Herd-level based seroprevalence and associated factors for Toxoplasma gondii in cows in the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil.

We aimed to determine the herd and animal levels seroprevalence and associated factors for Toxoplasma gondii infections in cattle from the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. Herds (n = 434) and cows aged ≥ 24 months (n = 1,895) were randomly selected, and serum samples were tested with the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) using as cutoff of 64. Of the 434 farms investigated, 197 had at least one seropositive cow (prevalence of 49.0%; 95% CI = 44.3%-53.8%), and the prevalence at animal level was 18.0% (95% CI = 5.3%-21.1%). The antibody titers ranged from 64 to 1024, with the most frequent titers being 64 (10.8%) and 128 (3.7%). The risk factors identified were property located in Sertão region (odds ratio [OR] = 3.07), property located in Agreste/Zona da Mata regions (OR = 2.00), animal purchasing (OR = 2.68), herd size of 34-111 animals (OR = 2.91) and herd size > 111 animals (OR = 6.97). The results suggest the wide distribution of T. gondii infections in cattle throughout the state of Paraíba, and the risk factors identified are not possible to correct.

Global Seropositivity of Swine Leptospirosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Leptospirosis is a major threat to public health worldwide; however, there is no study focused on global seropositivity in pigs. In this study, we grouped publications and performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to gather data related to swine leptospirosis seropositivity published globally. The search method initially used returned a total of 1183 results, of which 20 met all predefined criteria and were therefore included in this review. Meta-analysis with general data was performed and a combined seropositivity of 21.95% was found. Seropositivity was 36.40% in South America, 34.05% in North America, 22.18% in Africa, 17.40% in Oceania, 13.30% in Europe and 13.36% in Asia. The results suggest that there is high seropositivity for leptospirosis in pigs worldwide. Information compiled from this research is relevant to understanding the spread of leptospirosis globally. It is expected that these indicators will contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of the disease with a focus on its control and, consequently, on the reduction of cases in the human and animal population.

Bovine Leptospirosis in Caatinga Biome, Brazil: New Insights into Diagnosis and Epidemiology.

Bovine leptospirosis causes economic losses and raises public health concerns. It is possible that there are peculiarities in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in regions with a semiarid climate, such as the Caatinga biome in Brazil, where the climate is hot and dry, and the etiological agent require alternative routes of transmission. This study aimed to close knowledge gaps to the diagnosis and epidemiology of Leptospira spp. infection in cows from the Caatinga biome, Brazil. Samples of the blood, urinary tract (urine, bladder and kidney) and reproductive tract (vaginal fluid, uterus, uterine tube, ovary and placenta) were collected from 42 slaughtered cows. Diagnostic tests included were the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacterial isolation. Anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were found in 27 (64.3%) of the animals analyzed using MAT at a 1:50 dilution (cut-off 50), while 31 (73.8%) animals had at least one organ/fluid where the presence of Leptospira spp. DNA was identified, and 29 animals (69%) were positive at bacteriological culture. The highest sensitivity values for MAT were obtained at the cut-off point of 50. In conclusion, even under hot and dry climate conditions, it is possible that Leptospira spp. can spread through alternative routes such as venereal transmission; moreover, a cut-off of 50 is recommended for the serological diagnosis of cattle from the Caatinga biome.

New insights on Leptospira sp. infection in ewes maintained in field semiarid conditions.

Leptospirosis is poorly studied in small ruminants raised in field semiarid conditions. In this study we compared serological, bacteriological and molecular diagnostic methods in ewes maintained in field Brazilian semiarid conditions. Blood, vaginal fluid and urine samples were collected from 60 Morada Nova ewes raised in a semi-intensive system in the Brazilian semiarid. Diagnostic tests performed were microscopic agglutination test (MAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacterial isolation. Anti-Leptospira sp. antibodies were found in eight (13.33%) animals analyzed by MAT at reciprocal titer 25 (cut-off 25), while Leptospira sp. DNA was detected in urine or vaginal fluid of 56 animals (93.33%). There was growth of leptospires in 10 urine cultures and in 11 vaginal fluid cultures, however, two of urine (2/60-3.33%) and eight cultures of vaginal fluid (8/60-13.33%) were confirmed by PCR. Two samples of vaginal fluid (one of each animal) were submitted to sequencing demonstrating 99% similarity with L. santarosai and L. interrogans. The highest MAT sensitivities were obtained with reciprocal titer 25 (cut-off 25) compared to 50 and 100. The performance of different diagnostic techniques for leptospirosis in ewes raised in field semiarid conditions allowed a better evaluation of the herd, as well as made it possible to identify carrier animals. Genital route may be important for efficient transmission and without dependence on environmental factors in ewes from semiarid, as well as it's highlighted that titer 1:25 in serology was more efficient, indicating its use in ewes in field semiarid conditions.

Global Prevalence of RNA-Positive Horses for Hepacivirus (EqHV): Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Equine hepacivirus (EqHV) belongs to the Flaviviridae family, genus Hepacivirus and has the greatest genomic identity with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), one of the main causes of chronic liver disease in humans. Due to the limited applicability of studies of HCV in animal hosts, the interest in studies of characterization of viral homologues has been growing. For this reason, we performed a systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis of the prevalence of EqHV and genetic sequencing studies. Twenty-three studies from four different continents were analyzed. The OR meta-analysis (0.98; 95% CI = 0.69-1.39) showed no influence of sex (female or male) on the risk of infection. Variables associated with EqHV infection were indirectly related to animal management such as transport, reproductive practices, among others. The combined prevalence of positive animals was 7.88% (95% CI = 5.23-11.69%), with the highest proportions in Asia (16.13%; 95% CI = 7.79-30.43%), followed by South America (12.03%; 95% CI = 9.58-15.01%), Africa (8.69%; 95% CI = 6.71-11.20%), and Europe (3.63%; 95% CI = 2.10-6.22%). However, these results represent the regional stratification of the epidemiological studies for EqHV published to date and, therefore, cannot extrapolate to determine the continental prevalence of EqHV. It is therefore important to update the systematic review as further research becomes available.

True prevalence and spatial distribution of equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) in horses from northeast region of Brazil

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a viral infection, caused by a lentivirus of the Retroviridae family, Orthoretrovirinael subfamily and its occurrence generates significant economic losses due to culling of positive animals as a measure of infection control. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of horses positive for equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) and to identify the occurrence of areas with higher densities of cases in the states of Paraíba (PB), Pernambuco (PE), Rio Grande do Norte (RN) and Ceará (CE), Northeast region of Brazil, during the rainy (May and June) and dry (October and November) periods of 2017 and 2018. Serum samples from 6,566 horses from the states of PB, PE, RN and CE, Brazil, provided by the Laboratório Veterinária Diagnóstico - Ltda., were used. Serological diagnosis of EIA was performed using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a screening test and agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID) as a confirmatory test. The apparent prevalence was obtained by dividing the number of seroreactive animals by the total number of animals, while the true prevalence was estimated by adjusting the apparent prevalence, considering the sensitivity (100%) and specificity (98.6%) of the diagnostic protocol used. For the construction of Kernel estimates, the Quartic function was used. In the dry season, of the 1,564 animals sampled, 28 were serologically positive, of which 19 belonged to the state of Ceará, 7 to Paraíba and 2 to Rio Grande do Norte. In 2018, it was observed that, during the rainy season, 26 of the 1,635 horses were seroreactive, with 19 cases resulting from Ceará, 4 from Paraíba and 3 from Pernambuco. In the dry season, 32 of the 1,526 animals were seroreactive to EIAV, of which 26 were from Ceará, 3 from Paraíba, 1 from Rio Grande do Norte and 2 from Pernambuco. In the dry period of 2017, the CE had a real prevalence of 1.22% (95% CI = 0.05 - 2.99%). In 2018, during the rainy season, prevalences of 0.03% (95% CI = 0 - 1.18%) were identified in CE and 1.69% (95% CI = 0 - 8.38%) in PE. Regarding the 2018 dry period, a prevalence of 1.32% (95% CI = 0.26 - 2.84%) was found in the state of CE. In both dry and rainy periods of 2017, the presence of spatial clusters of animals positive for EIA was observed, mainly in the border areas among the states of CE, PE, PB and RN. In 2018, there was a variation in the distribution of areas with higher densities of cases between the rainy and dry periods. The state of CE had the highest prevalence of positive animals and the presence of areas with higher densities of EIA cases in both climatic periods, in the years 2017 and 2018. In some municipalities of the CE, important sporting events of agglomeration of animals take place, which can favor the transmission of EIAV by facilitating the contact of infected and susceptible animals. Population density may be a factor associated with the higher prevalence observed in this region, as it has the second largest herd among the states studied. Higher densities indirectly contribute to the occurrence of infectious diseases, as they favor the contact of infected and susceptible animals. The occurrence of higher densities of cases in the border areas of the states of PE, RN, CE, and PB may be related to the greater movement of animals in these regions, favoring the indirect contact of infected horses with susceptible ones. The observed results demonstrate the circulation of the EIAV in four states in the Northeast region of Brazil.(AU)

Zoonotic smooth and rough Brucella in dogs: seroprevalence and associated factors in an Atlantic Rainforest area of the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil / Brucella zoonóticalisa e rugosa em cães: soroprevalência e fatores associados em área de Mata Atlântica do estado da Paraíba, Nordeste brasileiro

ABSTRACT: Canine brucellosisis an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella, with world wide distribution and zoonotic impact, and in humans and animals is a neglected disease. In the present study, the sero prevalence of B. canis and B. abortus were determined in a probabilistic sample of housed dogs from the Atlantic Rainforest area of the state of Paraíba, Brazil, and the factors associated with sero positivity. A total of 386 dogs over three months of age were used. For the search for anti-B.canis antibodies the agar gel immune diffusion test (IDGA) was used as a screening and IDGA+2ME as confirmatory test, and to search for anti-B. abortus antibodies the Rose Bengal test (RBT) test was used. Apparent and real prevalences were calculated, and robust Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with prevalence. The real prevalence fB. Canis was 12.6% and of B. abortus was 22.8%. The factors associated with sero positivity for B. canis were age greater than 10 years (prevalence ratio; PR = 6.38; P = 0.024) and dogs reared in they ard (PR = 5.20; P = 0.035) and for B. abortus was no treplacement of water of animals everyday (PR = 1.48; P = 0.033). It can be concluded that the prevalence of B. canis and B. Abortus in the region is high, which warns to the adopting of control and prevention measures, as well as greater care in the management of animals, especially for elderly dogs.

RESUMO: A brucelose canina é uma doença infecciosa causada por bactérias do gênero Brucella, com distribuição mundial e de caráter zoonótico, e em humanos e animais é uma doença negligenciada. No presente estudo foram determinados as soroprevalências de B. canis e B. abortusem uma amostra probabilística de cães domiciliados da área urbana de oito municípios localizados na região da Mata Atlântica do Estado da Paraíba, Brasil, e os fatores associados com a soropositividade. Foram utilizados 386 cães com mais de três meses de idade. Para a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-B. canis foi utilizado o teste de imunodifusão em gel de ágar (IDGA) como triagem e IDGA+2ME como confirmatório, e para a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-B. abortusfoi utilizado o teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT). Foram calculadas as prevalências aparente e real, e para a identificação de fatores associados com a prevalência foi empregada regressão robusta de Poisson. A prevalência real de B. canis foi de 12,6% e de B. abortusfoi 22,8%. Os fatores associados com a soropositividade para B. canis foram idade maior que 10 anos (razão de prevalência; RP = 6,38; P = 0,024) e cães criados presos no quintal (RP = 5,20; P = 0,035) e para B. abortus foi não trocar a água dos animais todos os dias (RP = 1,48; P = 0,033). Conclui-se que a prevalência de B. canis e B. abortusem cães da região é alta, o que alerta para a necessidade de adoção de medidas de controle e prevenção, bem como são sugeridos maiores cuidados no manejo dos animais, sobretudo cães idosos.

High seroprevalence and associated factors for visceral leishmaniasis in dogs in a transmission area of Paraíba state, Northeastern Brazil.

Dogs have been implicated as main reservoirs for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in urban areas. Therefore, studies on this species provide important data for public health. Thus, the objective of the present study was to ascertain the seroprevalence of canine VL (CVL) and the associated factors in the Brejo Paraibano microregion, northeastern Brazil. A total of 409 dogs were sampled from the eight municipalities of the microregion: Alagoa Grande, Alagoa Nova, Areia, Bananeiras, Borborema, Matinhas, Pilões and Serraria. The diagnosis of CVL was made using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA S7®), through which the prevalence observed was 29.3%. By robust Poisson regression analysis two factors were associated with seroprevalence: illiterate/incomplete elementary owner's education level (prevalence ratio = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.05-2.34; p-value = 0.027) and tick infestation (prevalence ratio = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.27-2.61; p-value = 0.001). It is concluded that the seroprevalence of CVL in the Brejo Paraibano microregion is high. The factors associated with seroprevalence indicated the importance to develop socioeducational actions on the population, and the finding that tick infestation was associated with seroprevalence shows that there is a need for investigation regarding the role of ticks in the epidemiology of CVL.

Use of serological and molecular techniques for detection of Leptospira sp. carrier sheep under semiarid conditions and the importance of genital transmission route.

It is possible that there are peculiarities in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in regions with a semiarid climate, where the environment is often adverse, allowing the occurrence of alternative transmission routes. The objective of the work was to generate contributions to the diagnosis and epidemiology of Leptospira sp. infection in sheep reared in semiarid conditions, using serological, molecular and microbiological techniques for diagnosis in dry and rainy seasons. Samples of blood, vaginal fluid, urine, bladder, kidney, uterus, uterine tube, ovary and placenta were collected from 104 sheep (52 animals per season - dry and rainy) slaughtered in the Brazilian semiarid. Diagnostic tests performed were microscopic agglutination test (MAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacterial isolation. Anti-Leptospira sp. antibodies were found in 26 (25%) of the animals analyzed by MAT at 1:50 dilution (cut-off 50), while 69 (66.3%) animals had at least one organ/fluid with the presence of Leptospira sp. DNA. Overall, PCR was performed on 758 fragments of organs/fluids from the genital and urinary tracts, and 519 (68.5%) samples tested positive. PCR-positivity was statistically different in dry (46.2%) and rainy (11.5%) seasons for vaginal fluid. It was possible to perform the DNA sequencing in nine samples with 99% similarity to L. interrogans and recovery of viable strains in three samples of vaginal fluid. Regardless of the biological material used in PCR to detect carrier animals and the season, the highest MAT sensitivity values were obtained with cut-off 50 compared to 100. The results obtained indicate that, even in the adverse environmental conditions of the semiarid region, leptospires may survive and propagate by alternative routes of transmission, such as sexual, and the presence of PCR-positive genital tracts in ewes suggests that sexual transmission may play an important role in the epidemiology of the disease in sheep in Brazilian semiarid. In addition, it is suggested the use of titer 50 as cut-off point at serology in semiarid conditions.

High proportion of cattle and sheep seropositive and renal carriers of Leptospira sp. under semiarid conditions / Alta proporção de bovinos e ovinos soropositivos e portadores renais de Leptospira sp. em condições semiáridas

The aims of this study were to perform serological and molecular detection of Leptospira sp. infection in cattle and sheep under semiarid conditions. Based on a preliminary study performed in our research group, we selected six rural properties showing a positivity ≥ 60% for Sejroe serogroup with titer ≥ 200 measured in serological tests from cattle. In the present study, blood and urine samples were collected from 99 females of reproductive age (51 cattle and 48 sheep) for serological diagnosis, molecular detection and Leptospira sp. attempt to strain recovery. Of the 99 analyzed animals 38.4% (38/99) were positively reactive at the serological tests. Of them, 49% (25/51) were cattle and 27.1% (13/48) sheep. The serogroups detected in cattle were Sejroe (36.8%), Hebdomadis (26.3%), Australis (10.5%), Djasiman (10.5%), Ballum (5.3%), Pomona (5.3%), and Cynopteri (5.3%) with titers of 100–800. In sheep, the reactive serogroups were Australis (27.3%), Ballum (27.3%), Djasiman (18.1%), Tarassovi (9.1%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (9.1%), and Cynopteri (9.1%) with titers of 100–400. Leptospiral DNA was detected in nine urine samples, including five cattle and four sheep. Property 1 showed the highest serological positivity frequencies for both cattle (70.6%) and sheep (70.6%). Similarly, the highest frequency of DNA detection was also found (eight samples, 89%). In this property, we observed the existence of consorted rearing of cattle and sheep with close coexistence between these species. In semiarid conditions, transmission among animals of the same species seems to be the main form of Leptospira sp. dissemination in cattle and sheep herds. However, the contribution of other domestic and wild animals cannot be discarded. The practice of consorted rearing of cattle and sheep and their close coexistence may facilitate the spread of the pathogen in rural properties.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram realizar detecção sorológica e molecular da infecção por Leptospira sp. em bovinos e ovinos em condições semiáridas. Com base em estudo preliminar realizado em nosso grupo de pesquisa, foram selecionadas seis propriedades rurais com soropositividade ≥ 60% para o sorogrupo Sejroe com título ≥ 200 em bovinos. No presente estudo, amostras de sangue e urina foram coletadas de 99 fêmeas em idade reprodutiva (51 bovinos e 48 ovinos) para diagnóstico sorológico, detecção molecular e tentativa de recuperação de estirpesde Leptospira sp. Dos 99 animais analisados, 38,4% (38/99) foram sororeativos nos testes sorológicos. Destes, 49% (25/51) eram bovinos e 27,1% (13/48) ovinos. Os sorogrupos detectados em bovinos foram Sejroe (36,8%), Hebdomadis (26,3%), Australis (10,5%), Djasiman (10,5%), Ballum (5,3%), Pomona (5,3%) e Cynopteri (5,3%) com títulos de 100 a 800. Nos ovinos, os sorogrupos reativos foram Australis (27,3%), Ballum (27,3%), Djasiman (18,1%), Tarassovi (9,1%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (9,1%) e Cynopteri (9,1%) com títulos de 100-400. O DNA leptospiral foi detectado em nove amostras de urina, incluindo cinco bovinos e quatro ovinos. A propriedade 1 apresentou as maiores frequências de positividade sorológica para bovinos (70,6%) e ovinos (70,6%). Da mesma forma, a maior frequência de detecção de DNA também foi encontrada (oito amostras, 89%). Nesta propriedade observou-se a existência de criação consorciada de bovinos e ovinos com estreita convivência entre estas espécies. Em condições semiáridas, a transmissão entre animais da mesma espécie parece ser a principal forma de disseminação de Leptospira sp. em rebanhos bovinos e ovinos. No entanto, a contribuição de outros animais domésticos e selvagens não pode ser descartada. A prática de criação consorciada de bovinos e ovinos e sua estreita convivência podem facilitar a disseminação do patógeno em propriedades rurais.

Prevalence and risk factors to Leptospira sp. infection in dogs attended at veterinary clinics in João Pessoa, Paraíba State, Northeastern Brazil / Prevalência e fatores de risco da infecção por Leptospira sp. em cães atendidos em clínicas veterinárias em João Pessoa, Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil

This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with Leptospira sp. in dogs attended at veterinary clinics in the city of João Pessoa, State of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. A total of 384 blood samples from dogs from 34 veterinary clinics were used from April 2015 to May 2016. The serological Leptospira sp diagnosis was carried out through Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), using a collection of 20 pathogenic antigens and adopting a 1:100 dilution as cutoff point. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to the animal's owners to obtain the information used in risk factors analysis. The prevalence of seropositive animals was 11.7% (45/384), with reactions for serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae (62.3%), Grippotyphosa (22.2%), Canicola (13.3%), Djasiman 2%) and Pomona (2.2%). The following risk factors were identified: age from 49 to 72 months (odds ratio = 2.74); Age > 72 months (odds ratio = 3.22); and monthly cleaning of the environment where the animals were kept (odds ratio = 10.70). We concluded that dogs attended at veterinary clinics in João Pessoa are exposed to Leptospira sp infection, with predominance of serogroups kept by wild or synanthropic animals, and suggest a monthly periodic environment cleaning where the animals are kept.(AU)

O presente trabalho investigou a prevalência e os fatores de risco associados à infecção por Leptospira sp. em cães atendidos em clínicas veterinárias da cidade de João Pessoa, Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. Foram utilizadas 384 amostras sanguíneas de cães provenientes de 34 clínicas veterinárias no período de abril de 2015 a maio de 2016. O diagnóstico da infecção por Leptospira sp. foi realizado com o emprego reação de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM), utilizando uma coleção com 20 antígenos patogênicos e adotando como ponto de corte a diluição 1:100. Foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico aos proprietários dos animais para obtenção de dados a serem utilizados na análise de fatores de risco. A prevalência de animais soropositivos foi de 11,7% (45/384), com reações para os sorogrupos Icterohaemorrhagiae (62,3%), Grippotyphosa (22,2%), Canicola (13,3%), Djasiman (2,2%) e Pomona (2,2%). Foram identificados os seguintes fatores de risco: idade entre 49 e 72 meses (odds ratio = 2,74), idade maior que 72 meses (odds ratio = 3,22), e limpeza mensal do ambiente onde os animais permanecem (odds ratio = 10,70). Conclui-se que cães atendidos em clínicas veterinárias de João Pessoa estão expostos à infecção por Leptospira sp., com predominância de sorogrupos mantidos por animais selvagens, e foi sugerida a realização da limpeza periódica do ambiente ocupado pelos animais.(AU)

Risk factors and anti-Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibody occurrence in dogs in João Pessoa, Paraíba state, Northeastern Brazil / Fatores de risco e ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em cães de João Pessoa, Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of infections due to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum and corresponding risk factors among dogs attended at veterinary clinics in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 384 dogs that were attended at 34 veterinary clinics between April 2015 and May 2016. These two agents were diagnosed through the indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IFAT). Among the 384 animals evaluated, 37 (9.6%) were positive for T. gondii, with titers ranging from 16 to 512. Six dogs (1.6%) were positive for N. caninum, with titers of 50 to 200. Access to the streets (OR = 4.60; 95% CI = 1.74-12.20) and environments close to forested areas (OR = 2.79; 95% CI = 1.32-5.93) were found to be risk factors for T. gondii infection. The dogs attended at veterinary clinics in João Pessoa are exposed to infections caused by T. gondii and N. caninum. Dog owners should avoid having access to the street or contact with forest environments.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a ocorrência e os fatores de risco das infecções por Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em cães atendidos em clínicas veterinárias da cidade de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. Foram colhidas 384 amostras de sangue cães procedentes de atendimento de 34 clínicas veterinárias, no período de abril de 2015 a maio de 2016. O diagnóstico para os dois agentes foi realizado pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI). Dos 384 animais avaliados 37 (9,6%) foram positivos para T. gondii com títulos variando de 16 a 512. Para N. caninum seis (1,6%) cães foram positivos com títulos de 50 a 200. Foram constatados como fatores de risco para T. gondii as variáveis acesso à rua (OR = 4,60; IC 95% = 1,74-12,20) e ambiente próximo a matas (OR= 2,79; IC 95% = 1,32-5,93). Os cães atendidos em clínicas veterinárias em João Pessoa estão expostos às infecções por T. gondii e N. caninum. Os proprietários devem evitar o acesso dos animais à rua ou o contato com ambientes florestais.

Risk factors and anti-Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibody occurrence in dogs in João Pessoa, Paraíba state, Northeastern Brazil.

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of infections due to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum and corresponding risk factors among dogs attended at veterinary clinics in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 384 dogs that were attended at 34 veterinary clinics between April 2015 and May 2016. These two agents were diagnosed through the indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IFAT). Among the 384 animals evaluated, 37 (9.6%) were positive for T. gondii, with titers ranging from 16 to 512. Six dogs (1.6%) were positive for N. caninum, with titers of 50 to 200. Access to the streets (OR = 4.60; 95% CI = 1.74-12.20) and environments close to forested areas (OR = 2.79; 95% CI = 1.32-5.93) were found to be risk factors for T. gondii infection. The dogs attended at veterinary clinics in João Pessoa are exposed to infections caused by T. gondii and N. caninum. Dog owners should avoid having access to the street or contact with forest environments.

Herd-level spatial cluster analysis of bovine cysticercosis in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil.

The aim of this survey was to identify spatial clustering of bovine cysticercosis-positive herds in the state of Paraíba. The state was divided into three sampling groups: sampling stratum 1 (Sertão mesoregion), sampling stratum 2 (Borborema mesoregion) and sampling stratum 3 (Zona da Mata and Agreste mesoregions), and 2382 cows aging ≥ 24 months from 474 farms were sampled. Serological diagnoses of bovine cysticercosis were initially done by means of indirect ELISA, and positive serum samples were confirmed by a immunoblot test. Herds were deemed positive for cysticercosis if they presented at least one positive animal in herds of up to 29 females, and two positive animals in herds with more than 29 females. The spatial clustering was assessed using the Cuzick-Edwards k-nearest neighbor method and spatial scan statistics. A significant clustering of positive herds was detected in the southern part of the Borborema mesoregion. Given that serological tests for bovine cysticercosis are not widely available, and also that replacement and maintenance of herds through animal purchases is common in the region, it can be concluded that prevention measures should be applied at herd level.

Herd-level spatial cluster analysis of bovine cysticercosis in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil / Análise de aglomerados espaciais no nível do rebanho de cisticercose bovina no Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract The aim of this survey was to identify spatial clustering of bovine cysticercosis-positive herds in the state of Paraíba. The state was divided into three sampling groups: sampling stratum 1 (Sertão mesoregion), sampling stratum 2 (Borborema mesoregion) and sampling stratum 3 (Zona da Mata and Agreste mesoregions), and 2382 cows aging ≥ 24 months from 474 farms were sampled. Serological diagnoses of bovine cysticercosis were initially done by means of indirect ELISA, and positive serum samples were confirmed by a immunoblot test. Herds were deemed positive for cysticercosis if they presented at least one positive animal in herds of up to 29 females, and two positive animals in herds with more than 29 females. The spatial clustering was assessed using the Cuzick-Edwards k-nearest neighbor method and spatial scan statistics. A significant clustering of positive herds was detected in the southern part of the Borborema mesoregion. Given that serological tests for bovine cysticercosis are not widely available, and also that replacement and maintenance of herds through animal purchases is common in the region, it can be concluded that prevention measures should be applied at herd level.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar agrupamentos espaciais de rebanhos positivos para cisticercose bovina no Estado da Paraíba. O estado foi dividido em três grupos amostrais: estrato amostral 1 (mesorregião do Sertão), estrato amostral 2 (mesorregião da Borborema), e estrato amostral 3 (mesorregiões da Zona da Mata e Agreste), e 2.382 vacas com idade ≥ 24 meses foram amostradas a partir de 474 propriedades. O diagnóstico sorológico da cisticercose bovina foi inicialmente realizado pelo ELISA indireto, e as amostras de soro positivas foram confirmadas por immunoblot. Um rebanho foi considerado positivo para cisticercose se apresentasse pelo menos um animal positivo em rebanhos de até 29 fêmeas, e dois animais positivos em rebanhos com mais de 29 fêmeas. Os agrupamentos espaciais foram avaliados com o uso da metodologia k-vizinhos mais próximos de Cuzick-Edwards e estatística espacial de varredura. Um agrupamento significativo de rebanhos positivos foi detectado na parte sul da mesorregião da Borborema. Tendo em vista que os testes sorológicos para diagnóstico de cisticercose bovina não são amplamente disponíveis, bem como é comum na região a reposição e manutenção dos rebanhos por compra de animais, conclui-se que medidas de prevenção devem ser aplicadas em nível de rebanho.

Epidemiological characterization of leptospirosis in horses in the state of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil / Caracterização epidemiológica da leptospirose em equinos do estado de Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil

An epidemiological survey aiming to determine the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies and to identify risk factors was carried out in horses of the Pajeú microregion, state of Pernambuco. Sera from 100 horses from 38 properties in four counties in the region were examined by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), using 24 Leptospira spp. serovars as antigens. Of the 100 samples tested, 28 (28%) were positive. Most prevalent serovars were Patoc (35.71%), Butembo (32.14%) and Sentot (14.30%). Supply of pasture as forage (odds ratio =7.80; 95% confidence interval - 95%CI 1.71-35.50; p=0.008) was identify as risk factor. It is suggested the need for studies on agent isolation and characterization of its pathogenicity, as well as it is recommended the rodent control in deposits of feed and environment.(AU)

Foi realizado um inquérito epidemiológico objetivando determinar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Leptospira e elencar os fatores de risco em equinos da microrregião do Pajeú, estado de Pernambuco. Foram examinados 100 soros de equinos provenientes de 38 propriedades de 4 municípios da região, pela prova de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM), utilizando 24 sorovares de Leptospira spp. como antígeno. Das 100 amostras testadas, 28 (28%) foram reagentes. Os sorovares mais frequentes foram Patoc (35,71%), Butembo (32,14%) e Sentot (14,30%). O uso de pasto como volumoso (odds ratio =7,80; intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95% 1,71-35,50; p=0,008) foi identificado como fator de risco. Sugere-se a necessidade de estudos acerca do isolamento do agente e da caracterização de sua patogenicidade, bem como se recomenda o controle de roedores em depósitos de ração e no ambiente.(AU)

Risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in goats in the State of Paraíba, Brazil / Fatores de risco associados à soroprevalência de Toxoplasma gondii em caprinos do Estado da Paraíba, Brasil

A cross-sectional study based on planned sampling was carried out to determine flock-level risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii antibody prevalence in dairy goat flocks in a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 975 adult dairy goats from 110 flocks were examined by indirect immonufluorescent antibody test (IFAT), using cut-off point at 1:64 dilution. From the 110 flocks, 77 presented at least one seropositive animal, corresponding to a prevalence of 70% (95% CI: 60.5-78.4%). Out of the 975 animals, 177 (18.1%; 95% CI = 15.8-20.7%) tested positive. The presence of toxic plants (OR = 5.11; P = 0.045) and the fact that goat breeding is not the main activity on the farm (OR = 3.34; P = 0.014) were identified as risk factors. The results of the present study showed evidence of the presence of T. gondii infection in dairy goats from a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil using planned sampling. Further studies are needed to elucidate the importance of the identified risk factors in the epidemiology of the infection.(AU)

Foi conduzido um estudo transversal baseado em amostragem planejada com o objetivo de determinar fatores de risco associados com a prevalência de anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii, em rebanhos de caprinos leiteiros, em uma região semiárida do Nordeste do Brasil. Amostras de soro de 975 caprinos leiteiros adultos, procedentes de 110 propriedades, foram examinadas pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), utilizando-se como ponto de corte a diluição 1:64. Das 110 propriedades, 77 apresentaram pelo menos um animal soropositivo, correspondendo a uma prevalência de 70% (IC 95%: 60,5-78,4%). Dos 975 animais, 177 (18,1%; IC 95% = 15,8-20,7%) foram positivos. Apesar da presença de plantas tóxicas (OR = 5,11; P = 0,045) e da caprinocultura não ser a principal atividade na propriedade (OR = 3,34; P = 0,014), foram identificados como fatores de risco. Os resultados do presente estudo mostraram uma evidência da presença da infecção por T. gondii, em caprinos leiteiros, em uma região semiárida do Nordeste do Brasil, utilizando-se uma amostragem planejada. Há necessidade de condução de estudos posteriores para elucidar a importância epidemiológica dos fatores de risco identificados.(AU)

Risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in goats in the State of Paraíba, Brazil.

A cross-sectional study based on planned sampling was carried out to determine flock-level risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii antibody prevalence in dairy goat flocks in a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 975 adult dairy goats from 110 flocks were examined by indirect immonufluorescent antibody test (IFAT), using cut-off point at 1:64 dilution. From the 110 flocks, 77 presented at least one seropositive animal, corresponding to a prevalence of 70% (95% CI: 60.5-78.4%). Out of the 975 animals, 177 (18.1%; 95% CI = 15.8-20.7%) tested positive. The presence of toxic plants (OR = 5.11; P = 0.045) and the fact that goat breeding is not the main activity on the farm (OR = 3.34; P = 0.014) were identified as risk factors. The results of the present study showed evidence of the presence of T. gondii infection in dairy goats from a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil using planned sampling. Further studies are needed to elucidate the importance of the identified risk factors in the epidemiology of the infection.

Ocorrência e fatores de risco associados à leptospiroseem cães atendidos em hospital veterinário no semiáridoparaibano / Occurrence and risk factors associated with leptospirosis in dogs attended in a veterinaryhospital in the semiarid of the Paraíba State, Northeast region of Brazil

Investigou-se a ocorrência de leptospirose em cães da cidade de Patos, semiárido paraibano, e realizou-se um estudode fatores de risco associados à infecção. Foram examinadas 152 amostras de soro sanguíneo de cães atendidos emhospital veterinário no período de julho a novembro de 2008. O diagnóstico da leptospirose foi realizado pela técnica desoroaglutinação microscópica, utilizando-se uma coleção de 24 sorovariedades. A frequência de animais soropositivosencontrada foi de 19,73% (IC 95% = 13,73% - 26,96%), e as sorovariedades mais frequentes foram Autumnalis (13,16%)e Grippotyphosa (1,97%). A análise de regressão logística múltipla mostrou que os fatores de risco para a leptospiroseforam a não definição da raça (odds ratio = 3,67; P = 0,009) e o contato com caprinos/ovinos (odds ratio = 10; P = 0,034).

The occurrence of leptospirosis was investigated in dogs from Patos city, semiarid of Paraíba State, Northeast region ofBrazil, and the risk factors associated with the infection were analyzed. One hundred and fifty two blood samples werecollected from dogs attended in a veterinary hospital during July to November 2008. The diagnostic method carriedout for leptospirosis was the microscopic agglutination test, using a batch of 24 leptospiral serovars. The frequency ofseropositive animals was 19.73% (95% CI = 13.73% - 26.96%) and most frequent reactant serovars were Autumnalis(13.16%) and Grippotyphosa (1.97%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors forleptospirosis were mixed breed (odds ratio = 3.67; P = 0.009) and the contact with caprine/ovine (odds ratio = 10; P =0.034).