Primary Multicentric Pulmonary Low-grade Fibromyxoid Sarcoma and Chelonid Alphaherpesvirus 5 Detection in a Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).

We describe the gross, microscopical, histochemical and immunohistochemical features of a sclerosing pneumopathic disease process resembling primary multicentric pulmonary low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma in a juvenile female leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). The animal was fresh, presented in good body condition and stranded dead in Aracaju, Sergipe state, Brazil, in September, 2017. Grossly, the lungs were enlarged bilaterally and the parenchyma was replaced by large, coalescing, white, firm masses that extended into the bronchi and bronchioles and to the pleura. Microscopically, these masses consisted of paucicellular populations of well-differentiated, spindle-shaped fibroblasts with low pleomorphism and low mitotic count, but tissue invasion. Abundant collagen in compact areas merged with peripheral fibromyxoid foci and inflamed stroma. Antibodies specific for cytokeratins AE1/AE3 and smooth muscle actin (SMA) labelled pneumocytes lining the remaining distorted alveoli and the hypertrophied and hyperplastic bronchial muscles, respectively. Tumour cells were negative for SMA; neither neoplastic nor normal tissues cross-reacted with antibodies specific for vimentin or Ki67. Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) polymerase chain reaction analysis from formalin-fixed, paraffin wax-embedded lung tissue sections amplified a 450 base pair fragment of DNA-polymerase (UL30 region) that had 100% homology to sequences previously detected in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) on the Brazilian coast. Enterocolitis was a concomitant condition that likely caused morbidity in this case. These findings contribute to the body of knowledge on sea turtle health and expand the known geographical range for ChHV5 in the southern hemisphere.

Bacillus cereus infection outbreak in captive psittacines.

This study reports an uncommon epizootic outbreak of Bacillus cereus that caused the sudden death of 12 psittacines belonging to the species Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (1 individual), Diopsittaca nobilis (1 individual), Ara severa (1 individual) and Ara ararauna (9 individuals) in a Brazilian zoo. Post-mortem examination of the animals reveled extensive areas of lung hemorrhage, hepatic congestion, hemorrhagic enteritis and cardiac congestion. Histopathological examination of the organs showed the presence of multiple foci of vegetative cells of Gram-positive bacilli associated with discrete and moderate mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrate. Seventeen B. cereus strains isolated from blood and sterile organs of nine A. ararauna were analyzed in order to investigate the genetic diversity (assessed by Rep-PCR) and toxigenic profiles (presence of hblA, hblC and hblD; nheA, nheB and nheC as well as cytK, ces and entFM genes) of such strains. Amplification of genomic DNA by Rep-PCR of B. cereus strains generated two closely related profiles (Rep-PCR types A and B) with three bands of difference. All strains were classified as belonging to the toxigenic profile I which contained HBL and NHE gene complexes, entFM and cytK genes. Altogether, microbiological and histopathological findings and the evidence provided by the success of the antibiotic prophylaxis, corroborate that B. cereus was the causative agent of the infection that killed the birds.

Flow cytometry as a tool in the evaluation of blood leukocyte function in Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus, 1758) (Testudines, Cheloniidae).

Chelonia mydas is a sea turtle that feeds and nests on the Brazilian coast and a disease called fibropapillomatosis is a threat to this species. Because of this, it is extremely necessary to determine a methodology that would enable the analysis of blood leukocyte function in these sea turtles. In order to achieve this aim, blood samples were collected from C. mydas with or without fibropapillomas captured on the São Paulo north coast. Blood samples were placed in tubes containing sodium heparin and were transported under refrigeration to the laboratory in sterile RPMI 1640 cell culture medium. Leukocytes were separated by density gradient using Ficoll-PaqueTM Plus, Amershan Biociences. The following stimuli were applied in the assessment of leukocyte function: Phorbol Miristate-Acetate (PMA) for oxidative burst activity evaluation and Zymosan A (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Bio Particles, Alexa Fluor 594 conjugate for phagocytosis evaluation. Three cell populations were identified: heterophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Monocytes were the cells responsible for phagocytosis and oxidative burst.

Flow cytometry as a tool in the evaluation of blood leukocyte function in Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus, 1758) (Testudines, Cheloniidae) / A citometria de fluxo como ferramenta para avaliar a função celular de leucócitos sangüíneos de Chelonia mydas (Testudines, Cheloniidae)

Chelonia mydas is a sea turtle that feeds and nests on the Brazilian coast and a disease called fibropapillomatosis is a threat to this species. Because of this, it is extremely necessary to determine a methodology that would enable the analysis of blood leukocyte function in these sea turtles. In order to achieve this aim, blood samples were collected from C. mydas with or without fibropapillomas captured on the São Paulo north coast. Blood samples were placed in tubes containing sodium heparin and were transported under refrigeration to the laboratory in sterile RPMI 1640 cell culture medium. Leukocytes were separated by density gradient using Ficoll-PaqueTM Plus, Amershan Biociences®. The following stimuli were applied in the assessment of leukocyte function: Phorbol Miristate-Acetate (PMA) for oxidative burst activity evaluation and Zymosan A (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Bio Particles®, Alexa Fluor® 594 conjugate for phagocytosis evaluation. Three cell populations were identified: heterophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Monocytes were the cells responsible for phagocytosis and oxidative burst.

Chelonia mydas é uma tartaruga marinha que freqüenta o litoral brasileiro para alimentação e nidificação e uma doença denominada fibropapilomatose é uma das mais importantes ameaças à sobrevivência dessa espécie. Desta forma, a definição de uma metodologia que permita analisar a função dos leucócitos sangüíneos torna-se extremamente necessária. Foram utilizadas amostras sangüíneas de C. mydas com e sem fibropapilomas capturadas no litoral norte do estado de São Paulo. As amostras sangüíneas foram colocadas em tubos contendo heparina sódica e transportadas em meio de cultura celular RPMI 1640 estéril e sob refrigeração. Os leucócitos foram obtidos por gradiente de densidade usando Ficoll-PaqueTM Plus, Amershan Biociences®. Os estímulos aplicados foram Miristato Acetato de Phorbol (PMA) para avaliação de burst oxidativo e Zymosan A (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Bio Particles®, Alexa Fluor® 594 conjugate para avaliação de fagocitose. Foram identificadas três populações celulares: heterófilos, monócitos e linfócitos. Os monócitos foram as células responsáveis pela fagocitose e pelo burst oxidativo.

Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) associated with wild animals in the Pantanal region of Brazil.

This paper describes the identification of ticks from wild animals of the Pantanal region in Brazil as part of a comprehensive study about established and emerging tick-host relationships and related pathological aspects. Eighty-one animals were captured (representing 13 species, six orders), and ticks were found on 63 (78%). Tick species identified included Boophilus microplus (Canestrini), Amblyomma cajennense (F.), Amblyomma parvum Aragão, Amblyomma pseudoconcolor Aragão, Amblyomma scalpturatum Neumann, Amblyomma nodosum Neumann, Amblyomma ovale Koch, and Amblyomma tigrinum Koch. Dragging from grasslands yielded negative results compared with the high concentration of ticks that were collected from leaves in the forests.

Ticks associated with wild animals in the Nhecolândia Pantanal, Brazil.

A study of ticks associated with wild animals was carried out from September 1996 to April 1998 at the Fazenda Alegria (21,000 ha), in the Nhecolândia Pantanal, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, a sunken plain bordering the upper Paraguay river, located 19 x 08'S; 56 x 46'W. A total of 81 wild animals (13 species, 6 orders) were captured with the aid of nets, and ticks were found on 63 (78%). Tick species identified included Boophilus microplus (Canestrini), Amblyomma cajennense (F.), A. parvum (Aragão), A pseudoconcolor (Aragão), A. scalpturatum (Neumann), A. nodosum (Neumann), A. ovale (Koch), and A. tigrinum (Koch). Dragging from grasslands (campos) yielded negative results compared to the high concentration of ticks, mainly nymphs, that were collected from leaves in the forests (capão). Predominance of immature instars (Amblyomma genera) was observed in the end of winter (August-September). Ticks were associated mainly with coatis, deer (Mazama gouazoubira) and anteater, and these animals may play a role in the epidemiology of tick-transmitted pathogens in the Pantanal if one considers their co-existence with local domestic animals.

Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) infestation in quarantined marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) populations.

Marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) were captured for a research program in Brazil and maintained in quarantine stations. After 60 days, fleas were detected on animals and identified as Ctenocephalides felis felis. Elimination of the infestation was difficult. Animal treatment with a fipronil-based compound was effective, and subsequently captured animals were treated prophylactically. Some animals remained infested, and some died from the infestation.

Chondroma in rufescent tiger-heron (Tigrisoma leneatum): case report

The paper describes a chondroma affecting the left metacarpus of a free-ranging rufescent tiger-heron (Tigrisoma lineatum). There are very few reports of such neoplastic process in this avian species

Aspectos morfológicos e citoquímicos dos glóbulos sangüíneos de Caiman crocodilus yacare (Daudin, 1802) (Reptilia, Crocodilia) / Morphological and cytochemical observations of blood cells of Caiman crocodilus yacare (Daudin, 1802) (Reptilia, Crocodilia)

Foram utilizados 10 jacarés Caiman crocodilus yacare, colhendo-se 5 ml do sangue periférico de cada animal. A análise morfológica foi realizada após coloraçäo por Leishman. Para estudo citoquímico, empregaram-se os métodos do PAS, do Sudan black B, da o-toluidina e do azul de bromofenol. Foram identificados 7 tipos celulares: eritrócitos, trombócitos, heterófilos, eosinófilos, basófilos, linfócitos e monócitos azurófilos. Os eritrócitos nucleados apresentam formato elíptico com atividade mitótica e positividade citoplasmática para o azul de bromofenol. Os trombócitos säo de formato elíptico, com citoplasma abundante nos pólos, contendo grânulos de glicogênio e núcleo com sulcos profundos. Heterófilos, grosseiramente esféricos, mostram núcleo esférico excêntrico e citoplasma repleto de grânulos corados em salmäo, de formato fusiforme, em baqueta, oval ou esférico. A citoquímica nestas células revelou a presença de glicogênio, grânulos citoplasmáticos positivos para azul de bromofenol e parcialmente sudanófilos e positivos para mieloperoxidase. Eosinófilos mostram-se esféricos com núcleo lenticular excêntrico e citoplasma com grânulos esféricos ou ovais róseos positivos para Sudan e mieloperoxidase, porém fracamente para o azul de bromofenol. Basófilos apresentam formato esférico, de tamanho menor em relaçäo aos demais granulócitos, núcleo esférico central e citoplasma com poucos grânulos fortemente basófilos. Linfócitos mostram-se polimórficos com núcleo de formato irregular, citoplasma escasso com projeçöes e grânulos azurófilos. Monócito azurófilo, de formato esférico, núcleo excêntrico e citoplasma basófilo contendo grânulos azurófilos abundantes

Cinomose em canídeos e mustelídeos silvestres brasileiros: relato de caso / Distemper in Brazilian wild canidae and mustelidae: case report

Relatam-se cincos casos confirmados de cinomose de um total de 13 óbitos de animais silvestres brasileiros das espécies Galictis vittata, Crisocyon brachyurus e Cerdocyon thous, mantidos em cativeiro no Zoológico Municipal de Taboäo da Serra - SP - Brasil. A histopatologia observam-se as principais lesöes da virose, inclusive a presença de corpúsculos de inclusäo em diferentes localizaçöes. A sobrevivência de um único indivíduo, vacinado contra cinomose, reforça a importância desta medida profilática no controle da doença

Estudos hematológicos em Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cichlidae, Teleostei) - Parte I / Hematological studies in Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cichlidae, Teleostei) - Part I

Avaliou-se o hemograma e a morfologia celular em amostras de sangue periférico obtidas de 10 peixes da espécie Oreochromis niloticus. Parte das mesmas foi utilizada para o estudo da hematimetria, isto é, contagem de eritrócitos (x = 2,35 x 10 elevado à sexta potência/mm ao cubo mais ou menos 0,12), taxa de hemoglobina (x = 7,04g/dL mais ou menos 0,38), hematócrito (x = 27,85 por cento mais ou menos 1,62), HCM (x = 30,31pg mais ou menos 1,64), VCM (x = 118,6u ao cubo mais ou menos 3,53), CHCM (x = 25,78 por cento mais ou menos 1,72), contagem global de leucócitos (x = 16,08 x 10 ao cubo/mm ao cubo mais ou menos 1,28), contagem de trombócitos (x = 61,69 x 10 ao cubo/mm ao cubo mais ou menos 5,96), sendo a avaliaçäo da morfologia das células do sangue realizada através do estudo de extensöes sanguíneas submetidas à coloraçäo de Wright. Os eritrócitos e trombócitos nucleados apresentaram-se elípticos; neutrófilos e eosinófilos esféricos de tamanho variável, com o núcleo também esférico, apresentaram citoplasmas abundantes, ligeiramente basófilo e altamente acidófilo, respectivamente. Näo foram vistas as formas polimorfonucleares dessas células. Os basófilos apresentaram núcleo esférico e granulaçöes metacromáticas. Os monócitos e os linfócitos assemelharam-se morfologicamente aos dos mamíferos

Cinética da reaçäo inflamatória induzida pela carragenina na bexiga natatória de Oreochromis niloticus (Tilápia-do-Nilo) / Kinetics of the inflammatory reaction induced by carrageenin in the swimbladder of Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia)

A cavidade natural da bexiga natatória de Oreochromis niloticus (Tilápia-do-Nilo), pesando entre 100 e 150g, foi utilizada para o estudo da cinética celular inflamatória induzida pela carragenina (n=42). A injeçäo de 0,1ml do irritante (0,5 por cento) na luz da bexiga natatória determinou um processo inflamatório caracterizado por congestäo e edema de sua parede e migraçäo de células, predominantemente mononucleares, para a cavidade. Este fenômeno teve início 3 horas após a injeçäo do irritante, atingindo um máximo às 24 horas. Para caracterizar as células inflamatórias que migraram para a cavidade do órgäo, foi realizada uma análise das células sangüíneas desses animais em nível de microscopia de luz comum e eletrônica. Pode-se demonstrar que as células que migraram para a luz da bexiga natatória após diferentes tempos da injeçäo do irritante eram predominantemente trombócitos. Poucos macrófagos, linfócitos, granulócitos e outras células näo caracterizadas morfofuncionalmente também faziam parte do exsudato