Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with seropositivity for equine encephalomyelitis virus in horses in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

The present objective was to investigate the presence of anti-equine viral encephalomyelitis (EVE) antibodies and the possible risk factors for its dissemination in horses raised in the East and West Potiguar mesoregions of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Serological diagnosis for neutralizing antibodies against Eastern (EEEV), Western (WEEV) and Venezuelan (VEEV). Equine viral encephalomyelitis was performed using a seroneutralization technique on 811 blood samples from horses from ninety properties and sixteen municipalities between July 2018 and February 2019. Factors associated with EVE were evaluated using an investigative epidemiological questionnaire, and the data were statistically analyzed using the Epi Info 3.5.2 software with a confidence level of 95%. The seroprevalence of anti-EVE antibodies was 14.2% (115), with 10.36% (84) for EEEV, 6.9% (56) for WEEV, and null for EVE. When analyzing risk factors, it can be concluded that horses raised in properties that do not clean installations and/or rent out their pasture are more likely to have anti-EVE antibodies. These results show evidence that horses raised in the East and West Potiguar mesoregions were exposed to EEEV and WEEV, thus reinforcing the importance of vaccination and serological survey of nonvaccinated horses as a means of monitoring the disease.

Causes of equine abortion, stillbirth, and perinatal mortality in Brazil / Causas de abortamento, natimortalidade e mortalidade em equinos no Brasil

Abortion and complications in reproduction are important causes of economic loss in horse breeding. Studies of its causal agents can help to identify the primary pathogens or other factors involved and define appropriate measures to reduce its occurrence. This research aimed to investigate the primary causes of equine abortion, stillbirth, and perinatal mortality in regions of Brazil. Tissue from aborted fetuses, stillbirths, neonates and foals submitted to the Biological Institute of São Paulo, Brazil, from January 2010 to July 2013 were processed for viral and bacterial isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), histology, and immunohistochemistry. Bacterial infection was the primary detected cause of abortion, found in 16 of the 53 animals submitted for bacterial analysis followed by viruses analysis in 2 of 105 animals, and noninfectious causes (neonatal isoerythrolysis) in 2 of 105 animals. Fungi were found in a single sample of 53 tested. The most frequent bacteria recovered were Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, combined E. coli and Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Bacillus spp. The following agents were each observed in a single sample: Arcanobacterium pyogenes, Streptococcus spp., Corynebacterium spp., Actinobacillus spp., and Rhodococcus equi. The predominant identification of fecal and other opportunistic bacteria as opposed to pathogens commonly associated with equine abortion, such as Leptospira spp. and equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), suggests the need of improving hygiene management of breeding mares to prevent bacterial infection that may cause fetal loss, stillbirth, and perinatal mortality.(AU)

Abortamento e complicações na reprodução são importantes causas de perda econômica na equideocultura. Estudos dos agentes causais podem ajudar a identificar patógenos ou outros fatores envolvidos e definir medidas apropriadas para reduzir sua ocorrência. Esta pesquisa investigou as causas primárias de aborto, natimortalidade e mortalidade perinatal em equinos de diversas regiões do Brasil. Tecidos de fetos abortados, natimortos e potros submetidos ao Instituto Biológico de São Paulo, Brasil, no período de janeiro de 2010 a julho de 2013, foram processados por meio de técnicas de isolamento viral e bacteriano, PCR, histologia e imuno-histoquímica. Infecção bacteriana foi a causa mais detectada, encontrada em 16 de 53 amostras submetidas à análise bacteriana, seguida de causa viral em 2 de 105 amostras, e causas não infecciosas (isoeritrólise neonatal) em 2 de 105 amostras. Fungo foi encontrado em uma única amostra de 53 testadas. As bactérias isoladas mais frequentemente foram Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, E. coli associada a Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. associado a Bacillus spp. Os seguintes agentes foram observados em uma única amostra cada: Arcanobacterium pyogenes, Streptococcus spp., Corynebacterium spp., Actinobacillus spp. e Rhodococcus equi. A identificação predominante de bactérias fecais e outras bactérias oportunistas, ao invés de outros patógenos comumente associados a quadros de abortamento equino, tais como Leptospira spp. e Herpesvírus equino tipo 1, sugere a necessidade de maior atenção no manejo higiênico das éguas em reprodução, a fim de prevenir infecções bacterianas que possam causar perda fetal, natimortalidade e mortalidade perinatal.(AU)

Bovine papillomavirus type 1 in brains of cattle with a neurological syndrome: pathological and molecular study

Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) infection is endemic in Brazilian herds. Papillomaviruses are oncogenic, with a trophic response in squamous epithelial and mucosal tissues, and are associated with asymptomatic infections, proliferative benign skin lesions (papillomas), and malignant epithelial lesions (carcinomas). The presence and expression of BPV in the blood of healthy and papillomatosis-affected cattle has been demonstrated. Experimental inoculation of Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) into calf meninges can result in meningiomas and papillomatosis, but it´s not known if its natural infection causes neoplasia and neurological syndrome in cattle. We assessed the frequency of BPV in 300 Central Nervous System (CNS) samples from cattle with neurological syndrome from several Brazilian regions obtained from surveillance of neurological syndrome. Samples were negative for rabies, Neospora caninum, BoHV-1 and BoHV-5, bovine leukemia virus, and catarrhal malignant fever (PCR). Samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and submitted to macroscopic examination. For histological analysis, slides were submitted to a staining protocol using hematoxylin and eosin. PCR for BPV detection was applied in CNS frozen samples using generic primers FAP59 and FAP64 (L1 gene). Thirteen (4.3%) samples were positive for BPV by PCR, with 11 of these showing no pathological changes in microscopy, and two exhibiting nonspecific non-purulent meningoencephalitis. No CNS samples showed neoplasia. Nine of the 13 BPV positive samples (69.2%) came from females and four (30.8%) from males. The 13 positive animals were age 5 to 168 months with seven over 36 months (53.8%). Five were dairy cattle, four crossbred, and three beef cattle. Only one of the 13 positive samples provided sufficient BPV DNA for sequencing, which emonstrated 99% identity to samples of BPV-1 obtained from cutaneous papillomas in cattle in Brazil. The small quantity of BPV DNA in the CNS and the low number of PCR-positive samples may be associated with low neurotropism, unspecific inflammation, or BPV-infected lymphocytes in CNS tissues or bloodstream. Natural BPV-1 infection was not associated with cerebral neoplasia or neurological syndrome.(AU)

Occurrence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. in donkeys of São Paulo state / Ocorrência de anticorpos contra Leptospira spp. em asininos no estado de São Paulo

Among the diseases that affect equines, bacterial diseases play an important role from a health and economic point of view, especially leptospirosis and brucellosis. The study aimed to provide information on the occurrence of anti-Leptospira spp. and anti-Brucella abortus antibodies in donkeys of São Paulo state. We found a frequency of 62.4% (53/85) antibodies against Leptospira spp. The donkeys were not seropositive for Brucella spp.(AU)

Entre as doenças que acometem os equídeos, as enfermidades bacterianas assumem um papel importante do ponto de vista sanitário e econômico, destacando-se a leptospirose e a brucelose. O estudo teve como objetivo fornecer informações sobre a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. e anti-Brucella abortus em jumentos no estado de São Paulo. Estimou-se que 62,4% (53/85) dos animais apresentavam anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. Os jumentos estudados não foram sororreagentes contra a Brucella spp.(AU)

Low occurrence of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) as cause of abortion and perinatal mortality in Brazil / Baixa ocorrência de herpes-vírus equino 1 (HVE-1) como causa de abortamento e mortalidade perinatal no Brasil

Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is an important pathogen that causes abortion, neonatal disease, respiratory disorders, and neurological syndrome in equine populations worldwide. To evaluate EHV-1 as a cause of abortion and perinatal mortality in Brazil, tissue samples from 105 aborted equine fetuses, stillbirths, and foals up to one month of age were examined using virus isolation, immunohistochemistry (IHC), histopathology, and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two fetuses were positive for EHV-1 by PCR, one of which showed syncytia and eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in bronchial epithelia, but it was negative by virus isolation. The other showed no characteristic histological lesions, but it was positive by viral isolation. No sample was positive by IHC. The results presented low occurrence of EHV-1 in the studied population and suggested that the use of a combination of techniques increases the likelihood of an accurate diagnosis of EHV-1.

O herpes-vírus equino tipo 1 (HVE-1) é um importante agente patogênico causador de aborto, doença neonatal, distúrbios respiratórios e síndrome neurológica em populações de equinos em todo o mundo. Para avaliar a ocorrência do HVE-1 como agente causal de abortamento e mortalidade perinatal no Brasil, foram examinadas amostras de 105 fetos equinos abortados, natimortos e potros de até 1 mês de idade, utilizando as técnicas de isolamento viral, imuno-histoquímica (IHQ), histopatologia e reação em cadeia da polimerase aninhada (nested-PCR). Dois fetos foram positivos na análise de PCR, e um deles apresentou corpúsculos de inclusão viral eosinofílicos e sincícios no epitélio brônquico, porém foi negativo na análise de isolamento viral. O outro feto não apresentou lesões histológicas características de infecção herpética, mas foi positivo na análise de isolamento viral. Nenhuma amostra apresentou resultado positivo pela análise de IHQ. Os resultados demonstraram baixa ocorrência de HVE-1 na população estudada e que o uso de diferentes técnicas diagnósticas aumenta a probabilidade de um diagnóstico preciso para o HVE-1.

Low occurrence of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) as cause of abortion and perinatal mortality in Brazil / Baixa ocorrência de herpes-vírus equino 1 (HVE-1) como causa de abortamento e mortalidade perinatal no Brasil

Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is an important pathogen that causes abortion, neonatal disease, respiratory disorders, and neurological syndrome in equine populations worldwide. To evaluate EHV-1 as a cause of abortion and perinatal mortality in Brazil, tissue samples from 105 aborted equine fetuses, stillbirths, and foals up to one month of age were examined using virus isolation, immunohistochemistry (IHC), histopathology, and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two fetuses were positive for EHV-1 by PCR, one of which showed syncytia and eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in bronchial epithelia, but it was negative by virus isolation. The other showed no characteristic histological lesions, but it was positive by viral isolation. No sample was positive by IHC. The results presented low occurrence of EHV-1 in the studied population and suggested that the use of a combination of techniques increases the likelihood of an accurate diagnosis of EHV-1.(AU)

O herpes-vírus equino tipo 1 (HVE-1) é um importante agente patogênico causador de aborto, doença neonatal, distúrbios respiratórios e síndrome neurológica em populações de equinos em todo o mundo. Para avaliar a ocorrência do HVE-1 como agente causal de abortamento e mortalidade perinatal no Brasil, foram examinadas amostras de 105 fetos equinos abortados, natimortos e potros de até 1 mês de idade, utilizando as técnicas de isolamento viral, imuno-histoquímica (IHQ), histopatologia e reação em cadeia da polimerase aninhada (nested-PCR). Dois fetos foram positivos na análise de PCR, e um deles apresentou corpúsculos de inclusão viral eosinofílicos e sincícios no epitélio brônquico, porém foi negativo na análise de isolamento viral. O outro feto não apresentou lesões histológicas características de infecção herpética, mas foi positivo na análise de isolamento viral. Nenhuma amostra apresentou resultado positivo pela análise de IHQ. Os resultados demonstraram baixa ocorrência de HVE-1 na população estudada e que o uso de diferentes técnicas diagnósticas aumenta a probabilidade de um diagnóstico preciso para o HVE-1.(AU)

Occurrence of viral diseases in donkeys (Equus asinus) in São Paulo State, Brazil / Ocorrência de enfermidades virais em asininos (Equus asinus) no estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Among the diseases that affect equines, viral diseases play an important role from a health and economic point of view, especially influenza, viral arteritis, herpes infections and vesicular stomatitis. In the Brazilian literature, there is little or no account of the occurrence of infectious diseases in donkeys. Given the importance of donkeys in different activities and the lack of information on infections that may occur in these animals, the aim of this study was to determine the frequency of anti-equine herpesvirus (EHV), anti-equine arteritis virus (EAV), anti-vesicular stomatitis, and anti-equine influenza (H3N8) antibodies in the serum of 85 donkeys bred in some regions of the state of São Paulo. We found the following antibody frequencies: 50.6% (43/85) antibodies against influenza virus subtype H3N8, 47% (40/85) anti-EHV, and 20% (17/85) anti-EAV. The donkeys were not seropositive for vesicular stomatitis. The results suggested that the agents EHV, EAV, and equine influenza subtype H3N8 circulate among donkeys in some regions of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, reinforcing the importance of establishing a routine diagnosis and epidemiological study of this species (AU).

Dentre as doenças que acometem os equídeos, as enfermidades virais assumem um papel importante do ponto de vista sanitário e econômico, especialmente a influenza, arterite viral, as infecções herpéticas e a estomatite vesicular. Na literatura nacional, existe pouco ou nenhum relato sobre a ocorrência de enfermidades infecciosas nos asininos. Tendo em vista a importância dos asininos para diferentes atividades e a falta de informações sobre as doenças que acometem esses animais, este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a frequência de anticorpos anti-EHV, antivírus da arterite equina, anti-estomatite vesicular e anti-influenza equina (H3N8) em 85 soros de jumentos criados no estado de São Paulo. Estimou-se que 50,6% apresentavam anticorpos contra o subtipo H3N8 do vírus da influenza; 47% (40/85) apresentavam anticorpos contra o EHV e 20% apresentavam anticorpos contra o vírus da arterite. Os jumentos não foram soro reagentes contra a estomatite vesicular. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que os agentes EHV, vírus da arterite equina e influenza equina subtipo H3N8, circulam entre os jumentos do estado de São Paulo, caracterizando a importância do estabelecimento de uma rotina diagnóstica e estudos epidemiológicos na espécie (AU).

Occurrence of viral diseases in donkeys (Equus asinus) in São Paulo State, Brazil / Ocorrência de enfermidades virais em asininos (Equus asinus) no estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Among the diseases that affect equines, viral diseases play an important role from a health and economic point of view, especially influenza, viral arteritis, herpes infections and vesicular stomatitis. In the Brazilian literature, there is little or no account of the occurrence of infectious diseases in donkeys. Given the importance of donkeys in different activities and the lack of information on infections that may occur in these animals, the aim of this study was to determine the frequency of anti-equine herpesvirus (EHV), anti-equine arteritis virus (EAV), anti-vesicular stomatitis, and anti-equine influenza (H3N8) antibodies in the serum of 85 donkeys bred in some regions of the state of São Paulo. We found the following antibody frequencies: 50.6% (43/85) antibodies against influenza virus subtype H3N8, 47% (40/85) anti-EHV, and 20% (17/85) anti-EAV. The donkeys were not seropositive for vesicular stomatitis. The results suggested that the agents EHV, EAV, and equine influenza subtype H3N8 circulate among donkeys in some regions of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, reinforcing the importance of establishing a routine diagnosis and epidemiological study of this species.(AU)

Dentre as doenças que acometem os equídeos, as enfermidades virais assumem um papel importante do ponto de vista sanitário e econômico, especialmente a influenza, arterite viral, as infecções herpéticas e a estomatite vesicular. Na literatura nacional, existe pouco ou nenhum relato sobre a ocorrência de enfermidades infecciosas nos asininos. Tendo em vista a importância dos asininos para diferentes atividades e a falta de informações sobre as doenças que acometem esses animais, este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a frequência de anticorpos anti-EHV, antivírus da arterite equina, anti-estomatite vesicular e anti-influenza equina (H3N8) em 85 soros de jumentos criados no estado de São Paulo. Estimou-se que 50,6% apresentavam anticorpos contra o subtipo H3N8 do vírus da influenza; 47% (40/85) apresentavam anticorpos contra o EHV e 20% apresentavam anticorpos contra o vírus da arterite. Os jumentos não foram soro reagentes contra a estomatite vesicular. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que os agentes EHV, vírus da arterite equina e influenza equina subtipo H3N8, circulam entre os jumentos do estado de São Paulo, caracterizando a importância do estabelecimento de uma rotina diagnóstica e estudos epidemiológicos na espécie.(AU)

Causes of encephalitis and encephalopathy in brazilian equids

The etiology of diseases that affect the central nervous system (CNS) of equids was investigated. Samples (n = 218) collected from equids showing clinical signs of nervous or behavioral changes were analyzed, of which 37 (17.0%) were positive for rabies, 13 (6.0%) for the presence of protozoans (one Sarcocystis neurona, 12 Toxoplasma gondii), three (1.4%) for equine herpesvirus type 1 myeloencephalopathy, and 24 (11%) for bacterial encephalitis. Histopathology of the CNS revealed one (0.4%) case of cryptococcal myelomeningoencephalitis and 20 (9.2%) cases of equine leukoencephalomalacia. Central nervous system samples were positive for Sarcocystis neurona and Toxoplasma gondii by nested PCR-ITS1 followed by nucleotide sequencing. Diagnosis of equine herpesvirus 1 was confirmed by cell isolation and polymerase chain reaction followed by sequencing of the GD and polymerase (ORF 30) genes in three samples. No case of equine encephalomyelitis was diagnosed in samples analyzed by isolation in mice, VERO cell cultures, and RT-PCR for the nsP1 gene. Bacterial agents (Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Enterobacteriaceae spp., Corynebacterium spp., and nonfermenting gram-negative bacillus) were detected in pure or preponderant cultures. Diagnosis was conclusive in 45% of samples, indicating that other infectious and noninfectious etiologies of encephalitis and encephalopathy should be considered for investigation.

Prevalência de anticorpos contra o vírus da arterite equina nas mesorregiões Noroeste, Centro Ocidental e Norte Central do Paraná / Prevalence of antibodies against equine viral arteritis virus in Northwest, Western Central and North Central Regions of the State of Paraná, Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a prevalência de anticorpos contra o vírus da arterite viral equina (EVAV) em equinos sadios criados nas mesorregiões Noroeste, Centro Ocidental e Norte Central do estado do Paraná. Após o cálculo do tamanho amostral, foram analisadas, utilizando a técnica de soroneutralização, amostras de soro sanguíneo de 653 equinos. Nenhum animal sororreagente foi encontrado nas mesorregiões Noroeste (0/236) e Centro Ocidental (0/99). Na mesorregião Norte Central a prevalência foi de 0,62% (2/318), totalizando 0,30%. Pode-se concluir que a arterite viral equina (AVE) ainda não representa um problema de importância epidemiológica nos equinos criados nas mesorregiões paranaenses estudadas.(AU)

The prevalence of antibodies against equine viral arteritis virus (EVAV) in healthy horses raised in Northwest, Western Central and North Central regions of the State of Paraná, Brazil was investigated. According to calculated sample size, serum samples of 653 horses were analyzed through standard virus neutralization test. No horse had antibodies to EVAV in Northwest (0/236) and in Western Central (0/99) regions. In North Central region frequency was 0.62% (2/318), with an overall prevalence of 0.30%. It can be concluded that EVA does not represent a problem of epidemiological importance in the studied regions of Paraná.(AU)

Serological and molecular investigation of viral agents in freeliving jaguars of the Pantanal wetlands, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil / Investigação sorológica e molecular de agentes virais em onças-pintadas de vida livre no Pantanal de Mato Grosso, Brasil

This study investigates the exposure of free-living jaguars from two federal protected areas in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil, to a variety viral agents. These viral agents, particularly causing zoonotic diseases, were analyzed using serological and molecular methods. None of the jaguars was positive by RT-PCR for the molecular detection of avian influenza and West Nile Fever (WNF). Only one animal was serologically positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) by virus neutralization test in VERO cell cultures, representing the first reported case of jaguar exposure to EEE virus. However, all the animals were negative for Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) virus and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) virus. Eleven jaguars were tested by two tests for the detection of antibodies against rabies virus (Simplified Fluorescent Inhibition Microtest ­ SFIMT and Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test ­ RFFIT), resulting in five positive animals, two animals in each test and one in both serological tests. Furthermore, three out of 14 samples subjected to the neutralization test were positive for antibodies against canine distemper virus (CDV), and 15 out of 17 samples subjected to the hemagglutination-inhibition test (HI) were positive for antibodies against canine parvovirus (CPV). In view of the findings of this study, it is unlikely that the viruses examined here represent a threat to the jaguar populations in this region.(AU)

Este estudo investigou a exposição de onças-pintadas de vida livre a agentes virais selecionados em duas unidades de conservação federais no Pantanal de Mato Grosso, Brasil. Para a análise desses agentes virais, a maioria de caráter zoonótico, foram utilizados métodos sorológicos e moleculares. Nenhuma das onze onças-pintadas examinadas foi positiva na técnica de real-time RT-PCR para a detecção molecular dos agentes da Influenza aviária e Febre do Nilo Ocidental (WNF). Somente um animal foi positivo sorologicamente para a o vírus da Encefalite Equina do Leste (EEE) pela Microtécnica de vírus neutralização em culturas de células VERO, sendo este o primeiro relato da exposição de onças-pintadas. Todos os animais examinados s foram negativos para o vírus da Encefalite Equina do Oeste (WEE) e Venezuelana (VEE). Amostras de soro colhidas de 11 onças-pintadas foram submetidas a adois testes distintos para a detecção de anticorpos contra o vírus da raiva (Teste Rápido de Inibição de Foco de Fluorescência ­ RFFIT e Microteste Simplificado de Inibição da Fluorescência - SFIMT), resultando em cinco animais positivos, dos quase dois positivos para cada teste e um positivo quando submetido aos dois testes sorológicos. Além disso, três das 14 amostras submetidas a técnica de soroneutralização foram positivas para a pesquisa de anticorpos contra o vírus da cinomose (CDV) e 15 amostras positivas das 17 analisadas para a pesquisa de anticorpos contra o parvovírus canino (CPV) foram identificadas pela técnica de Inibição da Hemaglutinação (HI). De acordo com os resultados deste estudo, é pouco provável que os agentes virais aqui analisados representem ameaça à população de onçaspintadas nesta região.(AU)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection in Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) at the Curitiba Zoo, southern Brazil: case report / Infecção pelo complexo Mycobacterium tuberculosis em carneiro da Barbária (Ammotragus lervia) no Zoológico de Curitiba, sul do Brasil: relato de caso

Tuberculosis is one of the most important mandatory notification diseases in the world caused by bacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, infecting both humans and animals. A sudden death of a Barbary sheep in Curitiba Zoo, and presence of multifocal nodules in lungs at necropsy raised suspicion of tuberculosis. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) from organs and fluid was performed and detected M. tuberculosis complex in a lung sample. This research reports the M. tuberculosis complex infection in Barbary sheep, a zoonosis of great relevance to public health and emphasizes the need to implement prevention measures. Furthermore, the research may provide a better understanding for species conservation, occurrence and transmission of diseases in captivity, reservoir potential and public health impact to zoo personnel and visitors.(AU)

A tuberculose é uma das doenças mundiais de notificação obrigatória mais importantes causada pelo complexo Mycobacterium tuberculosis que pode infectar pessoas e animais. A morte repentina de um carneiro da Barbária no Zoológico de Curitiba, que apresentou nódulos multifocais no pulmão à necropsia, levantou a suspeita de tuberculose. Foi realizada a Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase Quantitativa (qPCR) de fragmentos de órgãos e fluido. A qPCR detectou a presença do complexo M. tuberculosis nas amostras de pulmão. Este estudo relata a infecção pelo complexo M. tuberculosis no carneiro da Barbária, uma zoonose de grande relevância para a saúde pública, ressaltando-se a necessidade da implementação de medidas de prevenção. Além disso, pode prover um melhor entendimento sobre conservação de espécies, ocorrência e transmissão de doenças em cativeiro, potencial reservatório e impacto na saúde pública para visitantes e funcionários dos zoológicos.(AU)

Occurrence of antibodies anti -Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Leptospira interrogans in a captive deer herd in Southern Brazil.

A large number of Brazilian zoos keep many endangered species of deer, however, very few disease surveillance studies have been conducted among captive cervids. Blood samples from 32 Brazilian deer (Blastocerus dichotomus, Mazama nana and Mazama americana) kept in captivity at Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary (Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil) were investigated for 10 ruminant pathogens, with the aims of monitoring deer health status and evaluating any potential zoonotic risk. Deer serum samples were tested for Brucella abortus, Leptospira (23 serovars), Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, bovine viral diarrhea virus, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus, western equine encephalitis virus, eastern equine encephalitis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Antibodies against T. gondii (15.6%), N. caninum (6.2%) and L. interrogans serogroup Serjoe (3.1%) were detected. The serological results for all other infectious agents were negative. The deer were considered to be clinically healthy and asymptomatic regarding any disease. Compared with studies on free-ranging deer, the prevalences of the same agents tested among the captive deer kept at the Sanctuary were lower, thus indicating good sanitary conditions and high-quality management practices at the zoo.

Occurrence of antibodies anti -Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Leptospira interrogans in a captive deer herd in Southern Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos anti -Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum e Leptospira interrogans em um rebanho de cervídeos de cativeiro do sul do Brasil

Abstract A large number of Brazilian zoos keep many endangered species of deer, however, very few disease surveillance studies have been conducted among captive cervids. Blood samples from 32 Brazilian deer (Blastocerus dichotomus, Mazama nana and Mazama americana) kept in captivity at Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary (Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil) were investigated for 10 ruminant pathogens, with the aims of monitoring deer health status and evaluating any potential zoonotic risk. Deer serum samples were tested for Brucella abortus, Leptospira (23 serovars), Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, bovine viral diarrhea virus, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus, western equine encephalitis virus, eastern equine encephalitis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Antibodies against T. gondii (15.6%), N. caninum (6.2%) and L. interrogans serogroup Serjoe (3.1%) were detected. The serological results for all other infectious agents were negative. The deer were considered to be clinically healthy and asymptomatic regarding any disease. Compared with studies on free-ranging deer, the prevalences of the same agents tested among the captive deer kept at the Sanctuary were lower, thus indicating good sanitary conditions and high-quality management practices at the zoo.

Resumo Um grande número de zoológicos brasileiros abriga espécies de cervídeos ameaçados de extinção, entretanto, estudos de vigilância de doenças em cervídeos de cativeiro são escassos. Amostras de sangue de 32 cervídeos brasileiros (Blastocerus dichotomus, Mazama nana e Mazama americana), mantidos em cativeiro no Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista (Foz do Iguaçu, Brasil), foram investigados para 10 patógenos de ruminantes, visando monitorar o estado de saúde dos cervídeos e avaliar a presença de agentes zoonóticos. As amostras de soro foram testadas para Brucella abortus, Leptospira (23 sorovares), Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, diarreia viral bovina, rinotraqueíte infecciosa bovina, febre aftosa, encefalomielite equina do oeste, encefalomielite equina do leste e encefalomielite equina venezuelana. Foram detectados anticorpos para T. gondii (15,6%), N. caninum (6,2%) e para L. interrogans sorogrupo Serjoe (3,1%). As sorologias apresentaram resultado negativo para as demais doenças. Os cervídeos foram considerados clinicamente sadios e assintomáticos para doenças. Comparados aos estudos de populações de vida livre, as soroprevalências para os mesmos agentes testados foram menores para os cervídeos mantidos no Refúgio, indicando as boas condições sanitárias e a qualidade das práticas de manejo no zoológico.

Occurrences of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in Barbary sheep at Curitiba zoo, southern Brazil.

Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) have the potential to act as hosts of important infectious diseases, particularly zoonoses. Blood samples from 17 Barbary sheep at the Curitiba zoo were collected to evaluate occurrences of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies, tested using the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies were detected in 4/17 (23.5%) and 4/17 (23.5%) samples, respectively. The present study has shown that Barbary sheep at Curitiba zoo were exposed to T. gondii and N. caninum and therefore may act as intermediate hosts, spreading toxoplasmosis and neosporosis within and between species in shared areas.

Occurrences of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in Barbary sheep at Curitiba zoo, southern Brazil / Ocorrências de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii e anti-Neospora caninum em aoudads no zoológico de Curitiba, sul do Brasil

Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) have the potential to act as hosts of important infectious diseases, particularly zoonoses. Blood samples from 17 Barbary sheep at the Curitiba zoo were collected to evaluate occurrences of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies, tested using the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies were detected in 4/17 (23.5%) and 4/17 (23.5%) samples, respectively. The present study has shown that Barbary sheep at Curitiba zoo were exposed to T. gondii and N. caninum and therefore may act as intermediate hosts, spreading toxoplasmosis and neosporosis within and between species in shared areas.

Aoudads (Ammotragus lervia) têm o potencial para atuar como hospedeiros de importantes doenças infecciosas, em particular as zoonoses. Amostras de sangue de 17 aoudads do zoológico de Curitiba foram coletadas para avaliar ocorrências de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii e anti-Neospora caninum, testados pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI). Anticorpos anti-T. gondii e anti-N. caninum foram detectados em 4/17 (23,5%) e 4/17 (23,5%) das amostras dos aoudads, respectivamente. O presente estudo revelou que os aoudads no zoológico de Curitiba estão expostos a T. gondii e N. caninum e, portanto, podem atuar como hospedeiros intermediários e fatores de difusão da toxoplasmose e da neosporose intra e interespécies em áreas compartilhadas.

Inquérito sorológico da infecção pelos vírus da encefalomielite equina no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Serological survey of equine encephalomyelitis virus infection in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Foi investigada a ocorrência da infecção pelos vírus da Encelafalomielite Equina do Leste (EEE), Encefalomielite Equina do Oeste (WEE) e Encefalomielite Equina Venezuelana (VEE) em equídeos não vacinados contra tais agentes, criados em dez delegacias regionais do estado de Minas Gerais (Almenara, Bambuí, Curvelo, Governador Valadares, Montes Claros, Oliveira, São Gonçalo do Sapucaí, Teófilo Otoni, Unaí e Viçosa), empregando-se a técnica de soroneutralização em microplacas. Dos 826 animais examinados, 30,2% ((250/826) foram soropositivos para EEE e 1,9% (16/826) para o zuelano de Encefalomielite Equina circulam na população equina do estado de Minas Gerais.

The occurrence of Equine Eastern Encephalomyelitis (EEE), Equine Western Encephalomyelitis (WEE) and Equine Venezuelan Encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus infection was investigated in equids not vaccinated against these viruses. The animals were distributed in ten regional districts of the state of Minas Gerais (Almenara, Bambuí, Curvelo, Governador Valadares, Montes Claros, Oliveira, São Gonçalo do Sapucaí, Teófilo Otoni, Unaí e Viçosa). Microplate serum neutralization test was used to detect antibodies against encephalitis virus. Two hundred and fifty animals (30.2%, 250/826) were EEE-seropositive, while 1.9% of them (16/826) were VEE-seropositive. No animals were found to be seropositive for WEE. In conclusion, either EEE or VEE viruses circulate in the equid population of the state of Minas Gerais.

Detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in carthorses in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.

Toxoplasma gondii, the agent for toxoplasmosis, has worldwide distribution. Horses normally play a secondary role in its life cycle, but movement around urban areas, feeding on grass and the increasing use of carthorses for gathering recyclable material in some urban areas of Brazil may increase their exposure to T. gondii infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of anti-T. gondii antibodies in carthorses in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, PR. IgG antibodies against T. gondii were detected using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) (titers ≥ 64). Seventeen (17.0%) of the 100 horses sampled were seropositive. There were no statistical differences in relation to sex (p = 0.28) or age (p = 0.15). Our findings suggest that carthorses are exposed to T. gondii infections and that no associations with age or sex exist.

Detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in carthorses in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil / Detecção de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em cavalos carroceiros da região metropolitana de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil

Toxoplasma gondii, the agent for toxoplasmosis, has worldwide distribution. Horses normally play a secondary role in its life cycle, but movement around urban areas, feeding on grass and the increasing use of carthorses for gathering recyclable material in some urban areas of Brazil may increase their exposure to T. gondii infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of anti-T. gondii antibodies in carthorses in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, PR. IgG antibodies against T. gondii were detected using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) (titers ≥ 64). Seventeen (17.0%) of the 100 horses sampled were seropositive. There were no statistical differences in relation to sex (p = 0.28) or age (p = 0.15). Our findings suggest that carthorses are exposed to T. gondii infections and that no associations with age or sex exist.

Toxoplasma gondii, agente da toxoplasmose, tem distribuição mundial. Geralmente cavalos desempenham papel secundário no ciclo de vida do T. gondii. Entretanto, a circulação em meio urbano, a alimentação com gramíneas e o aumento no uso de cavalos carroceiros para recolhimento de material reciclável em algumas áreas urbanas do Brasil podem aumentar a exposição desses cavalos ao T. gondii. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a frequência de anticorpos anti-T. gondii em cavalos carroceiros da região metropolitana de Curitiba, PR. Os anticorpos da classe IgG contra T. gondii foram detectados pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) (títulos ≥ 64). Dezessete (17%) dos 100 cavalos avaliados foram positivos e não houve diferença entre sexos (p = 0,28) ou idade (p = 0,15). Esses achados sugerem que cavalos carroceiros estão expostos a infecções por T. gondii, não existindo associação com a idade ou o sexo dos animais.

Detection of Neospora sp. antibodies in cart horses from urban areas of Curitiba, Southern Brazil.

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite which affects dogs as definitive hosts and several mammalian species as intermediate hosts mainly causing abortions and central nervous system disorders. The reemerging population of cart horses for carrying recycling material in urban areas of major cities in Brazil may have an impact on disease spreading, and these animals may be used as sentinels for environmental surveillance. Thus, the present study investigated the frequency of Neospora sp. antibodies in cart horses from Curitiba and surrounding areas, Paraná State, Southern Brazil. IgG antibodies against Neospora sp. were detected using indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT), and titers equal to or higher than 1:50 were considered reactive. Of all samples, 14/97 (14.4%) were positive: 2/29 (6.9%) were younger than 5; 5/26 (19.2%) between 6 and 9; and 6/31 (19.4%) older than 10 years of age. One of the 11 animals with unknown age was positive (9.1%). Cart horses are likely to be more exposed to dog feces and to Neospora sp. oocyst contamination in urban settings and a lower frequency of disease in dogs may have a negative impact on horse infection risk in these areas.