Identification of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis in captive primates from a zoo in Brazil.

Wild nonhuman primates (NHP) are considered natural hosts of a protozoan parasite from the genus Leishmania, the etiological agent of leishmaniasis. It is important to study the population of this infectious agent in zoo animals to establish surveillance and control mechanisms in Sorocaba through the application of a One Health approach, this is where human-animal-environment health and disease interface and can aid in the protection of endangered species. This study aimed to identify Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis in NHP living in a city where leishmaniasis is endemic. DNA was extracted from 48 NHP and analyzed using polymerase chain reaction primers that are specific for the species L. infantum and L. braziliensis. The results of our research revealed the first report of L. infantum and L. braziliensis naturally infecting primates at Sorocaba zoo. One primate from the species Plecturocebus vieirai was positive for L. infantum and five primates (four Alouatta caraya and one Ateles chamek) were positive for L. braziliensis. This indicates a possible role of these animals on the maintenance of these parasites.

Quality of dialysis water and dialysate in haemodialysis centres: Highlight for occurrence of non-fermenting gram-negative bacilli.

AIMS: To evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological quality of dialysis water and dialysate samples from haemodialysis centres. METHODS AND RESULTS: Samples were fortnightly collected from three haemodialysis centres in Bauru City, Brazil, between July 2017 and June 2018, at the stages of post-reverse osmosis, reuse and dialysate. Analyses included determination of conductivity, fluoride, nitrate and sulphate; test for total coliform bacteria; count of heterotrophic bacteria; count and identification of non-fermenting gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB); drug susceptibility test; biofilm formation capacity; and genetic similarity among some isolated NFGNB. Of the analysed samples, only 4/72 (5.6%) had conductivity values ≥10 mS/cm, 4/216 (1.9%) presented total coliforms and 1/216 (0.5%) had heterotrophic bacteria count >100 CFU/ml. NFGNB were isolated from 99/216 (45.8%) samples, and the major identified micro-organisms included Herbaspirillum aquaticum/huttiense, Brevundimonas aurantiaca, Cupriavidus metallidurans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Ralstonia insidiosa. Isolates of P. aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia complex were sensitive to most antimicrobials and, together with isolates of Ralstonia insidiosa and Ralstonia pickettii, showed strong biofilm formation capacity. Some isolates expressed the same electrophoretic profile on pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, indicating the persistence of bacterial clones in the systems over time. CONCLUSIONS: NFGNB were observed in several dialysis water and dialysate samples from all investigated centres, which may represent a risk to the health of patients. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Regular inclusion of actions for NFGNB control and monitoring in haemodialysis fluids are suggested for greater safety of the dialytic process.

Paleoparasitological analysis of a coprolite assigned to a carnivoran mammal from the Upper Pleistocene Touro Passo Formation, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

A paleoparasitological analysis was carried out on a large coprolite assigned to a carnivoran mammal, recovered from the Municipality of Uruguaiana, in the western region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, where the Upper Pleistocene Touro Passo Formation crops out. For this, an individual sample was extracted from the specimen using an electric drill, dissociated with 10% hydrochloric acid solution, washed with distilled water, and sifted through a 500 mesh Tyler sieve. After laboratory processing, the sediment retained on the sieve was mixed with glycerin and examined by optical microscopy, which revealed the presence of 14 protozoan oocysts and three nematode eggs. The morphological characteristics of the oocysts (i.e., spherical shape, thick-walled, internal zygote apparently at the beginning of sporulation, as well as their size) and of the eggs (i.e., ovoidal shape, rounded ends, smooth surface, thin-shelled, embryo in their interior, along with their morphometry) suggest that these specimens belong respectively to the orders Eucoccidiorida and Strongylida (Family Ancylostomatidae) represented by several parasitic species of the alimentary tract of modern carnivore. This is the first record of paleoparasites discovered in a vertebrate host from the Touro Passo Formation.

Infection by Histoplasma capsulatum, Cryptococcus spp. and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in bats collected in urban areas.

Epidemiological studies on endemic mycosis can be improved using molecular biology techniques to elucidate the role of bats as reservoirs and vectors of pathogenic fungi for infection of other animals and humans. The objective of this study was to explore the presence of Histoplasma capsulatum, Cryptococcus spp. and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in insectivorous, frugivorous and nectarivorous bats collected in urban areas. We analysed 172 bats collected by the Epidemiological Surveillance Agency in 12 municipalities of the Midwest region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Spleen, liver, intestine and lung samples were subjected to microbiological culture and nested PCR analyses. Prevalence of H. capsulatum infection was 8.1% (14/172), with one bat found to be positive by fungal culturing, 12 positive by nested PCR and one positive by both methods. Two insectivorous bats were found positive by nested PCR for Cryptococcus spp., one in the spleen and the other in the spleen and lung. Two insectivorous bats showed natural infection by P. brasiliensis, in the spleen of one bat and the spleen and liver of the other. Our results reinforce the importance of bats as fungal dispersers in urban environments and the importance of constant epidemiologic surveillance because these synanthropic animals are in close contact with humans and animals.

Molecular detection of fungi of public health importance in wild animals from Southern Brazil.

Some animals have an important relationship with fungal infections, and searching for pathogens in animal samples may be an opportunity for eco-epidemiological research. Since studies involving wildlife are generally restricted, using samples from road kills is an alternative. The aim of this study was to verify whether pathogenic fungi of public health importance occur in wildlife road kills from Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Organ samples (n = 1063) from 297 animals were analysed according to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using universal primers to detect fungi in general and, subsequently, using primers specific to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Histoplasma capsulatum and Cryptococcus spp. There were 102 samples positive for fungal species. Eight samples were positive for P. brasiliensis, three samples were positive for Cryptococcus spp. and one sample had coinfection by these two fungi. No sample was positive for Histoplasma spp. according to the molecular detection. Genetic sequencing allowed the identification of Fungal sp. in 89 samples, Cryptococcus neoformans in two samples and Aspergillus penicillioides in three samples. This study shows the importance of wild animals in the epidemiology of fungal infections and assists in the mapping of pathogen occurrence in a region that was not previously evaluated.

Molecular epidemiology of Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli in stray dogs in Paraná, Brazil / Epidemiologia molecular de Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis e Babesia vogeli em cães não domiciliados do Paraná

Hemoparasitic infections are tick-borne diseases, which affect animals and humans. Considering the importance of canine hemoparasitic infections in veterinary clinics, this study aimed to determine the occurrence of Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli in blood samples from 182 dogs not domiciled in the city of Pato Branco, southwestern region of Paraná State, Brazil, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The prevalence of A. platys and B. vogeli was 32.9% and 10.9% respectively, and A. platys infection prevailed (p<0.001). The number of dogs positive for A. platys was larger in Winter (p<0.05). All blood samples were negative for E. canis. In the dogs, infestation by Amblyomma cajennense predominated over that by Rhipicephalus sanguineus (p<0.001); but there was no significant association between PCR and the variables presence of ticks, sex and age. Dogs infected by A. platys and B. vogeli showed thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia and leukocytosis; but there was no correlation between such hematological changes and infection by hemoparasites. This appears to be the first molecular study that demonstrates the existence of A. platys and B. vogeli in dogs from the southwestern region of Paraná.(AU)

As hemoparasitoses são enfermidades transmitidas por carrapatos que afetam os animais e os humanos. Considerando a importância das hemoparasitoses caninas na clínica médica veterinária, este estudo objetivou determinar a ocorrência de Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis e Babesia vogeli em amostras de sangue de 182 cães não domiciliados do município de Pato Branco, região sudoeste paranaense, Brasil, utilizando a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). A prevalência de A. platys e B. vogeli foi de 32,9% e 10.9%, respectivamente, predominando a infecção por A. platys (p<0,001). Constatou-se um maior número de cães positivos para A. platys no período do inverno (p<0.05). Todas as amostras de sangue foram negativas para E. canis. Nos cães, a infestação por Amblyomma cajennense prevaleceu sobre a infestação por Rhipicephalus sanguineus (p<0,001), mas não foi observada associação significativa entre a PCR e as variáveis presença de carrapatos, sexo e idade. Cães infectados por A. platys e B. vogeli apresentaram trombocitopenia, linfopenia e leucocitose, porém não houve correlação destas alterações hematológicas com a infecção pelos hemoparasitas. Este é o primeiro estudo molecular que demonstra a existência de A. platys e de B. vogeli em cães da região sudoeste paranaense.(AU)

Detection of Leishmania (L.) infantum in stray dogs by molecular techniques with sensitive species-specific primers.

BACKGROUND: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum around the world. Canids are the definitive hosts and sand flies the intermediate hosts. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that a new species-specific primers (Lch14:Lch15, targeting a multiple alignment for L. infantum kDNA minicircle) is an efficient diagnostic tool for L. infantum. METHODS: The presence of L. infantum DNA was assessed in blood samples of 69 stray dogs using the conventional PCR (cPCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Additional 50 lymph nodes and 50 bone marrow samples (positive and negative samples for parasitological tests) from dogs from endemic and nonendemic areas for CVL were also used. RESULTS: L. infantum strains, and all positive lymph node and bone marrow samples for parasitological test gave positive results for cPCR and qPCR, presenting analytical sensitivity of ∼100 parasite mL-1. For the blood samples, 40/69 (58%; CI 95%; 46%-69%) resulted positive for L. infantum in both tests. All positive samples were confirmed by sequencing. CONCLUSION: This study showed the importance of the specific detection of L. infantum based on species-specific primers by molecular techniques, highlighting the application as a confirmation method in epidemiological studies and to adopt the best control measures.

Qualidade do leite de tanques comunitários de propriedades rurais no município de Botucatu, SP / Quality of milk from community tanks of rural properties in the city of Botucatu, SP

A qualidade do leite deve ser uma preocupação de todos os envolvidos na sua cadeia produtiva, bem como de laticinistas e consumidores. Em pequenas propriedades, na maioria das vezes, observa- -se manejo zoosanitário deficitário, elevada prevalência de mastites e a prática de resfriamento de leite em tanques de expansão comunitários. A Instrução Normativa Nº 62, em vigor desde janeiro de 2012 do Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA), constitui um conjunto de normas técnicas para a cadeia láctea, visando à melhoria da qualidade do leite no país. Estabeleceram-se, entre outras exigências, padrões máximos de contagem bacteriana total em amostras de leite de tanques de expansão (600.000 UFC/mL) bem como de células somáticas (600.000 CS/ mL). No presente estudo avaliou-se a qualidade do leite de propriedades rurais do município de Botucatu-SP, que utilizam tanques comunitários, durante o período de doze meses. Para tanto, foram colhidas mensalmente amostras de leite de quatro tanques comunitários existentes no município. O trabalho foi realizado em parceria com a Secretaria da Agricultura da Prefeitura Municipal de Botucatu, visando à melhoria da qualidade do leite, com consequente melhor rendimento industrial e proteção à saúde pública. As amostras foram submetidas à contagem de bactérias heterotróficas aeróbias mesófilas (CBHAM), a Contagem de Células Somáticas (CCS), pesquisa de resíduos de antimicrobianos, cultivo bacteriológico do leite e detecção molecular dos agentes: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli e Mycoplasma spp. Isolaram-se Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli e Mycoplasma spp. A contagem bacteriana total média excedeu o valor de 600.000 UFC/mL em todos os tanques em estudo. A CCS manteve- se dentro dos padrões vigentes preconizados pelo MAPA. Não foi detectado resíduo de antimicrobianos em nenhuma amostra. Conclui- -se, que os principais problemas dos tanques em estudo são a higiene e as más condições de armazenamento nas quais o leite chega ao tanque, propiciando a proliferação bacteriana e comprometimento da qualidade do leite.

Research of Klebsiella pneumoniae in dairy herds / Pesquisa de Klebsiella pneumoniae em rebanhos leiteiros

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common environmental agent of clinical and subclinical mastitis affecting dairy herds, and may be present in the final product decreasing its quality. Mastitis caused by K. pneumoniae is even more severe due to its poor response to antibiotic therapy, rapid evolution to toxic shock and death of the animal. This paper aimed to study the prevalence of this pathogen among dairy herds in ten farms located in different municipalities of São Paulo State based on size and use of milking technology. All mammary glands of all lactating cows were screened using the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and a strip cup. A single aseptic milk sample (20mL) was collected from all CMT-positive quarters and bulk tanks, whereas swab samples were collected from feces, hind limbs of the animals, bedding and milking parlor. Identification of K. pneumoniae was performed using conventional microbiology culture, biochemical assay and Polimerase Chain Reaction. The primers were designed and tested at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology applied to Zoonoses (FMVZ, Unesp-Botucatu) targeting the 16S rRNA gene. This study included 1067 animals. Six cases of intramammary infection by K. pneumoniae were detected in six different cows in two farms. Moreover, K. pneumoniae was isolated in 77 swabs (34 from bedding in 9 farms, 7 from waiting rooms in 5 farms, 6 from milking parlors in 4 farms, 11 from rectums in six farms, and 19 from hindlimbs in 7 farms. Molecular analysis confirmed the agent was K. pneumoniae. At least one strain of the agent was identified in a certain site in all farms, showing the need of maintaining the hygiene in dairy farms...

Klebsiella pneumoniae é um agente ambiental comum de mastite clínica e subclínica que afetam vacas leiteiras e pode estar presente no produto final, reduzindo a sua qualidade. Mastite causada por K. pneumoniae é ainda mais grave devido à sua má resposta à antibioticoterapia, rápida evolução para choque tóxico e morte do animal. Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a prevalência deste patógeno entre os rebanhos leiteiros em dez fazendas localizadas em diferentes municípios do Estado de São Paulo com base no tamanho do rebanho e uso de tecnologia de ordenha. Todas as glândulas mamárias das vacas em lactação foram examinadas usando o California Mastitis Test (CMT) e caneca de fundo telado. Foram colhidas amostras de leite (20mL) de todos os quartos CMT- positivos e dos tanques de expansão, também foram colhidos swab de fezes, membros posteriores dos animais, cama dos animais e sala de ordenha. O isolamento e identificação de K. pneumoniae foi realizada através de cultura microbiológica convencional, ensaio bioquímico e Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase, utilizando primers desenhados e testados no Laboratório de Biologia Molecular aplicada à Zoonoses (FMVZ, Unesp-Botucatu) com base na região do gene de 16S rRNA. Este estudo incluiu 1067 animais. Foram detectados seis casos de infecção intramamária por K. pneumoniae em seis diferentes animais em duas fazendas. Ainda, K. pneumoniae foi isolada em 77 swabs (34 de camas em 9 propriedades, 7 de salas de pré-ordenha em 5 propriedades, 6 de salas de ordenha em 4 propriedades, 11 do reto de animais em 6 propriedades e 19 de membros posteriores em 7 propriedades. A análise molecular confirmou o agente K. pneumoniae. K. pneumoniae foi isolada pelo menos em uma localização em todas as propriedades leiteiras., salientando a necessidade de manter a higiene nas fazendas leiteiras a fim de controlar a mastite por esse patógeno...

Leptospira spp. infection in sheep herds in southeast Brazil.

BACKGROUND: With the aim of studying Leptospira spp. infection in sheep herds, blood samples and respective kidney and liver fragments were collected from 100 animals from twenty different properties during slaughter at a meat company in the Sorocaba region, São Paulo state, southeast Brazil. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was performed with 29 strains of Leptospira spp. To identify the agent in the liver and kidney, 100 samples of each tissue were submitted to culture in Fletcher medium and analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Leptospira spp. RESULTS: MAT detected 23 samples serologically positive for one or more Leptospira spp. serovars and significantly more for Autumnalis. Eight (4%) samples were positive in culture (four kidneys and four livers), corresponding to five animals with positive serology (one animal simultaneously positive for both kidney and liver) and two negatives. PCR detected Leptospira spp. in 14 samples (seven kidneys and seven livers) corresponding to 12 positive animals (two animals simultaneously positive for kidney and liver), of which ten were serologically positive and two negative. CONCLUSIONS: PCR was faster, more practical and more sensitive than culture for detecting leptospires. The results reinforce the importance of sheep in the epidemiological context of leptospirosis.

Leptospira spp. infection in sheep herds in southeast Brazil

With the aim of studying Leptospira spp. infection in sheep herds, blood samples and respective kidney and liver fragments were collected from 100 animals from twenty different properties during slaughter at a meat company in the Sorocaba region, São Paulo state, southeast Brazil. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was performed with 29 strains of Leptospira spp. To identify the agent in the liver and kidney, 100 samples of each tissue were submitted to culture in Fletcher medium and analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Leptospira spp.

Leptospira spp. infection in sheep herds in southeast Brazil

With the aim of studying Leptospira spp. infection in sheep herds, blood samples and respective kidney and liver fragments were collected from 100 animals from twenty different properties during slaughter at a meat company in the Sorocaba region, São Paulo state, southeast Brazil. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was performed with 29 strains of Leptospira spp. To identify the agent in the liver and kidney, 100 samples of each tissue were submitted to culture in Fletcher medium and analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Leptospira spp.

Serological investigation and PCR in detection of pathogenic leptospires in snakes / Investigação sorológica e PCR na detecção de leptospiras patogênicas em serpentes

Detection of Leptospira by PCR had not yet been described in snakes. This study investigated, by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and PCR, the presence of antibodies to Leptospira spp. and Leptospira spp., respectively, in venomous and non-venomous wildlife and captivity snakes. All snakes were divided into three groups to be compared: Group 1 (wildlife snakes - WS); Group 2 (snakes in intensive captivity - IC), and Group 3 (collective semi-extensive captivity -CC). Of the 147 snakes studied, 52 (35.4 percent) were positive for leptospirosis by MAT, 8 (15.4 percent) belonging to Group 1 (WS), 34 (65.4 percent) to Group 2 (IC) and 10 (19.2 percent) to Group 3 (CC). Jararaca (Bothrops jararaca) presented the highest average titer (66.7 percent, N=22/33) among the three group studied, and Hardjo prajtino was the most prevalent serovar (88.5 percent, N=46/52), with titers varying from 100 to 3200. Leptospira interrogans was revealed by PCR in kidney and liver of caiçaca (Bothrops moojeni) and jararaca-pintada (Bothrops pauloensis), showing 100 percent and 93 percent identity respectively. Future studies should be carried out for better understanding of the role of snakes as a reservoir of Leptospira in nature.

A detecção de Leptospira pela técnica de PCR não havia sido descrita em serpentes. Este estudo investigou pelo teste de aglutinação microscópica (MAT) e PCR, a presença de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. e Leptospira spp., respectivamente, em serpentes peçonhentas e não peçonhentas de vida livre e de cativeiro. As serpentes foram divididas em três grupos para comparação: Grupo 1 (serpentes recém-chegadas da natureza - WS); Grupo 2 (serpentes em regime de cativeiro intensivo -IC) e Grupo 3 (serpentes em regime de cativeiro coletivo semi-extensivo - CC). Do total de 147 serpentes estudadas, 52 (35,4 por cento) foram positivas para leptospirose pelo MAT, as quais 8 (15,4 por cento) pertenciam ao Grupo 1 (WS), 34 (65,4 por cento) ao Grupo 2 (IC) e 10 (19,2 por cento) ao Grupo 3 (CC). Das espécies estudadas, a jararaca (Bothrops jararaca) apresentou maior soropositividade (66,7 por cento, N=22/33). O sorovar mais prevalente foi o Hardjo prajtino (88,5 por cento, N=46/52) e os títulos variaram de 100 a 3200. Leptospira interrogans foi revelada por PCR nos rins e no fígado de caiçaca (Bothrops moojeni) e de jararaca-pintada (Bothrops pauloensis), mostrando 100 por cento e 93 por cento de identidade, respectivamente. Futuros estudos devem ser realizados para melhor compreensão do papel das serpentes como reservatório de leptospiras na natureza.

Isolation and multilocus genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in seronegative rodents in Brazil.

Synanthropic rodents, mainly rats and mice, become ecologically associated with men due to changes in their ecosystems caused by human activities. These animals may take part in the epidemiological cycles of several diseases, including toxoplasmosis. The presence of serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in 43 rodents captured in the urban area of Umuarama, PR, Brazil, was verified by modified agglutination test (MAT). Brain and heart samples were also collected and bioassayed in mice for the isolation of the parasite. Isolated samples were analyzed by 12 multilocus genotyping. Although all rodents were seronegative, the parasite was isolated in one mouse (Mus musculus) and one rat (Rattus rattus). Genotyping showed that these samples were similar to those previously isolated from cats in the state of Parana, Brazil.

Importance of xenarthrans in the eco-epidemiology of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

BACKGROUND: Several pathogens that cause important zoonotic diseases have been frequently associated with armadillos and other xenarthrans. This mammal group typically has evolved on the South American continent and many of its extant species are seriously threatened with extinction. Natural infection of armadillos with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in hyperendemic areas has provided a valuable opportunity for understanding the role of this mammal in the eco-epidemiology of Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), one of the most important systemic mycoses in Latin America. FINDINGS: This study aimed to detect P. brasiliensis in different xenarthran species (Dasypus novemcinctus, Cabassous spp., Euphractus sexcinctus, Tamandua tetradactyla and Myrmecophaga tridactyla), by molecular and mycological approaches, in samples obtained by one of the following strategies: i) from road-killed animals (n = 6); ii) from naturally dead animals (n = 8); iii) from animals that died in captivity (n = 9); and iv) from living animals captured from the wild (n = 2). Specific P. brasiliensis DNA was detected in several organs among 7/20 nine-banded armadillos (D. novemcinctus) and in 2/2 anteaters (M. tridactyla). The fungus was also cultured in tissue samples from one of two armadillos captured from the wild. CONCLUSION: Members of the Xenarthra Order, especially armadillos, have some characteristics, including a weak cellular immune response and low body temperature, which make them suitable models for studying host-pathogen interaction. P. brasiliensis infection in wild animals, from PCM endemic areas, may be more common than initially postulated and reinforces the use of these animals as sentinels for the pathogen in the environment.

Importance of xenarthrans in the eco-epidemiology of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

BACKGROUND: Several pathogens that cause important zoonotic diseases have been frequently associated with armadillos and other xenarthrans. This mammal group typically has evolved on the South American continent and many of its extant species are seriously threatened with extinction. Natural infection of armadillos with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in hyperendemic areas has provided a valuable opportunity for understanding the role of this mammal in the eco-epidemiology of Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), one of the most important systemic mycoses in Latin America. FINDINGS: This study aimed to detect P. brasiliensis in different xenarthran species (Dasypus novemcinctus, Cabassous spp., Euphractus sexcinctus, Tamandua tetradactyla and Myrmecophaga tridactyla), by molecular and mycological approaches, in samples obtained by one of the following strategies i) from road-killed animals (n = 6); ii) from naturally dead animals (n = 8); iii) from animals that died in captivity (n = 9); and iv) from living animals captured from the wild (n = 2). Specific P. brasiliensis DNA was detected in several organs among 7/20 nine-banded armadillos (D. novemcinctus) and in 2/2 anteaters (M. tridactyla). The fungus was also cultured in tissue samples from one of two armadillos captured from the wild. CONCLUSION: Members of the Xenarthra Order, especially armadillos, have some characteristics, including a weak cellular immune response and low body temperature, which make them suitable models for studying host-pathogen interaction. P. brasiliensis infection in wild animals, from PCM endemic areas, may be more common than initially postulated and reinforces the use of these animals as sentinels for the pathogen in the environment.