In vitro and ex vivo anti-Pythium insidiosum potential of ozonated sunflower oil.

This study sought to evaluate the in vitro and ex vivo susceptibility of Pythium insidiosum to ozonized sunflower oil (OSO) and verify the morphological alterations of OSO-exposed hyphae. Susceptibility assays were performed according to the broth microdilution protocol M38-A2/CLSI, and the minimal inhibitory (MIC) and minimal oomicidal (MOC) concentrations were also determined. Non-ozonated sunflower oil (SO) was used as the oil control. Additionally, kunkers from equine pythiosis were exposed to OSO. Damages caused by OSO and SO on P. insidiosum hyphae ultrastructure were verified using scanning electron microscopy. The MIC range for OSO was 7000 to 437.5 mg/mL, and the values for SO were higher, ranging from 56000 to 14000 mg/mL. The MOC was equal to MIC for both oil formulations. The OSO fully inhibited the oomycete growth from kunkers, although there was P. insidiosum growth in the kunker control in 24 h of incubation. The SEM analyses showed that both OSO and SO caused morphological alterations in P. insidiosum hyphae, highlighting the presence of cavitation along the hyphae with loss of continuity of the cell wall, which was more evident in the OSO-treated hyphae. The OSO had the best oomicidal activity, leading us to believe that our findings may support future research containing this formulation to be applied in integrative medicine protocols to control pythiosis in animals and humans.

Microscopic alterations in Fasciola hepatica treated with the essential oils of Pelargonium graveolens and Citrus aurantium.

Fasciolosis is one of the most important parasitic diseases in animal health, affecting mainly ruminants, causing economic and productivity losses. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro ovicidal and adulticidal activity of essential oils (EOs) from Pelargonium graveolens (geranium) and Citrus aurantium (sour orange) on Fasciola hepatica. Performed Gas Chromatography of EOs P. graveolens and C. aurantium, with major compound, citronellol (31.37 %) and limonene (93.89 %), respectively. For the cytotoxicity assay, the sour orange EO showed to be promising when used in lower concentrations. For the ovicidal tests, the eggs were incubated with geranium EOs at concentrations from 4.5 to 0.03375 mg/mL and sour orange at concentrations from 4.25 to 0.031875 mg/mL, along with controls. The viable eggs were counted on the 14th day post-incubation. Adult forms of F. hepatica were incubated containing the EOs and observed for 24 h after treatment, as well as the control groups. Later the specimens were fixed for histological analysis. Geranium and sour orange EOs in trematode eggs at the concentrations tested were 100 % effective in inactivating hatching (p < 0.05) when compared to the untreated control. In the adulticidal test, the essential oil of P. graveolens at both concentrations tested (0.0675 and 0.03375) within 15 h, promoted the death of flukes. For C. aurantium, 18 h was enough to inactivate all specimens, up to a concentration of 0.06375. The histological analysis, observed the accumulation of liquid in the tegument in the specimens incubated in C. aurantium and P. graveolens, with vacuolization in the tegument and spines, preventing externalization. The results of the study present OEs with efficient ovicidal and adulticidal activity.

Morphological characterization of hemocytes of the brown mussel Perna perna: An update.

Considering the importance of hemocyte characterization for immunological studies, this work aimed to characterize the hemocyte types of Perna perna mussels combining transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry with the classical optical microscopy. The results indicated four type of hemocytes: hyalinocytes, semigranulocytes, granulocytes and blast-like cells.

4-Phenylselanyl-7-chloroquinoline attenuates hepatic injury triggered by neonatal exposure to monosodium glutamate in rats.

AIMS: Obesity is associated with a spectrum of hepatic abnormalities that can be experimentally induced by injections of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in neonatal rodents. We investigated the protective actions of the repeated therapy with 4-phenylselenyl-7-chloroquinoline (4-PSQ), a quinoline derivative containing selenium, on damage to the liver triggered by early postnatal administration of MSG in male Wistar rats. MAIN METHODS: Neonatal rats received MSG (4 g/kg, subcutaneous route) or saline (1 ml/kg) from 5 to 14 postnatal day (PND) to induce obesity with consequent damages in the liver. 4-PSQ treatment (5 mg/kg) or canola oil (1 ml/kg) was administered from 60 to 76 PND by the intragastric route. On 76 PND, animals were anesthetized for blood and liver collection. Plasma markers of hepatic function, hepatic lipoperoxidation levels and histology analysis of liver tissue were assessed. KEY FINDINGS: Our data revealed that treatment with 4-PSQ reverted the increase in plasma transaminases activities observed in MSG rats. Treatment with 4-PSQ reduced plasma lactate levels in obese rats. In the liver, MSG elevated the content of lipoperoxidation which was reverted by 4-PSQ administrations. Lastly, 4-PSQ therapy attenuated the histological alterations induced by MSG. SIGNIFICANCE: Together, the results indicate a hepatoprotective action of repeated treatment with 4-PSQ in obese rats.

Bis-(3-amino-2-pyridine) diselenide improves psychiatric disorders -atopic dermatitis comorbidity by regulating inflammatory and oxidative status in mice.

Suppressive effect of bis (3-amino-2-pyridine) diselenide (BAPD) on psychiatric disorders - atopic dermatitis (AD) comorbidity in mice was investigated. To sensitize the animals, 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was applied to their dorsal skin on days 1-3. Mice were challenged with DNCB on their ears and dorsal skin on days 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, and 29. BAPD and Dexamethasone were administered to the animals, from days 14-29, and skin severity scores and behavioral tests were determined. Oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters were evaluated on the dorsal skin of mice. Na+, K+-ATPase activity and corticosterone levels were determined in hippocampus/cerebral cortex and plasma of mice, respectively. BAPD improved cutaneous damage, scratching behavior, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. BAPD showed anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects and restored Na+, K+-ATPase activity and corticosterone levels. The present study was performed using female mice due the susceptibility for this disease. But, the evaluation of AD model in male mice would help to verify whether the male gender has the same predisposition to present this pathology. Our data demonstrated the suppressive effect of BAPD on psychiatric disorders - AD comorbidity by regulating inflammatory and oxidative status in mice.

In vitro anti-Pythium insidiosum activity of amorolfine hydrochloride and azithromycin, alone and in combination.

Pythium insidiosum infections have been widely studied in an attempt to develop an effective therapeutic protocol for the treatment of human and animal pythiosis. Several antifungal agents are still prescribed against this oomycete, although they present contradictory results. To evaluate the susceptibility profile and to verify the morphological alterations in P. insidiosum isolates treated with amorolfine hydrochloride and azithromycin, alone or in combination. Susceptibility tests for P. insidiosum isolates (n = 20) against amorolfine hydrochloride (AMR) and azithromycin (AZM) were performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institutes (CLSI) protocol M38-A2. Combinations of both drugs were evaluated using the checkerboard microdilution method. Additionally, transmission and scanning electron microscopy were performed in order to verify the morphological alterations in P. insidiosum isolates in response to these drugs. All P. insidiosum isolates had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 16 to 64 mg/l and 8 to 64 mg/l for amorolfine hydrochloride and azithromycin, respectively. Synergistic interactions between the drugs were not observed, with antagonism in 59.8% of isolates, and indifferent interactions in 36.2%. Electron microscopy showed changes in the surface of P. insidiosum hyphae, disorganization of intracellular organelles, and changes in the plasma membrane and cell wall of oomycetes treated with the drugs. This is the first study to demonstrate in vitro anti-P. insidiosum effect of amorolfine hydrochloride. These results indicate the therapeutic potential of this drug against cutaneous and subcutaneous forms of pythiosis, but further studies are necessary to confirm this potential.

In vitro algicidal effect of polypyrrole on Prototheca species isolates from bovine mastitisAlgicidal activity of polypyrrole on Prototheca spp.

Algae of the genus Prototheca are microorganisms involved in the occurrence of diseases in humans and animals. In bovine species, Prototheca spp. cause environmental mastitis, productive losses in dairy herds, mainly leading to the discard of infected cows. Currently, there are no effective anti-Prototheca spp. drugs to combat this infection. Thus, the search for an efficacious therapy for Prototheca spp. infections have become essential. Highly soluble polypyrrole (Ppy) is a molecule with known antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to characterize Prototheca spp. isolates from bovine mastitis as well as to evaluate the susceptibility profile and to verify the morphological alterations on Prototheca spp. isolates treated with Ppy. In this research, 36 Brazilian isolates of Prototheca spp. were characterized by restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) assay for the mitochondrial cytB gene. Additionally, Ppy algicidal activity against these isolates of Prototheca spp. was assessed by minimal microbicidal concentration method in microplates. Further, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed in order to verify the morphological alterations on Prototheca spp. isolates in response to Ppy. The isolates were characterized as belonging to Prototheca zopfii genotype 2 (35/36) and Prototheca blaschkeae (1/36). Ppy had an algicidal effect on all isolates tested at concentrations ranging from 15.625 µg ml-1 to 62.5 µg ml-1. SEM showed changes on planktonic and sessile P. zopfii, including a decrease of the number of cells with the presence of an amorphous substance involving the cells. The algicidal activity of Ppy suggests the therapeutic potential of this molecule in the prevention and treatment of Prototheca spp. in bovine mastitis.

In vitro anti-Pythium insidiosum activity of biogenic silver nanoparticles.

Pythium insidiosum belongs to the phylum Oomycota. It is capable of infecting mammals causing a serious condition called pythiosis, which affects mainly horses in Brazil and humans in Thailand. The objective of the present study was to verify the in vitro anti-P. insidiosum activity of a biogenic silver nanoparticle (bio-AgNP) formulation. The in vitro assays were evaluated on P. insidiosum isolates (n = 38) following the M38-A2 protocol. Damage to the P. insidiosum hyphae ultrastructure was verified by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Bio-AgNP inhibition concentrations on P. insidiosum isolates ranged from 0.06 to 0.47 µg/ml. It was observed through SEM that P. insidiosum hyphae treated showed surface roughness, as well as cell walls with multiple retraction areas, loss of continuity, and rupture in some areas. The TEM of treated hyphae did not differentiate organelle structures; also, the cellular wall was rarefied, showing wrinkled and partly ruptured borders. The bio-AgNP evaluated has excellent in vitro anti-P. insidiosum activity. However, further studies on its in vivo action are necessary as so to determine the possibility of its use in the treatment of the disease in affected hosts.

Neuromyotonia in a horse.

This article describes the clinical and electromyographic findings of neuromyotonia in a 19-month-old male crossbred Quarter Horse that presented with stiffness and muscle asymmetry in the hind limbs as well as sacrococcygeal, paravertebral, and gluteal myokymia. An electromyographic study showed spontaneous continuous muscle fiber activity with high-frequency discharges, fibrillations, positive sharp waves, fasciculation potentials, and complex repetitive discharges. Histological examination of the gluteal muscle showed a mixed neurogenic and myopathic pattern. The findings are consistent with neuromyotonia.

Pathology and morphometry of Hystrichis acanthocephalicus (Nematoda) from Phimosus infuscatus (Pelecaniformes) in southern Brazil / Patologia e morfometria de Hystrichis acanthocephalicus (Nematoda) em Phimosus infuscatus (Pelecaniformes) no Sul do Brasil

Abstract Species of Hystrichis are parasite nematodes of the digestive tract of aquatic birds in South America, Europe and Asia. In Brazil, Hystrichis acanthocephalicus has been reported in Phimosus infuscatus. There are few data on the morphometry of this species and there are no reports on pathological conditions that it causes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to report morphometric data from H. acanthocephalicus and describe the pathological effects of this parasite on the Phimosus infuscatus proventriculus. Thirty gastrointestinal tracts of P. infuscatus were examined to search for nematodes and H. acanthocephalicus occurred in 83% of hosts. Were measured the total length and body width of males and females, and of their respective cuticular spines, esophagus, spicules and eggs, and the internal and external diameter of copulatory bursa. Histopathological examination revealed parasitic structures in the proventriculus from the lumen (anterior end) to the outer layers of the organ (intermediate and posterior parts), in which we observed inflammatory reaction with infiltration of heterophils, hemorrhage and hemosiderin. The results of this study of histopathology, morphometry and parasitological indices are the first ones reported to H. acanthocephalicus and should contribute to the identification and recognition in cases of outbreaks in the Neotropical region.

Resumo Espécie de Hystrichis são nematoides parasitos do trato digestório de aves aquáticas, na América do Sul, Europa e Ásia. No Brasil, foi registrado Hystrichis acanthocephalicus, em Phimosus infuscatus. Existem poucos dados sobre a morfometria e não há registros relativos à patologia desta espécie. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi relatar dados morfométricos de H. acanthocephalicus e descrever os efeitos patológicos deste parasito no proventrículo de Phimosus infuscatus. Foram examinados trinta tratos gastrintestinais de P. infuscatus para a pesquisa de nematoides e H. acanthocephalicus ocorreu em 83% dos hospedeiros. Mediu-se o comprimento total e largura do corpo de machos e fêmeas, dos espinhos cuticulares, do esôfago, dos espículos, dos ovos, respectivamente, e a largura interna e externa da bolsa copuladora. Nos exames histopatológicos foram encontradas estruturas parasitárias no proventrículo, desde o lúmen (porção anterior) até as camadas mais externas do órgão (porções intermediária e posterior), nas quais se observou reação inflamatória com infiltrado de heterófilos, presença de hemorragia e deposição de hemossiderina. Os resultados desse estudo sobre histopatologia, morfometria e índices parasitológicos são os primeiros relatados para H. acanthocephalicus e deverão contribuir para a identificação e reconhecimento em casos de surtos na região Neotropical.

Pathology and morphometry of Hystrichis acanthocephalicus (Nematoda) from Phimosus infuscatus (Pelecaniformes) in southern Brazil.

Species of Hystrichis are parasite nematodes of the digestive tract of aquatic birds in South America, Europe and Asia. In Brazil, Hystrichis acanthocephalicus has been reported in Phimosus infuscatus. There are few data on the morphometry of this species and there are no reports on pathological conditions that it causes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to report morphometric data from H. acanthocephalicus and describe the pathological effects of this parasite on the Phimosus infuscatus proventriculus. Thirty gastrointestinal tracts of P. infuscatus were examined to search for nematodes and H. acanthocephalicus occurred in 83% of hosts. Were measured the total length and body width of males and females, and of their respective cuticular spines, esophagus, spicules and eggs, and the internal and external diameter of copulatory bursa. Histopathological examination revealed parasitic structures in the proventriculus from the lumen (anterior end) to the outer layers of the organ (intermediate and posterior parts), in which we observed inflammatory reaction with infiltration of heterophils, hemorrhage and hemosiderin. The results of this study of histopathology, morphometry and parasitological indices are the first ones reported to H. acanthocephalicus and should contribute to the identification and recognition in cases of outbreaks in the Neotropical region.

Morte súbita em bovinos no Sul do Rio Grande do Sul: epidemiologia e diagnóstico / Sudden death in cattle in southern Brazil: epidemiology and diagnosis

Foi realizado um levantamento nos protocolos de necropsias de bovinos com histórico de morte súbita ou superaguda recebidos no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD/UFPel) entre 2000 e 2014. Para o estudo foram considerados os casos em que os animais tinham morrido inesperadamente sem apresentação de uma doença prévia ou sinal clínico no intervalo de 24 horas antes da observação do cadáver (Categoria 1) ou bovinos movimentados ou que sofreram algum tipo de manejo e morreram após quedas ou tremores com observação destes sinais (Categoria 2). Foram identificados 72 casos ou surtos incluídos nestas duas categorias de um total de 2.031 cadáveres/materiais de bovinos recebidos no LRD/UFPel no período, representando 3,5% do total. Os casos ocorreram em todas as épocas do ano e em 34 casos (47,2%) os bovinos afetados eram adultos, em 23 casos (31,9%) tinham entre dois e três anos e em 11 (15,3%) tinham até um ano de idade. Em quatro protocolos (5,6%) a idade não foi informada. Em 62 casos (86,1%) a forma de criação era extensiva, em sete (9,7%) a forma era semi-intensiva e em três (4,2%) a forma era intensiva. Dos 72 casos/surtos observados 52 (72,2%) foram classificados na Categoria 1 e 20 (27,8%) na Categoria 2. As enfermidades que mais causaram morte súbita ou superaguda foram: babesiose cerebral (10/72), intoxicação por organofosforados (10/72), carbúnculo hemático (7/72), hemoglobinúria bacilar (5/72) e fulguração (3/72). Dos 18 casos inconclusivos em apenas cinco foi realizada a necropsia completa e nos 15 casos negativos a Bacillus anthracis o material remetido não permitiu a pesquisa de outras enfermidades. Os resultados obtidos, permitiram concluir que as mortes súbitas na região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul são causadas por doenças, na sua grande maioria, bem conhecidas e endêmicas da região e que podem ser controladas ou evitadas por vacinação e manejo adequados...

A survey of cases with history of sudden death in cattle was conducted in all necropsy protocols of the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory of the Veterinary School of the Federal University of Pelotas (LRD/UFPel) from 2000 to 2014. We considered animals that had died unexpectedly without prior illness or clinical signs 24 hours before death (Category 1), or before they were moved or suffered some type of management and died after falls or trembling (Category 2). We identified 72 cases (3.5%) from those two categories of a total of 2,031 materials of cattle received in LRD/UFPel. The cases occurred in all seasons of the year. In 34 cases (47.2%), affected cattle had more than four years of age, in 23 cases (31.9%) cattle had between two and three years, and in 11 cases (15.3%) they were up to one year of age. In four protocols (5.6%) age was not reported. In 62 cases (86.1%) the cattle were in an extensive grazing system, in seven (9.7%), they were in a semi-intensive grazing system, and in three cases (4.2%), they were maintained in an intensive farming system. Out of the 72 cases observed, 52 (72.2%) were classified in Category 1 and 20 (27.8%) in Category 2. The diseases that caused more often sudden death, were cerebral babesiosis (10/72), organophosphates poisoning (10/72), anthrax (7/72), bacillary hemoglobinuria (5/72), and fulguration (3/72). Out of the 18 cases considered inconclusive, just five full necropsiey were performed, and of the other 15, the material submitted was considered negative for Bacillus anthracis, and the material did not allow investigation for other diseases. The results showed that sudden deaths in southern Rio Grande do Sul are caused by diseases, mostly well-known and endemic to the region, which can be controlled or prevented by vaccination and appropriate management...

Accidental and experimental Closantel intoxication in Uruguayan sheep / Intoxicação acidental e experimental por Closantel em ovinos no Uruguai

An outbreak of Closantel intoxication in sheep in Uruguay is described. The outbreak occurred in a group of 1300 weaning lambs treated orally with a 10% solution of Closantel. One hundred forty eight lambs showed clinical signs of intoxication and 14 died. The clinical signs included mydriasis, nystagmus, and negative pupillary reflex, bilateral blindness, bump into objects, and lateral movement of the head. No macroscopic lesions were observed. The histological lesions of the retina were cytoplasmic vacuolization in ganglion cells and in cells of the inner and outer nuclear layers with different degrees of atrophy. Vacuolization and axonal degeneration were observed in the optic nerve, with multifocal areas of fibrosis and infiltration by lymphocytes and Gitter cells. To reproduce the intoxication, four sheep were given two, four and 10 times the therapeutic dose of Closantel (0.1g/kg of BW). Only the animals receiving 10 times the recommended dose showed clinical signs. The histological examination of the lesions in experimental sheep showed similar results to those described in the accidental outbreak, except for the absence of optic nerve fibrosis and inflammation, characterizing an acute phase. Axonal myelin sheaths loss, fibroblasts and collagen fibers were observed in the ultrastructural study of the optic nerve of accidental intoxicated animals. The optic nerve of experimentally intoxicated animals had vacuoles that separated the myelin sheaths of axons. To prevent outbreaks it is suggested to weigh the animals before Closantel administration to avoid errors in dose calculation.

Descreve-se um surto de intoxicação por Closantel em ovinos no Uruguai. O surto ocorreu em um lote de 1300 cordeiros que foram dosados com uma solução de Closantel 10%, por via oral. Do total, 148 apresentaram sinais clínicos de intoxicação e 14 morreram. Os sinais clínicos incluíam midríase, nistagmo, reflexo pupilar negativo, cegueira bilateral, pressão da cabeça contra objetos e desvio lateral da cabeça. Lesões macroscópicas não foram observadas. Histologicamente havia vacuolização citoplasmática das células ganglionares e nas células das camadas nuclear interna e externa. Na retina havia, também, diferentes graus de atrofia. Vacuolização e degeneração axonal foram observados no nervo óptico, com áreas multifocais de fibrose e infiltrado de linfócitos e células Gitter. Quatro ovinos receberam experimentalmente duas, quatro e 10 vezes a dose terapêutica de Closantel (0,1 g/kg de peso vivo). Apenas os animais que receberam 10 vezes a dose recomendada apresentaram sinais clínicos. O exame histológico nos ovinos experimentais mostrou resultados semelhantes aos do surto, com exceção da ausência de fibrose e infiltrado inflamatório do nervo óptico, caracterizando um quadro agudo. Foram observadas a perda da bainha de mielina dos axônios e a presença de fibroblastos e fibras colágenas no estudo ultra-estrutural do nervo óptico de animais intoxicados espontaneamente. No nervo óptico de animais intoxicados experimentalmente havia vacúolos que separavam as bainhas de mielina dos axônios. Para evitar surtos, sugere-se pesar os animais antes da administração de Closantel para evitar erros no cálculo da dose.

Histological patterns in healing chronic wounds using Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae and other therapeutic measures.

The healing process occurs due to the interaction of cellular, molecular, and biochemical events. Regarding lesions difficult to heal, especially in immunocompromised patients, monitoring and intervention to promote healing is a constant focus of research. Another aggravating factor is the increase in the number of reported cases of microbial resistance, indicating that various dressings and drugs have been increasingly inefficient. Larval therapy (LT) involves the application of sterile fly larvae on chronic and/or infected wounds, and it is an area emerging as an alternative therapy. Before the 1940s, the LT was widely used, but fell into disuse after the appearance of antibiotics. High cost and the development of resistance by certain groups of pathogenic bacteria to these drugs encouraged the resurgence of LT, currently used in approximately 20 countries and more recently in Brazil. However, many mechanisms of action of the larvae in this system remain poorly understood. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate histopathological findings and to evaluate possible mechanisms of action of dipteran larvae during tissue repair. Lesions were induced in 24 male Wistar rats, to evaluate the effect of the type of treatment applied. The animals were divided into four groups: larval therapy (LT), LT associated with foam dressing with silver release (LTSIL), mechanical debridement and silver foam dressing (DEBSIL), and no treatment (CONT). Skin samples were collected for histopathological analysis. In LT, inflammatory response and angiogenesis were abundant; in LTSIL, inflammatory response with neutrophil infiltration was observed; in DEBSIL, scarce inflammatory response, small numbers of macrophages and lymphocytes, and bacterial colonization in depth; and in CONT, there was bacterial colonization in deeper tissues. The observed histological events show that the larvae had an important role in promoting the inflammatory response in the wound bed, drawing the essential immune cells for tissue reconstruction, and contributing to the inhibition of bacterial growth. However, more studies on the larval-host interactions are required for increasing the application of LT in the hospital routine.

Surto de criptosporidiose em bezerros no Sul do Rio Grande do Sul / Outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in calves in Southern Brazil

Descrevem-se os aspectos epidemiológicos, sinais clínicos e a patologia de um surto de criptosporidiose em bezerros na região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul. De um lote de 400 bezerros de 30-45 dias de idade, 35 adoeceram e 16 morreram. Os bezerros nasciam fracos e logo após o nascimento apresentavam diarreia amarela, emagrecimento progressivo, desidratação, depressão e morte entre 10 e 15 dias após o início dos sinais clínicos. Na necropsia havia congestão dos vasos sanguíneos intestinais e mesentéricos. Havia distensão intestinal por gás e dilatação de vasos linfáticos. Microscopicamente havia achatamento das vilosidades intestinais, com necrose e atrofia. Aderidas à superfície das células epiteliais das vilosidades, havia estruturas puntiformes basofílicas de 2-5µm de diâmetro compatíveis com Cryptosporidium spp. A microscopia eletrônica revelou a presença de diferentes estágios do agente aderidos às microvilosidades de enterócitos. Alerta-se para a importância da criptosporidiose como agente primário de diarreia em bezerros. São necessárias medidas preventivas no que se refere ao manejo para diminuir as perdas econômicas e a contaminação ambiental, e, ainda, diminuir o risco para a saúde pública...

This paper describes the epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology of an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in calves in Southern Brazil. Thirty-five out of 400 calves with 30-45 days of age were affected and 16 died. The calves were born weak and just after birth they had yellow diarrhea, weight loss, dehydration, depression, and death between 10 and 15 days after onset of clinical signs. Congestion of the bowel and mesenteric blood vessels were observed at necropsy. Intestinal distension by gas and dilation of lymphatic vessels were also observed. Microscopically, the intestine showed flattening of the villi with necrosis and atrophy. Adhered to the surface of the villus epithelial cells there were round basophilic structures of 2- to 5-μm-diameter compatible with Cryptosporidium spp. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of different stages of the agent adhered to the microvilli of enterocytes. We alert the importance of cryptosporidiosis as a primary agent of diarrhea in calves. Preventive measures to reduce economic losses, environmental contamination, and also decrease of risk for public health are necessary...

Condrodisplasia em bovinos no Sul do Rio Grande do Sul / Chondrodysplasia in cattle in Southern Brazil

Descrevem-se 14 casos de condrodisplasia em bovinos. Os dados epidemiológicos e clínicos foram obtidos de protocolos de necropsia e o estudo histológico das lesões foi realizado em fragmentos de ossos longos e ossos da base do crânio dos 14 casos estudados. Onze casos eram de condrodisplasia tipo Telemark e três, tipo bulldog (Dexter). Treze dos 14 bovinos afetados eram da raça Jersey e um era da raça Shorthorn. Concluiu-se que o gene transmissor das condrodisplasias encontra-se presente na população Jersey da região e medidas, como utilização de reprodutores de outras regiões e/ou com teste de progênie ou identificação de genes indesejáveis por meio de técnicas moleculares, devem contribuir para diminuir a ocorrência destes casos na população Jersey da região.

Fourteen cases of chondrodysplasia in cattle are described. Epidemiological and clinical data were obtained from filed necropsy protocols. A histological study of the lesions was performed on long and skull base bones. Eleven cases of chondrodysplasia Telemark type and three Bulldog (Dexter) type were observed. Thirteen out of 14 cases occurred in Jersey cattle and one in Shorthorn. It was concluded that the gene carrier of chondrodysplasia is present in the Jersey population of the region, and breeding measures such as the use of bulls from other regions and/or progeny testing or identification of undesirable genes using molecular techniques should help reduce the occurrence of these cases in the Jersey population of the region.

Trema micrantha como causa de pneumopatia tóxica em ovinos: reprodução experimental / Trema micrantha as cause of toxic pneumopathy in sheep: experimental reproduction

A intoxicação experimental por Trema micrantha em cinco ovinos é descrita. Quatro ovinos apresentaram sinais clínicos respiratórios acentuados e morte após ingestão da terceira dose de folhas da planta. As manifestações clínicas mais frequentes nesses casos foram taquipneia, dispneia, retração ritmada das narinas, mucosas cianóticas, corrimento nasal mucoso, hipertermia, aumento de volume abdominal bilateral e na região parotídea, incluindo crepitação à palpação, membros lateralmente afastados ao caminhar e decúbito esternal. T. micrantha mostrou-se tóxica para ovinos na dose de 20-50g/kg de peso animal. Na necropsia desses ovinos foram observados, além das mucosas cianóticas, enfisema subcutâneo em região cervical ventral ou porção mediastinal dorsal, pulmões não colabados, pesados, com impressão das costelas na superfície e conteúdo espumoso vermelho em traqueia e brônquios, além de múltiplas petéquias subpleurais. Na avaliação histológica predominaram alterações pulmonares, com espessamento de septos alveolares por proliferação difusa de pneumócitos tipo II, conferindo aspecto adenomatoso a algumas áreas. Os pneumócitos apresentavam núcleo volumoso, hipercromático, ora bizarro ou eram multinucleados, com nucléolos evidentes e, em algumas áreas, os pneumócitos estavam descamados para a luz alveolar, ora formando sincícios. Havia também proliferação do epitélio bronquiolar, com formação de mais de uma camada celular, núcleos hipercromáticos e volumosos e redução na quantidade de cílios. As alterações proliferativas dos pneumócitos e do epitélio bronquiolar foram evidenciadas pela imunomarcação anti-citoqueratina e anti-Ki-67 e, para a diferenciação entre pneumócitos e macrófagos alveolares, foi empregada imuno-histoquímica anti-mieloide/histiócitos (MAC387). Um ovino apresentou quadro clinico-patológico de insuficiência hepática aguda, com necrose hepatocelular acentuada após ingestão de 25g/kg de T. micrantha. A intoxicação experimental por ...

This paper describes the experimental Trema micrantha poisoning in sheep. Four from five sheep showed marked respiratory distress and death after ingestion of the third dose of plant leaves. The most frequent clinical findings were tachypnea, dyspnea, rhythmic contraction of the nostrils, cyanotic mucous membranes, mucous nasal discharge, hyperthermia, abdominal distension, increased volume and crepitation of parotid region, walking with the legs kept away laterally and sternal recumbency. T. micrantha proved to be toxic to sheep at 20 to 50g/kg bodyweight. At necropsy, we observed cyanotic mucous membranes, subcutaneous emphysema in the ventral area of cervical region or dorsal mediastinum, heavy and collapsed lungs with rib markings, red frothy fluid in the lumen of the trachea and primary bronchi, and several subpleural petechiae. Microscopic examination of lung tissue sections revealed that the tissue was characterized by thickening of the alveolar septa by diffuse type II pneumocytes proliferation, conferring an adenomatous appearance to some areas. These pneumocytes had large and hyperchromatic, sometimes bizarre nucleus or were multinucleate, with evident nucleoli. In some areas desquamated pneumocytes were found in the alveolar lumen, sometimes forming syncytia. There also was bronchiolar epithelium proliferation, conferring to the mucosa more than one epithelial cell layer, these cells had large and hyperchromatic nuclei and reduction in the amount of cilia. The proliferative changes of pneumocytes and bronchiolar epithelium were evaluated by anti-cytokeratin and anti-Ki-67 immunostaining. In order to differentiate pneumocytes and alveolar macrophages, we used anti-monocyte marker (MAC387). One sheep showed clinicopathological findings of acute liver failure with hepatocellular necrosis after ingestion of 25g/kg T. micrantha. The experimental poisoning by T. micrantha in sheep resulted in predominantly respiratory clinicopathological ...

Pancreatite intersticial crônica em bovino causada por Eurytrema coelomaticum / Chronic interstitial pancreatitis in cattle caused by Eurytrema coelomaticum

Descrevem-se os achados clínicos e patológicos atribuídos à infecção maciça por trematódeos pancreáticos do gênero Eurytrema (Loos, 1907) em uma novilha da raça Jersey, procedente do município de Seara, região oeste do estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. O animal de dois anos de idade apresentava desenvolvimento insuficiente, emagrecimento crônico, caquexia, decúbito prolongado e anemia, sendo submetido à eutanásia in extremis. Na necropsia observou-se aumento de volume do pâncreas, que estava esbranquiçado, crepitante, com a superfície de corte irregular, onde foram visualizados inúmeros trematódeos emergindo ativamente do órgão. Histologicamente havia pancreatite intersticial crônica. O parasito foi identificado como Eurytrema coelomaticum (Giard & Billet, 1882). Trata-se do primeiro registro de euritrematose clínica em bovino no estado de Santa Catarina.

This study describes the clinical and pathological findings attributed to massive infection by pancreatic trematodes of the genre Eurytrema (Loos, 1907) in a female Jersey heifer from the city of Seara located in the west part of Santa Catarina state, Brazil. The two-year-old animal showed insufficient development, chronic emaciation, cachexia, prolonged decubitus and anemia, being euthanized in extremis. The necropsy indicated an enlarging of the pancreas which demonstrated crepitated pale surface of irregular cut and, where several trematodes were observed emerging actively from the organ. Histologically, there was chronic interstitial pancreatitis. The parasite was identified as Eurytrema coelomaticum (Giard & Billet, 1882). It is the first record of clinical Eurytrematosis in bovines in the state of Santa Catarina.

Pathological findings in fetuses of goats and cattle poisoned by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) / Achados patológicos em fetos de caprinos e bovinos intoxicados por Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae)

In Brazil, the consumption of Sida carpinifolia by livestock has been associated with neurological diseases linked to lysosomal storage disorders. This paper describes the pathological findings in two caprine fetuses from dams that were experimentally poisoned with S. carpinifolia. The goats were orally dosed with 10 and 13g/kg of a paste of green chopped S. carpinifolia for 30 days and were observed for an additional 15 days period after the last dosage with the plant; thereafter they were euthanized and necropsied. The dams showed only slight clinical signs. The study also includes the findings in one bovine fetus from a naturally S. carpinifolia poisoned cow which showed mild incoordination, generalized tremors, staggering, and frequent falls. The cow was euthanized and necropsied. While there were no significant histopathological changes in the goats, in the cow vacuolation of Purkinje neurons of the cerebellum, pancreatic acinar cells, and thyroid follicular cells were observed. The main microscopic changes observed in the caprine and bovine fetuses were vacuolation in the epithelium of renal tubules, thyroid follicular cells, and Purkinje neurons of the cerebellum. Transmission electron microscopy of sections from CNS of the cow and its fetus revealed vacuoles containing fine granular material surrounded by membrane. Lectin-histochemistry of CNS sections from goat fetuses marked lightly to sWGA lectins, WGA, and Con-A.

No Brasil, o consumo de Sida carpinifolia por animais de produção tem sido associada a doenças neurológicas relacionadas com doença de depósito lisossômico. Este trabalho descreve os achados patológicos observados em dois fetos caprinos de mães que foram experimentalmente intoxicadas por S. carpinifolia. As cabras foram intoxicadas experimentalmente com S. carpinifolia nas doses de 10 e 13g/kg durante 30 dias e foram acompanhadas durante 15 dias após o consumo da planta. Após este período foram eutanasiadas e necropsiadas. O estudo também inclui os achados patológicos encontrados em um feto de uma fêmea bovina intoxicada naturalmente pela planta, que mostrou leve incoordenação, tremores generalizados, andar desequilibrado e quedas frequentes. A vaca foi eutanasiada e necropsiada. Embora não houvesse alterações histológicas significativas nas cabras, vacuolização dos neurônios de Purkinje do cerebelo, das células acinares do pâncreas e nas células foliculares da tireoide foram observadas na vaca. As principais alterações histológicas observadas nos fetos caprinos e no feto bovino foram vacuolização no epitélio dos túbulos renais, nas células foliculares da tireoide e nos neurônios de Purkinje do cerebelo. Na microscopia eletrônica de transmissão do sistema nervoso central da vaca e de seu feto revelaram-se vacúolos contendo material finamente granulado e delimitado por membrana. Na técnica de lectina-histoquímica dos fetos caprinos houve marcação leve no SNC para as lectinas sWGA, WGA e para Con-A.

Ultrastructural study of the mycelial phase of clinical isolates of Sporothrix schenckii obtained from feline, canine and human cases of sporotrichosis

Using transmission electron microscopy, we studied the presence of melanin and cell wall thickness of clinical isolates of Sporothrix schenckii obtained from cats, dogs and humans as compared to reference strains. We detected differences regarding presence of the melanin among the clinical isolates of S. schenckii and a correlation between presence of melanin and cell wall thickness.