Natural mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection in a brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) in Brazil.

Neotropical primates rarely exhibit active tuberculosis. A brown howler monkey was found injured in an urban area. Histopathology revealed granulomatous inflammation in the lungs, lymph nodes, and liver. Immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The findings highlight the importance of TB surveillance in nonhuman primates.

Canine leproid granuloma caused by a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.

Canine leproid granuloma (CLG) is a chronic form of dermatitis that has been associated with nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in Africa, Oceania, the Americas, and Europe. We report here a case of CLG associated with a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), which could be of public health concern. An 8-y-old pet dog developed 0.5-1-cm diameter, raised, firm, nonpruritic, alopecic, painless skin nodules on the external aspects of both pinnae. Histologic examination revealed severe pyogranulomatous dermatitis with intracellular Ziehl-Neelsen-positive bacilli that were immunoreactive by immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal primary antibody that recognizes tuberculous and nontuberculous Mycobacterium species. DNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded skin sections was tested by a Mycobacterium genus-specific nested PCR assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene. BLAST sequence analysis of 214-bp and 178-bp amplicons showed 99.5% identity with members of the MTBC; however, the agent could not be identified at the species level. Although CLG has been associated traditionally with nontuberculous mycobacterial infections, the role of Mycobacterium spp. within the MTBC as a cause of this condition, and the role of dogs with CLG as possible sources of MTBC to other animals and humans, should not be disregarded given its zoonotic potential.

Prevalence of Platynosomum spp infection and its association with biliary lithiasis and secondary bacterial infections in free-ranging marmosets (Callithrix spp) of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Platynosomosis is a parasitic disease caused by a trematode of the genus Platynosomum, a bile duct and gallbladder fluke that has been described in captive neotropical primates (New World primates; NWPs) and causes high morbidity and variable mortality. Although it is a major concern for ex-situ conservation of these animals, there are only a few studies of platynosomosis in free-ranging NWPs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize platynosomosis in a free-ranging population of marmosets (Callithrix spp) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, focusing on the epidemiological and pathological aspects of the disease. A total of 1,001 marmosets were evaluated and on the basis of clinicoepidemiological data, histopathology, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, we concluded that Platynosomum spp infection has a prevalence of 8.9% (confidence interval: 7.3-10.8%) in free-ranging marmosets, with a higher frequency in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro. Infection was associated with fibrosing and proliferative cholangiohepatitis associated with biliary lithiasis (3.0% of cases) and secondary bacterial infections (14.6% of cases).

Bovine Polyomavirus-1 (Epsilonpolyomavirus bovis): An Emerging Fetal Pathogen of Cattle That Causes Renal Lesions Resembling Polyomavirus-Associated Nephropathy of Humans.

Bovine polyomavirus-1 (BoPyV-1, Epsilonpolyomavirus bovis) is widespread in cattle and has been detected in commercialized beef at supermarkets in the USA and Germany. BoPyV-1 has been questioned as a probable zoonotic agent with documented increase in seropositivity in people exposed to cattle. However, to date, BoPyV-1 has not been causally associated with pathology or disease in any animal species, including humans. Here we describe and illustrate pathological findings in an aborted bovine fetus naturally infected with BoPyV-1, providing evidence of its pathogenicity and probable abortigenic potential. Our results indicate that: (i) BoPyV-1 can cause severe kidney lesions in cattle, including tubulointerstitial nephritis with cytopathic changes and necrosis in tubular epithelial cells, tubular and interstitial inflammation, and interstitial fibroplasia; (ii) lesions are at least partly attributable to active viral replication in renal tubular epithelial cells, which have abundant intranuclear viral inclusions; (iii) BoPyV-1 large T (LT) antigen, resulting from early viral gene expression, can be detected in infected renal tubular epithelial cells using a monoclonal antibody raised against Simian Virus-40 polyomavirus LT antigen; and (iv) there is productive BoPyV-1 replication and virion assembly in the nuclei of renal tubular epithelial cells, as demonstrated by the ultrastructural observation of abundant arrays of viral particles with typical polyomavirus morphology. Altogether, these lesions resemble the "cytopathic-inflammatory pathology pattern" proposed in the pathogenesis of Human polyomavirus-1-associated nephropathy in immunocompromised people and kidney allograft recipients. Additionally, we sequenced the complete genome of the BoPyV-1 infecting the fetus, which represents the first whole genome of a BoPyV-1 from the Southern Hemisphere. Lastly, the BoPyV-1 strain infecting this fetus was isolated, causing a cytopathic effect in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells. We conclude that BoPyV-1 is pathogenic to the bovine fetus under natural circumstances. Further insights into the epidemiology, biology, clinical relevance, and zoonotic potential of BoPyV-1 are needed.

Pathology and epidemiology of fatal toxoplasmosis in free-ranging marmosets (Callithrix spp.) from the Brazilian atlantic forest.

Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonotic disease that affects a wide range of warm-blooded host species. Neotropical primates (New World Primates; NWP) are highly susceptible, developing a lethal acute systemic disease. Toxoplasmosis in free-ranging NWP is poorly described, with only a few studies based on serosurveys. Herein we performed a retrospective study focusing on the epidemiology and pathology of toxoplasmosis among 1,001 free-ranging marmoset (Callithrix spp.) deaths from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. This study included marmosets necropsied at the Instituto Municipal de Medicina Veterinária Jorge Vaitsman (IJV) from January 2017 to July 2019, which were found dead from all regions in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to better characterize toxoplasmosis in this free-ranging population. All samples were also tested for Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) RT-qPCR by the official diagnostic service. A total of 1,001 free-ranging marmosets were included in this study, with 16 (1.6%) cases of lethal Toxoplasma gondii infections identified both as individual cases and in outbreaks. Presence of infection was not associated with sex, age, geographical distribution, or year of death, and no co-infection with YFV was observed. The main pathological feature in these cases was random necrotizing hepatitis with detection of intralesional T. gondii zoites in all infected cases. Interstitial pneumonia rich in alveolar foamy macrophages and fibrin deposition, necrotizing myocarditis and necrotizing splenitis were also pathological features in affected marmosets. Therefore, toxoplasmosis was considered the cause of death in 1.6% of free-ranging marmosets in this retrospective series, including some cases associated with outbreaks. Necrotizing random hepatitis was a consistent pathological finding in affected cases and sampling of liver should be ensured from Callitrichid post mortem cases.

Fatal Human Alphaherpesvirus 1 Infection in Free-Ranging Black-Tufted Marmosets in Anthropized Environments, Brazil, 2012-2019.

Human alphaherpesvirus 1 (HuAHV1) causes fatal neurologic infections in captive New World primates. To determine risks for interspecies transmission, we examined data for 13 free-ranging, black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) that died of HuAHV1 infection and had been in close contact with humans in anthropized areas in Brazil during 2012-2019. We evaluated pathologic changes in the marmosets, localized virus and antigen, and assessed epidemiologic features. The main clinical findings were neurologic signs, necrotizing meningoencephalitis, and ulcerative glossitis; 1 animal had necrotizing hepatitis. Transmission electron microscopy revealed intranuclear herpetic inclusions, and immunostaining revealed HuAHV1 and herpesvirus particles in neurons, glial cells, tongue mucosal epithelium, and hepatocytes. PCR confirmed HuAHV1 infection. These findings illustrate how disruption of the One Health equilibrium in anthropized environments poses risks for interspecies virus transmission with potential spillover not only from animals to humans but also from humans to free-ranging nonhuman primates or other animals.

Fatal Toxoplasma gondii myocarditis in an urban pet dog.

A 70-day-old Boxer dog from a household in Montevideo, Uruguay, died after presenting neurologic, respiratory, and gastrointestinal signs for 6 days. Autopsy findings included lymphadenomegaly, ascites and hepatomegaly. Histopathology revealed severe widespread lymphohistiocytic and plasmacytic myocarditis with cardiomyocyte necrosis, mineralization and numerous intrasarcoplasmic protozoa immunoreactive with anti-Toxoplasma gondii antisera on immunohistochemistry. The protozoa were ultrastructurally confirmed as T. gondii by transmission electron microscopy. Other lesions included diffuse centrilobular hepatocellular necrosis, multifocal lymphohistiocytic portal hepatitis and interstitial nephritis. Other causes of myocarditis, including Neospora caninum, Trypanosoma cruzi, Sarcocystis neurona, canine distemper virus, and canine parvovirus were ruled out by immunohistochemistry. Toxoplasma gondii infections in dogs are usually subclinical; however, clinical disease with fatal outcome can occur. To our knowledge, this is the first report of fatal toxoplasmosis in a dog in Uruguay. This case raises awareness for dogs as sentinels and possible sources of human toxoplasmosis in urban settings in Uruguay.

Pathology and One Health implications of fatal Leptospira interrogans infection in an urbanized, free-ranging, black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata) in Brazil.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic neglected disease of worldwide public health concern. Leptospira species can infect a wide range of wild and domestic mammals and lead to a spectrum of disease, including severe and fatal forms. Herein, we report for the first time a fatal Leptospira interrogans infection in a free-ranging nonhuman primate (NHP), a black-tufted marmoset. Icterus, pulmonary haemorrhage, interstitial nephritis, and hepatocellular dissociation were the main findings raising the suspicion of leptospirosis. Diagnostic confirmation was based on specific immunohistochemical and PCR assays for Leptospira species. Immunolocalization of leptospiral antigens and identification of pathogenic species (L. interrogans species) were important for better understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. One Health-related implications of free-ranging NHPs in anthropized areas and transmission dynamics of human and animal leptospirosis are discussed.

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis: The Foothold in Undervaccination.

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a fatal complication of measles infection. We present a case of a fully vaccinated 3-year-old boy who was diagnosed with and treated for autoimmune encephalitis before arriving at a diagnosis of SSPE. We discuss the challenges of diagnosing SSPE in developed countries.

Pathology of congenital Zika syndrome in Brazil: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus is an arthropod-borne virus that is a member of the family Flaviviridae transmitted mainly by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes. Although usually asymptomatic, infection can result in a mild and self-limiting illness characterised by fever, rash, arthralgia, and conjunctivitis. An increase in the number of children born with microcephaly was noted in 2015 in regions of Brazil with high transmission of Zika virus. More recently, evidence has been accumulating supporting a link between Zika virus and microcephaly. Here, we describe findings from three fatal cases and two spontaneous abortions associated with Zika virus infection. METHODS: In this case series, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from five cases, including two newborn babies with microcephaly and severe arthrogryposis who died shortly after birth, one 2-month-old baby, and two placentas from spontaneous abortions, from Brazil were submitted to the Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, GA, USA) between December, 2015, and March, 2016. Specimens were assessed by histopathological examination, immunohistochemical assays using a mouse anti-Zika virus antibody, and RT-PCR assays targeting the NS5 and envelope genes. Amplicons of RT-PCR positive cases were sequenced for characterisation of strains. FINDINGS: Viral antigens were localised to glial cells and neurons and associated with microcalcifications in all three fatal cases with microcephaly. Antigens were also seen in chorionic villi of one of the first trimester placentas. Tissues from all five cases were positive for Zika virus RNA by RT-PCR, and sequence analyses showed highest identities with Zika virus strains isolated from Brazil during 2015. INTERPRETATION: These findings provide strong evidence of a link between Zika virus infection and different congenital central nervous system malformations, including microcephaly as well as arthrogryposis and spontaneous abortions. FUNDING: None.

Notes from the Field: Evidence of Zika Virus Infection in Brain and Placental Tissues from Two Congenitally Infected Newborns and Two Fetal Losses--Brazil, 2015.

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that is related to dengue virus and transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, with humans acting as the principal amplifying host during outbreaks. Zika virus was first reported in Brazil in May 2015 (1). By February 9, 2016, local transmission of infection had been reported in 26 countries or territories in the Americas.* Infection is usually asymptomatic, and, when symptoms are present, typically results in mild and self-limited illness with symptoms including fever, rash, arthralgia, and conjunctivitis. However, a surge in the number of children born with microcephaly was noted in regions of Brazil with a high prevalence of suspected Zika virus disease cases. More than 4,700 suspected cases of microcephaly were reported from mid-2015 through January 2016, although additional investigations might eventually result in a revised lower number (2). In response, the Brazil Ministry of Health established a task force to further investigate possible connections between the virus and brain anomalies in infants (3).