A high gene flow in populations of Amblyomma ovale ticks found in distinct fragments of Brazilian Atlantic rainforest.

The genetic structure of populations of the tick Amblyomma ovale from five distinct areas of the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest was evaluated via DNA sequencing and associated with the presence of domestic dogs acting as hosts at the edge of forest fragments. Ticks were collected from domestic dogs and from the environment between 2015 and 2017. Four collection areas were located in the surroundings and within the Serra do Mar State Park, São Paulo State (23°37'21"S, 45°24'43"W), where dogs were bimonthly monitored along 2 years using camera traps and GSM trackers. To determine the spatial limits of genetic structure, ticks collected upon dogs living near the Serra do Baturié, Ceará State (4°15'40"S, 38°55'54"W) were included as well. A total of 39 haplotypes of 16S rRNA and Cox 1 mitochondrial genes sequences were observed, with 27 of them coming from areas within the Serra do Mar State Park. No haplotype was shared between the Serra do Mar and the Serra do Baturié indicating isolation of tick populations at the scale of 2000 km. Although three different haplotype lineages of A. ovale occurred within the Serra do Mar State Park, no genetic structure was found across the study sites within this park, suggesting high tick gene flow across a range of 45 km. Monitoring data from domestic dogs and wild carnivores showed that these species share the same habitats at the forest edge, with dogs playing a likely limited role in tick dispersal. Our findings have important implications for understanding the genetic structure of wide spread A. ovale along Brazilian rainforest remnants, which can further be associated to tick-borne infectious agents, such as Rickettsia parkeri, and used for predicting future patterns of tick diversity in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest.

SURVEY OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII ANTIBODIES IN MAGELLANIC PENGUINS (SPHENISCUS MAGELLANICUS FORSTER, 1781).

Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) breed on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the southernmost parts of South America and migrate northward as far as Peru and Brazil. Serum samples (n = 100) from Magellanic penguins from three zoos and two rehabilitation centers (RCs) in Brazil were assayed for the presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by means of the modified agglutination test (MAT, cut-off ≥ 20). The penguins were categorized as young (≤4 yr old) or adults (≥4 yr old) and sexed (male, female, or not identified), and data were analyzed using the chi-square test (P ≤ 0.05). Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were found in 28% of penguins: 25.8% males, 27.8% females, 30.3% unknown sex, 25.4% young, and 31.1% adults. Statistical analyses did not find any difference (P > 0.05) with respect to age, sex, or source of birds. This is the first report of T. gondii antibodies in S. magellanicus.

Correlation between mastitis occurrence and the count of microorganisms in bulk raw milk of bovine dairy herds in four selective culture media.

Milk is the normal secretion of the mammary gland, practically free of colostrum and obtained by the complete milking of one or more healthy animals. Mastitis is an inflammatory process of the mammary gland and it may cause alterations in the milk. The present work aimed to verify whether it is possible, by means of the counts of microorganism in the bulk raw milk in four selective culture media, to establish a correlation with the occurrence of mastitis and therefore, to monitor this disease in bovine dairy herds. The following selective culture media were used: KF Streptococcus Agar, Edwards Agar, Baird-Parker Agar, Blood Agar plus potassium tellurite. Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated in order to compare the occurrence of mastitis (percentage) in each herd with respective selective culture media counts of microorganisms in bulk raw milk. Thirty-six possibilities were analysed (Tamis and CMT-positive rates were compared with the log-transformed count in four selective culture media) and there was a negative correlation between Tamis 3 and the Baird-Parker Agar plate count. The total results of microbiological tests showed that there were three correlations of the counts in selective culture media. Fifty-two possibilities were analysed and there was a negative correlation between no-bacterial-growth mastitis rates and log10 of KF Streptoccocus Agar plate count and there were two positive correlations between coagulase-positive staphylococci and log10 of Baird-Parker Agar plate count and Blood Agar plus potassium tellurite plate count.

Cardiopulmonary and isoflurane-sparing effects of epidural or intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine in cats undergoing surgery with epidural lidocaine.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the cardiorespiratory, anesthetic-sparing effects and quality of anesthetic recovery after epidural and constant rate intravenous (IV) infusion of dexmedetomidine (DEX) in cats given a low dose of epidural lidocaine under propofol-isoflurane anesthesia and submitted to elective ovariohysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, blinded clinical trial. ANIMALS: Twenty-one adult female cats (mean body weight: 3.1 +/- 0.4 kg). METHODS: Cats received DEX (4 microg kg(-1), IM). Fifteen minutes later, anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. Cats were divided into three groups. In GI cats received epidural lidocaine (1 mg kg(-1), n = 7), in GII cats were given epidural lidocaine (1 mg kg(-1)) + DEX (4 microg kg(-1), n = 7), and in GIII cats were given epidural lidocaine (1 mg kg(-1)) + IV constant rate infusion (CRI) of DEX (0.25 microg kg(-1) minute(-1), n = 7). Variables evaluated included heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (f(R)), systemic arterial pressures, rectal temperature (RT), end-tidal CO(2), end-tidal isoflurane concentration (e'ISO), arterial blood gases, and muscle tone. Anesthetic recovery was compared among groups by evaluation of times to recovery, HR, f(R), RT, and degree of analgesia. A paired t-test was used to evaluate pre-medication variables and blood gases within groups. anova was used to compare parametric data, whereas Friedman test was used to compare muscle relaxation. RESULTS: Epidural and CRI of DEX reduced HR during anesthesia maintenance. Mean +/- SD e'ISO ranged from 0.86 +/- 0.28% to 1.91 +/- 0.63% in GI, from 0.70 +/- 0.12% to 0.97 +/- 0.20% in GII, and from 0.69 +/- 0.12% to 1.17 +/- 0.25% in GIII. Cats in GII and GIII had longer recovery periods than in GI. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Epidural and CRI of DEX significantly decreased isoflurane consumption and resulted in recovery of better quality and longer duration, despite bradycardia, without changes in systemic blood pressure.

Salmonella enterica in Invasive Lizard from Fernando de Noronha Archipelago: Serotyping, Antimicrobial Resistance and Molecular Epidemiology.

Salmonella infection can pose serious health issues, especially to children, elders or immunosuppressed humans. Wild populations of reptiles can reach Salmonella prevalence of up to 100% and the direct or indirect transmission from reptiles to humans have been extensively reported. Fernando de Noronha (FN) is an inhabited oceanic archipelago in the northeast coast of Brazil, with an economy based on tourism. The tegu (Salvator merianae) is the largest lizard native to South America and was introduced to the archipelago in the early 20th century. This study determines the prevalence, serotypes, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular epidemiology of Salmonella enterica in the tegu population from FN archipelago. Results show that S. enterica is widely distributed in the FN tegu population, with 43.8% prevalence. The bacteria were isolated from 70.5% of the sampled sites and a total of 15 serotypes were detected in 98 S. enterica isolates. Strains were further classified into 31 genotypes. Recaptured animals presented distinct genotypes in each season, demonstrating a seasonal strain turnover. Most S. enterica isolates from FN tegus presented low antimicrobial resistance. This is possibly due to geographical isolation of the island population, hampering contact with strains from livestock from the continent, where antimicrobial resistance is common.

Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep from Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite with a variety of hosts, responsible for reproductive problems and economic losses in sheep flocks. Neospora caninum was recently identified and its clinical presentation in sheep is similar to that of toxoplasmosis, which can cause repeated abortions, though less frequently in this species. In order to confirm the prevalence of these agents in the city of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, 409 serum samples from adult sheep (364 females and 45 males) were tested by the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test, using cut-off point at a dilution of 1:64 and 1:50 for T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. From the 35 properties examined, 23 (65.7%) had at least one seropositive animal for T. gondii and six (17.1%) for N. caninum. The prevalence of seropositive animals for T. gondii was 20.7% and for N. caninum 1.8%. There was no association between the presence of the agent's antibody and gender, reports of reproductive problems and presence of dogs and/or cats in the properties. T. gondii is well distributed and N. caninum has low prevalence in sheep and in the properties of the studied region.

Rickettsia amblyommatis infecting ticks and exposure of domestic dogs to Rickettsia spp. in an Amazon-Cerrado transition region of northeastern Brazil.

This study was performed in Maranhão state, a transition area two Brazilian biomes, Amazon and Cerrado. During 2011-2013, 1,560 domestic dogs were sampled for collection of serum blood samples and ticks in eight counties (3 within the Amazon and 5 within the Cerrado). A total of 959 ticks were collected on 150 dogs (9.6%). Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) was the most abundant tick (68% of all collected specimens), followed by Amblyomma cajennense sensu lato (s.l.) (12.9%), Amblyomma parvum (9.2%), and Amblyomma ovale (5.2%). Other less abundant species (<1%) were Amblyomma oblongoguttatum, Rhipicephalus microplus, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, and Amblyomma rotundatum. Females of A. cajennense s.l. ticks were morphologically identified as A. cajennense sensu stricto (s.s.) or A. sculptum. Molecular analyses of 779 canine ticks revealed three Rickettsia species: Rickettsia amblyommatis in 1% (1/100) A. cajennense s.l., 'Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae' in 20.7% (12/58) A. parvum, Rickettsia bellii in 6.8% (3/44) A. ovale and 100% (1/1) A. rotundatum ticks. An additional collection of A. sculptum from horses in a Cerrado area, and A. cajennense s.s. from pigs in an Amazon area revealed R. amblyommatis infecting only the A. cajennense s.s. ticks. Serological analysis of the 1,560 canine blood samples revealed 12.6% canine seroreactivity to Rickettsia spp., with the highest specific seroreactivity rate (10.2%) for R. amblyommatis. Endpoint titers to R. amblyommatis were significantly higher than those for the other Rickettsia antigens, suggesting that most of the seroreactive dogs were exposed to R. amblyommatis-infected ticks. Highest canine seroreactivity rates per locality (13.1-30.8%) were found in Amazon biome, where A. cajennense s.s. predominated. Lowest seroreactivity rates (1.9-6.5%) were found in Cerrado localities that were further from the Amazon, where A. sculptum predominated. Multivariate analyses revealed that canine seroreactivity to Rickettsia spp. or R. amblyommatis was statistically associated with rural dogs, exposed to Amblyomma ticks.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in seabirds from Abrolhos Archipelago, Brazil.

Toxoplasma gondii is a coccidian parasite that infects almost all warm-blooded animals, including birds. Abrolhos is an archipelago of five islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean, 56 nautical kilometers from the south coast of the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Part of this archipelago is a National Marine Park, which is a conservation area protected by the Brazilian government. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of T. gondii antibodies in sera of seabird's species Sula spp. and Phaeton spp. from breeding colonies located in the Islands of Santa Bárbara and Redonda, Abrolhos's archipelago. Sera were tested by modified agglutination test, first screened at 1:5 dilution (cut-off point) and the positive samples were titrated at a two-fold serial dilution. Serum samples were obtained from 69 birds of four species: Sula dactylatra (23 birds), Sula leucogaster (19 birds), Phaeton aethereus (25 birds) and Phaeton lepturus (2 birds). Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 24 (34.8%) of 69 seabirds with titers that ranged from 5 to 640. Occurrence value in S. dactylatra was 34.8% (8/23), in S. leucogaster was 47.4% (9/19), in P. aethereus was 28% (7/25) and the 2 P. lepturus were negative. This is the first description of T. gondii antibodies in free ranging seabirds of the orders Suliformes and Phaethontiformes.

Geographical distribution of Amblyomma cajennense (sensu lato) ticks (Parasitiformes: Ixodidae) in Brazil, with description of the nymph of A. cajennense (sensu stricto).

BACKGROUND: Until recently, Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787) was considered to represent a single tick species in the New World. Recent studies have split this taxon into six species. While the A. cajennense species complex or A. cajennense (sensu lato) (s.l.) is currently represented by two species in Brazil, A. cajennense (sensu stricto) (s.s.) and Amblyomma sculptum Berlese, 1888, their geographical distribution is poorly known. METHODS: The distribution of the A. cajennense (s.l.) in Brazil was determined by morphological examination of all lots of A. cajennense (s.l.) in two large tick collections of Brazil, and by collecting new material during three field expeditions in the possible transition areas between the distribution ranges of A. cajennense (s.s.) and A. sculptum. Phylogenetic analysis inferred from the ITS2 rRNA gene was used to validate morphological results. Morphological description of the nymphal stage of A. cajennense (s.s.) is provided based on laboratory-reared specimens. RESULTS: From the tick collections, a total 12,512 adult ticks were examined and identified as 312 A. cajennense (s.s.), 6,252 A. sculptum and 5,948 A. cajennense (s.l.). A total of 1,746 ticks from 77 localities were collected during field expeditions, and were identified as 249 A. cajennense (s.s.), 443 A. sculptum, and 1,054 A. cajennense (s.l.) [these A. cajennense (s.l.) ticks were considered to be males of either A. cajennense (s.s.) or A. sculptum]. At least 23 localities contained the presence of both A. cajennense (s.s.) and A. sculptum in sympatry. DNA sequences of the ITS2 gene of 50 ticks from 30 localities confirmed the results of the morphological analyses. The nymph of A. cajennense (s.s.) is morphologically very similar to A. sculptum. CONCLUSION: Our results confirmed that A. cajennense (s.l.) is currently represented in Brazil by only two species, A. cajennense (s.s.) and A. sculptum. While these species have distinct distribution areas in the country, they are found in sympatry in some transition areas. The current distribution of A. cajennense (s.l.) has important implications to public health, since in Brazil A. sculptum is the most important vector of the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, the etiological agent of Brazilian spotted fever.

Study of the seasonal dynamics, life cycle, and host specificity of Amblyomma aureolatum (Acari: Ixodidae).

In the first part of this study, monthly infestation by ticks was evaluated on dogs from December 2000 to November 2002 in the rural area of Taiaçupeba, São Paulo. Adults of Amblyomma aureolatum (Pallas) were found on dogs in all months, with a mean prevalence per month of 46.9 +/- 15.7% (range, 25-80%). The mean tick relative abundance per month was 2.4 +/- 2.7 ticks (range, 0.5-14 ticks), and the mean tick mean intensity per month was 4.7 +/- 4.2 ticks (range, 1.5-23.3 ticks). No A. aureolatum immature ticks were found on dogs. In the second part of this study, we studied the life cycle of A. aureolatum in the laboratory. We tested the suitability of six host species for the immature stages and dogs for the adult stage. Tick developmental periods were observed at different temperatures (23, 25, or 27 degrees C), always with RH >95%, which were satisfactory for all free-living developmental stages of the tick life cycle. Chickens and guinea pigs were the most suitable hosts for larvae and nymphs (recovery rates, 18.4-52.2%). Dogs were highly suitable for adult ticks (all females exposed to them were recovered and laid eggs) but were unsuitable for the immature ticks (recovery rates, 0-10%). Based on published host records for A. aureolatum, our results indicate that dogs and birds are primary hosts for adult and immature stages, respectively, of A. aureolatum in nature. In addition, wild guinea pigs are indicated as another potential primary host for immature ticks.

Early parenteral nutrition in enterectomized dogs / Nutrição parenteral precoce em cães submetidos à enterectomia

The aim of this study was to explore the role of early central parenteral nutrition support with and without lipid emulsion in enterectomized dogs undergoing small bowel partial resection. Enterectomized dogs often cannot be fed properly via an oral or enteral route immediately post-surgery. After enterectomy, the animals received parenteral nutrition or crystalloid solution until they were able to voluntarily take in an oral diet. All dogs were recruited at the University of Sao Paulo veterinary teaching hospital. Eighteen dogs with intussusception, a foreign intestinal body, linear foreign intestinal body, or intussusception associated with a foreign intestinal body underwent enterectomy surgery and were randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments: crystalloid solution (CS group), parenteral nutrition with a mix of glucose and amino acids (GA group) or parenteral nutrition with a mix of glucose, amino acids and lipids (GAL group). A serum chemistry panel and complete blood count were collected prior to surgery and at the end of the study. Albumin increased in the GA and GAL group (p=0.042 and p=0.038 respectively) after hospitalization, but no significant differences were identified among the groups. Body weight decreased by 4.9% (p=0.042) in the CS group, but there were no significant changes in the GAL and GA groups. There was a significant decrease in the recovery scores in the GA and GAL groups during hospitalization (p=0.039 in both groups). Early parenteral nutrition was beneficial for patient recovery in post-surgical small bowel partial resection, indicating better quality, and no major complications or side effects were observed during the hospitalization period in the studied dogs.(AU)

O objetivo desse estudo era estudar os efeitos da nutrição parenteral central precoce com e sem emulsão lipídica em cães submetidos à ressecção parcial do intestino delgado. Os cães enterectomizados frequentemente não conseguem ser adequadamente alimentados por via oral ou enteral no pós-cirúrgico imediato. Após a enterectomia, os animais receberam nutrição parenteral ou solução cristaloide até o momento em que fossem capazes de alimentar-se voluntariamente por via oral. Todos os animais foram selecionados no hospital veterinário da Universidade de São Paulo. Dezoito cães diagnosticados com intussuscepção, corpo estranho intestinal, corpo estranho linear ou intussuscepção associada com corpo estranho intestinal foram submetidos à enterectomia e aleatoriamente alocados para receber um dos três tratamentos: solução cristaloide (grupo CS), nutrição parenteral com mistura de glicose e aminoácidos (grupo GA) ou nutrição parental com mistura de glicose e lipídios (grupo GAL). Hemograma e bioquímica sérica foram coletados antes da cirurgia e no final do estudo. Houve aumento de albumina no grupo GA e GAL (p=0,042 e p=0,038 respectivamente) após a hospitalização, mas não houve diferença significativa entre grupos. O peso corpóreo diminuiu cerca de 4,9% (p=0,042) no grupo CS mas não houve alterações significativas no grupo GAL e GA. Houve uma diminuição significativa no escore de recuperação no grupo GA e GAL durante a hospitalização (p=0,039 em ambos os grupos). A nutrição parenteral precoce mostrou-se benéfica para a recuperação no pós-operatório dos cães submetidos à ressecção parcial do intestino delgado, sinalizando uma melhora na qualidade da recuperação e ausência de grandes complicações ou efeitos colaterais durante o período de hospitalização dos animais estudados.(AU)

Stray dogs in urban fragments: relation between population's perception of their presence and socio-demographic factors / Cães errantes em fragmentos urbanos: relação entre o relato de visualização de cães errantes e fatores sociodemográficos da população local

Stray dogs are associated with environment and public health impacts. São Paulo is a city with approximately 2.5 million owned dogs and until the time of writing no studies describing the distribution of the stray dog population have been conducted in this city. Therefore, no scientific support for intervention plans is available. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of local sociodemographic and environmental factors with the population perception of presence of stray dogs in urban fragments of São Paulo city. A convenience sample of six urban fragments was selected. In-depth interviews were performe, using a systematic random sample of households in each study area, between October/2010 and January/2011 to identify socio-demographic factors of interest and determine the population's perception of stray dogs. Additionally, the presence of stray dogs was estimated by photographic mark-recapture method. The degree of human-dog proximity and environmental factors such as waste handling were associated to the sighting of stray dogs. Stray dogs were observed in two of the six study areas, agreeing with the greater population perception of this issue on those areas. Intervention in these factors and encouragement of responsible ownership are two potential solutions for management and reduction of problems associated with the presence of stray dogs.(AU)

A presença de cães errantes está associada a impactos no meio ambiente e na saúde pública. São Paulo é uma cidade com aproximadamente 2.5 milhões de cães domiciliados e até o presente momento, não foram desenvolvidos estudos que descrevam a distribuição da população errante na cidade. Desta forma, não há suporte científico para planejar intervenções. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação entre os fatores sociodemográficos e ambientais da população local com a frequência com que relataram a visualização de cães errantes em fragmentos urbanos da cidade de São Paulo. Foi definida uma amostra de conveniência composta por seis fragmentos urbanos, onde um questionário foi aplicado em uma amostra sistemática dos domicílios de cada área de estudo. Este questionário, aplicado entre outubro de 2010 e janeiro de 2011, determinou os fatores socio-econômicos de interesse e a percepção da presença de cães errantes pela população. Também foi estimada a presença de cães pelo método de marcação e recaptura fotográfica. Foi possível estabelecer uma relação entre a visualização de cães errantes pela população local e o grau de proximidade com cães e o manejo de resíduos do domicílio. Cães errantes foram observados em duas das seis áreas trabalhadas, em concordância com a maior percepção da sua presença pela população local. Intervenções nestes fatores e incentivo a guarda responsável são duas ações com potencial de contribuir para redução dos problemas causados pela presença de cães errantes.(AU)

Cattle trade between and within biomes in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil / Trânsito de bovinos entre e dentro dos biomas no estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil

The analysis of animal movement patterns may help identify farm premises with a potentially high risk of infectious disease introduction. Farm herd sizes and bovine movement data from 2007 in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, were analyzed. There are three different biomes in Mato Grosso: the Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal. The analysis of the animal trade between and within biomes would enable characterization of the connections between the biomes and the intensity of the internal trade within each biome. We conducted the following analyses: 1) the concentration of cattle on farm premises in the state and in each biome, 2) the number and relative frequency of cattle moved between biomes, and 3) the most frequent purposes for cattle movements. Twenty percent (20%) of the farm premises had 81.15% of the herd population. Those premises may be important not only for the spread of infectious diseases, but also for the implementation of surveillance and control strategies. Most of the cattle movement was intrastate (97.1%), and internal movements within each biome were predominant (88.6%). A high percentage of movement from the Pantanal was to the Cerrado (48.6%), the biome that received the most cattle for slaughter, fattening and reproduction (62.4%, 56.8%, and 49.1% of all movements for slaughter, fattening, and reproduction, respectively). The primary purposes for cattle trade were fattening (43.5%), slaughter (31.5%), and reproduction (22.7%). Presumably, movements for slaughter has a low risk of disease spread. In contrast, movements for fattening and reproduction purposes (66.2% of all movements) may contribute to an increased risk of the spread of infectious diseases.(AU)

A análise dos padrões de trânsito animal pode ajudar a identificar estabelecimentos sob um risco potencialmente maior de introdução de doença infecciosa. Foram analisadas a rede de trânsito de bovinos no estado do Mato Grosso, Brasil, e uma base de dados com tamanho de rebanho, ambas de 2007. Há três biomas diferentes em Mato Grosso: Amazônia, Cerrado e Pantanal. A análise do trânsito animal entre e dentro dos biomas nos permitiu caracterizar quão conectados são os biomas e quão intenso é o trânsito interno dentro de cada bioma. Conduzimos as seguintes análises: 1) se o rebanho bovino está concentrado em alguns estabelecimentos no estado todo e em cada bioma; 2) sobre o número absoluto e a frequência relativa de bovinos movimentados entre os biomas; e 3) quais são os propósitos mais frequentes para o trânsito animal. Encontramos que 20% dos estabelecimentos possuíam 81,15% do rebanho total do estado. Estes estabelecimentos podem ser importantes para o espalhamento de doenças infecciosas, mas também para a implementação de estratégias de vigilância e controle. A maior parte do trânsito foi dentro do estado (97,1%), e o trânsito interno dentro de cada bioma foi predominante (88,6%). Um percentual alto de movimentos do Pantanal (48,6%) foi para o Cerrado, o bioma que recebeu mais bovinos para abate, engorda e reprodução (62,4%, 56,8% e 49,1% de todos os movimentos para abate, engorda e reprodução, respectivemente). Os principais propósitos para o comércio de bovinos foram engorda (43,5%), abate (31,5%) e reprodução (22,7%). Movimentos para abate presumivelmente oferecem um baixo risco para espalhamento de doença. Em contraste, movimentos para engorda e reprodução (66,2% de todos os movimentos) podem contribuir para o aumento do risco de espalhamento de doenças infecciosas.(AU)

Relationship between occurrence of mastitis pathogens in dairy cattle herds and raw-milk indicators of hygienic-sanitary quality.

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary glands and in most cases it is caused by the presence of microorganisms. High mastitis rates in dairy cattle herds can cause an increase in total microorganism counts of bulk tank milk. The present paper was aimed at verifying whether the occurrence of mastitis in dairy cattle herds is reflected in raw-milk indicators of hygienic-sanitary quality. To observe the correlation among the analysed variables, we performed a logarithmical transformation (log10) of different indicator counts of raw milk and compared them with the occurrence of mastitis in dairy cattle herds. Few correlations were observed among mastitis cases in dairy cattle herds and the raw-milk indicators of hygienic-sanitary quality. We observed a negative correlation between the log10 of mesophilic aerobic plate counts and psychotropic aerobic plate counts when compared with the occurrence of no bacterial growth. The log10 of thermophilic aerobic plate counts and yeasts and mould aerobic plate counts presented a positive correlation with the cases of infectious mastitis and mastitis caused by Staphylococcus spp.

Análise de detecção de cluster na caracterização espaço-temporal da tuberculose bovina no estado da Bahia / Cluster detection analyses for temporal-spatial characterization of bovine tuberculosis in Bahia, Brazil

A tuberculose bovina (BTB) é uma enfermidade causada pela infecção pelo Mycobacterium bovis que acomete o homem e diversas espécies de mamíferos. A BTB tem grande importância por causar prejuízos econômicos nas regiões infectadas e por seu impacto na saúde pública. Foi realizado inquérito epidemiológico no Estado da Bahia, entre 2008 e 2010, com o objetivo de estimar a prevalência e conhecer a distribuição espaço temporal da enfermidade. O Estado foi estratificado em quatro regiões, cada uma com características epidemiológicas e demográficas homogêneas representativas de formas de produção pecuária. Um total de 18.810 cabeças com idade superior a 2 anos foi amostrado em 1350 propriedades. O teste cervical comparativo foi aplicado em cada animal selecionado, sendo considerados positivos os animais reagentes positivos ou duas vezes inconclusivos. Latitude e Longitude foram tomadas para cada propriedade amostrada com o auxilio do aparelho de Global Positioning System (GPS). O teste de Cuzick-and-Edwards e a análise de rastreio espacial (spatial scan statistic) foram utilizados para identificar qualquer agrupamento espacial de BTB. A prevalência de rebanho na Bahia, indicando a proporção de propriedades foco, foi de 1,6% (IC 95%: 1,0% - 2,69% por região). Nenhuma evidência significativa (P<0.05) de aglomeração espacial ou clustering foi detectada, possivelmente devido à baixa prevalência da doença. Estes resultados sugerem que a BTB tem baixa prevalência no estado da Bahia e que, nestas condições epidemiológicas, os focos encontrados não podem ser explicados por fatores espacialmente estruturados.

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a disease caused by the infection with Mycobacterium bovis that affects humans and several mammalian species. BTB is important, because it inflicts far-reaching economic losses to infected regions, and due to its impact on public health. Epidemiological surveys were conducted in the State of Bahia between 2008 and 2010 with the objective to estimate the prevalence and to assess the spatial distribution of the disease. The State of Bahia has been stratified into four regions, each of them representing a set of homogeneous epidemiological and demographic characteristics, referred to as Production Circuits. A total of 18,810 more than 2-year-old cattle in 1,305 herds, ranging from 320 to 370 ones per region, and 20 to 40 cattle per herd were randomly selected. A cervical comparative test was applied to each selected animal; reactive cattle and cattle with two consecutive inconclusive tests were considered BTB-positive, whereas non-reactive cattle were considered BTB-negative. Positive herds were classified as those with <20 sampled cattle and at least one BTB-positive, as well as those with 40 cattle sampled with <2 BTB-positive animals. Latitude and longitude were recorded for each sampled herd with a generic Global Positioning System (GPS). The Cuzick-and-Edwards' test and the spatial scan statistic were used to assess whether BTB was spatially clustered. Herd-level prevalence, as indicated by the proportion of case-herds, was 1.6% (range 0.3 to 2.9% per region). No significant evidence (P<0.05) of spatial clustering was detected, most likely due to the low disease prevalence in the region. Results here suggest that BTB is low prevalent in the State of Bahia and that under these conditions epidemiological outbreaks found cannot be explained by spatially-structured factors.

Prevalência e fatores de risco de leptospirose bovina no Estado do Maranhão / Prevalence and risk factors of bovine leptospirosis in the State of Maranhão, Brazil

Foram investigados a prevalência e os fatores de risco da leptospirose bovina no Estado do Maranhão. O Estado foi dividido em quatro circuitos amostrais com base em parâmetros de produção distintos que variam conforme os diferentes sistemas de produção, as práticas de manejo, a finalidade de exploração, o tamanho médio dos rebanhos e os sistemas de comercialização. Objetivou-se estudar as características epidemiológicas da leptospirose bovina no Estado do Maranhão, de modo a determinar a prevalência em bovinos e em rebanhos, detectar as sorovariedades de Leptospira spp. presentes, identificar os fatores de risco eventualmente associados à leptospirose em bovinos e diferenciar os circuitos pecuários entre si no que se refere à prevalência de leptospirose. A pesquisa foi realizada em 136 propriedades rurais pertencentes ao circuito I, no qual 841 fêmeas bovinas com idade igual ou superior a 24 meses foram analisadas; 238 do circuito II, com 2.582 fêmeas analisadas; 122 do circuito III, com 869 fêmeas analisadas; e 77 do circuito IV, com 540 fêmeas analisadas; no total, 573 propriedades e 4.832 fêmeas foram estudadas. A presença de anticorpos contra Leptospira spp. foi verificada pela técnica de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM). Das 4.832 fêmeas bovinas analisadas, 1.904 (35,94%; IC 95% = 33,01% - 38,98%) foram reagentes. Das 573 propriedades analisadas, 380 (64,81%; IC 95% = 61,10% - 68,35%) foram consideradas positivas. As sorovariedades Hardjo e Wolffi foram as mais frequentes em todo o Estado. O circuito III foi o que apresentou menor prevalência de leptospirose em todas as comparações. As variáveis identificadas como fatores de risco de leptospirose foram: presença de equinos (p = 0,000), presença de capivaras (p = 0,034) e rebanhos bovinos com 32 ou mais fêmeas adultas (p = 0,002).

Prevalence and risk factors of bovine leptospirosis in the State of Maranhão were investigated. Based on production parameters that vary across different production systems, management practices, the purpose of exploitation, the average size of herds and market systems, the state was divided in four sampling circuits. The study aimed to investigate the epidemiological features of bovine leptospirosis in the State of Maranhão, in order to determine the prevalence of the infection in cattle and herds, to determine the occurrence of serovars of Leptospira spp., to identify risk factors associated with leptospirosis in cattle and to differentiate the livestock circuits itself regarding the prevalence of leptospirosis. The survey was conducted in 136 herds in the circuit I, in which 841 > 24 months old females were analyzed; 238 in the circuit II and 2,582 females were analyzed; 122 in the circuit III and 869 females were analyzed; 77 in the circuit IV and 540 females were analyzed; a total of 573 herds and 4,832 females were analyzed. The presence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. was verified by microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Of the 4,832 cows examined, 1,904 (35.94%, CI 95% = 33.01% - 38.98%) were positive. Of the 573 herds, 380 (64.81%, CI 95% = 61.10% - 68.35%) were positive. Serovars Hardjo and Wolffi were the most frequent in the state. The circuit III showed the lowest prevalence of leptospirosis in all comparisons. The variables presence of horses (p = 0.000), presence of capybaras (p = 0.034) and herds with up to 32 adult females (p = 0.002) were identified as risk factors for leptospirosis.

Immunogenicity and safety of a new Vero cell rabies vaccine produced using serum-free medium.

The immunogenicity and safety of a new human rabies vaccine, produced in Vero cells by a process that does not require supplementation with human or animal derived components in production, were assessed. Thus, the objective is to produce a safer vaccine at a lower cost. A total of 296 volunteers was divided into two groups: Group 1, which received the study vaccine, and Group 2, which received the Vero cells vaccine produced by Sanofi Pasteur. Five doses were given on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28. Blood samples for determination of rabies virus neutralizing antibodies were collected on days 0, 14, 38 and 90. The geometric mean titers (GMT) were much higher than 0.5 IU/ml in both groups on days 14, 38 and 90, indicating seroconversion according to the World Health Organization. In Group 1, however, the GMTs were higher than in Group 2, the difference being statistically significant in the two last samples. There was no statistical difference between the groups in the ratio of individuals with titers > or =0.5 IU/ml in each sample. Pain at the injection site was the most common adverse reaction and occurred most often in Group 1 (p < 0.001). All cases had a favorable evolution. There were no severe adverse reactions. It was concluded that the new vaccine is safe and immunogenic.