Gastrointestinal Helminths in Wild Felids in the Cerrado and Pantanal: Zoonotic Bioindicators in Important Brazilian Biomes.

Environmental changes in the Brazilian Pantanal and Cerrado facilitate the spread of parasitic diseases in wildlife, with significant implications for public health owing to their zoonotic potential. This study aimed to examine the occurrence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in wild felids within these regions to assess their ecological and health impacts. We collected and analyzed helminth-positive samples from 27 wild felids using specific taxonomic keys. Diverse parasitic taxa were detected, including zoonotic helminths, such as Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma pluridentatum, Toxocara cati, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp., and Spirometra spp. Other nematodes, such as Physaloptera praeputialis and Physaloptera anomala, were identified, along with acanthocephalans from the genus Oncicola and a trematode, Neodiplostomum spp. (potentially the first record of this parasite in wild felids in the Americas). Human encroachment into natural habitats has profound effects on wild populations, influencing parasitic infection rates and patterns. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and research on parasitic infections as a means of safeguarding both wildlife and human populations and highlights the role of wild felids as bioindicators of environmental health.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites, Risk Factors and Zoonotic Aspects in Dog and Cat Populations from Goiás, Brazil.

Gastrointestinal diseases caused by parasites are frequently diagnosed in the clinical routine of domestic animals, especially dogs and cats. In general, they trigger factors that can affect human health due to zoonoses. Therefore, this study aims to identify the main intestinal parasites obtained from the fecal samples of dogs and cats in the municipality of Jata, Brazil, and their associated risk factors. Between October 2020 and March 2022, fecal samples were collected from 359 dogs and 55 cats through spontaneous defecation and subsequently subjected to coproparasitological analyses using the Willis fluctuation and Hoffman spontaneous sedimentation techniques. The following parasitic species were identified: Ancylostoma spp., Toxocara spp., Trichuris vulpis, Dipylidium caninum; Giardia spp., Entamoeba spp., Cystoisospora spp., and Platynosomum fastosum. The risk factors associated with parasitism include age, average income of owners, access to garbage, sewage, waste, outdated deworming, and contact with animals. The results demonstrate the need to establish public policies and implement preventive and control measures to reduce the occurrence of parasites in animals and the exposure of humans to pathogenic agents.

Costa Rican Genotype of Ehrlichia canis: A Current Concern.

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is endemic to Brazil, and studies have verified that dogs have been exposed to different genotypes of Ehrlichia canis. This genetic divergence can influence the clinical response of the animals. We aimed to describe clinical and hematological changes in 125 dogs that reacted to BrTRP36, USTRP36, and CRTRP36 genotypes through enzyme immunoassays and to highlight the current concern regarding infection by the Costa Rican genotype. The results showed that 52.0% reacted to the Brazilian genotype, 22.4% reacted to the Costa Rican genotype, and 16.0% reacted to the American genotype, and some co-reactions were observed. Dogs reactive to BrTRP36 were 1.24% more likely to present with medullary regeneration in cases of anemia and 3% less likely to manifest hyperproteinemia, while dogs reactive to CRTRP36 were 0.7% less likely to present with medullary regeneration. Febrile illness and neurological alterations were also statistically associated, with an 85.7% and 231.2% increased likelihood, respectively, to occur in dogs that reacted to USTRP36. The dogs with the American genotype developed clinical manifestations related to systemic inflammation, while those with the Brazilian genotype of E. canis were more dispersed in the region studied, showing greater adaptation to the hosts. We highlight the significant serocurrence of the Costa Rican genotype, which has already been described to have zoonotic potential and which showed less adaptation.

Gastrointestinal parasites of wild carnivores from conservation institutions in the Cerrado of Goiás, Brazil.

Increased interaction between wild and urban environments owing to human population growth, increased anthropization of biomes, and habitat loss for wild animals increases the spread of infectious and parasitic agents. The present study reports on the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in carnivorous mammals at two conservation institutions in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Fecal samples from 39 adult carnivores were collected after spontaneous defecation and analyzed by flotation and sedimentation. The structure and management data of each institution were recorded. Parasitism prevalence, binomial confidence intervals (CI) at 95%, variables associated with the presence of contact animals, size of the enclosure and type of food were recorded. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in the samples analyzed was 71.8% (CI 55.1-83.0; 28/39). Ancylostomatidae, Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina, Strongyloides spp., Calodium hepaticum, and Trematoda eggs, and Cystoisospora spp. oocysts were detected. Environmental conditions were not correlated with parasitism prevalence; however, the parasites found could be managed, considering their biology, such as controlling synanthropic and domestic animals in captivity, feeding with healthy feed.

Toxoplasma gondii exposure in felines: an alarming factor to public health from mineiros, Goiás / Exposição ao toxoplasma gondii em felinos: um fator alarmante para a saúde pública de Mineiros, Goiás / Exposición a toxoplasma gondii en felinos: un factor alarmante para la salud pública de Mineiros, Goiás

Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate protozoan that affects endothermic animals, including man. Being a zoonosis that can cause abortions, fetal malformations and blindness. Cats are the definitive hosts, acting as a source of dissemination. In order to collect epidemiological data on the distribution of T. gondii in Mineiros, Goiás, samples of domestic cats were analyzed to verify the circulation of the protozoan and reinforce preventive measures. Ninety-four samples of domestic cats, regardless of gender, age and breed, were randomly processed in the neighborhoods of Mineiros, Goiás. They were submitted to the indirect fluorescent antibody test for antibodies against T. gondii, using tachyzoites as antigens and anti-cat IgG conjugate (1:16 were positive). Of the 94 samples analyzed, 35 (37.2%) were reagents, of which four had a titration of 1:16, ten of 1:32, eleven of 1:64, eight of 1:128 and two of 1:256. All cats were semi-domiciled, but lifestyle and diet were not assessed. T. gondii infection is rarely symptomatic and the severity depends on the pathophysiological state. Brazil has high prevalence rates and requires effective care in the management of cats. In Mineiros, 29 reports of infected pregnant women were identified. Although infection in humans occurs primarily through consumption of undercooked meat, ingestion of oocysts in feces of cats is a possibility. Therefore, state public health institutions and veterinarians should promote health education, highlighting food hygiene. Since, when symptomatic, the disease presents severe clinical conditions and, in some cases, irreversible.

A toxoplasmose é uma doença cosmopolita causada pelo Toxoplasma gondii, um protozoário obrigatório que afeta animais endotérmicos, incluindo o homem. Sendo uma zoonose que pode causar abortos, malformações fetais e cegueira. Os gatos são os hospedeiros definitivos, atuando como fonte de disseminação. Para coletar dados epidemiológicos sobre a distribuição do T. gondii em Mineiros, Goiás, amostras de gatos domésticos foram analisadas para verificar a circulação do protozoário e reforçar as medidas preventivas. Noventa e quatro amostras de gatos domésticos, independente de sexo, idade e raça, foram processadas aleatoriamente nos bairros de Mineiros, Goiás. Foram submetidos ao teste de anticorpo fluorescente indireto para pesquisa de anticorpos contra T. gondii, utilizando como antígenos taquizoítos e conjugado anti-cat IgG (1:16 foram positivos). Das 94 amostras analisadas, 35 (37,2%) eram reagentes, das quais quatro tiveram titulação de 1:16, dez de 1:32, onze de 1:64, oito de 1:128 e duas de 1:256. Todos os gatos eram semi-domiciliados, mas o estilo de vida e a dieta não foram avaliados. A infecção por T. gondii raramente é sintomática e a gravidade depende do estado fisiopatológico. O Brasil possui altas taxas de prevalência e requer cuidados efetivos no manejo dos gatos. Em Mineiros, foram identificadas 29 notificações de gestantes infectadas. Embora a infecção em humanos ocorra principalmente pelo consumo de carne mal cozida, a ingestão de oocistos nas fezes de gatos é uma possibilidade. Portanto, as instituições estaduais de saúde pública e os médicos veterinários devem promover a educação em saúde, destacando a higiene alimentar. Já que, quando sintomática, a doença apresenta quadros clínicos graves e, em alguns casos, irreversíveis.

La toxoplasmosis es una enfermedad cosmopolita causada por Toxoplasma gondii, un protozoario obligado que afecta a animales endotérmicos, incluido el hombre. Ser una zoonosis que puede provocar abortos, malformaciones fetales y ceguera. Los gatos son los huéspedes definitivos, actuando como fuente de diseminación. Con el fin de recolectar datos epidemiológicos sobre la distribución de T. gondii en Mineiros, Goiás, se analizaron muestras de gatos domésticos para verificar la circulación del protozoario y reforzar las medidas preventivas. Noventa y cuatro muestras de gatos domésticos, independientemente de género, edad y raza, fueron procesadas al azar en los barrios de Mineiros, Goiás. Se sometieron a la prueba de anticuerpos fluorescentes indirectos contra T. gondii, utilizando como antígenos taquizoítos e IgG anti-cat conjugada (1:16 fueron positivos). De las 94 muestras analizadas, 35 (37,2%) fueron reactivos, de los cuales cuatro tuvieron una titulación de 1:16, diez de 1:32, once de 1:64, ocho de 1:128 y dos de 1:256. Todos los gatos tenían domicilio parcial, pero no se evaluó el estilo de vida ni la dieta. La infección por T. gondii rara vez es sintomática y la gravedad depende del estado fisiopatológico. Brasil tiene altas tasas de prevalencia y requiere una atención eficaz en el manejo de los gatos. En Mineiros se identificaron 29 casos de mujeres embarazadas infectadas. Aunque la infección en los seres humanos se produce principalmente a través del consumo de carne poco cocida, la ingestión de ovoquistes en las heces de los gatos es una posibilidad. Por lo tanto, las instituciones estatales de salud pública y los veterinarios deben promover la educación sanitaria, destacando la higiene alimentaria. Dado que, cuando sintomática, la enfermedad presenta cuadros clínicos severos y, en algunos casos, irreversibles.

Parasitism of Nelore (Bos indicus) calf from northern Brazil by Ctenocephalides felis.

Ctenocephalides felis is the most common hematophagous ectoparasite of domestic cats and dogs worldwide, causing allergic dermatitis, anemia, itching, discomfort, and it is responsible for the transmission of many pathogens. In cattle, parasitism is not common but occurs due to the high adaptability of this flea species. This study aimed to report infestation of a Nellore (Bos indicus) calf from Northern Brazil by C. felis and its clinical findings. A 45 kg male calf presented diarrhea, progressive emaciation after 50 days of birth, and flea infestation. Anemia was observed (4.11 × 106/µL of erythrocytes; 20.48% of hematocrit). Coproparasitological examination and molecularly detection of Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. indicated negatively. Fleas were collected and taxonomically identified as C. felis. Clinical manifestations of this ectoparasite in cattle were unspecific; however, they can develop severe conditions, such as restlessness and weakness, accompanied by alopecia, emaciation, anemia, and edema of the lower limbs with intense itching and self-excoriation.

Exposure of Domestic Cats to Distinct Ehrlichia canis TRP Genotypes.

Cats naturally exposed to Ehrlichia canis have been described in different regions of the world, but little is known about the genotypes associated with infection in these animals. To detect E. canis-specific antibodies and investigate the E. canis TRP genotypes in cats, serum samples from 76 domestic cats reactive to crude E. canis antigens by the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) were analyzed by ELISA, using E. canis-specific peptides (i.e., TRP19 and TRP36 /BR/US/CR). Of these, 25 (32.9%) cats reacted to at least one TRP peptide, confirming their specific exposure to E. canis. Eighteen (23.7%) cats reacted to TRP19, 15 (19.8%) to BRTRP36, and 11 (14.5%) to USTRP36, but none of them reacted to CRTRP36. Eight (10.5%) cats reacted to TRP19 but not to any TRP36 genotype, demonstrating the possible existence of a new E. canis genotype infecting felines. Nevertheless, this study provides the first report of anti-E. canis-specific antibodies in domestic cats.

Occurrence of ectopic Dioctophyma renale in a Bolivian dog.

This is the first scientific report of the ectopic occurrence of Dioctophyma renale in subcutaneous tissue of a domestic dog's paw from Bolivia. An 18-month-old male dog (Pug) from Bolivia (San Matías) was examined on September 15, 2020 presenting limited mobility and apparent swelling in the left pelvic limb. After clinic evaluation, left foot edema was observed from tibio-tarsal to metatarsophalangeal joints which was more pronounced on the dorsolateral face. An incision at the site revealed serosanguinous exudation associated with a wide reddish nematode, which was identified as a female Dioctophyma renale. Epidemiological considerations were highlighted as this disease has zoonotic potential, and the infected dog was kept in a yard to which amphibians (Anura) and reptiles had access. Moreover, there is a lack of information on its occurrence in San Matías, a border city with Brazil.

Feline platynosomiasis: analysis of the association of infection levels with pathological and biochemical findings.

Platynosomiasis is a common feline hepatic disease caused by Platynosomum fastosum (Trematoda - Dicrocoelidae), which is also known as 'lizard poisoning'. Most reports of feline platynosomiasis show that this disease is sporadic and manifests with uncommon lesions; its pathogenicity is still not well understood. This study aimed to describe liver injuries and enzymatic changes associated with natural P. fastosum infection in 47 stray cats in an endemic area. Overall, 38.3% (18/47) of cats were parasitized, and 2,358 flukes (P. fastosum) were collected (131 - mean intensity of parasitism; 50.2 - mean abundance). The alanine transaminase (ALT) measure was significantly higher in parasitized animals, while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) showed no statistical difference between parasitized and non-parasitized animals. In infected animals, gross pathological lesions and microscopic liver injuries ranged from mild to severe, and were similar to those in previous descriptions of feline platynosomiasis. Nonetheless, the intensity of parasitism was not related to the severity of macroscopic or microscopic hepatic injuries. However, feline platynosomiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of feline liver disorders, as well as, in any program of helminth control, even if no clinical abnormalities are present.

Feline platynosomiasis: analysis of the association of infection levels with pathological and biochemical findings / Platinossomiase felina: análise da associação dos níveis de infecção com achados patológicos e bioquímicos

Abstract Platynosomiasis is a common feline hepatic disease caused by Platynosomum fastosum (Trematoda - Dicrocoelidae), which is also known as ‘lizard poisoning’. Most reports of feline platynosomiasis show that this disease is sporadic and manifests with uncommon lesions; its pathogenicity is still not well understood. This study aimed to describe liver injuries and enzymatic changes associated with natural P. fastosum infection in 47 stray cats in an endemic area. Overall, 38.3% (18/47) of cats were parasitized, and 2,358 flukes (P. fastosum) were collected (131 – mean intensity of parasitism; 50.2 – mean abundance). The alanine transaminase (ALT) measure was significantly higher in parasitized animals, while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) showed no statistical difference between parasitized and non-parasitized animals. In infected animals, gross pathological lesions and microscopic liver injuries ranged from mild to severe, and were similar to those in previous descriptions of feline platynosomiasis. Nonetheless, the intensity of parasitism was not related to the severity of macroscopic or microscopic hepatic injuries. However, feline platynosomiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of feline liver disorders, as well as, in any program of helminth control, even if no clinical abnormalities are present.

Resumo Platinossomiase é uma doença hepática felina comum causada por Platynosomum fastosum (Trematoda - Dicrocoelidae), também é conhecida como “envenenamento por lagartixa”. A maioria dos relatos de platinossomiase felina mostra que esta doença é esporádica e se manifesta com lesões incomuns; sua patogenicidade ainda não é bem compreendida. Este estudo objetivou descrever as lesões no fígado e alterações enzimáticas associadas à infecção natural por P. fastosum em 47 gatos errantes em uma área endêmica. No total, 38,3% (18/47) dos gatos estavam parasitados, e 2.358 trematódeos (P. fastosum) foram coletados (131 – intensidade média de parasitismo; 50,2 – abundância média). A quantidade de alanina transaminase (ALT) foi significativamente maior nos animais parasitados, enquanto a fosfatase alcalina (ALP) não apresentou diferença estatística entre os animais parasitados e não parasitados. Nos animais infectados, lesões patológicas macroscópicas e microscópicas hepáticas variaram de leve a grave, e foram semelhantes a descrições anteriores de platinossomiase felina. No entanto, a intensidade do parasitismo não foi relacionada à gravidade das lesões hepáticas macroscópicas ou microscópicas. Contudo, a platinossomiase felina deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial de distúrbios hepáticos em felinos, assim como, em qualquer programa de controle de helmintos, mesmo que nenhuma anormalidade clínica esteja presente.

Ehrlichia canis DNA in domestic cats parasitized by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s. l. ) ticks in Brazil ­ case report / Felinos domésticos parasitados por carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s. l. ) infectados por Ehrlichia canis no Brasil ­ relato de caso

Ectoparasites can transmit pathogens, including bacteria such as Ehrlichia sp., which trigger infectious diseases in domestic animals. Little is known about the epidemiology of feline ehrlichiosis, although several studies have focused on elucidating the pathogenesis and transmission of this disease. This paper presents the first mutual infection by Ehrlichia sp. between a domestic cat and a Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) tick removed from the animal. The cat and tick were tested by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to detect the dsb gene, and the analyzed sequences revealed samples 100% identical to E. canis. Based on this report, we discussed the importance of cats as E. canis reservoirs s and their position in the cycle of transmission between dogs and cats in Brazil.(AU)

Os ectoparasitos são capazes de transmitir patógenos incluindo algumas bactérias, como a Ehrlichia sp., causando doenças em animais domésticos. Pouco se conhece sobre a epidemiologia da erliquiose felina, embora alguns estudos já tenham sido realizados para elucidar a sua patogenia e transmissão. Este trabalho relata a primeira infecção mútua por Ehrlichia sp. entre um felino doméstico e o carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) removido deste animal. Ambos foram testados pela Reação em Cadeia pela Polimerase (PCR) para detectar o gene dsb, e as sequências analisadas confirmaram amostras 100% idênticas à E. canis. Baseado neste relato é discutida a importância dos gatos como vetores de E. canis e sua posição no ciclo de transmissão de carrapatos entre cães e gatos no Brasil.(AU)

Molecular assessment of the transplacental transmission of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Brucella canis and Ehrlichia canis in dogs.

Given the fact that numerous microbial species can be detected in pregnant female dogs, the objective of this study was to assess the transplacental transmission of Brucella canis, Ehrlichia canis, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in stillborn puppies. This study involved 41 stillborn puppies, 78.6% of which were positive for T. gondii, 52.4% for N. caninum and 59.5% for B. canis. E. canis was not detected in any of the analyzed puppies. Pregnancy is an important physiological condition for the transmission of infectious agents to puppies and transplacental transmission may be epidemiologically relevant in the spread of these opportunistic agents.

Molecular detection of tick-borne protozoan parasites in a population of domestic cats in midwestern Brazil.

Some tick-borne pathogens that infect domestic cats have been considered emergent in veterinary medicine. Occurrences of Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp. and Cytauxzoon spp. have been described in several regions of Brazil. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the 18S rRNA gene of a Hepatozoon sp. strain detected in domestic cats in the metropolitan area of Cuiabá, in Midwestern Brazil. Based on a molecular analysis, we detected the presence of Hepatozoon species circulating among cats in this region. The aforementioned strain is closely related to other isolates of H. felis detected in wild felids. Moreover, a phylogenetic analysis indicates that this genotype is grouped into a clade of 18S rRNA sequences previously described for the genus Hepatozoon in wild felids around the world. Hepatozoon felis strains detected in cats from Spain and Israel showed, respectively, 98% and 97% identity to our sequence and are clustered on a separate branch of the phylogenetic tree. This finding suggests a high diversity of Hepatozoon genotypes occurring in cats in Europe and South America. None of the analyzed cats were positive for Babesia spp. or Cytauxzoon spp. by PCR analysis.

Firocoxib on aqueous humor prostaglandin E 2 levels for controlling experimentally-induced breakdown of blood-aqueous barrier in healthy and Toxoplasma gondii -seropositive cats / Efeitos do firocoxib sobre os níveis de prostaglandina E 2 no humor aquoso de gatos saudáveis e com sorologia positiva para toxoplasmose mediante quebra da barreira hematoaquosa experimentalmente induzida

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of firocoxib for controlling experimentally-induced breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier in healthy and Toxoplasma gondii -seropositive cats. Thirty two cats with no ocular abnormalities were used. Groups (n=8/each) were formed with healthy cats that received 5mg g-1 of oral firocoxib (FH) or no treatment (CH) on day 0; seropositive cats for anti -T. gondii specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) were grouped (n=8/each) and treated in a similar fashion (FT and CT). On day 1, cats of all groups received the same treatment protocol, and 1h later, aqueocentesis was performed under general anesthesia (M0). Following 1h, the same procedure was repeated (M1). Quantitation of aqueous humor total protein and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were determined. Aqueous samples of seropositive cats were tested for anti- T. gondii specific IgG. In M0, aqueous samples of CT showed a significantly higher concentration of PGE2 in comparison with other groups (P<0.05). In all groups, PGE2 concentration increased significantly from M0 to M1 (P=0.001). PGE2 values did not change significantly between groups in M1 (P=0.17). Anti- T. gondii specific IgG were reported only in samples of M1, and aqueous titers did not change significantly between FT and CT (P=0.11). Although we have observed that aqueous humor PGE2 levels were significantly higher in cats of CT group during M0, such increase was not able to break the blood-aqueous barrier and cause anterior uveitis. Firocoxib did not prevent intraocular inflammation after aqueocentesis, in healthy and toxoplasmosis-seropositive cats.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar a eficácia do firocoxib no controle da quebra da barreira hematoaquosa experimentalmente induzida em gatos saudáveis e com sorologia positiva para toxoplasmose. Para tanto, utilizaram-se trinta e dois gatos sem alterações oculares, alocados em grupos (n=8/cada) compostos por gatos saudáveis que receberam tratamento prévio com 5mg g-1 de firocoxib oral (HF) ou sem nenhum tratamento (CH) no dia 0, e por gatos com sorologia positiva para toxoplasmose tratados de maneira similar (FT e CT). No dia 1, os gatos de todos os grupos receberam o mesmo protocolo de tratamento do dia anterior e, 1h depois, foram submetidos à paracentese da câmara anterior sob anestesia geral (M0). Após 1h, realizou-se nova paracentese (M1). Mediante a colheita de humor aquoso (M0 e M1), quantificaram-se os valores de proteína total e prostaglandina E2 (PGE2) das amostras. As amostras dos gatos com sorologia positiva para toxoplasmose foram também testadas para anticorpos anti- T. gondii IgG específicos. Em M0, as amostras de humor aquoso de CT apresentaram concentração de PGE2 significativamente superior aos demais grupos (P<0,05). Em todos os grupos, a concentração de PGE2 aumentou significativamente de M0 para M1 (P=0,001), no entanto, não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos em M1 (P=0,17). Anticorpos anti -T. gondii IgG específicos foram encontrados somente em amostras de M1, e os títulos não diferiram significativamente entre FT e CT (P=0,11). Valores de PGE2 significativamente superiores no CT durante M0 não foram capazes de induzir a quebra da barreira hematoaquosa e causar uveíte anterior nos gatos deste estudo. O firocoxib, por sua vez, não foi capaz de prevenir a quebra da barreira hematoaquosa após realização de paracente na câmara anterior em gatos saudáveis e com sorologia positiva para toxoplasmose.

Novel Babesia and Hepatozoon agents infecting non-volant small mammals in the Brazilian Pantanal, with the first record of the tick Ornithodoros guaporensis in Brazil.

Taking into account the diversity of small terrestrial mammals of the Pantanal, the present study aimed to verify the occurrence of infection by Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp. and parasitism by ticks in non-volant small mammals collected in the Brazilian Pantanal. Samples of blood, liver and spleen were collected from 64 captured animals, 22 marsupials and 42 rodents. Pathogen detection was performed by the use of genus-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays. Ticks collected from the animals consisted of Amblyomma sculptum and Amblyomma triste nymphs, and Ornithodoros guaporensis larvae. None of the vertebrate samples (blood, liver, or spleen) yielded detectable DNA of Rickettsia spp. or Ehrlichia spp. The blood of the rodent Hylaeamys megacephalus yielded an Anaplasma sp. genotype (partial 16S rRNA gene) 99% similar to multiple Anaplasma spp. genotypes around the world. The blood of three rodents of the species Calomys callosus were positive for a novel Hepatozoon sp. agent, phylogenetically related (18S rDNA gene) to distinct Hepatozoon genotypes that have been detected in rodents from different parts of the world. One marsupial (Monodelphis domestica) and three rodents (Thrichomys pachyurus) were positive to novel piroplasmid genotypes, phylogenetically (18S rDNA gene) related to Theileria bicornis, Cytauxzoon manul, and Cytauxzoon felis. The present study provides the first molecular detection of Hepatozoon sp. and piroplasmids in small mammals in Brazil. Additionally, we expanded the distribution of O. guaporensis to Brazil, since this tick species was previously known to occur only in Bolivia.

Prevalence of attibodies against influenza viru in non-vaccinated equines fromm the Brazilian pantaall / Prevalência de anticorpos contra o vírus da Influenza em equinos não vacinados do Pantanal Brasileiro

The prevalence of antibodies against Equine Influenza Virus (EIV) was determined in 529 equines living on ranches in the municipality of Poconé, Pantanal area of Brazil, by means of the hemagglutination inhibition test, using subtype H3N8 as antigen. The distribution and possible association among positive animal and ranches were evaluated by the chi-square test, spatial autoregressive and multiple linear regression models. The prevalence of antibodies against EIV was estimated at 45.2% (95% CI 30.2 - 61.1%) with titers ranging from 20 to 1,280 HAU. Seropositive equines were found on 92.0% of the surveyed ranches. Equine from non-flooded ranches (66.5%) and negativity in equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) (61.7%) were associated with antibodies against EIV. No spatial correlation was found among the ranches, but the ones located in non-flooded areas were associated with antibodies against EIV. A negative correlation was found between the prevalence of antibodies against EIV and the presence of EIAV positive animals on the ranches. The high prevalence of antibodies against EIV detected in this study suggests that the virus is circulating among the animals, and this statistical analysis indicates that the movement and aggregation of animals are factors associated to the transmission of the virus in the region.

A prevalência de anticorpos para o vírus da Influenza Equina (VIE) no município de Poconé, MT. foi determinada em 529 equídeos pela técnica de Inibição da hemaglutinação utilizando como antígeno a variante H3N8 (SP/1/85). A distribuição da positividade e possíveis associações entre os animais e as propriedades foram avaliadas pelo teste do Qui-quadrado e pelos modelos espacial autoregressivo misto e de regressão linear múltipla. A prevalência de anticorpos para o VIE no município de Poconé foi estimada em 45,2% (IC 95% 30,2 - 61,1%) com títulos variando entre 20 e 1280UIH. Das fazendas analisadas 23 (92,0%) apresentaram animais soropositivos. Animais de fazendas não alagadas (66,5%) e negativos para Anemia Infecciosa Equina (AIE) (61,7%) foram associados a soropositividade. Não houve correlação espacial entre as fazendas estudadas, entretanto aquelas localizadas nas áreas não alagadas foram associadas à infecção. Observou-se correlação negativa entre a prevalência de anticorpos para o VIE e a presença de animais positivos para AIE nas propriedades. A elevada prevalência de anticorpos para o VIE detectada neste estudo sugere circulação viral ativa entre os animais, e as análises estatísticas indicam que o trânsito e aglomeração animal são fatores associados à transmissão do vírus na região.

Prevalence of antibodies against influenza virus in non-vaccinated equines from the Brazilian Pantanal.

The prevalence of antibodies against Equine Influenza Virus (EIV) was determined in 529 equines living on ranches in the municipality of Poconé, Pantanal area of Brazil, by means of the hemagglutination inhibition test, using subtype H3N8 as antigen. The distribution and possible association among positive animal and ranches were evaluated by the chi-square test, spatial autoregressive and multiple linear regression models. The prevalence of antibodies against EIV was estimated at 45.2% (95% CI 30.2 - 61.1%) with titers ranging from 20 to 1,280 HAU. Seropositive equines were found on 92.0% of the surveyed ranches. Equine from non-flooded ranches (66.5%) and negativity in equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) (61.7%) were associated with antibodies against EIV. No spatial correlation was found among the ranches, but the ones located in non-flooded areas were associated with antibodies against EIV. A negative correlation was found between the prevalence of antibodies against EIV and the presence of EIAV positive animals on the ranches. The high prevalence of antibodies against EIV detected in this study suggests that the virus is circulating among the animals, and this statistical analysis indicates that the movement and aggregation of animals are factors associated to the transmission of the virus in the region.

Detection of Ehrlichia canis in domestic cats in the central-western region of Brazil.

Ehrlichiosis is a worldwide distributed disease caused by different bacteria of the Ehrlichia genus that are transmitted by arthropod vectors. Its occurrence in dogs is considered endemic in several regions of Brazil. Regarding cats, however, few studies have been done and, consequently, there is not enough data available. In order to detect Ehrlichia spp. in cats from the central-western region of Brazil, blood and serum samples were collected from a regional population of 212 individuals originated from the cities of Cuiabá and Várzea Grande. These animals were tested by the Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) designed to amplify a 409 bp fragment of the dsb gene. The results obtained show that 88 (41.5%) cats were seropositive by IFA and 20 (9.4%) cats were positive by PCR. The partial DNA sequence obtained from PCR products yielded twenty samples that were found to match perfectly the Ehrlichia canis sequences deposited on GenBank. The natural transmission of Ehrlichia in cats has not been fully established. Furthermore, tick infestation was not observed in the evaluated cats and was not observed any association between age, gender and positivity of cats in both tests. The present study reports the first serological and molecular detection of E. canis in domestic cats located in the endemic area previously mentioned.