PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Vidotti A.P., Agreste F.R., Bombonato P.P. & Prado I.M.M. 2008. [Arterial vascularization of the sinoatrial node in swine hearts: origin, distribution and quantification.] Vascularização arterial da região do nó sinoatrial em corações suínos: origem, distribuição e quantificação. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(2):113-118. Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil. E-mail: avidotti@usp.br The sinoatrial node, for being topographically installed as the initial component of the conduction system, is responsible for the production of the nervous impulses, which determines the cardiac contraction. There have been made studies related to the node’s morphology in order to know the origin, distribution and quantification of the vases in this tissue, however, in spite of the results and quantitative data of the nodal irrigation - arterial vascular conduct and arterial vascular density, at the nodal level - the literature is scarce. With this objective 27 SRD swine hearts, injected with colored resin for macroscopic analysis of the origin and distribution of ANSA (sinoatrial node artery), 3 others injected with watery solution of colloidal coal (dyed nanquim) were used, to mark the route of the vases on the node level for stereological analysis. The atrial arteries originated as well from the right coronary artery as from the left one, with predominance of the first (66.66% and 33.33%, respectively). When originated from the right coronary artery, there existed the following branches: AADAM (right cranial medial atrial artery) in 14 cases, AADAI (right cranial intermedial atrial artery) in 2 cases, and AADAL (right cranial lateral atrial artery) in 2 cases. In 9 cases (33.33%) the following branches originated from the left coronary artery: 4 through branch AASPL (left caudal lateral atrial artery), 2 through branch AASAI (left cranial intermedial atrial artery) and 3 through branch AASAM (left cranial medial atrial artery). Interarterial anastomoses with vessels responsible for irrigation of the sinoatrial node area were observed in most of the cases (25 hearts). The Volume or Reference Volume (V(ref)) of the hearts were 35.32x104µm3. For the stereological variables analyzed, the estimate density of the vessel length (Lv) was 766; the vessel length (L) - mm - was 27.06x105µm; the area’s surface density (Sv) was 182 and the area’s surface (S) - mm2 - was 64.3x106µm2. The estimate of the vascular numeric density (Nv(vasc)) - total of vessels per unit of volume (cm3) was 2.19 10-5, and the total number of vessels in the organ (N(vasc)), estimated by the physical dissector method in combination with the estimate of the number of Euler (Xv), was 773.6832 x10-2. The raised vascular density and total number of vases in the swine’s sinoatrial node area suggests the existence of a vascular perinodal network complex and dense, ratifying the importance of this mark-pass for its blood supply.

• Heart vascularization sinoatrial node morphometry swine

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Vidotti A.P., Agreste F.R., Bombonato P.P. & Prado I.M.M. 2008. [Arterial vascularization of the sinoatrial node in swine hearts: origin, distribution and quantification.] Vascularização arterial da região do nó sinoatrial em corações suínos: origem, distribuição e quantificação. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(2):113-118. Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil. E-mail: avidotti@usp.br The sinoatrial node, for being topographically installed as the initial component of the conduction system, is responsible for the production of the nervous impulses, which determines the cardiac contraction. There have been made studies related to the node’s morphology in order to know the origin, distribution and quantification of the vases in this tissue, however, in spite of the results and quantitative data of the nodal irrigation - arterial vascular conduct and arterial vascular density, at the nodal level - the literature is scarce. With this objective 27 SRD swine hearts, injected with colored resin for macroscopic analysis of the origin and distribution of ANSA (sinoatrial node artery), 3 others injected with watery solution of colloidal coal (dyed nanquim) were used, to mark the route of the vases on the node level for stereological analysis. The atrial arteries originated as well from the right coronary artery as from the left one, with predominance of the first (66.66% and 33.33%, respectively). When originated from the right coronary artery, there existed the following branches: AADAM (right cranial medial atrial artery) in 14 cases, AADAI (right cranial intermedial atrial artery) in 2 cases, and AADAL (right cranial lateral atrial artery) in 2 cases. In 9 cases (33.33%) the following branches originated from the left coronary artery: 4 through branch AASPL (left caudal lateral atrial artery), 2 through branch AASAI (left cranial intermedial atrial artery) and 3 through branch AASAM (left cranial medial atrial artery). Interarterial anastomoses with vessels responsible for irrigation of the sinoatrial node area were observed in most of the cases (25 hearts). The Volume or Reference Volume (V(ref)) of the hearts were 35.32x104µm3. For the stereological variables analyzed, the estimate density of the vessel length (Lv) was 766; the vessel length (L) - mm - was 27.06x105µm; the area’s surface density (Sv) was 182 and the area’s surface (S) - mm2 - was 64.3x106µm2. The estimate of the vascular numeric density (Nv(vasc)) - total of vessels per unit of volume (cm3) was 2.19 10-5, and the total number of vessels in the organ (N(vasc)), estimated by the physical dissector method in combination with the estimate of the number of Euler (Xv), was 773.6832 x10-2. The raised vascular density and total number of vases in the swine’s sinoatrial node area suggests the existence of a vascular perinodal network complex and dense, ratifying the importance of this mark-pass for its blood supply.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva M.S., Brum M.C.S., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2007. [Identification and differentiation of herpesvirus types 1 and 5 isolated from clinical samples in central-southern Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay (1987-2006).] Identificação e diferenciação de herpesvírus bovino tipos 1 e 5 isolados de amostras clínicas no Centro-Sul do Brasil, Argentina e Uruguai (1987-2006). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):403-408. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Bovine herpesviruses types 1 and 5 (BoHV-1; BoHV-5) are genetically and antigenically closely related such they can not be distinguished by routine diagnostic tests. As BoHV-1 has been historically associated with respiratory and genital disease, herpesviruses isolated from these clinical syndromes have been tentatively – and sometimes definitively - diagnosed as BoHV-1. Likewise, cases of herpetic neurological infection in cattle have been generally attributed to BoHV-5. This study reports the identification of 40 herpesvirus isolates from different clinical specimens and syndromes in central-southern Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay (1987-2006) by the use of a PCR able to differentiate between BoHV-1 and BoHV-5. BoHV-1 isolates (n=16) were identified in cases of respiratory disease (n=3), vulvovaginitis and/or balanoposthitis (n=3), in semen of healthy bulls (n=5) and in cases of neurological disease (n=5). Viruses identified as BoHV-5 (n=24) were isolated predominantly from cases of neurological disease (n=21), but also from semen of healthy bulls (n=2) and from a spleen of a calf with systemic disease (n=1). These results show that both BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 are not strictly associated with their respective diseases; yet are frequently involved in clinical conditions otherwise attributed to the other virus. These findings also reinforce the need of correctly identifying the herpesvirus isolates as to better understand their pathogenesis and epidemiology.

• Bovine herpesvirus BoHV-1 BoHV-5 differential diagnosis epidemiology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva M.S., Brum M.C.S., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2007. [Identification and differentiation of herpesvirus types 1 and 5 isolated from clinical samples in central-southern Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay (1987-2006).] Identificação e diferenciação de herpesvírus bovino tipos 1 e 5 isolados de amostras clínicas no Centro-Sul do Brasil, Argentina e Uruguai (1987-2006). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):403-408. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Bovine herpesviruses types 1 and 5 (BoHV-1; BoHV-5) are genetically and antigenically closely related such they can not be distinguished by routine diagnostic tests. As BoHV-1 has been historically associated with respiratory and genital disease, herpesviruses isolated from these clinical syndromes have been tentatively – and sometimes definitively - diagnosed as BoHV-1. Likewise, cases of herpetic neurological infection in cattle have been generally attributed to BoHV-5. This study reports the identification of 40 herpesvirus isolates from different clinical specimens and syndromes in central-southern Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay (1987-2006) by the use of a PCR able to differentiate between BoHV-1 and BoHV-5. BoHV-1 isolates (n=16) were identified in cases of respiratory disease (n=3), vulvovaginitis and/or balanoposthitis (n=3), in semen of healthy bulls (n=5) and in cases of neurological disease (n=5). Viruses identified as BoHV-5 (n=24) were isolated predominantly from cases of neurological disease (n=21), but also from semen of healthy bulls (n=2) and from a spleen of a calf with systemic disease (n=1). These results show that both BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 are not strictly associated with their respective diseases; yet are frequently involved in clinical conditions otherwise attributed to the other virus. These findings also reinforce the need of correctly identifying the herpesvirus isolates as to better understand their pathogenesis and epidemiology.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Garcia E.C., Rabelo R.E., Costa Y.L., Schild A.L. & Riet-Correa F. 2007. [Oropharyngeal and neurologic lesions in sheep associated with the use of drenching guns.] Lesões orofaríngeas e neurológicas em ovinos associadas ao uso de pistolas dosificadoras. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):282-286. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Jataí, 75800-000 Jataí, GO, Brazil. E-mail: santanafjf@yahoo.com Six outbreaks of oropharyngeal lesions caused by drenching guns in sheep are reported. In 2 outbreaks in Rio Grande do Sul the morbidity was 6.25% and 15%, and the lesions observed after antihelmintic treatment in adult sheep were characterized by a fistula extending from mouth to skin of the face. All sheep died or were euthanatized after continuous weight loss for up to 8 months. Another outbreak in the same State affected 26 out of 360 adult sheep after being dosed with molasses, causing lesions in the oral mucosa followed by malignant edema of the oral and subcutaneous tissues. All sheep died within 10 days after treatment. Another case observed in Rio Grande do Sul affected one out of 88 adult ewes. The animal died with hemorrhages from the nose and mouth 8 days after antihelmintic treatment. At necropsy an ulcerated lesion covered by a clot of fibrine was found in the oral mucosa. The lesion had a fistulated tract with purulent exudate extending through the soft tissues in direction to the right eye. Two outbreaks occurred in the State of Goiás 16-20 days after antihelmintic treatment in 5-9 months old lambs. Morbidity was 11.43% and 15.62% and fatality rate was 7.14% and 9.38%. Main clinical signs were nervous signs caused by abscesses with a diameter of 0.5-3cm, containing purulent exudates in the oropharynx, soft palate and adjacent muscles extending to the meninges through the atlantoaxial joint. Not-purulent meningitis was observed histologically. The need to use proper drenching guns and pay attention during dosing to avoid lesions of the oropharynx is pointed out.

• Oropharyngeal abscess neurologic alterations drenching guns sheep

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Garcia E.C., Rabelo R.E., Costa Y.L., Schild A.L. & Riet-Correa F. 2007. [Oropharyngeal and neurologic lesions in sheep associated with the use of drenching guns.] Lesões orofaríngeas e neurológicas em ovinos associadas ao uso de pistolas dosificadoras. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):282-286. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Jataí, 75800-000 Jataí, GO, Brazil. E-mail: santanafjf@yahoo.com Six outbreaks of oropharyngeal lesions caused by drenching guns in sheep are reported. In 2 outbreaks in Rio Grande do Sul the morbidity was 6.25% and 15%, and the lesions observed after antihelmintic treatment in adult sheep were characterized by a fistula extending from mouth to skin of the face. All sheep died or were euthanatized after continuous weight loss for up to 8 months. Another outbreak in the same State affected 26 out of 360 adult sheep after being dosed with molasses, causing lesions in the oral mucosa followed by malignant edema of the oral and subcutaneous tissues. All sheep died within 10 days after treatment. Another case observed in Rio Grande do Sul affected one out of 88 adult ewes. The animal died with hemorrhages from the nose and mouth 8 days after antihelmintic treatment. At necropsy an ulcerated lesion covered by a clot of fibrine was found in the oral mucosa. The lesion had a fistulated tract with purulent exudate extending through the soft tissues in direction to the right eye. Two outbreaks occurred in the State of Goiás 16-20 days after antihelmintic treatment in 5-9 months old lambs. Morbidity was 11.43% and 15.62% and fatality rate was 7.14% and 9.38%. Main clinical signs were nervous signs caused by abscesses with a diameter of 0.5-3cm, containing purulent exudates in the oropharynx, soft palate and adjacent muscles extending to the meninges through the atlantoaxial joint. Not-purulent meningitis was observed histologically. The need to use proper drenching guns and pay attention during dosing to avoid lesions of the oropharynx is pointed out.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Farias M.M.M.D, Wenceslau C.V., Passos J., Teixeira D.G., Araújo K.P.C., Ambrósio C.E., Martins D.S. & Prada I.L.S. 2007. [Behavior of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves in the retropharyngeal region of sheep: apparent origin in cranium, course, branching and dis-tribution.] Comportamento dos nervos glossofaríngeo e vago, na região retrofaríngea de ovinos: origem aparente no crânio, trajeto, ramificação e distribuição. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(3):115-123. Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia. Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: ceambrosio@usp.br In 60 hemiheads of sheep of the Santa Ines breed the apparent origin in the skull of itinerary, ramification and distribution of the glossopharingeal nerve (Gf) and the vagus nerve (Vg) in the retropharyngeal region (Rr) were studied. By fixation and dissection of the specimens it was seen that the glossopharyngeal nerve and the vagus nerve arise from the jugular foramen in 100% of the cases. The right and the left glossopharingeal nerve (Glde) are frequently (86.6%) located more medially to the tympanic bulla, pass caudally to the stylohyoid bone, bypass the margin of the caudal stylopharyngeal muscle, the tonsilla, of the pharyngeal and the lingual mucous membrane. These branches are distributed, respectively, in the carotid sinus, pharyngeal musculature, soft palate, stylopharyngeal muscle, palatine tonsil, pharyngeal mucosa and the caudal third of the tongue (100%). The right and the left vagus nerve run caudally in association with the accessory nerves (Ac) up to the atlas (70%) and go then medially to the occipital artery, dorsally to the common carotid and the sympathetic trunk in the cervical region (80%). The vague nerves have pharyngeal (86.6%) and cranial laryngeal (100%) branches.

• Anatomy sheep glossopharingeal nerve vagus nerve

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Farias M.M.M.D, Wenceslau C.V., Passos J., Teixeira D.G., Araújo K.P.C., Ambrósio C.E., Martins D.S. & Prada I.L.S. 2007. [Behavior of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves in the retropharyngeal region of sheep: apparent origin in cranium, course, branching and dis-tribution.] Comportamento dos nervos glossofaríngeo e vago, na região retrofaríngea de ovinos: origem aparente no crânio, trajeto, ramificação e distribuição. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(3):115-123. Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia. Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: ceambrosio@usp.br In 60 hemiheads of sheep of the Santa Ines breed the apparent origin in the skull of itinerary, ramification and distribution of the glossopharingeal nerve (Gf) and the vagus nerve (Vg) in the retropharyngeal region (Rr) were studied. By fixation and dissection of the specimens it was seen that the glossopharyngeal nerve and the vagus nerve arise from the jugular foramen in 100% of the cases. The right and the left glossopharingeal nerve (Glde) are frequently (86.6%) located more medially to the tympanic bulla, pass caudally to the stylohyoid bone, bypass the margin of the caudal stylopharyngeal muscle, the tonsilla, of the pharyngeal and the lingual mucous membrane. These branches are distributed, respectively, in the carotid sinus, pharyngeal musculature, soft palate, stylopharyngeal muscle, palatine tonsil, pharyngeal mucosa and the caudal third of the tongue (100%). The right and the left vagus nerve run caudally in association with the accessory nerves (Ac) up to the atlas (70%) and go then medially to the occipital artery, dorsally to the common carotid and the sympathetic trunk in the cervical region (80%). The vague nerves have pharyngeal (86.6%) and cranial laryngeal (100%) branches.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Brito L.G., Regitano L.C.A., Huacca M.E.F., Carrilho E. & Moya Borja G.E. 2007. Genotype characterization of the horn fly Haematobia irritans from different Brazilian geographic regions based on randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):1-5. Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Embrapa Rondônia, BR 364 Km 5,5, Porto Velho, RO 78900-970, Brazil. E-mail: luciana@cpafro.embrapa.br Blood-sucking diptera are important parasites in bovine production systems, especially regarding confinement conditions. Haematobia irritans, the horn fly, is one of the most troublesome species within bovine production systems, due to the intense stress imposed to the animals. An important aspect while studying the variability within a species is the study of the geographic structure of its populations and, attempting to find out the genetic flow of Brazilian populations of horn fly, the RAPD technique, which is suited for this purpose, has been used. The use of molecular markers generated from RAPD made it possible to identify the geographic origin of samples from different Brazilian geographic regions, as well as to estimate the genotypic flow among the different Brazilian populations of the horn fly.

• Haematobia irritans genetic diversity RAPD-PCR molecular markers

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Brito L.G., Regitano L.C.A., Huacca M.E.F., Carrilho E. & Moya Borja G.E. 2007. Genotype characterization of the horn fly Haematobia irritans from different Brazilian geographic regions based on randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):1-5. Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Embrapa Rondônia, BR 364 Km 5,5, Porto Velho, RO 78900-970, Brazil. E-mail: luciana@cpafro.embrapa.br Blood-sucking diptera are important parasites in bovine production systems, especially regarding confinement conditions. Haematobia irritans, the horn fly, is one of the most troublesome species within bovine production systems, due to the intense stress imposed to the animals. An important aspect while studying the variability within a species is the study of the geographic structure of its populations and, attempting to find out the genetic flow of Brazilian populations of horn fly, the RAPD technique, which is suited for this purpose, has been used. The use of molecular markers generated from RAPD made it possible to identify the geographic origin of samples from different Brazilian geographic regions, as well as to estimate the genotypic flow among the different Brazilian populations of the horn fly.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida R.F.C., Madruga C.R., Soares C.O., Fernandes M.C., Carvalho N.M., Jorge K.S.G. & Osório A.L.A.R. 2006. [Specific immune response of cattle to experimental sensibilization by inactivated Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium.] Resposta imune específica de bovinos experimentalmente sensibilizados com inóculos inativados de Mycobacterium bovis e Mycobacterium avium. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):195-200. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: analudmv@nin.ufms.br The presumptive diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis is based on analysis of the immune response to micobacterial antigens. This experimental simulation of sensibilization by Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium in cattle aimed to verify the immune response by both the cervical comparative test and the evolution of the specific production of gamma-interferon, and also to identify interference of unspecified reactions by M. avium on the test results. The results support that the experimental animals started a response of delayed hypersensitivity to the inactivated bacilli, and that both diagnostic tests for bovine tuberculosis were efficient for the identification of animals sensitized with M. bovis and for discrimination of reactions generated by inoculation of cattle with M. avium.

• Mycobacterium bovis Mycobacterium avium gamma-interferon tuberculin immune response

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida R.F.C., Madruga C.R., Soares C.O., Fernandes M.C., Carvalho N.M., Jorge K.S.G. & Osório A.L.A.R. 2006. [Specific immune response of cattle to experimental sensibilization by inactivated Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium.] Resposta imune específica de bovinos experimentalmente sensibilizados com inóculos inativados de Mycobacterium bovis e Mycobacterium avium. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):195-200. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: analudmv@nin.ufms.br The presumptive diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis is based on analysis of the immune response to micobacterial antigens. This experimental simulation of sensibilization by Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium in cattle aimed to verify the immune response by both the cervical comparative test and the evolution of the specific production of gamma-interferon, and also to identify interference of unspecified reactions by M. avium on the test results. The results support that the experimental animals started a response of delayed hypersensitivity to the inactivated bacilli, and that both diagnostic tests for bovine tuberculosis were efficient for the identification of animals sensitized with M. bovis and for discrimination of reactions generated by inoculation of cattle with M. avium.

Abstract in English:

Minho A.P., Navarro I.T., Freire R.L., Vidotto O., Gennari S.M., Marana E.M. & Garcia J.L. 2004. Evaluation of the indirect fluorescent antibody test and modified agglutination test for detection of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in experimentally infected pigs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):199-202. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86050-970, Brazil. E-mail: italmar@uel.br The study determined the sensitivity and specificity of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and modified agglutination test (MAT) for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody detection by analyzing sera from 46 experimentally infected pigs. Values for sensitivity were 95.7% (confidence interval 95%: 84.0-99.2%) and for specificity 97.8% (confidence interval 95%: 87.0-99.9%) in both tests. There was an optimum agreement of results between IFAT and MAT evidenced by a Kappa test of 0.86. These results validate these tests for the detection of T. gondii infection in pigs. IFAT and MAT despite methodologies with different characteristics and readings have similar accuracy in pig serum samples.

• Toxoplasma gondii swine antibodies serology indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) modified agglutination test (MAT).

Abstract in Portuguese:

Minho A.P., Navarro I.T., Freire R.L., Vidotto O., Gennari S.M., Marana E.M. & Garcia J.L. 2004. Evaluation of the indirect fluorescent antibody test and modified agglutination test for detection of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in experimentally infected pigs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):199-202. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86050-970, Brazil. E-mail: italmar@uel.br The study determined the sensitivity and specificity of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and modified agglutination test (MAT) for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody detection by analyzing sera from 46 experimentally infected pigs. Values for sensitivity were 95.7% (confidence interval 95%: 84.0-99.2%) and for specificity 97.8% (confidence interval 95%: 87.0-99.9%) in both tests. There was an optimum agreement of results between IFAT and MAT evidenced by a Kappa test of 0.86. These results validate these tests for the detection of T. gondii infection in pigs. IFAT and MAT despite methodologies with different characteristics and readings have similar accuracy in pig serum samples.

Abstract in English:

Bessa M.C., Costa M. & Cardoso M. 2004. [Prevalence of Salmonella sp. carrier pigs in slaughterhouses of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Prevalência de Salmonella sp em suínos abatidos em frígoríficos do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):80-84. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: mcardoso@vortex.ufrgs.br This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella positive pigs at slaughterhouses under federal inspection in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Samples of feces and lymph nodes of 300 animals were collected in three different slaughterhouses, and submitted to bacteriological analysis. The prevalence of Salmonella carrier animals was 55.66%, being 17.6% of the animals Salmonella positive in lymph nodes, 18.3% in feces and 19.6% in both materials. Twenty-six different serovars were identified among 226 Salmonella isolates. The most prevalent serovars were: Typhimurium (24.3%), Agona (19.9%), Derby (13.2%) e Bredeney (12%). These results point out the need of control programs to reduce the prevalence of carrier pigs at slaughter.

• Salmonella swine lymph nodes feces.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Bessa M.C., Costa M. & Cardoso M. 2004. [Prevalence of Salmonella sp. carrier pigs in slaughterhouses of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Prevalência de Salmonella sp em suínos abatidos em frígoríficos do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):80-84. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: mcardoso@vortex.ufrgs.br This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella positive pigs at slaughterhouses under federal inspection in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Samples of feces and lymph nodes of 300 animals were collected in three different slaughterhouses, and submitted to bacteriological analysis. The prevalence of Salmonella carrier animals was 55.66%, being 17.6% of the animals Salmonella positive in lymph nodes, 18.3% in feces and 19.6% in both materials. Twenty-six different serovars were identified among 226 Salmonella isolates. The most prevalent serovars were: Typhimurium (24.3%), Agona (19.9%), Derby (13.2%) e Bredeney (12%). These results point out the need of control programs to reduce the prevalence of carrier pigs at slaughter.

Abstract in English:

Lima M., Flores E.F., Weiblen R., Flores F.S.F. & Arenhart S. 2004. [Characterization of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) types 1 and 2 isolates for use in vaccines.] Caracterização de amostras atenuadas do vírus da Diarréia Viral Bovina (BVDV) tipos 1 e 2 para uso em vacinas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):35-42. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br This article reports the characterization of two cytopathic isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV-1: IBSP-2; BVDV-2:SV-253) submitted to multiple passages (n=30) in tissue culture associated with ultraviolet irradiation. The vaccine candidate strains were characterized in vitro (plaque size and morphology, growth kinetics and antigenic profile) and in vivo (attenuation and serological response in calves). In vitro characterization of biologically cloned viruses obtained at passages 0, 1, 10, 20 and 30 demonstrated that the attenuation process did not significantly affect the phenotypic and antigenic properties of the viruses. No major differences in plaque size and morphology and in the growth kinetics in tissue culture were observed among the viruses obtained at different passages. Likewise, the antigenic profile of these viruses did not change upon successive passages in tissue culture, as ascertained by the pattern of binding by 48 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Intramuscular inoculation of both viruses (IBSP-2: 107.3 TCID50; SV-253: 106.8 TCID50) at passage 30 (p30) in twelve 15 months old heifers did not produce clinical signs, demonstrating the attenuation of the viruses. Following inoculation, infectious virus was detected in leucocytes of most inoculated animals (10/12) between days 3 and 6 post-inoculation (pi) and in nasal secretions of three animals (days 4, 7 and 8pi). However, the vaccine viruses were not transmitted to three seronegative calves maintained as sentinels. All vaccinated calves seroconverted at day 14 post-vaccination. A moderate to high serum neutralizing response against five Brazilian BVDV-1 (titers from 80 to ³1,280) and four Brazilian BVDV-2 isolates (titers from 20 to 640) was observed at day 33 post-vaccination (pv). In general, the highest titers were observed against the Brazilian BVDV-1 isolates. At day 240 post-vaccination, the animals received a booster administration (IBSP-2: 107.3 TCID50 and SV-253: 106.8 TCID50). Revaccination resulted in a strong anamnestic response in most animals, with increasing antibody titers mainly to BVDV-2. These are promising results towards the future use of these strains in modified-live vaccines for the control of BVDV infection in Brazil.

• Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) modified-live vaccine attenuation.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Lima M., Flores E.F., Weiblen R., Flores F.S.F. & Arenhart S. 2004. [Characterization of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) types 1 and 2 isolates for use in vaccines.] Caracterização de amostras atenuadas do vírus da Diarréia Viral Bovina (BVDV) tipos 1 e 2 para uso em vacinas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):35-42. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br This article reports the characterization of two cytopathic isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV-1: IBSP-2; BVDV-2:SV-253) submitted to multiple passages (n=30) in tissue culture associated with ultraviolet irradiation. The vaccine candidate strains were characterized in vitro (plaque size and morphology, growth kinetics and antigenic profile) and in vivo (attenuation and serological response in calves). In vitro characterization of biologically cloned viruses obtained at passages 0, 1, 10, 20 and 30 demonstrated that the attenuation process did not significantly affect the phenotypic and antigenic properties of the viruses. No major differences in plaque size and morphology and in the growth kinetics in tissue culture were observed among the viruses obtained at different passages. Likewise, the antigenic profile of these viruses did not change upon successive passages in tissue culture, as ascertained by the pattern of binding by 48 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Intramuscular inoculation of both viruses (IBSP-2: 107.3 TCID50; SV-253: 106.8 TCID50) at passage 30 (p30) in twelve 15 months old heifers did not produce clinical signs, demonstrating the attenuation of the viruses. Following inoculation, infectious virus was detected in leucocytes of most inoculated animals (10/12) between days 3 and 6 post-inoculation (pi) and in nasal secretions of three animals (days 4, 7 and 8pi). However, the vaccine viruses were not transmitted to three seronegative calves maintained as sentinels. All vaccinated calves seroconverted at day 14 post-vaccination. A moderate to high serum neutralizing response against five Brazilian BVDV-1 (titers from 80 to ³1,280) and four Brazilian BVDV-2 isolates (titers from 20 to 640) was observed at day 33 post-vaccination (pv). In general, the highest titers were observed against the Brazilian BVDV-1 isolates. At day 240 post-vaccination, the animals received a booster administration (IBSP-2: 107.3 TCID50 and SV-253: 106.8 TCID50). Revaccination resulted in a strong anamnestic response in most animals, with increasing antibody titers mainly to BVDV-2. These are promising results towards the future use of these strains in modified-live vaccines for the control of BVDV infection in Brazil.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa]. D., Oliveira C. M. C., Tokarnia C. H. & Riet-Correa E 2003. [Comparison of the sensibility of cattle and buffaloes to poisoning by Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae).] Comparação da sensibilidade de bovinos e búfalos à intoxicação por Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4): 167-172. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743- 080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br In order to verify if buffaloes are more resistant than cattle to poisoning by Palicourea marcgravii, the plant was given per os simultaneously to buffaloes and cattle. Seven buffaloes and three head of cattle were used. Doses of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg did not cause signs of poisoning in buffaloes; but doses of 3.0, 4.0 and 6.0 g/kg caused death. In cattle 0.25 g/kg did not cause symptoms; but 0.5 and 2.0 g/kg were lethal. The influence of exercise on the onset of symptoms, the time which elapsed from the beginning of the administration of the plant to the appearance of symptoms, and the symptoms themselves, were similar in the two animal species. The clinical course was longer in buffaloes; whilst in cattle the period between the onset of severe symptoms and death lasted 9 to 17 minutes; in buffaloes it varied from 10 minutes to 1 hour 28 minutes. It can be concluded, that buffaloes are about six times more resistant than cattle to the toxic action of P. maracgravii. The lower incidence of deaths in buffaloes by poisonous plants in the Amazon region is, at least in part, due the lower sensibility of buffaloes to poisoning by this plant. Another factor responsible for the smaller number of buffaloes which die due to plant poisoning in the Amazon region, is possibly that buffaloes prefer the Jowlands, e.g. temporarily flooded areas, which are the habitat of Arrabidaea bilabiata, the second most important poisonous plant of the Amazon region. This plant is less poisonous than P. marcgravii, and its habitat are the higher not flooded areas. So it would be safer, in order to diminish losses, to breed buffaloes instead of cattle in areas where P. marcgravii occurs. The reason for the greater resistance of buffaloes should be further investigated as a possible prophylactic measure to avoid poisoning by P. marcgravii in cattle. On the other hand, Australian investigators modified genetically the ruminai bacteria Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens by introducing a gene, isolated from a Moraxella sp, which codifies a dehalogenase, capable of hydrolyzing fluoroacetate, the poisonous principle of P. marcgravii. Transferring the genetically modified B. fibrisolvens into the rumen of animal, which consume plants that contain fluoroacetate, would be a viable method to control that poisoning through a ruminal detoxifying process for the toxin. Through preliminary contacts, the director of the consorcium in Australia, responsible for the modification of the bacteria, declared that he is interested to sell the technology to our country, but it would be necessary to know if it is permitted to introduce into Brazil the genetically modified bacteria. If allowed, it would be necessary to perform investigations on the viability and the methodology for using this bacteria to control P. marcgravii poisoning in our country.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Palicourea marcgravii Rubiaceae cattle buffaloes prophylaxis Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens genetically modified bactéria Intoxicação por planta Rubiaceae bovinos búfalos profilaxia bactérias geneticamente modificadas.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Barbosa]. D., Oliveira C. M. C., Tokarnia C. H. & Riet-Correa E 2003. [Comparison of the sensibility of cattle and buffaloes to poisoning by Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae).] Comparação da sensibilidade de bovinos e búfalos à intoxicação por Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4): 167-172. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743- 080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br O presente estudo foi realizado para verificar se búfalos são mais resistentes do que bovinos à ação tóxica de Palicourea marcgravii, mediante a administração da planta por via oral, simultaneamente, a bovinos e a búfalos. Foram usados sete búfalos e três bovinos. Verificou-se que em búfalos doses de 0,5 g/kg, 1,0 g/kg e 2,0 g/kg não causaram sintomas de intoxicação. As doses de 3,0 g/kg, 4,0 g/kg e 6,0 g/kg causaram a morte dos búfalos. Em bovinos, a dose de 0,25g/kg não causou sinais clínicos de intoxicação, enquanto que doses de 0,5 g/kg e 2,0 g/kg causaram a morte. A influência do exercício sobre o aparecimento dos sintomas, o prazo decorrido desde o começo da administração da planta até o início de sintomas, e os próprios sintomas, foram semelhantes nas duas espécies animais. O curso clínico foi mais longo nos búfalos. Enquanto nos bovinos o período entre o aparecimento dos sintomas graves e a morte foi de 9 a 17 minutos, nos búfalos variou de 10 minutos a 1 hora e 28 minutos. Pode se concluir que os bubalinos são aproximadamente seis vezes mais resistentes do que os bovinos à ação tóxica de P. marcgravii. O menor índice de mortes pela ação de plantas tóxicas na Amazônia em búfalos é, pelo menos em parte, devido à maior resistência do búfalo à intoxicação por essa planta. Outro fator responsável pelo menor número de mortes em búfalos pela intoxicação por plantas, na Amazônia, poderia ser que os búfalos preferem a várzea, que é o habitat de Arrabidaea bilabiata, a segunda planta tóxica mais importante da Amazônia, menos tóxica do que P. marcgravii, e com habitat na terra firme. Em áreas onde ocorre P. marcgravii seria mais prudente, para diminuir os prejuízos, criar búfalos em lugar de bovinos. A causa dessa maior resistência do búfalo merece ser investigada para a eventual elaboração de métodos profiláticos da intoxicação por P. marcgravii em bovinos. Por outro lado, pesquisadores australianos modificaram geneticamente a bactéria ruminal Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, mediante a introdução de um gene, isolado de Moraxella sp, que codifica uma dehalogenase, capaz de hidro-lizar fluoroacetato. A transferência de B.fibrisolvens geneticamente modificado para o rúmen de animais ingerindo plantas que contêm fluoroacetato, como é o caso de P. marcgravii, seria um método viável para o controle da intoxicação mediante a detoxificação ruminal do princípio ativo. Em contatos preliminares o diretor responsável do consórcio na Austrália responsável pela modificação da bactéria, declarou o interesse em vender a tecnologia ao nosso país, porém seria necessário saber se é possível importar essa bactéria geneticamente modificada no Brasil. Caso positivo, seria indispensável realizar pesquisas sobre a viabilidade e a metodologia para o uso dessa bactéria em nosso meio.