Enhanced apoptotic index in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and inflammatory infiltrate showed positive correlation with hepatic lesion intensity, parasite load, and clinical status in naturally Leishmania-infected dogs.

It is unknown if Leishmania amastigote infections affect hepatocytes and Kupffer cell apoptosis, and the role played by apoptosis in liver lesions in leishmaniasis is still unclear. Clinically affected and subclinically infected dogs with leishmaniosis and uninfected controls were assessed. Parasite load, biochemical markers for evaluation of liver damage, morphometry (area, perimeter, number of inflammatory focus, major and minor diameters), apoptosis in hepatic tissue (hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and inflammatory infiltrates) and cellularity in inflammatory foci were quantified. The parasite load in clinically affected dogs proved to be higher than in the other groups. All morphometric parameters (area, perimeter, number of inflammatory focus, major and minor diameters) from clinically affected were higher than the values found in the subclinically infected and uninfected control dogs. Only clinically affected dogs presented high levels of ALT, FA, GGT and cholesterol in serum. Strong positive correlation was observed between biochemical markers for evaluation of liver damage (ALT, FA, GGT and cholesterol) and hepatic apoptosis (hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and inflammation). Clinically affected dogs showed a more intense hepatic lesion. Hepatocytes showed a higher rate of apoptosis in Leishmania-infected dogs than in uninfected control dogs. The Kupffer cell apoptotic index and apoptosis within the inflammatory infiltrates were higher in clinically affected dogs. The apoptotic index evaluated in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and inflammatory infiltrates showed a positive correlation with the intensity of the hepatic lesion, parasite load, and clinical status. Apoptotic cells also showed positive immunostaining for TUNEL, Bcl2, and Bax. Our data showed that hepatic apoptosis was related to the severity of liver damage, the progression of infection, and the parasite load in leishmaniasis. Apoptotic regulated cell recruitment modulated the inflammatory response and favored the survival and dissemination of parasites, depending on the clinical status of the Leishmania-infected dogs.

Assessment of coconut water added to Numida meleagris egg yolk as cryoprotectant for goat semen.

Effects were assessed of the dilutants TRIS and ACP - 101c® with the addition of different guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) egg yolk concentrations. Fifteen ejaculates were collected from five goats of the Anglo Nubian breed. The ejaculates were pooled and then divided into 12 groups, two control groups (GC1 TRIS, with 2.5% Gallus gallus domesticus hen egg yolk GOGD), (GC2 Control Group ACP - 101c®, with the addition of 2.5% Gallus gallus domesticus hen egg yolk GOGD) and ten experimental groups (EG), containing TRIS and ACP added with different concentrations of egg yolk from guinea hen (Numida meleagris) (TRIS 2,5% GONM; TRIS 5% GONM; TRIS 10% GONM; TRIS 15% GONM; TRIS 20% GONM; ACP® 2,5% GONM; ACP® 5% GONM; ACP® 10% GONM; ACP® 15% GONM; ACP® 20% GONM). Then cryopreservation was carried out and the samples stored in liquid nitrogen (-196 °C). After seven days, the samples were thawed and assessed for spermatic kinetics, immunofluorescence and sperm morphology. Analysis of GOMN by the CASA system showed that the various parameters were similar to those of GOGD (P>0.05). The membrane integrity, mitochondrial potential and the acrosome were not influenced by the treatment (P>0.05) nor by the dilutant used for cryopreservation (P>0.05). The spermatic morphology was also preserved by the different GOGD and GONM concentrations in the ACP® and TRIS dilutants, with no statistically significant differences (P<0.05). It was concluded that Numida meleagris egg yolk, as external membrane cryoproctant added to the dilutants ACP-101c® and TRIS, improved goat semen quality.

Risk factors and detection of brucella ovis in naturally infected rams and ewes / Fatores de risco e detecção de brucella ovis em carneiros e ovelhas naturalmente infectados

The objective of this study was to verify the occurrence of ovine brucellosis using Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques, as well as to identify the main risk factors associated with infection in sheep flocks belonging to municipalities in the microregion from Teresina, PI, Brazil. A total of 100 urine and blood samples were collected from sheep aged 6 months or older. The urine samples were submitted to conventional PCR and the blood samples were examined by the AGID technique. Of the 100 blood samples, 17 (17%) were reactive to the AGID test. In conventional PCR of 100 urine samples, six (6%) were positive. Risk factors associated to infection by B. ovis included the rearing system (OR=0.19), feed management (OR=0.05), presence of dystotic births (OR=4.50), miscarriages (OR=3.75) and source of water offered to the animals (OR=0.19). Thus, it was concluded that it is possible to detect the occurrence of animals with ovine brucellosis since PCR is a reliable method to confirm infection. Furthermore, there are risk factors associated to infection by B. ovis in the municipalities studied.

Objetivou-se verificar a ocorrência da brucelose ovina através das técnicas de Imunodifusão em Gel de Ágar (IDGA) e Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR), bem como identificar os principais fatores de risco associados à infecção nos rebanhos ovinos pertencentes a municípios da microrregião de Teresina, PI, Brasil. Foram colhidas 100 amostras de urina e de sangue de ovinos com idade superior ou igual a seis meses. As amostras de urina foram submetidas a PCR convencional e as amostras de sangue à técnica de IDGA. Das 100 amostras de sangue 17 (17%) foram reagentes ao teste de IDGA. Já na PCR convencional das 100 amostras de urina, seis (6%) foram positivas. Ressalta-se que três animais foram positivos em ambos os testes. Como fatores associados à infecção por B. ovis, observou-se o tipo de sistema de criação (OR=0,19), o manejo alimentar (OR=0,05), presença de partos distócicos (OR=4,50), abortamentos (OR=3,75) e a fonte de água fornecida aos animais (OR=0,19). Assim, conclui-se que foi possível detectar a ocorrência de animais com brucelose ovina, uma vez que a PCR é um método confirmatório. Além disso, há fatores de risco associados à infecção por B. ovis nos municípios estudados.

Risk factors and detection of brucella ovis in naturally infected rams and ewes / Fatores de risco e detecção de brucella ovis em carneiros e ovelhas naturalmente infectados

The objective of this study was to verify the occurrence of ovine brucellosis using Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques, as well as to identify the main risk factors associated with infection in sheep flocks belonging to municipalities in the microregion from Teresina, PI, Brazil. A total of 100 urine and blood samples were collected from sheep aged 6 months or older. The urine samples were submitted to conventional PCR and the blood samples were examined by the AGID technique. Of the 100 blood samples, 17 (17%) were reactive to the AGID test. In conventional PCR of 100 urine samples, six (6%) were positive. Risk factors associated to infection by B. ovis included the rearing system (OR=0.19), feed management (OR=0.05), presence of dystotic births (OR=4.50), miscarriages (OR=3.75) and source of water offered to the animals (OR=0.19). Thus, it was concluded that it is possible to detect the occurrence of animals with ovine brucellosis since PCR is a reliable method to confirm infection. Furthermore, there are risk factors associated to infection by B. ovis in the municipalities studied.

Objetivou-se verificar a ocorrência da brucelose ovina através das técnicas de Imunodifusão em Gel de Ágar (IDGA) e Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR), bem como identificar os principais fatores de risco associados à infecção nos rebanhos ovinos pertencentes a municípios da microrregião de Teresina, PI, Brasil. Foram colhidas 100 amostras de urina e de sangue de ovinos com idade superior ou igual a seis meses. As amostras de urina foram submetidas a PCR convencional e as amostras de sangue à técnica de IDGA. Das 100 amostras de sangue 17 (17%) foram reagentes ao teste de IDGA. Já na PCR convencional das 100 amostras de urina, seis (6%) foram positivas. Ressalta-se que três animais foram positivos em ambos os testes. Como fatores associados à infecção por B. ovis, observou-se o tipo de sistema de criação (OR=0,19), o manejo alimentar (OR=0,05), presença de partos distócicos (OR=4,50), abortamentos (OR=3,75) e a fonte de água fornecida aos animais (OR=0,19). Assim, conclui-se que foi possível detectar a ocorrência de animais com brucelose ovina, uma vez que a PCR é um método confirmatório. Além disso, há fatores de risco associados à infecção por B. ovis nos municípios estudados.

Serological evidence of Toxoplasma gondii occurrence in naturally infected sheep in the Teresina microregion, Piauí, Brazil

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis of reproductive nature that is transmitted to humans mainly by ingestion of undercooked meat or drinking oocyte-contaminated water. The slaughter of small ruminants in clandestine slaughterhouses and the presence of companion animals in these locations may be epidemiologically important for the dissemination of the disease. The objective of the present study was to determine toxoplasmosis prevalence by researching anti- Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in meat sheep herds from farms in Teresina microregion, Piauí, Brazil. A total of 450 blood samples were collected from sheep of both sexes, belonging to 28 herds from the 14 municipalities that comprise the microregion. The samples were analyzed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was observed in 62% (279/450) of the animals in all the municipalities and on at least one farm in each municipality. The high occurrence of positive animals is an indication of reproductive problems in these herds, characterizing a problem for both sheep rearing and public health.

Diluente Tris suplementado com óleo de Mauritia flexuoxa sobre a qualidade do sêmen caprino após a criopreservação / Tris diluent supplemented with Mauritia flexuoxa oil on the quality of goat semen after cryopreservation

Objetivou-se verificar os efeitos, nos parâmetros espermáticos, na integridade mitocondrial, acrossomal e de membrana em células espermáticas, desencadeados pelo uso do Tris (Tris hidroximetil aminometano) suplementado com óleo de Mauritia flexuoxacomo diluente para criopreservação de sêmen caprino. Quatro caprinos clinicamente saudáveis foram utilizados. Os animais eram alimentados diariamente com volumoso (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum.), concentrado (ração peletizada com teor de 20% proteína, 300 g/animal/dia) e sal mineral específico para Caprinos (Caprinofós®), à vontade. Dois ensaios foram realizados: I ­ Teste de toxicidade; II ­ Criopreservação do sêmen com concentrações ideais. No teste de toxicidade as concentrações avaliadas foram: 5%, 10%, 15% e 20% de diluente a base de óleo de Mauritia flexuoxa. Após o teste de toxicidade, foi escolhido a concentraçãoque apresentou o melhor resultado (5%). Logo após, foram realizadas mais 32 coletas, que foram diluídas em Tris-gema-glicerol (grupo controle) ou diluente contendo óleo vegetal (Mauritia flexuoxa). As amostras foram criopreservadas com auxílio do aparelho Tk3000®. Após o período mínimo de uma semana as palhetas foram descongeladas em banho-maria a 37 °C por 30 segundos, acondicionadas em microtubos de centrifugação e homogeneizadas para a análise imediata de motilidade, vigor espermático e morfologia. Em seguida, por meio de sondas fluorescentes foram avaliadas a integridade de acrossomo, membrana plasmática (Diacetato de Carboxifluresceína e Iodeto de Propídeo) e função mitocondrial sob microscopia de epifluorescência. Quanto a motilidade e vigor, integridade mitocondrial e acrossomal, o grupo buriti foi inferior ao grupo controle. O Tris suplementado com óleo de Mauritia flexuoxa na concentração de 5% não influenciou significativamente a qualidade espermática, porém, observou-se morfologia e integridade de membrana favoráveis. Dessa forma, sendo uma alternativa para substituição de diluentes a base de produtos de origem animal.

The objective was to verify the effects, sperm parameters, mitochondrial, acrosomal and membrane integrity in sperm cells, triggered by the use of Tris (Tris hydroxymethyl aminomethane) supplemented with Mauritia flexuoxa oil as a diluent for cryopreservation of goat semen. Four goats clinically healthy were used. The animals were fed daily with bulky (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum.), concentrate (pelleted feed with 20% protein content, 300 g / animal / day) and mineral salt Specific for Goats (Caprinofós®), ad libitum. Two tests were carried out: I - Toxicity test; II - Semen cryopreservation with ideal concentrations. In the toxicity test as selected were: 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of Mauritia flexuoxa oil-based diluent. After the toxicity test, the concentration that showed the best result (5%) was chosen. Soon after, a further 32 samples were obtained, which were diluted in Tris-glycerol (control group) or diluent containing vegetable oil (Mauritia flexuoxa). The samples were cryopreserved using the Tk3000® machine. After a minimum of one week, the samples were thawed in a 37 ° C water bath for 30 seconds, packed in centrifugation microtubes and homogenized for immediate analysis of motility, sperm vigor and morphology. Then, by means of fluorescent probes, the integrity of the acrosome, plasma membrane (Carboxyflurescein diacetate and Propidium Iodide) and mitochondrial function under epifluorescence microscopy were evaluated. As for motility and vigor, mitochondrial and acrosomal integrity, the buriti group was inferior to the control group. Tris supplemented with Mauritia flexuoxa oil at a concentration of 5% did not significantly influence sperm quality, however, favorable motility, morphology and membrane integrity were observed. Thus, being an alternative to replace diluents based on products of animal origin.

Diluente Tris suplementado com óleo de Mauritia flexuoxa sobre a qualidade do sêmen caprino após a criopreservação / Tris diluent supplemented with Mauritia flexuoxa oil on the quality of goat semen after cryopreservation

Objetivou-se verificar os efeitos, nos parâmetros espermáticos, na integridade mitocondrial, acrossomal e de membrana em células espermáticas, desencadeados pelo uso do Tris (Tris hidroximetil aminometano) suplementado com óleo de Mauritia flexuoxa como diluente para criopreservação de sêmen caprino. Quatro caprinos clinicamente saudáveis foram utilizados. Os animais eram alimentados diariamente com volumoso (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum.), concentrado (ração peletizada com teor de 20% proteína, 300 g/animal/dia) e sal mineral específico para Caprinos (Caprinofós®), à vontade. Dois ensaios foram realizados: I – Teste de toxicidade; II – Criopreservação do sêmen com concentrações ideais. No teste de toxicidade as concentrações avaliadas foram: 5%, 10%, 15% e 20% de diluente a base de óleo de Mauritia flexuoxa. Após o teste de toxicidade, foi escolhido a concentração que apresentou o melhor resultado (5%). Logo após, foram realizadas mais 32 coletas, que foram diluídas em Tris-gema-glicerol (grupo controle) ou diluente contendo óleo vegetal (Mauritia flexuoxa). As amostras foram criopreservadas com auxílio do aparelho Tk3000®. Após o período mínimo de uma semana as palhetas foram descongeladas em banho-maria a 37 °C por 30 segundos, acondicionadas em microtubos de centrifugação e homogeneizadas para a análise imediata de motilidade, vigor espermático e morfologia. Em seguida, por meio de sondas fluorescentes foram avaliadas a integridade de acrossomo, membrana plasmática (Diacetato de Carboxifluresceína e Iodeto de Propídeo) e função mitocondrial sob microscopia de epifluorescência. Quanto a motilidade e vigor, integridade mitocondrial e acrossomal, o grupo buriti foi inferior ao grupo controle. O Tris suplementado com óleo de Mauritia flexuoxa na concentração de 5% não influenciou significativamente a qualidade espermática, porém, observouse morfologia e integridade de membrana favoráveis. Dessa forma, sendo uma alternativa para substituição de diluentes a base de produtos de origem animal.

The objective was to verify the effects, sperm parameters, mitochondrial, acrosomal and membrane integrity in sperm cells, triggered by the use of Tris (Tris hydroxymethyl aminomethane) supplemented with Mauritia flexuoxa oil as a diluent for cryopreservation of goat semen. Four goats clinically healthy were used. The animals were fed daily with bulky (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum.), concentrate (pelleted feed with 20% protein content, 300 g / animal / day) and mineral salt Specific for Goats (Caprinofós®), ad libitum. Two tests were carried out: I - Toxicity test; II - Semen cryopreservation with ideal concentrations. In the toxicity test as selected were: 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of Mauritia flexuoxa oil-based diluent. After the toxicity test, the concentration that showed the best result (5%) was chosen. Soon after, a further 32 samples were obtained, which were diluted in Tris-glycerol (control group) or diluent containing vegetable oil (Mauritia flexuoxa). The samples were cryopreserved using the Tk3000® machine. After a minimum of one week, the samples were thawed in a 37 ° C water bath for 30 seconds, packed in centrifugation microtubes and homogenized for immediate analysis of motility, sperm vigor and morphology. Then, by means of fluorescent probes, the integrity of the acrosome, plasma membrane (Carboxyflurescein diacetate and Propidium Iodide) and mitochondrial function under epifluorescence microscopy were evaluated. As for motility and vigor, mitochondrial and acrosomal integrity, the buriti group was inferior to the control group. Tris supplemented with Mauritia flexuoxa oil at a concentration of 5% did not significantly influence sperm quality, however, favorable motility, morphology and membrane integrity were observed. Thus, being an alternative to replace diluents based on products of animal origin.

Development of microemulsion of tamsulosin and dutasteride for benign prostatic hyperplasia therapy.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition characterized by a benign enlargement of the prostate that interferes with the normal flow of urine. This disease is treated with the oral administration of combination therapy comprising α-blockers (tamsulosin) and 5α-reductase inhibitors (dutasteride). However, these compounds have low bioavailability. Thus, transdermal microemulsions aimed at promoting permeation and efficient targeted drug delivery through the skin are used. The objectives of this study were to obtain microemulsions of the combined doses of dutasteride and tamsulosin and evaluate their anti-hyperplastic activity in vivo. A phase diagram (4:1) was obtained for the choice of microemulsions. The microemulsions were characterized in terms of the droplet size, rheology, pH, conductivity, refractive index, in vitro release profile, and antihyperplastic effect in vivo. A method for the simultaneous quantification of drugs was developed using UV-vis spectroscopy. The microemulsions had an average size less than 116 nm, an acidic pH and low viscosity. The conductivity ranged from 6.18 to 185.2 µS/cm. The in vitro release profile was sustained for 6 h. Microemulsions promoted the reduction in the size of testosterone-dependent organs (prostate and seminal vesicles). Transdermal formulations for the treatment of BPH were obtained as a therapeutic alternative to conventional treatments.

Seroprevalence of ovine brucellosis in the microregion of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil / Soroprevalência da brucelose ovina na microrregião de Teresina, Piauí

Among the diseases that affect the reproductive system of domestic animals, brucellosis in the sheep species is important because it generates significant economic losses to sheep rearing. Thus, it is a threat to the growth and productivity of sheep herds. In the face of this problem, the objective of the present research was to identify the prevalence of ovine brucellosis in herds in municipalities of the Teresina, Piauí, Brazil microregion by using the agar gel immunodiffusion assay (AGID) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) serological tests. Fourteen municipalities were included in the research. Blood samples were collected from 521 pubescent animals by puncturing the jugular vein. After collection, the samples were submitted to the serological techniques, AGID and indirect ELISA, to detect anti B. ovis antibody. Of the 521 samples submitted to the AGIDtest, 23 (4.41%) were sera reagent and 498 (95.58%) negative. The indirect ELISA tests, 24 (4.61%) suspect samples and 497 (95.39%) negative samples were obtained, and there were no reagent animals in this test, only suspect. The seroprevalence of ovine brucellosis in the Teresina, Piauí microregion was 4.41%. Thus, it is possible to identify sheep with reagent serology to infection by B. ovis, that is present in municipalities in the state of Piauí, Brazil. Furthermore, AGIDwas shown to be more sensitive in detecting animals that had had contact with the etiological agent of the disease.(AU)

Dentre as enfermidades que acometem o sistema reprodutivo dos animais domésticos, a brucelose na espécie ovina tem se destacado por gerar prejuízos econômicos significativos à ovinocultura. Dessa forma, apresenta-se como uma ameaça ao crescimento e à produtividade dos rebanhos ovinos. Diante de tal problemática, objetivou-se, por meio desta pesquisa, identificar a prevalência de brucelose ovina em rebanhos pertencentes a municípios da microrregião de Teresina, Piauí, por meio dos testes sorológicos, imunodifusão em gel de ágar (IDGA) e ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) indireto. Quatorze municípios foram incluídos na pesquisa. Para sua execução, colheram-se, por punção venosa da jugular, amostras sanguíneas de 521 animais púberes. Após colheita, as amostras foram submetidas às técnicas sorológicas, IDGA e ELISA indireto, para a detecção de anticorpos anti-B. ovis. Das 521 amostras submetidas ao teste de IDGA, 23 (4,41%) foram sororreagentes e 498 (95,58%) negativas. Quanto ao teste ELISA indireto, obtiveram-se 24 (4,61%) amostras suspeitas e 497 (95,39%) amostras negativas, não havendo animais reagentes neste teste, apenas suspeitos. A soroprevalência da brucelose ovina na microrregião homogênea de Teresina, Piauí, foi de 4,41%. Assim, foi possível identificar ovinos com sorologia reagente à infecção por B. ovis, presente em municípios do estado do Piauí. Além disso, a IDGA mostrou-se mais sensível em detectar animais que tiveram contato com o agente etiológico da doença.(AU)

Sociodemographic and environmental analysis for the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in dogs of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. / Análise sociodemográfica e ambiental para ocorrência de anticorpos antiLeptospira em cães de Teresina, Piauí, Brasil.

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis whose transmission is interlinked by multiple factors in the man-animal-ecosystem interface. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in dogs in the capital Teresina (PI), and to determine their spatial distribution. Five hundred fifty-eight dog blood samples were submitted to the Microscopic Serum Agglutination (MSA) test. We applied semi-structured questionnaires to dog owners and obtained the area of residence for projection in geographical maps. Serum prevalence was 13.8%, in which the most common serovar was icterohaemorrhagiae, with 49.2%. Dogs with street access, failure to collect food bowl and low income of owners were risk factors. There was a higher number of seropositive dogs in the rainy season, with 87.1%, which is a probable risk factor for the occurrence of cases. The distribution of seropositive dogs was widely spread in the city, with predominance of cases in anthropized areas. These risk factors favor the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in dogs that are agent maintenance sources in the city and reinforce the need for epidemiological and environmental surveillance to prevent leptospirosis.

A leptospirose é uma zoonose mundial cuja transmissão está interligada por múltiplos fatores na interface homem-animal-ecossistema. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar os fatores de risco para a ocorrência de anticorpos antiLeptospira em cães na capital Teresina (PI), e determinar sua distribuição espacial. Amostras sanguíneas de 558 cães foram submetidas à prova de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM). Aplicou-se questionários semiestruturados para os proprietários dos cães e obteve-se a localização geográfica da residência para a sua projeção em mapas geográficos. A soroprevalência foi de 13,8%, no qual o sorogrupo mais frequente foi o Icterohaemorrhagiae com 49,2%. Foram considerados fatores de risco os cães com acesso à rua, o não recolhimento da vasilha de alimento e a baixa renda dos proprietários. Foi observado maior número de cães soropositivos no período chuvoso com 87,1%, sendo um possível fator de risco para a ocorrência de casos. A distribuição dos cães soropositivos na cidade se apresentou de forma dispersa, com predominância dos casos em área antropizada. Esses fatores de risco favorecem a ocorrência de anticorpos antiLeptospiraem cães, os quais podem ser fontes de manutenção do agente na cidade e reforça a necessidade de vigilância epidemiológica e ambiental na prevenção da leptospirose.

Análise sociodemográfica e ambiental para ocorrência de anticorpos antiLeptospira em cães de Teresina, Piauí, Brasil / Sociodemographic and environmental analysis for the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in dogs of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil

Resumo A leptospirose é uma zoonose mundial cuja transmissão está interligada por múltiplos fatores na interface homem-animal-ecossistema. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar os fatores de risco para a ocorrência de anticorpos antiLeptospira em cães na capital Teresina (PI), e determinar sua distribuição espacial. Amostras sanguíneas de 558 cães foram submetidas à prova de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM). Aplicou-se questionários semiestruturados para os proprietários dos cães e obteve-se a localização geográfica da residência para a sua projeção em mapas geográficos. A soroprevalência foi de 13,8%, no qual o sorogrupo mais frequente foi o Icterohaemorrhagiae com 49,2%. Foram considerados fatores de risco os cães com acesso à rua, o não recolhimento da vasilha de alimento e a baixa renda dos proprietários. Foi observado maior número de cães soropositivos no período chuvoso com 87,1%, sendo um possível fator de risco para a ocorrência de casos. A distribuição dos cães soropositivos na cidade se apresentou de forma dispersa, com predominância dos casos em área antropizada. Esses fatores de risco favorecem a ocorrência de anticorpos antiLeptospiraem cães, os quais podem ser fontes de manutenção do agente na cidade e reforça a necessidade de vigilância epidemiológica e ambiental na prevenção da leptospirose.

Abstract Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis whose transmission is interlinked by multiple factors in the man-animal-ecosystem interface. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in dogs in the capital Teresina (PI), and to determine their spatial distribution. Five hundred fifty-eight dog blood samples were submitted to the Microscopic Serum Agglutination (MSA) test. We applied semi-structured questionnaires to dog owners and obtained the area of residence for projection in geographical maps. Serum prevalence was 13.8%, in which the most common serovar was icterohaemorrhagiae, with 49.2%. Dogs with street access, failure to collect food bowl and low income of owners were risk factors. There was a higher number of seropositive dogs in the rainy season, with 87.1%, which is a probable risk factor for the occurrence of cases. The distribution of seropositive dogs was widely spread in the city, with predominance of cases in anthropized areas. These risk factors favor the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in dogs that are agent maintenance sources in the city and reinforce the need for epidemiological and environmental surveillance to prevent leptospirosis.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for leptospirosis in cattle, sheep, and goats at consorted rearing from the State of Piauí, northeastern Brazil.

Leptospirosis is an endemic disease in Latin America, caused by pathogenic bacteria of the genus Leptospira. It is considered one of the main causes responsible for the negative economic impact on global livestock by causing reproductive problems. The research aimed to determine the prevalence of leptospirosis in cattle, sheep, and goats at consorted rearing in the micro-region of Teresina, Piauí state, northeastern Brazil, as well as to identify prevalent serovars and risk factors associated with seroprevalence. Serum samples were analyzed in 336 sheep, 292 goats, and 253 cattle using microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Overall, 378 samples were positive to MAT, with seroprevalence of 42.9%. The prevalences in cattle, sheep, and goats were 50.5, 40.5, and 34.6%, respectively. All herds presented at least one seropositive animal; the Hardjo/Wolffi serovar association was the most common in cattle and Icterohaemorrhagiae in goats and sheep. Beef production (OR = 4.9), cattle herd over 35 animals (OR = 4.0), feeding on pasture (OR = 6.4), weir and/or stream as water source (OR = 2.1), and no veterinary services (OR = 2.9) were risk factors for cattle infection. For sheep, intensive management system (OR = 5.3), suspended slatted facilities (OR = 2.2), more than 20 sheep in reproductive age (OR = 1.9), and absence of deworming (OR = 3.5) were the risk factors, while for goats, the identified risk factors were sheep herd over 52 animals (OR = 1.9) and no veterinary services (OR = 1.8). We conclude that the infection was spreading in consorted herds in this region. Thus, it would be interesting and important to conduct educative activities to farmers on the economic impacts of this disease and the need of preventive and control strategies mainly focused on sanitary measures and animal handling.

Occurrence of antibodies against Leptospira spp in dogs from Teresina, Piauí, Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos contra Leptospira spp em cães de Teresina, Piauí, Brasil

Leptospirosis is a systemic disease caused by the species of bacteria Leptospira spp., which affects human beings, domestic and wild animals. The present study searched the presence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. in the canine population of the city Teresina, Piauí, and the most common serovars. Blood samples from 425 stray dogs were collected in the local zoonosis center in Teresina from July 2010 to January 2012 and submitted to the Microscopic Seroagglutination Test (MAT). This study found an average infection rate of 17.41% (IC 95%; 13,8 ­ 21,0) by 11 different serovars; the four most frequent were Canicola (18.9%), Autumnalis (16.2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (12.1%), and Butembo (12.1%). The questions raised in this study indicated the occurrence of Leptospira spp infection in dogs of Terezina- Piaui, Brazil.(AU)

A leptospirose é uma doença sistêmica causada por bactéria Leptospira spp. que afeta seres humanos, animais domésticos e selvagens. O presente trabalho investigou a presença de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. na população canina da cidade de Teresina-Piauí, e os respectivos sorovares predominantes. Amostras de sangue de 425 cães foram coletadas no Centro de Controle de Zoonoses de Teresina, no período de julho de 2010 a janeiro de 2012, e submetidas à prova de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM). Este estudo encontrou uma taxa de infecção média com 17,41% (IC 95%; 13,8 ­ 21,0) e 11 sorovares reagentes, sendo os prevalentes Canicola (18,9%), Autumnalis (16,2%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (12,1%) e Butembo (12,1%). As questões levantadas neste estudo indicam a ocorrência de infecção por Leptospira spp em cães da cidade de Teresina-Piauí, Brasil.(AU)

Effects of laser vs ultrasound on bone healing after distraction osteogenesis: A histomorphometric analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of low-level laser irradiation vs ultrasound irradiation on bone healing after distraction osteogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Distraction osteogenesis was performed with rapid maxillary expansion devices (Hyrax-Morelli, Sorocaba, São Paulo Brazil) in 24 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). After a 2-day latency period, the distraction devices were activated for 10 days at a rate of 1 mm/d. Four groups of six animals were treated as follows: (1) control, (2) laser irradiation on the right side, (3) ultrasound irradiation on the right side, and (4) laser irradiation on the right side and ultrasound on the left side. Histomorphometric analysis was used to assess the bone healing area. Analysis of variance was used to perform the statistical analyses. RESULTS: The influence of low-intensity laser associated with ultrasound irradiation on bone healing was statistically significant. The analyses showed the greatest amount of bone healing in the jaws of animals in group 4, which received treatment with both ultrasound and laser. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that bone healing is accelerated with the application of laser irradiation. The greatest effects were observed with combined ultrasound and laser treatment.

Avaliação do controle de leptospirose por vacinação em bovinos de propriedade leiteira no estado do Piauí / Evaluation of leptospirosis control through vaccination in a cattle dairy farm in the state of Piauí

Neste estudo foram colhidos soros de 255 vacas e 2 touros no período de 2004 a 2009, em intervalos de seis meses, em uma fazenda de gado leiteiro no município de Buriti dos Lopes, Piauí. Pela técnica de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM), os sorovares de leptospiras encontrados foram Hardjobovis, Hardjoprajitno (Norma), Hardjoprajitno (OMS). Para o controle da leptospirose, foi testada uma vacina contendo os mesmos sorovares encontrados infectando o rebanho. Os resultados mostraram que em bovinos leiteiros na bacia de Parnaíba, no Piauí, ocorre leptospirose, com predominância do sorovar Hardjobovis. A utilização de uma vacina contendo as sorovariedades mais prevalentes no rebanho, aplicada semestralmente ao longo de cinco anos, foi importante para a redução dos títulos de anticorpos, além de reduzir os problemas reprodutivos no rebanho.(AU)

For this study, we collected sera from 255 cows and 2 bulls in the period from 2004 to 2009, with six-month intervals, a dairy cattle farm in the municipality of Buriti dos Lopes, in the state of Piauí. By the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), we found the following serovars of leptospira: Hardjobovis, Hardjoprajitno (Norma), Hardjoprajitno (WHO). For the control of leptospirosis, a vaccine containing the same serovars that were found infecting the herd was tested. The results showed that in dairy cattle in the basin of Parnaiba, state of Piauí, leptospirosis occurs with a predominance of serovar Hardjobovis. The use of a vaccine containing the most prevalent serovars in the herd applied every six months during the course of five years was important to reduce antibody titers and reproductive problems in cattle.(AU)

Infecção por leptospiras em ovinos e caracterização da resposta inflamatória renal / Leptospirosis infection in sheep and characterization of the renal inflammatory response

As Leptospiroses são zoonoses graves de distribuição mundial que afetam o homem e outros animais. A infecção em animais, geralmente, é inaparente, ou os sintomas quando presentes são similares a outras infecções. Neste estudo foram colhidos soros de 119 ovinos e seus respectivos rins durante abate em feiras livres no município de Teresina-Piauí. Pela técnica de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM) obtiveram-se 34 amostras sorológicas positivas para um ou mais sorovares de Leptospira spp., com taxa de ocorrência de 28,6 por cento de anticorpos anti-leptospiras, sendo 23 casos de infecção para um único sorovar e 11 com coaglutinações para dois ou mais sorovares. Dentre os sorovares patogênicos, o de maior ocorrência foi o Autumnalis (29,4 por cento). A análise histopatológica de 36 fragmentos de rins revelou alterações túbulo intersticiais em 33 (91,7 por cento) animais soro-reagentes. Lesões tubulares foram observadas em 20 (55,5 por cento) animais soro-reagentes. A presença de leptospiras, pela técnica de Warthin Starry, foi observada em 8 (22,20 por cento) amostras positivas. Pela técnica de imunoperixidase, de 20 casos analisados, foi verificada a presença de leptospira em 12 (60 por cento) de 20 amostras positivas. Nos animais soro-reagentes, o infiltrado inflamatório foi significantemente mais evidente na região córtico-medular e cortical do que na região medular (p=0,000), mas não houve diferença entre animais soro-reagentes e soro não-reagentes. Cilindros hialinos nos túbulos proximais estavam presentes em quantidade significantemente maior nos animais soro-reagentes comparados aos não-reagentes (p=0,0001). Em glomérulos, foi observada lesão discreta. Os resultados deste estudo mostram que ovinos soro-reagentes para leptospiras apresentam lesões renais túbulo intersticiais, com presença de leptospiras nos túbulos, o que confere a esses animais a condição de disseminadores da infecção.

Lepitospirosis is a serious worldwide distribution disease which affects man and other animals. The infection is generally asymptomatic in animals. In cases whose symptoms are present, symptoms are similar to other infections. In the present study serum samples from 119 sheep and their kidneys were collected during their slaughter in outdoor markets in the city of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. The Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) obtained 34 positive serological samples for one or more Leptospira spp. serovar with occurrence rate of 28.6 percent of leptospiral antibodies. There were 23 cases of infection for a single serovar, and 11 cases with coagglutination for two or more serovars. Autumnalis had the highest occurrence (29.4 percent) among the pathogenic serovars. The histopathological analysis of 36 kidney fragments revealed tubulo-interstitial alterations in 33 (91.7 percent) positive animals. Tubular lesions were observed in 20 (55.5 percent) positive animals. The Warthin Starry staning revealed the presence of Leptospira in 8 (22.20 percent) of the 36 positive samples. The immunoperoxidase staining revealed the presence of Leptospira in 12 (60 percent) of 20 positive samples. The inflammatory infiltrate in the positive animals was significantly more evident in the cortical-medullar and cortical regions than in the medullar region (p=0.000), however, there was no difference between positive and negative animals. The presence of hyaline casts in the proximal tubules was significantly higher in positive animals compared to the negative ones (p=0.0001). Discrete lesion was observed in glomeruli. In conclusion, the results from this study showed that sheep which are positive for Leptospira present tubulo-intersticial renal lesions with the presence of Leptospira in the tubules, conferring to these animals the condition of asymptomatic carriers.

Condições higiênico-sanitárias da comercialização de carne bovina no município de Timon, MA / Sanitary conditions of the commercialized of beef in the city of Timon, MA

Caracterizam-se as condições higiênico-sanitárias da comercialização de carne bovina em açougues do Município de Timon, MA. Foram verificados 49 estabelecimentos durante visitas técnicas do Serviço de Vigilância Sanitária da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde. Foi aplicado um questionário junto aos comerciantes com a finalidade de obtenção de dados relativos ao abastecimento e comercialização das carnes. As informações obtidas permitiram também estimativas da quantificação do volume comercializado e a constatação das condições higiênico-sanitárias dos açougues. Os resultados revelaram uma predominante participação de carne clandestina no município e condições inadequadas durante a comercialização.

Aglutininas antileptospiras em suínos abatidos para consumo e associação ao comprometimento hepático e pulmonar / Leptospiral agglutinins in pigs slaughtered for consumption and their association with hepatic and pulmonary impairment

As leptospiroses são zoonoses cosmopolitas causadas por espiroquetas do gênero Leptospira. Os suínos, entre os animais domésticos, têm sido apontados como importantes portadores de leptospiras, portanto transmitem a doença ao homem e a outros animais. O estudo objetivou pesquisar aglutininas antileptospiras em suínos abatidos para o consumo e associar a soropositividade ao comprometimento hepático e pulmonar. Foram examinados soros de 150 suínos por meio da prova de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM). Destes, apenas sete (4,7por cento) reagiram a um ou mais sorovares de Leptospira spp. Em virtude da perda de uma amostra soropositiva, para as avaliações histológica e imunoistoquímica foram colhidos fragmentos de pulmão e fígado de seis animais soropositivos e de seis soronegativos. Quanto ao infiltrado inflamatório pulmonar, verificou-sediferença entre animais soropositivos e soronegativos, mas não entre os diversos lobos pulmonaresavaliados. No fígado, as lesões foram mais discretas, mas observou-se diferença entre os animaissoropositivos e soronegativos. A avaliação imunoistoquímica detectou a presença de antígeno de Leptospira spp. nos tecidos pulmonar e hepático tanto nos animais soropositivos quanto nossoronegativos. Nos pulmões, o antígeno localizava-se em células fagocíticas do septo interalveolar, endotélio vascular e epitélio alveolar. No fígado, estavam presentes nos hepatócitos, no endotéliovascular e nas células de Kuppfer. Os resultados permitem concluir que suínos abatidos para o consumo humano nos municípios de Teresina-PI e Timon-MA estão infectados por Leptospira spp.,o que sugere que esses animais podem constituir fonte de infecção para o homem.