Commensal and multidrug-resistant Neisseria spp. sepsis in feline.

INTRODUCTION: Sepsis is a serious problem in felines with a mortality rate ranging from 29-79%. Neisseria spp. is considered a commensal microorganism of the oral cavity of dogs and cats and is usually isolated from human wounds resulting from bites of these animals. CASE REPORT: The present report describes clinical, imaging and laboratory findings of a feline with sepsis wherein commensal and multidrug-resistant (MDR) Neisseria spp. was isolated. The feline presented a history of four days of anorexia, dyspnea, prostration, and, pericardial, pleural and abdominal effusions. Pericardiocentesis was performed and hemorrhagic exudate was observed. The animal died after 11 days of treatment with gentamicin and amoxicillin combined with clavulanic acid. During necropsy, the abdominal cavity was found to be filled with greenish-yellow content and the pericardial sac was thickened with a large amount of purulent secretion. Histopathology revealed sepsis with necrotizing suppurative pericarditis, diffuse mononuclear pneumonia and necrotic pleuritis, leading to secondary bacterial infection. CONCLUSIONS: Commensal Neisseria spp. are important zoonotic bacteria, which trigger a serious disease in felines. However, it has not been reported to cause sepsis with pneumonia, suppurative necrotizing pericarditis and pericardial effusion.

Biochemical, electrolytic, and cardiovascular evaluations in cats with urethral obstruction.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Urethral obstruction (UO) is a common condition in feline medicine. Severe acid-base and electrolyte disorders promote relevant electrocardiographic changes in these animals. Cardiac biomarkers such as cardiac troponin I have been shown to be useful in identifying cats with myocardial disease, but it has not been investigated whether UO leads to myocardial damages. This study aimed to evaluate biochemical changes, electrocardiographic findings, troponin I measurements, and electrolyte disturbances for 7 days in cats with UO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This follow-up prospective study included 33 cats diagnosed with UO for 7 days. For all cats, clinical examination, serum biochemistry, electrolyte analyses, blood pressure, and electrocardiography were performed. Cardiac troponin I was measured in the serum in 16 cats at 3 different times. RESULTS: The mean age of the feline population was 1.83±1.58 years (mean±standard deviation). Creatinine, urea, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, phosphorus, base excess, bicarbonate, and serum potassium decreased significantly (p≤0.05), while ionic calcium and blood pH increased significantly (p≤0.05) at different times. Electrocardiographic abnormalities were observed in 21/33 (63.63%) of the felines on admission day. The electrocardiographic abnormalities were no longer observed on the subsequent days. Only one feline showed changes in troponin I cardiac concentrations. CONCLUSION: This study suggests the sum and severity of electrolyte abnormalities aggravate the clinical and cardiovascular status of these patients. However, cTnI, blood pressure, and heart rate within the reference range do not exclude the presence of major cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities. The hyperglycemia in felines with UO appears to be associated with decreased renal clearance, which may reflect the severity of hyperkalemia and azotemia. The metabolic and cardiovascular changes of these felines are minimized by the establishment of appropriate intensive care; however, cardiac and blood gas monitoring is essential to assess the severity of the disease.

Platynosomum fastosum in domestic cats in Cuiabá, Midwest region of Brazil.

Platynosomum fastosum, which is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, is the main parasite in the biliary system of domestic cats. Cats can be asymptomatic or show severe signs of cholangitis. Although the infection is reported throughout Brazil, only post-mortem studies are available from the Midwest region of the country. This cross-sectional study investigated the frequency of P. fastosum parasitism in domestic cats treated at the University Veterinary Hospital in Cuiabá city, Mato Grosso, Brazil, by three coproparasitological techniques (formalin-ether sedimentation, Faust, and Hoffmann), associating clinical, laboratory (haematological, biochemical) and ultrasonographic alterations. Based on the sample calculation, 171 cats were evaluated in the clinical and laboratory and a semi-structured epidemiological questionnaire was designed and used by the tutors. The prevalence observed was 26.90%, with no significant association with sex, reproductive status, age, hunting habit, access to the street, recent anthelmintic treatment, and the guardian's lack of knowledge regarding parasitism. Of the 171 cats evaluated, 55 (32.16%) showed clinical signs suggestive of cholangitis, with a significant association of this variable. Regarding the clinical and pathological variables, mild neutrophilia and elevated serum activity of alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase was observed (but not significantly), while the mean values of eosinophils, leucocytes, total protein, albumin, and globulin were normal. The ultrasound findings were like those previously described. Thus, it was observed that P. fastosum occurs in moderate prevalence in cats from Cuiabá-MT, with a significant association with clinical signs and a regular agreement between the parasitological techniques employed.

Clinical, hematological, blood gasometric and electrolytic changes in dogs receiving whole blood transfusions

Blood transfusion is a tool capable of saving lives. Patients undergoing blood transfusion usually present several alterations in the acid-base and electrolyte balance, aggravating the condition of critically ill patients. Some studies have demonstrated haematological alterations in certain species that received whole blood transfusions, however, few studies have evaluated acid base and electrolyte changes in dogs undergoing whole blood haemotherapy. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical, hematological, blood gas and electrolyte changes in anemic dogs after whole blood transfusion. Twenty nine dogs transfused due to anemia were enrolled in the study. Donors blood was collected in a transfusion bag containing citrate phosphate adenine dextrose and stored up to 24 h. Blood collections and evaluations were made before and 24 h after the transfusion. Data distribution normality was tested by the Shapiro Wilk Test. The means of the variables were compared by paired t-test. It was observed an increase in diastolic blood pressure and a reduction in heart rate (P < 0.05). There was a not significant increase in systolic blood pressure, temperature, and a reduction in respiratory rate per minute. Erythrocyte, haemoglobin and haematocrit averages were significantly increased after blood transfusion (P < 0.05). It was observed a reduction in the mean values of pH (P < 0.05), potassium (P > 0.05) and ionized calcium (P > 0.05) and an increase in the mean partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2 ) (P < 0.001), bicarbonate (P > 0.05) and sodium (P < 0.05). The probable cause of anemia was monocytic ehrlichiosis (14/29), visceral leishmaniasis (1/29), babesiosis (1/29), co-infection of Ehrlichia canis and Leishmania infantum (2/29), co-infection of E. canis and Babesia vogeli (1/29). It was not possible to determine the etiology of the anemia in ten dogs. Heart rate significantly reduced after transfusion, probably because of the increase in hematocrit, hemoglobin and erythrocyte values. It may be justified by the displacement of extravascular fluid to the intravascular space. Mean values of systolic blood pressure were slightly elevated before transfusion and remained elevated afterwards, while diastolic and mean arterial pressure increased significantly after transfusion. These changes may be due to the morbid condition and may be influenced by many other factors. Haematocrit, haemoglobin and erythrocyte values increased significantly after transfusion, according to what was observed in other studies. The significant reduction in pH and increase in pCO2 reflects the compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis to increase ventilation, leading to pCO2 reduction and changes in pH. The reduction in pH due to the contact of the collected blood with conservative solutions is one of the main changes thar occurs during blood storage. It was described significantly lower pH in dogs' whole blood samples stored for more than 24 h in vacutainer plastic containing CPDA-1. We may assume there was no intense pH reduction in the present study because the bags were stored for up to 24 h. Although not statistically significant, the increase of pO2 mean reflects the improvement of tissue oxygen perfusion. It was observed a significant increase in sodium ions. The mean sodium ion concentration before transfusion was very close to the maximum reference value. Hyperkalaemia was not observed, nor was there significant reduction of potassium ions after transfusion. Several studies report hyperkalaemia and transfusion-associated cardiac arrests in humans, associated with infusion of large volumes of blood. Whole blood transfusion increased erythrogram values and did not negatively affect the electrolyte or acid-base status, representing a safe and useful tool in the intensive care of small animals.(AU)

Monitoring of serum and urinary biomarkers during treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CanL) has a broad spectrum of changes, with kidney disease being considered the main cause of mortality. Thus, this study aimed to monitor serum and urinary biomarkers in response to two short-term treatments for CanL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty dogs with CanL were equally divided into two treatment groups and treated with either miltefosine (Group M) or miltefosine plus allopurinol (Group MA); the groups were evaluated before treatment and after 28 days of treatment. Physical exams were performed and hematimetric, biochemical, and urinary parameters, including urinary biomarkers cystatin C (CisC), lipocalin-2 (NGAL), and microalbuminuria, were measured. RESULTS: Both treatments significantly reduced clinical scores (p<0.05), but only the MA group saw a reduction in the clinical-pathological score. The serum albumin and calcium levels increased significantly in the MA and M groups (p<0.05). Proteinuria and urinary density did not decrease significantly after the treatments. With regard to the biomarkers, CisC and microalbuminuria did not have any significant changes; however, NGAL was significantly reduced in the MA group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both pharmacotherapeutic protocols promoted clinical and clinical-pathological improvements. In addition, miltefosine plus allopurinol proved to be a safe treatment due to the lack of changes detected in the monitored renal biomarkers. The treatment with miltefosine plus allopurinol proved to be the most effective, with more pronounced beneficial effects for canines with visceral leishmaniasis.

Comparative study of the use of miltefosine, miltefosine plus allopurinol, and allopurinol in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum, an intracytoplasmic parasite that affects humans and other species of domestic and wild mammals. In Brazil, the treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) with miltefosine has been implemented since 2016, and the reports on the clinical and immunological conditions of treated dogs are scarce. Thus, this study aimed to assess and monitor the clinical, laboratory, and immunological condition of dogs with CVL before (D0) and after (D29) using three pharmacotherapeutic protocols: miltefosine monotherapy (Milteforan™, Virbac) (G1), miltefosine plus allopurinol (G2), and allopurinol monotherapy (G3). Forty-five dogs with CVL were assigned to one of three treatment groups. The dogs were evaluated for clinical signs, was well as haematological, biochemical, serological, and cytokine levels. Significant reduction in clinical scores was observed in all protocols, with no differences between groups. We did not observe a clinical cure in any of the dogs in the groups. Haematological and biochemical parameters showed slow recovery, with better results observed in G2. Anti-Leishmania antibody titre remained increased in all groups. The quantification of serum cytokines demonstrated a mixed Th1/Th2 profile in CVL. The IL-2 levels decreased in all groups after treatment. Evaluation of IFN-y and IL-10 did not show changes in the groups analysed, and it did not contribute to short term therapeutic monitoring. All therapeutic protocols promoted, to varying degrees, an improvement in the general condition (clinical signs, haematological, and biochemical levels) of the animals. Through clinical-pathological exams, we found that the combination of miltefosine plus allopurinol promoted better effects in the short-term, representing the best choice for the treatment of CVL, even when compared to the only therapeutic protocol allowed in Brazil, miltefosine monotherapy. Through the quantification of cytokines, IL-2 proved to be a potential therapeutic marker for the monitoring and follow-up of dogs with CVL.

Metabolic evaluation in overweight and obese cats and association with blood pressure / Avaliação metabólica em gatos com sobrepeso e obesos e sua associação com pressão arterial

ABSTRACT: Obesity has been increasing in cats andis associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The association of these alterations can trigger the onset of metabolic syndrome (MS). Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the serum levels of glucose, fructosamine, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), andalanine aminotransferase of cats and to identify the possibility of MS,as well as to evaluate changes in arterial pressure. Thirty-seven cats were classified by ECC and morphometric measurements, namely, 15 obese, 12 overweight, and 10 controls. Nocat manifested MS. Only VLDL had a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) between groups. Therefore, obesity may not be associated with arterial hypertension, and more studies are needed to evaluate the metabolic alterations in overweight and obese cats.

RESUMO: Nos últimos anos, tem sido observado um aumento na incidência de obesidade em gatos, sendo associado a doenças metabólicas e cardiovasculares e a associação dessas alterações pode desencadear o surgimento de síndrome metabólica. Diante disto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar os níveis séricos de glicose, frutosamina, colesterol, triglicerídeos, HDL, LDL, VLDL e ALT dos gatos e identificar uma possível presença de síndrome metabólica nos mesmos, além de avaliar a ocorrência de alterações na pressão arterial. Utilizaram-se 37 gatos, classificados através de ECC e medidas morfométricas em 15 obesos, 12 sobrepesos e 10 controles. Nenhum gato do estudo manifestou síndrome metabólica. Apenas o VLDL obteve diferença estatisticamente significativa (P<0.05) entre os grupos. Concluiu-se que a obesidade pode não estar associada à hipertensão arterial e que se necessita de mais estudos para avaliar as alterações metabólicas em gatos com sobrepeso e obesos.

Effects of tramadol and acepromazine on intraocular pressure and pupil diameter in young healthy cats / Efeitos do tramadol e da acepromazina sobre a pressão intraocular e o diâmetro pupilar em gatos saudáveis jovens

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to investigate the effects of the systemic administration of acepromazine, tramadol and the association of both on intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil diameter (PD) in young healthy cats. Cats were randomly allocated into three groups (n=10/each) and intramuscular acepromazine (AG), tramadol (TG) or acepromazine combined with tramadol (ATG) were injected. PD (electronic caliper) and IOP (applanation tonometry) were assessed before (baseline) and following 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes of treatments. It was verified that in AG, PD decreased significantly from time point 30 to 120 (P=0.002), but such reduction did not differ significantly from baseline (P=0.89). In TG, PD increased significantly from the first 15 minutes, until the last time point of evaluation (P<0.001). In ATG, PD increased significantly from time point 30 to 120 when compared to baseline (P<0.001); but significant differences from time point 30 to 120 were not seen (P=0.71). Comparisons among groups showed that PD values of TG and ATG were significantly higher than that of AG (P<0.05). IOP values, on the other hand, did not change significantly among time points and groups (P>0.05). It can be concluded that tramadol alone or in association with acepromazine produced significant mydriasis for up to 120 minutes, without changing IOP values in normal cats. Results of this study suggested that tramadol alone or in association with acepromazine caused significant mydriasis and did not change IOP values in normal cats. Therefore, it may be considered a satisfactory pre-anesthetic combination for ophthalmic surgery in cats. However, further studies are warranted on the use of such protocols in cats with ophthalmic diseases undergoing ocular or intraocular surgery.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se estudar os efeitos da administração sistêmica da acepromazina, do tramadol e da associação de ambos sobre a pressão intraocular (PIO) e o diâmetro pupilar (DP) em gatos saudáveis jovens. Os gatos foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em três grupos (n=10/cada) e tratados pela via intramuscular com acepromazina (GA), tramadol (GT) ou acepromazina combinada ao tramadol (GAT). O DP (paquimetria eletrônica) e a PIO (tonometria de aplanação) foram mensurados antes (basal) e após 15, 30, 60, e 120 minutos após a administração dos tratamentos. Constatou-se que no GA, o DP reduziu significativamente a partir do 30˚ até o 120˚ minuto de avaliação (P=0.02), mas sem diferir significativamente em relação ao basal (P=0,89). No GT, o DP se elevou significativamente desde 15˚ minuto, até o último período de avaliação (P˂0.001). No GAT, o DP se elevou de forma significativa do 30˚ ao 120˚ minuto em comparação ao basal (P<0,001), mas esse parâmetro não alterou significativamente do 30º ao 120º minuto (P=0.71). Comparações entre os grupos mostraram que o DP do GT e do GAT apresentaram valores significativamente mais elevados que aqueles do GA (P<0,05). A PIO, por sua vez, não se alterou de forma significativa nos períodos e entre os grupos avaliados (P>0,05). Conclui-se que o tramadol, administrado de forma isolada ou em associação à acepromazina, produz midríase de até 120 minutos, sem alterar os valores da PIO em gatos saudáveis. Dessa forma, esse protocolo pré-anestésico pode ser considerado uma alternativa para cirurgia oftálmica em gatos. Todavia, os resultados desse protocolo em gatos com doença oftálmica, que necessitem de cirurgia, devem ser avaliados em estudos futuros.

Hemostatic assessment of dogs associated with hepatic parasite load of Leishmania infantum chagasi.

Leishmania infantum chagasi liver parasite load was compared to hemostatic abnormalities, as well as to clinical, laboratorial, and histopathological findings in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis. The liver parasite load of 30 dogs L. infantum chagasi naturally-infected was evaluated by quantitative real- time PCR and the results were compared with serum biochemistry and primary and secondary hemostasis findings. Moreover, hepatic histological lesions were described in these dogs. Prolonged bleeding time, prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), were observed in the group with visceral leishmaniasis. Eleven dogs presented inflammatory liver lesions, with predominance of mild multifocal mononuclear periportal hepatitis. No association between the presence of parasites and abnormalities in screening tests was observed by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The clinical progression in leishmaniasis is associated with the occurrence of hemorrhagic diathesis, which depends not only on the presence of the parasite but also the inflammatory process, compromised immunological response, hepatic and renal failure in symptomatic dogs.

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.

Hemostatic assessment of dogs associated with hepatic parasite load of Leishmania infantum chagasi / Avaliação hemostática de cães associada com a carga parasitária hepática de Leishmania infantum chagasi

Abstract Leishmania infantum chagasi liver parasite load was compared to hemostatic abnormalities, as well as to clinical, laboratorial, and histopathological findings in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis. The liver parasite load of 30 dogs L. infantum chagasi naturally-infected was evaluated by quantitative real- time PCR and the results were compared with serum biochemistry and primary and secondary hemostasis findings. Moreover, hepatic histological lesions were described in these dogs. Prolonged bleeding time, prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), were observed in the group with visceral leishmaniasis. Eleven dogs presented inflammatory liver lesions, with predominance of mild multifocal mononuclear periportal hepatitis. No association between the presence of parasites and abnormalities in screening tests was observed by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The clinical progression in leishmaniasis is associated with the occurrence of hemorrhagic diathesis, which depends not only on the presence of the parasite but also the inflammatory process, compromised immunological response, hepatic and renal failure in symptomatic dogs.

Resumo A carga parasitária de Leishmania infantum chagasi do fígado foi comparada às anormalidades hemostáticas, bem como aos achados clínicos, laboratoriais e histopatológicos em cães com leishmaniose visceral. A carga parasitária do fígado de 30 cães naturalmente infectados por L. infantum chagasi foi avaliada por PCR quantitativo em tempo real e os resultados foram comparados com bioquímica sérica e achados de hemostasia primária e secundária. Além disso, foram descritas as lesões hepáticas nestes cães. Prolongado tempo de sangramento, tempo de protrombina (TP) e tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada (TTPA) foram observados no grupo com leishmaniose visceral. Onze cães apresentaram lesões inflamatórias no fígado, predominando hepatite periportal mononuclear multifocal. Não foi observada associação entre a presença de parasitos e as anormalidades nos testes laboratoriais por correlação de Spearman. A progressão clínica na leishmaniose está associada com a ocorrência de diátese hemorrágica, que depende não só da presença do parasito, mas também do processo inflamatório, do comprometimento da resposta imunológica e da falência renal e hepática em cães sintomáticos.

NATURAL INFECTION BY Trypanosoma cruzi IN ONE DOG IN CENTRAL WESTERN BRAZIL: A CASE REPORT / Infecção natural por Trypanosoma cruzi em um cão na região central do Brasil: relato de caso

SUMMARY It is estimated that about 10 million people are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi worldwide, mostly in Latin America and more than 25 million are at risk of acquiring this infection in endemic areas. Dogs are an important reservoir for this pathogen and thus, considered a risk factor for human populations. This report describes one case of Chagas disease in a dog from Cuiabá, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The diagnosis was obtained by direct examination of trypomastigote forms in blood smears. Amastigotes forms were visualized in microscopy of the bone marrow, lymph nodes, kidneys, liver and brain. The T. cruzi (ZIII) infection was confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction, and sequencing. The animal presented multisystemic failure and died. Although acute Chagas disease in humans is not reported in Cuiabá, this is the first report of a canine case in this region. This case represents a warning, to health professionals and authorities, to the possibility of transmission of this zoonosis in Cuiabá. .

RESUMO Trypanosoma cruzi, infecta cerca de 10 milhões de pessoas, principalmente na América Latina e mais de 25 milhões apresentam-se em risco de adquirir a doença nas áreas endêmicas. Os cães são considerados importantes reservatórios representando fator de risco para a população humana. Este relato descreve caso de doença de Chagas em cão na cidade de Cuiabá. O diagnóstico foi feito a partir do exame direto, apresentando inúmeras formas tripomastigotas em esfregaço sanguíneo. Amastigotas foram visualizadas na microscopia de medula óssea, linfonodo, rins, fígado e cérebro. A infecção por T. cruzi (ZIII) foi confirmado através do sequenciamento de produtos amplificados pela PCR. O animal apresentou sinais multissistêmicos, evoluindo para óbito. Apesar da doença de Chagas aguda em humanos não ser descrita em Cuiabá, este é o primeiro relato de um caso canino nessa região, fato que, constitui alerta aos profissionais da saúde e autoridades sanitárias para a possibilidade da transmissão desta zoonose em Cuiabá. .

Associação da carga parasitária renal com achados laboratoriais em cães com leishmaniose visceral / Renal parasite load association with laboratory findings in dogs with visceral Leishmaniasis

A leishmaniose visceral canina é uma doença grave e a morte ocorre por falência renal, considerando que os métodos diagnósticos convencionais não possibilitam a classificação clínica do animal. O objetivo deste estudo foi associar a carga parasitária renal aos achados clínicos e histopatológicos em cães com leishmaniose visceral. A análise microscópica revelou predomínio de nefrite intersticial mononuclear de graus variados em 59,3% dos cães avaliados. Entretanto, não houve diferença entre a carga parasitária renal de sintomáticos e oligossintomáticos (P= 0,35). As lesões renais foram de ordem inflamatória e a quantidade de parasitos não influenciaram na característica dessas lesões e nem nas alterações bioquímicas, mesmo em cães com diferentes classificações clínicas.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a severe disease and the death occurs from renal failure, whereas conventional diagnostic methods do not allow the animal clinical staging. The aim of this study was to associate the renal parasite load to clinical and histopathological findings in dogs with visceral Leishmaniasis. Microscopic analysis revealed a predominance of mononuclear interstitial nephritis of varying degrees in 59, 3% of dogs evaluated. However, no difference was found between the renal parasite load of symptomatics and oligosymptomatics (P= 0,35). Renal lesions were inflammatory order and amount of parasites not influenced the characteristics of theses lesions nor biochemical changes, even in dogs with different clinical classifications.

Prevalência e epidemiologia da leishmaniose visceral em cães e humanos, na cidade de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil / Prevalence and epidemiology of visceral Leishmaniasis in dogs and humans in the city Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil

A leishmaniose visceral é uma doença infecciosa endêmica em diversas regiões do Brasil, incluindo o Estado de Mato Grosso. Em Cuiabá, no período de janeiro de 2006 a dezembro de 2008, foi realizada investigação dos casos caninos de infecção por Leishmania sp. por meio de sorologia e citologia, enfocando a sua distribuição geográfica e correlacionando a ocorrência de casos de leishmaniose visceral humana. De 150 cães com suspeita da infecção, 57 (38 por cento) foram sorológicos ou parasitologicamente positivos. Observou-se soroprevalência significativa (P≤0,05) nos bairros com renda per capita baixa, além de maior número de casos caninos na regional leste; no entanto, observou-se uma distribuição difusa da doença canina na cidade de Cuiabá, enquanto os casos humanos originaram principalmente na regional norte do município. Esse fato sugere que há risco em todo o município, devendo ser realizados novos estudos soroepidemiológicos, assim como a distribuição vetorial, que promovam maior conhecimento da infecção canina por Leishmania sp, de forma a se gerar medidas adequadas para o controle da doença.

Visceral Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease endemic in several regions of Brazil, including the state of Mato Grosso. In Cuiabá, from January 2006 to December 2008, a research was performed in canine cases of infection with Leishmania sp. by serology and cytology, focusing on its geographical distribution, correlating to the occurrence of human visceral Leishmaniasis cases. From 150 dogs with suspected infection, 57 (38 percent) were serological or parasitologically positive. Seroprevalence was observed (P≤0.05) in districts with low per capita income, besides a larger number of canine cases in the East regional, but there was a diffuse distribution of the canine disease in the city of Cuiabá, in contrast to cases focused mainly on human in the northern municipality. This suggests risk throughout the municipality and further epidemiological studies should be carried out, as well as vector distribution, to promote better understanding of canine infection by Leishmania, in order to promote appropriate measures for disease control.