Primary erythrocytosis in a bitch - clinical and laboratorial aspects

Background: Primary erythrocytosis is a rare myeloproliferative disorder in dogs and cats characterized by an autonomous proliferation of erythroid precursors in the bone marrow, with low to normal serum erythropoietin concentration, resulting in elevated red blood cell count, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration. Clinical signs are associated with increased blood volume and viscosity, and may include erythema, hyperemic mucous membranes and neurological signs such as seizures and ataxia. In veterinary medicine, the diagnosis should be made by exclusion of secondary or relative causes, after complementary exams. This report aims to describe a case of primary erythrocytosis in a bitch. Case: A 4-year-old mixed-breed bitch was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from UFRGS with 3 convulsive episodes related by the owner. A previous abdominal ultrasonography revealed splenomegaly and the electrocardiogram showed no abnormalities. No alterations were observed at the physical examination. The laboratorial blood tests demonstrated a persistent erythrocytosis, with high hematocrit, hemoglobin and red blood cells count, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia, and total plasmatic protein within the reference interval. The bone marrow cytology revealed reduced cellularity, normal myeloid:erythroid ratio, erythroid hyperplasia, mild myeloid hyperplasia and moderate myelofibrosis. The serum erythropoietin measurement was within the reference range, and the blood gas analysis detected a slight decrease in partial oxygen pressure. Therefore, no evidence of secondary conditions was observed and the diagnosis of primary erythrocytosis could be made. Discussion: Since there is no definitive method, the diagnosis of primary erythrocytosis could be based on the exclusion of all secondary and relative causes of erythrocytosis. The absence of clinical signs of dehydration and high serum albumin levels were findings that conduced for the exclusion of the relative form of the disturbance. The echocardiography and the abdominal ultrasonography ruled out any cardiopulmonary condition or kidney neoplasm, the most common causes of absolute secondary erythrocytosis. The persistently high hematocrit levels and red blood cell counts are significant for the suspicion of primary erythrocytosis, although thrombocytopenia and neutropenia are not commonly reported. The clinical signs of seizure were correlated with increased blood viscosity and reduced blood flow at the central nervous system. The blood gas analysis discarded the occurrence of systemic hypoxia, and the normal levels of erythropoietin gives higher evidence of the occurrence of an autonomous proliferation of the erythroid precursors within the bone marrow. The bone marrow cytology confirmed erythroid hyperplasia and the reduced cellularity that could be attributed to myelofibrosis. Myelofibrosis was described in humans with polycythemia vera, but there are no reports in veterinary, and this occurrence must be elucidated. An identical mutation in the JAK2 gene was observed in humans with polycythemia vera and dogs with primary erythrocytosis, and occurs in more than 50% of humans with myelofibrosis. Further investigations are necessary for veterinary medicine. In conclusion, the systematic approach of all organic systems and the assessment of complementary exams are necessary for the diagnostic of primary erythrocytosis in dogs. This condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any erythrocytosis, considering the guarded prognosis of this hematologic disorder.

Nodulações esplênicas: leishmaniose visceral canina? / Splenic nodules: canine visceral leishmaniasis?

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a parasitic disease of high lethality caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum in Brazil and is often related to splenomegaly. However, splenic nodules in dogs, although frequent, have not previously been reported as associated with CVL, but with neoplastic diseases. Considering that most dogs infected are oligosymptomatic or asymptomatic and that splenic nodules are common to other diseases, it is prudent to differentially diagnose CVL in view of its high zoonotic potential and lethality. The objective of the study was to describe a case of splenomegaly with splenic nodules associated with CVL in an asymptomatic dog treated with 2% miltefosina. Case: A 5-year-old male Rottweiler with 41 kg, with a history of inappetence, apathy and weight loss was referred to the Veterinary Medicine School Clinic of the Cesmac University Center, Maceió, AL, Brazil. However, during palpation a slight increase in the spleen was noted. Hematological, hemoparasite, biochemical and abdominal ultrasonographic examinations were requested to clarify the clinical suspicion of hemoparasitosis. The hematological and biochemical results respectively showed the following: normocytic normochromic anemia, hyperproteinemia and thrombocytopenia, in addition to hypoalbuminemia, with elevated total protein levels. The test for hemoparasites was negative. Ultrasonography showed mixed echogenicity suggestive of nodules. The rapid test for Ehrlichia, Anaplasma and L. infantum was performed. It was positive only for L. infantum. ELISA, IFAT and qPCR tests were performed to confirm the result. The test showed a cutoff result of 0.371 for ELISA, positive for RIFI at a cut-off of 1:40 and qPCR with less than 1 fg and with amplification above 36 cycles. In view of these results, treatment with 2% miltefosine at a dose of 1 mL/ 10 kg was started once a day, after feeding, for 28 days. The animal was monitored throughout treatment and re-evaluated every 10 days for 30 days, showing signs of clinical development, presenting satisfactory results. Discussion: Canine splenomegaly can be associated with a variety of disease possibilities. In asymptomatic canine visceral leishmaniasis (CanL), the slight increase in spleen and the presence of splenic nodules may lead to a false diagnosis. Splenic nodules may be associated with dogs of advanced age and may be due to lymphoid nodular hyperplasia, which causes nodules with echogenicity, hyperechoic regions with well demarcated irregularity, with centralized hypoechoic areas and an absence of hematological and biochemical alterations. The cause of splenomegaly associated with nodules may be difficult to diagnose and require much time and effort. Therefore, diseases such as visceral leishmaniasis of high lethality must be the priority in differential diagnosis in endemic areas in order to minimize the risk of transmission. In addition to allowing an early intervention aiming at good animal health results and preventive measures, such as the use of repellent collars that reduce the risk of phlebotomo infection. The differential diagnosis of CVL is necessary in endemic areas, even in asymptomatic dogs that may present splenic alterations suggestive of other diseases. Treatment with 2% miltefosine was shown to be, in this case, effective at reducing the splenic nodules and a good alternative for the quality of life of the animal.(AU)

Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi and organ alterations in Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) from western Mexico - short communication.

Small populations of Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) in western Mexico are endangered by hunting and natural predators as well as by different kinds of diseases. After two serological analyses using Serodia® latex particle agglutination and indirect haemagglutination (IHA) tests, 35 (53.03%) of 66 collected opossums in two small towns in western Mexico were positive for the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi. Twenty-eight of the 35 seropositive opossums had pathological lesions: 11 had changes in only one organ, 13 in two organs, and four had pathological changes in three organs. Splenomegaly was the most common finding in the examined opossums, followed by hepatomegaly. These potentially fatal pathological changes could contribute to the scarcity of the opossum population, even leading to the extinction of this species in western Mexico.

Avaliação dos sinais clínicos em codornas japonesas (Coturnix coturnix) infectadas experimentalmente com Salmonella Gallinarum / Clinical signs in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix) experimentally infected with Salmonella Gallinarum

O tifo aviário uma enfermidade de alto impacto no setor avícola, este trabalho tem como objetivo verificar os sinais clínicos da doença em codornas inoculadas experimentalmente com Salmonella Gallinarum. Foram utilizadas 54 codornas japonesas fêmeas distribuídas em dois grupos. O grupo inoculado (GI) com SG (32 codornas) e o grupo controle (GC) (16 aves). Seis aves foram eutansiadas antes de iniciar o experimento para coleta de órgãos (fígado, baço, folículos ovarianos, cecos e pulmão) e processamento microbiológico. As aves do GI receberam 0,7mL do inóculo (1.5x106 UFC/mL) e GC receberam e 0,7mL de solução fisiológica e foram observadas durante dez dias seguidos, em três períodos diários (8:00, 11:00 e 14:00) para observar os sinais clínicos da enfermidade. Após quatro dias de inoculação foi verificada prostração, apatia, penas eriçadas, diarreia, permanência da ave no canto da gaiola com os olhos fechados e relutância em movimentar-se (13/32). As alterações macroscópicas em aves que apresentaram sinais clínicos e foram eutanasiadas foram caracterizadas por esplenomegalia e hemorragia no baço em 84,6 % (11/13) e 23% (3/13), respectivamente, hepatomegalia e necrose no fígado em 15,4% (2/13) e 23,0% (3/13) respectivamente e hemorragia e atrofia em 15,4% (2/13) e 7,7% (1/13) dos folículos ovarianos. Nas aves que foram a óbito foi observado apenas hepatoesplenomegalia. Assim, podemos concluir que codornas inoculadas experimentalmente com Salmonella Gallinarum apresentam sinais clínicos típicos de febre tifoide observados em galinhas de exploração comercial.

Fowl typhoid a high-impact disease in the poultry industry, this study aims to verify the clinical signs of the disease in experimentally inoculated with quail Salmonella Gallinarum 54 Japanese female quails were distributed into two groups. The inoculated group (GI) SG (32 quail) and control group (CG) (16 birds). A total of six birds were euthanized before the start of the experiment, organs samples (liver, spleen, ovarian follicles, cecum and lung) were collected for the microbiological analysis. The birds of the GI group received 0,7mL of inoculum (1.5x106 CFU/mL) and birds of the CG group received 0,7 mL of saline solution. Thereafter, the quails were observed for ten consecutive days in three daily periods (8:00, 11:00 e 14:00) in order to observe clinical signs of disease. After four days of inoculation was verified prostration, apathy, ruffled feathers, diarrhea, bird's stay in the corner of the cage with closed eyes and reluctance to move (13/32). Some macroscopic changes were observed in euthanized birds with clinical signs like splenomegaly and splenic necrosis in 84,6% (11/13) and 23,0% (3/13) respectively, hepatomegaly and liver necrosis in 15,4% (2/13) e 23% (3/13) respectively, and atrophy and hemorrhage of ovarian follicles in 15,4% (2/13) and 7,7% (1/13) respectively. the birds that died was observed only hepatosplenomegaly. So we can conclude experimentally inoculated with Salmonella Gallinarum quail have the typical clinical signs of fowl typhoid observed in others birds of Galliforme order.

Avaliação dos sinais clínicos em codornas japonesas (Coturnix coturnix) infectadas experimentalmente com Salmonella Gallinarum / Clinical signs in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix) experimentally infected with Salmonella Gallinarum

O tifo aviário uma enfermidade de alto impacto no setor avícola, este trabalho tem como objetivo verificar os sinais clínicos da doença em codornas inoculadas experimentalmente com Salmonella Gallinarum. Foram utilizadas 54 codornas japonesas fêmeas distribuídas em dois grupos. O grupo inoculado (GI) com SG (32 codornas) e o grupo controle (GC) (16 aves). Seis aves foram eutansiadas antes de iniciar o experimento para coleta de órgãos (fígado, baço, folículos ovarianos, cecos e pulmão) e processamento microbiológico. As aves do GI receberam 0,7mL do inóculo (1.5x106 UFC/mL) e GC receberam e 0,7mL de solução fisiológica e foram observadas durante dez dias seguidos, em três períodos diários (8:00, 11:00 e 14:00) para observar os sinais clínicos da enfermidade. Após quatro dias de inoculação foi verificada prostração, apatia, penas eriçadas, diarreia, permanência da ave no canto da gaiola com os olhos fechados e relutância em movimentar-se (13/32). As alterações macroscópicas em aves que apresentaram sinais clínicos e foram eutanasiadas foram caracterizadas por esplenomegalia e hemorragia no baço em 84,6 % (11/13) e 23% (3/13), respectivamente, hepatomegalia e necrose no fígado em 15,4% (2/13) e 23,0% (3/13) respectivamente e hemorragia e atrofia em 15,4% (2/13) e 7,7% (1/13) dos folículos ovarianos. Nas aves que foram a óbito foi observado apenas hepatoesplenomegalia. Assim, podemos concluir que codornas inoculadas experimentalmente com Salmonella Gallinarum apresentam sinais clínicos típicos de febre tifoide observados em galinhas de exploração comercial.(AU)

Fowl typhoid a high-impact disease in the poultry industry, this study aims to verify the clinical signs of the disease in experimentally inoculated with quail Salmonella Gallinarum 54 Japanese female quails were distributed into two groups. The inoculated group (GI) SG (32 quail) and control group (CG) (16 birds). A total of six birds were euthanized before the start of the experiment, organs samples (liver, spleen, ovarian follicles, cecum and lung) were collected for the microbiological analysis. The birds of the GI group received 0,7mL of inoculum (1.5x106 CFU/mL) and birds of the CG group received 0,7 mL of saline solution. Thereafter, the quails were observed for ten consecutive days in three daily periods (8:00, 11:00 e 14:00) in order to observe clinical signs of disease. After four days of inoculation was verified prostration, apathy, ruffled feathers, diarrhea, bird's stay in the corner of the cage with closed eyes and reluctance to move (13/32). Some macroscopic changes were observed in euthanized birds with clinical signs like splenomegaly and splenic necrosis in 84,6% (11/13) and 23,0% (3/13) respectively, hepatomegaly and liver necrosis in 15,4% (2/13) e 23% (3/13) respectively, and atrophy and hemorrhage of ovarian follicles in 15,4% (2/13) and 7,7% (1/13) respectively. the birds that died was observed only hepatosplenomegaly. So we can conclude experimentally inoculated with Salmonella Gallinarum quail have the typical clinical signs of fowl typhoid observed in others birds of Galliforme order.(AU)

Esplenectomia total em cão: relato de caso / Total splenectomy in canine: case study from / Esplenectomía total en perros: reporte de un caso

A esplenectomia por meio convencional ainda é muito utilizada na medicina veterinária devido à alta incidência de neoplasias no baço, embora a técnica por laparoscopia venha sendo bem expandida,o uso da técnica convencional ainda é a grande realidade, principalmente nos casos graves de neoplasias e também por motivos econômicos. As principais indicações para esplenectomia total em cães são neoplasias esplênicas, torções esplênicas, traumas graves, distúrbios hematológicos imunomediados e lesões esplênicas, a esplenectomia total é utilizada como último recurso uma vez que, em sendo possível, deve-se preservar parte do baço. Um animal da espécie canina, macho, sem raça definida, com aproximadamente 14 anos, deu entrada no Hospital Veterinário Escola da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Valença, apresentando aumento de volume abdominal, perda de peso, hiporexia, vômito, mucosas hipocoradas. Foi então decidido submetê-lo a esplenectomia total. Ao contrário do que a medicina achava anteriormente, o baço é um órgão de extrema importância, muito embora sua ausência seja parcialmente suprida pelo fígado e outros órgãos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo demonstrar que existe uma sobrevida para aqueles animais com neoplasia esplênica, cujo último recurso é a esplenectomia total, e que apesar do risco anestésico cirúrgico, vale a pena realizar a cirurgia, independente da idade do animal.

The conventional splenectomy is still widely used in veterinary medicine due to high incidence of tumors in the spleen. Although laparoscopic technique is being greatly expanded, the use of conventional technique still represents a reality in severe cases of disseminated neoplasms and for representing the lowest cost option. The main reasons for splenectomy in canines are: splenic neoplasms, splenic torsions, severe traumas, immune-mediated hematological disorders and splenic injuries. Total splenectomyis used as a last resource since part of the spleen should be preserved if possible. On this study, an animal of the canine species, male, without any particular breed, approximately 14 years old, was admitted at the Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Valença, with abdominal distension, loss weight, loss appetite, hyporexia, vomiting, pale mucous membranes. The dog was submitted to a total splenectomy by conventional methods. Unlike previously assumed by medicine, the spleen is a very important organ, though its absence can be partially replaced by the liver and other organs. This study aims at demonstrating that there is an increase in life expectancy of those animais with splenic neoplasms whose last option is total splenectomy and, despite the surgical anesthetic risk, it is still worthy the surgery, regardless of the animals' age.

La esplenectomía por medios convencionales es todavía muy utilizada por la medicina veterinaria debido a la alta incidencia de neoplasias en el bazo. Aunque la técnica por medio de laparoscopia ha sido expandida, el uso de la técnica convencional es todavía la principal realidad, especialmente en los casos de gravedad de neoplasias y también por razones económicas. Las principales indicaciones para la esplenectomía total en perros son neoplasias esplénicas, torsiones esplénicas, traumas severos, disturbios hematológicos inmunomediados y lesiones esplénicas. La esplenectomía es utilizada como última opción ya que, cuando es posible, se debe preservar parte del bazo. Un animal de la especie canina, macho, mestizo, con cerca de 14 anos, fue llevado al Hospital Veterinario de la Escuela de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria de Valença con un aumento del volumen abdominal, pérdida de peso, pérdida del apetito, vómitos y mucosas pálidas. Se decidió por someterle a la esplenectomía total. Al revés de lo que la medicina pensaba anteriormente, el bazo es un órgano muy importante, aunque su ausencia puede ser parcialmente sanada por el hígado y otros órganos. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo ensenar que hay una sobrevida para aquellos animales con neoplasia esplénica, a los cuales la última alternativa es la esplenectomía total y que a pesar del riesgo quirúrgico, vale la pena proceder con la cirugía, independiente de la edad del animal.

Esplenectomia total em cão: relato de caso / Total splenectomy in canine: case study from / Esplenectomía total en perros: reporte de un caso

A esplenectomia por meio convencional ainda é muito utilizada na medicina veterinária devido à alta incidência de neoplasias no baço, embora a técnica por laparoscopia venha sendo bem expandida,o uso da técnica convencional ainda é a grande realidade, principalmente nos casos graves de neoplasias e também por motivos econômicos. As principais indicações para esplenectomia total em cães são neoplasias esplênicas, torções esplênicas, traumas graves, distúrbios hematológicos imunomediados e lesões esplênicas, a esplenectomia total é utilizada como último recurso uma vez que, em sendo possível, deve-se preservar parte do baço. Um animal da espécie canina, macho, sem raça definida, com aproximadamente 14 anos, deu entrada no Hospital Veterinário Escola da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Valença, apresentando aumento de volume abdominal, perda de peso, hiporexia, vômito, mucosas hipocoradas. Foi então decidido submetê-lo a esplenectomia total. Ao contrário do que a medicina achava anteriormente, o baço é um órgão de extrema importância, muito embora sua ausência seja parcialmente suprida pelo fígado e outros órgãos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo demonstrar que existe uma sobrevida para aqueles animais com neoplasia esplênica, cujo último recurso é a esplenectomia total, e que apesar do risco anestésico cirúrgico, vale a pena realizar a cirurgia, independente da idade do animal.(AU)

The conventional splenectomy is still widely used in veterinary medicine due to high incidence of tumors in the spleen. Although laparoscopic technique is being greatly expanded, the use of conventional technique still represents a reality in severe cases of disseminated neoplasms and for representing the lowest cost option. The main reasons for splenectomy in canines are: splenic neoplasms, splenic torsions, severe traumas, immune-mediated hematological disorders and splenic injuries. Total splenectomyis used as a last resource since part of the spleen should be preserved if possible. On this study, an animal of the canine species, male, without any particular breed, approximately 14 years old, was admitted at the Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Valença, with abdominal distension, loss weight, loss appetite, hyporexia, vomiting, pale mucous membranes. The dog was submitted to a total splenectomy by conventional methods. Unlike previously assumed by medicine, the spleen is a very important organ, though its absence can be partially replaced by the liver and other organs. This study aims at demonstrating that there is an increase in life expectancy of those animais with splenic neoplasms whose last option is total splenectomy and, despite the surgical anesthetic risk, it is still worthy the surgery, regardless of the animals' age.(AU)

La esplenectomía por medios convencionales es todavía muy utilizada por la medicina veterinaria debido a la alta incidencia de neoplasias en el bazo. Aunque la técnica por medio de laparoscopia ha sido expandida, el uso de la técnica convencional es todavía la principal realidad, especialmente en los casos de gravedad de neoplasias y también por razones económicas. Las principales indicaciones para la esplenectomía total en perros son neoplasias esplénicas, torsiones esplénicas, traumas severos, disturbios hematológicos inmunomediados y lesiones esplénicas. La esplenectomía es utilizada como última opción ya que, cuando es posible, se debe preservar parte del bazo. Un animal de la especie canina, macho, mestizo, con cerca de 14 anos, fue llevado al Hospital Veterinario de la Escuela de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria de Valença con un aumento del volumen abdominal, pérdida de peso, pérdida del apetito, vómitos y mucosas pálidas. Se decidió por someterle a la esplenectomía total. Al revés de lo que la medicina pensaba anteriormente, el bazo es un órgano muy importante, aunque su ausencia puede ser parcialmente sanada por el hígado y otros órganos. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo ensenar que hay una sobrevida para aquellos animales con neoplasia esplénica, a los cuales la última alternativa es la esplenectomía total y que a pesar del riesgo quirúrgico, vale la pena proceder con la cirugía, independiente de la edad del animal.(AU)

Visceral leishmaniasis in a captive crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution. The crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) is considered a wild reservoir of many zoonotical diseases, particularly VL. This study reported the presence of Leishmania infantum amastigotes in different organs of one captive C. thous found dead in a zoo. This animal was positive by the indirect fluorescence antibody test and had many clinical signs of VL. Intracellular amastigote forms of L. infantum were seen in neutrophils and macrophages in sample tissues from skin, lymph nodes (popliteal, submandibular, prescapular, and mesenteric), spleen, and liver. The numbers of positive cells and intracellular parasites were higher in macrophages than in neutrophils. In addition, polymerase chain reaction demonstrated extensive distribution of Leishmania DNA in C. thous tissues from multiple organs. The presence of intracellular amastigotes in neutrophils and macrophages as well as DNA of the parasite in tissues, specifically skin demonstrate that this crab-eating fox is an adequate host for L. infantum and reinforce the importance of VL for symptomatic wild canids kept in captivity in endemic areas.

An outbreak of chlamydiosis in captive psittacines

This paper describes an outbreak of chlamydiosis psittacines recovered in Minas Gerais, Brazil, from illegal trade in the Brazilian Southeastern Region. Clinically, some birds showed apathy and anorexia or died suddenly without evidence of clinical signs. Necropsy was performed on 15 psittacines; 13 Amazon parrots (4. aestiva), one Peach-fronted parakeet (Aratinga aurea) and one Scaly-headed parrot (Pionus maximiliani). The most visible macroscopic changes were mild to marked hepatomegaly, with many white ranging in from 1 mm 100 that extended in to the parenchyma. Other findings included splenomegaly and fibrinopurulent airsacculitis. Microscopic lesions included multifocal to coalescing foci of necrosis of hepatocytes with infiltration of heterophils and lymphocytes and plasma cells randomly scattered throughout. In some parrots there were multiple foci of necrotic and granulomatous hepatitis with biliary duct proliferation. The birds with splenomegaly had loss of normal architecture and infiltration of macrophages mixed with plasma cells, fibrin and heterophils. The PVK (modified Gimenez) and Giemsa stains revealed small round intracytoplasmic bacteria approximately 1um in diameter suggestive of Chlamydophila psittaci, in the cytoplasm of macrophages of spleens and livers. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) using monoclonal antibodies for C. psitacci confirmed Chlamydophila in the cytoplasm of macrophages of the liver and spleen and in a few other organs of four parrots.

Humoral immunity and reinfection resistance in dogs experimentally inoculated with Babesia canis and either treated or untreated with imidocarb dipropionate.

It is proposed that the chronic asymptomatic carrier state produced by Babesia canis infection could make dogs more resistant against subsequent infections. This suggests that treatment with imidocarb dipropionate, which removes the organism, can make dogs more susceptible to reinfection in a short period of time. Ten male and female dogs of approximately 4-5 months of age were inoculated with B. canis. Half of them received treatment with imidocarb dipropionate (7 mg/kg) on days 15 and 27 post-infection and the other half were untreated. All the animals were examined using clinical and laboratory methods (CBC, platelet counts and serological study by indirect immunofluorescence test) for a 6-month period. Antibodies were first detected on day 7 post-injection and remained at high levels (1:2560) over the period in the non-treated group. This result was significantly different (P<0.001) from the treated group in which antibodies titers declined after day 34 post-infection. Six months later, after a homologous challenge infection only the dogs of treated group showed parasitaemia, thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly, which was significantly different (P<0.05) from the non-treated group. The sterilizing treatment with imidocarb dipropionate was effective in clearing the infection, but inhibited the maintenance of protective antibodies, making the animals more susceptible to reinfection.

Babesia sp. in Colombian bats (Microchiroptera).

Two leaf-chinned bats (Mormoops megalophylla) collected in 1963 in central Colombia were heavily infected with Babesia sp., probably Babesia vesperuginis. Both bats had pronounced splenomegaly. This is the first report of a Babesia sp. infection of a bat in the Americas.