Bacillus toyonensis BCT-7112T transient supplementation improves vaccine efficacy in ewes vaccinated against Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to examine the vaccine immune response in ewes supplemented with Bacillus toyonensis BCT-7112T during a period of 5-day supplementation before vaccination against a recombinant Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin (rETX). METHODS AND RESULTS: Ewes were vaccinated with 200 µg of rETX adjuvanted with 10% aluminium hydroxide. The treat group was orally supplemented with B. toyonensis BCT-7112T (3 × 108 viable spores) for 5 days prior to the first and second vaccination. Ewes supplemented with B. toyonensis BCT-7112T showed higher neutralizing antibody titres than the non-supplemented ewes (P < 0·05), with an increase in serum levels for total IgG anti-rETX by 3·2-fold (P < 0·0001), and for both IgG isotypes IgG1 and IgG2 by 2·1-fold and 2·3-fold (P < 0·01), respectively, compared with the control group. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells of ewes in the supplemented group had a higher (P < 0·05) cytokine mRNA transcription levels for IL-2 (6·4-fold increase), IFN-γ (2·9-fold increase) and transcription factor Bcl6 (2·3-fold increase) compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: We conclude that a 5 days of supplementation with B. toyonensis BCT-7112T prior vaccination is sufficient to significantly improve the humoral immune response of ewes against C. perfringens recombinant ETX vaccine. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These findings open a new perspective in the utilization of B. toyonensis BCT-7112T as an immunomodulator since a 5 days period of probiotic supplementation is sufficient to improve the vaccine immune response.

Expressão e caracterização da glicoproteína D do herpesvírus equídeo 1 em Pichia pastoris / Expression and characterization of equid herpesvirus 1 glycoprotein D in Pichia pastoris

O herpesvírus equídeo 1 (EHV-1) apresenta distribuição mundial e causa graves prejuízos à equideocultura. É agente de surtos de doença respiratória, reprodutiva e neurológica, em equídeos jovens e adultos. A glicoproteína D (gD) do envelope viral é essencial para ligação e penetração em células permissivas e direcionamento do sistema imunológico do hospedeiro, induz respostas imunes humorais e celulares, sendo um antígeno apropriado para ser utilizado em vacinas e imunodiagnóstico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi expressar e caracterizar a gD do EHV-1 em Pichia pastoris para posterior utilização como antígeno em técnicas de imunodiagnóstico e formulação de vacinas recombinantes. Uma sequência de DNA que codifica uma forma truncada da gDEHV-1 foi clonada no vetor pPICZαA de expressão em P. pastoris. Obteve-se uma proteína de ~41 kDa, como esperado. A proteína apresentou glicosilação entre 4 kDa e 16 kDa, demonstrada por deglicosilação enzimática. A proteína recombinante foi caracterizada antigenicamente e imunogenicamente por Western blot, utilizando-se anticorpos policlonais equinos anti-EHV-1, e por ELISA indireto em modelo murino, demonstrando que a gD recombinante manteve epítopos similares aos da proteína nativa. Esses resultados sugerem que a gDEHV-1 é um antígeno promissor para uso como imunobiológico no controle do EHV-1.(AU)

Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) has a worldwide distribution and causes serious damage to horse breeding. It is an agent of respiratory, reproductive and neurological disease outbreaks in young and adult equids. Viral envelope glycoprotein D (gD) is essential for binding and penetration into permissive cells and targeting the host immune system, inducing humoral and cellular immune responses, and is an appropriate antigen for use in vaccines and immunodiagnostics. The objective of this work was to express in Pichia pastoris and to characterize EHV-1 gD for later use as an antigen in immunodiagnostic techniques and formulation of recombinant vaccines. A DNA sequence encoding a truncated form of gDEHV-1 has been cloned into the P. pastoris expression vector pPICZαA. A protein of ~41 kDa was obtained as expected. The protein presented glycosylation between 4 kDa and 16 kDa, demonstrated by enzymatic deglycosylation. The recombinant protein was antigenically and immunogenically characterized by Western blot using equine polyclonal anti-EHV-1 antibodies, and by indirect ELISA in a murine model, demonstrating that the recombinant gD maintained epitopes similar to those of the native protein. These results suggest that gDEHV-1 is a promising antigen for use as an immunobiological in the control of EHV-1.(AU)

Novel alginate-chitosan aerogel fibres for potential wound healing applications.

Aerogels produced from marine polymers, such as chitosan and alginate, are of interest for wound healing applications due to their attractive properties. These properties can be the aerogel's high porosity along with the antimicrobial activity of chitosan or the capacity to provide a moist environment of alginate. The aim of this work was to develop a new route towards hybrid alginate-chitosan aerogel fibres and to evaluate their potential for wound healing applications. The influence of chitosan molecular weight and its content on the fibres characteristics was evaluated. To produce the fibres, the formation of polyelectrolyte complex hydrogels of both polymers was performed by the emulsion-gelation method. Hydrogels were converted in alcogels through a solvent exchange followed by drying with supercritical CO2. Resulting aerogels were observed to be light-weight, fluffy mesoporous fibres with a specific surface area of 162-302 m2/g and specific pore volume of 1.41-2.49 cm3/g. Biocompatibility of the fibres was evaluated, and the result showed that they were non-cytotoxic. Bioactivity of the fibres regarding the ability to close a wound on an in vitro scale and antibacterial activity were also evaluated. Aerogel fibres presented percentages of recovered scratch area of about 75%, higher than the untreated control (~50%) and a clear antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The obtained results suggest that these alginate-chitosan aerogel fibres could be good candidates for wound healing applications.

Quality of life in people with epidermolysis bullosa: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Individuals with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) present with various clinical manifestations of different severities that affect quality of life (QoL). This systematic review synthesizes the current evidence about the QoL of individuals with EB. METHODS: We included observational studies with people of all age groups, both sexes, and any EB type. Studies with qualitative methodology, chapters of books, meeting proceedings, and abstracts were excluded. RESULTS: In this study, 12 articles comprising 745 individuals were included. More than half of the articles observed lower QoL in individuals with recessive dystrophic EB (RDEB) or junctional EB (JEB). Three articles indicated that EB affected QoL more in women than in men, and one article identified that children with EB suffered more than adults with the disease. Pain was frequently reported. Seven articles identified difficulty in sports, two identified a need for bathing assistance, and three identified eating difficulties. Additionally, participants reported that family relationships and friendships were affected, and they experienced feelings of anxiety and depression. Some of the instruments used evaluated QoL in general dermatologic conditions, and one was specific to EB. CONCLUSION: QoL is more affected in people who have RDEB and JEB. Regarding sex and age, women and children need special care in their monitoring. It is necessary that guidelines on pain management be more disseminated and put into practice. Future studies should use standardized specific instruments to assess the QoL in EB individuals, while considering the particularities of the different age groups.

Epidemiological Profile of Wild Rabies in Brazil (2002-2012).

Rabies is one of the most important zoonosis in the world with high impact on public health. Studies report the presence of Lyssavirus in reservoirs of the wild cycle, highlighting the role of wild canines, marmosets, and vampire and non-vampire bats as potential vectors of the disease to domestic animals and human beings. Therefore, the reintroduction of rabies in urban environments from reservoirs of the wild cycle is a matter of concern. This study describes the profile of rabies cases documented in Brazil from 2002 to 2012, with emphasis on the wild transmission cycle of the disease. We carried out a descriptive study using records with information on the time of infection, persons with infection and location of confirmed cases of rabies in humans and animals, as well as data on anti-rabies treatments obtained from the Information System of Notifiable Diseases (Sinan) database. Within the study period, 82 cases of rabies transmitted by wild animals to humans were reported, predominantly in rural areas of the northern and north-eastern regions. Of the cases in humans, 72% did not receive post-exposure prophylaxis. Among wild mammals, vampire bats were the most frequent vectors of the disease. In the north-east region, 460 terrestrial wild mammals were reported with confirmed rabies. Over the study period, 1703 bats were reported to carry the rabies virus. In the south-east region, the most frequently reported carriers of the virus were non-vampire bats. The midwest and northern regions presented a lower number of records of rabies cases among terrestrial wild mammals. However, the high number of rabies cases among bovines reflects the role of the vampire bat as a maintainer of the rabies virus in the rural cycle. The present results are key to adjust the planning of rabies control in Brazil to the current epidemiological trends.

Alginate-based hybrid aerogel microparticles for mucosal drug delivery.

The application of biopolymer aerogels as drug delivery systems (DDS) has gained increased interest during the last decade since these structures have large surface area and accessible pores allowing for high drug loadings. Being biocompatible, biodegradable and presenting low toxicity, polysaccharide-based aerogels are an attractive carrier to be applied in pharmaceutical industry. Moreover, some polysaccharides (e.g. alginate and chitosan) present mucoadhesive properties, an important feature for mucosal drug delivery. This feature allows to extend the contact of DDS with biological membranes, thereby increasing the absorption of drugs through the mucosa. Alginate-based hybrid aerogels in the form of microparticles (<50µm) were investigated in this work as carriers for mucosal administration of drugs. Low methoxyl pectin and κ-carrageenan were co-gelled with alginate and further dried with supercritical CO2 (sc-CO2). Spherical mesoporous aerogel microparticles were obtained for alginate, hybrid alginate/pectin and alginate/κ-carrageenan aerogels, presenting high specific surface area (370-548m(2)g(-1)) and mucoadhesive properties. The microparticles were loaded with ketoprofen via adsorption from its solution in sc-CO2, and with quercetin via supercritical anti-solvent precipitation. Loading of ketoprofen was in the range between 17 and 22wt% whereas quercetin demonstrated loadings of 3.1-5.4wt%. Both the drugs were present in amorphous state. Loading procedure allowed the preservation of antioxidant activity of quercetin. Release of both drugs from alginate/κ-carrageenan aerogel was slightly faster compared to alginate/pectin. The results indicate that alginate-based aerogel microparticles can be viewed as promising matrices for mucosal drug delivery applications.

Supercritical fluid precipitation of ketoprofen in novel structured lipid carriers for enhanced mucosal delivery--a comparison with solid lipid particles.

Structured lipid carriers based on mixture of solid lipids with liquid lipids are the second generation of solid lipid particles, offering the advantage of improved drug loading capacity and higher storage stability. In this study, structured lipid carriers were successfully prepared for the first time by precipitation from gas saturated solutions. Glyceryl monooleate (GMO), a liquid glycerolipid, was selected in this work to be incorporated into three solid glycerolipids with hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) ranging from 1 to 13, namely Gelucire 43/01™, Geleol™ and Gelucire 50/13™. In general, microparticles with a irregular porous morphology and a wide particle size distribution were obtained. The HLB of the individual glycerolipids might be a relevant parameter to take into account during the processing of solid:liquid lipid blends. As expected, the addition of a liquid lipid into a solid lipid matrix led to increased stability of the lipid carriers, with no significant modifications in their melting enthalpy after 6 months of storage. Additionally, Gelucire 43/01™:GMO particles were produced with different mass ratios and loaded with ketoprofen. The drug loading capacity of the structured lipid carriers increased as the GMO content in the particles increased, achieving a maximum encapsulation efficiency of 97% for the 3:1 mass ratio. Moreover, structured lipid carriers presented an immediate release of ketoprofen from its matrix with higher permeation through a mucous-membrane model, while solid lipid particles present a controlled release of the drug with less permeation capacity.

Development of multicore hybrid particles for drug delivery through the precipitation of CO2 saturated emulsions.

Hybrid lipid-polymer particles are gaining increasing interest to be applied as drug delivery systems due to their greater stability in biological fluids and enhanced cellular uptake of drugs. However, a major drawback is the fact that these particles are usually produced through techniques that use organic solvents. This work studies the possibility of producing for the first time hybrid particles composed by lipid multicores enveloped in a polymeric layer through Particles from Gas Saturated Solutions (PGSS(®)), without using organic solvents. An oil-in-water emulsion, composed by Gelucire 43/01™ (GEL) as the discontinuous phase and by an aqueous polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG) solution as the continuous phase, was successfully precipitated by PGSS(®). Operating conditions that ensured the stability of the CO2 saturated emulsion were previously evaluated. The resulting PEG-GEL particles present a spherical-like morphology constituted by several lipid cores encapsulated into a polymeric shell. The applicability of these structured particles to be used as drug delivery system (DDS) was studied by using ketoprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), as model drug. The particles provided an initial burst release of the drug due to the progressive dissolution of the external layer of PEG, followed by a controlled release of the NSAID from the GEL cores.

Prevalence and risk-mapping of bovine brucellosis in Maranhão State, Brazil.

Between 2007 and 2009, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in Maranhão State, Brazil to estimate the seroprevalence of and risk factors for bovine brucellosis. In total, 749 herds and 6779 cows greater than two years of age were blood sampled. At the time of sampling a questionnaire to collect details on possible risk factors for bovine brucellosis was administered to the participating herd manager. A logistic regression model was developed to quantify the association between herd demographic and management characteristics and the herd-level brucellosis status. Spatial analyses were carried out to identify areas of the state where the presence of brucellosis was unaccounted-for by the explanatory variables in the logistic regression model. The estimated herd-level prevalence of brucellosis in Maranhão was 11.4% (95% CI 9.2-14) and the individual animal-level prevalence was 2.5% (95% CI 1.7-3.6). Herds with more than 54 cows older than two years of age, herds that used rented pasture to feed cattle, and the presence of wetlands on the home farm increased the risk of a herd being brucellosis positive. Infected farms were identified throughout the state, particularly in the central region and on the northwestern border. Spatial analyses of the Pearson residuals from the logistic regression model identified an area in the center of the state where brucellosis risk was not well explained by the predictors included in the final logistic regression model. Targeted investigations should be carried out in this area to determine more precisely the reasons for the unexplained disease excess. This process might uncover previously unrecognized risk factors for brucellosis in Maranhão.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of bovine herpesvirus 1 infection in cattle herds in the state of Paraná, Brazil.

Epidemiological data describing bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) infection in Brazilian cattle herds are scarce. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the state of Paraná between December 2001 and July 2002 with the objective of estimating the apparent prevalence of BoHV-1-seropositive herds and animals and identifying the potential risk factors for infection in farms with breeding animals in the state of Paraná in Southern Brazil. The state was divided into seven regions based on the livestock production dynamics of the different areas. Sampling was performed in two stages. Initially, herds were randomly selected, followed by a random selection of animals within the selected herds. Blood samples were collected from 14803 females, aged ≥24 months, from 2018 BoHV-1 non-vaccinated herds. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against BoHV-1 using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The apparent prevalence of seropositivity in the herds and animals in Paraná was 71.3% (95% CI: 69.3-73.3) and 59.0% (95% CI: 56.2-61.8), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that risk factors associated with the presence of the infection were as follows: beef herds [OR = 1.58 (1.12-2.23)], natural service [OR = 1.48 (1.02-2.14)], purchase of animals [OR = 1.90 (1.52-2.37)], pasture rental [OR = 2.24 (1.51-3.33)], existence of calving pens [OR = 1.56 (1.20-2.03)] and records of abortion in the last 12 months [OR = 1.45 (1.08-1.95)]. These results indicate that BoHV-1 infection is widespread in the state of Paraná.

Estudos de prevalência da brucelose bovina no âmbito do Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação de Brucelose e Tuberculose: Introdução / Prevalence studies on bovine brucelosis according to Brazilian National Program for the Control and Eradication of Bovine Brucellosis and Tuberculosis: Introduction

As estratégias de combate à brucelose bovina são bastante conhecidas e, até o momento, os resultados são divergentes. No Brasil, o Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA) implementou, em 2001, o Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose e Tuberculose. Conhecer a situação epidemiológica da brucelose no início de um programa de controle permite: 1 - escolher as melhores estratégias de controle em função da frequência e padrão de distribuição da doença na população e 2 - acompanhar o programa com a finalidade de promover correções e evitar o desperdício de tempo e de recursos. Em razão disso, é necessário realizar estudos para dar suporte à escolha das melhores estratégias para os vários estados e regiões brasileiras e criar um mecanismo racional de verificação da efetividade das ações implementadas. Para tanto, o MAPA estabeleceu um Termo de Cooperação Técnica com a Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de São Paulo e envolveu também a Faculdade de Agronomia e Veterinária da Universidade de Brasília. Até o momento, foram concluídos os estudos de 15 unidades federativas, cujos resultados são apresentados nos artigos subsequentes. Além disso, há um 16º artigo que explora o impacto da vacinação de bezerras com a B19 na redução da prevalência da brucelose.

Although strategies for controlling and eradicating of bovine brucellosis are well known, the achievements vary widely. In 2001, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply (MAPA) started a new National Program for the Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (NPCEBT). In the beginning of a brucellosis control program, it is of utmost importance to gain insights into the epidemiological status of the disease in order to: (1) determine the sanitary measures according to the frequency and distribution patterns of the disease in the population; (2) monitor the development of the program and decide when to make adjustments, avoiding the waist of time and resources. As the epidemiological status of bovine brucellosis is not adequately known in Brazil, there was a case for undertaking cross-sectional studies targeted at identifying the best strategies for each state and region, as well as providing a basis for future appraisal of the NPCEBT. For this purpose, MAPA established a collaborative project with FMVZ-Universidade de São Paulo, which also included FAV-Universidade de Brasília. So far, 15 states completed the survey, whose results are described in the following papers. In addition, it is presented a paper that deals with modeling the impact of vaccination of heifers with strain 19 upon the reduction of brucellosis prevalence.

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado da Bahia / Epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Bahia, Brazil

O trabalho consistiu em estratificar o Estado da Bahia em quatro regiões com características homogêneas (circuitos produtores) para que fossem amostradas aleatoriamente, em cada uma delas, 300 propriedades. Em cada propriedade foram escolhidas, de forma aleatória, 10 a 15 fêmeas bovinas adultas, das quais foi obtida uma amostra de sangue. No total, foram amostrados 10.816 animais, provenientes de 1.413 propriedades. O protocolo de testes utilizado foi o da triagem com o teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado (Rosa Bengala) e a confirmação dos positivos com o teste do 2-mercaptoetanol. O rebanho foi considerado positivo se pelo menos um animal reagiu às duas provas sorológicas. As prevalências de focos e a de fêmeas adultas soropositivas do Estado foram de 4,2 por cento [3,1-5,3 por cento] e 0,66 por cento [0,41-0,93 por cento], respectivamente. Para os circuitos produtores foram: circuito 1, 5,8 por cento [3,6-8,7 por cento] e 0,86 por cento [0,41-1,3 por cento]; circuito 2, 3,1 por cento [1,5-5,6 por cento] e 1,2 por cento [0,25-2,1 por cento]; circuito 3, 6,3 por cento [4,0-9,3 por cento] e 1,7 por cento [0,66-2,7 por cento]; e circuito 4, 0,60 por cento [0,07-2,2 por cento] e 0,07 [0,00-0,21 por cento]. Para a análise de fatores de riscos associados à doença foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico em cada propriedade visitada. Os fatores de risco (odds ratio, OR) associados à condição de foco foram: compra de reprodutores (OR= 2,27) e presença de áreas alagadiças (OR= 1,76). A vacinação de fêmeas de três até oito meses de idade foi um fator de proteção (OR= 0,53).

A study to characterize the epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Bahia was carried out in 2004. The State was divided into four similar production regions, 300 herds were randomly sampled in each region, and 10 to 15 adult bovine females were sampled in each of these herds. A total of 10,816 serum samples from 1,413 herds were collected. The serum samples were screened for antibodies to Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal Test (RBT), and all RBT-positive sera were re-tested by the 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME) for confirmation. A herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive on both RBT and 2-ME tests. The prevalence of infected herds and seropositive adult bovine females in Bahia State were: 4.2 percent [3.1-5.3 percent] and 0.66 percent [0.41-0.93 percent], respectively. In the production regions, prevalence of infected herds and animals were, respectively: region 1, 5.8 percent [3.6-8.7 percent] and 0.86 percent [0.41-1.3 percent]; region 2, 3.1 percent [1.5-5.6 percent] and 1.2 percent [0.25-2.1 percent]; region 3, 6.3 percent [4.0-9.3 percent] and 1.7 percent [0.66-2.7 percent]; and region 4, 0.60 percent [0.07-2.2 percent] and 0.07 percent[0.00-0.2 percent]. In each herd, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied. The risk factors (odds ratio, OR) associated with the presence of the infection were: purchase of breeding animals (OR = 2.27) and presence of flood areas (OR= 1.76). Vaccination of heifers from three to eight months of age was a protective factor (OR=0.53).

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Distrito Federal / Epidemiological status of bovine brucellosis in the Federal District, Brazil

Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Distrito Federal (DF). No total foram amostrados 2.019 animais, provenientes de 278 propriedades. Em cada propriedade visitada aplicou-se um questionário epidemiológico para verificar o tipo de exploração e as práticas de criação e sanitárias que poderiam estar associadas ao risco de infecção pela doença. O protocolo utilizado foi o da triagem com o teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado e a confirmação dos positivos com o teste do 2-mercaptoetanol. O rebanho foi considerado positivo quando pelo menos um animal foi reagente às duas provas sorológicas. A prevalência no DF foi de 2,5 por cento [1,0-5,1 por cento] para propriedades e de 0,16 por cento [0,04-0,28 por cento] para animais. Em razão dos resultados encontrados, que permitem pensar em estratégias de erradicação, recomenda-se que o DF intensifique o diagnóstico de brucelose, tanto na forma de testes sorológicos sistemáticos como pela introdução de mecanismos de detecção rápida em laticínios, em ambos os casos a fim de aumentar o número de propriedades certificadas como livres da doença e melhorar a sensibilidade do sistema de vigilância ativa.

A study to characterize the epidemiological status of brucellosis was carried out in the Federal District of Brazil. A total of 2,019 serum samples from 278 herds were collected. In each herd, it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire focused on herd traits as well as husbandry and sanitary practices that could be associated with the risk of infection. The serum samples were screened for antibodies against Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal Test (RBT), and all positive sera were re-tested by the 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME). The herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive on both RBT and 2-ME tests. Herd prevalence was estimated as 2.5 percent [1.0-5.1 percent] whereas animal prevalence was 0.16 percent [0.04-0.28 percent]. Given these results, that may warrant the implementation of eradication strategies, there is a case for intensifying the serological testing in the Federal District, coupled with the introduction of rapid detection methods by the dairy industries, with a view to increasing the number of accredited free herds and improving the sensitivity of the surveillance system..

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Espírito Santo / Epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Espírito Santo. O Estado foi dividido em dois circuitos produtores. Em cada circuito foram amostradas aleatoriamente cerca de 300 propriedades e, dentro dessas, foi escolhido de forma aleatória um número pré-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra de sangue. No total, foram amostrados 5.351 animais, provenientes de 622 propriedades. Em cada propriedade amostrada foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico para verificar o tipo de exploração e as práticas de criação e sanitárias que poderiam estar associadas ao risco de infecção pela doença. O protocolo de testes utilizado foi o da triagem com o teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado e o reteste dos positivos com o teste do 2-mercaptoetanol. O rebanho foi considerado positivo quando pelo menos um animal foi reagente às duas provas sorológicas. Para o Estado, as prevalências de focos e de animais infectados foram, respectivamente, de 9,0 por cento [7,0-11,6 por cento] e 3,5 por cento [1,9-6,4 por cento]. Para os circuitos, as prevalências de focos e de animais infectados foram, respectivamente, de: circuito 1, 6,8 por cento [4,5-10,2 por cento] e 3,4 por cento [1,3-8,6 por cento]; circuito 2, 10,9 por cento [7,9 por cento-14,8 por cento] e 3,7 por cento [2,1-6,3 por cento]. Os fatores de risco (odds ratio, OR) associados à condição de foco foram: utilização de inseminação artificial (OR = 7,05 [2,51-19,82]) e confinamento/semiconfinamento dos animais (OR = 2,98 [1,22-7,26]). A vacinação de fêmeas entre três e oito meses de idade foi um fator protetor (OR = 0,03 [0,01-0,1]).

A study to characterize the epidemiological status of brucellosis was carried out in the State of Espírito Santo. The State was divided in two regions. Three hundred herds were randomly sampled in each region and a pre-established number of animals were sampled in each of these herds. A total of 5,351 serum samples from 622 herds were collected. In each herd, it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire focused on herd traits as well as husbandry and sanitary practices that could be associated with the risk of infection. The serum samples were screened for antibodies against Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal Test (RBT), and all positive sera were re-tested by the 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME). The herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive on both RBT and 2-ME tests. The prevalence of infected herds and animals in the State were, respectively, 9.0 percent [7.0-11.6 percent] and 3.5 percent [1.9-6.4 percent]. The prevalence of infected herds and animals in the regions were, respectively: region 1, 6.8 percent [4.5-10.2 percent] and 3.4 percent [1.3-8.6 percent]; and region 2, 10.9 percent [7.9-14.8 percent] and 3.7 percent [2.1-6.3 percent]. The risk factors (odds ratio, OR) associated with the presence of the infection were: use of artificial insemination (OR = 7.05 [2.51-19.82]) and intensive/semi-intensive management systems (OR = 2.98 [1.22-7.26]). Vaccination of heifers from three to eight months of age was a protective factor (OR = 0.03 [0.01-0.1]).

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado de Goiás / Epidemiological status of bovine brucellosis in the State of Goiás, Brazil

Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situação epidemiológica da brucelose no Estado de Goiás. O Estado foi estratificado em três circuitos produtores. Em cada circuito foram amostradas aleatoriamente 300 propriedades e, dentro dessas, foi escolhido de forma aleatória um número pré-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra de sangue. No total, foram amostrados 10.744 animais, provenientes de 900 propriedades. Em cada propriedade visitada aplicou-se um questionário epidemiológico para verificar o tipo de exploração e as práticas de criação e sanitárias que poderiam estar associadas ao risco de infecção pela doença. O protocolo de testes utilizado foi o da triagem com o teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado e a confirmação dos positivos com o teste do 2-mercaptoetanol. O rebanho foi considerado positivo quando pelo menos um animal foi reagente às duas provas sorológicas. No estrato 1, a prevalência foi de 7,7 por cento [4,7-10,7 por cento] para propriedades, e de 1,4 por cento [0,99-1,7 por cento] para animais. No estrato 2, foi de 19,5 por cento [15,0-24,0 por cento] para propriedades e de 2,6 por cento [2,0-3,1 por cento] para animais. No estrato 3, foi de 21,4 por cento [16,7-26,1] para propriedades e 4,3 por cento [3,7-5,0 por cento] para animais. A prevalência obtida para o Estado foi de 17,5 por cento [14,9-20,2 por cento] para propriedades e de 3,0 por cento [2,7-3,3 por cento] para animais. Os fatores de risco (odds ratio, OR) associados à condição de foco, segundo a análise multivariada, foram: compra de reprodutores a comerciantes de gado (OR = 2,06 [1,12-3,52]), ocorrência de abortos nos últimos 12 meses (OR = 5,83 [3,86-8,8]) e prática de vacinação contra brucelose (OR = 2,07 [1,38-3,09]). Tanto a ocorrência de aborto quanto a vacinação são, neste caso, consequência da presença de brucelose no rebanho.

A study to characterize the epidemiological status of brucellosis in the State of Goiás was carried out. The State was divided in three regions. Three hundred herds were randomly sampled in each region and a pre-established number of animals was sampled in each of these herds. A total of 10,744 serum samples from 900 herds were collected. In each herd, it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire focused on herd traits as well as husbandry and sanitary practices that could be associated with the risk of infection. The serum samples were screened for antibodies against Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal Test (RBT), and all positive sera were re-tested by the 2-Mercaptoethanol test (2-ME). The herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive on both RBT and 2-ME tests. For region 1, the herd prevalence was 7.7 percent [4.7-10.7 percent] and the animal prevalence was 1.4 percent [0.99-1.7 percent]. For region 2, the herd prevalence was 19.5 percent [15.0-24.0 percent] and the animal prevalence was 2.6 percent [2.0-3.1 percent]. For region 3, the herd prevalence was 21.4 percent [16.8-26.1 percent] and the animal prevalence was 4.3 percent [3.7-5.0 percent]. For the whole state, the herd prevalence was 17.5 percent [14.9-20.2 percent] and the animal prevalence was 3.0 percent [2.7-3.3 percent]. The multivariate analysis identified the following risk factors (odds ratio, OR) associated with positive herds: purchase of breeding stock from cattle traders (OR = 2.06 [1.12-3.52]), occurrence of abortions over the last 12 months (OR = 5.83 [3.86-8.8]), and vaccination against brucellosis (OR = 2.07 [1.38-3.09]). Both the abortions and the vaccination are, in this case, a consequence of the herd being infected with brucellosis.

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado de Minas Gerais / Epidemiological status of bovine brucellosis in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado de Minas Gerais. O Estado foi estratificado em sete circuitos produtores. Em cada circuito foram amostradas aleatoriamente cerca de 300 propriedades e, dentro dessas, foi escolhido, de forma aleatória, um número pré-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra de sangue. No total, foram amostrados 20.643 animais, provenientes de 2.204 propriedades. Em cada propriedade visitada aplicou-se um questionário epidemiológico para verificar o tipo de exploração e as práticas zootécnicas e sanitárias que poderiam estar associadas ao risco de infecção pela doença. O protocolo de testes utilizado foi o da triagem com o teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado e a confirmação dos positivos com o teste do 2-mercaptoetanol. O rebanho foi considerado positivo, se pelo menos um animal foi reagente às duas provas sorológicas. As prevalências de focos e de animais infectados do Estado foram de 6,0 por cento [5,0-7,1 por cento] e 1,1 por cento [0,78-1,4 por cento], respectivamente. Os resultados para os circuitos pecuários da prevalência de focos e de animais foram: circuito 1, 4,7 por cento [2,7-7,7 por cento] e 0,82 por cento [0,06-1,6 por cento]; circuito 2, 7,2 por cento [4,6-10,6 por cento] e 1,2 por cento [0,53-1,8 por cento]; circuito 3, 6,8 por cento [4,3-10,0 por cento] e 1,5 por cento [0,47-2,4 por cento]; circuito 4, 6,5 por cento [4,1-9,8 por cento] e 1,1 por cento [0,39-1,7 por cento]; circuito 5, 3,8 por cento [2,0-6,5 por cento] e 0,40 por cento [0,11-0,69 por cento]; circuito 6, 6,2 por cento [3,8-9,6 por cento] e 0,66 por cento [0,29-1,0 por cento]; circuito 7, 11,0 por cento [7,7-15,0 por cento] e 1,7 por cento [0,92-2,6 por cento], respectivamente. Os fatores de risco (odds ratio, OR) associados à condição de foco foram: compra de reprodutores (OR = 1,66 [1,13-2,44]), ocorrência de aborto nos últimos 12 meses (OR = 1,81 [1,26-2,60]) ...

A study to characterize the epidemiological status of brucellosis was carried out in the State of Minas Gerais. The State was divided in seven regions. Three hundred herds were randomly sampled in each region and a pre-established number of animals was sampled in each of these herds. A total of 20,643 serum samples from 2,204 herds were collected. In each herd, it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire focused on herd traits as well as husbandry and sanitary practices that could be associated with the risk of infection. The serum samples were screened for antibodies against Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal Test (RBT), and all positive sera were re-tested by the 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME). The herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive on both RBT and 2-ME tests. The prevalence of infected herds and animals in the State were, respectively, 6.0 percent [5.0-7.1 percent] and 1.1 percent [0.78-1.4 percent]. In the productive regions, the prevalence of infected herds and animals were, respectively: regions 1, 4.7 percent [2.7-7.7 percent] and 0.82 percent [0.06-1.6 percent]; region 2, 7.2 percent [4.6-10.6 percent] and 1.2 percent [0.53-1.8 percent]; region 3, 6.8 percent [4.3-10.0 percent] and 1.5 percent [0.47-2.4 percent]; region 4, 6.5 percent [4.1-9.8 percent] and 1.1 percent [0.39-1.7 percent]; region 5, 3.8 percent [2.0-6.5 percent] and 0.40 percent [0.11-0.69 percent]; region 6, 6.2 percent [3.8-9.6 percent] and 0.66 percent [0.29-1.0 percent]; and region 7, 11.0 percent [7.7-15.0 percent] and 1.7 percent [0.92-2.6 percent]. The risk factors (odds ratio, OR) associated with positive herds were: purchase of breeding stock (OR = 1.66 [1.13-2.44]), occurrence of abortions over the last 12 months (OR = 1.81 [1.26-2.60]), and the presence of deer in the farm (OR = 1.56 [1.08-2.27]). Vaccination against brucellosis was a protective factor (OR = 0.38 [0.19-0.79]). It can be concluded that the compulsory vaccination ...

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul / Epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Foram definidos três estratos (regiões): Pantanal-corte, Planalto-corte e Planalto-leite, este último subdividido em Bolsão, Campo Grande e Dourados. Em cada estrato foram amostradas aleatoriamente propriedades e, dentro dessas, foi escolhido, de forma aleatória, um número pré-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra de sangue. No total, foram amostrados 14.849 animais, provenientes de 1.004 propriedades. Em cada propriedade amostrada foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico para verificar suas características e também para detectar transtornos reprodutivos que poderiam estar associados à infecção brucélica. O teste utilizado foi o do antígeno acidificado tamponado. O rebanho foi considerado positivo se pelo menos um animal foi reagente à prova sorológica. Para o Estado, a prevalência de focos foi de 41,5 por cento [36,5-44,7 por cento]. As prevalências de focos e de animais infectados por estrato foram, respectivamente, de: 59,0 por cento [52,8-64,9 por cento] e 12,6 por cento [9,1-17,2 por cento] para o estrato Pantanal-corte, e 40,6 por cento [35,8-45,5 por cento] e 4,5 por cento [2,1-9,0 por cento] para Planalto-corte. No estrato Planalto-leite, a prevalência de focos foi de 33,1 por cento [28,4-38,1 por cento]. Os fatores de risco (odds ratios, OR) associados à condição de foco foram: ter ≥500 vacas (OR = 2,46 [1,81-3,34]), ocorrência de bezerros fracos (OR = 1,20 [0,87-1,65]) e uso da inseminação artificial (OR = 0,71 [0,50-1,01]).

A study to characterize the epidemiological status of bovine brucellosis in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul was carried out. The State was divided in three regions: beef cattle Pantanal, beef cattle Plateau, and dairy cattle Plateau. Herds were randomly sampled in each region and a pre-established number of animals were sampled in each of these herds. A total of 14,849 serum samples from 1,004 herds were collected. In each herd, it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire focused on herd traits as well as clinical signs that could be associated with the brucellosis infection. The serum samples were tested for antibodies against Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal test. The herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive. The prevalence of infected herds in the State was 41.5 percent [36.5-44.7 percent]. The prevalence of infected herds in the regions were, respectively: 40.6 percent [35.8-45.5 percent] for beef cattle Plateau, 59.0 percent [52.8-64.9 percent] for beef cattle Pantanal, and 33.1 percent [28.4-38.1 percent] for dairy cattle Plateau. The risk factors (odds ratio, OR) associated with the presence of the infection were: herd size larger than 500 cows (OR = 2.46 [1.81-3.34]), birth of weak calf (OR = 1.20 [0.87-1.65]), and use of artificial insemination (OR = 0.71 [0.50-1.01]).

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Paraná / Epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Paraná, Brazil

Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Paraná. O Estado foi estratificado em sete circuitos produtores ou regiões. Em cada circuito foram amostradas aleatoriamente cerca de 300 propriedades e, dentro dessas, foi escolhido de forma aleatória um número pré-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra de sangue. No total, foram amostrados 14.857 animais, provenientes de 2.098 propriedades. Em cada propriedade amostrada foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico para verificar o tipo de exploração e as práticas zootécnicas e sanitárias que poderiam estar associadas ao risco de infecção pela doença. O protocolo de testes utilizado foi o da triagem com o teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado e o reteste dos positivos com o teste do 2-mercaptoetanol. O rebanho foi considerado positivo se pelo menos um animal foi reagente às duas provas sorológicas. Para o Estado, os resultados de prevalências de focos e de animais infectados foram, respectivamente, de 4,0 por cento [3,2-4,8 por cento] e 1,7 por cento [1,1-2,4 por cento]. Para os circuitos, a prevalência de focos e a de animais foram, respectivamente: circuito 1, 14,7 por cento [10,9-19,2 por cento] e 2,8 por cento [1,2-4,4 por cento]; circuito 2, 8,8 por cento [5,9-12,6 por cento] e 2,4 por cento [1,0-3,8 por cento]; circuito 3, 3,4 por cento [1,6-6,1 por cento] e 0,85 por cento [0,21-1,5 por cento]; circuito 4, 2,3 por cento [0,94-4,8 por cento] e 0,83 por cento [0,02-1,6 por cento]; circuito 5, 2,3 por cento [0,94-4,7 por cento] e 1,6 por cento [0,06-3,3 por cento]; circuito 6, 0,3 por cento [0-1,9 por cento] e 0,09 por cento [0-0,27 por cento]; circuito 7, 1,0 por cento [0,21-2,9 por cento] e 2,2 por cento [0-6,0 por cento]. Os fatores de risco (odds ratio, OR) associados à condição de foco foram: compra de reprodutores (OR= 2,20 [1,42-3,40]) e prática de aluguel de pasto (OR= 2,45 [1,54-3,90]).

A study to characterize the epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Paraná was carried out. In this study, the State was divided into seven regions. Three hundred herds were randomly sampled in each region and a pre-established number of animals were sampled in each of these herds. A total of 1,4857 serum samples from 2,098 herds were collected. In each herd, it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire regarding herd features and also husbandry and sanitary practices that could be associated with risk of infection. The serum samples were screened for antibodies against Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal test (RBT), and all RBT-positive sera were re-tested by the 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME). A herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive on both RBT and 2-ME tests. The prevalences of infected herds and infected animals in Paraná State were 4.0 percent [3.2-4.8 percent] and 1.7 percent [1.1-2.4 percent], respectively. In the regions, the prevalences of infected herds and animals were: region 1, 14.7 percent [10.9-19.2 percent] and 2.8 percent [1.2-4.4 percent]; region 2, 8.8 percent [5.9-12.6 percent] and 2.4 percent [1.0-3.8 percent]; region 3, 3.4 percent [1.6-6.1 percent] and 0.85 percent [0.21-1.5 percent]; region 4, 2.3 percent [0.94-4.8 percent] and 0.83 percent [0.02-1.6 percent]; region 5, 2.3 percent [0.94-4.7 percent] and 1.7 percent [0.06-3.3 percent]; region 6, 0.34 percent [0-1.9 percent] and 0.09 percent [0-0.27 percent]; and region 7, 1.0 percent [0.21-2.9 percent] and 2.2 percent [0-6,0 percent]. The risck factors (odds ratio, OR) associated with the presence of the infection were: purchase of animals for breeding (OR= 2.20 [1.42-3.40]) and pasture rental practice (OR=2.45 [1.54-3.90]).

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. O Estado foi dividido em três circuitos produtores. Em cada circuito foram amostradas aleatoriamente cerca de 300 propriedades e, dentro dessas, foi escolhido, de forma aleatória, um número pré-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra de sangue. No total foram amostrados 8239 animais, provenientes de 945 propriedades. Em cada propriedade amostrada foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico para verificar o tipo de exploração e as práticas zootécnicas e sanitárias que poderiam estar associadas ao risco de infecção pela doença. O protocolo de testes utilizado foi o da triagem com o teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado e reteste dos positivos com o teste do 2-mercaptoetanol. O rebanho foi considerado positivo se pelo menos um animal foi reagente às duas provas sorológicas. Para o Estado, as prevalências de focos e de animais infectados foram, respectivamente, de 15,4 por cento [12,9-17,9 por cento] e de 4,1 por cento [2,8-5,3 por cento]. Para os circuitos, as prevalências de focos e de animais infectados foram, respectivamente: circuito 1, 13,8 por cento [10,2-18,2 por cento] e 3,0 por cento [1,9-4,1 por cento]; circuito 2, 15,7 por cento [11,9-20,2 por cento] e 2,3 por cento [1,4-3,2 por cento]; circuito 3, 19,6 por cento [15,4-24,4 por cento] e 9,3 por cento [4,5-14,1 por cento]. Os fatores de risco (odds ratio, OR) associados à condição de foco foram: ter mais que 30 fêmeas com idade de 24 meses ou acima (OR=2,33 [1,51-3,07]), compra de reprodutores (OR= 1,95 [1,13-2,45]) e prática de aluguel de pasto (OR= 1,74 [1,03-2,74]).

A study to characterize the epidemiological status of bovine brucellosis in the State of Rio de Janeiro was carried out. The State was divided in three regions. Three hundred herds were randomly sampled in each region and a pre-established number of animals were sampled in each herd. A total of 8,239 serum samples from 945 herds were collected. In each herd, it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire focused on herd traits as well as husbandry and sanitary practices that could be associated with the risk of infection. The serum samples were screened for antibodies against Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal Test (RBT), and all positive sera were re-tested by the 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME). The herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive on both RBT and 2-ME tests. The prevalences of infected herds and animals in the State were, respectively: 15.4 percent [12.9-17.9 percent] and 4.1 percent [2.8-5.3 percent]. The prevalences of infected herds and animals in the regions were, respectively: region 1, 13.8 percent [10.2-18.2 percent] and 3.0 percent [1.9-4.1 percent]; region 2, 15.7 percent [11.9-20.2 percent] and 2.3 percent [1.4-3.2 percent]; and region 3, 19.6 percent [15.4-24.4 percent] and 9.3 percent [4.5-14.1 percent]. The risk factors (odds ratio, OR) associated with the presence of the infection were: herd size larger than 30 cows (OR=2.33 [1.51-3.07]), purchase of animals for breeding (OR= 1.95 [1.13-2.45), and pasture rental practice (R= 1.74 [1.03-2.74]).

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado de Rondônia / Epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Rondônia, Brazil

Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situação epidemiológica da doença no Estado de Rondônia. O Estado foi estratificado em três circuitos produtores. Em cada circuito produtor foram amostradas aleatoriamente cerca de 300 propriedades e, dentro dessas, foi escolhido, de forma aleatória, um número pré-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra de sangue. No total, foram amostrados 9.717 animais, provenientes de 927 propriedades. Em cada propriedade amostrada foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico para verificar o tipo de exploração e as práticas zootécnicas e sanitárias que poderiam estar associadas ao risco de infecção pela doença. O protocolo de testes utilizado foi o da triagem com o teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado e o reteste dos positivos com o teste do 2-mercaptoetanol. O rebanho foi considerado positivo, se pelo menos um animal foi reagente às duas provas sorológicas. As prevalências de focos e de animais infectados do Estado foram de 35,2 por cento [32,1-38,4 por cento] e 6,2 por cento [4,9-7,6 por cento], respectivamente. Os resultados para os circuitos pecuários foram: circuito 1, 41,9 por cento [36,3-47,6 por cento] e 8,3 por cento [5,9-10,8 por cento]; circuito 2, 31,7 por cento [26,5-37,2 por cento] e 5,9 por cento [4,3-7,6 por cento]; circuito 3, 31,9 por cento [26,7-37,4 por cento] e 4,6 por cento [2,5-6,6 por cento]. Os fatores de risco (odds ratio, OR) associados à condição de foco foram: histórico de aborto (OR= 1,42 [1,04-1,95]) e exploração de corte (OR= 1,75 [1,30-2,38]).

A study to characterize the brucellosis epidemiological situation in the State of Rondônia was carried out. The State was divided into three regions. Three hundred herds were randomly sampled in each region. A pre-established number of animals were sampled in each of these herds. From 927 herds and 9,717 serum samples were collected. In each herd, it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire regarding herd features and also husbandry and sanitary practices that could be associated with risk of infection. The serum samples were screened for antibodies to Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal Test (RBT), and all RBT-positive sera were re-tested by the 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME). The herd was considered positive if at least one animal was positive on both RBT and 2-ME tests. The prevalences of infected herds and animals in Rondônia State were 35.2 percent [32.1-38.4 percent] and 6.2 percent [4.9-7.6 percent], respectively. In the regions, the prevalences of infected herds and animals were, respectively: region 1, 41.9 percent [36.3-47.6 percent] and 8.3 percent [5.9-10.8 percent]; region 2, 31.7 percent [26.5-37.2 percent] and 5.9 percent [4.3-7.6 percent]; and region 3, 31.9 percent [26.7-37.4 percent] and 4.6 percent [2.5-6.6 percent]. The risk factors (odds ratio, OR) associated with the presence of the infection were: recent history of abortion (OR= 1.42 [1.04-1.95]) and beef herd (OR=1.75 [1.30-2.38]).