais, todos submetidos ao teste de sorologia para CAE, sendo 42 cabras soropositivas e 19soronegativas, e os dados foram compilados de produção e qualidade do leite. Para o ajuste da curva para a produção de leite, gordura, proteína e sólidos totais ao longo da lactação foi utilizado o modelo não linear de Wood (1967): Y = atb e-ct, no qual: Y representa as observações de produção de leite, gordura, proteína ou sólidos totais no tempo t, a é o parâmetro associado à produção inicial, b é o parâmetro associado à taxa de ascensão da produção até o pico, c é o parâmetro associado à taxa declínio da curva de lactação e t é o tempo representativo do dia em lactação. Os parâmetros foram comparados pelo intervalo de confiança considerando 95% de probabilidade. A produção no pico foi calculada pela fórmula: a(b/c)b e-b. Não houve diferença estatística (p > 0,05) entre cabras primíparas soropositivas e soronegativas para a produção inicial, taxa de ascensão e taxa de declínio dos parâmetros para a produção de leite, de gordura, de proteína e de sólidos totais. Porém a produção no pico das variáveis em cabras soronegativas foi de26%, 27%, 23% e 23%, respectivamente, mais altas que em soropositivas. Conclui-se que a CAE não afeta a produção leiteira, bem como a produção de gordura, proteína e sólidos totais ao longo da curva de lactação, entretanto cabras soropositivas têm menor produção de leite e de seus componentes no pico da curva de lactação em relação às soronegativas.(AU)

Multilocus sequence analysis reveals genetic diversity in Staphylococcus aureus isolate of goat with mastitis persistent after treatment with enrofloxacin.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main bacterial agents responsible for cases of mastitis in ruminants, playing an important role in the persistence and chronicity of diseases treated with antimicrobials. Using the multilocus sequence typing technique, network approaches and study of the population diversity of microorganisms, we performed analyzes of S. aureus (ES-GPM) isolated from goats with persistent mastitis (GPM). The most strains of ES-GPM were categorically different phylogenetically from the others and could be divided into two lineages: one with a majority belonging to ES-GPM and the other to varied strains. These two lineages were separated by 27 nuclear polymorphisms. The 43 strains comprised 22 clonal complexes (CCs), of which the ES-GPM strains were present in CC133, CC5 and a new complex formed by the sequence type 4966. The genetic diversity of some alleles showed be greater diversity and polymorphism than others, such as of the aroE and yqiL genes less than glpF gene. In addition, the sequences ES-GPM to the arc gene and glpF alleles showed the greatest number of mutations for ES-GPM in relation to non-ES-GPM. Therefore, this study identified genetic polymorphisms characteristic of S. aureus isolated from milk of goats diagnosed with persistent mastitis after the failed treatment with the antibiotic enrofloxacin. This study may help in the future to identify and discriminate this agent in cases of mastitis, and with that, the most appropriate antibiotic treatment can be performed in advance of the appearance of persistent mastitis caused by the agent, reducing the chances of premature culling and animal suffering.

Detecting Mollicutes by PCR in goats in southwestern Bahia, Brazil.

Brazil has a herd of over 9 million goats, and the northeast of Brazil is home to over 93% of this herd. Caprine mycoplasmosis are widely disseminated worldwide, being highly contagious with high rates of morbidity and mortality, causing considerable economic loss to goat herders. In addition, there has been a lack of research using molecular testing to monitor the health and detect Mollicutes in this herd in Brazil. Therefore, the aim of this study is to associate animal management with the presence of the caprine origin Mollicutes in goats, in the southwest region of the state of Bahia, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted on twelve farms, and statistical analyses were performed to identify associations between the presence of Mollicutes and the management of goats. Molecular testing identified Mollicutes class, Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma) and M. conjunctivae (Mc), in the samples analyzed. Statistical associations were observed between animals from intensive livestock facilities and the presence of Mollicutes in nasal samples and dairy ranch animals and the presence of Mollicutes in ocular samples and animals from extensive ranching sites and positive results of Mollicutes in genital samples. We conclude that mycoplasmas are present in goat herds in the southwestern region of Bahia, which supports the need for more focused studies of mycoplasmas throughout the country. Our research also demonstrated the presence of two important opportunistic bacteria, Mc and Ma, and, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that M. conjunctivae was detected in Brazilian goats by molecular testing.

Argentinian small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) p55gag antigen fused to maltose binding protein to use in SRLV serological confirmatory diagnosis.

The complete gag gene from small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) encodes for a polyprotein of 55 kDa, known as p55gag. p55gag presents multiple antigenic epitopes, which can be recognized by antibodies, increasing the opportunity to detect SRLV-positive animals. Therefore, this polyprotein is considered an excellent candidate to use in diagnostic tests to detect antibodies against SRLV. Different studies have suggested that the selection of the recombinant antigen, which must be representative of the virus strains circulating in the test population, is crucial to avoid false negative results. Thus, the use of proteins from different viral strains isolated from goats or sheep of a given region or country may be a useful strategy to increase the ability to detect SRLV-infected animals. In the present study, the pMAL-p5X vector was used to express and purify p55gag (now called rp55gag for recombinant polyprotein 55 gag). The cloned gene was inserted downstream from the malE gene of Escherichia coli, which encodes a maltose-binding protein (MBP), resulting in the expression of an MBP fusion protein. The complete gag gene was amplified by RT-PCR. Finally, after digestion, the product was cloned into the pMAL-p5X vector and used to transform E. coli ER2325 cells. After the purification of MBP-rp55gag by affinity chromatography, the eluted fraction was observed by SDS-PAGE and Western Blot (WB). The WB was carried out with 85 serum samples from small ruminants previously analysed and compared by two commercial ELISAs. The results show that 76 of the serum samples were concordant with those by both ELISAs. Regarding the other nine serum samples, which showed discordant results between both ELISAs, were positive by WB. The results thus show that the rp55gag could be considered as an antigen in a confirmatory diagnostic assay to detect SRLV by WB. For this purpose, a future study with a high number of sera to determine the test specificity and sensitivity, using the p55gag of the circulating strain in Argentina will be necessary.

Antibody detection and molecular analysis for Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in goat milk: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Paratuberculosis is an incurable infectious disease that affects several species, including goat (Capra hircus). The etiologic agent is Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) that has tropism for the intestine, causing anorexia, progressive weight loss and death. In goats, the main transmission route is the ingestion of water and food contaminated by infected feces. Affected animals also eliminate the agent through milk, with a potential biological risk to public health. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct a research of the literature available in electronic media for a systematic review, followed by a meta-analysis of the results found on prevalence and diagnostic tests adopted in the detection of MAP antibodies and DNA in goat milk. The following search parameters were used: "Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis" AND (goat OR small ruminant) AND (milk OR pasteurized milk). Strictly obeying pre-established criteria, 437 articles were selected from the respective electronic databases of scientific content: ScienceDirect (285), PubMed (68), Web of Science (60) and Scopus (24), of which nine papers were elected to the construction of the systematic review and meta-analysis. The prevalence of MAP antibodies in milk detected by milk-ELISA ranged from 1.1 to 67.7% and the prevalence of MAP DNA in goat milk detected by MAP-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ranged from 1.94 to 37.74%. A meta-analysis indicated a combined MAP infection prevalence of 8.24%, but with high heterogeneity among study findings (I2 = 98.7%). The identification of the MAP in goat milk implies the need for surveillance of the agent in order to prevent economic losses and impact on public health.

Protothecosis and chlorellosis in sheep and goats: a review.

Protothecosis and chlorellosis are sporadic algal diseases that can affect small ruminants. In goats, protothecosis is primarily associated with lesions in the nose and should be included in the differential diagnosis of causes of rhinitis. In sheep, chlorellosis causes typical green granulomatous lesions in various organs. Outbreaks of chlorellosis have been reported in sheep consuming stagnant water, grass from sewage-contaminated areas, and pastures watered by irrigation canals or by effluents from poultry-processing plants. Prototheca and Chlorella are widespread in the environment, and environmental and climatic changes promoted by anthropogenic activities may have increased the frequency of diseases produced by them. The diagnosis of these diseases must be based on gross, microscopic, and ultrastructural lesions, coupled with detection of the agent by immunohistochemical-, molecular-, and/or culture-based methods.

Detection of Trypanosoma vivax in tissues of experimentally infected goats: what is the role of adipose tissue in the life cycle of this protozoon? / Detecção de Trypanosoma vivax em tecidos de caprinos experimentalmente infectados: qual é o papel do tecido adiposo no ciclo de vida desse protozoário?

Abstract Trypanosomiasis, caused by Trypanosoma vivax, is responsible for great economic losses among livestock in Africa and South America. During the life cycle of these parasites, they may present different morphological, metabolic and physiological characteristics depending on the interactions that are encountered at each point of their life cycle. Although T. vivax is frequently reported in the circulation of its mammalian hosts, it has the ability to migrate to the tissues of these individuals. However, this characteristic is poorly understood. In this context, we aimed to investigate the presence of T. vivax and the changes caused in different tissues of experimentally infected goats. Despite the animals were not perfused before tissues collection, using different approaches, we demonstrated its presence in different samples, including in the adipose tissue and skin of infected animals. In addition, a mononuclear inflammatory reaction, mostly characterized by an infiltrate of lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages were observed. The results highlight the possibility that, like other trypanosomatids, T. vivax may use these tissues during its life cycle. Future studies aiming to elucidate the length of time for which T. vivax remains active in these sites, and whether it uses these sites as a refuge from trypanocidal drugs, and whether it is capable of recolonizing the blood circulation, are much needed.

Resumo A tripanossomíase, causada por Trypanosoma vivax, é responsável por grandes perdas econômicas na bovinocultura da África e da América do Sul. Durante seu ciclo de vida, o parasita pode apresentar diferentes características morfológicas, metabólicas e fisiológicas em função das interações que ele encontra em cada ponto do seu ciclo. Embora o T. vivax seja reportado, frequentemente, na circulação dos seus hospedeiros mamíferos, o protozoário tem a capacidade de migrar para os tecidos desses indivíduos. Entretanto, essa característica é pobremente conhecida. Neste contexto, o objetivo foi verificar a presença, assim como as alterações causadas pelo T. vivax nos diferentes tecidos de caprinos experimentalmente infectados. Apesar dos animais não terem sido perfundidos antes da coleta dos tecidos, utilizando-se diferentes abordagens, foi evidenciada a presença do T. vivax em diferentes amostras teciduais, incluindo no tecido adiposo e pele dos animais infectados. Além disso, foi observada reação inflamatória mononuclear, caracterizada majoritariamente por infiltrado de linfócitos, plasmócitos e macrófagos. Os resultados evidenciam a possibilidade de que, assim como outros tripanossomatídeos, T. vivax pode usar esses tecidos durante o seu ciclo de vida. São necessários futuros estudos, objetivando elucidar o período em que o T. vivax permanece ativo nesses sítios, se ele utiliza esses locais como refúgio das drogas tripanocidas, e se ele é capaz de recolonizar a circulação sanguínea.

Assessment of caseous lymphadenitis in goats in a slaughterhouse in the Brazilian semi-arid region and estimates of economic losses due to carcass condemnation / Avaliação da linfadenite caseosa em caprinos em um abatedouro na região do semiárido brasileiro e estimativas de perdas econômicas por condenação de carcaças

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) caused by the pathogenic bacterium, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, results in economic loss in goat farming. Its prevalence in Brazilian herds varies from 5 to 50%, generating expenses with treatment, loss in production, carcass and organ condemnation, and reduced price of the hide. This study aimed to describe the distribution of lesions and quantify the loss associated with CLA in goat breeding due to condemnation in a slaughterhouse located in a semiarid region. The study was conducted at the municipal slaughterhouse of the city of Patos, State of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil, where goats from this intermediate geographical region are slaughtered. In 2017, 3,662 animals were slaughtered, an average of 305 per month. During the study period, from March to August 2017, 304 goats of both sexes and different ages of undefined breed were assessed. In the ante-mortem examination, inspection and palpation of the superficial lymph nodes was done; in the post-mortem examination, organ and viscera were assessed. The caseous material collected was sent for microbiological analysis. Of the 304 individuals, 227 [74.67% (95% CI: 69.50-79.23)] did not have any lesions, while 77 [25.33% (95% CI: 20.77-30.50)] showed abscesses suggestive of CLA, which was confirmed in 65 goats [84.41% (95% CI: 76.30-92.50)]. Sex (P = 0.044) and age (P = 0.002) were associated with infection. While the sex of the animals affected carcass and viscera weights and carcass yield, their age affected live weight, carcass, organ, and viscera weights; conversely, the incidence of CLA did not affect these variables. The average price in Real (R$) of a kilogram (kg) of goat meat cuts and “offal” was used to calculate the economic loss. Considering the average carcass weight (11,485 kg), organ weight (1,085 kg), and viscera weight (2,013 kg), 4,433.232 kg of meat was produced, resulting in R$ 72,945.43. The condemnations resulted in the loss of 269.894 kg, which is equivalent to R$ 4,540.33. CLA is responsible for a negative impact of 6.09% on production. Implementing control measures for this disease is important to increase the financial return in goat farming.(AU)

Linfadenite Caseosa (LC) causada pela bactéria patogênica Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis resulta em perda econômica na caprinocultura. No rebanho brasileiro sua prevalência varia de 5 a 50%, gerando gastos com tratamento, queda de produção, condenação de carcaça e órgãos, e desvalorização da pele. O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a perda associada à LC na caprinocultura de corte por condenação em abatedouro do semiárido, bem como caracterizar a distribuição das lesões. O trabalho foi realizado no Abatedouro Municipal da cidade de Patos, Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil, onde ocorre abate de caprinos provenientes desta região geográfica intermediária. No ano de 2017 foram abatidos 3.662 animais, uma média de 305 por mês. Durante o período de estudo, março a agosto do mesmo ano, avaliou-se 304 caprinos sem padrão racial definido, ambos os sexos e idades diversas. No exame ante mortem foram submetidos à inspeção e palpação de linfonodos superficiais; post mortem, órgãos e vísceras. O material caseoso coletado foi submetido à análise microbiológica para diagnóstico. Dos 304 indivíduos, 227 [74,67% (IC 95%: 69,50-79,23)] não apresentaram qualquer lesão, enquanto 77 [25,33% (IC 95%: 20,77-30,50)] evidenciaram abscessos sugestivos de LC, com confirmação em 65 [84,41% (IC 95%: 76,30-92,50)]. Constatou-se associação de sexo (P = 0,044) e idade (P = 0,002) à infecção. Foi verificado efeito do sexo dos animais nas variáveis peso de carcaça, peso de vísceras e rendimento de carcaça, bem como houve efeito da idade nas variáveis peso vivo, peso de carcaça, peso de órgãos e peso de vísceras; no entanto, não houve efeito da ocorrência de LC nessas variáveis. Para cálculo de perda econômica adotou-se o preço médio em Real (R$) do quilograma (kg) dos cortes de carne caprina, e “miúdos”. Considerando o peso médio de carcaça (11,485 kg), órgãos (1,085 kg) e vísceras (2,013 kg), houve produção de 4.433,232 kg, resultando em R$ 72.945,43. As condenações subtraíram 269,894 kg, equivalente a R$ 4.540,33. Atribui-se à LC um impacto negativo de 6,09% na produção. Implementar medidas de controle para essa doença é importante para que se amplie o retorno financeiro à atividade.(AU)

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic cattle, sheep, goats and pigs from São Tomé and Príncipe.

Despite the global importance of the zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii, little is known regarding its infection in the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe (DRSTP). This is the first report of antibodies to T. gondii in cattle, sheep, goats and pigs from the DRSTP. Antibodies were assessed by the modified agglutination test (MAT), with a cut-off titer of 100 for cattle and 20 for sheep, goats and pigs. The present study revealed an overall seroprevalence of 55.8%; 27.1% in 48 cattle, 68.4% in 98 sheep, 70.1% in 97 goats and 43.7% in 103 pigs. The south geographical area for cattle, the central area for sheep, and adult age and living in the central region for goats were found to be risk factors for seropositivity to T. gondii. These results support the scenario of a considerable presence of sporulated oocysts as well as of infected intermediate hosts in the local environment. Consumption of raw or undercooked meat should be considered as an important potential source of infection for animals and humans in the DRSTP.

Assessment of caseous lymphadenitis in goats in a slaughterhouse in the Brazilian semi-arid region and estimates of economic losses due to carcass condemnation / Avaliação da linfadenite caseosa em caprinos em um abatedouro na região do semiárido brasileiro e estimativas de perdas econômicas por condenação de carcaças

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) caused by the pathogenic bacterium, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, results in economic loss in goat farming. Its prevalence in Brazilian herds varies from 5 to 50%, generating expenses with treatment, loss in production, carcass and organ condemnation, and reduced price of the hide. This study aimed to describe the distribution of lesions and quantify the loss associated with CLA in goat breeding due to condemnation in a slaughterhouse located in a semiarid region. The study was conducted at the municipal slaughterhouse of the city of Patos, State of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil, where goats from this intermediate geographical region are slaughtered. In 2017, 3,662 animals were slaughtered, an average of 305 per month. During the study period, from March to August 2017, 304 goats of both sexes and different ages of undefined breed were assessed. In the ante-mortem examination, inspection and palpation of the superficial lymph nodes was done; in the post-mortem examination, organ and viscera were assessed. The caseous material collected was sent for microbiological analysis. Of the 304 individuals, 227 [74.67% (95% CI: 69.50-79.23)] did not have any lesions, while 77 [25.33% (95% CI: 20.77-30.50)] showed abscesses suggestive of CLA, which was confirmed in 65 goats [84.41% (95% CI: 76.30-92.50)]. Sex (P = 0.044) and age (P = 0.002) were associated with infection. While the sex of the animals affected carcass and viscera weights and carcass yield, their age affected live weight, carcass, organ, and viscera weights; conversely, the incidence of CLA did not affect these variables. The average price in Real (R$) of a kilogram (kg) of goat meat cuts and “offal” was used to calculate the economic loss. Considering the average carcass weight (11,485 kg), organ weight (1,085 kg), and viscera weight (2,013 kg), 4,433.232 kg of meat was produced, resulting in R$ 72,945.43. The condemnations resulted in the loss of 269.894 kg, which is equivalent to R$ 4,540.33. CLA is responsible for a negative impact of 6.09% on production. Implementing control measures for this disease is important to increase the financial return in goat farming.

Linfadenite Caseosa (LC) causada pela bactéria patogênica Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis resulta em perda econômica na caprinocultura. No rebanho brasileiro sua prevalência varia de 5 a 50%, gerando gastos com tratamento, queda de produção, condenação de carcaça e órgãos, e desvalorização da pele. O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a perda associada à LC na caprinocultura de corte por condenação em abatedouro do semiárido, bem como caracterizar a distribuição das lesões. O trabalho foi realizado no Abatedouro Municipal da cidade de Patos, Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil, onde ocorre abate de caprinos provenientes desta região geográfica intermediária. No ano de 2017 foram abatidos 3.662 animais, uma média de 305 por mês. Durante o período de estudo, março a agosto do mesmo ano, avaliou-se 304 caprinos sem padrão racial definido, ambos os sexos e idades diversas. No exame ante mortem foram submetidos à inspeção e palpação de linfonodos superficiais; post mortem, órgãos e vísceras. O material caseoso coletado foi submetido à análise microbiológica para diagnóstico. Dos 304 indivíduos, 227 [74,67% (IC 95%: 69,50-79,23)] não apresentaram qualquer lesão, enquanto 77 [25,33% (IC 95%: 20,77-30,50)] evidenciaram abscessos sugestivos de LC, com confirmação em 65 [84,41% (IC 95%: 76,30-92,50)]. Constatou-se associação de sexo (P = 0,044) e idade (P = 0,002) à infecção. Foi verificado efeito do sexo dos animais nas variáveis peso de carcaça, peso de vísceras e rendimento de carcaça, bem como houve efeito da idade nas variáveis peso vivo, peso de carcaça, peso de órgãos e peso de vísceras; no entanto, não houve efeito da ocorrência de LC nessas variáveis. Para cálculo de perda econômica adotou-se o preço médio em Real (R$) do quilograma (kg) dos cortes de carne caprina, e “miúdos”. Considerando o peso médio de carcaça (11,485 kg), órgãos (1,085 kg) e vísceras (2,013 kg), houve produção de 4.433,232 kg, resultando em R$ 72.945,43. As condenações subtraíram 269,894 kg, equivalente a R$ 4.540,33. Atribui-se à LC um impacto negativo de 6,09% na produção. Implementar medidas de controle para essa doença é importante para que se amplie o retorno financeiro à atividade.

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic cattle, sheep, goats and pigs from São Tomé and Príncipe / Soroepidemiologia de Toxoplasma gondii em bovinos, ovinos, caprinos e suínos domésticos de São Tomé e Príncipe

Abstract Despite the global importance of the zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii, little is known regarding its infection in the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe (DRSTP). This is the first report of antibodies to T. gondii in cattle, sheep, goats and pigs from the DRSTP. Antibodies were assessed by the modified agglutination test (MAT), with a cut-off titer of 100 for cattle and 20 for sheep, goats and pigs. The present study revealed an overall seroprevalence of 55.8%; 27.1% in 48 cattle, 68.4% in 98 sheep, 70.1% in 97 goats and 43.7% in 103 pigs. The south geographical area for cattle, the central area for sheep, and adult age and living in the central region for goats were found to be risk factors for seropositivity to T. gondii. These results support the scenario of a considerable presence of sporulated oocysts as well as of infected intermediate hosts in the local environment. Consumption of raw or undercooked meat should be considered as an important potential source of infection for animals and humans in the DRSTP.

Resumo Apesar da importância global do parasita zoonótico Toxoplasma gondii, pouco se conhece sobre sua infecção na República Democrática de São Tomé e Príncipe (RDSTP). Esse é o primeiro relato de anticorpos para T. gondii em bovinos, ovinos, caprinos e suínos da RDSTP. Os anticorpos foram pesquisados pelo teste de aglutinação direta modificada (TADM), com um título de corte de 100 para bovinos e de 20 para ovinos, caprinos e suínos. O presente estudo revelou uma soroprevalência global de 55,8%: 27,1% em 48 bovinos, 68,4% em 98 ovinos, 70,1% em 97 caprinos e 43,7% em 103 suínos. A área geográfica sul para os bovinos, a área central para os ovinos, bem como a idade adulta e a região central para os caprinos foram considerados fatores de risco para soropositividade a T. gondii. Esses resultados suportam o cenário de uma considerável presença de oocistos esporulados, bem como de hospedeiros intermediários infectados no ambiente local. O consumo de carne crua ou mal passada deve ser considerado como uma importante fonte potencial de infecção para animais e seres humanos na RDSTP.

Thymoma-associated exfoliative dermatitis in a goat: case report and brief literature review.

A Rock Alpine doe (Capra aegagrus hircus) was presented to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital because of scaling and ulceration over the withers, coronary bands, and dewclaws. The doe was euthanized because of poor prognosis associated with a radiographically identified cranial mediastinal mass, increased respiratory effort, and discomfort. Autopsy revealed a cranial mediastinal mass, and scaling-to-ulcerative lesions affecting the dorsum, ventrum, pinna, neck, teats, coronary bands, and dewclaws. Histologically, the mediastinal mass was an epithelial neoplasm with admixed non-neoplastic T lymphocytes, consistent with a lymphoepithelial (mixed) thymoma. Sections of affected skin were characterized by hyperkeratotic cell-rich interface dermatitis with transepidermal and follicular apoptosis. Thymoma-associated exfoliative dermatitis has been recognized in cats and a rabbit, but has not been reported previously in a goat, to our knowledge. Given that thymomas are not uncommon in goats, thymoma-associated exfoliative dermatitis should be considered a clinical differential in goats with dermatologic disease.

Development and evaluation of LAMP-coupled lateral flow device for the detection of MAP in livestock at point of care resource-limited areas.

The Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) causes paratuberculosis (Johne's disease), a systemic and chronic inflammation of intestine that affects bovine, small ruminants like goat and sheep. The disease has a greater economic importance in cattle and in small ruminants. But its effective control is impeded due to lack of rapid and accurate diagnostics. The present study is aimed at developing a LAMP-coupled lateral flow device (LFD) for rapid detection of paratuberculosis in livestock animal species such as cattle and in small ruminants at resource-limited areas. LAMP primers with biotin and FITC end tags were designed for IS900 gene specific for MAP. To determine sensitivity of LAMP assay, 10-fold serial dilutions were made from 10 ng/µl MAP stock DNA and were compared with PCR. The detection limits of LAMP-coupled LFD were defined and reactions were repeated for reproducibility. The specificity was evaluated using other infectious bacteria such as M. bovis, M. tuberculosis, Brucella abortus, Leptospira interrogan, Yersinia enterocolitica, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogens, and Staphylococcus aureus. A total of 95 samples turned positive for LAMP-coupled LFD out of 389 fecal samples. All the cultural-positive and PCR-positive samples showed positive in LAMP-coupled LFD. Nine samples with negative cultures turned positive in LAMP assay. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the LAMP-coupled LFD assays were 100% and 97.02% respectively in comparison with the culture as the gold standard method. The sensitivity detection limit of developed assay was 10 fg/µl and specificity was 100%. This assay successfully detected MAP not only by using bacterial DNA but also in clinical fecal samples. The clear band formation at control and test positions was observed on LAMP-coupled LFD. The developed assay is a simple, rapid, easy to perform, and is very useful in early diagnosis of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis at point of care resource-limited areas.