PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva C.A.O., Perri S.H.V., Koivisto M.B., Silva A.M., Carvalho R.G. & Monteiro C.M.R. 2009. [Histological and morphometric evaluation of the testes of cats (Felis catus).] Aspectos histológicos e morfométricos dos testículos de gatos domésticos (Felis catus). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):312-316. Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: monteiro@fmva.unesp.br This paper deals with a comparative histologic and morphometric study of the testes of domestic cats distributed into two groups: Group 1, cats until 1 year of age, and Group 2, cats over 1 year. It was found that: (1) at 4 months of age the seminiferous tubules were poorly developed, appeared as seminiferous cords without lumen, lined by a low epithelium, and showed undifferentiated Sertoli cells and scarce interstitial tissue; (2) at 5 months the seminiferous tubules began to differentiate with increase in tubular diameter and lumen, the other tubular structures remaining similar to those previous referred; (3) at 6 and 7 months of age spermatocytogenesis began to appear, Leydig cells were large, polyhedral in shape, with vacuolated cytoplasm and clear nuclei, resting on a sparse interstitial tissue with few blood vessels; (4) 1-year-old cats showed testicular histological features of an adult animal, had seminiferous tubules of large diameter and high seminiferous epithelium with small lumen, and Leydig cells of different sizes, with polyhedral shape, vacuolated cytoplasm, clear nuclei and evident nucleoli resting in a sparse interstitial tissue with some blood vessels; (5) in Group 1 the average diameter of the seminiferous tubules was 160.58µm, and 185.94µm in Group 2; (6) the height of the seminiferous epithelium was 49.51µm for Group 1 and 63.29µm for Group 2; (7) the largest measures of the analyzed parameters were found in animals of Group 2, with functional reproductive organs.

• Histology morphometry testes cats

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva C.A.O., Perri S.H.V., Koivisto M.B., Silva A.M., Carvalho R.G. & Monteiro C.M.R. 2009. [Histological and morphometric evaluation of the testes of cats (Felis catus).] Aspectos histológicos e morfométricos dos testículos de gatos domésticos (Felis catus). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):312-316. Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: monteiro@fmva.unesp.br This paper deals with a comparative histologic and morphometric study of the testes of domestic cats distributed into two groups: Group 1, cats until 1 year of age, and Group 2, cats over 1 year. It was found that: (1) at 4 months of age the seminiferous tubules were poorly developed, appeared as seminiferous cords without lumen, lined by a low epithelium, and showed undifferentiated Sertoli cells and scarce interstitial tissue; (2) at 5 months the seminiferous tubules began to differentiate with increase in tubular diameter and lumen, the other tubular structures remaining similar to those previous referred; (3) at 6 and 7 months of age spermatocytogenesis began to appear, Leydig cells were large, polyhedral in shape, with vacuolated cytoplasm and clear nuclei, resting on a sparse interstitial tissue with few blood vessels; (4) 1-year-old cats showed testicular histological features of an adult animal, had seminiferous tubules of large diameter and high seminiferous epithelium with small lumen, and Leydig cells of different sizes, with polyhedral shape, vacuolated cytoplasm, clear nuclei and evident nucleoli resting in a sparse interstitial tissue with some blood vessels; (5) in Group 1 the average diameter of the seminiferous tubules was 160.58µm, and 185.94µm in Group 2; (6) the height of the seminiferous epithelium was 49.51µm for Group 1 and 63.29µm for Group 2; (7) the largest measures of the analyzed parameters were found in animals of Group 2, with functional reproductive organs.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Santos T.C., Ferrari C.C., Menconi A., Maia M.O., Bombonato P.P. & Pereira C.C.H. 2009. [Veins from hepatic portal vein system in domestic geese.] Veias do sistema porta-hepático em gansos domésticos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):327-332. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: bombonat@usp.br The intraparenchymal distribution of the hepatic portal veins in 30 domestic geese were studied. Stained Neoprene latex was injected into the isquiatic vessels, and the animals were fixed in 10% formaldehyde by immersion and intramuscular injection. The liver of geese was composed of a large right and a smaller left hepatic lobe, connected by a parenchyma bridge. The right hepatic lobe had vessels exclusively from the hepatic portal system composed by intraparenchymal distribution of the right hepatic portal vein, while the vessels of the left hepatic lobe came from the right hepatic portal vein and from small left hepatic portal veins. The right hepatic portal vein emitted the right caudal branch, which emitted a small right caudolateral branch and a large right caudomedial branch. Cranially this vein emitted right cranial and right lateral branches. The tranverse portion of the right hepatic portal vein crossed to the left hepatic lobe, emitting 1 to 6 small cranial and caudal branches to the medial area of the liver. In the left hepatic lobe, the left branch from the right hepatic vein emitted the left cranial, left lateral and left median branches. One to six left hepatic portal veins were identified arising from the left branch or from the transverse portion of the right hepatic portal vein. These vessels arose from the gizzard and pro-ventricle. In 40% of geese one proper hepatic portal vein originated from venous vessels of the gizzard and was distributed into the caudal extremity of the left hepatic isolated lobe.

• Morphology hepatic portal vein liver geese

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Santos T.C., Ferrari C.C., Menconi A., Maia M.O., Bombonato P.P. & Pereira C.C.H. 2009. [Veins from hepatic portal vein system in domestic geese.] Veias do sistema porta-hepático em gansos domésticos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):327-332. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: bombonat@usp.br The intraparenchymal distribution of the hepatic portal veins in 30 domestic geese were studied. Stained Neoprene latex was injected into the isquiatic vessels, and the animals were fixed in 10% formaldehyde by immersion and intramuscular injection. The liver of geese was composed of a large right and a smaller left hepatic lobe, connected by a parenchyma bridge. The right hepatic lobe had vessels exclusively from the hepatic portal system composed by intraparenchymal distribution of the right hepatic portal vein, while the vessels of the left hepatic lobe came from the right hepatic portal vein and from small left hepatic portal veins. The right hepatic portal vein emitted the right caudal branch, which emitted a small right caudolateral branch and a large right caudomedial branch. Cranially this vein emitted right cranial and right lateral branches. The tranverse portion of the right hepatic portal vein crossed to the left hepatic lobe, emitting 1 to 6 small cranial and caudal branches to the medial area of the liver. In the left hepatic lobe, the left branch from the right hepatic vein emitted the left cranial, left lateral and left median branches. One to six left hepatic portal veins were identified arising from the left branch or from the transverse portion of the right hepatic portal vein. These vessels arose from the gizzard and pro-ventricle. In 40% of geese one proper hepatic portal vein originated from venous vessels of the gizzard and was distributed into the caudal extremity of the left hepatic isolated lobe.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Moraes J.M., Brito L.A.B., Moura V.M.B.D., Ribeiro C.S., Guimarães V.Y., Andrade D.F., Lobo J.R. & Fioravanti M.C.S. 2009. [Immunophenotyping and quantitative evaluation of circulating lymphocytes of cattle of the Curraleiro breed.] Imunofenotipagem e avaliação quantitativa de linfócitos circulantes de bovinos da raça Curraleiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):339-344. Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Cx. Postal 131, Goiânia, GO 74001-970, Brazil. E-mail: mmjulia_vet@yahoo.com.br The aim of this study was to establish an immunological profile by marking and quantification of T and B lymphocytes in Curraleiro breed by immunocytochemistry. A total of 116 cattle was used, males and females of different ages, from two farms situated in the Goiás State, Brazil. The animals were allotted into groups according to age, sex and origin. Blood samples were collected and processed in accordance with immunocytochemistry standard technique using lymphoid markers species-specific, as anti-CD3 (MM1A - BoCD3) and anti-LB (LCTB16A-clone B-B14), for T and B lymphocyte counting, respectively. The data were submitted to descriptive statistics, and to Kruskall Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. The results showed decreased levels of leukocytes, lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes along the age advance. Absolute values of leukocytes, lymphocytes and T lymphocytes were higher in males than females. None of the evaluated parameters were affected by differences of the management carried out at the two farms.

• Immunocytochemistry CD3 T lymphocytes B lymphocytes immunological profile

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Moraes J.M., Brito L.A.B., Moura V.M.B.D., Ribeiro C.S., Guimarães V.Y., Andrade D.F., Lobo J.R. & Fioravanti M.C.S. 2009. [Immunophenotyping and quantitative evaluation of circulating lymphocytes of cattle of the Curraleiro breed.] Imunofenotipagem e avaliação quantitativa de linfócitos circulantes de bovinos da raça Curraleiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):339-344. Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Cx. Postal 131, Goiânia, GO 74001-970, Brazil. E-mail: mmjulia_vet@yahoo.com.br The aim of this study was to establish an immunological profile by marking and quantification of T and B lymphocytes in Curraleiro breed by immunocytochemistry. A total of 116 cattle was used, males and females of different ages, from two farms situated in the Goiás State, Brazil. The animals were allotted into groups according to age, sex and origin. Blood samples were collected and processed in accordance with immunocytochemistry standard technique using lymphoid markers species-specific, as anti-CD3 (MM1A - BoCD3) and anti-LB (LCTB16A-clone B-B14), for T and B lymphocyte counting, respectively. The data were submitted to descriptive statistics, and to Kruskall Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. The results showed decreased levels of leukocytes, lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes along the age advance. Absolute values of leukocytes, lymphocytes and T lymphocytes were higher in males than females. None of the evaluated parameters were affected by differences of the management carried out at the two farms.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Bezerra Jr P.S., Santos A.S., Bandarra P.M., Pedroso P.M.O., Pavarini, S.P., Spanamberg A., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Experimental poisoning by Aspergillus clavatus in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Aspergillus clavatus em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):205-210. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br This paper describes the experimental reproduction of a neurological condition in sheep by the administration of a beer by-product contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus. Samples of this by-product, in which pure cultures of A. clavatus grew, originated from two farms where outbreaks of A. clavatus poisoning in cattle had occurred. The onset of symptomatology was 2 to 6 days after dosage with the contaminated beer by-product or pure A. clavatus culture. The clinical course lasted from one and a half to 12 days. Clinical signs were predominantly of locomotor and respiratory nature and included muscle tremors, hyperesthesia, and progressive tachypnea, rigidity of the pelvic limbs, posterior weakness, and recumbency. One sheep also showed occasional knuckling of fetlocks of the hind limbs. Gait abnormalities and tremors were more pronounced after exercise. In 6 of 7 sheep, appetite and dypsia were maintained until close to death or euthanasia. The main histological findings consisted of chromatolytic neuronal degeneration and necrosis in selected nuclei of the brain stem, the ventral horn of the spinal cord and the spinal, trigeminal, stellate and celiac ganglions. Three sheep also presented slight degenerative and necrotic changes in muscles of the pelvic and thoracic limbs.

• Aspergillus clavatus sheep beer by-product poisoning neuronal chromatolysis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Bezerra Jr P.S., Santos A.S., Bandarra P.M., Pedroso P.M.O., Pavarini, S.P., Spanamberg A., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Experimental poisoning by Aspergillus clavatus in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Aspergillus clavatus em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):205-210. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br This paper describes the experimental reproduction of a neurological condition in sheep by the administration of a beer by-product contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus. Samples of this by-product, in which pure cultures of A. clavatus grew, originated from two farms where outbreaks of A. clavatus poisoning in cattle had occurred. The onset of symptomatology was 2 to 6 days after dosage with the contaminated beer by-product or pure A. clavatus culture. The clinical course lasted from one and a half to 12 days. Clinical signs were predominantly of locomotor and respiratory nature and included muscle tremors, hyperesthesia, and progressive tachypnea, rigidity of the pelvic limbs, posterior weakness, and recumbency. One sheep also showed occasional knuckling of fetlocks of the hind limbs. Gait abnormalities and tremors were more pronounced after exercise. In 6 of 7 sheep, appetite and dypsia were maintained until close to death or euthanasia. The main histological findings consisted of chromatolytic neuronal degeneration and necrosis in selected nuclei of the brain stem, the ventral horn of the spinal cord and the spinal, trigeminal, stellate and celiac ganglions. Three sheep also presented slight degenerative and necrotic changes in muscles of the pelvic and thoracic limbs.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva-Zacarias F.G., Spohr K.A.H., Lima B.A.C., Dias J.A., Müller E.E., Ferreira Neto J.S., Turilli C. & Freitas J.C. 2009. [Prevalence of antibodies against Chlamydophila spp. in herds with bovine abortion of Paraná state, Brazil.] Prevalência de anticorpos anti-Chlamydophila spp. em propriedades rurais com histórico de aborto bovino no estado do Paraná. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):215-219. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid 380, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: freitasj@uel.br Chlamydophila abortus is a recognized cause of bovine epizootic abortion. Abortion, premature birth and weak lamb/calf, stillbirth and repeat breeding in irregular intervals are the most frequent disease manifestations. The complement fixation test is the recommended by the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) for Chlamydophila spp. serologic diagnosis. The aim of this study was estimate the prevalence of antibodies against Chlamydophila spp. in cattle herds with abortion, selected inside the sampling design of National Program of Control and Erradication of Brucellosis in Paraná state. Serum samples of 3,102 cows (age ³ 24 months) from 373 herds were analyzed by complement fixation test. Totally, 44 (1.42%) animal were positive with titers ³ 32. The seroprevalence of Chlamydophila spp. in the herds was 8.82% (6.15%-12.17%). Four variables were associated with seroprevalence for Chlamydophila spp. in the final model of logistic regression: confined or semi-confined breeding (OR=3.339, P=0.004), farms with less than 35 cows (OR=3.339, P=0.017), abortion in the pasture (OR=2.372, P=0.037) and pasture rent (OR=3.398, P=0.006) were risk factors for Chlamydophila spp. This bacterium infected a small number of cattle from herds with abortion in Paraná state. Chlamydophila spp impact as abortion cause is reduced in this state.

• Chlamydophila abortus bovine epizootic abortion serology bacteria

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva-Zacarias F.G., Spohr K.A.H., Lima B.A.C., Dias J.A., Müller E.E., Ferreira Neto J.S., Turilli C. & Freitas J.C. 2009. [Prevalence of antibodies against Chlamydophila spp. in herds with bovine abortion of Paraná state, Brazil.] Prevalência de anticorpos anti-Chlamydophila spp. em propriedades rurais com histórico de aborto bovino no estado do Paraná. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):215-219. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid 380, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: freitasj@uel.br Chlamydophila abortus is a recognized cause of bovine epizootic abortion. Abortion, premature birth and weak lamb/calf, stillbirth and repeat breeding in irregular intervals are the most frequent disease manifestations. The complement fixation test is the recommended by the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) for Chlamydophila spp. serologic diagnosis. The aim of this study was estimate the prevalence of antibodies against Chlamydophila spp. in cattle herds with abortion, selected inside the sampling design of National Program of Control and Erradication of Brucellosis in Paraná state. Serum samples of 3,102 cows (age ³ 24 months) from 373 herds were analyzed by complement fixation test. Totally, 44 (1.42%) animal were positive with titers ³ 32. The seroprevalence of Chlamydophila spp. in the herds was 8.82% (6.15%-12.17%). Four variables were associated with seroprevalence for Chlamydophila spp. in the final model of logistic regression: confined or semi-confined breeding (OR=3.339, P=0.004), farms with less than 35 cows (OR=3.339, P=0.017), abortion in the pasture (OR=2.372, P=0.037) and pasture rent (OR=3.398, P=0.006) were risk factors for Chlamydophila spp. This bacterium infected a small number of cattle from herds with abortion in Paraná state. Chlamydophila spp impact as abortion cause is reduced in this state.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Bezerra Jr P.S., Raymundo D.L., Spanamberg A., Corrêa A.M.R., Bangel Jr J.J., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Neurotoxicosis in cattle associated with consumption of beer residues contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus.] Neurotoxicose em bovinos associada ao consumo de bagaço de malte contaminado por Aspergillus clavatus. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):220-228. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: bezerraj@ufla.br Two outbreaks of a neurological disease affecting herds of dairy cattle that were fed moldy beer residues contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus in the county of Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, are described. The morbidity of both outbreaks was 30% and the lethality 50% and 100%. The clinical course varied from 5 to 64 days. Only one of the animals that recovered from the disease remained with slight locomotor sequels. Clinical signs were predominantly locomotor and included muscle tremors of varied intensity, hyperesthesia and progressive posterior ataxia, paresis and paralysis with knuckling of fetlocks of the hind limbs. Gait abnormalities were more pronounced after exercises which in general led to falling down. There was also reduced milk production, but appetite and water intake were maintained until close to death or euthanasia. From five cattle necropsied, two showed macroscopic lesions characterized by necrotic changes and mineralization in pelvic muscles and thoracic limbs. The main histological findings consisted of chromatolytic neuronal degeneration and necrosis in selected nuclei of the brain stem, the ventral horn of the spinal cord, and of the trigeminal, stellate celiac and spinal ganglions. In two cattle there was wallerian degeneration in dorsal funiculi of the spinal cord and ischiadic and fibular nerves. The diagnosis was based on epidemiological data, clinical signs, necropsy findings, histological lesions and mycological examination. Epidemiologic, clinical and pathologic aspects, pathogenetic mechanisms and differential diagnoses are discussed.

• Aspergillus clavatus cattle beer residues neurotoxicosis chromatolysis neuronal

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Bezerra Jr P.S., Raymundo D.L., Spanamberg A., Corrêa A.M.R., Bangel Jr J.J., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Neurotoxicosis in cattle associated with consumption of beer residues contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus.] Neurotoxicose em bovinos associada ao consumo de bagaço de malte contaminado por Aspergillus clavatus. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):220-228. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: bezerraj@ufla.br Two outbreaks of a neurological disease affecting herds of dairy cattle that were fed moldy beer residues contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus in the county of Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, are described. The morbidity of both outbreaks was 30% and the lethality 50% and 100%. The clinical course varied from 5 to 64 days. Only one of the animals that recovered from the disease remained with slight locomotor sequels. Clinical signs were predominantly locomotor and included muscle tremors of varied intensity, hyperesthesia and progressive posterior ataxia, paresis and paralysis with knuckling of fetlocks of the hind limbs. Gait abnormalities were more pronounced after exercises which in general led to falling down. There was also reduced milk production, but appetite and water intake were maintained until close to death or euthanasia. From five cattle necropsied, two showed macroscopic lesions characterized by necrotic changes and mineralization in pelvic muscles and thoracic limbs. The main histological findings consisted of chromatolytic neuronal degeneration and necrosis in selected nuclei of the brain stem, the ventral horn of the spinal cord, and of the trigeminal, stellate celiac and spinal ganglions. In two cattle there was wallerian degeneration in dorsal funiculi of the spinal cord and ischiadic and fibular nerves. The diagnosis was based on epidemiological data, clinical signs, necropsy findings, histological lesions and mycological examination. Epidemiologic, clinical and pathologic aspects, pathogenetic mechanisms and differential diagnoses are discussed.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Galo K.R, Fonseca A.H., Madureira R.C. & Barbosa Neto J.D. 2009. [Occurrence of homologous anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in equines in the metropolitan mesorregion of Belém, State of Para, Brazil.] Freqüência de anticorpos homólogos anti-Borrelia burgdorferi em eqüinos na mesorregião metropolitana de Belém, Estado do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):229-232. Departamento de Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: adivaldo@ufrrj.br Spirochaetes transmitted by ticks are microorganisms of worldwide distribution, which infect wild, domestic animals and human beings. A total of 300 equine sera from four municipalities: Ananideua (58), Belém (61), Castanhal (131), and Santa Izabel do Pará (50), were evaluated for Borrelia burgdorferi by an Elisa test. There were no significant differences (P<0.05) among municipalities, breed, sex or husbandry. A total of 80 (26.7%) horses were B. burgdorferi positive with titles of 1:800, 72 (90%) horses, 1:1.600, 6 (7.5%) horses, and 1:3.200, 2 (2.5%) horses. The results were similar to those in the USA, where related frequencies ranged from 7 to 75% in asymptomatic seropositive horses. The presence of anti-B.burgdorferi homologous antibodies in horses from four municipalities in the metropolitan mesorregion of Belém suggests the possibility of occurrence of human cases in the region.

• Borrelia burgdorferi Spirochaetacae horses serology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Galo K.R, Fonseca A.H., Madureira R.C. & Barbosa Neto J.D. 2009. [Occurrence of homologous anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in equines in the metropolitan mesorregion of Belém, State of Para, Brazil.] Freqüência de anticorpos homólogos anti-Borrelia burgdorferi em eqüinos na mesorregião metropolitana de Belém, Estado do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):229-232. Departamento de Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: adivaldo@ufrrj.br Spirochaetes transmitted by ticks are microorganisms of worldwide distribution, which infect wild, domestic animals and human beings. A total of 300 equine sera from four municipalities: Ananideua (58), Belém (61), Castanhal (131), and Santa Izabel do Pará (50), were evaluated for Borrelia burgdorferi by an Elisa test. There were no significant differences (P<0.05) among municipalities, breed, sex or husbandry. A total of 80 (26.7%) horses were B. burgdorferi positive with titles of 1:800, 72 (90%) horses, 1:1.600, 6 (7.5%) horses, and 1:3.200, 2 (2.5%) horses. The results were similar to those in the USA, where related frequencies ranged from 7 to 75% in asymptomatic seropositive horses. The presence of anti-B.burgdorferi homologous antibodies in horses from four municipalities in the metropolitan mesorregion of Belém suggests the possibility of occurrence of human cases in the region.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Martins I.V.F., Verocai G.G., Correia T.R., Melo R.M.P.S., Pereira M.J.S., Scott F.B. & Grisi L. 2009. Survey on control and management practices of equine helminths infection. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):253-257. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Cx. Postal 16, Alegre, ES 29500-000, Brazil. E-mail: isabella@cca.ufes.br Twenty-nine stud farms were selected in the Medium Paraíba region of the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. After an interview with the person responsible for the animals, faecal samples were collected from mares and analyzed via the EPG technique, faecal cultures, Sedimentation-centrifugo-flotation, and modified Ueno and Baermann techniques. The prevalence of helminths in the mares and in the stud farms was calculated. The stocking rates of pasture, change of horse bedding, absence of pasture rotation, absence of technology in the property, and less frequent treatment of the animals were associated with a greater prevalence of helminths, showing that these variables must be considered in equine control programs. The intensity of the parasitism was also associated with the stocking rate of pasture, absence of dunghill, presence of the animals only in paddocks, lack of technology in the property, less frequent treatment of the animals, and absence of the use of rotation regarding the anthelmintic class.

• Control practices management helminths treatment horses

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Martins I.V.F., Verocai G.G., Correia T.R., Melo R.M.P.S., Pereira M.J.S., Scott F.B. & Grisi L. 2009. Survey on control and management practices of equine helminths infection. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):253-257. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Cx. Postal 16, Alegre, ES 29500-000, Brazil. E-mail: isabella@cca.ufes.br Twenty-nine stud farms were selected in the Medium Paraíba region of the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. After an interview with the person responsible for the animals, faecal samples were collected from mares and analyzed via the EPG technique, faecal cultures, Sedimentation-centrifugo-flotation, and modified Ueno and Baermann techniques. The prevalence of helminths in the mares and in the stud farms was calculated. The stocking rates of pasture, change of horse bedding, absence of pasture rotation, absence of technology in the property, and less frequent treatment of the animals were associated with a greater prevalence of helminths, showing that these variables must be considered in equine control programs. The intensity of the parasitism was also associated with the stocking rate of pasture, absence of dunghill, presence of the animals only in paddocks, lack of technology in the property, less frequent treatment of the animals, and absence of the use of rotation regarding the anthelmintic class.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Alves F.R., Feitosa M.L.T., Gatti A., Fadel L., Unruh S.M., Ambrósio C.E., Sterman F.A., Pinto A.C.B.C.F. & Miglino M.A. 2009. [Radiologic images of the thoracic cavity of Golden Retriever dogs affected by muscular dystrophy.] Imagem radiográfica da cavidade torácica de cães Golden Retriever acometidos pela Distrofia Muscular. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):99-104. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: flaviovet@usp.br Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder with clinical signs of muscular weaknesses and progressive atrophy. Golden Retriever dogs show similar genotypic and phenotypic characteristics to Human Muscular Dystrophy and are considered a proper animal model for DMD studies. Latero-lateral and dorso-ventral thoracic radiographies were obtained from 10 Golden Retriever dogs affected by muscular dystrophy, to investigate possible radiographic alterations. Thorax radiographic examination revealed (a) interstitial and alveolar pattern, (b) initial phases of pneumonia and pulmonary edema, (c) cardiomegaly as a principal alteration in the thoracic cavity, (d) megaesophagus displacing the trachea and heart silhouette, and (e) cranial protrusion of the diaphragm lining into the thorax with development of a hiatus hernia displacing the stomach to the caudal mediastinum. Postmortem examination showed pleural effusion, pulmonary emphysema, degenerative and metaplasic processes in the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Radiographic examination was considered essential for the diagnosis of cardiac and respiratory disease in Golden Retriever dogs affected by muscular dystrophy, and to identify the primary pulmonary process and to provide the establishment of suitable therapeutic treatment, with a reserved prognosis in advanced stage of the disease.

• Muscular dystrophy Duchenne Golden Retriever dog radiology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Alves F.R., Feitosa M.L.T., Gatti A., Fadel L., Unruh S.M., Ambrósio C.E., Sterman F.A., Pinto A.C.B.C.F. & Miglino M.A. 2009. [Radiologic images of the thoracic cavity of Golden Retriever dogs affected by muscular dystrophy.] Imagem radiográfica da cavidade torácica de cães Golden Retriever acometidos pela Distrofia Muscular. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):99-104. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: flaviovet@usp.br Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder with clinical signs of muscular weaknesses and progressive atrophy. Golden Retriever dogs show similar genotypic and phenotypic characteristics to Human Muscular Dystrophy and are considered a proper animal model for DMD studies. Latero-lateral and dorso-ventral thoracic radiographies were obtained from 10 Golden Retriever dogs affected by muscular dystrophy, to investigate possible radiographic alterations. Thorax radiographic examination revealed (a) interstitial and alveolar pattern, (b) initial phases of pneumonia and pulmonary edema, (c) cardiomegaly as a principal alteration in the thoracic cavity, (d) megaesophagus displacing the trachea and heart silhouette, and (e) cranial protrusion of the diaphragm lining into the thorax with development of a hiatus hernia displacing the stomach to the caudal mediastinum. Postmortem examination showed pleural effusion, pulmonary emphysema, degenerative and metaplasic processes in the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Radiographic examination was considered essential for the diagnosis of cardiac and respiratory disease in Golden Retriever dogs affected by muscular dystrophy, and to identify the primary pulmonary process and to provide the establishment of suitable therapeutic treatment, with a reserved prognosis in advanced stage of the disease.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Cunha N.C., Fonseca A.H., Rezende J., Rozental T., Favacho A.R.M., Barreira J.D., Massard C.L., Lemos E.R.S. 2009. First identification of natural infection of Rickettsia rickettsii in the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):105-108. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: adivaldo@ufrrj.br The Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF) is a zoonotic disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii and transmitted by ticks of the genus Amblyomma, more frequently, Amblyomma cajennense. The aim of this paper was to report the first molecular detection of R. rickettsii on R. sanguineus naturally infected in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ticks were collected from dogs in a rural region of Resende municipality, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil (22o 30min 9.46sec S, 44o 42min 44.29sec WO), where occurred five human cases of BSF in 2006. The ticks were identified under a stereoscopic microscope and separated in pools by stages, species and sex. DNA extraction was carried out using QIAamp DNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN®). The DNA was submitted to PCR amplification using 04 set of primers: Rr190.70p/Rr190.602n (OmpA, 532bp), BG1-21/BG2-20 (OmpB, 650bp), Tz15/Tz16 (17 kDa protein-encoding gene, 246bp) and RpCS.877p/RpCS.1258n (gltA, 381bp). PCR products were separated by electrophoresis on 1% agarose gels and visualized under ultraviolet light with ethidium bromide. PCR products of the expected sizes were purified by QIAquick® and sequenced by ABI PRISM®. The generated nucleotide sequences were edited with using Bioedit® software and compared with the corresponding homologous sequences available through GenBank, using Discontiguous Mega Blast (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). It was confirmed R. rickettsii by sequencing of the material (GenBank FJ356230). The molecular characterization of R. rickettsii in the tick R. sanguineus emphasizes the role of dogs as carriers of ticks from the environment to home. Moreover, this result suggests that there is a considerable chance for active participation of R. sanguineus as one of tick species in the transmission of R. ricketsii to human being in the Brazilian territory.

• Rhipicephalus sanguineus Acari Ixodidae Rickettsia rickettsii molecular analysis Brazilian spotted fever

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Cunha N.C., Fonseca A.H., Rezende J., Rozental T., Favacho A.R.M., Barreira J.D., Massard C.L., Lemos E.R.S. 2009. First identification of natural infection of Rickettsia rickettsii in the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):105-108. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: adivaldo@ufrrj.br The Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF) is a zoonotic disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii and transmitted by ticks of the genus Amblyomma, more frequently, Amblyomma cajennense. The aim of this paper was to report the first molecular detection of R. rickettsii on R. sanguineus naturally infected in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ticks were collected from dogs in a rural region of Resende municipality, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil (22o 30min 9.46sec S, 44o 42min 44.29sec WO), where occurred five human cases of BSF in 2006. The ticks were identified under a stereoscopic microscope and separated in pools by stages, species and sex. DNA extraction was carried out using QIAamp DNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN®). The DNA was submitted to PCR amplification using 04 set of primers: Rr190.70p/Rr190.602n (OmpA, 532bp), BG1-21/BG2-20 (OmpB, 650bp), Tz15/Tz16 (17 kDa protein-encoding gene, 246bp) and RpCS.877p/RpCS.1258n (gltA, 381bp). PCR products were separated by electrophoresis on 1% agarose gels and visualized under ultraviolet light with ethidium bromide. PCR products of the expected sizes were purified by QIAquick® and sequenced by ABI PRISM®. The generated nucleotide sequences were edited with using Bioedit® software and compared with the corresponding homologous sequences available through GenBank, using Discontiguous Mega Blast (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). It was confirmed R. rickettsii by sequencing of the material (GenBank FJ356230). The molecular characterization of R. rickettsii in the tick R. sanguineus emphasizes the role of dogs as carriers of ticks from the environment to home. Moreover, this result suggests that there is a considerable chance for active participation of R. sanguineus as one of tick species in the transmission of R. ricketsii to human being in the Brazilian territory.