Prevalence of Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis in sheltered dogs in southern Aburrá Valley, Colombia

Background: Bacteria of the Anaplasmataceae family and canine hemoparasitic protozoans transmitted by ticks are common in Colombia due to circulation and biological adaptation of vector Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.). Objective: To detect the circulation of Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis in sheltered dogs in three municipalities in southern Aburrá Valley, province of Antioquia, Colombia. Methods: Primers were used to amplify the 16S rRNA associated with the Anaplasmataceae family, dsb for Ehrlichia sp. and 18S rRNA for Hepatozoon sp. Results: Of the 357 samples of venous blood obtained, representing all the sheltered dogs in the study zone, Ehrlichia canis DNA was detected in 2.2% of individuals, showing identity of 100% with previous sequences from the GenBank. Hepatozoon canis showed 8.7% (31/357) prevalence of infection, with 100% identity to genotypes from Japan, Brazil, and Spain. Only one sequence of H. canis exhibited a phylogenic divergence concerning H. canis previously reported in Brazil and the Old World. Conclusions: This study confirms the circulation of E. canis and H. canis in asymptomatic shelter dogs in the south-central zone of the Aburrá Valley, province of Antioquia, Colombia. The present study is the first molecular detection of H. canis in the Province of Antioquia and the third report of canine hepatozoonosis from Colombia, highlighting the importance of considering this agent in veterinary clinic.

Antecedentes: Los agentes patógenos transmitidos por garrapatas, tales como las bacterias de la familia Anaplasmataceae y los protozoos hemoparasitarios caninos, son comunes en Colombia debido a la circulación y la adaptación biológica del vector Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.). Objetivo: Detectar la circulación de Ehrlichia canis y Hepatozoon canis en perros protegidos en tres municipios del sur del Valle de Aburrá, departamento de Antioquia, Colombia. Métodos: Se usaron cebadores para amplificar el gen 16S rRNA asociado con la familia Anaplasmataceae y el gen dsb para Ehrlichia sp. y el 18S rRNA para Hepatozoon sp. Resultados: De las 357 muestras de sangre venosa obtenidas, que representan a todos los perros de albergues en la zona de estudio, 2,2% fueron positivas para Ehrlichia canis, con 100% de identidad con secuencias anteriores publicadas en todo el mundo. Hepatozoon canis mostró una prevalencia de infección del 8,7% (31/357), con una identidad del 100% con genotipos de Japón, Brasil y España. Solo una secuencia de H. canis exhibió divergencia filogénica en relación con H. canis previamente reportada en Brasil y el Viejo Mundo. Conclusiones: Este estudio confirma la circulación de E. canis y H. canis en perros asintomáticos de albergues en la zona centro-sur del Valle de Aburrá, departamento de Antioquia, Colombia. El presente estudio es la primera detección molecular en el Departamento de Antioquia y el tercer reporte de hepatozoonosis canina de Colombia destacando la importancia de considerar este agente en la clínica veterinaria.

Antecedentes: Agentes patogênicos transmitidos por carrapatos, como bactérias da família Anaplasmataceae e protozoários hemoparasitários caninos, são comuns na Colômbia devido à circulação e adaptação biológica do vetor Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.). Objetivo: Detectar Ehrlichia canis e Hepatozoon canis em cães abrigados em três municípios do sul do vale de Aburrá, departamento de Antioquia, Colômbia. Métodos: Os primers foram utilizados para amplificar o rRNA 16S associado à família Anaplasmataceae, o dsb para Ehrlichia sp. e o rRNA 18S para Hepatozoon sp. Resultados: Das 357 amostras de sangue venoso obtidas, representando todos os cães abrigados na zona de estudo, 2,2% foram positivas para Ehrlichia canis, com 100% de identidade com sequências anteriores publicadas em todo o mundo. Hepatozoon canis mostrou uma prevalência de infecção de 8,7% (31/357), com 100% de identidade com genótipos do Japão, Brasil e Espanha. Apenas uma sequência de H. canis apresentou divergência filogênica em relação a H. canis previamente relatados no Brasil e no Velho Mundo. Conclusões: Este estudo confirma a circulação de E. canis e H. canis em cães de abrigo assintomáticos na zona centro-sul do vale de Aburrá, departamento de Antioquia, Colômbia. O presente estudo é a primeira detecção molecular no Departamento de Antioquia e o terceiro relato de hepatozoonose canina na Colômbia, destacando a importância de considerar este agente na clínica veterinária.

Fungal biomass as biosorbent for the removal of Acid Blue 161 dye in aqueous solution.

Physical and thermal treatment was used to inactivate Trametes sp. SC-10 fungus. The resulting biomass was named BTV, characterized by analytical techniques such as SEM, EDX, FTIR, BET, and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) model. pH, kinetic, and equilibrium adsorption studies with the Acid Blue 161 (AB-161) dye were investigated at 303.15 K. The kinetics of the biosorption process were examined at 600.00 and 1300 mg L-1, using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Avrami fractional-order models. The maximum biosorption capacity of BTV for AB-161 dye was 221.6 mg g-1. Considering the biosorption data and the functional groups of BTV, it can be inferred that the sorption mechanism of AB-161 is regulated by electrostatic interactions between ionized dye molecules and negative charges on BTV in an aqueous solution. Finally, the BTV was tested with a simulated effluent with 89.47% efficiency, presenting the BTV as a biosorbent for real effluents polluted with dyes.

Enzymatic Activity and Susceptibility to Antifungal Agents of Brazilian Environmental Isolates of Hortaea werneckii.

Four strains of Hortaea werneckii were isolated from different substrates in Brazil (a salt marsh macrophyte, a bromeliad and a marine zoanthid) and had their identification confirmed by sequencing of the 26S rDNA D1/D2 domain or ITS region. Most of the strains were able to express amylase, lipase, esterase, pectinase and/or cellulase, enzymes that recognize components of plant cells as substrates, but did not express albuminase, keratinase, phospholipase and DNAse, whose substrates are animal-related. Urease production was positive for all isolates, while caseinase, gelatinase and laccase production were variable among the strains. All the strains grew in media containing up to 30% NaCl. We propose that the primary substrate associated with H. werneckii is plant-related, in special in saline environments, where the fungus may live as a saprophyte and decomposer. Infection of animal-associated substrates would be secondary, with the fungus acting as an opportunistic animal pathogen. All strains were resistant to fluconazole and presented high MIC for amphotericin B, while they were susceptible to all the other antifungal agents tested.

[First evidence of Chlamydophila psittaci circulation in Colombia: a possible public health risk]. / Primera evidencia de circulación de Chlamydophila psittaci en Colombia: posible riesgo de salud pública.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the seroprevalence of Chlamydophila psittaci in birds of Amazona spp genus and workers from some zoos and CAVs (centers for attention and evaluation of wildlife) of Colombia. METHODS: We analyzed 138 sera from birds of the genus Amazona spp, 24 sera from other species of birds and 39 human sera by indirect ELISA. RMOMP was used as antigen (major outer membrane protein of Chlamydophila psittaci). For the conjugate of birds it was used an anti-turkey-chicken IgG labeled with biotin, for the human conjugate we used an anti-IgG labeled with peroxidase. Sera were diluted 1:100. RESULTS: Of the 138 sera from birds of the genus Amazona spp 118 (85 %) were seropositive. Regional seroprevalence was as follow: Caldas CAV Torre cuatro 36 (90 %), CAV's Monteria 28 (85 %), Barranquilla's Zoo 14 (87 %), Cali's Zoo 21 (84 %) and from the CAV Victoria del Oriente Caldense 19 (79 %) sera were seropositive. Regarding seroprevalence in humans, 30 of the 39 (78 %) were seropositive, regional seroprevalence was as follow: Montería 9 (100 %) workers, Barranquilla's Zoo 9 (90 %), CAV Caldas Tower four 4 (80 %), Cali's Zoo 5 (45 %) and CAV Caldense Victoria del oriente 3 (75 %) were seropositive. CONCLUSIONS: The high seroprevalence of Chlamydophila psittaci in birds (86,4 %) and humans (78 %) showed the first evidence of circulation of this microorganism in Colombia; the circulation of the etiological agent of psittacosis may represent a public health risk.

Primera evidencia de circulación de Chlamydophila psittaci en Colombia: posible riesgo de salud pública / First evidence of Chlamydophila psittaci circulation in Colombia: a possible public health risk

Objetivo Establecer la seroprevalencia de Chlamydophila psittaci en aves del género Amazona spp y en trabajadores de algunos zoológicos y CAV (centros de atención y valoración de fauna silvestre). Metodología Se analizaron 138 sueros de aves del género Amazona spp, 24 sueros de otras especies de aves y 39 sueros humanos por ELISA indirecta. Se utilizó el antígeno RMOMP (major outer membrane protein of Chlamydophila psittaci). Para el conjugado de aves se utilizo una anti-IgG de turkey-chicken marcado con biotina para el conjugado humano se utilizo una anti-IgG marcada con peroxidasa. Los sueros fueron diluidos 1:100. Resultados De los 138 sueros de aves del género Amazona spp 118 (85 por ciento) resultaron positivos. La seroprevalencia por región fue la siguiente: CAV Torre cuatro de Caldas 36 (90 por ciento), Zoológico de Barranquilla 14 (87 por ciento), CAV Montería 28 (85 por ciento), Zoológico de Cali 21 (84 por ciento) y CAV Victoria del Oriente Caldense 19 (79 por ciento). En humanos la seroprevalencia total fue del 78 por ciento (30/39) la distribución fue la siguiente: CAV Montería 9 trabajadores (100 por ciento), Zoológico de Barranquilla 9 (90 por ciento), CAV Torre 4 de Caldas 4 trabajadores (80 por ciento), CAV Victoria del Oriente Caldense 3 (75 por ciento) y 5 (45 por ciento) trabajadores del Zoológico de Cali. Conclusiones La alta seroprevalencia de Chlamydophila psittaci en aves (86,4 por ciento) y humanos (78 por ciento) representa la primera evidencia de la circulación de este microorganismo en Colombia, la presencia del agente etiologico de la ornitosis podría representar un riesgo de salud publica.

Objective To establish the seroprevalence of Chlamydophila psittaci in birds of Amazona spp genus and workers from some zoos and CAVs (centers for attention and evaluation of wildlife) of Colombia. Methods We analyzed 138 sera from birds of the genus Amazona spp, 24 sera from other species of birds and 39 human sera by indirect ELISA. RMOMP was used as antigen (major outer membrane protein of Chlamydophila psittaci). For the conjugate of birds it was used an anti-turkey-chicken IgG labeled with biotin, for the human conjugate we used an anti-IgG labeled with peroxidase. Sera were diluted 1:100. Results Of the 138 sera from birds of the genus Amazona spp 118 (85 percent) were seropositive. Regional seroprevalence was as follow: Caldas CAV Torre cuatro 36 (90 percent), CAVâs Monteria 28 (85 percent), Barranquillaâs Zoo 14 (87 percent), Caliâs Zoo 21 (84 percent) and from the CAV Victoria del Oriente Caldense 19 (79 percent) sera were seropositive. Regarding seroprevalence in humans, 30 of the 39 (78 percent) were seropositive, regional seroprevalence was as follow: Montería 9 (100 percent) workers, Barranquillaâs Zoo 9 (90 percent), CAV Caldas Tower four 4 (80 percent), Caliâs Zoo 5 (45 percent) and CAV Caldense Victoria del oriente 3 (75 percent) were seropositive. Conclusions The high seroprevalence of Chlamydophila psittaci in birds (86,4 percent) and humans (78 percent) showed the first evidence of circulation of this microorganism in Colombia; the circulation of the etiological agent of psittacosis may represent a public health risk.

Bacterias patógenas con alta resistencia a antibióticos: estudio sobre reservorios bacterianos en animales cautivos en el zoológico de Barranquilla / Captive animals at Barranquilla’s zoo are reservoirs of high resistance bacterial pathogens

Objetivo: Identificar y establecer la suceptibilidad antimicrobiana de bacterias patógenas halladas en el sistema gastrointestinal y el respiratorio de animales en cautiverio enel zoológico de Barranquilla. Materiales y métodos: Se tomaron muestrasde cloacas y glotis de 30 aves, y frotisrectales y nasales de 29 mamíferos, los animales fueron inmovilizados mecánicamente y, luego, anestesiados. Las bacterias se identificaron con pruebas bioquímicas como: urea, SIM (sulfide-indole-motility medium), TSI (triple sugar iron), LIA (line immunoassay) y citrato. Algunos aislamientos se confirmaron con el sistema API 20E (Biomerieux, S.A.,Marcy I’Etoile, France) o Microscan® Neg combo panel type 32 (Dade behring, CA, USA). La sensibilidad a los antimicrobianos se evaluó con el método de Bauer y Kirby, teniendo en cuenta las normas del Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).Resultados: Se obtuvieron 89 cepas de bacterias; 45 de aves y 44 de mamíferos. Las más frecuentes fueron: Escherichia coli (n=31), K. pneumoniae (n=20), Enterobacter cloacae (n=10), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=5), Staphylococcus aureus (n=5) y P. stutzeri (n=4). Las bacterias Gram negativas y Staphylococci fueron resistentes respectivamente a las siguientes familias de antibióticos: tetraciclinas (28% y 57,1%), cloramfenicol (14,6% y 57,1%)y β-lactámicos (54,2% y 42,8%). El porcentaje de resistencia de las bacterias Gram negativas a las fluoroquinolonas fue de 6,1% y, a losaminoglucósidos, de 2,4%; el de los estafilococos a los macrólidos fue de 64,2%. Veinticuatro cepas (27%) fueron multiresistentes a múltiples antibióticos: 16 en aves (36%) y 8en mamíferos (18%). Conclusión: La resistencia a uno o a varios antibióticos en las bacterias aisladas de los animalescautivos del zoológico de Barranquilla,es un factor de riesgo para su salud. A su vez, estos animales son reservorios de bacterias y de genes de resistencia, potencialmente importantes...

Objective: The objective is to determinerespiratory and enteric bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial susceptibility in captive animals at Barranquilla Zoo. Materials and methods: Samples were taken from rectus and glottis in 30 birds and nasal and rectal swabs from 29 mammals,which were restricted mechanically and then anesthetized. Bacteria were identified by using biochemical tests such as: Urea, SIM, TSI, LIA and Citrate, some bacteria isolates were confirmedwith API 20E (Biomerieux SA, MarcyI’Etoile, France) or Micro scan® Neg combo panel type 32 (Dade Behring, CA, USA). Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the Bauer and Kirby method and taking into account CLSI regulation. Results Eighty-nine strains were obtained, 45 from birds and 44from mammals. The most frequent bacteria were: E. coli (n = 31), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 20), Enterobacter cloacae (n = 10), Pseudomonasaeruginosa (n = 5), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 5) and Pseudomonas stuzeri (n = 4). Gram negative bacteria and Staphylococci were respectively resistant to the following antibiotics: tetracycline (28% and 57.1%), chloramphenicol (14.6% and 57.1%) and β-lactam (54.2% and 42.8); Gram-negative was (6.1%) resistant to Fluorquinolones and (2.4%) resistantto aminoglycosides; and Staphylococciwere (64.2%) resistant to macrolides. Twentyfour (27%) were multi-resistant: 16 (36%) in birds and 8 (18%) in mammals. Conclusion: Resistance to one or more antibiotics in bacteria isolated from captive animals Barranquilla Zoo, is a risk factor for health for the animals themselves. The zoo animals are potential reservoirs for bacteria and resistance genes clinically important in the spread of these resistance factors. The resistance similarities found in animal and human strains suggest clone mobility between the sapiens species and the animals.