Different response of Acipenser gueldenstaedtii CRP/SAP and SAA to bacterial challenge and chronic thermal stress sheds light on the innate immune system of sturgeons.

Sturgeons are chondrostean fish critically endangered due to anthropogenic loss and degradation of natural habitat and overfishing for meat and caviar production. Consequently, sturgeon aquaculture has extensively developed lately, being Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) the second most important species reared for caviar production. However, Russian sturgeon aquaculture in subtropical countries, such as Uruguay, confronts difficulties because fish have to endure excessive summertime warm temperatures, which weaken their innate defences facilitating opportunistic infections. To address this problem, we look for identifying putative acute phase proteins (APPs), which might be robust serum biomarkers of both infection and chronic thermal stress, applied to monitoring Russian sturgeon health status in farms. We focused on the C-Reactive Protein/Serum Amyloid P (CRP/SAP) pentraxin since the pentraxin family includes well-known APPs, better characterised in mammals than fish. We identified A.gueldenstaedtii CRP/SAP (AgCRP/SAP), as a member of the universal CRP/SAP pentraxin sub-family, and studied AgCRP/SAP involvement in sturgeon response to bacterial challenge and chronic thermal stress, in comparison with A. gueldenstaedtii Serum Amyloid A (AgSAA), a previously described positive APP. Results showed that AgCRP/SAP is a constitutive serum component that remained constant upon Aeromonas hydrophila challenge and chronic thermal stress. Contrastingly, serum AgSAA was subjected to regulation by bacterial and thermal stress challenges, showing a 50-fold increase and 3-fold decline in serum levels, respectively. Overall, results highlight the potential value of AgSAA, but not of AgCRP/SAP, as a biomarker of bacterial infection and the need to continue searching for robust chronic thermal stress biomarkers in sturgeons.

A different transcriptional landscape sheds light on Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) mechanisms to cope with bacterial infection and chronic heat stress.

Sturgeons are chondrostean fish of high economic value and critically endangered due to anthropogenic activities, which has led to sturgeon aquaculture development. Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii), the second most important species reared for caviar, is successfully farmed in subtropical countries, including Uruguay. However, during the Uruguayan summer, sturgeons face intolerable warmer temperatures that weaken their defences and favour infections by opportunistic pathogens, increasing fish mortality and farm economic losses. Since innate immunity is paramount in fish, for which the liver plays a key role, we used deep RNA sequencing to analyse differentially expressed genes in the liver of Russian sturgeons exposed to chronic heat stress and challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. We assembled 149.615 unigenes in the Russian sturgeon liver transcriptome and found that metabolism and immune defence pathways are among the top five biological processes taking place in the liver. Chronic heat stress provoked profound effects on liver biological functions, up-regulating genes related to protein folding, heat shock response and lipid and protein metabolism to meet energy demands for coping with heat stress. Besides, long-term exposure to heat stress led to cell damage triggering liver inflammation and diminishing liver ability to mount an innate response to A. hydrophila challenge. Accordingly, the reprogramming of liver metabolism over an extended period had detrimental effects on fish health, resulting in weight loss and mortality, with the latter increasing after A. hydrophila challenge. To our knowledge, this is the first transcriptomic study describing how chronic heat-stressed sturgeons respond to a bacterial challenge, suggesting that liver metabolism alterations have a negative impact on the innate anti-bacterial response.

Immunohistochemical expression of HER - 2 and Ki - 67 in granulosa cell tumor in bitches.

Granulosa cell tumour, an ovarian neoplasm of stromal origin, is an important tumour related to oestrogenic dominance syndrome and cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex. In order to analyse ovarian tumour´s malignant potential, immunohistochemical markers can be used, such as anti-HER2 and anti-Ki-67. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of immunohistochemical markers HER-2 and Ki-67 in granulosa cell tumour from bitches´ ovaries. In HER-2 immunomarker analysis using the HercepTest® method, most tumours were classified as 2+ (moderate labelling). Concerning Ki-67 immunomarker, only one case was described as having a high proliferative index. An association was found between immunostained cell percentage by anti-HER-2 antibodies and high pleomorphism, represented by the pattern of follicular/trabecular tumour arrangement. There was no correlation between anti-Ki-67 and anti-HER-2 antibody immunostaining intensities, probably due to only one case with a high Ki-67 index. With an effective protocol for HER-2 and Ki-67 immunohistochemical identification in granulosa cell tumours in bitches, it was possible to characterize this neoplasm proliferation profile.

PGAM1 and TP53 mRNA levels in canine mammary carcinomas - Short communication.

TP53 and PGAM1 genes play a key role in glycolysis which is an essential metabolic pathway of cancer cells for obtaining energy. The purpose of this work was to evaluate PGAM1 and TP53 mRNA expressions in canine mammary carcinomas (CMC) and to correlate them with animal data and tumour histological features. None of the nine samples analysed revealed PGAM1 DNA sequence variations. PGAM1 and TP53 RNA expressions from 21 CMC were analysed using a one-step reverse transcription-PCR kit and its platform system. Most CMC samples had low levels of PGAM1 mRNA (71.5%) and normal expression of TP53 mRNA (95.2%). Our results suggest a different feature of the Warburg effect on canine mammary cancer cells compared to human cells.

Expression of interleukins 6 and 10 and population of inflammatory cells in the equine endometrium: diagnostic implications.

Endometritis consists of an acute or chronic inflammatory process involving the endometrium and together with endometrosis constitute the main causes of infertility in mares. The aim of this study was to associate the histopathological findings with the immunohistochemical markers interleukins 6 (IL-6) and 10 (IL-10) to evaluate the inflammatory changes and progression of uterine tissue lesions of mares in the diestrus phase and their diagnostic implications. Twelve crossbred cyclic mares were used for endometrial biopsy collection. Samples were collected in the diestrus period (6 ± 1 day after ovulation) without previous artificial insemination. In the histopathological analysis the samples were classified according to the type and intensity of inflammation, alterations regarding endometrial fibrosis and biopsy categories (I, IIA, IIB and III). In the immunohistochemical analysis, the markers of IL-6 and IL-10 were evaluated by scores (0, 2, 4, 6) according to the intensity of the immunostaining and inflammatory cells (CD-3, CD-20, CD-68 and MPO antibodies) and were counted according to the number of cells immunostained in brown, in ten random fields. An association (p ≤ 0.05) occurred between low score (2) for IL-6 in the endometrial glandular area and moderate fibrotic nets; and between high scores (4 and 6) for IL-10 in sub-epithelial connective tissue and moderate periglandular fibrosis. In conclusion, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated an association between interleukins and inflammatory cells with endometrial lesions. In addition, this research may be useful in the future to evaluate the progress of the inflammatory process, contributing to the adequate optimization of the reproductive management of the mares.

Understanding Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors: From the Structure to the Regulatory Actions on Metabolism.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are multi-domains proteins, belonging to the superfamily of nuclear receptors, which mainly act as ligand-activated transcription factors. A variety of lipophilic molecules, including long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and eicosanoids, are capable of binding to PPAR, although the nature of the physiological ligands is still under debate. PPARs regulate the expression of a set of genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism as well as in the control of inflammatory responses. Herein we review the main molecular and cellular events associated with the activation of PPARs and their effects on metabolism.

Histopathological findings in the early diagnosis of granulosa cell tumour in bitches.

Granulosa cell tumour (GCT) is a majorly observed ovarian tumour in female dogs. It is essential to diagnose GCT in its initial phase before any symptoms occur, as histological and physiological differences may be observed based on the evolution of this neoplasia. This study aimed to analyse the anatomic histopathology of GCT in its initial stage, with findings of ovaries not yet with the suspicion of neoplasms in the Canis familiaris. A sample including 55 ovaries presented GCT in 40 female dogs. The histopathological analysis was performed considering the intensity of pleomorphism, vascularization and inflammatory infiltrate. Furthermore, we evaluated the mitoses count in 10 fields using 40× magnification. Out of the 40 animals evaluated, 62.5% (25/40) presented the tumour in only one ovary. The Call-Exner corpuscle was present in 65% (26/40) of the cases. The follicular histological pattern was present in 52.5% (21/40) of the animals. The presence of the Call-Exner bodies and the degree of tumour cell pleomorphism (p = 0.033) were associated. Moreover, the degree of vascularization and the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate were also related (p = 0.001). In addition, there was a positive relationship between the increase in pleomorphism and the mean age of the animals (p = 0.044). This study confirmed that the appearance of this tumour may precede any clinical symptomatology. In this study, the most frequent histopathological pattern was the follicular. The characteristics of the granulosa cell tumour diagnosed early were poorly pleomorphic cells, low mitotic index and presence of Call-Exner body.

Morphometric measurements and zootechnical indices of the Pantanal in race horses of different ages and gender.

The aim of this study was to perform linear measurements and assess morphometric indices of equines of the Pantanal race of different ages in the municipality of Poconé-Mato Grosso. Fifty-seven clinically healthy male and female horses between 1 and 19 years of age were selected and divided into groups by sex: 41 animals males and 17 animals femeles, and age groups: group 1 (nine animals up to 12 months of age), group 2 (eight animals from 12 to 24 months), group 3 (15 animals from 24 to 48 months), and group 4 (27 animals older than 48 months). With the aid of a hypometer, the following linear measures were carried out: height at the withers and croup, and body length. The thoracic circumference and cinnamon were measured with a tape. From these measures, the following zootechnical indices were calculated: estimated weight, relationship between height at the whithers and height at the croup (RHC), dactyl thoracic (DTI), body index (BI), forming index (FI), load index 1 (LI1), load index 2 (LI2), body relative index (BRI), compactness index 1 (COI1), compactness index 2 (COI2), load index in cinnamon (LIC). In general, horses of the Pantanal breed are hipometric and longilinear; only the adult group of animals were mediolinear, with a good relationship between the withers and croup. They can be used with a saddle or take traction, with the ability to move their limbs slowing down with age. An influence of sex and age on the analyzed variables was observed.

Vimentin, osteocalcin and osteonectin expression in canine primary bone tumors: diagnostic and prognostic implications.

Canine primary bone tumors have a plastic radiographic image, demanding histopathological confirmation. Bone tumors are characterized by the type and amount of extracellular matrix produced what cannot be easily recognized, especially in biopsy samples. Identifying cellular markers that could aid diagnosis has supported various studies in oncological pathology. This study aimed to evaluate 22 canine primary bone neoplasms, establishing their histopathological diagnosis and evaluated vimentin, osteonectin and osteocalcin expression and their implication in diagnosis and prognosis. There were 12 productive osteoblastic osteosarcomas, six minimally productive osteoblastic osteosarcoma, two chondrosarcomas, one fibrosarcoma and one hemangiosarcoma. Immunostaining was cytoplasmatic in all cases, with average percentage of 87.9% for vimentin, 98.0% for osteonectin and 99.9% for osteocalcin. In this last case, only osteosarcomas were considered. Intensity was higher in vimentin labeling (+++), followed by osteonectin (++) and osteocalcin (+). One osteosarcoma showed negative immunostaining for vimentin and of samples submitted to anti-osteocalcin immunostaining, three osteosarcomas and one fibrosarcoma had negative staining. Besides identifying mesenchymal origin, vimentin elevated expression in canine bone tumors can be related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition, leading to more aggressive tumoral phenotypes and metastasis development. Similarly, high osteonectin expression is implicated in neoplastic cell invasion and is also related to metastasis spread. Decreased osteocalcin expression was found in some osteosarcoma samples and can be related to poor prognosis, as in human osteosarcomas. Our findings suggest that vimentin, osteonectin and osteocalcin not only aid diagnosis but can be related to prognosis in canine primary bone tumors, especially osteosarcomas and its osteoblastic subtype.

Effect of selection for eventing on the MSTN gene in Brazilian sport horses.

Polymorphisms in MSTN have previously been associated with equine performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify variants in MSTN intron 1 in 16 Brazilian Sport Horses selected for competition in eventing and their possible effects of selection on performance. Among the nine variants identified, eight had already been reported in previous studies or genomic databases, although they showed differences in frequencies when compared with other horse breeds. Moreover, a new mutation was identified in two horses, both in heterozygous form. Considering the absence of molecular studies in this valuable Brazilian breed, these findings represent an important contribution to the characterization of its genetic profile and may possibly aid in further genotype-phenotype association studies.

Inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase CDK1 by oxindolimine ligands and corresponding copper and zinc complexes.

Oxindolimine-copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes that previously have shown to induce apoptosis, with DNA and mitochondria as main targets, exhibit here significant inhibition of kinase CDK1/cyclin B protein. Copper species are more active than the corresponding zinc, and the free ligand shows to be less active, indicating a major influence of coordination in the process, and a further modulation by the coordinated ligand. Molecular docking and classical molecular dynamics provide a better understanding of the effectiveness and kinase inhibition mechanism by these compounds, showing that the metal complex provides a stronger interaction than the free ligand with the ATP-binding site. The metal ion introduces charge in the oxindole species, giving it a more rigid conformation that then becomes more effective in its interactions with the protein active site. Analogous experiments resulted in no significant effect regarding phosphatase inhibition. These results can explain the cytotoxicity of these metal complexes towards different tumor cells, in addition to its capability of binding to DNA, and decreasing membrane potential of mitochondria.

Unveiling the structure of polytetraruthenated nickel porphyrin by Raman spectroelectrochemistry.

The structure of polytetraruthenated nickel porphyrin was unveiled for the first time by electrochemistry, Raman spectroelectrochemistry, and a hydroxyl radical trapping assay. The electrocatalytic active material, precipitated on the electrode surface after successive cycling of [NiTPyP{Ru(bipy)2Cl}4](4+) species in strong aqueous alkaline solution (pH 13), was found to be a peroxo-bridged coordination polymer. The electropolymerization process involves hydroxyl radicals (as confirmed by the characteristic set of DMPO/(•)OH adduct EPR peaks) as reaction intermediates, electrocatalytically generated in the 0.80-1.10 V range, that induce the formation of Ni-O-O-Ni coordination polymers, as evidenced by Raman spectroelectrochemistry and molecular modeling studies. The film growth is halted above 1.10 V due to the formation of oxygen gas bubbles.

Cd hyperfine interactions in DNA bases and DNA of mouse strains infected with Trypanosoma cruzi investigated by perturbed angular correlation spectroscopy and ab initio calculations.

In this work, perturbed angular correlation (PAC) spectroscopy is used to study differences in the nuclear quadrupole interactions of Cd probes in DNA molecules of mice infected with the Y-strain of Trypanosoma cruzi. The possibility of investigating the local genetic alterations in DNA, which occur along generations of mice infected with T. cruzi, using hyperfine interactions obtained from PAC measurements and density functional theory (DFT) calculations in DNA bases is discussed. A comparison of DFT calculations with PAC measurements could determine the type of Cd coordination in the studied molecules. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to use DFT calculations and PAC measurements to investigate the local environment of Cd ions bound to DNA bases in mice infected with Chagas disease. The obtained results also allowed the detection of local changes occurring in the DNA molecules of different generations of mice infected with T. cruzi, opening the possibility of using this technique as a complementary tool in the characterization of complicated biological systems.

In vitro studies of the activity of dithiocarbamate organoruthenium complexes against clinically relevant fungal pathogens.

The in vitro antifungal activity of nine dirutheniumpentadithiocarbamate complexes C1-C9 was investigated and assessed for its activity against four different fungal species with clinical interest and related to invasive fungal infections (IFIs), such as Candida spp. [C. albicans (two clinical isolates), C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsolisis, C. tropicalis, C.dubliniensis (six clinical isolates)], Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (seven clinical isolates), Cryptococcus neoformans and Sporothrix schenckii. All synthesized complexes C1-C9 and also the free ligands L1-L9 were submitted to in vitro tests against those fungi and the results are very promising, since some of the obtained MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) values were very low (from 10-6 mol mL-1 to 10-8 mol mL-1) against all investigated clinically relevant fungal pathogens, except for C. glabrata, that the MIC values are close to the ones obtained for fluconazole, the standard antifungal agent tested. Preliminary structure-activity relations (SAR) might be suggested and a strong influence from steric and lipophilic parameters in the antifungal activity can be noticed. Cytotoxicity assays (IC50) showed that the complexes are not as toxic (IC50 values are much higher-30 to 200 fold-than MIC values). These ruthenium complexes are very promising lead compounds for novel antifungal drug development, especially in IFIs, one of most harmful emerging infection diseases (EIDs).

Occurrence and risk factors associated to Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Toxoplasmosis is an important cause of abortion in sheep and a zoonotic risk to humans, leading to significant hazards to health and to economic losses. This study examined the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for infection with Toxoplasma gondii in 379 sheep from 12 flocks in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Using the modified agglutination test (MAT), 202 (53.3 %) of 379 were seropositive with titers of 1:25 in 65, 1:50 in 40, 1:100 in 23, 1:200 in 11, 1:400 in 36, 1:800 in 7, 1:1,600 in 1, and 1:3,200 or higher in 19 sheep. The most significant factors associated with T. gondii seropositivity in sheep were age, gender, and veterinary care. Finding of T. gondii antibodies in 97 of the 202 sheep in titers of 1:100 or higher is indicative of persistently infected animals. This high level of seropositivity requires urgent control measures to reduce impact on animal productivity and public health.

PID-5-SRF online administration: psychometric indicators and measurement invariance between different formats of data collection.

INTRODUCTION: The PID-5 is a tool used to assess maladaptive personality traits according to the DSM-5 Alternative Model. Objective: The objective is to seek evidence of the validity and reliability of the Personality Inventory for DMS-5 (PID-5-SRF) admin-istered online and assess its measurement invariance compared to the paper-and-pencil administration. METHODS: A sample of 274 individuals from the general population (73.4% of women; 34.76 years old ±11.6) completed the instrument online after the study was dissemi-nated on social media and among the authors' contacts. RESULTS: Internal consistency (facets α≥0.70; domains α≥0.89) and test-retest reliability (15 to 30 days: facets ICC≥0.63; domains ICC≥0.82) were satisfactory, but a floor effect was found in almost all the items. A large number of facets (N=9) showed better fit to a bifactorial structure, and the Exploratory Factor Analysis suggested that a six-factor model better fits the data. Measurement invariance between the online and paper-and-pencil administrations was not attested at a configural level. CONCLUSION: The results revealed satisfactory psychometric indicators when the instrument was applied online, confirming its feasibility in collecting data. However, the in-strument's structure is not invariant, and caution must be adopted when compar-ing and interpreting data collected through different formats.

Salvage cryotherapy for prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer will be candidates for active treatment and 20 to 50% of patients treated with organ preserving strategies recur within the prostate. Optimal treatment of recurrence is controversial. Prostate cryosurgery has been increasingly used as primary, recurrence and focal treatment for prostate cancer. METHODS: We analysed 55 patients submitted to cryotherapy as salvage treatment after recurrence. RESULTS: Study population presented with a mean age of 70.9 ± 6.2 years, mean initial PSA of 7.6 ng/ml and average prostate volume by ultrasound of 43.2 ± 14.7 grams. Mean follow-up was of 18.0 months. Biochemical free survival at one year of follow-up was of 85%. CONCLUSIONS: Cryotherapy can be an effective and safe treatment for recurrence after primary curative treatment failure.

An engineered POSS drug delivery system for copper(II) anticancer metallodrugs in a selective application toward melanoma cells.

In this work, a polyhedral silsesquioxane (POSS) was used as an engineered drug delivery system for two oxindolimine-copper(II) anticancer complexes, [Cu(isaepy)]+ and [Cu(isapn)]+. The interest in hybrid POSS comes from the necessity of developing materials that can act as adjuvants to improve the cytotoxicity of non-soluble metallodrugs. Functionalization of POSS with a triazole ligand (POSS-atzac) permitted the anchorage of such copper complexes, producing hybrid materials with efficient cytotoxic effects. Structural and morphological characterizations of these copper-POSS systems were performed by using different techniques (IR, NMR, thermogravimetric analysis). A combination of continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed EPR (HYSCORE) spectroscopies conducted at the X-band have enabled the complete characterization of the coordination environment of the copper ion in the POSS-atzac matrix. Additionally, the cytotoxic effects of the loaded materials, [Cu(isapn)]@POSS-atzac and [Cu(isaepy)]@POSS-atzac, were assessed toward melanomas (SK-MEL), in comparison to non-tumorigenic cells (fibroblast P4). Evaluation of their nuclease activity or ability to facilitate cleavage of DNA indicated concentrations as low as 0.6 µg mL-1, while complete DNA fragmentation was observed at 25 µg mL-1. By using adequate scavengers, investigations on active intermediates responsible for their cytotoxicity were performed, both in the absence and in the presence of ascorbate as a reducing agent. Based on the observed selective cytotoxicity of these materials toward melanomas, investigations on the reactivity of these complexes and corresponding POSS-materials with melanin, a molecule that contributes to melanoma resistance to chemotherapy, were carried out. Results indicated the main role of the binuclear copper species, formed at the surface of the silica matrix, in the observed reactivity and selectivity of these copper-POSS systems.

Modulatory actions of Echinococcus granulosus antigen B on macrophage inflammatory activation.

Cestodes use own lipid-binding proteins to capture and transport hydrophobic ligands, including lipids that they cannot synthesise as fatty acids and cholesterol. In E. granulosus s.l., one of these lipoproteins is antigen B (EgAgB), codified by a multigenic and polymorphic family that gives rise to five gene products (EgAgB8/1-5 subunits) assembled as a 230 kDa macromolecule. EgAgB has a diagnostic value for cystic echinococcosis, but its putative role in the immunobiology of this infection is still poorly understood. Accumulating research suggests that EgAgB has immunomodulatory properties, but previous studies employed denatured antigen preparations that might exert different effects than the native form, thereby limiting data interpretation. This work analysed the modulatory actions on macrophages of native EgAgB (nEgAgB) and the recombinant form of EgAg8/1, which is the most abundant subunit in the larva and was expressed in insect S2 cells (rEgAgB8/1). Both EgAgB preparations were purified to homogeneity by immunoaffinity chromatography using a novel nanobody anti-EgAgB8/1. nEgAgB and rEgAgB8/1 exhibited differences in size and lipid composition. The rEgAgB8/1 generates mildly larger lipoproteins with a less diverse lipid composition than nEgAgB. Assays using human and murine macrophages showed that both nEgAgB and rEgAgB8/1 interfered with in vitro LPS-driven macrophage activation, decreasing cytokine (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-12p40, IFN-ß) secretion and ·NO generation. Furthermore, nEgAgB and rEgAgB8/1 modulated in vivo LPS-induced cytokine production (IL-6, IL-10) and activation of large (measured as MHC-II level) and small (measured as CD86 and CD40 levels) macrophages in the peritoneum, although rEgAgB8/1 effects were less robust. Overall, this work reinforced the notion that EgAgB is an immunomodulatory component of E. granulosus s.l. Although nEgAgB lipid's effects cannot be ruled out, our data suggest that the EgAgB8/1 subunit contributes to EgAgB´s ability to regulate the inflammatory activation of macrophages.

The relationships among Leishmania infantum and phyllostomid bats assessed by histopathological and molecular assays.

Bats have been reported as reservoir host of Leishmania spp. worldwide, mostly by molecular detection. However, it is still unclear whether bats act as reservoirs of Leishmania infantum to sandflies vectors. In this sense, the investigation of amastigotes forms in the target organs, and the characterization of their associated inflammation, may help to clarify the epidemiological importance of bats in endemic areas for leishmaniasis. The aim of this work was to investigate the host-parasite relationships under microscopic evaluation and predict the epidemiological role of two phyllostomid bats species naturally infected by L. infantum in an endemic area for human leishmaniasis. Fragments of skin, liver and spleen of L. infantum positive and negative bats (Artibeus planirostris and Carollia perspicillata) by qPCR, were studied by histological and immunohistochemical techniques. Both groups, positive and negative, did not show differences in the histopathological study, presenting only discrete tissue changes. Liver and skin showed mild inflammatory reactions. Findings on spleen consisted of reactivity of the lymphoid follicles, expressive presence of apoptotic cells and macrophages containing abundant phagocytic cells debris. We did not find amastigote forms in tissues by histological and IHC techniques in positive qPCR bats. Our results allow us to hypothesize that phyllostomid bats seem to have an important role in reducing the risk of transmission, possibly acting as dead-end host.