Seroepidemiological study of Caseous lymphadenitis in sheep from the Northeast region of Brazil using an indirect ELISA.

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of seropositivity Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in sheep in five states of northeastern Brazil, using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA). Young and adult sheep of both sexes were used. Blood samples were collected from 2638 sheep from 223 herds across all states. For the i-ELISA, antigens produced from the strain of C. pseudotuberculosis BRM 029971, a bacterial isolate from the Northeast region of Brazil, were used. Sensitivity and specificity indexes were calculated for the validation of the test, using as reference 49 and 134 serum samples from sheep known to be positive and negative, respectively. The i-ELISA presented four false-negative and four false-positive results, showing a specificity of 97.01%, a sensitivity of 91.84%, and an accuracy of 95.63%. These results were calculated based on an optical density (OD) cutoff point = 0.138. Of the 2638 sheep tested, 996 (37.76%, 95% CI = 35.93-39.62%) were seropositive, and of the 223 evaluated herds, 210 (94.17%, 95% CI = 90.28-96.56%) seropositive. The i-ELISA showed adequate sensitivity and specificity, proving to be a useful tool in the diagnosis of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) in sheep. Infection by C. pseudotuberculosis, determined by serology, is disseminated in the sheep herds in the states of Northeast Brazil. Thus, there is a need to implement effective control measures that prevent the spread of infectious agents.

Seroepidemiological characterization and risk factors associated with seroconversion to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in goats from Northeastern Brazil.

Goat breeding in the Northeast region of Brazil plays an important socioeconomic role. However, there are significant losses caused by sanitary deficits and infectious diseases, particularly caseous lymphadenitis (CL). Although CL is considered endemic in Northeastern Brazil, a comprehensive and up-to-date study of this disease in goat herds in this region is necessary. The objective of this study was to determine the farm-level and animal-level seroprevalences for the disease and to identify the possible risk factors that characterize CL in the caprine species of five Northeastern's states (Ceará, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, and Sergipe). A total of 2744 goat serum samples from 230 farms were collected between 2010 and 2012. The diagnosis of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection was performed using the indirect ELISA technique. Farm-level and animal-level seroprevalences were 87.8% and 30.3%, respectively, suggesting that C. pseudotuberculosis is widespread in goat herds of the Northeast region. The risk factors were as follows: absence of forage silage (odds ratio = 5.39), not separating animals by sex (odds ratio = 4.16) or by age (odds ratio = 6.30), not replacing old goat breeders (odds ratio = 7.80), and non-treatment of CL lumps prior to spontaneous rupture (odds ratio = 10.34). This study supports the idea that caseous lymphadenitis is widely disseminated in goats from Northeastern Brazil and based on the risk factor analysis attention should be given to the need to establish adequate control measures, such as incision and early drainage of superficial abscesses, quarantine and elimination of affected animals, periodic inspection of the herd, non-introduction of infected animals, and early disposal of animals with recurrent CL.

Factors associated with the seroprevalence of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep from Northeastern Brazil.

Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) is one of the main infectious diseases in sheep, responsible for great economic losses, mainly in Northeast region of Brazil, which has the largest sheep flock in the country. Thus, the aim of this survey was to determine the factors associated with the seroprevalence of this disease in sheep from Northeastern Brazil using a planned sample of flocks and animals. Samples were collected from 2312 adult and young sheep of both sex from 196 farms, located in 51 municipalities in five Northeastern Brazilian states (Ceará, Paraíba, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe). Serological diagnosis was performed using the indirect ELISA technique. Factors associated with seropositivity were identified by variables extracted from epidemiological questionnaires administered to breeders, using univariable and multivariable analyses. Factors associated with prevalence were purebred sheep (Prevalence ratio - PR = 1.189; P = 0.017), ram acquisition from animal expositions (PR = 1.192; P = 0.020), offspring is separated from ewes (PR = 1.132; P = 0.048), water supplied to sheep from ponds (PR = 1.365; P = 0.002), and delayed disposal of infected animals (PR = 1.263; P = 0.027). Flock-level and animal-level prevalences were 93.88 % (95 % CI = 89.60-96.46%) and 37.46 % (95 % CI = 35.51-39.45%), respectively. In view of the high prevalence found here and based on the associated factors, the implementation of an efficient CL control programme in Northeastern Brazil is recommended.

Clonal profile, virulence and resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from sheep milk.

The objective of this study was to characterize the clonal profile, virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance, particularly oxacillin resistance, of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from sheep milk. Milk samples were collected from all teats for the California Mastitis Test (CMT), somatic cell count, identification of S. aureus, investigation in these strains of genes encoding toxins (sea, seb, sec, sed, tst), biofilm (icaA, icaC, icaD, bap), leukocidin (luk-PV) oxacillin resistance by mecA gene detection and susceptibility testing (12 antibiotics). Messenger RNA expression was evaluated by RT-PCR in isolates carrying toxin and biofilm genes. Biofilm formation was also evaluated phenotypically by adherence to polystyrene plates. The clonal profile of S. aureus was investigated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. A total of 473 milk samples were collected from 242 animals on three farms and 20 S. aureus strains were isolated and none carried the mecA gene. The two sec gene-positive isolates and the isolates carrying the tst and luk-PV genes were positive by RT-PCR. Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the three flocks studied showed high susceptibility to the drugs tested and none was biofilm producer, indicating that biofilm formation was not a virulence factor causing infection by these strains. The typing of 17 S. aureus isolates revealed the presence of a common clone on the three farms studied, and the presence and expression of the sec and tst genes in one strain of this clone suggest the possible acquisition of virulence genes by this clone, a fact that is important for animal health and food hygiene.

Assessment of caseous lymphadenitis in goats in a slaughterhouse in the Brazilian semi-arid region and estimates of economic losses due to carcass condemnation / Avaliação da linfadenite caseosa em caprinos em um abatedouro na região do semiárido brasileiro e estimativas de perdas econômicas por condenação de carcaças

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) caused by the pathogenic bacterium, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, results in economic loss in goat farming. Its prevalence in Brazilian herds varies from 5 to 50%, generating expenses with treatment, loss in production, carcass and organ condemnation, and reduced price of the hide. This study aimed to describe the distribution of lesions and quantify the loss associated with CLA in goat breeding due to condemnation in a slaughterhouse located in a semiarid region. The study was conducted at the municipal slaughterhouse of the city of Patos, State of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil, where goats from this intermediate geographical region are slaughtered. In 2017, 3,662 animals were slaughtered, an average of 305 per month. During the study period, from March to August 2017, 304 goats of both sexes and different ages of undefined breed were assessed. In the ante-mortem examination, inspection and palpation of the superficial lymph nodes was done; in the post-mortem examination, organ and viscera were assessed. The caseous material collected was sent for microbiological analysis. Of the 304 individuals, 227 [74.67% (95% CI: 69.50-79.23)] did not have any lesions, while 77 [25.33% (95% CI: 20.77-30.50)] showed abscesses suggestive of CLA, which was confirmed in 65 goats [84.41% (95% CI: 76.30-92.50)]. Sex (P = 0.044) and age (P = 0.002) were associated with infection. While the sex of the animals affected carcass and viscera weights and carcass yield, their age affected live weight, carcass, organ, and viscera weights; conversely, the incidence of CLA did not affect these variables. The average price in Real (R$) of a kilogram (kg) of goat meat cuts and “offal” was used to calculate the economic loss. Considering the average carcass weight (11,485 kg), organ weight (1,085 kg), and viscera weight (2,013 kg), 4,433.232 kg of meat was produced, resulting in R$ 72,945.43. The condemnations resulted in the loss of 269.894 kg, which is equivalent to R$ 4,540.33. CLA is responsible for a negative impact of 6.09% on production. Implementing control measures for this disease is important to increase the financial return in goat farming.

Linfadenite Caseosa (LC) causada pela bactéria patogênica Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis resulta em perda econômica na caprinocultura. No rebanho brasileiro sua prevalência varia de 5 a 50%, gerando gastos com tratamento, queda de produção, condenação de carcaça e órgãos, e desvalorização da pele. O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a perda associada à LC na caprinocultura de corte por condenação em abatedouro do semiárido, bem como caracterizar a distribuição das lesões. O trabalho foi realizado no Abatedouro Municipal da cidade de Patos, Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil, onde ocorre abate de caprinos provenientes desta região geográfica intermediária. No ano de 2017 foram abatidos 3.662 animais, uma média de 305 por mês. Durante o período de estudo, março a agosto do mesmo ano, avaliou-se 304 caprinos sem padrão racial definido, ambos os sexos e idades diversas. No exame ante mortem foram submetidos à inspeção e palpação de linfonodos superficiais; post mortem, órgãos e vísceras. O material caseoso coletado foi submetido à análise microbiológica para diagnóstico. Dos 304 indivíduos, 227 [74,67% (IC 95%: 69,50-79,23)] não apresentaram qualquer lesão, enquanto 77 [25,33% (IC 95%: 20,77-30,50)] evidenciaram abscessos sugestivos de LC, com confirmação em 65 [84,41% (IC 95%: 76,30-92,50)]. Constatou-se associação de sexo (P = 0,044) e idade (P = 0,002) à infecção. Foi verificado efeito do sexo dos animais nas variáveis peso de carcaça, peso de vísceras e rendimento de carcaça, bem como houve efeito da idade nas variáveis peso vivo, peso de carcaça, peso de órgãos e peso de vísceras; no entanto, não houve efeito da ocorrência de LC nessas variáveis. Para cálculo de perda econômica adotou-se o preço médio em Real (R$) do quilograma (kg) dos cortes de carne caprina, e “miúdos”. Considerando o peso médio de carcaça (11,485 kg), órgãos (1,085 kg) e vísceras (2,013 kg), houve produção de 4.433,232 kg, resultando em R$ 72.945,43. As condenações subtraíram 269,894 kg, equivalente a R$ 4.540,33. Atribui-se à LC um impacto negativo de 6,09% na produção. Implementar medidas de controle para essa doença é importante para que se amplie o retorno financeiro à atividade.

Assessment of caseous lymphadenitis in goats in a slaughterhouse in the Brazilian semi-arid region and estimates of economic losses due to carcass condemnation / Avaliação da linfadenite caseosa em caprinos em um abatedouro na região do semiárido brasileiro e estimativas de perdas econômicas por condenação de carcaças

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) caused by the pathogenic bacterium, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, results in economic loss in goat farming. Its prevalence in Brazilian herds varies from 5 to 50%, generating expenses with treatment, loss in production, carcass and organ condemnation, and reduced price of the hide. This study aimed to describe the distribution of lesions and quantify the loss associated with CLA in goat breeding due to condemnation in a slaughterhouse located in a semiarid region. The study was conducted at the municipal slaughterhouse of the city of Patos, State of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil, where goats from this intermediate geographical region are slaughtered. In 2017, 3,662 animals were slaughtered, an average of 305 per month. During the study period, from March to August 2017, 304 goats of both sexes and different ages of undefined breed were assessed. In the ante-mortem examination, inspection and palpation of the superficial lymph nodes was done; in the post-mortem examination, organ and viscera were assessed. The caseous material collected was sent for microbiological analysis. Of the 304 individuals, 227 [74.67% (95% CI: 69.50-79.23)] did not have any lesions, while 77 [25.33% (95% CI: 20.77-30.50)] showed abscesses suggestive of CLA, which was confirmed in 65 goats [84.41% (95% CI: 76.30-92.50)]. Sex (P = 0.044) and age (P = 0.002) were associated with infection. While the sex of the animals affected carcass and viscera weights and carcass yield, their age affected live weight, carcass, organ, and viscera weights; conversely, the incidence of CLA did not affect these variables. The average price in Real (R$) of a kilogram (kg) of goat meat cuts and “offal” was used to calculate the economic loss. Considering the average carcass weight (11,485 kg), organ weight (1,085 kg), and viscera weight (2,013 kg), 4,433.232 kg of meat was produced, resulting in R$ 72,945.43. The condemnations resulted in the loss of 269.894 kg, which is equivalent to R$ 4,540.33. CLA is responsible for a negative impact of 6.09% on production. Implementing control measures for this disease is important to increase the financial return in goat farming.(AU)

Linfadenite Caseosa (LC) causada pela bactéria patogênica Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis resulta em perda econômica na caprinocultura. No rebanho brasileiro sua prevalência varia de 5 a 50%, gerando gastos com tratamento, queda de produção, condenação de carcaça e órgãos, e desvalorização da pele. O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a perda associada à LC na caprinocultura de corte por condenação em abatedouro do semiárido, bem como caracterizar a distribuição das lesões. O trabalho foi realizado no Abatedouro Municipal da cidade de Patos, Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil, onde ocorre abate de caprinos provenientes desta região geográfica intermediária. No ano de 2017 foram abatidos 3.662 animais, uma média de 305 por mês. Durante o período de estudo, março a agosto do mesmo ano, avaliou-se 304 caprinos sem padrão racial definido, ambos os sexos e idades diversas. No exame ante mortem foram submetidos à inspeção e palpação de linfonodos superficiais; post mortem, órgãos e vísceras. O material caseoso coletado foi submetido à análise microbiológica para diagnóstico. Dos 304 indivíduos, 227 [74,67% (IC 95%: 69,50-79,23)] não apresentaram qualquer lesão, enquanto 77 [25,33% (IC 95%: 20,77-30,50)] evidenciaram abscessos sugestivos de LC, com confirmação em 65 [84,41% (IC 95%: 76,30-92,50)]. Constatou-se associação de sexo (P = 0,044) e idade (P = 0,002) à infecção. Foi verificado efeito do sexo dos animais nas variáveis peso de carcaça, peso de vísceras e rendimento de carcaça, bem como houve efeito da idade nas variáveis peso vivo, peso de carcaça, peso de órgãos e peso de vísceras; no entanto, não houve efeito da ocorrência de LC nessas variáveis. Para cálculo de perda econômica adotou-se o preço médio em Real (R$) do quilograma (kg) dos cortes de carne caprina, e “miúdos”. Considerando o peso médio de carcaça (11,485 kg), órgãos (1,085 kg) e vísceras (2,013 kg), houve produção de 4.433,232 kg, resultando em R$ 72.945,43. As condenações subtraíram 269,894 kg, equivalente a R$ 4.540,33. Atribui-se à LC um impacto negativo de 6,09% na produção. Implementar medidas de controle para essa doença é importante para que se amplie o retorno financeiro à atividade.(AU)

Seroprevalence of caseous lymphadenitis in goats sold in an animal fair in the northeastern semi-arid region of Brazil / Soroprevalência da linfadenite caseosa em caprinos comercializados em feira de animais no Semiárido nordestino

Goat farming in the northeastern regions of Brazil plays an important role in the socio-economic functions of the country. However, high rates of morbidity and mortality occur in the animals, caused primarily by infectious diseases like caseous lymphadenitis, which is widespread in goat herds; this causes serious economic losses to the farming business. Although events such as animal fairs are common in the region, wherein most of the goats and sheep are sold, the risk of disease transmission remains, since the health condition of the animal is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of anti-Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis antibodies present in the goats sold at the animal fair of Tabira - PE, Northeastern semi-arid. Serum samples from 233 goats were collected from the period of November 2014 to June 2015. The diagnosis of infection by C. pseudotuberculosis was made using the indirect ELISA technique. The number of goats seropositive for C. pseudotuberculosis was identified as 87 (37.34%; 95% CI = 31.38 - 43.71%). Of the nine flocks evaluated, five (55.55%) were positive. Thus, it is suggested that infection by C. pseudotuberculosis is widespread in the goats sold at the animal fairs in the semi-arid Northeastern, reinforcing the need for disease diagnosis in goat herds in the region for the possible implementation of disease control programs.(AU)

A caprinocultura se destaca na região Nordeste do Brasil por desempenhar importante função socioeconômica. Contudo altas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade ocorrem nas propriedades causadas principalmente por doenças infecciosas, destacando-se a linfadenite caseosa, que se encontra amplamente difundida nos rebanhos caprinos, acarretando sérios prejuízos econômicos à atividade. Eventos do tipo feira de animais são comuns na região, onde é comercializada grande parte da produção de caprinos e ovinos, porém existe um risco de transmissão de doenças nesses locais quando a condição sanitáriados animais é desconhecida. O objetivo desse estudo foi determinar a frequência de anticorpos anti-Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis em caprinos comercializados na feira de animais do município de Tabira-PE, Semiárido nordestino. Foram coletadas amostras de soro de 233 caprinos no período de novembro de 2014 a junho de 2015. O diagnóstico da infecção por C. pseudotuberculosis foi realizado pela técnica de ELISA-indireto. Foram identificados 87 (37,34%; IC 95% = 31,38 - 43,71%) caprinos soropositivos para C. pseudotuberculosis. Dos nove rebanhos avaliados, cinco (55,55%) resultaram positivos. Sugere-se que a infecção por C. pseudotuberculosis encontra-se disseminada nos caprinos comercializados em feiras de animais do Semiárido nordestino, reforçando a necessidade do diagnóstico da enfermidade em rebanhos caprinos da região para possível implementação de programas de controle da doença.(AU)

Calidad de la leche y el perfil de los productores de una linea de transporte de la leche / Milk quality and profile of producers from a milk pick-up route / Qualidade do leite e perfil dos produtores de uma linha de entrega de leite

El objetivo de este estudio fue una evaluación secuencial de la calidad de la leche y el perfil de 34 productores de leche en la región central y un productor de la región de Campinas en Sao Paulo. Se recogieron los datos de las propiedades durante tres visitas con un intervalo promedio de dos meses, incluyendo un cuestionario para comprobar el tamaño de los rebaños y la gestión realizada. También se registraron los datos mensuales del recuento total de bacterias (TBC) y el recuento de células somáticas (SCC) proporcionada por la industria láctea. Los productores de la región tenían características diferentes como tres a 111 animales lactantes, variables de producción diaria de 10 a 3.632,8 litros. De las 35 propiedades, 15.4% y 27.89% tenían un recuento medio de células somáticas (SCC) y el recuento total de bacterias (TBC), respectivamente, por encima de los límites establecidos por el Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Abastecimiento (MAPA), la de acuerdo con la instrucción normativa 51, vigente en el momento. Sólo el 17,65% de las propiedades a cabo todos los procedimientos de higiene para el ordeño y el 17,65% no recibió ningún tipo de soporte técnico. Se observó que las propiedades son pequeñas a de tamaño medio, con el potencial para aumentar la producción y mejorar la calidad de la leche, como ya resfriavan el producto y tenía algún grado de tecnificación. [...]

The aim of this study was to perform a follow-up evaluation of both the milk quality and the profile of 34 dairy milk producers at the central-west region of São Paulo State and one producer at Campinas region, also in São Paulo State, Brazil. Data were collected from farms during three visits at two-month mean intervals, including a questionnaire to verify the herd size and the adopted management. Monthly data of total bacterial count (TBC) and somatic cell count (SCC) provided by the dairy plant were also recorded. The producers had variable characteristics such as: from three to 111 lactating animals; daily production ranging from 10 to 3,632.8 litters. Of the 35 farms, 15.4% and 27.8% had SCC and TBC, respectively above the limits established by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA), according the Normative Instruction (IN 51). Only 17.65% farms carried out all hygienic procedures recommended for milking, while 17.65% do not received any type of technical support. The studied farms belong to small to medium-scale farmers with the potential to increase their production and improve milk quality, since they already refrigerated the product and had a certain automation degree. These results indicate the importance of adopting sanitary education activities for the production of more hygienic milk, as well as actions for mastitis control.

O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma avaliação sequencial da qualidade do leite e o perfil de 34 produtores de leite da região Centro-Oeste e de um produtor da região de Campinas no estado de São Paulo. Os dados das propriedades foram coletados durante três visitas com intervalo médio de dois meses, incluindo um questionário para verificar o tamanho do rebanho e manejo realizado. Foram anotados ainda os dados mensais de contagem bacteriana total (CBT) e contagem de células somáticas (CCS) fornecidos pelo laticínio. Os produtores da região tinham características diferentes como: de três a 111 animais em lactação, produção diária variável de 10 a 3.632,8 litros. Das 35 propriedades, 15,4% e 27,89% apresentaram em média contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e contagem bacteriana total (CBT), respectivamente, acima dos limites determinados pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA), de acordo com a instrução normativa 51, vigente na época. Apenas 17,65% das propriedades realizavam todos os procedimentos de higiene na ordenha e 17,65% não recebiam nenhum tipo de suporte técnico. Foi possível observar que as propriedades são de produtores de pequeno a médio porte, com potencial para aumentar a produção e melhorar a qualidade do leite, pois já refrigeravam o produto e apresentavam algum grau de tecnificação. Conclui-se ainda pela importância da adoção de [...]

Calidad de la leche y el perfil de los productores de una linea de transporte de la leche / Milk quality and profile of producers from a milk pick-up route / Qualidade do leite e perfil dos produtores de uma linha de entrega de leite

El objetivo de este estudio fue una evaluación secuencial de la calidad de la leche y el perfil de 34 productores de leche en la región central y un productor de la región de Campinas en Sao Paulo. Se recogieron los datos de las propiedades durante tres visitas con un intervalo promedio de dos meses, incluyendo un cuestionario para comprobar el tamaño de los rebaños y la gestión realizada. También se registraron los datos mensuales del recuento total de bacterias (TBC) y el recuento de células somáticas (SCC) proporcionada por la industria láctea. Los productores de la región tenían características diferentes como tres a 111 animales lactantes, variables de producción diaria de 10 a 3.632,8 litros. De las 35 propiedades, 15.4% y 27.89% tenían un recuento medio de células somáticas (SCC) y el recuento total de bacterias (TBC), respectivamente, por encima de los límites establecidos por el Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Abastecimiento (MAPA), la de acuerdo con la instrucción normativa 51, vigente en el momento. Sólo el 17,65% de las propiedades a cabo todos los procedimientos de higiene para el ordeño y el 17,65% no recibió ningún tipo de soporte técnico. Se observó que las propiedades son pequeñas a de tamaño medio, con el potencial para aumentar la producción y mejorar la calidad de la leche, como ya resfriavan el producto y tenía algún grado de tecnificación. [...](AU)

The aim of this study was to perform a follow-up evaluation of both the milk quality and the profile of 34 dairy milk producers at the central-west region of São Paulo State and one producer at Campinas region, also in São Paulo State, Brazil. Data were collected from farms during three visits at two-month mean intervals, including a questionnaire to verify the herd size and the adopted management. Monthly data of total bacterial count (TBC) and somatic cell count (SCC) provided by the dairy plant were also recorded. The producers had variable characteristics such as: from three to 111 lactating animals; daily production ranging from 10 to 3,632.8 litters. Of the 35 farms, 15.4% and 27.8% had SCC and TBC, respectively above the limits established by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA), according the Normative Instruction (IN 51). Only 17.65% farms carried out all hygienic procedures recommended for milking, while 17.65% do not received any type of technical support. The studied farms belong to small to medium-scale farmers with the potential to increase their production and improve milk quality, since they already refrigerated the product and had a certain automation degree. These results indicate the importance of adopting sanitary education activities for the production of more hygienic milk, as well as actions for mastitis control.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma avaliação sequencial da qualidade do leite e o perfil de 34 produtores de leite da região Centro-Oeste e de um produtor da região de Campinas no estado de São Paulo. Os dados das propriedades foram coletados durante três visitas com intervalo médio de dois meses, incluindo um questionário para verificar o tamanho do rebanho e manejo realizado. Foram anotados ainda os dados mensais de contagem bacteriana total (CBT) e contagem de células somáticas (CCS) fornecidos pelo laticínio. Os produtores da região tinham características diferentes como: de três a 111 animais em lactação, produção diária variável de 10 a 3.632,8 litros. Das 35 propriedades, 15,4% e 27,89% apresentaram em média contagem de células somáticas (CCS) e contagem bacteriana total (CBT), respectivamente, acima dos limites determinados pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA), de acordo com a instrução normativa 51, vigente na época. Apenas 17,65% das propriedades realizavam todos os procedimentos de higiene na ordenha e 17,65% não recebiam nenhum tipo de suporte técnico. Foi possível observar que as propriedades são de produtores de pequeno a médio porte, com potencial para aumentar a produção e melhorar a qualidade do leite, pois já refrigeravam o produto e apresentavam algum grau de tecnificação. Conclui-se ainda pela importância da adoção de [...](AU)

Clonal profile, virulence and resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from sheep milk

The objective of this study was to characterize the clonal profile, virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance, particularly oxacillin resistance, of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from sheep milk. Milk samples were collected from all teats for the California Mastitis Test (CMT), somatic cell count, identification of S. aureus, investigation in these strains of genes encoding toxins (sea, seb, sec, sed, tst), biofilm (icaA, icaC, icaD, bap), leukocidin (luk-PV) oxacillin resistance by mecA gene detection and susceptibility testing (12 antibiotics). Messenger RNA expression was evaluated by RT-PCR in isolates carrying toxin and biofilm genes. Biofilm formation was also evaluated phenotypically by adherence to polystyrene plates. The clonal profile of S. aureus was investigated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. A total of 473 milk samples were collected from 242 animals on three farms and 20 S. aureus strains were isolated and none carried the mecA gene. The two sec gene-positive isolates and the isolates carrying the tst and luk-PV genes were positive by RT-PCR. Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the three flocks studied showed high susceptibility to the drugs tested and none was biofilm producer, indicating that biofilm formation was not a virulence factor causing infection by these strains. The typing of 17 S. aureus isolates revealed the presence of a common clone on the three farms studied, and the presence and expression of the sec and tst genes in one strain of this clone suggest the possible acquisition of virulence genes by this clone, a fact that is important for animal health and food hygiene.

Clonal profile, virulence and resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from sheep milk

The objective of this study was to characterize the clonal profile, virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance, particularly oxacillin resistance, of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from sheep milk. Milk samples were collected from all teats for the California Mastitis Test (CMT), somatic cell count, identification of S. aureus, investigation in these strains of genes encoding toxins (sea, seb, sec, sed, tst), biofilm (icaA, icaC, icaD, bap), leukocidin (luk-PV) oxacillin resistance by mecA gene detection and susceptibility testing (12 antibiotics). Messenger RNA expression was evaluated by RT-PCR in isolates carrying toxin and biofilm genes. Biofilm formation was also evaluated phenotypically by adherence to polystyrene plates. The clonal profile of S. aureus was investigated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. A total of 473 milk samples were collected from 242 animals on three farms and 20 S. aureus strains were isolated and none carried the mecA gene. The two sec gene-positive isolates and the isolates carrying the tst and luk-PV genes were positive by RT-PCR. Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the three flocks studied showed high susceptibility to the drugs tested and none was biofilm producer, indicating that biofilm formation was not a virulence factor causing infection by these strains. The typing of 17 S. aureus isolates revealed the presence of a common clone on the three farms studied, and the presence and expression of the sec and tst genes in one strain of this clone suggest the possible acquisition of virulence genes by this clone, a fact that is important for animal health and food hygiene.(AU)

Seroprevalence of caseous lymphadenitis in goats sold in an animal fair in the northeastern semi-arid region of Brazil / Soroprevalência da linfadenite caseosa em caprinos comercializados em feira de animais no Semiárido nordestino

Goat farming in the northeastern regions of Brazil plays an important role in the socio-economic functions of the country. However, high rates of morbidity and mortality occur in the animals, caused primarily by infectious diseases like caseous lymphadenitis, which is widespread in goat herds; this causes serious economic losses to the farming business. Although events such as animal fairs are common in the region, wherein most of the goats and sheep are sold, the risk of disease transmission remains, since the health condition of the animal is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of anti-Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis antibodies present in the goats sold at the animal fair of Tabira - PE, Northeastern semi-arid. Serum samples from 233 goats were collected from the period of November 2014 to June 2015. The diagnosis of infection by C. pseudotuberculosis was made using the indirect ELISA technique. The number of goats seropositive for C. pseudotuberculosis was identified as 87 (37.34%; 95% CI = 31.38 - 43.71%). Of the nine flocks evaluated, five (55.55%) were positive. Thus, it is suggested that infection by C. pseudotuberculosis is widespread in the goats sold at the animal fairs in the semi-arid Northeastern, reinforcing the need for disease diagnosis in goat herds in the region for the possible implementation of disease control programs.

A caprinocultura se destaca na região Nordeste do Brasil por desempenhar importante função socioeconômica. Contudo altas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade ocorrem nas propriedades causadas principalmente por doenças infecciosas, destacando-se a linfadenite caseosa, que se encontra amplamente difundida nos rebanhos caprinos, acarretando sérios prejuízos econômicos à atividade. Eventos do tipo feira de animais são comuns na região, onde é comercializada grande parte da produção de caprinos e ovinos, porém existe um risco de transmissão de doenças nesses locais quando a condição sanitáriados animais é desconhecida. O objetivo desse estudo foi determinar a frequência de anticorpos anti-Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis em caprinos comercializados na feira de animais do município de Tabira-PE, Semiárido nordestino. Foram coletadas amostras de soro de 233 caprinos no período de novembro de 2014 a junho de 2015. O diagnóstico da infecção por C. pseudotuberculosis foi realizado pela técnica de ELISA-indireto. Foram identificados 87 (37,34%; IC 95% = 31,38 - 43,71%) caprinos soropositivos para C. pseudotuberculosis. Dos nove rebanhos avaliados, cinco (55,55%) resultaram positivos. Sugere-se que a infecção por C. pseudotuberculosis encontra-se disseminada nos caprinos comercializados em feiras de animais do Semiárido nordestino, reforçando a necessidade do diagnóstico da enfermidade em rebanhos caprinos da região para possível implementação de programas de controle da doença.