Spatial and seasonal distribution of Leptospira spp. seropositive horses in the Northeast region of Brazil.

Leptospirosis is an anthropozoonosis of economic and public health importance, caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Horses are deemed important in its transmission chain due to their proximity to humans, and because the species is often asymptomatic, making these animals potential silent reservoirs. In this context, the objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of seropositive horses for Leptospira spp., and to identify the presence of Leptospira spp. serogroups and antibody titers, the occurrence of areas with higher density of infection cases and demographic characteristics associated with seropositivity in the states of Paraíba (PB), Pernambuco (PE), Rio Grande do Norte (RN) and Ceará (CE), in the Northeast region of Brazil, during rainy (May and June) and dry (October and November) seasons from 2017 to 2019. Using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), 1152 equine serum samples from 225 municipalities were analyzed. Anti-Leptospira antibodies were detected in 23.9 % (95 % CI= 21.4 - 26.3 %) of the samples in the three-year period, with a frequency of 30.4 % (95 % CI= 26.7 - 34.2 %) during the rainy period (with greater emphasis on the Ballum serogroup) and 17.4 % (95 % CI= 14.3 - 20.5 %) in the dry period (with greater emphasis on the Sejroe serogroup). Age of horses ≥ 6 years (6-10 years, 11-15 years and ≥ 16 years), rainy season, and animal belonging to Pernambuco state were factors with higher seropositivities. Regarding spatial distribution, a higher percentage of seropositive animals was observed in Pernambuco (P < 0.05), in interstate border areas, and large urban centers, with a spatial cluster detected in the dry season of 2018 with relative risk of 2.8 (P = 0.049) times higher in municipalities within the cluster. It is suggested that measures for controlling rodents and contact with wild animals in equine farming, both in rainy and dry periods, combined with care regarding the use of pastures shared with cattle and the adoption of immunoprophylaxis are important in preventing and controlling leptospirosis in horses in the Northeast region of Brazil.

The Role of Transplacental Infection in Leptospira spp. Epidemiology in Cattle in Caatinga Biome, Brazil.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that affects domestic animals, wild animals, and humans. It represents a public health problem and has an important economic impact on livestock. This study aims to investigate the importance of genital and transplacental infection in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in cows maintained in Caatinga biome conditions, Northeastern Brazil, as well as reporting organs colonized by Leptospira spp. in embryos and fetuses. Blood, urinary tract (urine, bladder, and kidney), and reproductive tract (vaginal fluid, uterus, uterine tube, ovary, and placenta) samples were collected from 15 slaughtered pregnant cows. Two embryos and 13 fetuses were sampled. Central nervous system and choroid ovoid samples were collected from embryos. Blood, central nervous system, lung, peritoneal liquid, abomasal content, liver, spleen, urine, bladder, kidney, and reproductive system samples were collected from fetuses. Diagnostic methods included the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) using a collection of 24 serovars belonging to 17 different pathogenic serogroups of five species as antigens, as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were found in 9 cows (60%), while 13 cows (86.67%) had at least one organ or urine with leptospiral DNA. No fetus was seroreactive. Among the embryos and fetuses, 13 (86.67%) presented leptospiral DNA, proving a high frequency of transplacental infection (100%). For cows, the most frequent biological materials regarding Leptospira spp. DNA detection were placenta (13 out of 15 samples; 86.7%), uterus (10 out of 15 samples; 66.7%), and vaginal fluid (5 out of 15 samples; 33.3%), while, for fetuses/embryos, the most frequent PCR-positive samples were choroid ovoid (1/2; 50%), spleen (6/13; 46.2%), kidney (5/13; 38.5%), and central nervous system (5/15; 33.3%). Sequenced samples based on the LipL32 gene presented 99% similarity with L. borgpetersenii. The results indicate that transplacental infection is an efficient way of spreading Leptospira spp. in cows maintained in Caatinga biome conditions. Therefore, prevention and control strategies must include actions that interrupt transmission through this alternative route.

Antimicrobial resistance, enterotoxin and biofilm production genes in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from facilities and fomites in veterinary hospital in the Caatinga biome.

The Caatinga biome occurs only in Brazil and offers epidemiological conditions that should be assessed differently from other regions of Brazil and the world. Thus, the aim of this survey was to identify antimicrobial resistance, enterotoxin and biofilm production genes in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from facilities and fomites in a veterinary hospital in Caatinga biome. Samples were collected from surfaces of small animal clinical care tables (n =8), cages in the dog and cat hospitalisation sector and animals with infectious diseases (n = 21), small animal surgical centre (n =8), sterilisation sector (n =7) and stethoscopes (n = 32) by using sterile swabs. Bacterial isolation and identification, antimicrobial resistance phenotypic test and molecular detection of antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation and enterotoxin genes were carried out. Ninety-five bacterial isolates were obtained, and 29 (30.5%) were identified as Staphylococcus spp. Overall, 13 isolates (44.8%) of six species of Staphylococcus spp. showed antimicrobial resistance profile, as well as S. haemolyticus expressed phenotypic profile of multidrug resistance. The antimicrobials with the highest resistance rates were penicillin and tetracycline. The most frequent resistance genes were blaZ and tetM, both detected in 10 (76.9%) isolates. The mecA, tetL and tetK genes had frequencies of 38.5% (5/13), 23.1% (3/13) and 15.4% (2/13), respectively. The biofilm production marker, icaD gene, was detected in one S. sciuri strain. SEE gene, which encodes enterotoxins, was detected in 15.4% (2/13) of the strains (S. pseudintermedius and S. intermedius). The occurrence of Staphylococcus spp. carrying resistance genes to diferent classes of antimicrobials, presenting MDR phenotypic pattern and carrying enterotoxins and biofim encoding genes recovered from veterinary hospital facilities and fomites in the Caatinga biome reinforce the need to implement prevention cares in veterinary practices to avoid One Health-concerning conditions.

Epidemiological and clinicopathological findings of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus infections in domestic cats from the Brazilian semiarid region.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are retroviruses of great importance for domestic cats with a worldwide distribution. A retrospective study was conducted to determine the epidemiological and clinicopathological aspects of the infection by FIV and FeLV in cats from the Brazilian semiarid region. Cats treated between 2011 and 2021 at the teaching veterinary hospital of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region that were submitted to a point-of-care (POC) test to detect anti-FIV IgG antibodies and FeLV antigen were enrolled in the study. Overall, 454 cats were selected, of which 30.2% [95% CI = 26.0% - 34.3%] were FIV-positive, 1.1% [95% CI = 0.9% - 1.2%] were FeLV-positive, and 0.7% [95% CI = 0.1% - 1.3%] were coinfected by both retroviruses. No statistical association was found between the studied retroviruses (P = 0.144). Multivariable analysis detected significant associations between FIV infection and male sex [OR = 5.7, 95% CI = 3.0-10.7, P < 0.0001), age between 19 and 78 months [OR = 5.2, 95% CI = 2.2-12.1, P < 0.0001], age greater than 78 months [OR = 12.8, 95% CI = 5.1-31.9, P < 0.0001], crossbreed [OR = 4.1, 95% CI = 1.2-13.4, P = 0.021], the presence of oral disease [OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.3-3.4, P = 0.004], reduced red blood cell (RBC) count [OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.9-7.2, P < 0.0001], and an albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio lower than 0.6 [OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.6-7.1, P = 0.001]. No statistical analyses were performed for FeLV infection due to the low number of positive animals. In the quantitative analyses of hematological parameters, FIV-positive cats presented lower values for RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, lymphocytes, and platelets compared to the negative animals. In the biochemical profile, cats infected with FIV showed higher creatinine, urea, total protein, and globulin values, while lower values for albumin and A:G ratio were observed (P < 0.05). The findings of this study characterized the prevalence, clinicopathological findings, and risk factors associated with FIV and FeLV in cats from the Brazilian semiarid region. They may help support veterinary practitioners in diagnosing feline retroviruses. The FIV prevalence observed is among the highest reported in Brazil, demonstrating the need for prevention and control strategies for this retrovirus.

What's new about the tumor microenvironment of urothelial carcinoma?

Urothelial carcinoma is a significant global health concern that accounts for a substantial part of cancer diagnoses and deaths worldwide. The tumor microenvironment is a complex ecosystem composed of stromal cells, soluble factors, and altered extracellular matrix, that mutually interact in a highly immunomodulated environment, with a prominent role in tumor development, progression, and treatment resistance. This article reviews the current state of knowledge of the different cell populations that compose the tumor microenvironment of urothelial carcinoma, its main functions, and distinct interactions with other cellular and non-cellular components, molecular alterations and aberrant signaling pathways already identified. It also focuses on the clinical implications of these findings, and its potential to translate into improved quality of life and overall survival. Determining new targets or defining prognostic signatures for urothelial carcinoma is an ongoing challenge that could be accelerated through a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment.

Distribution, seroprevalence and risk factors for bovine brucellosis in Brazil: Official data, systematic review and meta-analysis.

Bovine brucellosis is an endemic disease in Brazil, and evidence-based assessments of the available literature on its seroprevalence and risk factors are limited. The aim of this study was to systematically review and summarize studies related to seroprevalence and risk factors of bovine brucellosis in the entire Brazil, in addition to comparing published data with the most recent official reports. Articles available in scientific databases and published between October 2006 and October 2021 were evaluated. Forty-five publications were included in the meta-analysis on the seroprevalence of brucellosis and 29 publications in the review on risk factors. The largest number of publications was found for the State of Mato Grosso do Sul (n=4), and the highest and lowest seroprevalences were observed in Acre (11%; 95% CI: 8.0-14.0%) and in the Federal District (0.4%; 95% CI: 0.2-0.7%). The main risk factors were the purchase of animals for breeding, vaccination, the number of heifers (female ≥2 years), the presence of calving paddocks and the occurrence of abortions. The need for new official studies has been suggested to determine the true prevalence of bovine brucellosis in Brazil, supported by the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis.

Strong Evidence of the Role of Donkeys in the Epidemiology of Leptospira spp. in Semiarid Conditions.

Donkeys (Equus asinus) are historically known for their close relationship to humanity, which raises the need to study zoonotic diseases that affect them. In this perspective, leptospirosis stands out as a disease with an economic and public health impact, and its occurrence is facilitated in times of higher rainfall indexes, especially in large urban centers. In view of the scarcity of information about leptospirosis in donkeys, the objective of this study was to detect the presence of Leptospira spp. and anti-leptospiral antibodies in donkeys rescued by a zoonosis center located in the Caatiga biome, Brazilian semiarid region. Overall, 30 donkeys of both sexes, aged between 4 months and 15 years, were used, from which 64 serum samples were collected and submitted to the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). In addition, 64 samples of urine, vaginal and preputial fluid, in duplicates, were subjected to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microbiological. Sixteen (53.3%) animals tested positive in at least one diagnostic test, 12 (40%) of which were positive at MAT and seven (23.3%) in the molecular and bacteriological detection (urine, vaginal, and preputial fluid samples). This is the first report identifying donkeys infected with Leptospira spp. by molecular and bacteriological diagnosis in Brazil, and the first in the world to detect this agent in their genital fluids. The study also shows that donkeys are commonly exposed to leptospires in the Caatinga biome, and this constitutes a One Health-based concern, demonstrating the importance of broad studies where large numbers of humans and animals coexist when investigating zoonotic infections and when planning and implementing control measures for donkeys-associated leptospirosis.

Determination of pathogens and contamination indicatorsin fresh pork sausages in the state of São Paulo / Determinação de patógenos e indicadores de contaminação em linguiças frescais de origem suína no estado de São Paulo

The highest cost of beef and chicken meat justifies higher consumption of fresh sausage products, especially linguiça, due to their easy preparation and affordability for consumers, making necessary an evaluation of sanitary hygienic conditions of these products. The objective was to investigate the presence of pathogens such as Salmonella spp., coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli and Campylobacter spp. in artisanal and inspected fresh pork sausages. It was found that 12% (6/50) of the artisanal sausage samples were contaminated with Salmonellaspp., 58% (29/50) presented coagulase-positive Staphylococcus levels above the acceptable limits for consumption and 76% (38/50) presented thermotolerant coliform levels above the acceptable limits. In sausage samples produced under inspected conditions, 6% (3/50) were contaminated with Salmonella spp., 24% (12/50) presented thermotolerant coliform levels above the acceptable limits, 2% (1/50) presented enteropathogenic E. coli. None samples showed coagulase-positive Staphylococcus counts above the limits, or presence of Campylobacter spp. Sensitizing traders and consumers about the importance of inspection service in food of animal origin is urgent for a sanitary acceptable production, since foodborne diseases continue to be a public health problem.

O alto custo das carnes de frango e bovina justifica maior consumo de produtos embutidos frescais, especialmente a linguiça, devido ao preço acessível ao consumidor e fácil preparo, tornando necessário estudos para avaliar as condições higiênico-sanitárias. Os objetivos foram verificar a presença de Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, coliformes termotolerantes, Escherichia colipatogênicas e Campylobacter spp. em linguiças suínas tipo frescal artesanais e fiscalizadas. Os resultados obtidos em linguiças artesanais foram de 12% (6/50) contaminadas com Salmonella spp., 58% (29/50) de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva e 76% (38/50) nas quantificações de coliformes termotolerantes, dados que apresentam níveis de contaminação superiores aos da legislação vigente. Nas linguiças produzidas sob fiscalização detectou-se 6% (3/50) de contaminação por Salmonella spp.; 24% (12/50) de quantificação de coliformes termotolerantes acima dos limites aceitáveis, e 2% (1/50) de E. coli enteropatogênica. Nenhuma amostra apresentou contagens de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva fora dos padrões, ou contaminação por Campylobacter spp. Sensibilizar comerciantes e consumidores sobre a importância do serviço de inspeção em alimentos de origem animal é premente para que haja uma produção sanitária aceitável, pois doenças transmitidas por alimentos continuam sendo um problema à saúde pública.

Novel octa-graphene-like structures based on GaP and GaAs.

CONTEXT: The discovery of graphene gave way to the search for new two-dimensional structures. In this regard, octa-graphene is a carbon allotrope consisting of 4- and 8-membered rings in a single planar sheet, drawing the research community's attention to study their inorganic analogs. Considering the promising properties of octa-graphene-like structures and the role of GaAs and GaP in semiconductor physics, this study aims to propose, for the first time, two novel inorganics buckled nanosheets based on the octa-graphene structure, the octa-GaAs and octa-GaP. This work investigated the structural, electronic, and vibrational properties of these novel octa-graphene-based materials. The octa-GaP and octa-GaAs have an indirect band gap transition with a valence band maximum between M and Г points and a conduction band minimum at Г point with energy of 3.05 eV and 2.56 eV, respectively. The QTAIMC analysis indicates that both structures have incipient covalent in their bonds. The vibrational analysis demonstrates the occurrence of ΓRaman = 6Ag + 6Bg and ΓRaman = 12A' + 12B″ for octa-GaP and octa-GaAs, respectively. The symmetry reduction of octa-GaAs leads to activating inactive modes observed in the octa-GaP structure. The frontier crystalline orbitals are composed by Ga(px) and P(py and pz) orbitals for octa-GaP and Ga(px and py) and As(s, py, and pz) for octa-GaAs in the valence bands while in the conduction bands by Ga(py, pz, and s) for both compounds and P(px and pz) and As(py). The phonon bands demonstrate the absence of the negative frequency modes and the structural stability of these new nanosheets. This report aims to reveal the fundamental properties of both newfound materials for stimulating experimental research groups in the search for synthesis routes to obtain this structure. METHODS: This work used the DFT/B3LYP approach implemented in the CRYSTAL17 computational package. Ga, As, and P atomic centers were described by triple-zeta valence with polarization (TZVP) basis set. The vibrational analysis was carried out via coupled-perturbed Hartree-Fock/Kohn Sham (CPHF/KS) method, and the chemical bonds were evaluated via the quantum theory of atoms in molecules and crystals (QTAIMC).

Herd-level based seroprevalence and associated factors for Toxoplasma gondii in cows in the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil.

We aimed to determine the herd and animal levels seroprevalence and associated factors for Toxoplasma gondii infections in cattle from the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. Herds (n = 434) and cows aged ≥ 24 months (n = 1,895) were randomly selected, and serum samples were tested with the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) using as cutoff of 64. Of the 434 farms investigated, 197 had at least one seropositive cow (prevalence of 49.0%; 95% CI = 44.3%-53.8%), and the prevalence at animal level was 18.0% (95% CI = 5.3%-21.1%). The antibody titers ranged from 64 to 1024, with the most frequent titers being 64 (10.8%) and 128 (3.7%). The risk factors identified were property located in Sertão region (odds ratio [OR] = 3.07), property located in Agreste/Zona da Mata regions (OR = 2.00), animal purchasing (OR = 2.68), herd size of 34-111 animals (OR = 2.91) and herd size > 111 animals (OR = 6.97). The results suggest the wide distribution of T. gondii infections in cattle throughout the state of Paraíba, and the risk factors identified are not possible to correct.

Occurrence of IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Leptospira spp. in goats and sheep from an indigenous village in Pernambuco, Brazil.

This study aimed to determine the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Leptospira spp. antibodies in sheep and goats raised in villages of the Xukuru do Ororubá indigenous community, Pernambuco, Brazil. A total of 180 serum samples from sheep and 108 serum samples from goats of both sexes and different ages were analyzed. For antibody research, indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) were used for the protozoa T. gondii and N. caninum, and microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for Leptospira spp., with a cutoff titer of 1:64, 1:50 and 1:100, respectively. The frequency of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 16.6% (30/180) for sheep and 11.1% (12/108) for goats. The frequency of anti-N. caninum antibodies was 10.55% (19/180) for sheep, and 20.37% (22/108) for goats, while for Leptospira spp., 2.2% (4/180) of sheep and 1.85% (2/108) of goats reacted positively. The results obtained in this study are unprecedented in indigenous communities in the country and serve as an alert for monitoring goats and sheep from the Xukuru do Ororubá indigenous village regarding the occurrence and productive impact of infections by T. gondii, N. caninum, and Leptospira spp., in addition to the occurrence of the zoonosis toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis in the indigenous community.

Herd and animal level prevalences and risk factors for Neospora caninum infection in cattle in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil.

Bovine neosporosis is a globally important disease, causing abortions and significant economic losses. In Brazil, studies on neosporosis in cattle are few and based on limited samples and/or from limited areas. We aimed to determine the herd and animal levels seroprevalence and associated factors for Neospora caninum infections in cattle from the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil, using a planned sampling. Herds (n = 434) and cows aged ≥24 months (n = 1891) were randomly selected, and serum samples were tested with the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) using as cut-off point the antibody titer 200. Herd-level and animal-level seroprevalences were 17.8% (95% CI = 14.3%-21.8%) and 18.1% (95% CI = 14.7%-22.1%), respectively. The factors associated with N. caninum infection were farm located in the Sertão mesoregion (Prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.37), mixed production (PR = 1.64), herd size of 34-111 animals (PR = 3.50) and herd size >111 animals (PR = 6.14). The results indicate high N. caninum circulation in the bovine population of the state of Paraíba, semiarid of Brazil, mainly in the Sertão mesoregion, where the highest apparent herd and animal-level prevalences of positive herds were identified. Control strategies should be adopted to mitigate the impact of disease on cattle production, as well as it's suggested the encouragement of conducting surveys in wildlife from Caatinga biome, mainly canids, to provide information on the importance of these animals on the epidemiology of bovine neosporosis.

Global Seropositivity of Swine Leptospirosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Leptospirosis is a major threat to public health worldwide; however, there is no study focused on global seropositivity in pigs. In this study, we grouped publications and performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to gather data related to swine leptospirosis seropositivity published globally. The search method initially used returned a total of 1183 results, of which 20 met all predefined criteria and were therefore included in this review. Meta-analysis with general data was performed and a combined seropositivity of 21.95% was found. Seropositivity was 36.40% in South America, 34.05% in North America, 22.18% in Africa, 17.40% in Oceania, 13.30% in Europe and 13.36% in Asia. The results suggest that there is high seropositivity for leptospirosis in pigs worldwide. Information compiled from this research is relevant to understanding the spread of leptospirosis globally. It is expected that these indicators will contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of the disease with a focus on its control and, consequently, on the reduction of cases in the human and animal population.

Bovine Leptospirosis in Caatinga Biome, Brazil: New Insights into Diagnosis and Epidemiology.

Bovine leptospirosis causes economic losses and raises public health concerns. It is possible that there are peculiarities in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in regions with a semiarid climate, such as the Caatinga biome in Brazil, where the climate is hot and dry, and the etiological agent require alternative routes of transmission. This study aimed to close knowledge gaps to the diagnosis and epidemiology of Leptospira spp. infection in cows from the Caatinga biome, Brazil. Samples of the blood, urinary tract (urine, bladder and kidney) and reproductive tract (vaginal fluid, uterus, uterine tube, ovary and placenta) were collected from 42 slaughtered cows. Diagnostic tests included were the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacterial isolation. Anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were found in 27 (64.3%) of the animals analyzed using MAT at a 1:50 dilution (cut-off 50), while 31 (73.8%) animals had at least one organ/fluid where the presence of Leptospira spp. DNA was identified, and 29 animals (69%) were positive at bacteriological culture. The highest sensitivity values for MAT were obtained at the cut-off point of 50. In conclusion, even under hot and dry climate conditions, it is possible that Leptospira spp. can spread through alternative routes such as venereal transmission; moreover, a cut-off of 50 is recommended for the serological diagnosis of cattle from the Caatinga biome.

Clinical, histopathological, and molecular findings for Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in dairy goats under semiarid conditions.

The objective of this study was to report the occurrence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in dairy goats, via description of their clinical presentation, histopathological findings, and molecular identification of the infectious agent. Screening was performed using IS900 real-time PCR (qPCR) in milk samples from 179 properties in the semiarid of Northeast region of Brazil. Pooled milk samples from all lactating goats from processing plants were submitted to molecular diagnosis. One property had a positive result at qPCR. The production unit which had the positive sample for MAP was located, and an on-site visit to this property was performed to collect individual milk samples, seven of which tested MAP positive by IS900 qPCR. With permission from the owner, two goats (Animal 1 was positive and Animal 2 was negative on first qPCR for MAP) were acquired and euthanized. Animals 1 and 2 had milk and portions of the duodenum, ileum, colon, and mesenteric lymph nodes positive at qPCR for MAP. Animal 1 also had MAP DNA detected in part of the jejunum and cecum. In animal 2, the ileocecal valve tested positive. MAP was not detected in the blood or feces of either animal; however; it was confirmed for the association of clinical findings, histopathology, and qPCR. The gene IS900 from the positive samples were sequenced and showed a 99% similarity with MAP. The MAP was identified for the first time in the goat milk and tissues in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil.

Molecular detection of Trypanosoma cruzi in equids in a semiarid zone of Pernambuco - Brazil.

Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease, a neglected and frequently occurring zoonosis in Central and South American countries. Wild mammals and domestic dogs are the main reservoirs of the parasite in the wild and domestic cycles, respectively. The vectors have a wide variety of food sources that can influence transmission cycles. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of T. cruzi infection in donkeys (Equus asininos) and mules (Equus mulus) living in rural areas of the Brazilian semi-arid region. Whole-blood samples from 72 equids (65 donkeys and 7 mules) were analyzed by nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR). A total of 51.39% of the samples (37/72) were positive. Phylogenetic analysis identified discrete typing units TcI and TcII, which suggested the possibility that donkeys and mules might be participating in domestic/peridomestic and wild transmission cycles. This was the first report of T. cruzi infection in donkeys and mules in Brazil, with high prevalence of positive animals. This places these animals as potential reservoirs for the parasite and the particular features of these hosts, the presence of vectors and the socioeconomic characteristics of the population under semiarid conditions create interactions that may favor transmission and overlapping T. cruzi infection cycles.

Factors associated with small ruminant lentivirus infection in goat herds from Pernambuco state, Northeast region of Brazil.

Serum samples (n = 1532) were collected between May 2011 to April 2012 from goats from 76 herds (49 from dairy farms and 27 herds for genetic improvement) from three geographical regions from the state of Pernambuco, Brazil: Zona da Mata, Agreste, and Sertão. Samples were processed using agar gel immunodiffusion test, with p28 CAEV antigen. The objective was to determine the risk factors for small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) in dairy goats and goats with high genetic value. Overall, seroprevalence was 13.7% (210/1532) [95% CI: 12-15.4%] in animals and 67.1% (51/76) [95% CI: 56.5%- 77.7%] in herds. In dairy farms the seroprevalence was 73.5% (36/49) [95% CI: 61.1%- 85.8%], and in properties with animals of high genetic value it was 55.6% (15/27) [95% CI: 36.8%- 74.3%]. Robust Poisson regression analysis adjusted by the random effect of the herd showed that risk factors were: importing bucks from another Brazilian state (prevalence ratio [PR] = 4.73 [95% CI: 2.05; 10.88]), not isolating sick animals (PR = 3.27 [95% CI: 2.24; 4.76]), and participating in fairs/animal crowding (PR = 1.52 [95% CI: 1.09; 2.11]). Prevalence results show that SRLV is present in caprine herds in the state of Pernambuco and identified risk factors are strongly related to animal transit. Considering the epidemiological situation, the first step for mitigating the consequences of this disease would be controlling animal transit.

Occurrence of IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Leptospira spp. in goats and sheep from an indigenous village in Pernambuco, Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos IgG contra Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum e Leptospira spp. em caprinos e ovinos de uma aldeia indígena em Pernambuco, Brasil

This study aimed to determine the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Leptospira spp. antibodies in sheep and goats raised in villages of the Xukuru do Ororubá indigenous community, Pernambuco, Brazil. A total of 180 serum samples from sheep and 108 serum samples from goats of both sexes and different ages were analyzed. For antibody research, indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) were used for the protozoa T. gondii and N. caninum, and microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for Leptospira spp., with a cutoff titer of 1:64, 1:50 and 1:100, respectively. The frequency of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 16.6% (30/180) for sheep and 11.1% (12/108) for goats. The frequency of anti-N. caninum antibodies was 10.55% (19/180) for sheep, and 20.37% (22/108) for goats, while for Leptospira spp., 2.2% (4/180) of sheep and 1.85% (2/108) of goats reacted positively. The results obtained in this study are unprecedented in indigenous communities in the country and serve as an alert for monitoring goats and sheep from the Xukuru do Ororubá indigenous village regarding the occurrence and productive impact of infections by T. gondii, N. caninum, and Leptospira spp., in addition to the occurrence of the zoonosis toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis in the indigenous community.(AU)

Objetivou-se determinar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum e Leptospira spp., em ovinos e caprinos criados em aldeias da comunidade indígena Xukuru do Ororubá, Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram analisadas 180 amostras de soro de ovinos e 108 amostras de soro de caprinos de ambos os sexos e diferentes idades. Para a pesquisa de anticorpos foi utilizada a técnica de Reação de Imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), para os protozoários T. gondii e N. caninum e Aglutinação Microscópica (MAT) para Leptospira spp., com ponto de corte de 1:64, 1:50 e 1:100, respectivamente. A frequência de anticorpos anti-T gondii foi de 16,6% (30/180) em ovinos e 11,1% (12/108) em caprinos. A frequência de anticorpos anti-N. caninum foi de 10,55% (19/180) para ovinos e 20,37% (22/108) para caprinos, enquanto para Leptospira spp., 2,2% (4/180) dos ovinos e 1,85% (2/108) dos caprinos reagiram positivamente. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo são inéditos em comunidades indígenas do país e alertam para o monitoramento de caprinos e ovinos da aldeia indígena Xukuru do Ororubá, quanto à ocorrência e impacto produtivo de infecções por T. gondii, N. caninum e Leptospira spp., além da ocorrência de zoonoses como a toxoplasmose e leptospirose na comunidade indígena.(AU)

Herd-level based seroprevalence and associated factors for Toxoplasma gondii in cows in the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil / Soroprevalência em nível de rebanho e fatores associados para Toxoplasma gondii em vacas no estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil

We aimed to determine the herd and animal levels seroprevalence and associated factors for Toxoplasma gondii infections in cattle from the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. Herds (n = 434) and cows aged ≥ 24 months (n = 1,895) were randomly selected, and serum samples were tested with the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) using as cutoff of 64. Of the 434 farms investigated, 197 had at least one seropositive cow (prevalence of 49.0%; 95% CI = 44.3%-53.8%), and the prevalence at animal level was 18.0% (95% CI = 5.3%-21.1%). The antibody titers ranged from 64 to 1024, with the most frequent titers being 64 (10.8%) and 128 (3.7%). The risk factors identified were property located in Sertão region (odds ratio [OR] = 3.07), property located in Agreste/Zona da Mata regions (OR = 2.00), animal purchasing (OR = 2.68), herd size of 34-111 animals (OR = 2.91) and herd size > 111 animals (OR = 6.97). The results suggest the wide distribution of T. gondii infections in cattle throughout the state of Paraíba, and the risk factors identified are not possible to correct.(AU)

Objetivou-se determinar a soroprevalência do rebanhos e de animais e os fatores associados à infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em bovinos do estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. Rebanhos (n = 434) e vacas com idade ≥ 24 meses (n = 1.895) foram selecionados aleatoriamente, e as amostras de soro foram testadas com o teste de imunofluorescência (RIFI), usando-se como ponto de corte 64. Das 434 fazendas investigadas, 197 tiveram pelo menos uma vaca soropositiva (prevalência de 49%; IC 95% = 44,3%-53,8%), e a prevalência em nível de animais foi de 18% (IC 95% = 5,3%-21,1%). Os títulos de anticorpos variaram de 64 a 1024, sendo os títulos mais frequentes 64 (10,8%) e 128 (3,7%). Os fatores de risco identificados foram na propriedade localizada na região do Sertão ("odds ratio" [OR] = 3,07), na propriedade localizada na região do Agreste/Zona da Mata (OR = 2,00), na compra de animais (OR = 2,68), no tamanho do rebanho de 34-111 animais (OR = 2,91) e no tamanho do rebanho > 111 animais (OR = 6,97). Os resultados sugerem a ampla distribuição de infecções por T. gondii em bovinos em todo o estado da Paraíba, e os fatores de risco identificados não são passíveis de correção.(AU)

Insights on seroprevalence of leptospirosis in dogs and cats from people with animal hoarding disorder profile in a semiarid region of Brazil / Percepções sobre a soroprevalência de leptospirose em cães e gatos de pessoas com perfil de acumuladores de animais em uma região semiárida do Brasil

ABSTRACT: Animal hoarding disorder, especially dogs and cats, is a complex issue that occurs in almost all communities, and it is necessary to collect data that contribute to the understanding of leptospirosis within the One Health initiative. In order to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospirasp., 71 dogs and 39 cats from 33 people with animal hoarding profile in the municipality of Patos, state of Paraíba, semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil were evaluated by using the microscopic serum agglutination test (MAT) as diagnostic test. Thirty-eight animals (34.5%; 95% CI = 25.7 - 43.4%) were seroreactive, with 46.5% in dogs and 12.8% in cats (P < 0.01), with the highest frequency of the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup in both species. The high seroprevalence reported suggests the need for public policies for this vulnerable population in order to prevent the transmission of zoonoses.

RESUMO: O transtorno de acumulação de animais, principalmente de cães e gatos, é uma questão complexa que ocorre em quase todas as comunidades, sendo necessário o levantamento de dados que contribuam para a compreensão da leptospirose dentro da iniciativa Saúde Única. Com o objetivo de determinar a soroprevalência deLeptospirasp. em cães e gatos provenientes de acumuladores de animais foram utilizados 71 cães e 39 gatos de 33 acumuladores do município de Patos, estado da Paraíba, semiárido do Nordeste brasileiro, utilizando-se o teste de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM) como teste de diagnóstico. Trinta e oito animais (34,5%; IC 95% = 25,7 - 43,4%) foram sororreativos, sendo 46,5% em cães e 12,8% em gatos (P < 0,01), com maior frequência do sorogrupo Icterohaemorrhagiae em ambas as espécies. A alta soroprevalência encontrada sugere a necessidade de políticas públicas para esta população vulnerável no sentido de prevenir a transmissão de zoonoses.