Assessing the Microbial Quality of Shrimp (Xiphonaeus kroyeri) and Mussels (Perna perna) Illegally Sold in the Vitória Region, Brazil, and Investigating the Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolates.

The consumption of seafood is crucial for food security, but poor hygiene along the food production chain can result in low microbiological quality, posing significant risks for public health and seafood quality. Thus, this study aimed to assess the microbiological quality and antimicrobial sensitivity of E. coli from 69 samples of illegally marketed shrimp and mussels in the Vitória Region, Brazil. These foods exhibited poor microbiological quality due to high counts of mesophilic, psychrotrophic, and enterobacteria microorganisms. While this issue is widespread in this area, shrimp samples displayed higher microbial counts compared to mussels, and fresh mussels had elevated counts of enterobacteria compared to frozen ones. Among the 10 E. coli isolates, none carried the genes blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-2, blaCTX-M-3, blaCTX-M-15, mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, and tet, associated with antibiotic resistance. Phenotypical resistance to tetracycline and fosfomycin was not observed in any isolate, while only 20% demonstrated resistance to ciprofloxacin. Regarding ampicillin and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, 60% of isolates were resistant, 10% showed intermediate susceptibility, and 30% were sensitive. One isolate was considered simultaneously resistant to ß-lactams and quinolones, and none were conserved as ESBL producers. These findings highlight the inherent risks to local public health that arise from consuming improperly prepared seafood in this area.

Epidemiology and Control of Rabies in Cattle and Equines in Rondônia State, a Brazilian's Legal Amazon Area.

Rabies is a fatal neglected tropical zoonosis, and its significance for domestic herbivores in the rural cycle is probably associated with rainforest deforestation, livestock, and agricultural expansion. This epidemiological survey aimed to study the occurrence of rabies in bovines and equines in the state of Rondônia, located in the Brazilian's Legal Amazon, between the years 2002 and 2021, correlating these findings with the prophylactic strategies adopted by the local sanitary agency for rabies control. During this period, 201 cases were observed in bovines and 23 in equines. A downward trend in rabies incidence was observed for both domestic herbivores. Rabies did not show a higher occurrence in any specific time of the year, and epidemic periods varied during some years for bovines and equines. Using the Generalized estimating equations (GEE) method, a multiple model approach was obtained with the explanatory variables significantly associated with the decrease in rabies incidence in cattle and horses during the study period: the ratio of treated bats and ratio of vaccine doses sold. Furthermore, the ratio of printed educative material was positively associated with rabies incidence. Despite a decreasing trend in rabies occurrences in this Amazon rainforest area, likely due to the actions taken by the animal sanitary agency, rabies remains endemic and requires monitoring, as well as prophylactic strategies to control this disease.

Efficacy of Duddingtonia flagrans (Bioverm®) on the biological control of buffalo gastrointestinal nematodes.

We evaluated the efficacy of Bioverm®, a commercial product containing Duddingtonia flagrans, on the control of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) gastrointestinal nematodes. We randomly divided 12 buffaloes into two groups of six animals. In the treated group, each animal received a Bioverm®`s single dose of 1g (105 chlamydospores of D. flagrans) to 10 kg of live weight; in the control group, each animal received 1g of corn bran for each 10 kg of live weight as a placebo. Fecal samples were individually collected from 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h after treatments. To examine 1) viability of chlamydospores passed through the gastrointestinal tract, 2 g of faeces and 1000 infective larvae (L3) were added to Petri dishes with 2% water-agar, and 2) to examine larval predation by D. flagrans during fecal cultures, 2000 L3 were added. In the Petri dishes, were observed significant reductions (p < 0.01) in the treated group after 48 (56.7%) and 60 h (91.5%). In the fecal cultures, significant reductions (p < 0.01) occurred in the treated group from 36 h (75%), with larval reduction up to 72 h. High larval predation rate occurred 60 h after Bioverm® administration. Bioverm® maintained viability and predation capacity after passage through the buffalo's gastrointestinal tract, showing efficacy on gastrointestinal nematodes.

Flies (Insecta, Diptera) collected in the environment of dairy farms as carriers of Rotavirus A and betacoronavirus.

AIMS: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of rotavirus and coronavirus in dipterans that commonly inhabit the environment of dairy farms. METHODS AND RESULTS: We collected 217 insect specimens from nine dairy farms, which were examined through hemi-nested RT-PCR followed by Sanger sequencing in search of VP1 and N genes for rotavirus and bovine coronavirus-BCoV, respectively. With a predominance of Muscidae (152/217 = 70%) 11 families of Diptera were identified. Rotavirus A (RVA) and betacoronavirus (BCoV) were detected in 14.7% (32/217) and 4.6% (10/217) of the dipterans, respectively. Sequencing of the amplicons was possible for 11.5% (25/217) of RVA and 0.5% (1/217) of BCoV, confirming the presence of these pathogens. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the role of dipterans as carriers of RVA and BCoV of great relevance for public and animal health.

Detection of Anti-Neospora caninum IgG in Blood Serum and Colostrum Samples in Naturally Infected Sheep and in Their Newborn Offspring.

The aim was to detect correlations of IgG antibodies against N. caninum in serum and colostrum samples from ewes, through the IFAT, and to evaluate the presence of this immunoglobulin in the serum of newborn lambs after colostrum ingestion. Blood samples from 162 ewes that did not show any disease in the general physical examination and from their newborn lambs, not more than five days postpartum, along with 162 colostrum samples and 182 blood samples from the neonates, were analyzed. In total, 27.8% (45/162) of the mothers were positive for anti-N. caninum IgG, among which antibodies were detected in the colostrum in 46.7% (21/45). All the ewes with positive colostrum had reactive offspring. The kappa agreement for the correlation between the serological tests on the ewes and the colostrum results was 0.558. This correlation increased as the antibody titers of the mothers increased, and reached 1.000 from the titer of 1:400 from the mothers. Comparison of the antibody detection results between the offspring's serum and colostrum showed a kappa agreement of 1.000. In conclusion, there was a good agreement regarding the detection of anti-N. caninum IgG between the colostrum samples and the lambs' serum; the use of colostrum forms a noninvasive alternative for diagnosing N. caninum in sheep herds.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Occurrence of Toxoplasmosis in Animals Slaughtered in Brazilian Abattoirs.

Toxoplasmosis is mainly transmitted to human beings through the consumption of contaminated food, and several outbreaks caused by infected meat consumption have been reported in Brazil. We performed a systematic literature review on the prevalence and risk factors for toxoplasmosis in slaughtered animals and performed a meta-analysis of its prevalence for different species and regions. Furthermore, we also discussed the infectivity of seropositive animals, risk factors, and preventive strategies. In the meta-analysis, the overall prevalence estimates for poultry, ostrich, goats, swine, equids, sheep, and bovines were 42.4, 40.4, 23.0, 19.9, 19.1, 17.3, and 16.2%, respectively. Regarding the Brazilian regions, the highest prevalence values were detected for bovines and equids in the South (32.3 and 34.4%, respectively) and swine, goats, sheep, and poultry in the Northeast (29.3, 23.0, 22.9, and 69.8%%, respectively). High proportions of Toxoplasma gondii viability in bioassay conducted on seropositive animals were seen for sheep (34/40 = 85%) and swine (12/15 = 80%). Toxoplasma gondii infections are widespread on Brazilian farms, and the summarized data allow the establishment of high-priority areas and/or species for the adoption of preventive strategies to control this parasite at different levels of the food chain.

Potentially pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria spp. in Brazilian unpasteurized cheese production / Staphylococcus aureus e Listeria spp. potencialmente patogênicos na produção de queijos não pasteurizados

This study aimed to identify potentially pathogenic microorganisms (Listeria innocua, L. seeligeri, L. ivanovii, L. monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and several virulence genes) in unpasteurized cheese production in the northeastern region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Listeria species were detected in 68 (64.14%) out of 106 samples of bovine feces, swabs from milkers' and cheese handlers' hands, milking buckets, raw milk, whey, water, cheese processing surface,s and utensils. All the samples collected at one farm were contaminated with Listeria spp. L. innocua, L. seeligeri, L. ivanovii, or L. monocytogenes were not detected in the samples collected in this study. A set of 391 Staphylococcus spp. isolates were obtained in these samples, from which 60 (15.31%) were identified as S. aureus using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). S. aureus carrying virulence genes (eta, hlg, seg, seh, sei) were detected in milk, in swabs from cheese handler's hands, whey, milk, sieves, buckets, and cheese. The hlg gene (encodes gamma hemolysin) was detected in all the S. aureus isolates. These findings show that poor hygienic practice is associated with a higher risk of pathogenic bacteria in milk or cheese, providing useful information for public health authorities to increase food safety surveillance and prevent the dissemination of pathogens.

O objetivo desse estudo foi identificar microrganismos potencialmente patogênicos (Listeria innocua, L. seeligeri, L. ivanovii, L. monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus e diversos genes de virulência) na produção de queijos de leite cru na região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Listeria foram detectadas em 68 (64,14%) das 106 amostras obtidas de fezes bovinas, suabes das mãos de ordenhadores e queijeiros, baldes, leite cru, soro, água, superfícies e utensílios da produção de queijos. Todas as amostras coletadas em uma fazenda estavam contaminadas com Listeria spp. L. innocua, L. seeligeri, L. ivanovii, e L. monocytogenes não foram detectadas nas amostras coletadas nesse estudo. Um conjunto de 391 isolados de Staphylococcus spp. foram obtidos das amostras, e desses 60 (15,31%) foram identificados como S. aureus pela PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). S. aureus contendo genes de virulência (eta, hlg, seg, seh, sei) foram detectados em leite, mãos dos ordenhadores, soro, utensílios e queijos. O gene hlg (gama-hemolisina)foi detectado em todos os isolados de S. aureus.Esses resultados demonstram que práticas inadequadas de higiene estão associadas com um maior risco da presença de bactérias patogênicas no leite e queijos crus, fornecendo informações para as autoridades de saúde pública para incrementarem a vigilância e prevenirem a disseminação de patógenos.

Perception of animal welfare and its certification system by Brazilian consumers and dairy farmers.

The practices adopted in dairy farms can positively or negatively affect the perception of consumers. To meet consumer expectations and improve the productivity of dairy farms, a welfare certification system has recently been initiated in Brazil. In this research communication we describe the perceptions of Brazilian consumers and farmers regarding the implementation of welfare certification systems and the most common practices that affect animal welfare on dairy farms. For this purpose, two semi-structured questionnaires were used: one applied to 409 consumers and the other to 158 dairy farmers. The results demonstrate that consumers are concerned with the adoption of welfare practices in animal husbandry at dairy farms, mainly on topics related to movement restriction and cow-calf separation. Thus, the majority of consumers state that they are willing to pay more for welfare-certified dairy products. In addition, most dairy farmers are interested in adopting a welfare certification system, especially if it could add value to the raw milk sold to industries. Veterinarians and animal scientists are important for disseminating animal welfare recommendations, and the consequences of its improper adoption need to be emphasized. Finally, dairy farms need improvements regarding environmental hygiene, thermal conditions, animal husbandry, health, and milking processes. In conclusion, consumers and farmers are interested in welfare systems and their certification, and there is a need for stakeholders to make welfare certification a reality in the Brazilian dairy supply chain.

Spatial distribution and risk factors for sheep toxoplasmosis in Goiás, Brazilian Cerrado Region.

The present study aimed to evaluate the spatial distribution and risk factors for infection by Toxoplasma gondii in sheep in the state of Goiás, located in the central-western region of Brazil. Through the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was analyzed in 1000 blood serum samples obtained from sheep in all macro and micro regions of the state of Goiás. Data related to sex, age of the animals, size of the farm, type of farm, water source, veterinary assistance, replacement of the herd, presence of domestic cats, presence of wild cats and presence of other wild animals were obtained at the sampling time. The differences between the seroprevalences obtained in relation to the variables analyzed were estimated using Pearson's chi-square test (χ2). The odds ratio (OR) values for each risk factor evaluated were statistically analyzed with a confidence interval of 95%. Positivity for IgG anti-T. gondii was observed (titer ≥64) in 34.3% (343/1000) of the samples, which ranged from 26.9% (31/115) to 44.2% (53/120) and from 21.8 (12/55) to 55.2% (16 / 29), respectively in the analyzed mesoregions and microregions. In all investigated regions of the State of Goiás, serum-reactive animals were detected with the age of the animals, the source of water, the form of replacement of the herd and the presence of domestic cats and wild animals risk factors statistically associated with the occurrence of T. gondii in animals.

Bovine cysticercosis in the State of São Paulo, Brazil: Prevalence, risk factors and financial losses for farmers.

Taenia saginata is the causative agent of bovine cysticercosis (BCC) and human taeniasis, two diseases that have economical and public health importance, respectively. This research focused on determining BCC prevalence in the state of São Paulo state, Brazil, in the period of 2017-2019, as well as associating risk factors related to disease occurrence and estimate the economic impact to beef producers. Data from 6,277,758 bovine carcasses originating from 571 municipalities and 15 different mesoregions in the state of São Paulo was gathered and analyzed. Cysticerci were detected in a total of 88,700 carcasses at meat inspection, resulting in an apparent prevalence of 1.41 % (C.I. 95 % 1.40-1.42 %). BCC was widespread in this state and its spatial distribution varied in municipalities and mesoregions. The variable number of milking cows in the municipality was significantly associated (OR = 1.48, p = 0.00) with BCC cases, conversely, the presence of peasant's settlements in the municipality was a protective factor (OR = 0.49, p = 0.02). Financial losses for cattle farmers were estimated at US$ 5,829,103.99. The results of this research show that there is still room for implementation of bovine cysticercosis control measures in endemic areas, aiming to reduce financial losses to farmers as well as reduction of human taeniasis cases in the population.

Comparison of microbiological quality between illegal and inspected salami

The consumption of meat and meat products can pose consumers into risk due to the presence of biological hazards that can cause foodborne diseases. Thus, this study aimed to compare the microbiological quality of illegal and inspected salami sold in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. For this purpose, 80 salami samples (40 illegal and 40 inspected) were purchased and their microbiological quality was assessed according to the protocol established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. All samples were considered as acceptable for consumption according to the Brazilian law. However, the samples of illegal salami were significantly higher contaminated with bacteria belonging to the genus Staphylococcus (p = 0.002) and had a higher trend to be contaminated with total coliforms (p = 0.08) and thermotolerant ones (p = 0.07) compared to inspected salami. Salmonella spp. and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus were not detected. In conclusion, although all samples were considered as safe for consumption, illegal salami had a worse microbiological quality when compared to inspected ones.

Epidemiology of bovine cysticercosis and associated economic losses in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Bovine cysticercosis (BCC) is the most frequently detected zoonosis in Brazilian slaughterhouses and is considered a problem for public health and beef production chain, requiring epidemiological studies focusing on evaluating its prevalence, spatial distribution, and economic losses in order to improve and adopt specific strategies for BCC control. Thus, this study focused to establish BCC prevalence and spatial distribution in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and estimate the economic losses for cattle farmers suppliers of one exporter slaughterhouse. A set of 70,591 bovine carcasses were postmortem inspected from 2019 to 2020, which came from 134 municipalities located in eight distinct regions in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The prevalence found was 3.44% (C.I. 95% 3.30-3.57%), and animals infected with unviable cysticerci were more frequently detected (70.56%) than those carrying viable ones (29.44%). The most frequent destination of carcasses and viscera was non-export (65.48%), followed by freezing/salting (25.41%), heat treatment (8.74%), and rendering (0.37%), resulting in a total economic burden of at least US$ 167,868.53 for cattle farmers. Some regions had higher risk for BCC occurrence, such as Porto Alegre, Caxias do Sul, Santa Maria, Ijuí, and Passo Fundo (OR > 1, p < 0.05), respectively. These results highlight the need of adopting prophylactic measures, mainly in specific areas, in order to control BCC and reduce the economic losses for beef production chain.

Epidemiological and molecular identification of Trypanosoma vivax diagnosed in cattle during outbreaks in central Brazil.

Bovine trypanosomosis has been spreading in Brazil. In the present study, we evaluated the spatial distribution, prevalence and risk factors of this disease in the state of Goiás, Brazil, and performed both molecular and phylogenetical analyses of Trypanosoma vivax. A total of 4049 blood samples were collected from cattle for a period of 2 years. The parasitological diagnosis was performed using the Woo method and a questionnaire was administered to the farmers to document risk factors associated with the disease in the herd. Positive samples were DNA sequenced and compared to GenBank codes. The prevalence of T. vivax was 8.84%, occurring on 24 ranches only in dairy cattle and mainly in the central and southern portions of the state. The acquisition of new animals infected with T. vivax and the administration of exogenous oxytocin to cows using the same syringe and needle were the main associated factors (P ≤ 0.05). After an outbreak, milk production decreased by 39.62%. The presence of biting flies (tabanids, Haematobia irritans and Stomoxys calcitrans) was not a risk factor (P > 0.05) for the occurrence of T. vivax. The epidemiological data demonstrate the importance of restricting the practice of auctions as well as eliminating the use of exogenous oxytocin in animals during milking. The samples tested by polymerase chain reaction were positive for T. vivax and were genetically homologous with T. vivax found in different states of Brazil and west Africa based on the 18S rRNA gene.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of bovine cysticercosis in Brazil: current knowledge and way forward.

BACKGROUND: Taenia saginata taeniosis/cysticercosis has been well studied in several countries. Brazil is one of the most important beef exporting countries and has one of the highest cattle population size in the world. In this country, bovine cysticercosis (BCC) remains the most frequent reported zoonosis detected during post-mortem inspection, resulting in costs for the beef sector and public health. We performed a systematic literature review regarding data about BCC epidemiology in Brazil and meta-analyses for its prevalence in different administrative regions and the distribution over time, and based on this discussed possible control strategies. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to obtain data about BCC in Brazil using the words "bovine cysticercosis" and "Brazil" to construct the search phrase. The inclusion criteria used to select articles were: (i) published from 2000 to 2018; (ii) full text available online in Portuguese or English; and (iii) contain information at least regarding one of the following aspects of BCC in Brazil: prevalence, incidence, spatial distribution, risk-factors, economic burden and measures for control. RESULTS: A set of 42 articles was included, covering the prevalence of BCC in Brazil, ranging between 0.01-18.75%. Prevalence results of 40 articles were included in a meta-analysis per administrative region. The highest prevalence was found in the South (3.4%; 95% CI: 2.0-5.2%), followed by the Southeast (2.7%; 95% CI: 1.9-3.6%), Northeast (1.5%; 95% CI: 0.6-2.7%), Central-western (0.9%; 95% CI: 0.3-1.7%) and North (0.0%; 95% CI: 0.0-0.6%) region. In addition, a reduction in prevalence over time was observed in all the evaluated states except for Alagoas and Pará. CONCLUSIONS: Besides the large availability of data, a critical lack of information about BCC epidemiology remains in Brazil. Nevertheless, the available data on prevalence, high risk-areas and risk factors should contribute to a better understanding of transmission and the formulation of recommendations for control. A One Health approach will be required to reduce T. saginata taeniosis/cysticercosis prevalence and the consequent economic burden for the beef sector in Brazil, one of the most important beef exporters in the world.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infections in swine of non-tecnified rearing farms of the northeastern region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil and associated risk factors.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis present worldwide. Its protozoal aethiological agent, Toxoplasma gondii, has the ability to infect several homeothermic animals and mainly human beings. The consumption of raw or undercooked meat products containing T. gondii cysts, consumption of vegetables without washing and using non-treated water are risk factors associated to the occurrence of human toxoplasmosis. Furthermore, raw or undercooked pork is an important infection source of T. gondii to humans. Due to the importance of toxoplamosis in public health, this study focused on establish the prevalence of the disease in non-technified swine herds in the northeastern region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil, using Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) and the Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) and the risk factors for its occurrence. In addition, the agreement among both diagnostic tests was evaluated. A low prevalence of toxoplasmosis was found at animal level (7.02%). The Fisher's exact test detected correlation between positive cases with the presence of food garden in the farm (p = 0.01) and the use of non-treated water to irrigate the food garden (p = 0.005). The agreement among tests was considered moderate (Kappa index = 0.5). The results show that toxoplasmosis is a risk for humans who consume under cooked pork meat in this region and an acceptable agreement between MAT and IFA tests.

Efficiency of Different Disinfectants on Bacillus cereus Sensu Stricto Biofilms on Stainless-Steel Surfaces in Contact With Milk.

The species of the Bacillus cereus group have the ability to adhere to and form biofilms on solid surfaces, including stainless steel, a material widely used in food industries. Biofilms allow for recontamination during food processing, and the "clean-in-place" (CIP) system is largely used by industries to control them. This study thus proposes to evaluate the efficacy of peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite against biofilms induced on stainless-steel surfaces. The SAMN07414939 isolate (BioProject PRJNA390851), a recognized biofilm producer, was selected for biofilm induction on AISI 304 stainless steel. Biofilm induction was performed and classified into three categories: TCP (Tindalized, Contaminated, and Pasteurized milk), TCS (Tindalized milk Contaminated with Spores), and TCV (Tindalized milk Contaminated with Vegetative cells). Subsequently, the coupons were sanitized simulating a CIP procedure, on a pilot scale, using alkaline and acid solutions followed by disinfectants (peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite). Microorganism adhesion on the surfaces reached 6.3 × 105 to 3.1 × 107 CFU/cm-2. Results did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) for surface adhesion between the three tested categories (TCP, TCS, and TCV) or (p > 0.05) between the two disinfectants (peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite). Microbial populations adhered to the stainless-steel coupons are equally reduced after treatment with peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite, with no differences in the control of B. cereus s.s. biofilms on AISI 304 stainless-steel surfaces.

Prevalence of bovine fascioliasis, areas at risk and ensuing losses in the state of Goiás, Brazil / Prevalência de fasciolose bovina, áreas de risco e perdas subsequentes no estado de Goiás, Brasil

Abstract The present study had to determine the prevalence and spatial distribution of areas at risk of bovine fascioliasis in the state of Goiás, central-western Brazil between 2007 and 2014; to evaluate the associations of some epidemiological variables with occurrences of Fasciola hepatica in animals; and to estimate the economic losses that this parasite on the cattle industry. It could be concluded that of 23,255,979 animals slaughtered, the average prevalence of F. hepatica in cattle in Goiás during the period evaluated was 0.0026% (95% CI: 0.0024-0.0028). In the State of Goias, in about then years (since when this parasite was found for the first time by other researchers in 2007), F. hepatica was diagnosed in 168 new municipalities. Using the regression analysis, the effective bovine herd size was a significant risk factor (OR= 1.21; 95% CI 1.1022-1.4510; p ≤ 0.05) for cattle to be infected with fascioliasis in the state of Goiás. The cattle-rearing industry lost approximately R$ 15,072.75 (US$ 4,785) due to condemn of livers with Fasciola in the state of Goiás. New studies need to be conducted in these regions, with the aim to identify the likelihood of presence of intermediate hosts, which might serve as a source of F. hepatica infection for definitive hosts.

Resumo O presente estudo objetivou determinar a prevalência e a distribuição espacial das áreas em risco para fasciolose bovina no Estado de Goiás, região Centro-Oeste do Brasil, entre 2007 a 2014; avaliando as associações de variáveis epidemiológicas com ocorrências da Fasciola hepatica em animais; e estimar as perdas econômicas deste parasito em bovinos. Pode-se concluir que de 23.255.979 bovinos abatidos, a prevalência média de F. hepatica durante o período avaliado foi de 0,0026% (IC 95%: 0,0024-0,0028). No Estado de Goiás, em aproximadamente 10 anos (desde quando este parasito foi encontrado pela primeira vez por outros pesquisadores em 2007), F. hepatica foi diagnosticada em 168 novos municípios. Utilizando-se a análise de regressão logística, o tamanho do rebanho apresentou-se como um fator de risco significativo (OR= 1,21; IC 95% 1,1022-1,4510; p≤0,05) para os bovinos se infectarem por F. hepatica no referido Estado. O prejuízo, devido à condenação de fígados com Fasciola nos bovinos no Estado de Goiás, foi de R$ 15.072,75 (US 4.785). Novos estudos precisam ser conduzidos nessas regiões, com o objetivo de identificar a presença de hospedeiros intermediários infectados, que podem servir como fonte de infecção por F. hepatica para hospedeiros definitivos.

Prevalence of bovine fascioliasis, areas at risk and ensuing losses in the state of Goiás, Brazil.

The present study had to determine the prevalence and spatial distribution of areas at risk of bovine fascioliasis in the state of Goiás, central-western Brazil between 2007 and 2014; to evaluate the associations of some epidemiological variables with occurrences of Fasciola hepatica in animals; and to estimate the economic losses that this parasite on the cattle industry. It could be concluded that of 23,255,979 animals slaughtered, the average prevalence of F. hepatica in cattle in Goiás during the period evaluated was 0.0026% (95% CI: 0.0024-0.0028). In the State of Goias, in about then years (since when this parasite was found for the first time by other researchers in 2007), F. hepatica was diagnosed in 168 new municipalities. Using the regression analysis, the effective bovine herd size was a significant risk factor (OR= 1.21; 95% CI 1.1022-1.4510; p ≤ 0.05) for cattle to be infected with fascioliasis in the state of Goiás. The cattle-rearing industry lost approximately R$ 15,072.75 (US$ 4,785) due to condemn of livers with Fasciola in the state of Goiás. New studies need to be conducted in these regions, with the aim to identify the likelihood of presence of intermediate hosts, which might serve as a source of F. hepatica infection for definitive hosts.

Comparative genomic survey of Bacillus cereus sensu stricto isolates from the dairy production chain in Brazil.

The genomes of 262 Bacillus cereus isolates were analyzed including 69 isolates sampled from equipment, raw milk and dairy products from Brazil. The population structure of isolates showed strains belonging to known phylogenetic groups II, III, IV, V and VI. Almost all the isolates obtained from dairy products belonged to group III. Investigation of specific alleles revealed high numbers of isolates carrying toxin-associated genes including cytK (53.62%), hblA (59.42%), hblC (44.93%), hblD (53.62%), nheA (84.06%), nheB (89.86%) and nheC (84.06%) with isolates belonging to groups IV and V having significant higher prevalence of hblACD and group IV of CytK genes. Strains from dairy products had significantly lower prevalence of CytK and hblACD genes compared to isolates from equipment and raw milk/bulk tanks. Genes related to sucrose metabolism were detected at higher frequency in isolates obtained from raw milk compared to strains from equipment and utensils. The population genomic analysis demonstrated the diversity of strains and variability of putative function among B. cereus group isolates in Brazilian dairy production, with large numbers of strains potentially able to cause foodborne illness. This detailed information will contribute to targeted interventions to reduce milk contamination and spoilage associated with B. cereus in Brazil.

Bacteria from the Bacillus cereus group as contaminants in requeijão curd cheeses and especialidade láctea tipo requeijão / Bactérias do grupo Bacillus cereus como contaminantes em queijos fundidos requeijão e especialidade láctea tipo requeijão

This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Bacillus cereus group in requeijões and especialidades lácteas tipo requeijão (regular and light) and to verify if there is differences in relation to this occurrence among different categories of these products. A set of 14 (35%) lots was contaminated with this bacterial group from the 40 lots with low counts (maximum 3.1 × 10 CFU/g), and no significant difference regarding counts or presence/absence were observed among the categories of the products. It can be concluded that contamination by B. cereus group in these products is unable to consist in risk to consumers, regarding adequate refrigeration during selling. This study was the first one to report this bacteria group for these dairy products and highlights the needs of further investigations to evaluate the impact of its spoilage during shelf life.(AU)

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a ocorrência de bactérias do grupo de Bacillus cereus em requeijões e especialidades lácteas (normais e light) e verificar se há diferença em relação a essa ocorrência entre as diferentes categorias desses produtos. Entre os 40 lotes avaliados, 14 (35%) estavam contaminados por bactérias desse grupo, com baixas contagens (máxima de 3,1 × 10 UFC/g) e sem diferenças significativas no que tange às contagens ou à presença/ausência entre as diversas categorias. Conclui-se que as bactérias do grupo de B. cereus em requeijões e especialidades lácteas são incapazes de consistir em risco aos consumidores desses produtos, desde que as condições de refrigeração sejam adequadas durante armazenamento e venda. O presente trabalho é o primeiro a relatar a presença de tal grupo de micro-organismos nesses tipos de produtos, porém, são necessários novos estudos para avaliar o impacto de sua ação deteriorante sobre o período em que passa na prateleira.(AU)