Toxoplasma gondii in tissues of sheep slaughtered for human consumption in a highly endemic area for toxoplasmosis in Brazil.

Toxoplasma gondii infects warm-blooded animals, including humans, and the ingestion of undercooked meat of infected animals is an important source of infection. We investigated the presence of T. gondii by PCR and histopathology in tissues of 25 seropositive sheep slaughtered for human consumption in Rio de Janeiro and assessed the suitability of different tissues for molecular detection of the parasite. The animals were first screened for T. gondii antibodies by MAT (Modified Agglutination Test), and tissues of seropositive sheep (brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and diaphragm) were subjected to molecular and histological examination. A nested-PCR targeting the P43 gene of T. gondii was performed, and kappa Coefficient was used to assess PCR results among tissues. DNA of the parasite was detected in 60 % (9 of 15) of the animals. and tissue pairs of lungs/heart, lungs/diaphragm or heart/diaphragm had substantial agreement with the global status of the animals. The combination between these three tissues leads to an almost perfect agreement with global status results. Sheep slaughtered for human consumption in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil are infected with T. gondii, and pairs of fragments of lungs and heart, lungs and diaphragm or heart and diaphragm could be used for molecular identification of T. gondii in sheep with substantial agreement with the global status of the animals.

Prevalência e distribuição espacial da ocorrência de helmintos em primatas não humanos de vida livre no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / [Prevalence and spatial distribution of the occurrence of helminths in free-living nonhuman primates in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]

Seiscentos primatas neotropicais foram submetidos a exames post mortem para avaliação da prevalência parasitária de helmintos gastrointestinais. Foram examinados 556 calitriquídeos (Callithrix spp.), 23 bugios (Alouatta guariba), 19 macacos-pregos (Sapajus nigritus), um mico-leão-dourado (Leontopithecus rosalia) e um mico-leão-da-cara-dourada (Leontopithecus chrysomelas). Do total de 600 animais, foram encontrados espécimes parasitos pertencentes aos filos Acanthocephala, Nemathelmintes e Platyhelminthes (classes Trematoda e Cestoda) em 110 primatas. A prevalência de primatas positivos para, pelo menos, uma espécie de helminto foi de 18,3% (110/600), sendo destes 83,6% (92/110) calitriquídeos, 8,2% (9/110) bugios, 6,4% (7/110) macacos-pregos, 0,9% (1/110) mico-leão-dourado e 0,9% (1/110) mico-leão-da-cara dourada. Em 80,4% (74/92) dos calitriquídeos foram encontrados nematoides Primasubulura sp. e em 1,1% (1/92) nematoides Trypanoxyuris callithrix, em 26,1% (24/92) acantocéfalos (Pachysentis sp.) e em 5,4% (5/92) digenéticos (Platynosomum sp.); em 77,8% (7/9) dos bugios foram encontrados nematoides (Trypanoxyuris minutus), em 11,1% (1/9) acantocéfalos (Pachysentis sp.) e em 11,1% (1/9) cestoides (Bertiella sp.); em 14,3% (1/7) dos macacos-pregos foram encontrados nematoides (Physaloptera sp.), em 28,6% (2/7) acantocéfalos (Prostenorchis sp.) e em 14,3% (1/7) digenéticos (Platynosomum sp.) e no mico-leão-da-cara-dourada foram encontrados acantocéfalos (Prostenorchis sp.). Foi realizado o georreferenciamento dos pontos de encontro dos cadáveres para pontuar a distribuição dos helmintos por região.(AU)

Six hundred neotropical primates underwent postmortem examinations to evaluate the parasitic prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths. Fifty-five callitrichids tamarins (Callithrix spp.), 23 howlers (Alouatta guariba), 19 nail monkeys (Sapajus nigritus), a golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) and a golden-faced lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) were examined. Parasitic specimens belonging to phylums Acantocephala, Nemathelmintes and Platyhelmintes (Trematoda and Cestoda Classes) were found. The prevalence of primates positive for at least one species of helminth was 18.3% (110/600), of which 83.6% (92/110) callitrichids, 8.2% (9/110) howler monkeys, 6.4% (7/110) capuchin monkeys, 0.9% (1/110) golden lion tamarin and 0.9% (1/110) golden faced lion tamarin. In 80.4% (74/92) of callitrichids nematodes (Primasubulura sp.) were found, and in 1.1% (1/92) nematodes (Trypanoxyuris callithricis), in 26.1% (24/92) acanthocephalus (Pachysentis sp.) and 5.4% (5/92) digenetics (Platynosomum sp.); in 77.8% (7/9) of howler monkeys presented nematodes (Trypanoxyuris minutus), 11.1% (1/9) acanthocephalus (Pachysentis sp.) and 11.1% (1/9) cestoids (Bertiella sp.); in 14.3% (1/7) of capuchin monkeys presented nematodes (Physaloptera sp.), 28.6% (2/7) acanthocephalus (Prostenorchis sp.) and 14.3% (1/7) digenetics (Platynosomum sp.) and in the golden-faced lion tamarin acanthocephalus (Prostenorchis sp.) were found. Georreferencing of the meeting points of the cadavers was performed in order to punctuate the distribution of helminths by region.(AU)

Short communication: Uterine leptospiral infection is strongly associated to strains of serogroup Sejroe on experimentally infected hamsters.

Leptospira infection is influenced by the host species and the bacterial strain involved. Important differences on their tissue distribution are referred, also depending on the host and the studied strain. Considering tissue distribution of leptospires the majority of the studies focus on a single strain, or strains from the same serogroup with different inoculation doses. Nevertheless, none had associated different serogroups with their tissue distribution. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the hypothesis that tissue distribution of Leptospira spp. on experimentally infected hamsters may vary according to the strain serogroup. Females of Golden Syrian hamsters were used for the experimental infection with Leptospira isolates (n = 13) belonging to serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 8) and Sejroe (n = 5). PCRs were conducted in renal, hepatic and uterine tissue. Seven out of the thirteen studied hamsters presented acute clinical signs and were euthanized before the 21° day p.i. (strains VF237, VF52, U81, UFF-SG001, UFF-G19, UFF-B15, L1-130), while the others presented a subclinical infection. Regarding to the PCR results it was possible to observe that, all but one strain (UFF-SG001), which was detected on all the studied tissues, presented some differences on their tissue distribution. All strains could be detected on at least one tissue and a significant association was observed for the occurrence of the strains of serogroup Sejroe in uterus (p = 0.044). The results of the present study indicate that strains of serogroup Sejroe are strongly associated to uterine infection on experimentally infected hamsters.

Radiation therapy for advanced canine nasal planum squamous cell carcinoma: case report / A utilização da radioterapia no tratamento do carcinoma de células escamosas de plano nasal canino avançado: relato de caso

This case report describes the outcome of treatment of dogs with advanced (deeply invasive) nasal planum squamous cell carcinomas with palliative or definitive radiation therapy. All dogs were diagnosed with nasal planum squamous cell carcinoma by histopathology, and their owners declined aggressive surgery. Dogs were treated with a cobalt-60 unit, definitive-intent radiation protocol consisting of 15 daily fractions (Monday-Friday) of 2.8 Gy, and palliative radiation protocol consisting of 4 fractions of 8 Gy performed once a week. Three dogs had T3 tumors and three had T4 tumors according to the WHO staging system. Two dogs had tumor complete remission and four had tumor partial remission. Survival time of dogs submitted to radiation therapy was 95-417 days. Radiation acute side effects involved only mild epilation and cutaneous erythema in palliative protocols, and moist desquamation, epilation, mild rhinitis and oral mucositis in definitive-intent RT. Radiation therapy, especially palliative protocols, can be a treatment option for nasal planum squamous cell carcinoma in dogs, when the owner declines aggressive surgery. It may contribute to partial or complete tumor remission and better patient quality of life, even at advanced stages, leading to mild side effects.(AU)

Este relato descreve seis casos de carcinoma de células escamosas de plano nasal canino tratados com radioterapia definitiva ou paliativa. Em todos os casos, o diagnóstico definitivo foi feito mediante biópsia, e os tutores declinaram da cirurgia agressiva. A radioterapia foi realizada utilizando-se um equipamento de cobalto-60, e o protocolo definitivo consistiu de 15 frações de 2,8 Gy, cinco vezes por semana (segunda a sexta), enquanto o protocolo paliativo consistiu de quatro frações de 8 Gy, uma vez por semana. Seis cães foram tratados, entre os quais três tinham tumores em estágio T3 e três em estágio T4, de acordo com a tabela TNM da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Dois animais apresentaram remissão completa do tumor após o tratamento e quatro apresentaram remissão parcial. O tempo de sobrevida variou entre 95-417 dias, sendo que dois animais ainda estão vivos e em observação. Os efeitos colaterais da radioterapia foram apenas epilação e eritema leve, no protocolo paliativo, e epilação, radiodermite úmida, rinite e mucosite oral, no protocolo definitivo. A radioterapia, especialmente no protocolo paliativo, pode ser considerada uma opção de tratamento quando os tutores declinam da cirurgia agressiva. Ela pode contribuir para remissão (parcial ou completa) do tumor e melhor qualidade de vida do paciente, mesmo nos casos avançados, levando a efeitos colaterais mínimos.(AU)

Could polymorphisms in ABCB1 gene represent a genetic risk factor for the development of mammary tumors in dogs?

The ABCB1 gene encodes the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) which regulates distribution and bioavailability of many endogenous and exogenous substrates, acting as a cellular mechanism of protection against these substances. Some studies have shown evidence that P-gp is related to carcinogenesis. In this study, we performed PCR and direct sequencing of ABCB1 exons 9 and 26 in 47 tissue DNA samples from canine mammary tumors. A statistically significant correlation between distinct canine breeds and the frequency of ABCB1 polymorphisms (c.985T > A and c.3442A > G SNP in ABCB1exons 9 and 26, respectively) was observed (P = 0.0015). In contrast, the TNM clinical staging, age, histological type and grade, as well as other histopathological characteristics, did not present statistically significant difference in relation to one or both SNP found in exons 9 and 26. These findings raise questions about the role of the canine ABCB1 polymorphisms in the development of mammary tumors, since the Poodle breed, which is the most common dog breed affected by mammary tumors in Brazil, presented the highest frequency of these variants. Notwithstanding, additional studies comprising a number of samples expressing the ABCB1 gene from healthy dogs, with advanced age and from different breeds, will be necessary to confirm the association of ABCB1polymorphisms and the development of mammary tumors.

Common germline haplotypes and genotypes identified in BRCA2 exon 11 of dogs with mammary tumours and histopathological analyses.

The canine BRCA2 is a tumor supressor gene which encodes the BRCA2 protein, involved in DNA repair through interaction with the RAD51 recombinase. This process is mediated by eigth BRC repeats that are encoded by BRCA2 exon 11. Two variants corresponding to human mutations in human BRC3 repeat have been reported in canine BRC3 repeat. In addition, other variants have also been described in canine BRCA2 exon 11. Considering the importance of polymorphisms in human BRCA2 to breast cancer development, this study aimed to investigate the frequency of variants in BRCA2 exon 11 in 48 blood and tissue DNA samples from bitches with canine mammary tumors (CMT), as well as, to analyze tumor stage and histopathological features. Seven Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, three of which were evaluated as possibily or probably deleterious variant. Interestingly, almost all the 22 mammary tumors (except one) which presented a clinical staging equal to or greater than III carried at least one mutant allele of these three variants. Besides that, no statistically significant correlation was observed between any of the reported SNPs in heterozygosis or homozygosis and either dogs data (such as breed, age or disease stage) or mammary tumors histopathological characteristics. A total of 97.9% of bitches had one to three polymorphisms of the seven identified in this study, which suggests a possibly correlation between the canine BRCA2 exon 11 polymorphisms and mammary carcinogenesis.

Seroprevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep from the rapidly expanding flock of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Neosporosis is primarily a disease of cattle and dogs, but Neospora caninum has been linked to abortion and neonatal mortality in sheep. Since the economic, clinical and epidemiological importance of the infection in sheep remains uncertain, this work investigated the seroprevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies and associated factors in the rapidly expanding flock of Rio de Janeiro state. Blood samples from 388 sheep of 12 farms were collected and sera tested by a commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Seroprevalence at the animal-level was of 6.2% (24/388) and, at the herd-level, 50% (6/12) of the studied farms had at least one seropositive animal. Multivariate analysis detected that occasional veterinary assistance (P < 0.05) was significantly associated to higher seroprevalence, which is also associated to age (P < 0.001) and gender (P < 0.0001). Farmers' investments should focus on making technical assistance more frequent and future studies should assess the association of veterinary assistance with anti-N. caninum antibodies in sheep flocks.

Tratamento de um mastocitoma de alto grau na língua de um cão por meio de radioterapia e quimioterapia: relato de caso / Treatment of a canine high grade lingual mast cell tumor with radiation therapy and chemotherapy: case report

Um canino da raça Boxer, fêmea, de oito anos de idade, foi atendido com salivação, halitose e disfagia. No exame clínico, foi observada uma massa ulcerada no terço médio da língua medindo 3,5 x 4,0cm. A histopatologia e a imuno-histoquímica levaram ao diagnóstico de um mastocitoma de alto grau. O tratamento cirúrgico (glossectomia parcial) foi declinado pelo proprietário, sendo a radioterapia indicada em seu lugar. O protocolo radioterápico empregado foi 15 frações de 300cGy, realizadas cinco vezes por semana. O equipamento utilizado foi de ortovoltagem. A lesão neoplásica apresentou remissão clínica completa a partir da quarta sessão radioterápica. O único efeito colateral observado foi mucosite leve na região irradiada, que, entretanto, não levou a sintomas clínicos. A quimioterapia sistêmica consistiu de vimblastina e lomustina, alternadas a cada 14 dias, durante quatro meses. Até o momento (22 meses após o tratamento), não há evidências de recidiva local ou metástases do mastocitoma. A associação da radioterapia e da quimioterapia pode ser considerada uma alternativa terapêutica nos casos de mastocitomas irressecáveis, já que, neste caso, levou à remissão completa e duradoura de um tumor agressivo, com ótima tolerância do paciente ao tratamento e posterior qualidade de vida.(AU)

An 8 year old female boxer was presented with salivation, halitosis and dysphagia. In the clinical examination, an ulcerated mass in the middle third of the tongue was observed, measuring 3.5 x 4.0cm. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry the confirmed diagnosis of a high-grade mast cell tumor. Surgical treatment (partial glossectomy) was declined by owner, and radiotherapy was indicated. The protocol consisted of fifteen daily fractions of 300 cGy each. The equipment used was an orthovoltage unit. The tumor had complete clinical remission after the fourth session, and mild mucositis was the only side effect observed. Systemic chemotherapy was performed with vinblastine and lomustine, alternated every 14 days, during four months. There is no evidence of local recurrence or metastasis in this patient twenty-two months after treatment. The combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy can be considered as an alternative therapy in cases of unresectable mast cell tumors. It led to complete and durable remission of an aggressive tumor, with great quality of life.(AU)

Effect of ischemic preconditioning and postconditioning on liver regeneration in prepubertal rats.

BACKGROUND: Liver regeneration has great importance for transplantation, especially in children; however, it has not been studied sufficiently in development animals. Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a problem, and strategies such as ischemic preconditioning and postconditioning are not well defined regarding regeneration. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate liver regeneration with modulation by ischemic preconditioning and postconditioning in prepubertal rats subjected to total ischemia and reperfusion. METHODS: Thirty-five 5-week-old female Wistar rats were divided into groups of 7 animals each: control group (SHAM), 70% hepatectomy (HEP), total ischemia 30 minutes before hepatectomy (IR), ischemic preconditioning 10/10 minutes before ischemia (PRE), and two 30/30-second ischemic postconditioning cycles after ischemia and hepatectomy (POS). All animals were subjected to 24-hour reperfusion. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activity were measured to evaluate liver damage, and histological analysis, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and regenerated mass liver were used to evaluate liver regeneration. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly lower in conditioned groups than in the IR group. Regarding mitotic index, IR > control group and HEP (P < .05), PRE and POS were not significantly different from IR, and POS > HEP (P < .05). PCNA analysis showed that IR > HEP (P < .01), PRE < IR (P < .01), and no significant differences were observed between POS and IR groups. No significant differences in regenerated mass liver were observed between conditioned groups and HEP. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic postconditioning prevented ischemic injury, promoted greater liver regeneration, and should be further investigated as an alternative better than ischemic preconditioning.

A utilização da radioterapia no tratamento do carcinoma de células escamosas cutâneo felino avançado / Radiation therapy for the treatment of feline advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Avaliou-se a eficácia da radioterapia no tratamento de felinos portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas cutâneo avançado. Um protocolo de fracionamento padrão de radioterapia foi aplicado em seis gatos portadores de uma ou mais lesões cutâneas de carcinoma de células escamosas, em um total de sete lesões neoplásicas, confirmadas por meio de análise histológica. Uma lesão foi classificada como T2 e seis como T4, segundo o sistema de estadiamento da Organização Mundial de Saúde para tumores epidermais de felinos. Os animais foram submetidos a doze frações radioterápicas de 4 Gy, realizadas três vezes por semana, utilizando-se um equipamento de ortovoltagem. Utilizaram-se energia de 120 Kv, 15mA e filtro 2mm de alumínio, o cone usado foi de 6x8cm, e a distância foco-pele foi de 30cm. As lesões foram acompanhadas durante todo o tratamento radioterápico e 30 e 60 dias após o seu término. Neste estudo, 87% das lesões resultaram em remissão completa, e 13%, em remissão parcial. Os efeitos colaterais do tratamento radioterápico, de acordo com a tabela de critérios de toxicidade aguda da Veterinary Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, foram leves e reversíveis em todos os casos, e incluíram eritema cutâneo, epilação e rinite. Considerou-se a radioterapia segura para felinos com carcinoma de células escamosas cutâneo, levando a efeitos colaterais leves, e pode representar uma boa opção terapêutica.

The efficacy of radiation therapy for feline advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma was evaluated. A full course radiation therapy protocol was applied to six cats showing single or multiple facial squamous cell carcinomas, in a total of seven histologically confirmed neoplastic lesions. Of the lesions, one was staged as T 1 , and six as T 4 according to WHO staging system of epidermal tumors. The animals were submitted to twelve radiation fractions of 4 Gy each, on a Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule, and the equipment used was an orthovoltage unit. Energy used was 120 kV, 15 mA and 2 mm aluminum filter. The cats were evaluated duri ng the treatment and 30 and 60 days after the end of the radiation therapy. In this study, 87% of the lesions had complete remission and 13% partial remission to the treatment. Side effects were considered mild according to Veterinary Radiation Therapy Onc ology Group Toxicity criteria, and included erythema, epilation and rhinitis. Radiation Therapy was considered safe for feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, leading to mild side effects and can represent a good therapeutic option.

Immunohistochemical identification of Toxoplasma gondii in tissues from Modified Agglutination Test positive sheep.

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic agent of great importance in veterinary and public health. The aim of this study was to identify T. gondii by IHC (immunohistochemistry) in different sheep tissues and to determine if an association exists between the results obtained by this method and those obtained by the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT). Tissue specimens of twenty-six sheep seroreactive for T. gondii were selected for histopathological evaluation. The presence of T. gondii was investigated in brain, liver and heart samples by IHC and a possible anti-T. gondii antibody cross reactions with other parasites. McNemar's, Chi-square and Fisher's Exact Tests were applied for the statistical analysis of the results. The analysed tissues showed at least one of the following histopathological changes: mild-to-moderate congestion, focal polymorphonuclear inflammatory infiltrate and multifocal or focal mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate. Sarcocystis spp. were identified in the histological sections from both the heart and diaphragm tissues of 88.5% (23/26) of the animals. A total of 46.2% (12/26) of the T. gondii seroreactive sheep was also positive for T. gondii by IHC in at least one organ (brain, liver or heart). The liver IHC-positivity for T. gondii was statistically equivalent to the global individual IHC-positivity, according to McNemar's test. In addition, IHC allowed the detection of T. gondii in infected animals regardless of the titration observed in the MAT. The statistical difference observed between the three organs when comparing the low titration group, suggested that the heart might be the most suitable organ to detect T. gondii infection by IHC. The IHC results in this study revealed that almost half of MAT positive animals could serve as potential sources of infection for humans because bradyzoites were identified in different tissues, regardless of the MAT titration.

Comparison of acetate tape impression with squeezing versus skin scraping for the diagnosis of canine demodicosis.

This study compared the sensitivity of acetate tape impression and skin squeezing with that of deep skin scraping for the diagnosis of demodicosis in dogs. Demodex canis was detected in 100% of acetate tape impressions obtained after skin squeezing and in 90% of deep skin scrapings. There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between the techniques in the total number of mites detected. Acetate tape impression with skin squeezing was found to be more sensitive than deep skin scraping and is an alternative diagnostic method for canine demodicosis.

Perosomus elumbis in a puppy.

A 2-day-old poodle puppy was seen to have hypoplastic and arthrogrypotic hindlimbs and no tail. Palpation revealed an absence of lumbar and sacral vertebrae. At necropsy examination, the colon had a blind ending at the umbilical area, there were no urinary system organs, the spinal cord ended at the thoracic level and no genital system organs were found except for a structure similar to a rudimentary penis. The pelvis was abnormal with no articulation with the spine. This congenital anomaly was consistent with perosomus elumbis, a rare condition of unknown aetiology with few reported cases.

Tratamento hipofracionado de radioterapia em felinos portadores de carcinoma epidermóide facial / Hypofractionated radiation therapy for the treatment of feline facial squamous cell carcinoma

Avaliou-se a eficácia do protocolo radioterápico hipofracionado no tratamento de felinos portadores de carcinoma epidermóide facial. Um protocolo hipofracionado de radioterapia foi aplicado em cinco gatos portadores de um ou mais carcinomas epidermóides faciais, em um total de 10 lesões neoplásicas, confirmadas por meio de análise histológica. Duas lesões foram classificadas como T1, quatro como T2, duas como T3 e duas como T4. Os animais foram submetidos a quatro frações radioterápicas de 7,6 a 10gy, com intervalo de uma semana entre elas, utilizando-se um acelerador linear com feixe de elétrons. O acompanhamento dos animais foi realizado semanalmente durante o tratamento e aos 30 e 60 dias após o término da radioterapia. Neste estudo, 40 por cento das lesões resultaram em remissão completa, 40 por cento em remissão parcial e 20 por cento não apresentaram resposta ao tratamento. A taxa de resposta encontrada nessa pesquisa foi baixa, porém o protocolo de hipofracionamento radioterápico foi seguro para gatos com carcinoma epidermóide facial e resultou em efeitos colaterais leves/moderados.

The efficacy of hypofractionated radiation protocol for feline facial squamous cell carcinoma was evaluated. Hypofractionated radiation therapy was applied to five cats showing single or multiple facial squamous cell carcinomas, in a total of ten histologically confirmed neoplastic lesions. Of the lesions, two were staged as T1, four as T2, two as T3, and two as T4. The animals were submitted to four radiation fractions from 7.6 to 10 grays each, with one week intervals. The equipment was a linear accelerator with electrons beam. The cats were evaluated weekly during the treatment and 30 and 60 days after the end of the radiation therapy. In this study, 40 percent of the lesions had complete remission, 40 percent partial remission, and 20 percent did not respond to the treatment. Response rates were lower as compared to other protocols previously used. However, hypofractionated radiation protocol was considered safe for feline facial squamous cell carcinoma.

Mycological evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage in cats with respiratory signs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Twenty-three cats with respiratory signs who had domiciliary contact with cats with sporotrichosis were studied. Sneezing was the predominant extracutaneous sign. Twelve cats had no skin lesions and 11 had ulcerated skin lesions. Mycological culture of material obtained from the nasal cavity, oral cavity, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and skin lesions, when present, was performed for all cats. In the case of autopsy, lung fragments were cultured. Sporothrix schenckii was isolated from four of the 12 cats without skin lesions: BAL (one cat) and oral and/or nasal cavity (three cats). The latter three animals developed nasal and distant skin lesions within the following 2-4 weeks. The cat with S. schenckii isolated from BAL did not develop skin lesions or lower respiratory tract symptoms during the 6 months of follow-up. S. schenckii was isolated from one or more biological samples of all 11 cats with skin lesions: oral cavity (five), nasal cavity (eight), BAL fluid (four), skin lesions (eight), and blood culture (one). No yeast-like structures were observed upon BAL cytology in any of the 23 cats. The results suggest that S. schenckii can cause infection of skin contiguous to the natural facial orifices through colonisation of the mucosal surfaces of the upper airways.

Leptospiral antibodies in captive lion tamarins (Leontopithecus sp) in Brazil.

Serum samples from 73 lion tamarins of three species living at the Centro de Primatologia do Rio de Janeiro were tested for antibodies against serovars of Leptospira interrogans by microscopic agglutination test. Antibodies were detected in serum samples of 15% of tested samples. Seroreactivity prevalence was lower than that described in other non-human primates and could be explained by the arboreal behaviour of these animals. Icterohaemorrhagiae was the most common serogroup.

Development and reproduction of Podisus distinctus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed on larva of Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae).

Biological control has been reducing the use of chemical products against insect pests, especially predatory Pentatomidae. Species of this group can present high variations in their life cycle as a result of their diet. Thus, the objective of this research was to study nymph development and reproduction of Podisus distinctus (Stäl, 1860) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed on Bombyx mori L., 1758 (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) larvae (T1), compared to those fed on Tenebrio molitor L., 1758 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) (T2) and Musca domestica L., 1758 (Diptera: Muscidae) larvae (T3) at a temperature of 25 +/- 0.5 degrees C, relative humidity of 70 +/- 2%, and photophase of 12 h. Predators fed on B. mori showed duration of the nymph phase (18.68 +/- 1.02) similar to those fed on T. molitor (18.32 +/- 1.49). Pre-oviposition and oviposition periods and number of egg masses, besides eggs and nymphs per female, were higher with B. mori (5.83 +/- 2.02; 15.00 +/- 7.40; 8.42 +/- 1.84; 296.69 +/- 154.75; and 228.55 +/- 141.04, respectively) while longevity of males and females of P. distinctus was 25.76 +/- 16.15 and 35.00 +/- 16.15 days with T. molitor, and 20.57 +/- 13.60 and 23.46 +/- 12.35 days with B. mori, respectively.

Development and reproduction of Podisus distinctus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed on larva of Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

O controle biológico vem reduzindo o uso de produtos químicos no combate a insetos pragas, com destaque para pentatomídeos predadores, os quais apresentam variaçäes em seu ciclo de vida, principalmente em função do regime alimentar a que são submetidos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o desenvolvimento ninfal e a produtividade de Podisus distinctus (Stãl, 1860) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) alimentado com larvas de Bombyx mori L., 1758 (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) (T1), comparado com larvas de Tenebrio molitor L., 1758 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) (T2) ou Musca domestica L., 1758 (Diptera: Muscidae) (T3) à temperatura de 25 ñ 0,5§C, umidade relativa de 70 ñ 2% e fotoperíodo de 12 h. P. distinctus, alimentado com B. mori, apresentou semelhante duração da fase ninfal (18,68 ñ 1,02) em relação à alimentação com T. molitor (18,32 ñ 1,49). Os períodos de pré-oviposição e oviposição e os números de ovos postos e de ninfas por fêmea foram maiores com B. mori (5,83 ñ 2,02; 15,00 ñ 7,40; 8,42 ñ 1,84; 296,69 ñ 154,75; e 228,55 ñ 141,04, respectivamente), enquanto a longevidade de fêmeas e machos foi de 25,76 ñ 16,15 e 35,00 ñ 16,15 dias com T. molitor e de 20,57 ñ 13,60 e 23,46 ñ 12,35 dias com B. mori, respectivamente.

Immunohistochemical study of equine endometrial extracellular matrix during the oestrous cycle.

This study was designed to identify the distribution of type IV collagen, laminin, and fibronectin with an avidin-biotin method in sections of equine endometrial samples, fixed in Bouin's solution and embedded in paraffin wax. Thirty endometrial biopsies were collected at three different stages of the oestrous cycle. The basement membrane of luminal epithelium reacted positively with antibody against type IV collagen. Both type IV collagen and laminin were found in the basement membranes of endometrial glands, and fibronectin occurred diffusely in the interstitial tissue. Blood vessels expressed all of the extracellular matrix components studied. No differences in the distribution of extracellular matrix components were found at the different stages of sampling.

Kidney ultrastructural lesions in dogs experimentally infected with Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy, 1856).

Kidneys of 16 beagles with experimentally induced heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infections and 4 heartworm-nai;ve dogs were studied by light and electron microscopy. The infections were induced either by subcutaneous injection of infective larvae or by the transplantation of adult parasites, and infection periods varied from 111 to 818 days and 365 to 923 days, respectively. One control group of heartworm-naïve dogs and four groups of heartworm-infected dogs, which were divided according to the type and the length of infection, were used. In the infected dogs, thickening of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM), the presence of dense deposits in the GBM, and foot process effacement were the most frequent lesions observed. In some dogs, electron dense deposits were seen in the GBM and the mesangium and/or enlargement of the mesangial matrix could be characterized. The longer the infection period, the thicker the GBM and the more common the occurrence of foot process effacement. In general, these alterations were more evident in animals that had been infected for more than 1 year, had high microfilaremia, and had 14 or more parasites in the main pulmonary artery and its branches. The presence of dense deposits suggests that the pathogenesis of kidney disease in dirofilariasis is associated with deposits of immune complexes in the membrane. The finding of ultrastructural changes in dogs with early prepatent infections suggests that immature heartworms, as well as microfilariae and possibly adult worms, contribute to the glomerulonephropathy.