Biomarkers of gastrointestinal nematodes in beef cattle raised in a tropical area.

Biomarkers are specific molecular, histological, or physiological characteristics of normal or pathogenic biological processes and are promising in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs). Although some biomarkers have been validated for infection by Ostertagia sp. in cattle raised in temperate regions, there is a lack of information for tropical regions. The aim of this project was to assess potential biomarkers and validate the most promising. In the first study, 36 bovines (Nelore breed) naturally infected by GINs were distributed into two groups: infected (not treated with anthelmintic) and treated (treated with fenbendazole on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, and 56). The variables of interest were live weight, fecal egg count, hemogram, serum biochemical markers, phosphorus, gastrin, and pepsinogen. In the second step, pepsinogen was assessed in cattle of the Nelore breed distributed among three groups: infected (not treated with anthelmintic), MOX (treated with moxidectin), and IVM + BZD (treated with ivermectin + albendazole). In the first study, no difference between groups was found for weight, albumin, hematocrit (corpuscular volume [CV]), erythrocytes, or hemoglobin. Negative correlations were found between pepsinogen and both CV and albumin, and albumin was negatively correlated with the percentage of Haemonchus sp. in the fecal culture. Among the biomarkers, only pepsinogen differentiated treated and infected (beginning with the 28th day of the study). In the second study, a reduction in pepsinogen was found after anthelmintic treatment. Therefore, pepsinogen is a promising biomarker of worms in cattle naturally infected by the genera Haemonchus and Cooperia in tropical areas.

Primary adipsia and severe hypernatremia in a Pit Bull dog / Adipsia primária e hipernatremia severa em um cão Pit Bull

Primary adipsia is a rare condition in which there is failure in the activation threshold of the hypothalamic osmoreceptors, leading to osmolality imbalance. Here, we reported the case of a Pit Bull dog with an altered level of consciousness (started after weaning) and adipsia. There was an increase in plasma osmolality (444 mOsm/kg), sodium (223.7 mg/dL), and chlorine (173 mg/dL) levels. Based on the suspicion of primary adipsia, water was administered via a nasogastric tube, with clinical improvement. The owner was instructed to supply water with food. Eight months after discharge, the dog returned with parvovirus and died. In the anatomopathological examination, no structural changes were observed in the central nervous system. To our knowledge, this is the first report of hypernatremia due to adipsia in a Pit Bull dog, showing that this is a differential diagnosis that should be considered in this breed.

Adipsia primária é uma rara condição em que há falha no limiar de ativação dos osmoreceptores hipotalâmicos, levando ao desequilíbrio da osmolalidade. Este artigo tem como objetivo relatar o caso de um cão da raça Pit Bull apresentando alteração no nível de consciência (iniciado após o desmame) e adipsia. Foi verificado aumento da osmolalidade plasmática (444 mOsm/kg), sódio (223,7 mg/dL) e cloro (173 mg/dL). Baseado na suspeita de adipsia primária, iniciou-se administração de água via sonda nasogástrica, com melhora clínica. O tutor foi orientado a fornecer água junto a alimentação. Oito meses após alta, o paciente retornou com parvovirose e veio a óbito. No exame anatomopatológico, não foram observadas alterações estruturais no sistema nervoso central. Este é o primeiro relato de hipernatremia por adipsia em um cão Pit Bull, mostrando que este é um diagnóstico diferencial que deve ser considerado nesta raça.

Osmoregulatory profiles and gill histological changes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to lambda-cyhalothrin.

Lambda-cyhalothrin is a synthetic pyrethroid that mimics the structure and insecticidal properties of pyrethrin, a natural insecticide derived from chrysanthemums. In fish, it disrupts the nervous system, causing motor paralysis and several other alterations associated with varying levels of mortality. This study aimed to evaluate osmoregulatory responses and histological changes in the gills of Oreochromis niloticus chronically exposed to a sublethal dosage (0.86 µg/L) of lambda-cyhalothrin. The mean serum values for Na2+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+, pH, lactate, H+, HCO3, and glucose along to degree of tissue change (DTC) at 24, 96, 168, and 240 h post-exposure (hpe) were evaluated. Lambda-cyhalothrin affected the neuronal motor function at 24 hpe, followed by the increase of the K+, Ca2+, H+, and glucose levels in the exposed group, compared to the control group. Lactate and H+ levels in the exposed group were higher than those in the control group at 168 and 240 hpe respectively. HCO3, and Cl- levels increased at 240 hpe, although there was no change in the pH values. DTC was higher in treated fish than in control fish, but there were no significant differences among time-exposure. The changes detected ranged from hyperemia of the branchial vasculature, eosinophilic granulocytic cell infiltration, mucous cell hyperplasia, and partial fusion of secondary lamellae at 24 hpe to vascular aneurysm formation, and necrosis of the lamellar epithelium at 240 hpe. Thus, a sublethal dosage of lambda-cyhalothrin in the long-term is toxic for Nile tilapia, characterized by hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, hyperglycemia, and respiratory alkalosis, followed by time-dependent histological changes.

Biomarkers and renal arterial resistive index in dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis frequently causes glomerulonephritis and tubulointerstitial nephritis, nephropathies for which diagnosis has been limited by the low sensitivity of traditional tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum cystatin C and urinary gamma-glutamyltransferase (uGGT) levels and the urinary GGT/urinary creatinine ratio (uGGT/uCR) and to measure the renal arterial resistive index (RARI) in dogs with leishmaniasis with varying degrees of renal injury based on the urine protein: creatinine ratio (UP/C) and serum creatinine (SCr) level. We tested 59 untreated adult dogs of both sexes and undefined breeds naturally infected with Leishmania infantum. The dogs were grouped into four groups based on UP/C and SCr level: group 1 (n = 15), dogs with SCr levels < 1.4 mg/dL and UP/C < 0.5; group 2 (n = 13), dogs with SCr levels < 1.4 mg/dL and UP/C of 0.5-1.0; group 3 (n = 16), dogs with SCr levels < 1.4 and UP/C > 1.0; and group 4 (n = 15), dogs with SCr levels > 1.4. A fifth group of healthy dogs (n = 10) was the control. uGGT concentrations and uGGT/uCR were higher in dogs with proteinuria and SCr < 1.4 mg/dL, whereas the serum cystatin C concentrations and RARI were higher only in dogs with SCr levels > 1.4. In conclusion, uGGT and uGGT/uCR may be useful tools for early detection and assessment of renal lesions associated with leishmaniasis; however, cystatin C is useful for monitoring the progression of kidney disease when measured sequentially.

Experimental infection and transmission of Leishmania by Lutzomyia cruzi (Diptera: Psychodidae): Aspects of the ecology of parasite-vector interactions.

Several parameters should be addressed before incriminating a vector for Leishmania transmission. Those may include its ability to become infected by the same Leishmania species found in humans, the degree of attractiveness for reservoirs and humans and capacity to sustain parasite infection under laboratory conditions. This study evaluated the vectorial capacity of Lutzomyia cruzi for Leishmania infantum and gathered information on its ability to harbor L. amazonensis. Laboratory-reared Lu. cruzi were infected experimentally by feeding them on dogs infected naturally with L. infantum and hamsters infected with L. amazonensis. Sand fly attractiveness to dogs and humans was determined using wild caught insects. The expected daily survival of infected Lu. cruzi, the duration of the gonotrophic cycle, and the extrinsic incubation period were also investigated for both parasites. Vector competence was investigated for both Leishmania species. The mean proportion of female sand flies that fed on hosts was 0.40. For L. infantum and L. amazonensis, Lu. cruzi had experimental infection rates of 10.55% and 41.56%, respectively. The extrinsic incubation period was 3 days for both Leishmania species, regardless of the host. Survival expectancy of females infected with L. infantum and L. amazonensis after completing the gonotrophic cycle was 1.32 and 0.43, respectively. There was no association between L. infantum infection and sand fly longevity, but L. amazonensis-infected flies had significantly greater survival probabilities. Furthermore, egg-laying was significantly detrimental to survival. Lu. cruzi was found to be highly attracted to both dogs and humans. After a bloodmeal on experimentally infected hosts, both parasites were able to survive and develop late-stage infections in Lu. cruzi. However, transmission was demonstrated only for L. amazonensis-infected sand flies. In conclusion, Lu. cruzi fulfilled several of the requirements of vectorial capacity for L. infantum transmission. Moreover, it was also permissive to L. amazonensis.

Comportamento biológico de Leishmania (L. ) amazonensis isolada de um gato doméstico (Felis catus) de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil / Biological behavior of Leishmania (L. ) amazonensis isolated from a cat (Felis catus) from Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil

Embora os principais reservatórios mamíferos de Leishmania descritos nas Américas sejam roedores, gambás, endentados, equinos, caninos e primatas, tem-se discutido o papel do gato como hospedeiro de Leishmania em razão do encontro de felinos infectados nos últimos anos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o comportamento histopatológico das lesões características de leishmaniose cutânea em camundongos infectados, com uma amostra de Leishmania amazonensis isolada de um gato em Ribas do Rio Pardo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. A avaliação histopatológica foi realizada de acordo com a intensidade e a composição do infiltrado inflamatório e a quantidade de parasitos. O estudo mostrou um elevado grau de parasitismo cutâneo na pata 20 dias após a infecção dos camundongos, demonstrando a elevada e rápida infectividade da amostra. Associado à infecção, foi observado um infiltrado inflamatório linfo-histiocitário, eosinofílico intenso e difuso e necrose moderada e difusa. É importante salientar que, no gato de origem, não foram detectadas doenças com características imunossupressoras. Não se verificou a ocorrência de visceralização, uma vez que não foram observados parasitos no fígado e no baço. Apesar disso, constatou-se reação inflamatória focal e perivascular no fígado.

Even though the main mammalian reservoirs of Leishmania described in the Americas are rodents, opossums, horses, canines, and primates, the role of the cat as a host of Leishmania has also been discussed. This work was performed in order to study the histopathology of cutaneous lesions of mice infected with Leishmania(L.) amazonensis isolated from a cat in Ribas do Rio Pardo, Mato Grosso do Sul,Brazil. The histopathological analysis comprised an assessment of the intensity and composition of the inflammatory infiltrate, as well as parasite load. Mice exhibited a high degree of cutaneous parasitism in the paw, at 20 days post infection,demonstrating the high and rapid infectivity of the sample isolated from the cat. An intense and diffuse lymphohistiocytic, eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrate anda diffuse, moderate necrosis were observed at the site of infection. It is important to note that the original cat presented no sign of imunosuppressive disease. The occurrence of visceralization was not observed, since no parasites were found in the liver or spleen 60 days after infection. Nonetheless, the liver presented focal and perivascular inflammatory reactions.

Obstrução urinária por cisto ósseo aneurismático no osso peniano de um cão / Urinary obstruction secondary to an aneurysmal bone cyst in a penile bone of a dog

Este relato trata de um cão atendido com sinal clínico de estrangúria, aumento de volume vesical e presença de massa indolor na região de osso peniano. A falha na sondagem uretral permitiu o diagnóstico de obstrução urinária. Ao exame radiográfico, observou-se massa radiopaca, de contorno regular, localizada na região da uretra peniana. Após remoção cirúrgica, o tecido foi submetido à análise histopatológica, que confirmou o diagnóstico de cisto aneurismático peniano - afecção ainda não relatada na espécie canina.

It is reported the case of a dog with strangury, increased bladder volume and presence of a painless mass in the region of penis bone. The failure of urethral probing allowed the diagnosis of urinary obstruction. A regular contour mass, moving and obstructing the urethra, was observed in the radiographic examination. After surgical removal, the tissue was submitted to histopathologic analysis, which confirmed the diagnosis of aneurismal cyst of the penis - yet unreported disease in dogs.

Molecular diagnosis of Anaplasmataceae organisms in dogs with clinical and microscopical signs of ehrlichiosis.

Ehrlichioses are important emerging zoonotic tick-borne diseases that can affect both animals and humans. Clinical manifestations of ehrlichiosis caused by different members of Anaplasmataceae in dogs are similar to each other and to other diseases showing systemic manifestation. The observation of inclusions in white blood cells and in platelets cannot be used to confirm the Anaplasmataceae etiologic agent of the disease. In this work we assessed the presence of Anaplasmataceae agents in 51 dogs from two different cities (Jaboticabal and Campo Grande) showing clinical and microscopical diagnosis of ehrlichiosis, by using molecular techniques. Anaplasmataceae DNA were amplified in 46/51 (90.2%) of the blood samples; 22 (40%) samples from Jaboticabal and 10 (18.2%) from Campo Grande were positive for E. canis nPCR. Anaplasma platys DNA was amplified in 2 samples from Jaboticabal and in 11 from Campo Grande. Phylogenetic analysis of E. canis and A. platys DNA confirmed the infection agent and showed that PCR is the most reliable method to diagnose ehrlichial infection.

Molecular diagnosis of Anaplasmataceae organisms in dogs with clinical and microscopical signs of ehrlichiosis / Diagnóstico molecular de agentes da família Anaplasmataceae em cães com sinais clínicos e microscópios de erliquiose

Ehrlichioses are important emerging zoonotic tick-borne diseases that can affect both animals and humans. Clinical manifestations of ehrlichiosis caused by different members of Anaplasmataceae in dogs are similar to each other and to other diseases showing systemic manifestation. The observation of inclusions in white blood cells and in platelets cannot be used to confirm the Anaplasmataceae etiologic agent of the disease. In this work we assessed the presence of Anaplasmataceae agents in 51 dogs from two different cities (Jaboticabal and Campo Grande) showing clinical and microscopical diagnosis of ehrlichiosis, by using molecular techniques. Anaplasmataceae DNA were amplified in 46/51 (90.2 percent) of the blood samples; 22 (40 percent) samples from Jaboticabal and 10 (18.2 percent) from Campo Grande were positive for E. canis nPCR. Anaplasma platys DNA was amplified in 2 samples from Jaboticabal and in 11 from Campo Grande. Phylogenetic analysis of E. canis and A. platys DNA confirmed the infection agent and showed that PCR is the most reliable method to diagnose ehrlichial infection.

Erliquioses são importantes enfermidades emergentes transmitidas por carrapatos que podem afetar os animais e o homem. Em cães, as manifestações clínicas da erliquiose causada por diferentes membros da Família Anaplasmataceae são similares entre si e entre outras enfermidades de manifestação sistêmica. A observação de inclusões em leucócitos e plaquetas não pode ser utilizada para diagnosticar o agente etiológico pertencente à Família Anaplasmataceae. O presente trabalho objetivou detectar, por meio de técnicas moleculares, a presença de agentes da Família Anaplasmataceae em 51 cães de duas diferentes cidades (Jaboticabal, SP e Campo Grande, MS) apresentando sinais clínicos e microscópios sugestivos de erliquiose. DNA de agentes da Família Anaplasmataceae foi amplificado em 46/51 (90,2 por cento) das amostras de sangue; 22 (40 por cento) amostras de Jaboticabal e 10 (18,2 por cento) amostras de Campo Grande foram positivas na nested PCR para E. canis. DNA de Anaplasma platys foi amplificado em duas amostras de Jaboticabal e em 11 de Campo Grande. Análise filogenética dos DNAs de E. canis e A. platys das amostras confirmou o agente etiológico e mostrou que a PCR é o método mais confiável no diagnóstico das infecções por agentes da Família Anaplasmataceae.

Aspectos clínico-laboratoriais da infecção natural por Trypanosoma cruzi em cães de Mato Grosso do Sul / Clinical and laboratorial features of naturally occurring Trypanosoma cruzi infection in dogs from Mato Grosso do Sul

A doença de Chagas causada pelo T. cruzi é transmitida, principalmente, por insetos vetores e está distribuída na Argentina, no Chile, na Venezuela e no Brasil. O cão, além de ser um importante reservatório, também é vítima da doença e a única espécie capaz de desenvolver manifestações clínicas iguais a do homem. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo descrever as alterações clínicas encontradas em quatro cães infectados naturalmente pelo T. cruzi e alertar para a possibilidade de que a ocorrência dessa enfermidade em cães de Mato Grosso do Sul possa estar sendo subestimada. Os animais foram selecionados a partir de exames sorológicos de reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), ensaio imunossorvente ligado à enzima (ELISA) e immunoblotting com antígeno secretado e excretado da forma tripomastigota do T. cruzi (TESA-blot) e submetidos a xenodiagnóstico, exame físico, radiografia torácica, eletrocardiografia, ecocardiografia e bioquímica sérica. As alterações encontradas foram aumento de ventrículo direito, presença de arritmias do tipo bloqueio átrio ventricular, sinus arrest e bloqueio de ramo direito, além de disfunção sistólica e diastólica. Três animais apresentaram hiperproteinemia e as dosagens das enzimas CK e CK-MB revelaram valores indicativos de uma miocardite ativa. Esses são os primeiros casos descritos de cães com evidências consistentes de infecção natural pelo T. cruzi em Mato Grosso do Sul e ressalta-se o alerta aos médicos veterinários para a importância clínica e o papel dessa espécie como reservatório da doença.

Chagas disease is caused by T. cruzi, which is transmitted essentially by vector insects, and is distributed in Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, and Brazil. Besides being an important reservoir of the disease, dogs represent the only species to develop clinical signs similar to those presented by human beings. This study was aimed at describing the clinical features of four dogs naturally infected with T. cruzi, as well as to warn that some cases might be underestimated. The animals were selected based on the serologic exams indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblotting test with T. cruzi excreted-secreted antigens (TESA-blot), and xenodiagnosis. Physical examination, chest radiographs, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and serum biochemistry was accomplished in every dog. The most important alterations were the enlargement of the right ventricle, the atrioventricular blocks, sinus arrest, and right bundle branch blocks, besides both systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Three animals presented hyperproteinemia, as well as CK and CK-MB profiles compatible with an active myocarditis. These are the first reported cases of dogs with solid evidences of naturally occurring T. cruzi infection in Mato Grosso do Sul State, therefore reinforcing the clinical importance and the role of these species as reservoir of the disease.

[Anti-Leptospira antibodies in patients in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul with clinical suspicion of dengue or viral hepatitis]. / Anticorpos anti-Leptospira em pacientes de Mato Grosso do Sul com suspeita clínica de dengue ou hepatite viral.

In view of the lack of clinical and epidemiological data on human leptospirosis in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, and the possibility of confounding it with other diseases, sera from patients with a preliminary clinical suspicion of dengue or viral hepatitis but without laboratory confirmation were examined by means of microscopic seroagglutination techniques for leptospirosis. The seroreactivity rates among the samples with clinically suspected dengue or viral hepatitis were 15.9% and 9%. The most frequent serovar was Hurstbridge (70.4%) and the serovar with the highest titer was Canicola (1:51,200). No association was found between seropositivity and the patients sex, age or occupation. This study demonstrated that, although the present notifications of leptospirosis cases in Mato Grosso do Sul are negligible, the prevalence of antibodies was high in the groups investigated. Therefore, the hypothesis that there is undernotification of human leptospirosis cases in this State and difficulties in the differential diagnosis between dengue and viral hepatitis should be considered.

Anticorpos anti-Leptospira em pacientes de Mato Grosso do Sul com suspeita clínica de dengue ou hepatite viral / Anti-Leptospira antibodies in patients in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul with clinical suspicion of dengue or viral hepatitis

Considerando a carência de dados clínicos e epidemiológicos da leptospirose humana no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul e a possibilidade de confusão com outras doenças, soros de pacientes com suspeita clínica inicial de dengue e hepatite viral, porém, sem confirmação laboratorial, foram examinados, através de soroaglutinação microscópica para leptospirose. Os índices de sororreagentes nas amostras com suspeita clínica de dengue e hepatite viral foram, respectivamente, 15,9 por cento e 9 por cento. A maior ocorrência foi para o sorovar hurstbridge (70,4 por cento) e o maior título para o sorovar canicola (1:51. 200). Não se observou associação entre positividade e sexo, idade ou ocupação dos pacientes. O estudo demonstrou que, embora as atuais notificações de casos de leptospirose em Mato Grosso do Sul sejam irrisórias, a prevalência de anticorpos foi elevada nos grupos investigados e, portanto, a hipótese de subnotificação de casos de leptospirose humana em Mato Grosso do Sul e dificuldades no diagnóstico diferencial com dengue e hepatite viral devem ser consideradas.

In view of the lack of clinical and epidemiological data on human leptospirosis in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, and the possibility of confounding it with other diseases, sera from patients with a preliminary clinical suspicion of dengue or viral hepatitis but without laboratory confirmation were examined by means of microscopic seroagglutination techniques for leptospirosis. The seroreactivity rates among the samples with clinically suspected dengue or viral hepatitis were 15. 9 percent and 9 percent. The most frequent serovar was Hurstbridge (70. 4 percent) and the serovar with the highest titer was Canicola (1:51,200). No association was found between seropositivity and the patients sex, age or occupation. This study demonstrated that, although the present notifications of leptospirosis cases in Mato Grosso do Sul are negligible, the prevalence of antibodies was high in the groups investigated. Therefore, the hypothesis that there is undernotification of human leptospirosis cases in this State and difficulties in the differential diagnosis between dengue and viral hepatitis should be considered.

Criptococose felina / Feline cryptococcosis

O presente estudo analisa um caso de criptococose observado em um felino doméstico (Felis catus),SRD, com 1,5 ano de idade, que foi atendido no Hospital Veterinário da UNIDERP, Campo Grande-MS. O animal apresentava lesão sintomática na região nasal. Após o exame clínico foi realizada a colheita de material para exame citológico, que revelou a presença de microrganismos capsulados com características sugestivas de Cryptococcus neoformans. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pelo isolamento de Cryptococcus neoformans em cultivo de ágar Saboraud dextrose (ASD) e ágar semente de níger (ASN). Após a terapêutica com cetoconazol, houve resposta clínica e microbiológica, uma vez que não foi identificada a presença do fungo em um exame citológico posterior.

Osteolytic osteomyelitis associated with visceral leishmaniasis in a dog.

A dog was examined with a history of weight loss and lameness of the left hind limb. A painful response to examination of the left hip joint, and lymphadenopathy were noted. Amastigote forms of Leishmania sp. were observed by cytology in samples from the popliteus lymph node, and anti-Leishmania sp. antibodies at a titer of 1:640 were detected in serum by indirect immunofluorescence. Radiological changes included osteolysis and a periosteal proliferative reaction in the left femoral greater trochanter. These changes were histologically characterized as an osteolytic granulomatous osteomyelitis associated with amastigotes within macrophages. Non-decalcified fragments of the periosteum were processed for immunohistochemistry, observed with prominent immunolabelling of amastigotes of Leishmania sp. within macrophages. The diagnosis was further confirmed by positive PCR for Leishmania sp., belonging to the Leishmania donovani complex.

Feline leishmaniasis due to Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis in Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil.

A case of leishmaniasis in a domestic cat (Felis domesticus) is described. The animal showed a single, nodular lesion on the nose and many nodules of different size on the ears and digital regions of all the paws. Diagnosis was made by microscopic detection of amastigotes in Giemsa-stained smears from the lesions. By monoclonal antibodies the aetiological agent was identified as Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, one of the seven species implicated in human leishmaniasis in Brazil. The clinical signs in feline leishmaniasis are unspecific and similar to those observed in other diseases such as cryptococcosis and in sporotrichosis, commonly found in cats. Leishmaniasis should therefore, be added to the differential diagnosis by feline veterinary practitioners and adequate investigations should carried out for dermal leishmaniasis in the area where the feline infection is detected.