High prevalence of pathogenic Eimeria spp. and the main risk factors associated with infection in goats from a semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil.

This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology of infections caused by Eimeria spp. in goats bred in an extensive production system in Northeast Brazil. To this end, an epidemiological survey was performed, wherein 350 fecal samples were collected from goats ranging from 3 months to 8 years old across 30 farms. The number of oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) was counted using the Mini-FLOTAC method. Species were identified based on their morphological and morphometric characteristics. Frequencies between animal categories were assessed using the chi-square test and known risk factors after multivariate analysis. Eimeria oocysts were found in 99.4% (346/348) of samples and 100% (30/30) of the farms. The OPG was influenced by the age of the animals; therefore, young goats (up to 6 months old) eliminated more oocysts (2302.6 + 5454.8) than adult goats (881.7 + 1551.5). Three pathogenic species were identified, with two demonstrating a high prevalence: Eimeria arloingi (88.83%) and Eimeria christenseni (44.7%), in addition to Eimeria caprina (3.72%). In the study, the habit of ground feeding and the use of cisterns as water sources were identified as risk factors, with odds ratios of 4.04 and 9.82, respectively. However, cleaning facilities at shorter intervals was a protective factor (OR = 0.19). We concluded that there was a high prevalence of Eimeria infection in goats bred in extensive production systems, even those in semiarid regions. This high prevalence can be attributed to the congregation of animals in shaded areas and the substantial accumulation of fecal matter at night.

Avaliação da contaminação por Staphylococcus aureus em queijo coalho artesanal elaborado com leite de cabra produzido no estado de Pernambuco / Evaluation of contamination by Staphylococcus aureus in artisanal curd cheese made from goat's milk produced in the state of Pernambuco

A fabricação de queijo coalho artesanal elaborado com leite de cabra é composta pelas etapas de obtenção do leite, refrigeração, manipulação e armazenamento, que aumentam o risco de contaminação do produto. Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar o nível de contaminação por Staphylococcus aureus em amostras de queijo coalho artesanal produzido com leite de cabra cru no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, bem como avaliar a concordância entre a técnica oficial da Instrução Normativa nº62/2003 (Mapa) e a técnica molecular (gene nuc) para identificar S. aureus no queijo. Houve crescimento de colônias típicas de Staphylococcus aureus em 100% das amostras, e a contagem variou de 7,0×103 a 8,6×106 UFC/g. Das 30 amostras analisadas, 18 (60,0%) apresentaram valores superiores ou iguais a 105UFC/g, e 21 (70,0%) estavam contaminadas por S. aureus. A concordância entre os métodos de diagnóstico de S. aureus em queijo coalho caprino foi moderada. O nível de contaminação dos queijos revela a necessidade de ações de melhoria das condições de elaboração do produto, a fim de garantir um produto seguro aos consumidores.(AU)

The manufacture of artisanal Coalho cheese made from goat's milk is composed of the steps of obtaining milk, refrigeration, handling and storage that increase the risk of product contamination. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of contamination by Staphylococcus aureus in samples of artisanal Coalho cheese produced with raw goat's milk in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. In addition to evaluating the agreement between the official technique of Normative Instruction nº62/2003 (MAPA) and the molecular technique (nuc gene) to identify S. aureus in cheese. There was growth of typical Staphylococcus aureus colonies in 100% of the samples and the count ranged from 7.0×103 to 8.6×106 CFU/g. Of the 30 analyzed samples, 18 (60.0%) presented values greater than or equal to 105CFU/g and 21 (70.0%) were contaminated by S. aureus. The agreement between the diagnostic methods of S. aureus in goat cheese was moderate. The level of contamination of cheeses reveals the need for actions to improve the preparation conditions of the product in order to guarantee a safe product to consumers.(AU)

Short communication: High frequency of ß-lactam-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in artisanal coalho cheese made from goat milk produced in northeastern Brazil.

Reports of ß-lactam-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in artisanal goat cheese are increasing, and this phenomenon is relevant to public health. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of S. aureus strains carrying the blaZ and mecA resistance genes, as well as the genes encoding the staphylococcal enterotoxins SEA, SEB, SEC, SED, SEE, and TSST-1 in artisanal coalho cheese made from goat milk produced in northeastern Brazil. We used biochemical and molecular tests to characterize 54 S. aureus isolates found in artisanal coalho cheese collected from commercial establishments producing animal products in 11 municipalities of Pernambuco State, Brazil. A PCR analysis revealed that 42.6% (23/54) of the isolates were positive for the blaZ gene, and 7.4% (4/54) were resistant to methicillin by phenotypic testing. We did not detect mecA or any genes encoding enterotoxins. The presence of S. aureus carriers of the blaZ gene and the identification of methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains are of concern for the health of consumers of this type of cheese.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as an inactivator of caprine lentivirus (CLV) in colostrum and milk / Avaliação in vitro e in vivo do dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS) como inativador do lentivírus caprino (LVC) em colostro e leite

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro and in vivo the effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the caprine lentivirus (CLV) in colostrum and milk. This was performed to develop a practical and efficient method of blocking the lactogenic transmission of the virus. In the in vitro experiment, colostrum and milk were treated with 0.25%; 0.50% and 1% SDS. Then, somatic cells of colostrum and milk were submitted to co-culture with caprine synovial membrane cells (CSM). In the in vivo test, goats were fed with colostrum and milk provided from CLV-positive goats treated with SDS in the same concentrations used in the in vitro experiment. Animals were tested by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) and Western blot (WB) assays. In the in vitro experiment, inhibitory activity against CLV without inactivation occurred in colostrum with all SDS concentrations. However, concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5% SDS presented only inhibitory activity against CLV in milk cells, and 1% concentration provided inactivation of the virus. In the in vivo tests, none of the three concentrations of SDS was effective in inactivating LVC in colostrum or goat milk, which was confirmed by seroconversion and presence of proviral DNA in animals afterwards.(AU)

O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar in vitro e in vivo o efeito do dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS) sobre o lentivírus caprino (LVC) no colostro e no leite, a fim de desenvolver um método prático e eficiente no bloqueio da via de transmissão lactogênica do vírus. No experimento in vitro, o colostro e o leite de cabras positivas foram tratados com SDS a 0,25%, 0,50% e 1,0%. Em seguida, as células somáticas do colostro e do leite foram obtidas e direcionadas ao cocultivo com células de membrana sinovial caprina (MSC). No teste in vivo, os cabritos foram alimentados com colostro e leite providos de cabras positivas para LVC, tratados com SDS nas mesmas concentrações usadas no teste in vitro. Os animais foram acompanhados pelos testes de reação em cadeia da polimerase nested (nPCR) e western blot (WB). Nos resultados in vitro, no colostro, observou-se que, em todas as concentrações de SDS, ocorreu uma atividade inibitória contra o LVC, sem a inativação. Em relação às células do leite, o SDS apresentou, nas concentrações de 0,25 e 0,5%, atividade inibitória contra o LVC, e na concentração de 1%, houve inativação viral. Nos testes in vivo, as três concentrações de SDS testadas não foram efetivas na inativação do LVC no colostro e no leite caprino, o que se comprovou pela soroconversão e pela presença de DNA proviral nos animais.(AU)

Caprine lentivirus in sheep milk and semen / Lentivírus caprino em leite e sêmen de ovinos

With the objective of detecting the presence of caprine lentivirus (CLV) in ewe milk and in ram semen, ten matrixes and four reproducers experimentally infected with CLV were used. Samples of ewe milk were collected during the four months of lactation, five collections per animal, totaling 50 samples. Regarding the rams, eight semen collections were made per animal, during one year of experimentation, totaling 32 samples. The milk and semen samples were submitted to DNA extraction and the nested polymerase chain reaction test (nPCR) to detect CLV proviral DNA. Eight (16%) of the milk samples were positive in nPCR originating from two ewes. Only one (3.12%) semen sample was positive. The amplification products were sequenced, and were confirmed to be a CLV genomic sequence. Thus, the presence of CLV proviral DNA in sheep milk and semen was demonstrated, confirming the feasibility of infection between species, and alerting to the risk of spreading infections.(AU)

Com o objetivo de detectar a presença do lentivírus caprino (LVC) no leite de ovelhas e no sêmen de carneiros, utilizaram-se 10 matrizes e quatro reprodutores infectados experimentalmente com o LVC. Foram coletadas amostras de leite das ovelhas durante os quatro meses de lactação, ocorrendo cinco coletas por animal, totalizando 50 amostras. Quanto aos carneiros, realizaram-se oito coletas de sêmen por animal, durante um ano de experimentação, totalizando 32 amostras. As amostras de leite e de sêmen foram submetidas à extração de DNA e à prova de reação em cadeia da polimerase do tipo nested (nPCR) visando à detecção de DNA proviral do LVC. Oito (16%) amostras de leite foram positivas na nPCR oriundas de duas ovelhas. Apenas uma (3,12%) amostra de sêmen apresentou positividade. Produtos da amplificação foram sequenciados, confirmando-se tratar de sequência genômica do LVC. Dessa forma, demonstrou-se a presença do DNA proviral do LVC em leite e sêmen de ovinos, confirmando a viabilidade da infecção entre espécies e, assim, alertando sobre o risco de que a infecção seja disseminada.(AU)

[The diaphragm and the adolescent]. / Diafragma e adolescente.

PIP: The diaphragm is one of the least accepted methods of birth control by adolescents. It consists of a cup made of latex with a metallic ring at its base, its diameter ranges from 50 to 105 mm, and in its concave part a spermatocide can be placed to immobilize and destroy spermatozoa. It acts as a physical barrier to sperm at the cervical canal. By maintaining vaginal acidity and by making it difficult for cervical mucus to neutralize the vaginal ph, a hostile environment is created for spermatozoa. Its failure rate is 24-29 pregnancies per 100 women years. The right size has to be fitted to allow for the 3-5 cm increase in the depth of the vagina during sexual excitation in nullipara. It can be inserted 4-6 hours prior to intercourse in order not to interfere with sexual spontaneity, and removal should not occur until 8 hours later. Indication is for adolescents with infrequent sexual activity, those who stopped using the pill, or whose IUD had been removed. It is contraindicated for various medical conditions and infections. Toxic shock syndrome can occur, it it stays in too long. It offers some protection against sexually-transmitted diseases and cervical neoplasm due to the lack contact with the seminal fluid. Allergic reactions to spermatocides can occur in addition to various side effects due to ill-fitting diaphragms. The low acceptability by teenagers is attributable to its lower rate of effectiveness than the pill and little motivation for its use, although it should be recommended for those who are afraid of the side effects of the pill and IUD.^ieng

[Bilateral tubal pregnancy with intrauterine device -- a case report]. / Gravidez tubaria bilateral em portadora de DIU -- relato de um caso.

PIP: Ectopic pregnancy occurs in Brazil in 1/300 cases. 99% are in the ovarian tubes and are almost always unilateral. The incidence rate for bilateral ectopic pregnancy has been described in literature to be 1/1,580 ectopic pregnancies. The article reports a case history at the maternity hospital of the Federal University in the Minas Gerais region. A 31 year-old leukodermatous patient in December 1980 began using an IUD (Lippes loop), followed by episodes of menorrhagia accompanied by abdominal colics of medium intensity during the following months. After the 3rd cycle menstrual delay occurred with abdominal pains localized mostly in the hypogastrium, but also in the lumbar and anal regions. After the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy, the IUD was removed, resulting in minor bleeding a few days later. Subsequent ultrasonographic tests exposed a posterior pelvic tumorous mass at the uterus, 5.0x6.5 cm in diameter, and absence of uterine abnormalities, suggesting an ectopic pregnancy on the left. Following a complete physical examination including specular examination of the inner genitals it was decided to perform a diagnostic peritoneoscopy. It revealed an abdominal cavity presenting a large quantity of blood spread diffusely, uterus of normal size, and a cystic mass to the left+-6 cm in diameter apparently with hemorrhagic content. Laparotomy with transversal suprapubic incision was then performed. Final examinations indicated a bilateral tubal pregnancy ruptured on the left. The patient had a normal postoperative period and was discharged from the hospital after 6 days. Diagnosis is generally difficult since the unsuspected opposite tube may be infected and edematized due to bilateral endosalpingitis. For IUD users 2 etiological aspects of tubal pregnancies may be involved: Greater incidence rate of pelvic infection, modified tubal motility altering contractibility and possibly reversal of peristaltic wave. The necessity for examining both tubes when suspecting tubal pregnancy is stressed.^ieng

[The use of the minipill in adolescence]. / O uso de minipilula na adolescencia.

PIP: The use of hormonal contraceptives containing only progestogen is generally not recommended for adolescents. However, for some patients there may be certain advantages, e.g., for those who suffer from cardiac diseases, where more efficient contraceptive methods, such as the use of estrogenic hormonal contraceptives or IUDs are contraindicated. In Brazil today, there is 1 mini-pill on the market. It contains 0.35 mg norethindrone and 0.35 mg norethisterone, and is taken orally once a day. Its advantages include decreased dysmenorrhea and less overall blood loss than for those who do not use contraceptives. It is indicated for patients exhibiting collateral reactions to the estrogenic component of combination pills. Its adverse effects include menstrual irregularities that are not well tolerated by the adolescent and possible formation of ovarian cysts due to lack of synchronized secretion of gonadotropins. It is not recommended for patients with an absolute contraindication for combined hormonal contraceptives that contain estrogens, for prediabetic patients, for patients affected by acute mononucleosis, for patients with a history of frontal ectopic pregnancy, and for patients with genital bleeding of unknown etiology. It is concluded that the mini-pill should not be a 1st choice contraceptive for adolescents and should only be used in clearly recommended cases.^ieng

[Endometrial cytology of IUD smears: endometrial reaction study]. / Citologia endometrial de esfregacos de DIU: estudo da reacao endometrial.

PIP: The objective of this research was to ascertain possible abnormal endometrial reactions to the IUD. The Family Planning Clinic of the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, used 110 cases from patients with IUDs who used the clinics from July 1981 to December 1982. Pap smears from 102 of these cases were made from material contained on the IUD. Several parameters were used, represented by endometrial cells and associated elements, including the IUD model, the user's age, and the day of the menstrual cycle on which the IUD was removed. The breakdown of endometrial cells was greater in Lippes Loop users than in TCu 200 and Copper 7 users. There was no significant difference in the amount of endometrial cells in the various stages of the menstrual cycle. The large number of cells in 90% of the smears leads to the suggestion that these smears be used for determining exclusion or diagnosis of cancer in the perimenopausal age group when the IUD is removed. A special histiocyte reaction was evident only in Lippes Loop users. A greater frequency of plasmocytes and leukocytes in the pre- and postmenstrual stages should be considered as physiological. A greater frequency of plasmocytes was found in Lippes Loop users, and a smaller frequency of lymphocytes observed from the 8th to 14th days of the menstrual cycle should be considered physiological. The lymphocytes were more frequent in users of the TCu 200 and Copper 7, but not significant enough to suggest the use of medicated IUDs.^ieng

[Pregnancy and adolescence]. / Gravidez e adolescencia.

PIP: The objective of this study was to verify the occurrence of pregnancy complications in adolescents and neonatal complications in their children. From 1980-1983, 88 pregnant adolescents under 16 years of age were treated at the Hospital das Clinicas of UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The patients ranged in age from 13 to 16 years. There was an increased incidence of pregnancy complications in this group when compared to the incidence of complications presented by 552 patients over 17 years of age. The high percentage of unmarried adolescents indicates that a large number of their pregnancies were unplanned. There was a significant increase in the incidence of pre-eclampsia, urinary infection, and anemia in the group of pregnant adolescents. An increase in perinatal morbidity or mortality was not observed. Because of the obstetric problems detected, all pregnant adolescents should receive special attention in the prenatal period and during parturition.^ieng

[Evaluation of a type of biomedicated IUD (model Copper 7 200) in a family planning clinic]. / Avaliacao de um tipo de dispositivo intra-uterino biomedicado (modelo "7 de cobre 200") em uma clinica de planejamento familiar.

PIP: In October 1978, 95 patients were inserted with a model 7 Cu 200 IUD at the Family Planning and Human Reproduction Clinic of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Patients varied in age between 16 and over 40, the great majority being in the age group 21-30, and in parity between 1 and over 4, the majority with parity over 4. Most patients, or 76.19%, had previously used OC (oral contraception); 84 of the original 95 patients were followed up at 1, 6, 12, and 18 months after insertion of the device. Continuation rate was 86.7%; there were 36 cases, or 42.85%, of menstrual disorders, mostly hypermenorrhea; 8.23% of patients complained of pain, and 16.47% of discomfort. There was 1 ectopic pregnancy, or a Pearl index of 0.82%, 12 expulsions, or 9.88% of cases, and 1 case of pelvic inflammatory infection. There was 1 removal for hemorrhage, and 2 removals on request from the patients. Hemoglobin levels were measured in 7 patients before insertion and after 14 months, and changes were not significant. These results show that the device was well tolerated and side effects and complications were minimal.^ieng

Avaliacao de um tipo de dispositivo intra-uterino biomedicado (modelo "7 de cobre 200") em uma clinica de planejamento familiar. / Evaluation of a type of biomedicated intrauterine device Copper 7 Cu 200 model) in a family planning clinic

Foi feita uma avaliacao de um dispositivo intra-uterino medicado de modelo "7 de cobre" na Clinica de Planejamento Familiar e Reproducao Humana da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, em Belo Horizonte, durante 1.457 meses de uso. Procurou-se estabelecer taxas de continuidade, efeitos colaterais, complicacoes e eficacia que foram comparados com os dados citados na literatura mundial