First Cases of Feline Sporotrichosis Caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis in Paraguay.

Sporothrix brasiliensis is an emerging fungal pathogen causing cat-transmitted sporotrichosis, an epi-zoonosis affecting humans, cats and dogs in Brazil and now spreading to neighboring South American countries. Here, we report the first two autochthonous cases of cat-transmitted sporotrichosis in Paraguay. The first case was a four-year-old male cat showing several ulcerative lesions, nasal deformity and respiratory symptoms. The second case was a one-year-old male cat showing a single ulcerated lesion, respiratory symptoms and nasal deformity. Both cases were admitted to a veterinary clinic in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay. Isolates were recovered from swabs of the two cases. Using molecular methods, the isolates were identified as S. brasiliensis.

A New Assessment of Robust Capuchin Monkey (Sapajus) Evolutionary History Using Genome-Wide SNP Marker Data and a Bayesian Approach to Species Delimitation.

Robust capuchin monkeys, Sapajus genus, are among the most phenotypically diverse and widespread groups of primates in South America, with one of the most confusing and often shifting taxonomies. We used a ddRADseq approach to generate genome-wide SNP markers for 171 individuals from all putative extant species of Sapajus to access their evolutionary history. Using maximum likelihood, multispecies coalescent phylogenetic inference, and a Bayes Factor method to test for alternative hypotheses of species delimitation, we inferred the phylogenetic history of the Sapajus radiation, evaluating the number of discrete species supported. Our results support the recognition of three species from the Atlantic Forest south of the São Francisco River, with these species being the first splits in the robust capuchin radiation. Our results were congruent in recovering the Pantanal and Amazonian Sapajus as structured into three monophyletic clades, though new morphological assessments are necessary, as the Amazonian clades do not agree with previous morphology-based taxonomic distributions. Phylogenetic reconstructions for Sapajus occurring in the Cerrado, Caatinga, and northeastern Atlantic Forest were less congruent with morphology-based phylogenetic reconstructions, as the bearded capuchin was recovered as a paraphyletic clade, with samples from the Caatinga biome being either a monophyletic clade or nested with the blond capuchin monkey.

Neospora caninum e toxoplasma gondii: revisão de literatura / Neospora caninum and toxoplasma gondii: review of literature / Neospora caninum y toxoplasma gondii: revisión de literatura

A Neospora caninum e a Toxoplasma gondii são os agentes etiológicos que causam a Neosporose e a Toxoplasmose, respectivamente. Estas duas doenças são consideradas de grande importância econômica e de distribuição mundial, que acometem tanto animais de produção quanto animais domésticos. Apresentam sinais clínicos inespecíficos, sendo a Neosporose frequentemente associada ao abortamento em fêmeas. Ambas enfermidades costumavam ser confundidas, dificultando o diagnóstico. São causadas por protozoários cosmopolitas de ciclos biológicos heteróxenos. O Toxoplasma gondii é responsável por doença clínica em cães e gatos, enquanto o Neospora caninum acomete somente cães. Além disso, não há, até o momento, relatos de Neosporose em humanos, diferente da Toxoplasmose. Ocasionalmente esta pode ocorrer em coiotes, suínos, ovinos, caprinos, equinos, cervídeos e bubalinos. Anticorpos contra Neospora tem sido descrito em raposas, camelos e felídeos. O objetivo da presente revisão, é elucidar a forma de transmissão, sinais clínicos, diagnóstico, tratamento e controle de ambas as doenças, mostrando suas semelhanças, afim de que se possa diagnosticá-las corretamente.(AU)

Neospora caninum and toxoplasma gondii are agents of great economic importance and worldwide distribution that affect production and domestic animals. They present nonspecific clinical signs, and neosporosis is a disease that frequently causes abortion in females, which is considered current, because both used to be confused, making diagnosis difficult. They are protozoan, cosmopolitan, of heterogeneous biological cycles. Toxoplasma gondii is responsible for clinical disease in dogs and cats, while Neospora caninum affects only dogs. Furthermore, there are no reports to date of neosporosis in humans, other than toxoplasmosis. Occasionally it may occur in coyotes, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, deer, and bubaline. Antibodies to Neospora have been described in foxes, camels, and felids. This review aims to elucidate the transmission, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and control of both diseases, showing their similarities, so that they can be correctly diagnosed.(AU)

Neospora caninum y Toxoplasma gondii son los agentes etiológicos que causan Neosporosis y Toxoplasmosis, respectivamente. Estas dos enfermedades se consideran de gran importancia económica y de distribución mundial, afectando tanto al ganado como a los animales domésticos. Presentan signos clínicos inespecíficos y la neosporosis se asocia con frecuencia al aborto en mujeres. Ambas dolencias solían ser erróneas, lo que hacía difícil el diagnóstico. Son causados por protozoos cosmopolitas de ciclos biológicos heterogéneos. Toxoplasma gondii es responsable de enfermedades clínicas en perros y gatos, mientras que Neospora caninum sólo ataca a perros. Además, no se han notificado casos de Neosporosis en humanos hasta el momento, diferente de Toxoplasmosis. Ocasionalmente esto puede ocurrir en coyotes, cerdos, ovejas, cabras, caballos, ciervos y bubalinos. Se han notificado anticuerpos contra la Neospora en zorros, camellos y felinos. El propósito de esta revisión es dilucidar la forma de transmisión, los signos clínicos, el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el control de ambas enfermedades, mostrando sus similitudes, de manera que puedan ser diagnosticadas correctamente.(AU)

Lack of serological and molecular evidences of Zika virus circulation in non-human primates in three states from Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) was discovered in 1947 with the virus isolation from Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) in Uganda forest, Africa. Old World Primates are involved in a sylvatic cycle of maintenance of this arbovirus, however a limited knowledge about the role of New World primates in ZIKV transmission cycles has been established. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to investigate the presence of enzootic circulation of ZIKV in New World Primates from three Brazilian states: São Paulo, Paraíba, and Paraná. METHODS: We analyzed 100 non-human primate samples collected in 2018 and 2020 from free-ranging and captive environments from São Paulo (six municipalities belonging to Sorocaba region), Paraíba (João Pessoa municipality), and Paraná (Foz do Iguaçu municipality) using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase reaction (RT-qPCR) assays, indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). FINDINGS: All samples (n = 141) tested negative for the presence of ZIKV genome from tissue and blood samples. In addition, all sera (n = 58) from Foz do Iguaçu' non-human primates (NHPs) were negative in serological assays. MAIN CONCLUSION: No evidence of ZIKV circulation (molecular and serological) was found in neotropical primates. In addition, the absence of antibodies against ZIKV suggests the absence of previous viral exposure of NHPs from Foz do Iguaçu-PR.

Lack of serological and molecular evidences of Zika virus circulation in non-human primates in three states from Brazil

BACKGROUND Zika virus (ZIKV) was discovered in 1947 with the virus isolation from Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) in Uganda forest, Africa. Old World Primates are involved in a sylvatic cycle of maintenance of this arbovirus, however a limited knowledge about the role of New World primates in ZIKV transmission cycles has been established. OBJECTIVE This work aimed to investigate the presence of enzootic circulation of ZIKV in New World Primates from three Brazilian states: São Paulo, Paraíba, and Paraná. METHODS We analyzed 100 non-human primate samples collected in 2018 and 2020 from free-ranging and captive environments from São Paulo (six municipalities belonging to Sorocaba region), Paraíba (João Pessoa municipality), and Paraná (Foz do Iguaçu municipality) using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase reaction (RT-qPCR) assays, indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). FINDINGS All samples (n = 141) tested negative for the presence of ZIKV genome from tissue and blood samples. In addition, all sera (n = 58) from Foz do Iguaçu' non-human primates (NHPs) were negative in serological assays. MAIN CONCLUSION No evidence of ZIKV circulation (molecular and serological) was found in neotropical primates. In addition, the absence of antibodies against ZIKV suggests the absence of previous viral exposure of NHPs from Foz do Iguaçu-PR.

Molecular Detection of Dengue Virus in Mosquitoes as an Early Indicator to Aid in the Prevention of Human Infection in Endemic Areas.

Human cases of dengue virus based on the National Dengue Control Plan were compared with the molecular detection of the dengue virus in trapped mosquitoes, verifying the prediction and efficacy potentials of vector control between the two methodologies in a city with three endemic frontiers. Molecular detection of dengue virus in trapped mosquitoes was significantly higher than in human cases (p = 0.0435). Thus, molecular detection could be used as an early indicator to help prevent more human cases of dengue.

Comparative analysis of Mouse Inoculation Test and Virus Isolation in Cell Culture for rabies diagnosis in animals of Parana, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Rabies is an acute zoonotic disease, caused by a rhabdovirus that can affect all mammals, and is commonly transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. The definitive diagnosis is laboratorial, by the Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT) as a quick test and Mouse Inoculation Test (MIT) as a confirmatory test (gold standard). Studies conducted over the past three decades indicate that MIT and Virus Isolation in Cell Culture (VICC) can provide the same effectiveness, the latter being considered superior in bioethics and animal welfare. The aim of this study was to compare VICC with MIT, in terms of accuracy, biosafety and occupational health, supply and equipment costs, bioethics and animal welfare, in a Brazilian public health lab. METHODS: We utilized 400 samples of animal neurological tissue to compare the performance of VICC against MIT. The variables analyzed were accuracy, biosafety and occupational health, time spent in performing the tests, supply and equipment costs, bioethics and animal welfare evaluation. RESULTS: Both VICC and MIT had almost the same accuracy (99.8%), although VICC presented fewer risks regarding biosafety and mental health of the technicians, and reduced time between inoculation and obtaining the results (approximately 22 days less). In addition, VICC presented lower supply costs (86.5% less), equipment costs (32.6% less), and the advantage of not using animals. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that VICC can replace MIT, offering the same accuracy and better features regarding cost, results, biosafety and occupational health, and bioethics and animal welfare.

Comparative analysis of Mouse Inoculation Test and Virus Isolation in Cell Culture for rabies diagnosis in animals of Parana, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Rabies is an acute zoonotic disease, caused by a rhabdovirus that can affect all mammals, and is commonly transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. The definitive diagnosis is laboratorial, by the Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT) as a quick test and Mouse Inoculation Test (MIT) as a confirmatory test (gold standard). Studies conducted over the past three decades indicate that MIT and Virus Isolation in Cell Culture (VICC) can provide the same effectiveness, the latter being considered superior in bioethics and animal welfare. The aim of this study was to compare VICC with MIT, in terms of accuracy, biosafety and occupational health, supply and equipment costs, bioethics and animal welfare, in a Brazilian public health lab. METHODS: We utilized 400 samples of animal neurological tissue to compare the performance of VICC against MIT. The variables analyzed were accuracy, biosafety and occupational health, time spent in performing the tests, supply and equipment costs, bioethics and animal welfare evaluation. RESULTS: Both VICC and MIT had almost the same accuracy (99.8%), although VICC presented fewer risks regarding biosafety and mental health of the technicians, and reduced time between inoculation and obtaining the results (approximately 22 days less). In addition, VICC presented lower supply costs (86.5% less), equipment costs (32.6% less), and the advantage of not using animals. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that VICC can replace MIT, offering the same accuracy and better features regarding cost, results, biosafety and occupational health, and bioethics and animal welfare.

Improvement of a RT-PCR assay for Yellow Fever virus genome detection

The aim of the present study was to describe an improved protocol of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for Yellow Fever virus genome detection. A strain of ribonucleic acid of Yellow Fever virus was submitted to the improved protocol of RT-PCR and the amplicons were visualized under ultraviolet transilluminator, purifed and sequenced. The nucleotide sequence obtained was compared with sequences available in GenBank using the tblastx tool. The amplicons produced by the strain of ribonucleic acid of Yellow Fever virus exhibited fragments of 400 and 800 base pairs and the consensus sequence exhibited a similarity of 100% with Yellow Fever virus sequences recorded in GenBank. The improved protocol described in this study allowed Yellow Fever virus genome detection and enabled the elimination of the nested-PCR step, which has been frequently associated with contamination. In addition, it reduced the time of reaction, the cost of reagents and the possibility of sample contamination. New methods of investigating these infections must be elaborated and a continuous vigilance of these viruses in their different vectors and hosts is required to avoid negative impacts on human health, tourism and trade.(AU)

SEROLOGICAL DETECTION OF HEPATITIS A VIRUS IN FREE-RANGING NEOTROPICAL PRIMATES (Sapajus spp., Alouatta caraya) FROM THE PARANÁ RIVER BASIN, BRAZIL.

Nonhuman primates are considered as the natural hosts of Hepatitis A virus (HAV), as well as other pathogens, and can serve as natural sentinels to investigate epizootics and endemic diseases that are of public health importance. During this study, blood samples were collected from 112 Neotropical primates (NTPs) (Sapajus nigritus and S. cay, n = 75; Alouatta caraya, n = 37) trap-captured at the Paraná River basin, Brazil, located between the States of Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul. Anti-HAV IgG antibodies were detected in 4.5% (5/112) of NTPs, specifically in 6.7% (5/75) of Sapajus spp. and 0% (0/37) of A. caraya. In addition, all samples were negative for the presence of IgM anti-HAV antibodies. These results suggest that free-ranging NTPs were exposed to HAV within the geographical regions evaluated.

SEROLOGICAL DETECTION OF HEPATITIS A VIRUS IN FREE-RANGING NEOTROPICAL PRIMATES (Sapajus spp., Alouatta caraya) FROM THE PARANÁ RIVER BASIN, BRAZIL

Nonhuman primates are considered as the natural hosts of Hepatitis A virus (HAV), as well as other pathogens, and can serve as natural sentinels to investigate epizootics and endemic diseases that are of public health importance. During this study, blood samples were collected from 112 Neotropical primates (NTPs) (Sapajus nigritus and S. cay, n = 75; Alouatta caraya, n = 37) trap-captured at the Paraná River basin, Brazil, located between the States of Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul. Anti-HAV IgG antibodies were detected in 4.5% (5/112) of NTPs, specifically in 6.7% (5/75) of Sapajus spp. and 0% (0/37) of A. caraya. In addition, all samples were negative for the presence of IgM anti-HAV antibodies. These results suggest that free-ranging NTPs were exposed to HAV within the geographical regions evaluated.

Evaluation of arboviruses of public health interest in free-living non-human primates (Alouatta spp., Callithrix spp., Sapajus spp.) in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of arboviruses from the Flavivirus genus in asymptomatic free-living non-human primates (NHPs) living in close contact with humans and vectors in the States of Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. METHODS: NHP sera samples (total n = 80, Alouatta spp. n = 07, Callithrix spp. n = 29 and Sapajus spp. n = 44) were screened for the presence of viral genomes using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and 10% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis techniques. RESULTS: All of the samples were negative for the Flavivirus genome following the 10% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. CONCLUSIONS: These negative results indicate that the analyzed animals were not infected with arboviruses from the Flavivirus genus and did not represent a risk for viral transmission through vectors during the period in which the samples were collected.

Evaluation of arboviruses of public health interest in free-living non-human primates (Alouatta spp., Callithrix spp., Sapajus spp.) in Brazil

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of arboviruses from the Flavivirus genus in asymptomatic free-living non-human primates (NHPs) living in close contact with humans and vectors in the States of Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. METHODS: NHP sera samples (total n = 80, Alouatta spp. n = 07, Callithrix spp. n = 29 and Sapajus spp. n = 44) were screened for the presence of viral genomes using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and 10% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis techniques. RESULTS: All of the samples were negative for the Flavivirus genome following the 10% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. CONCLUSIONS: These negative results indicate that the analyzed animals were not infected with arboviruses from the Flavivirus genus and did not represent a risk for viral transmission through vectors during the period in which the samples were collected. .

Serological evidence for Saint Louis encephalitis virus in free-ranging New World monkeys and horses within the upper Paraná River basin region, Southern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) primarily occurs in the Americas and produces disease predominantly in humans. This study investigated the serological presence of SLEV in nonhuman primates and horses from southern Brazil. METHODS: From June 2004 to December 2005, sera from 133 monkeys (Alouatta caraya, n=43; Sapajus nigritus, n=64; Sapajus cay, n=26) trap-captured at the Paraná River basin region and 23 blood samples from farm horses were obtained and used for the serological detection of a panel of 19 arboviruses. All samples were analyzed in a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay; positive monkey samples were confirmed in a mouse neutralization test (MNT). Additionally, all blood samples were inoculated into C6/36 cell culture for viral isolation. RESULTS: Positive seroreactivity was only observed for SLEV. A prevalence of SLEV antibodies in sera was detected in Alouatta caraya (11.6%; 5/43), Sapajus nigritus (12.5%; 8/64), and S. cay (30.8%; 8/26) monkeys with the HI assay. Of the monkeys, 2.3% (1/42) of A. caraya, 6.3% 94/64) of S. nigritus, and 15.4% (4/26) of S. cay were positive for SLEV in the MNT. Additionally, SLEV antibodies were detected by HI in 39.1% (9/23) of the horses evaluated in this study. Arboviruses were not isolated from any blood sample. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirmed the presence of SLEV in nonhuman primates and horses from southern Brazil. These findings most likely represent the first detection of this virus in nonhuman primates beyond the Amazon region. The detection of SLEV in animals within a geographical region distant from the Amazon basin suggests that there may be widespread and undiagnosed dissemination of this disease in Brazil.

Serological evidence for Saint Louis encephalitis virus in free-ranging New World monkeys and horses within the upper Paraná River basin region, Southern Brazil

Introduction Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) primarily occurs in the Americas and produces disease predominantly in humans. This study investigated the serological presence of SLEV in nonhuman primates and horses from southern Brazil. Methods From June 2004 to December 2005, sera from 133 monkeys (Alouatta caraya, n=43; Sapajus nigritus, n=64; Sapajus cay, n=26) trap-captured at the Paraná River basin region and 23 blood samples from farm horses were obtained and used for the serological detection of a panel of 19 arboviruses. All samples were analyzed in a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay; positive monkey samples were confirmed in a mouse neutralization test (MNT). Additionally, all blood samples were inoculated into C6/36 cell culture for viral isolation. Results Positive seroreactivity was only observed for SLEV. A prevalence of SLEV antibodies in sera was detected in Alouatta caraya (11.6%; 5/43), Sapajus nigritus (12.5%; 8/64), and S. cay (30.8%; 8/26) monkeys with the HI assay. Of the monkeys, 2.3% (1/42) of A. caraya, 6.3% 94/64) of S. nigritus, and 15.4% (4/26) of S. cay were positive for SLEV in the MNT. Additionally, SLEV antibodies were detected by HI in 39.1% (9/23) of the horses evaluated in this study. Arboviruses were not isolated from any blood sample. Conclusions These results confirmed the presence of SLEV in nonhuman primates and horses from southern Brazil. These findings most likely represent the first detection of this virus in nonhuman primates beyond the Amazon region. The detection of SLEV in animals within a geographical region distant from the Amazon basin suggests that there may be widespread and undiagnosed dissemination of this disease in Brazil. .

Perfil epidemiológico de casos de surtos de doenças transmitidas poralimentos ocorridos no Paraná, Brasil / Epidemiological profile of foodborne diseases outbreaks occurred in Parana state, Brazil

A investigação dos surtos de Doenças Transmitidas por Alimentos (DTA) é desafiadora. Para a Vigilância em Saúde é fundamental a identificação de grupos e fatores de risco associados às DTA. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar o perfil epidemiológico dos surtos de DTA ocorridos nos 29 municípiosque compõe a 2ª Regional de Saúde, da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde do Paraná, Brasil, entre 2005-2008. Tabularam-se 472 laudos de alimentos do Laboratório Central do Estado do Paraná (LACEN-PR) e fichas notificadas no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) de casos suspeitos de DTA. O grupo mais acometido foi de indivíduos do sexo feminino com 50,51% dos casos. Indivíduos entre 20 a 49 anos de idade foram os mais frequentemente envolvidos com 49,50% das ocorrências. Restaurantes (27,65%) e residências dos indivíduos acometidos (36,17%) foram os locais de preparo econsumo mais frequentemente envolvidos. Manipulação/preparo inadequados dos alimentos (36,95%) eforma de consumo inadequada (23,90%) foram os fatores causais mais predominantes. A maior parte dasconfirmações dos surtos fundamentou-se em achados clínico-epidemiológicos (44,68%). Com relaçãoaos micro-organismos identificados nas amostras analisadas, os resultados apontaram predominância Escherichia coli (indicador sanitário), seguido pelo Bacillus cereus e Staphyloccus aureus. Os alimentos mais frequentemente envolvidos foram o leite (29,68%) e as frutas, verduras e legumes (24,21%). Com a pesquisa é possível orientar medidas preventivas e de controle de DTA na população pesquisada.

The investigation of outbreaks of Food Borne Diseases (FBD) is challenging. For the Health Surveillance is essential to identify groups and risk factors associated with the DTA. The aim of this study was to characterize the epidemiology of outbreaks of DTA occurred in 29 counties that comprise the 2nd Regional Health, the Department of Health of Paraná, Brazil, from 2005-2008. Tabulated to 472 reports of food the Central Laboratory of the State of Paraná (LACEN-PR) chips and notified the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN) of suspected cases of DTA. The group most affected were females with 50.51% of the cases. Individuals between 20 and 49 years of age were most often involved in 49.50% of cases. Restaurants (27.65%) of affected individuals and households (36.17%) were the preparation and consumption sites most frequently involved. Manipulation / inadequate preparation of food (36.95%) and inadequate form of consumption (23.90%) were the most prevalent causative factors.Most confirmations of outbreaks was based on clinical and epidemiological (44.68%). With respect to micro-organisms identified in the samples analyzed, the results showed predominance Escherichia coli(health indicator), followed by Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus. The foods most frequently involved were milk (29.68%) and fruits and vegetables (24.21%). With this study can guide preventive measures and control of DTA in the population studied.

Impact of demographic characteristics in pet ownership: modeling animal count according to owners income and age.

Pet owner characteristics such as age, gender, income/social class, marital status, rural/urban residence and household type have been shown to be associated with the number of owned pets. However, few studies to date have attempted to evaluate these associations in Brazil. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between age and income of owners and the number of owned dogs and cats in a Brazilian urban center. Pinhais, metropolitan area of Curitiba, Southern Brazil, the seventh largest city in Brazil, was chosen for this study. Questionnaires were administered door-to-door between January and February 2007 and data were analyzed by zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) models. A total of 13,555 of 30,380 (44.62%) households were interviewed. The majority (62.43%) of households reported having one or more dogs, with one or two dogs being the most common (29.97% and 19.71%, respectively). Cat ownership per household was much lower (P=0.001) than dog ownership, with 90% of the households reported having no owned cats. ZINB analyses indicated that income is not associated with the number of both dogs and cats among households that have pets. However, households from higher income categories were more likely to have dogs (but not cats) when compared to the lowest income category (P<0.05), contradicting a common belief that the poorer the family, the more likely they have pets. Certain age categories were significantly associated with the number of dogs or cats in households that have pets. In addition, most age categories were significantly associated with having dogs and/or cats (P<0.05). In conclusion, our study has found that age but not household income is associated with the number of dogs or cats in households that have pets; higher income households were more likely to have dogs when compared to low-income households.

The evaluation of enteric viruses in asymptomatic free-ranging non-human primates (Alouatta guariba clamitans, Alouatta caraya, Callithrix spp., Callithrix penicillata, and Leontopithecus caissara) in southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the presence of rotavirus groups A, B, and C (RV-A, RV-B, and RV-C), sapovirus (SaV), and norovirus (NoV) in asymptomatic non-human primates (NHP). METHODS: Fecal samples were collected from 19 recently captured (Red-howler, Alouatta guariba clamitans, n = 18; Howler, Alouatta caraya, n = 1) and 43 free-ranging NHP (Marmosets, Callithrix spp., Callithrix penicillata, n = 30; Black-faced lion tamarin, Leontopithecus caissara, n = 12, Red-howler, Alouatta guariba clamitans, n = 1) that were maintained in southern Brazil without manifestation of diarrhea. Screening was performed by a combination of silver-stained polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (ss-PAGE) and RT-PCR analyses. RESULTS: All samples were negative for RV-A, RV-B, RV-C, SaV, and NoV by both assays. CONCLUSION: The negative results obtained might be due to the absence of clinical manifestations of disease in the population of NHP evaluated.

Paracoccidioidomycosis in wild monkeys from Paraná State, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection in wild New World monkeys (Cebus sp. and Alouatta caraya). A total of 93 animals (Cebus sp., n = 68 and Alouatta caraya, n = 25) were captured in the Paraná River basin, Paraná State, Brazil and the serum samples were analyzed by ELISA and immunodiffusion using P. brasiliensis gp43 and exoantigen as antigens, respectively. The seropositivity observed by ELISA was 44.1% and 60% for Cebus sp. and A. caraya, respectively, while by immunodiffusion test Cebus sp. showed positivity of 2.9% only. No significant difference was observed in relation to age and sex. This is the first report of paracoccidioidomycosis in wild capuchin monkeys and in wild-black and golden-howler monkeys. The high positivity to P. brasiliensis infection in both species evaluated in our study and the positivity by immunodiffusion test in Cebus sp. suggest that natural disease may be occurring in wild monkeys living in paracoccidioidomycosis endemic areas.

Use of traps to capture black and gold howlers (Alouatta caraya) on the Islands of the upper Paraná River, Southern Brazil.

Howlers (genus Alouatta) are widely captured with the use of anesthetic projectiles; however, no capture protocol involving the use of traps has been described to date. In the present study we describe the first efficient capture program for black and gold howlers (Alouatta caraya) using traps, which was implemented on the islands of the upper Paraná River in southern Brazil. We constructed two trap models with either manual or automatic activation (trap A with two entrances and guillotine-type doors; trap B with one entrance and a guillotine-type door). The traps were suspended in the canopy by means of vertical climbing techniques, and were baited regularly and abundantly with bananas and mangoes. We captured 70 howlers (86% using manual activation and 14% using automatic activation) on four different islands. We restrained 41 of these animals and measured their body mass, which averaged 5.30 kg+/-1.79. Given our results, we suggest that the system described in the present study represents an alternative capture program for howlers in areas that have low food diversity and no other mammal species that will compete for the bait, as has been observed in riparian environments, islands, and forest fragments.