Wildlife as Food and Medicine in Brazil: A Neglected Zoonotic Risk?

The practice of consuming wild fauna in Brazil is both culturally and socioeconomically questionable. Wild animals and their byproducts are sought for nutritional, medicinal, and/or supernatural reasons, with some taxa (e.g., songbirds) being kept as pets. This practice is concentrated in traditional and rural communities, as well as the rural exodus populations in large urban centers, maintained both by cultural preferences and for their role in food safety in part of the rural exodus community. A total of 564 taxa are known to be sold in wet markets in Brazil, with birds, fish, and mammals being the most commonly listed. There is great zoonotic outbreak potential in this consumption chain given the diversity of species involved (with several listed being known reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens), invasion of wild environments for hunting, unsanitary processing of carcasses, and consumption of most/all biotopes of the animal, as well as the creation of favorable conditions to cross-species pathogen transmission. Given its socioeconomic situation and the global trends in disease emergence, there is a risk of the future emergence of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in Brazil through wildlife consumption.

Epidemiological indicators of Chagas disease in the metropolitan region of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease (CD) is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by triatomines. Historical information from the 20th century demonstrates T. cruzi records in the metropolitan region of Salvador (MRS), the third largest urban agglomeration in the Brazilian Northeast and the eighth largest in Brazil, an area with intense migratory activity from CD-endemic regions. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate CD indicators (prevalence and mortality) in the MRS. METHODS: A mixed ecological and descriptive study was conducted using secondary data. We analyzed data from 2008 to 2015: deaths due to CD, self-reported cases of CD, and blood donors that were non-negative for T. cruzi infection. RESULTS: São Francisco do Conde was one of the municipalities with the highest mortality rates due to CD. The seroprevalence rates varied by year and municipality; those with the highest values were 2008: Vera Cruz, 2009: Mata de São João, 2010: Dias D'Ávila, 2011 and 2015: São Francisco do Conde, 2012: São Sebastião do Passé, and 2013 and 2014: Pojuca. Spatial correlations between the municipalities were not detected. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that CD is present in the MRS. The indicators analyzed in the MRS are below-state-level data. Given the importance of indicator analysis for the surveillance and control of CD at the state and national levels, it is important to strengthen the surveillance program at the municipal level, including the regions classified as low risk for T. cruzi vector transmission.

Eco-epidemiology of vectorial Trypanosoma cruzi transmission in a region of northeast Brazil.

Chagas disease (CD) is a parasitic zoonosis endemic in Brazil. Despite virtual control of Triatoma infestans, the main domesticated vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, vectorial transmission by other triatomine species persists in some rural communities. This study aims to characterize triatomines role in transmitting T. cruzi to dogs and humans in the district of Santo Inácio, located in the northwest region of the state of Bahia, Brazil. It also describes environmental factors in housings associated with insect occurrence and assesses the perception, knowledge, and preventive practices adopted by the population regarding CD. Blood samples of humans and dogs, and biological samples of triatomines, were collected between November 2018 and February 2019 and subjected to the detection of T. cruzi by serological and molecular biology tests. Also, we applied a questionnaire to research the perception, knowledge, and local practices of people related to CD. The capture of triatomines in households was associated with exploratory variables of the questionnaires using multivariate logistic regression (p < 0.05). The 155 triatomines captured in the wild and domestic environment were of the species Triatoma sherlocki (n = 151), Panstrongylus sherlocki (n = 1) and Triatoma sordida (n = 3), and had a natural infection rate for T. cruzi by PCR of 18.5%, 100% and 0%, respectively. District residents (n = 126) were seronegative for T. cruzi, while 17.5% (7/40) of the dogs were seropositive. The fact that residents are aware that triatomines can "cause" CD was configured as a protection factor for residents according to the fitted logistic regression model (p = 0.04). However, respondents have limited perception and knowledge about the CD, prevention and control practices for triatomines in a household. The results suggest the existence of a domestic cycle of transmission of T. cruzi between triatomines and dogs, configuring a latent risk of infection to the human population of Santo Inácio. Studies that clarify the potential for the establishing of intrusive triatomines in households, surveillance actions for triatomines, and health education in rural communities are indispensable to prevent the reemergence of CD in vulnerable regions of Brazil and other American countries with similar epidemiological characteristics.

Knowledge, practice and perception of human-marsupial interactions in health promotion.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 60% of emerging pathogens originate from wild animals, with mammals being the main hosts. Among Didelphis, which are restricted to the Americas, the species Didelphis aurita and Didelphis albiventris are particularly widely distributed throughout Brazil, where they act as hosts for several pathogens transmissible to humans. The reduction of their natural habitat has resulted in the adaptation of these species to human environments. Animals hunting, due to food necessity or cultural habit, may increase pathogen exposure with a potential to zoonotic disease transmission. METHODOLOGY: From November to December 2016, we administered semi-structured questionnaires in a rural community in northeastern Brazil to assess knowledge, practices and perceptions regarding human-didelphis interactions and possible exposure to zoonoses. RESULTS: There were 213 respondents. Based on photographs of D. albiventris and D. aurita, 91.2% and 78% respondents, respectively, identified the animal by the popular name "sariguê", 61% (130/213) believed the animal could convey any disease, 4.7% stated they did not, and 34% did not know. Opossum meat consumption was reported by 20.2% (43/213), of which 58.1% admitted disease transmission possibility. Only 15.9% of respondents had a secondary or higher education level. The distribution of these frequencies is discussed according to the respondents educational level. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal the need to carry out health educational activities, including better community knowledge regarding the possible exposure to pathogens due to marsupial consumption.

Estimate of the canine and feline population in a municipality of thenortheastsemi-arid: a view on responsible owner ship / Estimativa da População Canina e Felina em um município do Semiárido nordestino: uma visão sobre a guarda responsável

The quality of life of animals can have a direct impact on the health of the community where they live, therefore, knowledge of the number of animals and the conditions in which they are found is fundamental to the development of actions focused on Unique Health. Aiming to carry out a population estimate of dogs and cats, domiciled and semi-domiciled, in the urban area of Barra-BA and to analyze the population's knowledge about the themes "responsible guarding" and "animal welfare", it was carried out, in the period of August to November 2019, the application of a questionnaire in 365 residences. The results showed that for each inhabitant there were about 0.152 dogs and 0.108 cats, thus, it is estimated about 6,341 domesticated and semi-domesticated animals, being 3,707 dogs and 2,634 cats. The analysis of notions of animal welfare and responsible guarding showed that most tutors do not satisfactorily practice responsible guarding, especially for cats that, when compared to dogs, had lower rates of deworming and vaccination, as well as average age below that of the canine population. The number of animals with free access to the street was higher for felines. In terms of reproductive control, between the two species, only 3.6% were spayed. At the end of the work, it can be concluded that the cat: inhabitant proportion in the studied region is consistent with the national proportion. In contrast, the dog: inhabitant relationship was shown to be inferior when compared to national values. Furthermore, there was a need for educational actions within the scope of responsible custody.(AU)

A qualidade de vida dos animais pode ter impacto direto na saúde da comunidade onde vivem. Portanto, o conhecimento do número de animais e das condições em que se encontram é fundamental para o desenvolvimento de ações voltadas para a abordagem Saúde Única. Com o objetivo de realizar uma estimativa populacional de cães e gatos domiciliados e semidomiciliados na área urbana de Barra-BA, e analisar o conhecimento da população local sobre os temas "guarda responsável" e "bem-estar animal" foi realizado um questionário em 365 residências no período de agosto a novembro de 2019. Os resultados mostraram que para cada habitante havia cerca de 0,152 cães e 0,108 gatos. Assim, estima-se que existam cerca de 6.341 animais domesticados e semi-domesticados, sendo 3.707 cães e 2.634 gatos. A análise do conhecimento sobre bem-estar animal e guarda responsável mostrou que a maioria dos tutores não pratica a guarda responsável de forma satisfatória, principalmente para gatos. Quando comparados aos cães, os gatos apresentaram menores índices de vermifugação e vacinação e apresentaram idade média abaixo da população canina. O número de animais com livre acesso à rua foi maior para os felinos. Em termos de controle reprodutivo, entre as duas espécies, apenas 3,6% foram esterilizadas. Ao final do trabalho, pode-se concluir que a proporção gato por habitante na região estudada é condizente com a proporção nacional. Em contrapartida, a relação cão por habitante mostrou-se inferior aos valores nacionais.(AU)

Epidemiological indicators of Chagas disease in the metropolitan region of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: Chagas disease (CD) is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by triatomines. Historical information from the 20th century demonstrates T. cruzi records in the metropolitan region of Salvador (MRS), the third largest urban agglomeration in the Brazilian Northeast and the eighth largest in Brazil, an area with intense migratory activity from CD-endemic regions. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate CD indicators (prevalence and mortality) in the MRS. Methods: A mixed ecological and descriptive study was conducted using secondary data. We analyzed data from 2008 to 2015: deaths due to CD, self-reported cases of CD, and blood donors that were non-negative for T. cruzi infection. Results: São Francisco do Conde was one of the municipalities with the highest mortality rates due to CD. The seroprevalence rates varied by year and municipality; those with the highest values were 2008: Vera Cruz, 2009: Mata de São João, 2010: Dias D'Ávila, 2011 and 2015: São Francisco do Conde, 2012: São Sebastião do Passé, and 2013 and 2014: Pojuca. Spatial correlations between the municipalities were not detected. Conclusions: We conclude that CD is present in the MRS. The indicators analyzed in the MRS are below-state-level data. Given the importance of indicator analysis for the surveillance and control of CD at the state and national levels, it is important to strengthen the surveillance program at the municipal level, including the regions classified as low risk for T. cruzi vector transmission.

Limited Evidence for Infection of Urban and Peri-urban Nonhuman Primates with Zika and Chikungunya Viruses in Brazil.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) emerged in the Americas in 2013. Limited antigenic variability of CHIKV and ZIKV may restrict urban transmission cycles due to population protective immunity. In Africa, sylvatic transmission cycles involving nonhuman primates (NHP) are known for CHIKV and ZIKV, causing cyclic reemergence in humans. To evaluate whether sylvatic cycles can be expected in Latin America, we tested 207 NHP collected between 2012 and 2017 in urban and peri-urban settings in Brazil for infection with ZIKV and CHIKV. No animal tested positive for viral RNA in genus-specific and species-specific reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assays. In contrast, six animals (2.9%) from the families Atelidae, Callitrichidae, and Cebidae showed ZIKV-specific antibodies and 11 (5.3%) showed CHIKV-specific antibodies in plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT). Reactivity was monotypic against either ZIKV or CHIKV in all cases, opposing unspecific virucidal activity of sera. PRNT endpoint titers were low at 1:40 in all NHP, and positive specimens did not correspond to the likely dispersal route and time of introduction of both arboviruses. All antibody-positive samples were therefore tested against the NHP-associated yellow fever virus (YFV) and Mayaro virus (MAYV) and against the human-associated dengue virus (DENV) by PRNT. Two ZIKV-positive samples were simultaneously DENV positive and two CHIKV-positive samples were simultaneously MAYV positive, at titers of 1:40 to 1:160. This suggested cross-reactive antibodies against heterologous alphaviruses and flaviviruses in 24% of ZIKV-positive/CHIKV-positive sera. In sum, low seroprevalence, invariably low antibody titers, and the distribution of positive specimens call into question the capability of ZIKV and CHIKV to infect New World NHP and establish sylvatic transmission cycles. IMPORTANCE Since 2013, Zika virus (ZIKV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) have infected millions of people in the Americas via urban transmission cycles. Nonhuman primates (NHP) are involved in sylvatic transmission cycles maintaining ZIKV and CHIKV in the Old World. We tested NHP sampled during 2012 to 2017 in urban and peri-urban areas severely affected by ZIKV and CHIKV in Brazil. Seroprevalence and antibody titers were low for both viruses. Additionally, we found evidence for infection by heterologous viruses eliciting cross-reactive antibodies. Our data suggest that urban or peri-urban NHP are not easily infected by ZIKV and CHIKV despite intense local transmission. These data may imply that the ZIKV and CHIKV outbreaks in the Americas cannot be sustained in urban or peri-urban NHP once human population immunity limits urban transmission cycles. Investigation of diverse animals is urgently required to determine the fate of the ZIKV and CHIKV outbreaks in the Americas.

Retrospective study of triatomines in an endemic region for Chagas disease in the state of Bahia, Brazil / Estudo retrospectivo de triatomíneos em região endêmica para a doença de Chagas no estado da Bahia, Brasil

Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, which has several forms of transmission. Among them, the vector route requires the constant action of the Health Surveillance in the control of triatomines. Our objective is to describe the diversity of triatomines and the rate of natural infection by T. cruzi in these insects, as well as to analyse entomological indicators, through secondary data generated by the Health Surveillance of the municipality of Barra, in the period from 2009 to 2019. The secondary data were subjected to descriptive analysis and the entomological indicators calculated. Williams' G test and Fisher's exact test were used to analyse the categorical data. A total of 10,913 triatomines of the genera Rhodnius sp., Panstrongylus sp., Eratyrus sp. and Triatoma sp. were captured, represented by 12 species. Triatoma sordida was the most prevalent 98.66% (10,767/10,913), reflected in the overall infestation index 7.61% (2,555/33,544) and triatomine density 0.24 (8,247/33,544). While the overall infection rate was 0.81% (41/5,048) and remained low during all years. There was significant association for T. sordida in relation to "T. cruzi infection index" and "Developmental stage" and "Capture site". It is concluded that the municipality of Barra has a high occurrence of triatomines of various species, with T. sordida being the most prevalent species and responsible for the rates of infestation and infection by T. cruzi. The presence of these insects in households is a risk for the domestic cycle of the parasite, and thus can transmit T. cruzi to various domestic animals, including humans.(AU)

doença de Chagas é causada pelo Trypanosoma cruzi, que possui diversas formas de transmissão. Dentre elas, a via vetorial, requer a atuação constante da Vigilância em Saúde no controle dos triatomíneos. Nosso objetivo é descrever a diversidade de triatomíneos e o índice de infecção natural por T. cruzi nestes insetos, bem como analisar os indicadores ento-mológicos, por meio de dados secundários gerados pela Vigilância em Saúde do município de Barra, no período de 2009 a 2019. Os dados secundários foram submetidos a análise descritiva e os indicadores entomológicos calculados. Os testes G de Williams e exato de Fisher foram utilizados para a análise dos dados categóricos. Foram capturados 10.913 triatomíneos, dos gêneros Rhodnius sp., Panstrongylus sp., Eratyrus sp. e Triatoma sp., representados por 12 espécies. Triatoma sordida foi a mais prevalente 98,66% (10.767/10.913), refletindo no índice de infestação geral 7,61% (2.555/33.544) e densidade triatomínea 0,24 (8.247/33.544). Enquanto que o índice de infecção geral foi de 0,81% (41/5.048) e manteve-se baixo durante todos os anos. Houve associação significativa para T. sordida em relação ao "Índice de infecção por T. cruzi" e "Estágio de desenvolvi-mento" e "Local de captura". Conclui-se que o município de Barra apresenta uma alta ocorrência de triatomíneos de diversas espécies, sendo T. sordida a espécie mais prevalente e responsável pelos índices de infestação e infecção por T. cruzi. A presença desses insetos nos domicílios é um risco para o ciclo doméstico do parasito, podendo assim transmitir o T. cruzi para diversos animais domésticos, inclusive humanos.(AU)

Systemic infection by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in a bitch

Background: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an opportunistic pathogen, belonging to the genus Staphylococcus.The methicillin-resistant Staphylococci have the mecA-gene, which confers them with the ability of becoming resistant tomethicillin and multiple classes of antimicrobials, which makes the treatment of the affections caused by these specimensdifficult. This work describes a case of systemic infection and death by methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius, in a canine.Case: A crossbred bitch (Canis lupus familiaris), was admitted to the University Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Universityof Western Bahia (HVU-UFOB). The main complaint reported by the owner was the presence of mammary nodules andconstant nasal secretion. During the clinical examination was observed reactivity in the popliteal and left submandibularlymph nodes, pale mucous membranes, stomatitis, bilateral mucopurulent nasal secretion, abdominal pustules, serous secretion in the inguinal mammary gland and focal alopecia on the dorsum. On auscultation, was identified only arrhythmiaand the other physiological parameters of the animal were within normality for the species. Samples of the nasal secretionand of the secretion from the abdominal pustules were collected, and sent to the Veterinary Microbiology Laboratory ofthe same institution. The samples collected were sown in 5% Blood Agar (BA), Sabouraud Agar (SAB) and MacConkeyAgar (MCK), after 24 h was observed in BA the growth of macroscopically white colonies, with a humid aspect, creamyconsistency, with presence of catalase and α-hemolysis. Microscopically, was observed the presence of Gram-positivecocci, suggestive of Staphylococcus sp. Microscopically, was observed the presence of Gram-positive cocci, suggestiveof Staphylococcus sp. In the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, was identified S. pseudintermedius. Enrofloxacin [Enrotrat...

Systemic infection by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in a bitch

Background: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an opportunistic pathogen, belonging to the genus Staphylococcus.The methicillin-resistant Staphylococci have the mecA-gene, which confers them with the ability of becoming resistant tomethicillin and multiple classes of antimicrobials, which makes the treatment of the affections caused by these specimensdifficult. This work describes a case of systemic infection and death by methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius, in a canine.Case: A crossbred bitch (Canis lupus familiaris), was admitted to the University Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Universityof Western Bahia (HVU-UFOB). The main complaint reported by the owner was the presence of mammary nodules andconstant nasal secretion. During the clinical examination was observed reactivity in the popliteal and left submandibularlymph nodes, pale mucous membranes, stomatitis, bilateral mucopurulent nasal secretion, abdominal pustules, serous secretion in the inguinal mammary gland and focal alopecia on the dorsum. On auscultation, was identified only arrhythmiaand the other physiological parameters of the animal were within normality for the species. Samples of the nasal secretionand of the secretion from the abdominal pustules were collected, and sent to the Veterinary Microbiology Laboratory ofthe same institution. The samples collected were sown in 5% Blood Agar (BA), Sabouraud Agar (SAB) and MacConkeyAgar (MCK), after 24 h was observed in BA the growth of macroscopically white colonies, with a humid aspect, creamyconsistency, with presence of catalase and α-hemolysis. Microscopically, was observed the presence of Gram-positivecocci, suggestive of Staphylococcus sp. Microscopically, was observed the presence of Gram-positive cocci, suggestiveof Staphylococcus sp. In the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, was identified S. pseudintermedius. Enrofloxacin [Enrotrat...(AU)

Tricoblastoma em cão: uma análise clínica, diagnóstica e terapêutica / Trichoblastoma in a dog: a clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic analysis

Background: Trichoblastoma is a rare skin neoplasm derived from the primitive hair follicle, having epithelial and mesenchymal components. Despite being commonly described as a benign tumor, there are reports in the literature of tumors with characteristics of malignant neoplasia. It affects adult dogs and cats, with no predilection for sex. Although rare, in studies in Brazil the pathology shows variable rates of occurrence. This work describes a case of tricoblastoma in a 4-year-old mixed breed dog, submitted to care at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Western Bahia (HVU-UFOB). Case: A 4-year-old male mixed breed dog with 7 kg of body weight, was referred to the HVU-UFOB. The main complaint reported by the canine’s tutor was an increase in volume in the region of the animal’s face, which evolved slowly, associated with itching, bleeding and sensitivity to touch. During the physical examination, a round, elevated mass was observed in the subcutaneous tissue of the left face, in the mandible region, with local alopecia. On palpation, the neoformation showed a firm consistency, well-defined and fluctuating, with no solutions for continuity or discomfort to touch. The animal’s physiological parameters were within the normal for the species. CBC, chest X-rays, abdominal ultrasound and aspiration cytology of the mass were requested. The blood count and image tests did not reveal any changes. On cytological examination, small, grouped basal epithelial cells were observed, characterized by a high nucleus-cytoplasm ratio, monomorphic nuclei and intensely basophilic and pigmented cytoplasm, a suggestive diagnosis of basal cell tumor. Due to the findings, an excisional biopsy of the mass was performed, with margins of 2 cm. The mass with its margins was sent for histopathological examination at the Animal Pathology Laboratory of the HVU...

Tricoblastoma em cão: uma análise clínica, diagnóstica e terapêutica / Trichoblastoma in a dog: a clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic analysis

Background: Trichoblastoma is a rare skin neoplasm derived from the primitive hair follicle, having epithelial and mesenchymal components. Despite being commonly described as a benign tumor, there are reports in the literature of tumors with characteristics of malignant neoplasia. It affects adult dogs and cats, with no predilection for sex. Although rare, in studies in Brazil the pathology shows variable rates of occurrence. This work describes a case of tricoblastoma in a 4-year-old mixed breed dog, submitted to care at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Western Bahia (HVU-UFOB). Case: A 4-year-old male mixed breed dog with 7 kg of body weight, was referred to the HVU-UFOB. The main complaint reported by the canines tutor was an increase in volume in the region of the animals face, which evolved slowly, associated with itching, bleeding and sensitivity to touch. During the physical examination, a round, elevated mass was observed in the subcutaneous tissue of the left face, in the mandible region, with local alopecia. On palpation, the neoformation showed a firm consistency, well-defined and fluctuating, with no solutions for continuity or discomfort to touch. The animals physiological parameters were within the normal for the species. CBC, chest X-rays, abdominal ultrasound and aspiration cytology of the mass were requested. The blood count and image tests did not reveal any changes. On cytological examination, small, grouped basal epithelial cells were observed, characterized by a high nucleus-cytoplasm ratio, monomorphic nuclei and intensely basophilic and pigmented cytoplasm, a suggestive diagnosis of basal cell tumor. Due to the findings, an excisional biopsy of the mass was performed, with margins of 2 cm. The mass with its margins was sent for histopathological examination at the Animal Pathology Laboratory of the HVU...(AU)

Natural infection by Trypanosoma cruzi in a dog from Bahia state - northeast of Brazil

Background: Chagas Disease (CD) is a parasitic anthropozoonosis caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), a protozoan transmitted by insects from the Reduviidae family. Several species of wild and domestic animals, humans included, are susceptible, developing acute clinical signals (myocarditis and cardiac arrhythmias) or chronic signals (drop on the performance and syncope) of the disease. In Brazil, the disease in dogs shows variable indexes of occurrence. The present paper describes the natural infection by T. cruzi in a canine living in the city of Barra, in the state of Bahia, Brazil, a region classified as high risk of vulnerability for the CD in the northeast of Brazil. Case: A 9-year-old male dog, non-specific breed, was referred to the clinic the Veterinary Clinic for Small Animals, at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital), at the Federal University of the West of Bahia. Its owner reported the presence of bloody secretion in the penile region. During the physical exam it was possible to observe an increase in the volume of the penis base. All of the animal’s physiological parameters were within normal levels. Blood samples and cytological laminas from the lesioned area were collected and sent to the Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology in the same institution. The cytological exam showed monomorphic population of great round cells with a round nucleus, condensed chromatin and one to two prominent nucleolus, abundant and slightly basophilic cytoplasm, with multiple stippled vacuoles, thus confirming a Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) case. With the blood exam one observed a thrombocytopenia, neutrophilia with a deviation on the left and the presence of a trypomastigote form of Trypanosoma sp. in the blood smears...

Natural infection by Trypanosoma cruzi in a dog from Bahia state - northeast of Brazil

Background: Chagas Disease (CD) is a parasitic anthropozoonosis caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), a protozoan transmitted by insects from the Reduviidae family. Several species of wild and domestic animals, humans included, are susceptible, developing acute clinical signals (myocarditis and cardiac arrhythmias) or chronic signals (drop on the performance and syncope) of the disease. In Brazil, the disease in dogs shows variable indexes of occurrence. The present paper describes the natural infection by T. cruzi in a canine living in the city of Barra, in the state of Bahia, Brazil, a region classified as high risk of vulnerability for the CD in the northeast of Brazil. Case: A 9-year-old male dog, non-specific breed, was referred to the clinic the Veterinary Clinic for Small Animals, at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital), at the Federal University of the West of Bahia. Its owner reported the presence of bloody secretion in the penile region. During the physical exam it was possible to observe an increase in the volume of the penis base. All of the animals physiological parameters were within normal levels. Blood samples and cytological laminas from the lesioned area were collected and sent to the Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology in the same institution. The cytological exam showed monomorphic population of great round cells with a round nucleus, condensed chromatin and one to two prominent nucleolus, abundant and slightly basophilic cytoplasm, with multiple stippled vacuoles, thus confirming a Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) case. With the blood exam one observed a thrombocytopenia, neutrophilia with a deviation on the left and the presence of a trypomastigote form of Trypanosoma sp. in the blood smears...(AU)