Bloqueio do plexo braquial guiado por neuroestimulação elétrica em jabuti piranga (Chelonoidis carbonarius) submetido à intervenção cirúrgica em membro torácico: Relato de caso / Brachial plexus block guided by electrical neurostimulation in a tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius) undergoing surgical intervention in the forelimb: Case report

A anestesia local tem sido recomendada para intervenções cirúrgicas quando se procura evitar a anestesia geral do animal com o intuito de minimizar os riscos, que podem ocorrer durante o aprofundamento do plano anestésico, além de promover uma rápida recuperação. O presente trabalho descreve o caso de um jabuti piranga (C. carbonarius) submetido à contenção química associada a bloqueio anestésico em plexo braquial para realização da excisão cirúrgica de um abcesso em membro tórácico direito, sendo apresentadas considerações sobre a aplicabilidade desta técnica em quelônios com destaque para os cuidados a serem tomados pelo anestesista durante a intervenção.(AU)

Local anesthesia has been recommended for surgical interventions when trying to avoid the need of general anesthesia of the animal and to minimize any risks that may occur during the deepening of the anesthetic plane, in addition to promoting a quick recovery. The present work describes the case of a tortoise (C. carbonarius) submitted to chemical restraint associated whit anesthesic blockage in the brachial plexus during surgical intervention to remove an abscess in the right thoracic limb, presenting considerations about the applicability of this technique in chelonians, with emphasis on the care to be taken by the anesthesiologist during the intervention.(AU)

Lycopodium as a treatment for Urate Deposition (gout) in birds: case report

A 3-year-old male cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) was diagnosed with joint arthritis due to hyperucemiasyndrome. The bird presented deposition of urate crystals on the synovial membrane with inflammation of joints and tendons (tufts), causing listlessness, anorexia and lameness, with difficulty in keeping perched or moving. Laboratory tests displayed an increase in uric acid and creatinine phosphokinase levels, and leukocytosis despite lymphopenia. Unsucessfully, the animal had been treated with allopathic medicine for 2 months, without a favorable response and still developing stressful reaction to handling.Methodology:High dilution therapy was attempted with 2 globules of Lycopodiumclavatum30 cH /bid and Arnica montana30 cH /bid /oral. The most expressive tufts were removed with daily cleaning of the affected area; a new diet was established and perches were removed, allowing the bird to remain on a flat surface until regression of symptoms. The medication was continued for 30 days. On the second appointment, although the caregiver reported episodes of probable pain, there was an improvement in behavior with normal appetite. Lyc30cH /sid was continued and Arn30cH /bid to qid, depending on pain episodes, for over 30 days. The tutor authorized the case report through a consent form. Results and discussion:Follow-up laboratory tests were performed everythree months for one year, reaching normal levels for uric acid (3.5-11 mg/dL) and CK (30-245mg/dL) on the third measurement. The bird presented no formation of new tufts along the second month of treatment. After 12 months, the animal ingests homeopathic globules spontaneously and presents stable clinical presentation (Lyc30cH / sid / 3 times a week) with no recurrence and without side effects nor stressful behavior. Conclusion: In view of these results, it is considered that homeopathic treatment is an option to be considered in the treatment of joint arthritis from hyperuricemia syndrome in birds.

Intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test in the diagnosis of caprine tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis remains one of the most important infectious diseases with well-known zoonotic nature that affect humans, wildlife, and domestic animals, including goats. Nonetheless, no intradermal tuberculin test has been standardized for caprine diagnosis of tuberculosis. The present study investigated the intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test (ICCTT) in the diagnosis of tuberculosis among 60 goats from farms with history of tuberculosis. The cutoff applied to goats was based on a study where goats had been experimentally infected with Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium. Clinical examination, bacteriological culture, and histopathological staining were assessed to the diagnosis. Isolates compatible with mycobacteria were subjected for molecular diagnosis based on gyrB-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and PCR restriction-enzyme analysis (PRA) of hsp65 gene by BstEII and HaeIII, namely PRA-hsp65 assay. From all goats, 60% (n = 36/60), 3.3% (n = 2/60), and 36.7% (n = 22/60) showed positive, inconclusive, and negative reactions, respectively. Out of 36 goats with ICCTT positive, 75% (n = 27/36) had isolation of mycobacteria and were detected M. bovis by gyrB-RFLP. Molecular diagnosis and histopathological findings compatible with tuberculosis showed 86.1% (n = 31/36) concordance with the ICCTT. When compared ICCTT with M. bovis isolation, gyrB-RFLP, and histopathology, the better arithmetic means of sensitivity and specificity were 2.5 mm for ICCTT compared with M. bovis isolation and gyrB-RFLP, and 4.55 mm when compared with histopathology. Both receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves presented statistical significance (P < 0.001). The identification of other mycobacteria, e.g., M. kansasii, M. flavescens, M. avium, M. florentinum, M. lentiflavum, M. simiae, and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, not influenced positive results in ICCTT. The concordance between bacteriological, histopathological, and molecular identification with ICCTT findings indicate that the tuberculin test may be used as a valuable tool for diagnosis of caprine tuberculosis and reinforce the importance of association of methods to diagnostic of the disease from animal origin.

Interaction between Solvatochromic Dyes and Water Sampled from a Natural Source Treated with High Dilutions of Phosphorus.

BACKGROUND: Highly diluted and succussed solutions interact with solvatochromic dyes, indicating that changes in solvent and solute polarity could be related to their mechanism of action. It is not known, however, how the activity associated with succussed high dilutions is transferred to untreated water and what the limits of this process are. AIMS: The aims of the present study were to ascertain whether a succussed high dilution of phosphorus (1.5 × 1-59 M; Phos 30cH) seeded into a natural water source that fed a fjord and two connected lakes could propagate itself through the lake system (total volume 2200 m3) and, moreover, whether the process could be tracked using solvatochromic dyes. METHODS: Samples of water were collected before and after seeding, at different times and places throughout the lake system. Controls comprised water taken from an untreated and adjacent, but independent, lake (1385 m3). RESULTS: Water samples taken up to 72 hours after the source treatment produced significant increases (p ≤ 0.03) in the absorbance of the solvatochromic dye methylene violet (MV), while samples from the control lake produced no changes. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that activity associated with Phos 30c can propagate itself through large volumes of water, causing changes throughout a whole connected lake system, and that these changes can be tracked using the solvatochromic dye MV. This in turn means the use of homeopathic medicines in large volumes of drinking water, in farming and ecological contexts, now has the potential to be assessed with physico-chemical monitoring.

Prevalência e fatores de risco para a leptospirose e brucelose na população canina da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brasil / Prevalence and risk factors for leptospirosis and brucellosis in the canine population of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, Brazil

O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de leptospirose e brucelose por Brucella canis e determinar os fatores de risco associados com a positividade em cães da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foram examinados 570 animais distribuídos em 4 regiões nos 48 bairros do município, no período de setembro de 2007 a março de 2008. O diagnóstico sorológico da leptospirose foi efetuado com o teste de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM), e para o diagnóstico de brucelose foi realizado hemocultivo. Dos 570 animais examinados, 187 (32,8%; IC95% 28,9 - 36,8) foram soropositivos para leptospirose, com predomínio de reações para os sorovares Pyrogenes, Autumnalis e Canicola, e 6 (1,05%; IC95% 0,4 - 2,2) foram positivos para brucelose. A variável atividade sexual (OR = 1,73) foi identificada como fator de risco associado à positividade para leptospirose, e o manejo do tipo solto foi considerado fator de risco tanto para leptospirose (OR = 1,96) quanto para brucelose (OR = 10,85). Conclui-se que a leptospirose e a brucelose estão presentes em cães da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, São Paulo, e que a atividade sexual e o acesso irrestrito à rua são condições associadas com a prevalência das infecções.(AU)

The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence of leptospirosis and brucellosis due to Brucella canis and to determine the risk factors associated with positivity in dogs of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 570 blood samples were collected from dogs from 4 regions of 48 districts of the county of Ibiúna during the period of September 2007 to March 2008. Serological diagnosis of leptospirosis was performed with the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), and blood culture was used for the diagnosis of brucellosis. Of the 570 dogs used 187 (32.8%; 95%CI 28.9 - 36.8) were seropositive to leptospirosis, with predominance of reactions to serovars Pyrogenes, Autumnalis and Canicola, and 6 (1.05%; 95%CI 0.4 - 2.2) were positive to brucellosis. Variable sexual activity (OR = 1.73) was identified as risk factor associated with the positivity to leptospirosis, and free access to street was considered risk factor for both leptospirosis (OR = 1.96) and brucellosis (OR = 10.85). It is concluded that leptospirosis and brucellosis are present in dogs of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, and sexual activity and free access to street are conditions associated with the prevalence of infections.(AU)

Anestesia por perfusão de saco aéreo em arara (Ara chloropterus): relato de caso / Anesthesia by infusion of air sac in a macaw (Ara chloropterus): a case report

O presente relato descreve a utilização da técnica anestésica deperfusão em saco aéreo durante a cirurgia para correção do bicode uma arara (Ara chloropterus). Esse tipo de abordagem anestésicaé recomendado para procedimentos em que se faz necessáriaa manipulação da região de cabeça e pescoço das aves. Após contençãofísica do animal, a anestesia foi induzida com auxílio demáscara facial, conectada ao sistema de Maplesson D (Baraka),utilizando isofluorano e fluxo diluente de oxigênio de 1L/min. Opreparo da cânula e posterior introdução em saco aéreo torácicocaudal foi estabelecido de modo similar ao descrito por Gunkele Lafortune (2005). A técnica mostrou-se adequada e bastantesegura; contudo, para ser empregada, é necessário que o profissionalanestesista conheça a anatomia e fisiologia das aves.

This report describes the use of an anesthetic perfusiontechnique applied in the air sac of a Macaw (Ara chloropterus)during surgery for correction of its broken beak. This anestheticapproach is recommended for procedures in which manipulationof the avian head or neck is necessary. After appropriateimmobilization of the animal, the anesthetic is introduced withthe help of a face mask connected to the Mapleson D (Baraka)system, using isoflurane with 1L-min. flow of diluent oxygen.The cannula preparation and introduction into the caudalthoracic air sac was performed is a way similar to that describedby Gunkel and Lafortune (2005). The technique proved to beappropriate and very safe, but the anesthetic professional musthave thorough of avian anatomy and physiology.

Prevalence and risk factors for leptospirosis and brucellosis in the canine population of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, Brazil / Prevalência e fatores de risco para a leptospirose e brucelose na população canina da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brasil

The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence of leptospirosis and brucellosis due to Brucella canis and to determine the risk factors associated with positivity in dogs of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 570 blood samples were collected from dogs from 4 regions of 48 districts of the county of Ibiúna during the period of September 2007 to March 2008. Serological diagnosis of leptospirosis was performed with the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), and blood culture was used for the diagnosis of brucellosis. Of the 570 dogs used 187 (32.8%; 95%CI 28.9 - 36.8) were seropositive to leptospirosis, with predominance of reactions to serovars Pyrogenes, Autumnalis and Canicola, and 6 (1.05%; 95%CI 0.4 - 2.2) were positive to brucellosis. Variable sexual activity (OR = 1.73) was identified as risk factor associated with the positivity to leptospirosis, and free access to street was considered risk factor for both leptospirosis (OR = 1.96) and brucellosis (OR = 10.85). It is concluded that leptospirosis and brucellosis are present in dogs of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, and sexual activity and free access to street are conditions associated with the prevalence of infections.

O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de leptospirose e brucelose por Brucella canis e determinar os fatores de risco associados com a positividade em cães da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foram examinados 570 animais distribuídos em 4 regiões nos 48 bairros do município, no período de setembro de 2007 a março de 2008. O diagnóstico sorológico da leptospirose foi efetuado com o teste de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM), e para o diagnóstico de brucelose foi realizado hemocultivo. Dos 570 animais examinados, 187 (32,8%; IC95% 28,9 - 36,8) foram soropositivos para leptospirose, com predomínio de reações para os sorovares Pyrogenes, Autumnalis e Canicola, e 6 (1,05%; IC95% 0,4 - 2,2) foram positivos para brucelose. A variável atividade sexual (OR = 1,73) foi identificada como fator de risco associado à positividade para leptospirose, e o manejo do tipo solto foi considerado fator de risco tanto para leptospirose (OR = 1,96) quanto para brucelose (OR = 10,85). Conclui-se que a leptospirose e a brucelose estão presentes em cães da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, São Paulo, e que a atividade sexual e o acesso irrestrito à rua são condições associadas com a prevalência das infecções.

Prevalence and risk factors for leptospirosis and brucellosis in the canine population of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, Brazil / Prevalência e fatores de risco para a leptospirose e brucelose na população canina da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brasil

The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence of leptospirosis and brucellosis due to Brucella canis and to determine the risk factors associated with positivity in dogs of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 570 blood samples were collected from dogs from 4 regions of 48 districts of the county of Ibiúna during the period of September 2007 to March 2008. Serological diagnosis of leptospirosis was performed with the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), and blood culture was used for the diagnosis of brucellosis. Of the 570 dogs used 187 (32.8%; 95%CI 28.9 - 36.8) were seropositive to leptospirosis, with predominance of reactions to serovars Pyrogenes, Autumnalis and Canicola, and 6 (1.05%; 95%CI 0.4 - 2.2) were positive to brucellosis. Variable sexual activity (OR = 1.73) was identified as risk factor associated with the positivity to leptospirosis, and free access to street was considered risk factor for both leptospirosis (OR = 1.96) and brucellosis (OR = 10.85). It is concluded that leptospirosis and brucellosis are present in dogs of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, and sexual activity and free access to street are conditions associated with the prevalence of infections.(AU)

O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de leptospirose e brucelose por Brucella canis e determinar os fatores de risco associados com a positividade em cães da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foram examinados 570 animais distribuídos em 4 regiões nos 48 bairros do município, no período de setembro de 2007 a março de 2008. O diagnóstico sorológico da leptospirose foi efetuado com o teste de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM), e para o diagnóstico de brucelose foi realizado hemocultivo. Dos 570 animais examinados, 187 (32,8%; IC95% 28,9 - 36,8) foram soropositivos para leptospirose, com predomínio de reações para os sorovares Pyrogenes, Autumnalis e Canicola, e 6 (1,05%; IC95% 0,4 - 2,2) foram positivos para brucelose. A variável atividade sexual (OR = 1,73) foi identificada como fator de risco associado à positividade para leptospirose, e o manejo do tipo solto foi considerado fator de risco tanto para leptospirose (OR = 1,96) quanto para brucelose (OR = 10,85). Conclui-se que a leptospirose e a brucelose estão presentes em cães da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, São Paulo, e que a atividade sexual e o acesso irrestrito à rua são condições associadas com a prevalência das infecções.(AU)

Anestesia por perfusão de saco aéreo em arara (Ara chloropterus): relato de caso / Anesthesia by infusion of air sac in a macaw (Ara chloropterus): a case report

O presente relato descreve a utilização da técnica anestésica deperfusão em saco aéreo durante a cirurgia para correção do bicode uma arara (Ara chloropterus). Esse tipo de abordagem anestésicaé recomendado para procedimentos em que se faz necessáriaa manipulação da região de cabeça e pescoço das aves. Após contençãofísica do animal, a anestesia foi induzida com auxílio demáscara facial, conectada ao sistema de Maplesson D (Baraka),utilizando isofluorano e fluxo diluente de oxigênio de 1L/min. Opreparo da cânula e posterior introdução em saco aéreo torácicocaudal foi estabelecido de modo similar ao descrito por Gunkele Lafortune (2005). A técnica mostrou-se adequada e bastantesegura; contudo, para ser empregada, é necessário que o profissionalanestesista conheça a anatomia e fisiologia das aves.(AU)

This report describes the use of an anesthetic perfusiontechnique applied in the air sac of a Macaw (Ara chloropterus)during surgery for correction of its broken beak. This anestheticapproach is recommended for procedures in which manipulationof the avian head or neck is necessary. After appropriateimmobilization of the animal, the anesthetic is introduced withthe help of a face mask connected to the Mapleson D (Baraka)system, using isoflurane with 1L-min. flow of diluent oxygen.The cannula preparation and introduction into the caudalthoracic air sac was performed is a way similar to that describedby Gunkel and Lafortune (2005). The technique proved to beappropriate and very safe, but the anesthetic professional musthave thorough of avian anatomy and physiology.(AU)

Seroprevalence and risk factors for toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in the dog population of Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brazil / Soroprevalência e fatores de risco para toxoplasmose e neosporose na população canina de Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brasil

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dogs seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum (Apicomplexa) and the risk factors associated with seropositivity in the dog population of Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 570 animals were examined in the 48 neighborhoods of the city from September 2007 to March 2008. Serological diagnosis of T. gondii and N. caninum infections was performed using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), with endpoint titers of 1:64 for T. gondii and 1:50 for N. caninum. Of the 570 animals examined, 314 (55.1%; 95% CI = 50.9-59.2%) were seropositive for T. gondii and 40 (7.02%; 95% CI = 5.1-9.4%) for N. caninum. The variables presence of rodents (OR = 2.05), ingestion of raw meat (OR= 2.47), and prior sexual activity (OR = 1.79) were identified as risk factors for toxoplasmosis, whereas only prior sexual activity (OR = 3.29) was associated with an increased risk for neosporosis. Both T. gondii and N. caninum infections were detected by IFA in the dog population of Ibiúna. Rodent control and not feeding raw meat to dogs are important to reduce the risk of infection by T. gondii and N. caninum in the region.(AU)

O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de animais soropositivos para Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum (Apicomplexa) e determinar os fatores de risco associados à soropositividade na população canina de Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brasil. Foram examinados 570 animais distribuídos nos 48 bairros do município, no período de setembro de 2007 a março de 2008. O diagnóstico sorológico das infecções por T. gondii e N. caninum foi efetuado com a reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), adotando-se os pontos de corte de 1:64 para T. gondii e 1:50 para N. caninum. Dos 570 animais examinados, 314 (55,1%; IC 95% = 50,9% - 59,2%) foram soropositivos para T. gondii, e 40 (7,02%; IC 95% = 5,1% - 9,4%) para N. caninum. As variáveis presença de ratos (OR = 2,05), ingestão de carne crua (OR= 2,47) e atividade sexual (OR = 1,79) foram identificadas como fatores de risco associados à toxoplasmose, e para neosporose, a variável atividade sexual (OR = 3,29) foi identificada como fator de risco. As infecções por T. gondii N. caninum, detectadas pela RIFI, estão presentes na população canina de Ibiúna. O controle de roedores e a não administração de carne crua aos animais são importantes para reduzir o risco de infecção por T. gondii e N. caninum na região.(AU)

Seroprevalence and risk factors for toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in the dog population of Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brazil / Soroprevalência e fatores de risco para toxoplasmose e neosporose na população canina de Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brasil

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dogs seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum (Apicomplexa) and the risk factors associated with seropositivity in the dog population of Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 570 animals were examined in the 48 neighborhoods of the city from September 2007 to March 2008. Serological diagnosis of T. gondii and N. caninum infections was performed using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), with endpoint titers of 1:64 for T. gondii and 1:50 for N. caninum. Of the 570 animals examined, 314 (55.1%; 95% CI = 50.9-59.2%) were seropositive for T. gondii and 40 (7.02%; 95% CI = 5.1-9.4%) for N. caninum. The variables presence of rodents (OR = 2.05), ingestion of raw meat (OR= 2.47), and prior sexual activity (OR = 1.79) were identified as risk factors for toxoplasmosis, whereas only prior sexual activity (OR = 3.29) was associated with an increased risk for neosporosis. Both T. gondii and N. caninum infections were detected by IFA in the dog population of Ibiúna. Rodent control and not feeding raw meat to dogs are important to reduce the risk of infection by T. gondii and N. caninum in the region.

O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de animais soropositivos para Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum (Apicomplexa) e determinar os fatores de risco associados à soropositividade na população canina de Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brasil. Foram examinados 570 animais distribuídos nos 48 bairros do município, no período de setembro de 2007 a março de 2008. O diagnóstico sorológico das infecções por T. gondii e N. caninum foi efetuado com a reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), adotando-se os pontos de corte de 1:64 para T. gondii e 1:50 para N. caninum. Dos 570 animais examinados, 314 (55,1%; IC 95% = 50,9% - 59,2%) foram soropositivos para T. gondii, e 40 (7,02%; IC 95% = 5,1% - 9,4%) para N. caninum. As variáveis presença de ratos (OR = 2,05), ingestão de carne crua (OR= 2,47) e atividade sexual (OR = 1,79) foram identificadas como fatores de risco associados à toxoplasmose, e para neosporose, a variável atividade sexual (OR = 3,29) foi identificada como fator de risco. As infecções por T. gondii N. caninum, detectadas pela RIFI, estão presentes na população canina de Ibiúna. O controle de roedores e a não administração de carne crua aos animais são importantes para reduzir o risco de infecção por T. gondii e N. caninum na região.

Thin layer microcolony culture associated with PCR for early identification of Mycobacterium bovis.

The initial growth of mycobacteria from 49 samples of cattle and buffalo organs collected in commercial slaughterhouses was compared between modified Middlebrook 7H11 thin layer microcolony culture and Stonebrink medium used in the isolation of Mycobacterium bovis. Aliquots were decontaminated by Petroff's method, processed and cultured in both media. The identity of the acid-fast bacilli stained by Ziehl-Neelsen was confirmed by PCR. Optical microscopy showed that results of the early observation of Mycobacterium bovis colonies in thin layer culture were similar to those obtained in macroscopic observation of the colonies in Stonebrink medium. However, early observation of the colonies enabled early confirmation by PCR, given the shorter time to the visualization of colonies when thin layer culture was used (between the 12(nd) and 25(th) day of culture).

Thin layer microcolony culture associated with PCR for early identification of Mycobacterium bovis

The initial growth of mycobacteria from 49 samples of cattle and buffalo organs collected in commercial slaughterhouses was compared between modified Middlebrook 7H11 thin layer microcolony culture and Stonebrink medium used in the isolation of Mycobacterium bovis. Aliquots were decontaminated by Petroff's method, processed and cultured in both media. The identity of the acid-fast bacilli stained by Ziehl-Neelsen was confirmed by PCR. Optical microscopy showed that results of the early observation of Mycobacterium bovis colonies in thin layer culture were similar to those obtained in macroscopic observation of the colonies in Stonebrink medium. However, early observation of the colonies enabled early confirmation by PCR, given the shorter time to the visualization of colonies when thin layer culture was used (between the 12nd and 25th day of culture).

Thin layer microcolony culture associated with PCR for early identification of Mycobacterium bovis

The initial growth of mycobacteria from 49 samples of cattle and buffalo organs collected in commercial slaughterhouses was compared between modified Middlebrook 7H11 thin layer microcolony culture and Stonebrink medium used in the isolation of Mycobacterium bovis. Aliquots were decontaminated by Petroff's method, processed and cultured in both media. The identity of the acid-fast bacilli stained by Ziehl-Neelsen was confirmed by PCR. Optical microscopy showed that results of the early observation of Mycobacterium bovis colonies in thin layer culture were similar to those obtained in macroscopic observation of the colonies in Stonebrink medium. However, early observation of the colonies enabled early confirmation by PCR, given the shorter time to the visualization of colonies when thin layer culture was used (between the 12nd and 25th day of culture).(AU)

Individual determinants of fish choosing in open-air street markets from Santo André, SP/Brazil.

The objective of this study was to identify the determinants of fish consumption in the population that attends open-air street markets in the city of Santo André, SP, Brazil.We performed a survey, covering approximately 482 people in 49 street markets.It consisted of free-answer questions, half open choice and half multiple-choice options, for the identification and evaluation of socioeconomic factors that facilitate and hinder fish consumption.A descriptive analysis of the data and further tests were used to determine the association between variables and linearity with consumption, with a significance level of 5%. The most commonly cited types of fish consumed were hake, sardine and dogfish. The factors that facilitate the purchase and consumption of fish are listed as follows: a preference for purchasing fish at street markets, appearance, firmness, fresh presentation, frozen presentation, as well as the respondent's education and individual monthly income. Limiting factors were identified as the price and the presence of spines. Perishability, odour, ethnicity, proximity to points of sale of residence and work, gender, age, number of people in the household, presence of children and acquisition supermarket were not characteristics that influenced decisions about fish consumption.

Tuberculosis in goats and sheep slaughtered in the semiarid of the Paraíba state, Northeast region of Brazil / Tuberculose em caprinos e ovinos abatidos no semiárido da Paraíba, Brasil

The aim of this work was to isolate and characterize microorganisms in hypertrophied lymph nodes or gross lesions suggestive of tuberculosis collected from 12 goats and 28 sheep slaughtered at the public slaughterhouse of Patos municipality, Paraíba State, in the Northeast region of Brazil. The identification of mycobacteria was performed by the PRA method (PCR-Restriction Enzyme Analysis). Histopathological examination of lesions was also performed. Organs affected were liver, lung, mammary gland, bladder and mediastinal, mesenteric, submandibular, parotid, popliteal, precrural, prescapular and superficial inguinal lymph nodes. Histopathological examination showed the presence of granulomas in 8 (20.00%) animals. Of the 12 goats, 1 (8.33%) was positive in the culture of mycobacteria, and by PRA method the isolate was classified as belonging to the M. tuberculosis complex. Two (7.14%) sheep were positive for the presence of environmental mycobacteria. There was isolation of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in 8 (66.66%) goats and 17 (60.71%) sheep, and simultaneous isolation of mycobacteria and C. pseudotuberculosis in 1 (8.33%) goat and 1 (3.57%) sheep. The isolation of mycobacteria of the M. tuberculosis complex in goats in this study raises concerns of public health, as professionals involved in handling these animals and the meat and milk consumers are exposed to the risk [...](AU)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi isolar e tipificar micro-organismos presentes em linfonodos hipertrofiados ou lesões macroscópicas sugestivas de tuberculose colhidos de 12 caprinos e 28 ovinos abatidos no matadouro público do município de Patos, Paraíba. A identificação de micobactérias foi feita com o método PRA (PCR-Restriction Enzyme Analysis). Também foi realizado o exame histopatológico das lesões. Os órgãos afetados foram fígado, pulmão, glândula mamária, bexiga e linfonodos mediastínicos, mesentéricos, submandibulares, parotídeos, poplíteos, pré-crural, pré-escapular e inguinal superficial. O exame histopatológico apontou a presença de granulomas em 8 (20,00%) animais. Dos 12 caprinos, 1 (8,33%) foi positivo no cultivo de micobactérias, e pelo método PRA o isolado foi classificado como pertencente ao complexo M. tuberculosis. Dois (7,14%) ovinos foram positivos para a presença de micobactérias ambientais. Houve isolamento de Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis em 8 (66,66%) caprinos e em 17 (60,71%) ovinos, e isolamento simultâneo de micobactérias e C. pseudotuberculosis em 1 (8,33%) caprino e 1 (3,57%) ovino. O isolamento de micobactéria do complexo M. tuberculosis em caprinos no presente trabalho levanta preocupações do ponto de vista de saúde pública, uma vez que profissionais envolvidos na manipulação destes animais, bem como a população consumidora de carne [...](AU)

Tuberculosis in goats and sheep slaughtered in the semiarid of the Paraíba state, Northeast region of Brazil / Tuberculose em caprinos e ovinos abatidos no semiárido da Paraíba, Brasil

The aim of this work was to isolate and characterize microorganisms in hypertrophied lymph nodes or gross lesions suggestive of tuberculosis collected from 12 goats and 28 sheep slaughtered at the public slaughterhouse of Patos municipality, Paraíba State, in the Northeast region of Brazil. The identification of mycobacteria was performed by the PRA method (PCR-Restriction Enzyme Analysis). Histopathological examination of lesions was also performed. Organs affected were liver, lung, mammary gland, bladder and mediastinal, mesenteric, submandibular, parotid, popliteal, precrural, prescapular and superficial inguinal lymph nodes. Histopathological examination showed the presence of granulomas in 8 (20.00%) animals. Of the 12 goats, 1 (8.33%) was positive in the culture of mycobacteria, and by PRA method the isolate was classified as belonging to the M. tuberculosis complex. Two (7.14%) sheep were positive for the presence of environmental mycobacteria. There was isolation of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in 8 (66.66%) goats and 17 (60.71%) sheep, and simultaneous isolation of mycobacteria and C. pseudotuberculosis in 1 (8.33%) goat and 1 (3.57%) sheep. The isolation of mycobacteria of the M. tuberculosis complex in goats in this study raises concerns of public health, as professionals involved in handling these animals and the meat and milk consumers are exposed to the risk [...]

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi isolar e tipificar micro-organismos presentes em linfonodos hipertrofiados ou lesões macroscópicas sugestivas de tuberculose colhidos de 12 caprinos e 28 ovinos abatidos no matadouro público do município de Patos, Paraíba. A identificação de micobactérias foi feita com o método PRA (PCR-Restriction Enzyme Analysis). Também foi realizado o exame histopatológico das lesões. Os órgãos afetados foram fígado, pulmão, glândula mamária, bexiga e linfonodos mediastínicos, mesentéricos, submandibulares, parotídeos, poplíteos, pré-crural, pré-escapular e inguinal superficial. O exame histopatológico apontou a presença de granulomas em 8 (20,00%) animais. Dos 12 caprinos, 1 (8,33%) foi positivo no cultivo de micobactérias, e pelo método PRA o isolado foi classificado como pertencente ao complexo M. tuberculosis. Dois (7,14%) ovinos foram positivos para a presença de micobactérias ambientais. Houve isolamento de Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis em 8 (66,66%) caprinos e em 17 (60,71%) ovinos, e isolamento simultâneo de micobactérias e C. pseudotuberculosis em 1 (8,33%) caprino e 1 (3,57%) ovino. O isolamento de micobactéria do complexo M. tuberculosis em caprinos no presente trabalho levanta preocupações do ponto de vista de saúde pública, uma vez que profissionais envolvidos na manipulação destes animais, bem como a população consumidora de carne [...]

Evaluation of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for identifying Mycobacterium bovis isolates from the modified Middlebrook 7H11 agar thin layer technique

The associated use of the modified Middlebrook 7H11 agar thin layer technique and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay enabled to perform the early identification of microcolonies of Mycobacterium bovis from 12th to 25th day of culture. In order to reduce the time for performing the Mycobacterium bovis identification, the combined use of these two techniques was evaluated by analyzing the microcolonies of mycobacteria at the 8th day after culturing. Until the last day of analysis, all of the PCR-positive samples already showed the microcolonies. Therefore, the early diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis is feasible, without an apparent macroscopic colonies growth.

Evaluation of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for identifying Mycobacterium bovis isolates from the modified Middlebrook 7H11 agar thin layer technique / Avaliação da técnica de reação de polimerase em cadeia (PCR) para identificação de Mycobacterium bovis em microcolônias isoladas em camada delgada de ágar Middlebrook 7H11 modificado

The associated use of the modified Middlebrook 7H11 agar thin layer technique and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay enabled to perform the early identification of microcolonies of Mycobacterium bovis from 12th to 25th day of culture. In order to reduce the time for performing the Mycobacterium bovis identification, the combined use of these two techniques was evaluated by analyzing the microcolonies of mycobacteria at the 8th day after culturing. Until the last day of analysis, all of the PCR-positive samples already showed the microcolonies. Therefore, the early diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis is feasible, without an apparent macroscopic colonies growth.(AU)

A associação da técnica de cultivo em camada delgada no meio de ágar Middlebrook 7H11 modificado com a Reação de Polimerase em Cadeia (PCR) possibilitou a identificação precoce de Mycobacterium bovis em colônias macroscópicas entre o 12º e o 25º dia de crescimento. Com o objetivo de diminuir o tempo necessário para efetuar a identificação de Mycobacterium bovis, avaliou-se o uso combinadodessas duas técnicas, em microcolônias de micobactérias, no oitavo dia pós-semeadura. Até o último dia de observação, todas as amostras com positividade no ensaio da PCR já apresentavam crescimento microscópico, possibilitando-se a realização de diagnóstico precoce da tuberculose bovina mesmo sem aparente crescimento macroscópico das colônias.(AU)

Mycobacterium bovis infection in goats from the Northeast region of Brazil

A total of 8,058 male and female mixed-breed goats and 1-4 years of age were slaughtered over a period of 7 months at the public slaughterhouse of Patos city, Paraíba state, in the Northeast region of Brazil; 822 animals were inspected for gross lesions of tuberculosis, and 12 (1.46 percent) had lesions suggestive of tuberculosis in the mammary gland, lungs, liver and mediastinal, mesenteric, submandibular, parotid and prescapular lymph nodes. Presence of granulomatous lesions was confirmed in the submandibular lymph node of one (8.3 percent) goat at the histopathological examination and at the mycobacterium culture the same sample was confirmed positive. Isolate was confirmed as belonging to the M. tuberculosis complex by PCR restriction enzyme analysis (PRA). Spoligotyping identified the isolate into spoligotype SB0295 on the M. bovis Spoligotype Database website (www.mbovis.org), and it was classified as M. bovis. The occurrence of M. bovis in goats in this study suggests that this species may be a potential source of infection for humans and should be regarded as a possible problem in the advancement of control and eradication program for bovine tuberculosis in Brazil.