Interaction between Solvatochromic Dyes and Water Sampled from a Natural Source Treated with High Dilutions of Phosphorus.

BACKGROUND: Highly diluted and succussed solutions interact with solvatochromic dyes, indicating that changes in solvent and solute polarity could be related to their mechanism of action. It is not known, however, how the activity associated with succussed high dilutions is transferred to untreated water and what the limits of this process are. AIMS: The aims of the present study were to ascertain whether a succussed high dilution of phosphorus (1.5 × 1-59 M; Phos 30cH) seeded into a natural water source that fed a fjord and two connected lakes could propagate itself through the lake system (total volume 2200 m3) and, moreover, whether the process could be tracked using solvatochromic dyes. METHODS: Samples of water were collected before and after seeding, at different times and places throughout the lake system. Controls comprised water taken from an untreated and adjacent, but independent, lake (1385 m3). RESULTS: Water samples taken up to 72 hours after the source treatment produced significant increases (p ≤ 0.03) in the absorbance of the solvatochromic dye methylene violet (MV), while samples from the control lake produced no changes. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that activity associated with Phos 30c can propagate itself through large volumes of water, causing changes throughout a whole connected lake system, and that these changes can be tracked using the solvatochromic dye MV. This in turn means the use of homeopathic medicines in large volumes of drinking water, in farming and ecological contexts, now has the potential to be assessed with physico-chemical monitoring.

Individual determinants of fish choosing in open-air street markets from Santo André, SP/Brazil.

The objective of this study was to identify the determinants of fish consumption in the population that attends open-air street markets in the city of Santo André, SP, Brazil.We performed a survey, covering approximately 482 people in 49 street markets.It consisted of free-answer questions, half open choice and half multiple-choice options, for the identification and evaluation of socioeconomic factors that facilitate and hinder fish consumption.A descriptive analysis of the data and further tests were used to determine the association between variables and linearity with consumption, with a significance level of 5%. The most commonly cited types of fish consumed were hake, sardine and dogfish. The factors that facilitate the purchase and consumption of fish are listed as follows: a preference for purchasing fish at street markets, appearance, firmness, fresh presentation, frozen presentation, as well as the respondent's education and individual monthly income. Limiting factors were identified as the price and the presence of spines. Perishability, odour, ethnicity, proximity to points of sale of residence and work, gender, age, number of people in the household, presence of children and acquisition supermarket were not characteristics that influenced decisions about fish consumption.

Epidemiology, treatment, and prevention of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-associated diseases.

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), the first human retrovirus to be discovered, is present in diverse regions of the world, where its infection is usually neglected in health care settings and by public health authorities. Since it is usually asymptomatic in the beginning of the infection and disease typically manifests later in life, silent transmission occurs, which is associated with sexual relations, breastfeeding, and blood transfusions. There are no prospects of vaccines, and screening of blood banks and in prenatal care settings is not universal. Therefore, its transmission is active in many areas such as parts of Africa, South and Central America, the Caribbean region, Asia, and Melanesia. It causes serious diseases in humans, including adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and an incapacitating neurological disease (HTLV-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis [HAM/TSP]) besides other afflictions such as uveitis, rheumatic syndromes, and predisposition to helminthic and bacterial infections, among others. These diseases are not curable as yet, and current treatments as well as new perspectives are discussed in the present review.

Intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test in the diagnosis of caprine tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis remains one of the most important infectious diseases with well-known zoonotic nature that affect humans, wildlife, and domestic animals, including goats. Nonetheless, no intradermal tuberculin test has been standardized for caprine diagnosis of tuberculosis. The present study investigated the intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test (ICCTT) in the diagnosis of tuberculosis among 60 goats from farms with history of tuberculosis. The cutoff applied to goats was based on a study where goats had been experimentally infected with Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium. Clinical examination, bacteriological culture, and histopathological staining were assessed to the diagnosis. Isolates compatible with mycobacteria were subjected for molecular diagnosis based on gyrB-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and PCR restriction-enzyme analysis (PRA) of hsp65 gene by BstEII and HaeIII, namely PRA-hsp65 assay. From all goats, 60% (n = 36/60), 3.3% (n = 2/60), and 36.7% (n = 22/60) showed positive, inconclusive, and negative reactions, respectively. Out of 36 goats with ICCTT positive, 75% (n = 27/36) had isolation of mycobacteria and were detected M. bovis by gyrB-RFLP. Molecular diagnosis and histopathological findings compatible with tuberculosis showed 86.1% (n = 31/36) concordance with the ICCTT. When compared ICCTT with M. bovis isolation, gyrB-RFLP, and histopathology, the better arithmetic means of sensitivity and specificity were 2.5 mm for ICCTT compared with M. bovis isolation and gyrB-RFLP, and 4.55 mm when compared with histopathology. Both receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves presented statistical significance (P < 0.001). The identification of other mycobacteria, e.g., M. kansasii, M. flavescens, M. avium, M. florentinum, M. lentiflavum, M. simiae, and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, not influenced positive results in ICCTT. The concordance between bacteriological, histopathological, and molecular identification with ICCTT findings indicate that the tuberculin test may be used as a valuable tool for diagnosis of caprine tuberculosis and reinforce the importance of association of methods to diagnostic of the disease from animal origin.

Mycobacterium bovis infection in goats from the Northeast region of Brazil.

A total of 8,058 male and female mixed-breed goats and 1-4 years of age were slaughtered over a period of 7 months at the public slaughterhouse of Patos city, Paraíba state, in the Northeast region of Brazil; 822 animals were inspected for gross lesions of tuberculosis, and 12 (1.46%) had lesions suggestive of tuberculosis in the mammary gland, lungs, liver and mediastinal, mesenteric, submandibular, parotid and prescapular lymph nodes. Presence of granulomatous lesions was confirmed in the submandibular lymph node of one (8.3%) goat at the histopathological examination and at the mycobacterium culture the same sample was confirmed positive. Isolate was confirmed as belonging to the M. tuberculosis complex by PCR restriction enzyme analysis (PRA). Spoligotyping identified the isolate into spoligotype SB0295 on the M. bovis Spoligotype Database website (www.mbovis.org), and it was classified as M. bovis. The occurrence of M. bovis in goats in this study suggests that this species may be a potential source of infection for humans and should be regarded as a possible problem in the advancement of control and eradication program for bovine tuberculosis in Brazil.

Comparison of agglutinating and neutralizing antibodies to serovar hardjo in sows immunized with two commercial whole culture polivalent anti-leptospira bacterins.

It was performed the comparison of the intensity and duration of agglutinating and neutralizing antibodies to serovar Hardjo in swines vaccinated with two commercial anti-leptospira bacterins. Sows no reactive to 24 Leptospira sp serovars in the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) were divided in three groups: Group A (n=08): received two vaccine A doses with 30 days interval, Group B (n=08) two vaccine B doses with 30 days interval and Group C (n=08): control no vaccinated against leptospirosis.Blood samples were collected each 30 days during six months following the first vaccination. The sera were tested by MAT and growth inhibition test (GIT) to serovar Hardjo in order to evaluate respectively agglutinating and neutralizing antibodies. It was found that neutralizing antibodies persisted for a longer time than the agglutinating ones and that the absence of agglutinating antibodies does not means in the absence of the neutralizing. The peaks of agglutinating antibodies was obtained at least 30 days earlier than that produced by neutralizing. The duration of both kinds of antibodies measured differed between the two bacterines tested. The period for inducing neutralizing antibodies against serovar Hardjo indicated that gilts must be immunized with two doses of whole culture anti-leptospira bacterines applied 30 days each other at least 90 days before the first mating. For the maintenance of hight levels of neutralizing antibodies the revaccinations must be performed every six months after the first vaccination.

Bloqueio do plexo braquial guiado por neuroestimulação elétrica em jabuti piranga (Chelonoidis carbonarius) submetido à intervenção cirúrgica em membro torácico: Relato de caso / Brachial plexus block guided by electrical neurostimulation in a tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius) undergoing surgical intervention in the forelimb: Case report

A anestesia local tem sido recomendada para intervenções cirúrgicas quando se procura evitar a anestesia geral do animal com o intuito de minimizar os riscos, que podem ocorrer durante o aprofundamento do plano anestésico, além de promover uma rápida recuperação. O presente trabalho descreve o caso de um jabuti piranga (C. carbonarius) submetido à contenção química associada a bloqueio anestésico em plexo braquial para realização da excisão cirúrgica de um abcesso em membro tórácico direito, sendo apresentadas considerações sobre a aplicabilidade desta técnica em quelônios com destaque para os cuidados a serem tomados pelo anestesista durante a intervenção.(AU)

Local anesthesia has been recommended for surgical interventions when trying to avoid the need of general anesthesia of the animal and to minimize any risks that may occur during the deepening of the anesthetic plane, in addition to promoting a quick recovery. The present work describes the case of a tortoise (C. carbonarius) submitted to chemical restraint associated whit anesthesic blockage in the brachial plexus during surgical intervention to remove an abscess in the right thoracic limb, presenting considerations about the applicability of this technique in chelonians, with emphasis on the care to be taken by the anesthesiologist during the intervention.(AU)

Lycopodium as a treatment for Urate Deposition (gout) in birds: case report

A 3-year-old male cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) was diagnosed with joint arthritis due to hyperucemiasyndrome. The bird presented deposition of urate crystals on the synovial membrane with inflammation of joints and tendons (tufts), causing listlessness, anorexia and lameness, with difficulty in keeping perched or moving. Laboratory tests displayed an increase in uric acid and creatinine phosphokinase levels, and leukocytosis despite lymphopenia. Unsucessfully, the animal had been treated with allopathic medicine for 2 months, without a favorable response and still developing stressful reaction to handling.Methodology:High dilution therapy was attempted with 2 globules of Lycopodiumclavatum30 cH /bid and Arnica montana30 cH /bid /oral. The most expressive tufts were removed with daily cleaning of the affected area; a new diet was established and perches were removed, allowing the bird to remain on a flat surface until regression of symptoms. The medication was continued for 30 days. On the second appointment, although the caregiver reported episodes of probable pain, there was an improvement in behavior with normal appetite. Lyc30cH /sid was continued and Arn30cH /bid to qid, depending on pain episodes, for over 30 days. The tutor authorized the case report through a consent form. Results and discussion:Follow-up laboratory tests were performed everythree months for one year, reaching normal levels for uric acid (3.5-11 mg/dL) and CK (30-245mg/dL) on the third measurement. The bird presented no formation of new tufts along the second month of treatment. After 12 months, the animal ingests homeopathic globules spontaneously and presents stable clinical presentation (Lyc30cH / sid / 3 times a week) with no recurrence and without side effects nor stressful behavior. Conclusion: In view of these results, it is considered that homeopathic treatment is an option to be considered in the treatment of joint arthritis from hyperuricemia syndrome in birds.

Immunologic markers, uveitis, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca associated with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1.

PURPOSE: To verify the occurrence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) associated uveitis (HAU) and to evaluate the immunologic status related to HTLV-1. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Ophthalmic examination (both eyes) and immunophenotyping of peripheral blood lymphocytes were performed in 207 infected asymptomatic blood donors (AS), 55 controls (NI), and 55 patients with HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM/TSP). Examiner was masked to patient's serologic status. RESULTS: KCS was more frequent in HAM/TSP (30/55, 54.5%) than in NI and AS (07/55, 12.7% and 42/207, 20.3%, respectively). Presence of lacrimal hyposecretion in KCS individuals was higher in the HAM/TSP group (P < .001) as compared with NI and AS. HAU was found in 1/55 (1.82%) of HAM/TSP patients and 4/207 (1.93%) of HTLV-1 seropositive donors. Higher levels of activated CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells were observed in HAM/TSP. Patients with HAU displayed higher percentage of both CD4(+) HLA-DR(+) and CD8(+)HLA-DR(+) when compared with NI and AS without HAU. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HAM/TSP manifested more ophthalmologic symptoms than asymptomatic HTLV-1-infected individuals, with significantly higher KCS and immunologic alterations. Levels of activated CD8+ T cells could be used as a prognosis marker of inflammatory disease manifestation to follow-up AS individuals.

Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in a low-income community in the São Paulo municipality, SP, Brazil.

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common zoonoses worldwide. The seroprevalence for T. gondii in human population from Brazil might range from 40 to 80%. The aim of this paper was to study the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in children from age one to 15 living in a low socioeconomic community, named community of Jardim São Remo in the year of 2002. The community is located in the West area of São Paulo municipality, São Paulo State, Brazil. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 110 (32.4%, CI 95%: 27.5 - 37.7) of the 339 children tested with indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. The titration of the samples revealed 29 children with serum titer equal to 16, 14 children with 32, 18 children with 64, 21 children with 128, 20 children with 256 and eight children with serum titer > 512. The age dependence of the prevalence of T. gondii infection and the association between seroprevalence for T. gondii and seroprevalence for T. canis suggest that the infection is chiefly postnatal. Seroconversion in infant population of community Jardim São Remo occurs in children as young as two years old, earlier than in the children attended at health centers of São Paulo city. The seroprevalence of T. gondii in children from Jardim São Remo was compared to the prevalence in children from other urban centers of Brazil.

HTLV-2 horizontal and vertical transmission in a family from a Brazilian urban area: seroepidemiological, clinical and molecular study.

Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 2 (HTLV-2) has been shown to be endemic in Brazilian Indians and among intravenous drug users in urban areas, but transmission of this infection seems to be infrequent in the general population living in urban areas in Brazil. Six persons in three generations of a Brazilian family were evaluated to assess HTLV-2 transmission and its molecular features in the positive cases. The index was detected during screening (HTLV EIA) of donated blood in Fundação Hemominas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Confirmatory serological test and viral typing were performed by Western blotting and polymerase chain reaction. The family consisted of husband, wife (index case), three daughters, and the mother of the index case. The husband and one daughter were found positive, thus pointing to horizontal and vertical transmission. The husband was a truck driver, who reported casual sex during frequent traveling. The positive daughter was breast-fed for 3 months, as opposed to the remaining two (seronegative), who breast-fed for 1 month. The index case's mother was negative. To identify HTLV-2 subtype(s), phylogenetic analysis of the noncoding long terminal repeat region and part of the env and tax coding regions was performed. These new isolates from Belo Horizonte are related to subtype IIa but present a molecular variant with extended tax, previously reported in subtype IIc. Analyzing both LTR and env regions, the family's sequences clustered with isolates of Brazilian intravenous drug users and transfusion transmitted virus.

Epidemiological aspects of Visceral Larva Migrans in children living at São Remo Community, São Paulo (SP), Brazil.

In preparation for a study of risk factors for Visceral Larva Migrans of children living in São Remo Community, São Paulo (SP), Brazil, fecal samples were collected from 41 dogs younger than one year of age, 338 serum samples from children ages 1-15 years and 37 soil samples, during March-June 2001. Fecal and soil samples were examined for the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs and serum samples were evaluated by ELISA for antibodies to Toxocara canis. Of the fecal, serum and soil samples tested, 39.0%, 26.9% and 29.7%, respectively, were positive, suggesting the possibility of the presence of Visceral Larva Migrans in children.

Adoption of shelter dogs in a Brazilian community: assessing the caretaker profile.

A survey in Ibiúna, Sao Paulo, Brazil, of caregivers (owners) who adopted shelter dogs assessed length of ownership, proportion of male and female dogs adopted, and owners' characteristics. It addressed breeding, neutering, vaccination, and veterinary care. It used no testing to provide a good "match" between dog and future owner. Of adopted dogs, 58% were male. Only 36% of owners were located. Mean ownership length was 14.8 months (95% confidence interval = 12.4 to 17.2 months), estimated through a survival analysis method. Of adopted dogs, 40.9% lived with their owners; 34.9% had died (some had lived on the streets); 15.0% were donated; 4.3% ran away; 3.2% were returned to the city shelter. Of interviewees, 57% reported no difficulties with the adoption; 23.1% cited the animal's illness and death as the main difficulty. For contraception, 87 owners (46.7%) chained dogs to prevent contact with other animals; 56.5% were against neutering. Reasons given were compassion (58.1%), unnecessary procedure (11.4%), cost (9.5%), and behavior change (4.8%). This research motivated a design for Ibiúna shelter dog adoption to improve the proportion of successful adoptions.

Thin layer microcolony culture associated with PCR for early identification of Mycobacterium bovis.

The initial growth of mycobacteria from 49 samples of cattle and buffalo organs collected in commercial slaughterhouses was compared between modified Middlebrook 7H11 thin layer microcolony culture and Stonebrink medium used in the isolation of Mycobacterium bovis. Aliquots were decontaminated by Petroff's method, processed and cultured in both media. The identity of the acid-fast bacilli stained by Ziehl-Neelsen was confirmed by PCR. Optical microscopy showed that results of the early observation of Mycobacterium bovis colonies in thin layer culture were similar to those obtained in macroscopic observation of the colonies in Stonebrink medium. However, early observation of the colonies enabled early confirmation by PCR, given the shorter time to the visualization of colonies when thin layer culture was used (between the 12(nd) and 25(th) day of culture).

Anestesia por perfusão de saco aéreo em arara (Ara chloropterus): relato de caso / Anesthesia by infusion of air sac in a macaw (Ara chloropterus): a case report

O presente relato descreve a utilização da técnica anestésica deperfusão em saco aéreo durante a cirurgia para correção do bicode uma arara (Ara chloropterus). Esse tipo de abordagem anestésicaé recomendado para procedimentos em que se faz necessáriaa manipulação da região de cabeça e pescoço das aves. Após contençãofísica do animal, a anestesia foi induzida com auxílio demáscara facial, conectada ao sistema de Maplesson D (Baraka),utilizando isofluorano e fluxo diluente de oxigênio de 1L/min. Opreparo da cânula e posterior introdução em saco aéreo torácicocaudal foi estabelecido de modo similar ao descrito por Gunkele Lafortune (2005). A técnica mostrou-se adequada e bastantesegura; contudo, para ser empregada, é necessário que o profissionalanestesista conheça a anatomia e fisiologia das aves.

This report describes the use of an anesthetic perfusiontechnique applied in the air sac of a Macaw (Ara chloropterus)during surgery for correction of its broken beak. This anestheticapproach is recommended for procedures in which manipulationof the avian head or neck is necessary. After appropriateimmobilization of the animal, the anesthetic is introduced withthe help of a face mask connected to the Mapleson D (Baraka)system, using isoflurane with 1L-min. flow of diluent oxygen.The cannula preparation and introduction into the caudalthoracic air sac was performed is a way similar to that describedby Gunkel and Lafortune (2005). The technique proved to beappropriate and very safe, but the anesthetic professional musthave thorough of avian anatomy and physiology.

Anestesia por perfusão de saco aéreo em arara (Ara chloropterus): relato de caso / Anesthesia by infusion of air sac in a macaw (Ara chloropterus): a case report

O presente relato descreve a utilização da técnica anestésica deperfusão em saco aéreo durante a cirurgia para correção do bicode uma arara (Ara chloropterus). Esse tipo de abordagem anestésicaé recomendado para procedimentos em que se faz necessáriaa manipulação da região de cabeça e pescoço das aves. Após contençãofísica do animal, a anestesia foi induzida com auxílio demáscara facial, conectada ao sistema de Maplesson D (Baraka),utilizando isofluorano e fluxo diluente de oxigênio de 1L/min. Opreparo da cânula e posterior introdução em saco aéreo torácicocaudal foi estabelecido de modo similar ao descrito por Gunkele Lafortune (2005). A técnica mostrou-se adequada e bastantesegura; contudo, para ser empregada, é necessário que o profissionalanestesista conheça a anatomia e fisiologia das aves.(AU)

This report describes the use of an anesthetic perfusiontechnique applied in the air sac of a Macaw (Ara chloropterus)during surgery for correction of its broken beak. This anestheticapproach is recommended for procedures in which manipulationof the avian head or neck is necessary. After appropriateimmobilization of the animal, the anesthetic is introduced withthe help of a face mask connected to the Mapleson D (Baraka)system, using isoflurane with 1L-min. flow of diluent oxygen.The cannula preparation and introduction into the caudalthoracic air sac was performed is a way similar to that describedby Gunkel and Lafortune (2005). The technique proved to beappropriate and very safe, but the anesthetic professional musthave thorough of avian anatomy and physiology.(AU)

Prevalence and risk factors for leptospirosis and brucellosis in the canine population of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, Brazil / Prevalência e fatores de risco para a leptospirose e brucelose na população canina da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brasil

The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence of leptospirosis and brucellosis due to Brucella canis and to determine the risk factors associated with positivity in dogs of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 570 blood samples were collected from dogs from 4 regions of 48 districts of the county of Ibiúna during the period of September 2007 to March 2008. Serological diagnosis of leptospirosis was performed with the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), and blood culture was used for the diagnosis of brucellosis. Of the 570 dogs used 187 (32.8%; 95%CI 28.9 - 36.8) were seropositive to leptospirosis, with predominance of reactions to serovars Pyrogenes, Autumnalis and Canicola, and 6 (1.05%; 95%CI 0.4 - 2.2) were positive to brucellosis. Variable sexual activity (OR = 1.73) was identified as risk factor associated with the positivity to leptospirosis, and free access to street was considered risk factor for both leptospirosis (OR = 1.96) and brucellosis (OR = 10.85). It is concluded that leptospirosis and brucellosis are present in dogs of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, and sexual activity and free access to street are conditions associated with the prevalence of infections.(AU)

O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de leptospirose e brucelose por Brucella canis e determinar os fatores de risco associados com a positividade em cães da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foram examinados 570 animais distribuídos em 4 regiões nos 48 bairros do município, no período de setembro de 2007 a março de 2008. O diagnóstico sorológico da leptospirose foi efetuado com o teste de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM), e para o diagnóstico de brucelose foi realizado hemocultivo. Dos 570 animais examinados, 187 (32,8%; IC95% 28,9 - 36,8) foram soropositivos para leptospirose, com predomínio de reações para os sorovares Pyrogenes, Autumnalis e Canicola, e 6 (1,05%; IC95% 0,4 - 2,2) foram positivos para brucelose. A variável atividade sexual (OR = 1,73) foi identificada como fator de risco associado à positividade para leptospirose, e o manejo do tipo solto foi considerado fator de risco tanto para leptospirose (OR = 1,96) quanto para brucelose (OR = 10,85). Conclui-se que a leptospirose e a brucelose estão presentes em cães da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, São Paulo, e que a atividade sexual e o acesso irrestrito à rua são condições associadas com a prevalência das infecções.(AU)

Prevalência e fatores de risco para a leptospirose e brucelose na população canina da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brasil / Prevalence and risk factors for leptospirosis and brucellosis in the canine population of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, Brazil

O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de leptospirose e brucelose por Brucella canis e determinar os fatores de risco associados com a positividade em cães da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foram examinados 570 animais distribuídos em 4 regiões nos 48 bairros do município, no período de setembro de 2007 a março de 2008. O diagnóstico sorológico da leptospirose foi efetuado com o teste de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM), e para o diagnóstico de brucelose foi realizado hemocultivo. Dos 570 animais examinados, 187 (32,8%; IC95% 28,9 - 36,8) foram soropositivos para leptospirose, com predomínio de reações para os sorovares Pyrogenes, Autumnalis e Canicola, e 6 (1,05%; IC95% 0,4 - 2,2) foram positivos para brucelose. A variável atividade sexual (OR = 1,73) foi identificada como fator de risco associado à positividade para leptospirose, e o manejo do tipo solto foi considerado fator de risco tanto para leptospirose (OR = 1,96) quanto para brucelose (OR = 10,85). Conclui-se que a leptospirose e a brucelose estão presentes em cães da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, São Paulo, e que a atividade sexual e o acesso irrestrito à rua são condições associadas com a prevalência das infecções.(AU)

The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence of leptospirosis and brucellosis due to Brucella canis and to determine the risk factors associated with positivity in dogs of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 570 blood samples were collected from dogs from 4 regions of 48 districts of the county of Ibiúna during the period of September 2007 to March 2008. Serological diagnosis of leptospirosis was performed with the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), and blood culture was used for the diagnosis of brucellosis. Of the 570 dogs used 187 (32.8%; 95%CI 28.9 - 36.8) were seropositive to leptospirosis, with predominance of reactions to serovars Pyrogenes, Autumnalis and Canicola, and 6 (1.05%; 95%CI 0.4 - 2.2) were positive to brucellosis. Variable sexual activity (OR = 1.73) was identified as risk factor associated with the positivity to leptospirosis, and free access to street was considered risk factor for both leptospirosis (OR = 1.96) and brucellosis (OR = 10.85). It is concluded that leptospirosis and brucellosis are present in dogs of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, and sexual activity and free access to street are conditions associated with the prevalence of infections.(AU)

Prevalence and risk factors for leptospirosis and brucellosis in the canine population of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, Brazil / Prevalência e fatores de risco para a leptospirose e brucelose na população canina da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brasil

The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence of leptospirosis and brucellosis due to Brucella canis and to determine the risk factors associated with positivity in dogs of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 570 blood samples were collected from dogs from 4 regions of 48 districts of the county of Ibiúna during the period of September 2007 to March 2008. Serological diagnosis of leptospirosis was performed with the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), and blood culture was used for the diagnosis of brucellosis. Of the 570 dogs used 187 (32.8%; 95%CI 28.9 - 36.8) were seropositive to leptospirosis, with predominance of reactions to serovars Pyrogenes, Autumnalis and Canicola, and 6 (1.05%; 95%CI 0.4 - 2.2) were positive to brucellosis. Variable sexual activity (OR = 1.73) was identified as risk factor associated with the positivity to leptospirosis, and free access to street was considered risk factor for both leptospirosis (OR = 1.96) and brucellosis (OR = 10.85). It is concluded that leptospirosis and brucellosis are present in dogs of the Tourist Resort of Ibiúna, State of São Paulo, and sexual activity and free access to street are conditions associated with the prevalence of infections.

O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de leptospirose e brucelose por Brucella canis e determinar os fatores de risco associados com a positividade em cães da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foram examinados 570 animais distribuídos em 4 regiões nos 48 bairros do município, no período de setembro de 2007 a março de 2008. O diagnóstico sorológico da leptospirose foi efetuado com o teste de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM), e para o diagnóstico de brucelose foi realizado hemocultivo. Dos 570 animais examinados, 187 (32,8%; IC95% 28,9 - 36,8) foram soropositivos para leptospirose, com predomínio de reações para os sorovares Pyrogenes, Autumnalis e Canicola, e 6 (1,05%; IC95% 0,4 - 2,2) foram positivos para brucelose. A variável atividade sexual (OR = 1,73) foi identificada como fator de risco associado à positividade para leptospirose, e o manejo do tipo solto foi considerado fator de risco tanto para leptospirose (OR = 1,96) quanto para brucelose (OR = 10,85). Conclui-se que a leptospirose e a brucelose estão presentes em cães da Estância Turística de Ibiúna, São Paulo, e que a atividade sexual e o acesso irrestrito à rua são condições associadas com a prevalência das infecções.

European 1: a globally important clonal complex of Mycobacterium bovis.

We have identified a globally important clonal complex of Mycobacterium bovis by deletion analysis of over one thousand strains from over 30 countries. We initially show that over 99% of the strains of M. bovis, the cause of bovine tuberculosis, isolated from cattle in the Republic of Ireland and the UK are closely related and are members of a single clonal complex marked by the deletion of chromosomal region RDEu1 and we named this clonal complex European 1 (Eu1). Eu1 strains were present at less than 14% of French, Portuguese and Spanish isolates of M. bovis but are rare in other mainland European countries and Iran. However, strains of the Eu1 clonal complex were found at high frequency in former trading partners of the UK (USA, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Canada). The Americas, with the exception of Brazil, are dominated by the Eu1 clonal complex which was at high frequency in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Mexico as well as North America. Eu1 was rare or absent in the African countries surveyed except South Africa. A small sample of strains from Taiwan were non-Eu1 but, surprisingly, isolates from Korea and Kazakhstan were members of the Eu1 clonal complex. The simplest explanation for much of the current distribution of the Eu1 clonal complex is that it was spread in infected cattle, such as Herefords, from the UK to former trading partners, although there is evidence of secondary dispersion since. This is the first identification of a globally dispersed clonal complex M. bovis and indicates that much of the current global distribution of this important veterinary pathogen has resulted from relatively recent International trade in cattle.