Isospora bertoi n. sp. of the saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola (Aves: Passeriformes) from Brazil1.

A new species of coccidia (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from the saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola, is reported from Brazil. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora bertoi n. sp. are spherical to subspherical; 23.6 (21.1-26.5) x 22.0 (19.4-24.6) µm; shape Index (L/W ratio) 1.1 (1.0-1.2) µm; with bilayer smooth walls, ~1.1 µm. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but polar granules are present. Sporocysts are elongated ellipsoidal, 16.2 (13.6-17.9) x 10.1 (8.9-12.4) µm. Stieda body is button-shaped and Sub-Stieda and Para-Stieda body are absent. Sporocyst residuum is compact and composed of hundreds of granules scattered among the sporozoites. The sporozoite is claviform with an elongated posterior refractile body and nucleus.

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

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

Gastrointestinal parasites of a population of emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) in Brazil / Parasitas gastrointestinais de emus Dromaius novaehollandiae de cativeiro no Brasil

Abstract Emus are large flightless birds in the ratite group and are native to Australia. Since the mid-1980s, there has been increased interest in the captive breeding of emus for the production of leather, meat and oil. The aim of this study was to identify gastrointestinal parasites in the feces of emus Dromaius novaehollandiae from a South American scientific breeding. Fecal samples collected from 13 birds were examined by direct smears, both with and without centrifugation, as well as by the fecal flotation technique using Sheather's sugar solution. Trophozoites, cysts and oocysts of protozoa and nematode eggs were morphologically and morphometrically evaluated. Molecular analysis using PCR assays with specific primers for the genera Entamoeba, Giardia and Cryptosporidium were performed. Trophozoites and cysts of Entamoeba spp. and Giardia spp., oocysts of Eimeria spp. and Isospora dromaii, as well as eggs belonging to the Ascaridida order were found in the feces. Three animals were diagnosed with Giardia spp., and three were positive for Entamoeba spp. based on PCR techniques. After analyzing the data, we concluded that emus were infected enzootically by nematode and protozoan species.

Resumo Emus são aves grandes que não voam pertencentes ao grupo das ratitas e são originários da Austrália. Desde meados da década de 1980, aumentou o interesse pela criação de emus em cativeiro para a produção de couro, carne e óleo. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar parasitas gastrointestinais nas fezes de emus Dromaius novaehollandiae de um criatório científico da América do Sul. Amostras de fezes coletadas de 13 aves foram examinadas por esfregaços diretos, tanto com e sem centrifugação, quanto com a técnica de flutuação fecal utilizando solução de açúcar de Sheather. Trofozoítos, cistos e oocistos de protozoários e ovos de nematóides foram avaliados morfologicamente e morfometricamente. Foram realizadas análises moleculares utilizando ensaios de PCR com primers específicos para os gêneros Entamoeba, Giardia e Cryptosporidium. Trofozoítos e cistos de Entamoeba spp. e Giardia spp., oocistos de Eimeria spp. e Isospora dromaii, bem como ovos pertencentes à ordem Ascaridida foram encontrados nas fezes. Três animais foram diagnosticados com Giardia spp., e três foram positivos para Entamoeba spp. com base em técnicas de PCR. Depois de analisar os dados, concluímos que os emus estavam infectados enzooticamente por espécies de nematóides e protozoários.

Gastrointestinal parasites of a population of emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) in Brazil.

Emus are large flightless birds in the ratite group and are native to Australia. Since the mid-1980s, there has been increased interest in the captive breeding of emus for the production of leather, meat and oil. The aim of this study was to identify gastrointestinal parasites in the feces of emus Dromaius novaehollandiae from a South American scientific breeding. Fecal samples collected from 13 birds were examined by direct smears, both with and without centrifugation, as well as by the fecal flotation technique using Sheather's sugar solution. Trophozoites, cysts and oocysts of protozoa and nematode eggs were morphologically and morphometrically evaluated. Molecular analysis using PCR assays with specific primers for the genera Entamoeba, Giardia and Cryptosporidium were performed. Trophozoites and cysts of Entamoeba spp. and Giardia spp., oocysts of Eimeria spp. and Isospora dromaii, as well as eggs belonging to the Ascaridida order were found in the feces. Three animals were diagnosed with Giardia spp., and three were positive for Entamoeba spp. based on PCR techniques. After analyzing the data, we concluded that emus were infected enzootically by nematode and protozoan species.

Description of a new species Fuhrmannetta jurubatensis n. sp. (Cestoda, Davaineidae) from Cerradomys goytaca Tavares, Pessôa & Gonçalves, 2011 (Rodentia, Cricetidae).

A new species of cestode of the genus Fuhrmannetta found in the small intestine of Cerradomys goytaca is described herein, named Fuhrmannetta jurubatensis n. sp. Rodents were collected from the sand-plains areas of the northern coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Morphological analyses were conducted by light and scanning electron microscopy. From the morphological analysis and a comparison with the known species of the genus, F. jurubatensis n. sp. can be identified by a combination of morphological and morphometrical characteristics, including strobila length, number and length of rostellar hooks, position of the genital pore and the number of eggs per uterine capsule.

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

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

Endoparasites and ectoparasites of rheas (Rhea americana) from South America.

The aim of the present study was to identify the endoparasites and ectoparasites found in Rhea americana in captivity in Brazil. Faecal samples of seven adult rheas were collected and evaluated using the Sheather technique and samples positive for oocysts were submitted to sporulation. Molecular analysis was also performed for diagnosis of the genera Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Entamoeba. Feathers and skin of rheas were analysed for ectoparasites. Eggs of Capillaria sp., Procyrnea sp. and Procyrnea sp.-type and other nematode eggs of the Strongylida order as well as cysts of Entamoeba sp. and oocysts of Isospora rheae and Eimeria sp. were found in the faeces. Six faecal samples (85.7%) were diagnosed as positive for Entamoeba by PCR, and no positive samples for Cryptosporidium or Giardia were detected. Specific malophagous lice classified as Struthiolipeurus nandu were found distributed throughout the animals' bodies. It was concluded that rheas of the present study were infected enzootically by nematode and protozoan species in addition to being infested with lice.

First Report of Athesmia Foxi Goldberger and Crane, 1911 (Digenea, Dicrocoeliidae) from Chrysocyon Brachyurus (Illiger, 1815) (Carnivora, Canidae) and Pathological Findings.

Chrysocyon brachyurus, the largest South American canid, is a native species of the Brazilian cerrado. The present study is aimed to report the occurrence of the trematode, Athesmia foxi, in the liver of a new host, C. brachyurus, and to describe its morphology and pathology. One C. brachyurus individual was necropsied and examined for the presence of parasites. Worms were collected from the bile ducts and based on morphological and morphometrical characteristics, such as a relatively large, slender, aspinose, elongated shape with vitellarium present on the upper left side of the body were identified as A. foxi. On the host, hepatic lesions limited to the bile ducts and periportal regions, were characterized as chronic-active cholangitis, biliary hyperplasia, and fibrosis . This is the first report of A. foxi parasitizing C. brachyurus, demonstrating that this parasite has no host specificity and can be widely distributed. A. foxi lesions noted in C. brachyurus are similar to those noted in various other mammalian hosts.

Endoparasites and ectoparasites of rheas (Rhea americana) from South America

@#The aim of the present study was to identify the endoparasites and ectoparasites found in Rhea americana in captivity in Brazil. Faecal samples of seven adult rheas were collected and evaluated using the Sheather technique and samples positive for oocysts were submitted to sporulation. Molecular analysis was also performed for diagnosis of the genera Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Entamoeba. Feathers and skin of rheas were analysed for ectoparasites. Eggs of Capillaria sp., Procyrnea sp. and Procyrnea sp.-type and other nematode eggs of the Strongylida order as well as cysts of Entamoeba sp. and oocysts of Isospora rheae and Eimeria sp. were found in the faeces. Six faecal samples (85.7%) were diagnosed as positive for Entamoeba by PCR, and no positive samples for Cryptosporidium or Giardia were detected. Specific malophagous lice classified as Struthiolipeurus nandu were found distributed throughout the animals’ bodies. It was concluded that rheas of the present study were infected enzootically by nematode and protozoan species in addition to being infested with lice.

Hematological and morphometric differences of blood cells from rheas, Rhea americana (Struthioniformes: Rheidae) on two conservation farms / Diferenças hematológicas e morfométricas de células sanguineas de emas, Rhea americana (Struthioniformes: Rheidae) em dois criatórios conservacionistas

Abstract Today, blood tests are an indispensable tool in avian medicine. This study aimed to describe and compare hematological and morphometric data of erythrocytes, leukocytes and thrombocytes of rhea, Rhea americana. To do so, 58 rheas of both sexes on two farms, one in Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, Espírito Santo (ES), and the other in São Carlos, São Paulo (SP), were selected. Blood samples were taken and their RBC counts, PCV and Hb levels were determined and used in hematimetric index calculations. The total and differentiated leukocyte counts and the TPP and fibrinogen serum levels were also obtained. The results from the two farms analyzed were compared by means of the t test. There were differences in the parameters of the erythrocyte series between the two flocks because of a process of hypochromic macrocytic anemia observed among the rheas in ES. The values for the erythrocyte series and indexes were: RBC, 2.81 ± 0.15 x106/μl; PCV, 44.20 ± 2.86%; Hb, 12.12 ± 0.74 g/dL; MCV, 15.75 ± 0.89 fL; MCH, 43.18 ± 1.82 pg; and MCHC, 27.44 ± 0.80 g/dL. The values for the leukocyte series were: WBC, 12,072 ± 4116 /μL; heterophils, 64.10 ± 9.90%; eosinophils, 2.05 ± 2.06%; monocytes, 6.40 ± 2.99%; lymphocytes, 26.93 ± 9.62%; and basophils, 0.52 ± 1.27%. These can all be suggested as references for rheas reared in Brazil. Statistical differences were observed in erythrocyte length measurements, which were higher in the rheas in SP than in those in ES. Regarding width, the heterophils, lymphocytes and monocytes of the birds in ES were statistically greater than those of the birds in SP. It was concluded that rheas may exhibit morphometric alterations to blood cells and differences in blood elements according to the type of management to which they are subjected.

Resumo Atualmente exames de sangue são ferramentas indispensáveis na medicina aviária. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever e comparar valores hematológicos e morfométricos de eritrócitos, leucócitos e trombócitos de emas, Rhea americana. Para isso, foram selecionadas 58 emas de ambos os sexos de dois criatórios, um em Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, Espírito Santo (ES) e o outro em São Carlos, São Paulo (SP). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas e realizadas a hematimetria, Hto e dosagem de Hb que foram utilizados nos cálculos dos índices hematimétricos. Também foram efetuadas as contagens total e diferencial de leucócitos, além da dosagem de proteínas total e do fibrinogênio séricos. Os resultados referentes às duas propriedades analisadas foram comparados pelo Teste t. Ocorreram diferenças nos parâmetros da série vermelha entre as aves dos dois criatórios devido a um processo de anemia macrocítica hipocrômica observado nas emas do ES. Os valores para a série vermelha e índices hematimétricos como: hematimetria, 2,81±0,15 x106/μl; Hto, 44,20±2,86%; Hb, 12,12±0,74 g/dL; VCM, 15,75±0,89 fL; HCM, 43,18±1,82 pg; CHCM, 27,44±0,80, além dos valores da série branca como: leucometria total, 12.072±4.116/μL, heterofilo, 64,10±9,90%, eosinófilo, 2,05±2,06%, monócito, 6,40±2,99%, linfócito, 26,93±9,62%, basófilo, 0,52±1,27% foram sugeridos como os de referência para as emas criadas no Brasil. Diferenças estatísticas foram observadas no comprimento de eritrócitos, o qual estava maior nas emas de SP do que aquelas do ES. Em relação à largura, os heterófilos, linfócitos e monócitos das aves do ES foram estatisticamente maior do que aquelas das aves de SP. Concluiu-se que emas podem apresentar alterações morfométricas de células sanguíneas e diferenças nos elementos do sangue de acordo com o tipo de manejo a que são submetidos.

Hematological and morphometric differences of blood cells from rheas, Rhea americana (Struthioniformes: Rheidae) on two conservation farms.

Today, blood tests are an indispensable tool in avian medicine. This study aimed to describe and compare hematological and morphometric data of erythrocytes, leukocytes and thrombocytes of rhea, Rhea americana. To do so, 58 rheas of both sexes on two farms, one in Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, Espírito Santo (ES), and the other in São Carlos, São Paulo (SP), were selected. Blood samples were taken and their RBC counts, PCV and Hb levels were determined and used in hematimetric index calculations. The total and differentiated leukocyte counts and the TPP and fibrinogen serum levels were also obtained. The results from the two farms analyzed were compared by means of the t test. There were differences in the parameters of the erythrocyte series between the two flocks because of a process of hypochromic macrocytic anemia observed among the rheas in ES. The values for the erythrocyte series and indexes were: RBC, 2.81 ± 0.15 x106/µl; PCV, 44.20 ± 2.86%; Hb, 12.12 ± 0.74 g/dL; MCV, 15.75 ± 0.89 fL; MCH, 43.18 ± 1.82 pg; and MCHC, 27.44 ± 0.80 g/dL. The values for the leukocyte series were: WBC, 12,072 ± 4116 /µL; heterophils, 64.10 ± 9.90%; eosinophils, 2.05 ± 2.06%; monocytes, 6.40 ± 2.99%; lymphocytes, 26.93 ± 9.62%; and basophils, 0.52 ± 1.27%. These can all be suggested as references for rheas reared in Brazil. Statistical differences were observed in erythrocyte length measurements, which were higher in the rheas in SP than in those in ES. Regarding width, the heterophils, lymphocytes and monocytes of the birds in ES were statistically greater than those of the birds in SP. It was concluded that rheas may exhibit morphometric alterations to blood cells and differences in blood elements according to the type of management to which they are subjected.

Morphology of the nematode Deletrocephalus dimidiatus Diesing, 1851 from the rhea, Rhea americana Linnaeus, 1758, together with a key to species of Deletrocephalinae.

The family Deletrocephalidae consists of three species, from two genera: Deletrocephalus dimidiatus, D. cesarpintoi and Paradeletrocephalus minor, which differ from one another in terms of the buccal capsule structure, the dorsal ray from the male copulatory bursa and the length of the vagina in the female. All these species are parasites of the gastrointestinal tract of the rhea, Rhea americana. Only D. dimidiatus was reported to be a parasite of the other rhea species, Darwin's rhea, R. pennata. Currently, there are no studies on the ultrastructure and biology of these parasites or their pathogenicity in these birds. Thus, the present study aimed to examine the ultrastructure and add more details of the morphology of D. dimidiatus from R. americana. Four adult rheas were necropsied, and the gastrointestinal tract was collected and examined for the presence of parasites. Nematodes were analysed by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All birds were parasitized by D. dimidiatus. Some morphological and morphometric characters were observed that differ from reports of other studies of this species by other authors. In addition, new details were added, well described by SEM, and a key to the species of the subfamily Deletrocephalinae is given.

Gastrointestinal parasites of a population of emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) in Brazil

Abstract Emus are large flightless birds in the ratite group and are native to Australia. Since the mid-1980s, there has been increased interest in the captive breeding of emus for the production of leather, meat and oil. The aim of this study was to identify gastrointestinal parasites in the feces of emus Dromaius novaehollandiae from a South American scientific breeding. Fecal samples collected from 13 birds were examined by direct smears, both with and without centrifugation, as well as by the fecal flotation technique using Sheathers sugar solution. Trophozoites, cysts and oocysts of protozoa and nematode eggs were morphologically and morphometrically evaluated. Molecular analysis using PCR assays with specific primers for the genera Entamoeba, Giardia and Cryptosporidium were performed. Trophozoites and cysts of Entamoeba spp. and Giardia spp., oocysts of Eimeria spp. and Isospora dromaii, as well as eggs belonging to the Ascaridida order were found in the feces. Three animals were diagnosed with Giardia spp., and three were positive for Entamoeba spp. based on PCR techniques. After analyzing the data, we concluded that emus were infected enzootically by nematode and protozoan species.

Resumo Emus são aves grandes que não voam pertencentes ao grupo das ratitas e são originários da Austrália. Desde meados da década de 1980, aumentou o interesse pela criação de emus em cativeiro para a produção de couro, carne e óleo. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar parasitas gastrointestinais nas fezes de emus Dromaius novaehollandiae de um criatório científico da América do Sul. Amostras de fezes coletadas de 13 aves foram examinadas por esfregaços diretos, tanto com e sem centrifugação, quanto com a técnica de flutuação fecal utilizando solução de açúcar de Sheather. Trofozoítos, cistos e oocistos de protozoários e ovos de nematóides foram avaliados morfologicamente e morfometricamente. Foram realizadas análises moleculares utilizando ensaios de PCR com primers específicos para os gêneros Entamoeba, Giardia e Cryptosporidium. Trofozoítos e cistos de Entamoeba spp. e Giardia spp., oocistos de Eimeria spp. e Isospora dromaii, bem como ovos pertencentes à ordem Ascaridida foram encontrados nas fezes. Três animais foram diagnosticados com Giardia spp., e três foram positivos para Entamoeba spp. com base em técnicas de PCR. Depois de analisar os dados, concluímos que os emus estavam infectados enzooticamente por espécies de nematóides e protozoários.

Hematological, morphological and morphometric characteristics of blood cells from rhea, Rhea Americana (Struthioniformes: Rheidae): a standard for Brazilian birds.

Blood exams are an indispensable tool in bird medicine. This study aimed at describing values and aspects of rheas' hematology, Rhea americana, as well as analyzing the morphology and morphometry of all blood cells. Fifty eight adult rheas of both sexes from two farms, one in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo State and the other in São Carlos, São Paulo State, were selected. Blood samples were taken and RBC count, PCV and Hb levels measured and used in hematimetric indexes calculations. The total and differentiated leukocyte counts, as well as the TPP and fibrinogen were determined. Erythrocytes, leukocytes and thrombocytes were identified and characterized morphologically. The values for the red series and hematimetric indexes were: RBC (2.81 ± 0.15 × 106/µL), PCV (44.20 ± 2.86%), Hb (12.12 ± 0.74 g/dL), MCV (15.75 ± 0.89 fL), MCH (43.18 ± 1.82 pg), MCHC (27.44 ± 0.80 g/dL); the values of white series were: WBC (12.072 ± 4116/µL), heterophils (64.10 ± 9.90%), eosinophils (2.05 ± 2.06%), monocytes (6.40 ± 2.99%), lymphocytes (26.93 ± 9.62%), basophils (0.52 ± 1.27%). One may conclude that on average, rheas' blood cells are larger than those of other birds, but these cells in smears cannot be differentiated only by their size. Besides rheas' leukocytes have different components and coloring as in other bird species, however, there are no components or staining aspects unique to the species.

Hematological, morphological and morphometric characteristics of blood cells from rhea, Rhea Americana (Struthioniformes: Rheidae): a standard for Brazilian birds / Características hematológicas, morfológicas e morfométricas de células sanguíneas de emas, Rhea americana (Struthioniformes: Rheidae): um padrão para aves brasileiras

Abstract Blood exams are an indispensable tool in bird medicine. This study aimed at describing values and aspects of rheas' hematology, Rhea americana, as well as analyzing the morphology and morphometry of all blood cells. Fifty eight adult rheas of both sexes from two farms, one in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo State and the other in São Carlos, São Paulo State, were selected. Blood samples were taken and RBC count, PCV and Hb levels measured and used in hematimetric indexes calculations. The total and differentiated leukocyte counts, as well as the TPP and fibrinogen were determined. Erythrocytes, leukocytes and thrombocytes were identified and characterized morphologically. The values for the red series and hematimetric indexes were: RBC (2.81±0.15×106/μL), PCV (44.20±2.86%), Hb (12.12±0.74 g/dL), MCV (15.75±0.89 fL), MCH (43.18±1.82 pg), MCHC (27.44±0.80 g/dL); the values of white series were: WBC (12.072±4116/μL), heterophils (64.10±9.90%), eosinophils (2.05±2.06%), monocytes (6.40±2.99%), lymphocytes (26.93±9.62%), basophils (0.52±1.27%). One may conclude that on average, rheas' blood cells are larger than those of other birds, but these cells in smears cannot be differentiated only by their size. Besides rheas' leukocytes have different components and coloring as in other bird species, however, there are no components or staining aspects unique to the species.

Resumo Exames de sangue são uma ferramenta indispensável na medicina de aves. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever valores e aspectos da hematologia de emas, Rhea americana, bem como analisar a morfologia e morfometria de todas as células sanguíneas. Cinquenta e oito emas adultas de ambos os sexos de dois criatórios, um em Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, ES e o outro em São Carlos, SP foram selecionadas. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas e CTH, Ht e níveis de Hb foram mensurados e usados para o cálculo dos índices hematimétricos. A contagem total e diferencial de leucócitos, assim como, PPT e fibrinogênio foram determinados. Eritrócitos, leucócitos e trombócitos foram identificados e caracterizados morfologicamente. Os valores para série vermelha e índices hematimétricos foram: CTH (2,81±0,15×106/μL), Ht (44,20±2,86%), Hb (12,12±0,74 g/dL), VCM (15,75±0,89 fL), HCM (43,18±1,82 pg), CHCM (27,44±0,80 g/dL); os valores da série branca foram: CTL (12,072±4116/μL), heterófilos (64,10±9,90%), eosinófilos (2,05±2,06%), monócitos (6,40±2,99%), linfócitos (26,93±9,62%), basófilos (0,52±1,27%). Pode-se concluir que, na média, células sanguíneas de emas são maiores que as de outras aves, porém, não é possível diferenciar estas células em esfregaços somente pelo seu tamanho. Além disso, leucócitos de emas possuem diferentes componentes e coloração como acontece em outras espécies de aves, no entanto, não há nenhum componente ou aspectos tintoriais exclusivo para a espécie.

First report of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in pigs in Brazil.

Although Brazil is the world's fourth largest producer and exporter of pork, there is no information on Enterocytozoon bieneusi in pigs. This study was undertaken to determine the presence of E. bieneusi in pigs in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Fecal samples were collected from 91 pigs (1- to 12-month-old) in 10 properties and examined by molecular methods. The presence of E. bieneusi was determined by PCR and all PCR positive specimens were sequenced to determine the genotype by nucleotide sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer of the rRNA gene. E. bieneusi was found in pigs in all farms. Fifty four (59.3%) samples were E. bieneusi-positive. A wide genetic diversity was found with 21 genotypes identified, 4 previously reported (O, EbpA, CS-1, and H) and 17 novel genotypes named PigEb1-PigEb17. All 17 novel genotypes identified in this study clustered within the previously designated zoonotic Group 1. The most prevalent genotypes were novel genotypes PigEb2 and PigEb4 (16/91, 17.6%, each). Mixed infections with 2 or 3 genotypes were detected in 13 pigs (24.1%). The high prevalence in pigs observed in this study, the description of two known zoonotic genotypes (EbpA and O), and the report of 17 new genotypes of E. bieneusi, represent an important advancement in the study of the wide genetic diversity of this organism, emphasizing the importance of further research, especially in geographical areas where little or no research has been conducted. The zoonotic risk of these novel genotypes and their importance to other animal species is still unknown, but needs to be further evaluated.

Macroscopic lesions of the ventriculus of Rhea americana , Linnaeus, 1758 (Aves: Rheidae) naturally infected by Sicarius uncinipenis (Molin, 1860) (Nematoda: Habronematidae).

There are few studies concerning the parasites of rheas. However, parasitism is the major cause of the limited success in captive breeding of these birds. Deletrocephalus dimidiatus, Deletrocephalus cesarpintoi, Paradeletrocephalus minor, and Sicarius uncinipenis are the most prevalent nematode species affecting these birds, but the lesions caused by these parasites have not been previously reported. Four adult rheas were necropsied to determine the presence or absence of gross lesions within the gastrointestinal tract, associated with parasitic infection. Two rheas parasitized by S. uncinipenis had ulcers on the koilin layer or had parasites penetrating this layer, resulting in widespread necrosis and hemorrhagic areas, whereas the 2 nonparasitized birds did not present lesions. The degree of injury was proportional to the parasitic load found in the birds. Thus, high parasitic loads can result in necrosis of the ventriculus, which may contribute to the death of birds, resulting in economic losses in the rural production of these birds.

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

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

Occurrence of Cryptosporidium andersoni in Brazilian cattle.

Feces were collected from 68 dairy cattle, 1 to 12 mo of age, on 12 farms in the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium sp. All samples were subjected to molecular analysis by polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) of the 18S rRNA. Four positive samples (4.54%) were sequenced and identified as Cryptosporidium andersoni. This species represents a risk for Brazilian cattle because infection can affect cattle productivity. Moreover, C. andersoni is considered a zoonotic species.

Cryptosporidium pig genotype II diagnosed in pigs from the state of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Pigs may represent a source of Cryptosporidium sp. infection to humans. The objective of this study was to identify the Cryptosporidium species present in pigs from the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and verify what risks pigs represent in the transmission of human cryptosporidiosis, because there is no such information to date in Brazil. Ninety-one samples of pig feces were collected from 10 piggeries in 2 municipalities located in the north and northwest regions of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol to amplify an 830-bp fragment of the small subunit rDNA (SSU rRNA) gene was followed by sequencing of all positive PCR samples. Two samples (2.2%) were Cryptosporidium sp. positive and were identified as pig genotype type II (PGII). This genotype has been observed in an immunocompetent person, in cattle without pigs nearby, and from a potential human source. Its potential for zoonotic transmission is little known and should be rigorously studied.