The Role of Mycoplasma bovirhinis in the Development of Singular and Concomitant Respiratory Infections in Dairy Calves from Southern Brazil.

The role of Mycoplasma bovirhinis in the development of pulmonary disease in cattle is controversial and was never evaluated in cattle from Latin America. This study investigated the respiratory infection dynamics associated with M. bovirhinis in suckling calves from 15 dairy cattle herds in Southern Brazil. Nasal swabs were obtained from asymptomatic (n = 102) and calves with clinical manifestations (n = 103) of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and used in molecular assays to identify the specific genes of viral and bacterial disease pathogens of BRD. Only M. bovirhinis, bovine coronavirus (BCoV), ovine gammaherpesvirus 2 (OvGHV2), Histophilus somni, Pasteurella multocida, and Mannheimia haemolytica were detected. M. bovirhinis was the most frequently diagnosed pathogen in diseased (57.8%; 59/102) and asymptomatic (55.3%; 57/103) calves at all farms. BCoV-related infections were diagnosed in diseased (52%; 53/102) and asymptomatic (51.4%; 53/103) calves and occurred in 93.3% (14/15) of all farms. Similarly, infectious due to OvGHV2 occurred in diseased (37.2%; 38/102) and asymptomatic (27.2%; /28/103) calves and were diagnosed in 80% (12/15) of all farms investigated. Significant statistical differences were not identified when the two groups of calves were compared at most farms, except for infections due to OvGHV2 that affected five calves at one farm. These results demonstrated that the respiratory infection dynamics of M. bovirhinis identified in Southern Brazil are similar to those observed worldwide, suggesting that there is not enough sufficient collected data to consider M. bovirhinis as a pathogen of respiratory infections in cattle. Additionally, the possible roles of BCoV and OvGHV2 in the development of BRD are discussed.

Presence and Resistance Profile of Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from Slaughtered Pigs.

Background: The objective of this study was to isolate Staphylococcus spp. and to characterize the resistance profile in nasal samples from pigs slaughtered for consumption. Material and Methods: Intranasal swabs were collected from 100 pigs immediately after bleeding in a slaughterhouse located in the largest pork production region in Brazil, these samples were cultured and isolated to identify Staphylococcus spp. in coagulase positive (CoPS) and coagulase negative (CoNS) and molecular identification of Staphylococcus aureus and then subjected to the disk-diffusion test to identify the bacterial resistance profile and search for the mecA gene. Results: Of the 100 samples collected, it was possible to isolate 79 Staphylococcus spp., of these, 72.15% were classified as CoNS and 27.85% of the isolates classified as CoPS. Among the CoPS isolates, 77.27% were identified as S. aureus. Through the disk-diffusion test, it was possible to verify isolates resistant to clindamycin and erythromycin (98.73%), chloramphenicol (93.67%), and doxycycline (89.87%). There was amplification of the mecA gene in 30.38% of Staphylococcus spp. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the need for the careful use of antibiotics in swine production, in addition to aiming at continuous surveillance in relation to the rate of multiresistant microorganisms within these environments, focused on large industrial centers; such results also indicate the importance of understanding, through future studies, possible pathways to transmission of these microorganisms directly, or indirectly, through meat products derived from these pigs, which can be considered neglected diffusers of variants of Staphylococcus spp. resistant to antibiotics or carriers of important resistance genes related to One Health.

Relations Between Guardians and Domestic Animals During the Sars-Cov-2 Pandemic in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate how relationships between guardians and domestic animals were established and their possible effects during the COVID-19 pandemic period in Brazil. METHODS: Data were collected by completing an online questionnaire. Throughout the national territory, 2002 people completed the questionnaire, while respecting social distancing from January 20, 2021, to March 20, 2021. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were 'to own pets' or 'those who had them during the period of quarantine' in Brazil. The data obtained were treated qualitatively through discourse analysis and content analysis, while the quantitative data were tabulated by the questionnaire application platform itself. RESULTS: The results showed that 97% of the participants were affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Brazil and that of these, 95.5% stated that their pet was important to overcome and bear bad feelings during the period of social isolation. It was possible to observe through the participants' reports through the online questionnaire that the relationships with their pets were deepened during the pandemic period, and that these had an important role in overcoming bad emotions caused by social distancing. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that due to these relationships, behaviors such as anxiety and sadness were reduced and the pets themselves also showed an increase in affective behaviors in relation to their guardians.

High titers of anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies in apparently healthy dogs in the North Pioneer Mesoregion of the state of Paraná, Brazil.

Leishmaniasis is an anthropozoonosis with vector transmission, and knowledge regarding the occurrence of this parasitosis in sentinels can contribute to infection and disease control measures in humans. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the occurrence of Leishmania exposure and infection in dogs from urban and rural areas in the North Pioneer Mesoregion of the state of Paraná, to evaluate possible risk factors, and to analyze the statistical agreement between the serological techniques that were used. Using a convenience sampling, serum and whole blood samples were collected to perform serological and molecular assays, respectively. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) identified 29/204 (14.2%) and 20/204 (9.8%) seropositive dogs, respectively. Five dogs (2.4%) were seropositive for both serological tests, and four dogs presented high titers in the IFAT. None of the samples tested positive for Leishmania spp. DNA according to polymerase chain reaction analysis. No factors were significantly associated with infection. Leishmania parasites circulate in urban and rural dogs in the North Pioneer Mesoregion of the state of Paraná. Despite the absence of clinical cases, seropositive animals with high antibody titers should serve as a warning to the local population that should be properly informed regarding the prevention.

Molecular survey of hemotropic mycoplasmas in crab-eating raccoons (Procyon cancrivorus) in southern Brazil.

Hemoplasmas are non-cultivable bacterial parasites of erythrocytes that infect domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. Their means of transmission and pathogenesis remain contentious issues and difficult to evaluate in wild animals. Procyon cancrivorus is a South American carnivore and occurs in all Brazilian biomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate occurrences of hemoplasmas infecting P. cancrivorus and to identify their 16S rRNA gene, in southern Brazil. DNA was extracted from spleen and blood samples of P. cancrivorus (n = 9) from different locations. Hemoplasma DNA was detected in six samples, based on 16S rRNA gene amplification and phylogenetic analysis. Four of the six sequences belonged to the "Mycoplasma haemofelis group", which is closely related to genotypes detected in Procyon lotor from the USA; one was within the "Mycoplasma suis group", closely related to "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum"; and one was within the intermediate group between these clusters. Thus, these sequences showed that the molecular identity of hemoplasmas in the population studied was very variable. In five positive animals, Amblyomma aureolatum ticks and a flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis) were collected. The present study describes the first molecular detection of mycoplasmas in P. cancrivorus.

Absence of Trichinella spp. larvae in carcasses of road-killed wild animals in Paraná state, Brazil.

Trichinella spp. are zoonotic parasites that are widely distributed in warm-blooded carnivores and omnivores, including humans. Until the present moment, Brazil has been considered by World Animal Health Organization free from the domestic cycle of trichinellosis, whereas the parasite's sylvatic cycle has the status of infection in limited zones. However, neighboring countries such as Argentina have reports of parasite larvae in the wild fauna. The present study aimed to determine the occurrence of Trichinella spp. in road-killed wild animals in Paraná, Brazil. Biological samples from 71 wild animals-29 Didelphis albiventris, 11 Nasua nasua, ten Cerdocyon thous, seven Dasypus novemcinctus, six Leopardus guttulus, six Sphiggurus spinosus and two Puma concolor-collected from November 2016 to November 2021 were subjected to artificial digestion, following the methodology described in the REGULATION (EC) No. 2075/2005. No Trichinella spp. larvae were detected in the carcasses of the road-killed wild animals. However, considering the wide spectrum of possible reservoirs that could act as a link between the sylvatic and domestic cycles and considering the current Brazilian status of sylvatic trichinellosis in limited zones, frequent monitoring of wild fauna remains necessary.

Prevalence and molecular detection of Leishmania spp. in bats from Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil.

This study aimed to detect the occurrence of infection by Leishmania spp.in bats from 34 municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul state (RS; southern Brazil) from 2016 to 2021. A total of 109 bats were provided by the Centro Estadual de Vigilância em Saúde of RS, including six species belonged to Molossidae family, six to Vespertilionidae family, and two to Phyllostomidae family. Leishmania spp. was identified using the nested-PCR method by amplifying the SSU rDNA ribosomal subunit gene into four organ pools: (1) the liver, spleen, and lymph node; (2) heart and lungs; (3) skin; and (4) bone marrow of each bat. Three (3/109, 2.7%) animals tested positive for Leishmania spp. The respective PCR-positive organs came from pools 1 and 3. Two bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) were from the municipality of Canoas, and sequences analysis confirms the species identification as Leishmania infantum. In the third bat (Molossus molossus), from Rio Grande, it was not possible to determine the protozoa species, being considered Leishmania spp. Our results indicate that bats can participate in the biological cycle of Leishmania spp. and perform as host, reservoir, and/or source of infection of the protozoa in different areas of RS. More studies will be needed to elucidate the role of these Chiropteras in the circulation of Leishmania spp. This is the first study reporting the occurrence of Leishmania spp. in bats in Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil.

Urban capuchin monkeys Sapajus nigritus (Goldfuss, 1809) (Primates, Cebidae) as environmental bioindicators of leishmaniasis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Leishmania sp. DNA and anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies in free-ranging Sapajus nigritus from an urban forest located in a city in the North Central region of the state of Paraná. For the indirect diagnosis, the direct agglutination test was used with promastigote forms of Leishmania (V.) braziliensis, where it was possible to detect the agglutination reaction in 53.33% of the S. nigritus blood samples. For direct diagnosis, the samples were submitted to real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, which confirmed the presence of Leishmania spp. DNA in 26.66% of the tested samples. It reinforces the importance of considering the concept of One Health in the face of diseases with high prevalence, such as leishmaniasis and the need for health education measures. This result shows that the animals in the present study have a role as environmental bioindicators for leishmaniasis.

Identification, molecular characterization and factors associated with occurrences of Cryptosporidium spp. in calves on dairy farms in Brazil.

Cattle are an important source of zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium for humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Cryptosporidium, identify the species and determine the risk factors relating to environment, animals and management among dairy calves in eight Brazilian states. A total of 408 fecal samples from calves aged 1-60 days were analyzed. An epidemiological questionnaire was completed. Sample screening was performed using Ziehl-Neelsen technique and the positive samples were subjected to nested PCR. Cryptosporidium species were identified by means of the PCR-RFLP technique, using SSPI, ASEI and MBOII enzymes. The Ziehl-Neelsen technique showed that 89.7% (35/39) of the farms and 52.9% (216/408) of the samples were positive. Through nested PCR, these protozoa were detected in 54.6% of the samples. The 56 samples subjected to PCR-RFLP presented Cryptosporidium parvum. There was higher prevalence of the parasite in animals aged 7 to 28 days (62.6%). Diarrhea, ages between seven and 28 days and a spring water source were factors associated with the risk of infection. The calf hutch-type management system was associated with reduced infection. These findings demonstrate the high level of Cryptosporidium spp. circulation in cattle herds and the predominance of the species C. parvum.

Estudo retrospectivo da leptospirose canina em hospital veterinário escola no município de Londrina, Pr / Retrospective study of canine leptospirosis in a veterinary school hospital in the municipality of Londrina, Pr / Estudio retrospectivo de leptospirosis canina en un hospital veterinario escolar del municipio de Londrina, Pr

O objetivo do trabalho foi relatar a ocorrência de casos de cães com Leptospira spp. no Hospital Veterinário de Londrina. Foram avaliados 5.454 prontuários, durante os meses de janeiro a dezembro de 2016, e selecionados os que apresentaram solicitação de exame para Lepstopira por meio da técnica de campo escuro (CE). Nos positivos pela técnica CE dados sobre o sexo, sinais clínicos, endereço, data do atendimento e resultado na SAM foram coletados. A análise dos dados foi realizada pelo programa EpiInfo (7.2.3.1), dos 5.454 prontuários nos quais foi solicitado exame CE em 7,06% (385/5.454), e nesses, 13,76% (53/385) foi identificada a presença da espiroqueta. Dos animais positivos na técnica CE, 20,75% (11/53) foram reagentes na SAM. O sorovar Canicola foi o mais frequente em 90,91% (10/11) dos animais, apresentando títulos variados de 100 a 12.800. Para o sorovar Pomona 9,09% (1/11) dos animais apresentaram títulação de 100. Os sinais clínicos mais observados foram apatia em 58,49% (31/53), azotemia em 49,06% (26/53) e êmese em 49,06% (26/53) dos casos. Quanto ao sexo, os machos constituíram 71,70% dos casos e as fêmeas 28,30% (p=0,0015). Os resultados demonstraram a presença de Leptospira spp. entre os animais atendidos no hospital veterinário de Universidade Estadual de Londrina e reforçam a importância do sorovar Canicola entre os cães, visto que esse foi o mais frequente entre os sorovares e que apresentou os maiores títulos.(AU)

The purpose of this work is to report the occurrence of cases of dogs with Leptospira spp. at the Veterinary Hospital of Londrina. A total of 5,454 medical records were evaluated from January to December 2016, and data obtained from the examination for Lepstopira using the dark field technique (DF) were selected. In cases which were positive by the DF technique, data on gender, clinical signs, address, care data, and SAM results were collected. Data analysis was performed using the EpiInfo program (7.2.3.1). From the total 5,454 medical records in which DF examination was requested, in 7.06% (385/5.454), and from those, 13.76% (53/385) were positive for Leptospira. From the animals positive in the DF technique, 20.75% (11/53) were reactive in SAM. The Canicola serovar was the most prevalent, being present in 90.91% (10/11) of the animals, with titers ranging from 100 to 12,800. For the Pomona serovar, 9.09% (1/11) of the animals presented a title of 100. The most frequent clinical signs observed were apathy, in 58.49% (31/53); azotemia in 49.06% (26/53); and emesis in 49.06% (26/53) of the cases. As for gender, male animals constituted 71.70% of the cases and female 28.30% (p = 0.0015). The results demonstrated the presence of Leptospira spp. among animals treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the State University of Londrina which reinforces the importance of the Canicola serovar among dogs, since it was the serovar with the highest prevalence and highest titer found.(AU)

El objetivo de este trabajo fue reportar la ocurrencia de casos de perros con Leptospira spp. en el Hospital Veterinario de Londrina. Se evaluaron un total de 5.454 historias clínicas de enero a diciembre de 2016, y se seleccionó los que presentaron solicitud de examen de Lepstopira mediante la técnica de campo oscuro (CE). En los positivos por la técnica de CE se recogieron datos de sexo, signos clínicos, domicilio, fecha de atención y resultado en la SAM. El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante el programa EpiInfo (7.2.3.1), de las 5.454 historias clínicas en las que se solicitó examen CE en el 7,06% (385/5.454), y en estas, el 13,76% (53/385) se identificaron la de espiroqueta. De los animales positivos en la técnica CE, el 20,75% (11/53) fueron reactivos en la SAM. El serovar Canicola fue el más frecuente en el 90,91% (10/11) de los animales, con títulos que oscilaron entre 100 y 12.800. Para el serovar Pomona, el 9.09% (1/11) de los animales tuvo un título de 100. Los signos clínicos más observados fueron apatía en 58.49% (31/53), azotemia en 49.06% (26/53) y emesis en 49.06% (26/53) de los casos. Cuanto al sexo, los machos constituyeron el 71,70% de los casos y las hembras el 28,30% (p = 0,0015). Los resultados demostraron la presencia de Leptospira spp. entre los animales tratados en el Hospital Veterinario de la Universidad Estatal de Londrina y refuerzan la importancia del serovar Canicola entre los perros, ya que este fue el más frecuente entre los serovares y tuvo los títulos más altos.(AU)

Bee stings in Brazil: Epidemiological aspects in humans.

Bees are insects of the order Hymenoptera and are involved in human accidents. In Brazil, bees that cause accidents are crosses derived from Europeans with African bees and are known for their aggressive behavior. Despite being considered an important public health concern, epidemiological studies at the national level are scarce. The objective of this study was to verify the epidemiological profile of bee accidents in humans in Brazil, using data from 2009 to 2019 of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. It was found that bee accidents increased by 207.61% from the first to the last year of the present study. The incidence varied according to the geographical region; the southern region had more bee accidents, but the Northern region had more deaths caused by bee accidents. Besides, climatic conditions were associated with susceptibility to bee stings; the incidence was higher during spring and summer. Age was also associated with fatality rate, with the elderly being the group with the highest fatality rate. Our results demonstrate that accidents caused by bees involve factors related to patients, the environment, and the behavior of bees. It is important to know the epidemiological aspects to help prevent apidic accidents.

Techniques for inactivating Toxoplasma gondii oocysts: a systematic review.

The oocyst, a resistant form of Toxoplasma gondii, plays an important role in the transmission of this protozoan. The objective of this review was to report the methods capable of inactivating oocysts through a systematic review of the literature carried out in the Scientific Electronic Library Online, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed and Scopus databases. The keywords searched were (((effects OR infectivity OR resistance) AND Toxoplasma) AND oocyst). We selected 16 articles that described 309 different treatments. Among all the protocols evaluated, 35.60% (110/309) were effective in inactivating oocysts. Physical methods were more effective than other methods (p <0.05). Sporulated oocysts and the T. gondii VEG strain were more resistant (p <0.05) to treatments. Although it is effective against viruses and bacteria, the use of disinfectants in water has little or no effect on T. gondii oocysts. The use of radiation and pressure were effective in inactivating oocysts, as these treatments do not include changes in temperature, they can be used in foods for raw consumption, such as vegetables, as it will not cause substantially changes in their physical and chemical characteristics. Therefore, these methods can be viable alternatives for the control of T. gondii.

Phenotypical and genotypical differences among Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis isolates that caused different clinical frames in humans and dogs: A systematic review.

Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis is an important etiological agent of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) in Brazil. The species causes a large spectrum of clinical manifestations in humans and dogs, ranging from cutaneous, cutaneous diffuse, mucocutaneous, and visceral involvement, however, the factors that drive the development of different disease forms by the same species are not yet fully known. In the present work, it was systematically reviewed the studies addressing phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of Leishmania (L.) amazonensis isolates causing cutaneous and visceral clinical frames in humans and dogs, comparing the results observed. For this, four research databases were searched for the following keywords: (Leishmania amazonensis AND visceral leishmaniasis) AND (tropism OR virulence OR visceralization OR adaptations OR mutation OR clinical presentation OR resistance OR survival OR wide spectrum). The results revealed that the complexity disease seems to involve the combination of genetic factors of the parasite (as modifications in molecules related to the virulence and metabolism) and also of the host's immune background and status. Nonetheless, the exact mechanism that leads to different clinical manifestations between strains of the same species is still uncertain and future studies must be developed to better elucidate this phenomenon.

Evaluation of an active and early surveillance methodology for visceral leishmaniasis by molecular detection in road-killed wild fauna.

The present study aimed to evaluate a methodology for active surveillance of visceral leishmaniasis by detecting Leishmania DNA in organs of wild road-killed animals from November 2016 to October 2018 in the North of Paraná, Brazil. The collection points of road-killed wild animals were georeferenced. The animals were autopsied and samples of bone marrow, lymph node, liver, spleen, and ear skin were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted and subjected to PCR for amplification of Leishmania spp. 18S, kinetoplastic DNA (kDNA), HSP70, and ITS1 genes, and DNA sequencing was performed. The primers used for the amplification of kDNA, ITS1, and HSP70 genes presented non-specific results. Of the 66 mammals collected from 24 different municipalities, one Southern Tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) presented DNA of Leishmania spp. in lymph nodes by 18S PCR. DNA sequencing confirmed the results of the subgenus, Viannia, identification. We suggest using the methodology showed in the present study in the active and early surveillance of visceral leishmaniasis in a non-endemic area.

Urban Horses As Environmental Bioindicators for Leishmaniasis.

The presence of DNA and anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies in the serum of 112 healthy horses was investigated by evaluating the physical examination, from a rural society located in the north central region of Paraná. The antigens of Leishmania amazonensis, Leishmania braziliensis, and Leishmania infantum were used to perform the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, where it was possible to detect the reaction in 27.67% of the samples. These were also subjected to the real-time quantitative PCR, which confirmed the presence of Leishmania spp. DNA in 67.34% of the tested samples. The results show that the tested animals were previously exposed to the protozoan. Thus, these animals can be considered environmental bioindicators of the presence of Leishmania spp. at the study site. The material used in this study (serum), although not ideal, proved to be effective and less invasive. Taking into account the importance of the disease, the absence of more in-depth information on the species, the high zootechnical value of these animals, and their strictly close contact with the urban area and the human species, it is essential that further studies are carried out to elucidate the epidemiological profile of them in the face of the disease, as well as the possibility of them acting not only as hosts but also as reservoirs.

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep from Paraná state, South Brazil: prevalence and associated factors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence and factors associated with the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep from Paraná state. The detection of antibodies for T. gondii and N. caninum was performed by homemade and commercial indirect ELISA, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to verify the factors associated with the seroprevalence. Antibodies anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum were observed in 42.7% and in 17.6% of the animals, respectively. The protective factors associated to seropositive were "some level of confinement" (full or semi-extensive confinement) (OR=0.53) for T. gondii and "use of skilled labor" (OR=0.64) for N. caninum. The risk factors were "presence of cats" (OR=1.75) for T. gondii and "feeding of dogs with sheep placental remains" (OR=1.79) for N. caninum. In addition, to presenting a significant and simultaneous seroprevalence for both agents (9.9% of the animals), the results also indicate that deficiencies in management and environmental sanitation, the presence of reservoirs, and types of exploitation enhance the seropositivity. Thus, studies like this might support sanitary programs and public policies for the prevention of T. gondii and N. caninum in the sheep herds of Paraná state.

Parasites in road-killed wild felines from North of Paraná state, Brazil.

This study aimed to identify the intestinal parasites of road-killed wild felines in the North Central and North, Paraná state, southern Brazil. The animals were monitored by sampling previously established transects. The places where the felines were run over were mapped, the animals were identified, and the gastrointestinal tract was evaluated. The feces were submitted to coproparasitological techniques of spontaneous sedimentation, floating in hypersaturated NaCl solution and centrifugal floating in zinc sulfate. All the parasitic structures detected were photomicrographed. In the coproparasitological analyses were identified oocysts of Cystoisospora spp., eggs of Ancylostomatidae, and Capillaria spp.; eggs of Aelurostrongylus spp., Toxocara spp., Physaloptera spp., Taenia spp., and Spirometra spp.; Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae; and eggs and adults of Ancylostoma cati and Taenia spp. One of the cats was parasitized by a flea of Ctenocephalides felis felis. Based on these results, the animals analyzed in this study supplied important samples for the evaluation of parasitic diversity of North of Paraná and suggested that this region may have conditions that allow the maintenance of these parasites life cycles in the environment and among wildlife.

Renicolidae infection in Manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinus): is parasitism implicated on renal lesions?

Renicolid digeneans are frequently observed in the renal tubules and ureters of seabirds, such Puffinus puffinus, a migratory species distributed along the Brazilian coast. However, few studies have focused on the relationship between renicolid infection and health status in P. puffinus. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe (i) renal and systemic alterations, (ii) the renicolids and (iii) the biological aspects associated with the presence of renicolids in P. puffinus. Gross and histological assays were performed in 93 P. puffinus stranded on the Paraná coast, southern Brazil, and renicolids were submitted to morphological and molecular assays. A high prevalence of renicolids in P. puffinus (71/93) was observed. In the kidney, the main microscopic findings were lymphocytic interstitial infiltrate, ductal ectasia and tubular necrosis. The renal lesions were significantly associated with the parasite infection. The morphological (n = 84) and molecular analyses (n = 2) confirmed the species as Renicola sloanei (100% and 95.9% of nucleotide identity with R. sloanei strains from P. puffinus and from Spheniscus demersus, respectively). In both parasitized and non-parasitized animals, cardiac and skeletal muscle degeneration and necrosis were the most frequent systemic changes. Therefore, the results suggest renicolids being a possible cause for the demonstrated renal alterations. A contribution of this parasite to a decreased health status of Puffinus puffinus along their migratory route is possible.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis associated with degradation of native forest, regardless of economic, social and infrastructure vulnerability.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is a notifiable dermatozoonosis with relevant morbidity. The present study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological aspects of cases of ACL reported in Northern Paraná (2007-2016), as well as to georeference and analyse the influence of economic, social and environmental variables. Data from ACL notification forms were obtained and the patients' houses were georeferenced. Descriptive statistics, calculations of disease incidence and proportion of vegetation cover by municipality, spatial analysis, multiple linear regression and vulnerability analysis by census sector (CS) were performed. One thousand four hundred fifty-one cases of ACL were reported in the 89 municipalities of four regional health (RH). The average incidence of cases per 10,000 inhabitants was as follows: 11.58, 8.79, 4.92 and 4.03 in 18thRH, 15thRH, 16thRH and 17thRH. Peaks of incident cases were observed in 2008, 2012 and 2015. There was a statistically significant difference between the HR when comparing the proportions of the variables gender, age, education level, area of residence, clinical form, diagnostic criteria, response to treatment and drug used in case of failure. It was observed that the lower the proportion of remaining Atlantic Forest, the greater the incidence of ACL in the municipality. With regard to clusters analysis, treatment abandonment clusters were observed in the 15thRH and mucous form clusters were observed in the 15thRH, 16thRH and 17thRH. The vulnerability analysis by CS allowed us to observe a statistically significant difference in all vulnerability indicators: economic and social in 15thRH and 17thRH; home infrastructure in 15thRH and 18thRH, urban infrastructure in 15thRH and 18thRH and compound vulnerability index in 15thRH and 18thRH. However, the most vulnerable areas did not always have the highest number of cases. The data presented demonstrate that preventive and health education measures must be mainly directed to areas of greater degradation of native forest; regardless of the vulnerability situation.

Identification, molecular characterization and factors associated with occurrences of Cryptosporidium spp. in calves on dairy farms in Brazil / Identificação, caracterização molecular e fatores associados à ocorrência de Cryptosporidium spp. em bezerros de propriedades leiteiras no Brasil

Abstract Cattle are an important source of zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium for humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Cryptosporidium, identify the species and determine the risk factors relating to environment, animals and management among dairy calves in eight Brazilian states. A total of 408 fecal samples from calves aged 1-60 days were analyzed. An epidemiological questionnaire was completed. Sample screening was performed using Ziehl-Neelsen technique and the positive samples were subjected to nested PCR. Cryptosporidium species were identified by means of the PCR-RFLP technique, using SSPI, ASEI and MBOII enzymes. The Ziehl-Neelsen technique showed that 89.7% (35/39) of the farms and 52.9% (216/408) of the samples were positive. Through nested PCR, these protozoa were detected in 54.6% of the samples. The 56 samples subjected to PCR-RFLP presented Cryptosporidium parvum. There was higher prevalence of the parasite in animals aged 7 to 28 days (62.6%). Diarrhea, ages between seven and 28 days and a spring water source were factors associated with the risk of infection. The calf hutch-type management system was associated with reduced infection. These findings demonstrate the high level of Cryptosporidium spp. circulation in cattle herds and the predominance of the species C. parvum.

Resumo O gado é uma fonte importante de espécies zoonóticas de Cryptosporidium para o homem. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a presença de Cryptosporidium, identificar a espécie e determinar os fatores de risco relacionados ao meio ambiente, aos animais e ao manejo em bezerros leiteiros em oito estados brasileiros. Um total de 408 amostras fecais de bezerros, com idade entre 1 e 60 dias, foram analisadas. Um questionário epidemiológico foi preenchido. A triagem das amostras foi realizada pela técnica de Ziehl-Neelsen, e as amostras positivas foram submetidas à "nested" PCR. As espécies de Cryptosporidium foram identificadas pela técnica de PCR-RFLP, utilizando-se as enzimas SSPI, ASEI e MBOII. A técnica de Ziehl-Neelsen mostrou que 89,7% (35/39) das fazendas e 52,9% (216/408) das amostras foram positivas. Por meio de nested PCR, esses protozoários foram detectados em 54,6% das amostras. As 56 amostras submetidas à PCR-RFLP apresentaram Cryptosporidium parvum. Houve maior prevalência do parasita em animais de 7 a 28 dias (62,6%). Diarreia, idade entre sete e 28 dias, e fonte de água mineral foram fatores associados ao risco de infecção. O sistema de manejo do tipo "casinha" para bezerros foi associado à redução da infecção. Esses achados demonstram o alto nível de Cryptosporidium spp. em circulação nos rebanhos bovinos e o predomínio da espécie C. parvum.