PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Souza N.R., Adorno V.B., Marcondes J.S., Oliveira Filho J.P., Conceição L.G., Amorim R.L. & Borges A.S. 2008. [Clinical and histopathological characteristics of the aural plaque in Mangalarga and Quarter Horses.] Características clínicas e histopatológicas da placa aural em eqüinos Mangalarga e Quarto de Milha. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(6):279-284. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Unesp-Campus de Botucatu, Distrito de Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com Aural plaque is a variant of equine papillomatosis. Clinical examination was performed on 306 Mangalarga and 275 Quarter Horses to compare the occurrence of aural plaques among animals and to characterize clinical and histological findings for the disease. Aural plaques occurred in 57% of Mangalarga and in 35% of Quarter breeds. Clinically the lesions consisted of flat, desquamated and hypochromic plaques formed by coalescence of small papules. The main histopathological findings were epidermal hyperplasia and hypomelanosis with abrupt change between the normal and the affected epithelium.

• Equine papillomatosis aural plaques Mangalarga Quarter Horses

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Souza N.R., Adorno V.B., Marcondes J.S., Oliveira Filho J.P., Conceição L.G., Amorim R.L. & Borges A.S. 2008. [Clinical and histopathological characteristics of the aural plaque in Mangalarga and Quarter Horses.] Características clínicas e histopatológicas da placa aural em eqüinos Mangalarga e Quarto de Milha. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(6):279-284. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Unesp-Campus de Botucatu, Distrito de Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com Aural plaque is a variant of equine papillomatosis. Clinical examination was performed on 306 Mangalarga and 275 Quarter Horses to compare the occurrence of aural plaques among animals and to characterize clinical and histological findings for the disease. Aural plaques occurred in 57% of Mangalarga and in 35% of Quarter breeds. Clinically the lesions consisted of flat, desquamated and hypochromic plaques formed by coalescence of small papules. The main histopathological findings were epidermal hyperplasia and hypomelanosis with abrupt change between the normal and the affected epithelium.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Caldas S.A., Tokarnia C.H., França T.N., Brito M.F., Graça F.A.S., Coelho C.D. & Peixoto P.V. 2008. [Clinic and pathological and laboratory aspects of experimental poisoning by Bothrops alternatus venom in cattle.] Aspectos clínico-patológicos e laboratoriais do envenenamento experimental por Bothrops alternatus em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(6):303-312. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: saulo-andrade@bol.com.br The aim of this study was to determine the clinical-pathological alterations and laboratory findings in cattle inoculated with Bothrops alternatus venom, with the intention of providing information for the establishment of diagnosis and differential diagnosis procedures, as well as to elucidate some obscurities observed in the pertinent literature. The lyophilized venom was diluted in 1 ml of physiologic solution. It was administered to 5 bovines by the subcutaneous route at doses of 0.0625, 0.125 and 0.25mg/kg body weight, and to 2 bovines by the intramuscular route at doses of 0.25 e 0.45mg/kg. Six bovines died and the only animal that survived, who had subcutaneously received the venom at a dose of 0.0625mg/kg, recovered. The first clinical signs were observed from 25min to 5h30min after the inoculation. The clinical evolution time varied from 7 hours 18 minutes to 92 hours. Regardless of the dose, the clinical picture was characterized by swelling (hemorrhage/hematoma) at the site of inoculation, increase in bleeding time and capillary refill time, paleness of mucous membranes and apathy. The laboratory exams revealed progressive normocytic normochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia, reduction in fibrinogen and total plasma proteins, decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin, and slight increase in creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. When subjected to necropsy, the animals that received the venom through the subcutaneous route showed large hematomas and hemorrhagic areas in the subcutaneous tissue, extending from the site of inoculation. The animals in which inoculation was performed intramuscularly exhibited, in addition, intramuscular hemorrhage. The left endocardium showed extensive hemorrhagic lesions, and petechiae were found on the serosae of rumen, omasum, abomasum and gall bladder. The colon, rectum and perirenal areas were surrounded by clotted blood in three animals. Besides hemorrhage, the histological examination revealed hemorrhage and coagulative muscle necrosis in the vicinities of the inoculation site in the animals that received the venom by the intramuscular route. These lesions were mild in the muscles close to the site of inoculation in the animals inoculated by the subcutaneous route. The swelling on the site of inoculation and its surroundings was a consequence of blood accumulation and not merely edema. Myoglobinuria and gross or microscopic lesions were not observed in the kidneys. This study indicates that B. alternatus can lead adult bovines to death if they release all their venom during a bite. Conversely, since venomous ophidians can control the amount of poison they inoculate and they probably do not identify bovines as potential preys, it is likely that the number of accidents involving this species is small, which is in agreement with the findings of the majority of the centers for anatomical-pathological diagnosis in Brazil.

• Bothrops alternatus cattle pathology symptoms

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Caldas S.A., Tokarnia C.H., França T.N., Brito M.F., Graça F.A.S., Coelho C.D. & Peixoto P.V. 2008. [Clinic and pathological and laboratory aspects of experimental poisoning by Bothrops alternatus venom in cattle.] Aspectos clínico-patológicos e laboratoriais do envenenamento experimental por Bothrops alternatus em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(6):303-312. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: saulo-andrade@bol.com.br The aim of this study was to determine the clinical-pathological alterations and laboratory findings in cattle inoculated with Bothrops alternatus venom, with the intention of providing information for the establishment of diagnosis and differential diagnosis procedures, as well as to elucidate some obscurities observed in the pertinent literature. The lyophilized venom was diluted in 1 ml of physiologic solution. It was administered to 5 bovines by the subcutaneous route at doses of 0.0625, 0.125 and 0.25mg/kg body weight, and to 2 bovines by the intramuscular route at doses of 0.25 e 0.45mg/kg. Six bovines died and the only animal that survived, who had subcutaneously received the venom at a dose of 0.0625mg/kg, recovered. The first clinical signs were observed from 25min to 5h30min after the inoculation. The clinical evolution time varied from 7 hours 18 minutes to 92 hours. Regardless of the dose, the clinical picture was characterized by swelling (hemorrhage/hematoma) at the site of inoculation, increase in bleeding time and capillary refill time, paleness of mucous membranes and apathy. The laboratory exams revealed progressive normocytic normochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia, reduction in fibrinogen and total plasma proteins, decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin, and slight increase in creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. When subjected to necropsy, the animals that received the venom through the subcutaneous route showed large hematomas and hemorrhagic areas in the subcutaneous tissue, extending from the site of inoculation. The animals in which inoculation was performed intramuscularly exhibited, in addition, intramuscular hemorrhage. The left endocardium showed extensive hemorrhagic lesions, and petechiae were found on the serosae of rumen, omasum, abomasum and gall bladder. The colon, rectum and perirenal areas were surrounded by clotted blood in three animals. Besides hemorrhage, the histological examination revealed hemorrhage and coagulative muscle necrosis in the vicinities of the inoculation site in the animals that received the venom by the intramuscular route. These lesions were mild in the muscles close to the site of inoculation in the animals inoculated by the subcutaneous route. The swelling on the site of inoculation and its surroundings was a consequence of blood accumulation and not merely edema. Myoglobinuria and gross or microscopic lesions were not observed in the kidneys. This study indicates that B. alternatus can lead adult bovines to death if they release all their venom during a bite. Conversely, since venomous ophidians can control the amount of poison they inoculate and they probably do not identify bovines as potential preys, it is likely that the number of accidents involving this species is small, which is in agreement with the findings of the majority of the centers for anatomical-pathological diagnosis in Brazil.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Nóbrega Jr J.E., Macêdo J.T.S.A., Araújo J.A.S., Dantas A.F.M., Soares M.P. & Riet-Correa F. 2008. [Contagious echtyma in sheep and goats in the semiarid of Paraíba, Brazil.] Ectima contagioso em ovinos e caprinos no semi-árido da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):135-139. Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-970 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Ten outbreaks of contagious ecthyma in goats and two in sheep in the semiarid of Paraíba State are reported. Young animals were more frequently affected, but in 8 outbreaks adult animals were also affected, mainly lactating goats which developed udder lesions. None of the affected flocks had been vaccinated. Upon histologic examination the epidermis showed acanthosis with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia and multifocal ballooning degeneration forming vesicles or pustules. Eosinophilic inclusion bodies were observed in keratinocytes. Crust of necrotic cells, hyperkeratosis, and intracorneal microabscesses or large ulcerated areas were also observed. Severe diffuse infiltration by mononuclear cells was observed in the dermis. A human case was observed in an investigator that was feeding a goat that later appeared with lesions of the disease. In this case, the virus was identified by electron microscopy of a skin biopsy. These results show that contagious ecthyma is endemic in Northeastern Brazil and therefore systematic vaccination of the flocks is necessary to control the disease. The use of gloves to handle affected animals is advisable to minimize the risk of human exposure.

• Contagious ecthyma sheep goat human infection parapoxvirus Poxviridae

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Nóbrega Jr J.E., Macêdo J.T.S.A., Araújo J.A.S., Dantas A.F.M., Soares M.P. & Riet-Correa F. 2008. [Contagious echtyma in sheep and goats in the semiarid of Paraíba, Brazil.] Ectima contagioso em ovinos e caprinos no semi-árido da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):135-139. Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-970 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Ten outbreaks of contagious ecthyma in goats and two in sheep in the semiarid of Paraíba State are reported. Young animals were more frequently affected, but in 8 outbreaks adult animals were also affected, mainly lactating goats which developed udder lesions. None of the affected flocks had been vaccinated. Upon histologic examination the epidermis showed acanthosis with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia and multifocal ballooning degeneration forming vesicles or pustules. Eosinophilic inclusion bodies were observed in keratinocytes. Crust of necrotic cells, hyperkeratosis, and intracorneal microabscesses or large ulcerated areas were also observed. Severe diffuse infiltration by mononuclear cells was observed in the dermis. A human case was observed in an investigator that was feeding a goat that later appeared with lesions of the disease. In this case, the virus was identified by electron microscopy of a skin biopsy. These results show that contagious ecthyma is endemic in Northeastern Brazil and therefore systematic vaccination of the flocks is necessary to control the disease. The use of gloves to handle affected animals is advisable to minimize the risk of human exposure.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pavarini S.P., Sonne L., Antoniassi N.A.B., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A., Corbellini L.G. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Congenital anomalies in aborted bovine fetuses in Southern Brazil.] Anomalias congênitas em fetos bovinos abortados no Sul do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):149-154. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death are important causes of production losses to the livestock industry. Abortions caused by congenital anomalies may occur sporadically, or appear in epidemics. This retrospective study was conducted at Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology of Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, and included 307 cases of bovine abortion submitted for diagnosis from September 2001 to March 2007. Most of them were from southern Brazil. Ten cases (3.25%) of congenital anomalies were seen. The most frequent congenital anomalies were artrogryposis, Amorphous globosus, and cleft palate (palatoschisis). Infectious causes were investigated, but only BVDV infection was detected by immunohistochemistry in one case, which was affected with porencephalia.

• Abortion bovine congenital anomalies

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pavarini S.P., Sonne L., Antoniassi N.A.B., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A., Corbellini L.G. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Congenital anomalies in aborted bovine fetuses in Southern Brazil.] Anomalias congênitas em fetos bovinos abortados no Sul do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):149-154. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death are important causes of production losses to the livestock industry. Abortions caused by congenital anomalies may occur sporadically, or appear in epidemics. This retrospective study was conducted at Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology of Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, and included 307 cases of bovine abortion submitted for diagnosis from September 2001 to March 2007. Most of them were from southern Brazil. Ten cases (3.25%) of congenital anomalies were seen. The most frequent congenital anomalies were artrogryposis, Amorphous globosus, and cleft palate (palatoschisis). Infectious causes were investigated, but only BVDV infection was detected by immunohistochemistry in one case, which was affected with porencephalia.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Corrêa A.M.R., Bezerra P.S.J., Pavarini S.P., Santos A.S., Sonne L., Zlotowski P., Gomes G. & Driemeier D. 2008. Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) poisoning in Murrah buffaloes in Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):187-189. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Thirteen (14.4%) out of 90 Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) became ill after con-sumption of Senecio brasiliensis, and 11 (12.2%) of them died. The buffaloes were kept in a highly Senecio brasiliensis infested area. The poisoning occurred in June-August 2006 on a farm in the county of Nova Prata, Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Clinical signs included weakness, apathy, progressive weight loss, permanent decubitus, and diarrhea. Necropsy was performed in 2 of the 11 buffaloes that died. The pathological findings were typical of poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids. High infestation of pastures with S. brasiliensis, severe drought, and consequent starvation were the main epidemiological factors associated with the poisoning here described.

• Buffaloes pyrrolizidine alkaloids Senecio poisoning

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Corrêa A.M.R., Bezerra P.S.J., Pavarini S.P., Santos A.S., Sonne L., Zlotowski P., Gomes G. & Driemeier D. 2008. Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) poisoning in Murrah buffaloes in Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):187-189. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Thirteen (14.4%) out of 90 Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) became ill after con-sumption of Senecio brasiliensis, and 11 (12.2%) of them died. The buffaloes were kept in a highly Senecio brasiliensis infested area. The poisoning occurred in June-August 2006 on a farm in the county of Nova Prata, Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Clinical signs included weakness, apathy, progressive weight loss, permanent decubitus, and diarrhea. Necropsy was performed in 2 of the 11 buffaloes that died. The pathological findings were typical of poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids. High infestation of pastures with S. brasiliensis, severe drought, and consequent starvation were the main epidemiological factors associated with the poisoning here described.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira D.M., Pimentel L.A., Araújo J.A.S., Medeiros R.M.T., Dantas A.F.M. & Riet-Correa F. 2008. [Poisoning by Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae) in goats.] Intoxicação por Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae) em caprinos. Pesquisa Ve-terinária Brasileira 28(1):36-42. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campi-na Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae), with the common name favela, is a generally spiny plant of the Brazilian semiarid. Mainly during the dry season livestock browse its leaves from the shrubs or ingest the dry leaves fallen to the ground. Farmers report the spontaneous poisoning by this plant when livestock has access to shrubs or branches that had been cut. Different parts of the ground fresh plant, diluted in water, are used by people in the semiarid to hunt birds. To determine the toxicity of C. phyllacanthus, leaves of the non-spiny plant were fed by hand to a goat by putting small amount into its mouth. After the consumption of 4.7g/kg body weight, the goat had tachycardia, tachypnoea, dyspnoea, nystagmus, opisthotonos and sternal recumbence. The death occurred 30 minutes after the onset of clinical signs. Fresh leaves from the same plants were given to 8 goats at doses of 0.5-2.5g/kg without causing clinical signs. Three goats showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 3g/kg. Clinical signs were similar to those observed in cyanide poisoning. Two goats given 0.5mg/kg of a 20% solution of sodium thiosulphate recovered immediately after treatment. Another goat recovered spontaneously. Leaves from the same plants were sun-dried during variable periods for 8-30 days, and then given to 8 goats. The goat that ingested the plant dried at the sun during 8 days died after the ingestion of 3 g/kg. The goat that ingested the plant, exposed to the sun for 9 days, showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 1.13g/kg, but recovered spontaneously. The goats that ingested the leaves exposed to the sun during 10-29 days showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 3g/kg, but recovered spontaneously or after treatment with sodium thiosulphate. No clinical signs were observed in the goat that ingested the plant that had been exposed to the sun during 30 days. In another experiment ground leaves of the plant were dried at the sun for 1, 2, 3, and 4 days and given to goats at the dose of 3g/kg. Goats that received the plant dried for 1, 2 or 3 days showed clinical signs, but recovered spontaneously. The goat that ingested the plant dried 4 days showed no clinical signs. Leaves of the spineless C. phyllacanthus used in the experiments, 20 samples of leaves from spiny plants, 3 samples of the ground plant stem, and 2 samples of fruits were positive with the picrosodic paper test for HCN. These results demonstrated that C. phyllacanthus is a cyanogenic plant. After being cut the entire leaves maintain their toxicity for up to 30 days, and the ground leaves for up to 3 days. After the end of the raining season dry leaves fallen to the ground and tested within a short period were negative for HCN. These results have to be taken into account for the use of C. phyllacanthus as forage.

• Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus plant poisoning cyanide poisoning goats semiarid

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira D.M., Pimentel L.A., Araújo J.A.S., Medeiros R.M.T., Dantas A.F.M. & Riet-Correa F. 2008. [Poisoning by Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae) in goats.] Intoxicação por Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae) em caprinos. Pesquisa Ve-terinária Brasileira 28(1):36-42. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campi-na Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae), with the common name favela, is a generally spiny plant of the Brazilian semiarid. Mainly during the dry season livestock browse its leaves from the shrubs or ingest the dry leaves fallen to the ground. Farmers report the spontaneous poisoning by this plant when livestock has access to shrubs or branches that had been cut. Different parts of the ground fresh plant, diluted in water, are used by people in the semiarid to hunt birds. To determine the toxicity of C. phyllacanthus, leaves of the non-spiny plant were fed by hand to a goat by putting small amount into its mouth. After the consumption of 4.7g/kg body weight, the goat had tachycardia, tachypnoea, dyspnoea, nystagmus, opisthotonos and sternal recumbence. The death occurred 30 minutes after the onset of clinical signs. Fresh leaves from the same plants were given to 8 goats at doses of 0.5-2.5g/kg without causing clinical signs. Three goats showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 3g/kg. Clinical signs were similar to those observed in cyanide poisoning. Two goats given 0.5mg/kg of a 20% solution of sodium thiosulphate recovered immediately after treatment. Another goat recovered spontaneously. Leaves from the same plants were sun-dried during variable periods for 8-30 days, and then given to 8 goats. The goat that ingested the plant dried at the sun during 8 days died after the ingestion of 3 g/kg. The goat that ingested the plant, exposed to the sun for 9 days, showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 1.13g/kg, but recovered spontaneously. The goats that ingested the leaves exposed to the sun during 10-29 days showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 3g/kg, but recovered spontaneously or after treatment with sodium thiosulphate. No clinical signs were observed in the goat that ingested the plant that had been exposed to the sun during 30 days. In another experiment ground leaves of the plant were dried at the sun for 1, 2, 3, and 4 days and given to goats at the dose of 3g/kg. Goats that received the plant dried for 1, 2 or 3 days showed clinical signs, but recovered spontaneously. The goat that ingested the plant dried 4 days showed no clinical signs. Leaves of the spineless C. phyllacanthus used in the experiments, 20 samples of leaves from spiny plants, 3 samples of the ground plant stem, and 2 samples of fruits were positive with the picrosodic paper test for HCN. These results demonstrated that C. phyllacanthus is a cyanogenic plant. After being cut the entire leaves maintain their toxicity for up to 30 days, and the ground leaves for up to 3 days. After the end of the raining season dry leaves fallen to the ground and tested within a short period were negative for HCN. These results have to be taken into account for the use of C. phyllacanthus as forage.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira Filho J.P., Silva D.P.G., Pacheco M.D., Mascarini L.M., Marcio Garcia Ribeiro, Alfieri A.A., Alfieri A.F., Stipp D.T., Barros B.J.P. & Borges A.S. 2007. [Diarrhea in Nelore calves: Clinical and etiologic study.] Diarréia em bezerros da raça Nelore criados extensivamente: estudo clínico e etiológico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):419-424. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu s/n, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com Diarrhea is considered as one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in neonates calves. Fecal samples from 100 diarrheic and 30 non-diarrheic (control group) Nelore calves less than 9 weeks old were collected for Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, rotavirus, coronavirus, Cryptosporidium spp., and for helminth eggs investigation. Enteropathogens were detected in 79.0% diarrheic samples and 70.0% non-diarrheic samples. Among diarrheic calves, Escherichia coli (69.0%) was the most common agent found, following by Cryptosporidium spp. (30.0%), coronavirus (16.0%), and rotavirus (11.0%). In the control group, E. coli, Cryptosporidium spp. and coronavirus were detected in 66.7%, 10.0% and 3.3% of the samples, respectively. Salmonella spp. and strongylids were not found in any of the calves from either group. The K99 fimbrial only was detected in E. coli strains from diarrheic calves (5.8%). Enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, and gentamicin were the most effective among the antimicrobials tested. The weight of 210-day-old calves did not show statistic differences between diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves.

• Beef calves Nelore diarrhea enteropathogens etiology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira Filho J.P., Silva D.P.G., Pacheco M.D., Mascarini L.M., Marcio Garcia Ribeiro, Alfieri A.A., Alfieri A.F., Stipp D.T., Barros B.J.P. & Borges A.S. 2007. [Diarrhea in Nelore calves: Clinical and etiologic study.] Diarréia em bezerros da raça Nelore criados extensivamente: estudo clínico e etiológico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):419-424. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu s/n, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com Diarrhea is considered as one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in neonates calves. Fecal samples from 100 diarrheic and 30 non-diarrheic (control group) Nelore calves less than 9 weeks old were collected for Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, rotavirus, coronavirus, Cryptosporidium spp., and for helminth eggs investigation. Enteropathogens were detected in 79.0% diarrheic samples and 70.0% non-diarrheic samples. Among diarrheic calves, Escherichia coli (69.0%) was the most common agent found, following by Cryptosporidium spp. (30.0%), coronavirus (16.0%), and rotavirus (11.0%). In the control group, E. coli, Cryptosporidium spp. and coronavirus were detected in 66.7%, 10.0% and 3.3% of the samples, respectively. Salmonella spp. and strongylids were not found in any of the calves from either group. The K99 fimbrial only was detected in E. coli strains from diarrheic calves (5.8%). Enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, and gentamicin were the most effective among the antimicrobials tested. The weight of 210-day-old calves did not show statistic differences between diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Santos D.A.S., Ricci R.E.G., Prado I.M.M., Carvalho A.F., Bombonato P.P., Ambrósio C.E., Teixeira D.G., Santos T.C., H.-Brazquez F.J., Martins D.S., Morini A.C., Kfoury Jr J.R. & Miglino M.A. 2007. [Morphology and morphometry of buffalo mammary papillae.] Morfologia e morfometria das papilas mamárias de búfalas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(3):95-102. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: ceambrosio@usp.br Fifteen papillae from female water buffaloes and one bovine female were obtained in a slaughter house for this study, which consisted in morphologic and biometrical analyses, histology and histometric and mesoscopical analyses. The means were: right cranial papilla (RCP) 20.95g; right caudal papilla (RCaP) 21.49g; left cranial papilla (LCP) 23.52g; and left caudal papilla (LCaP) 21.35g. Papillary duct average length, numbers of folds and papillary cisterns length were, respectively: 0.67/5,5 e 2.17cm for RCP; 0.62/6.0 e 2.26cm for RCaP; and for the left antimere: RCP: 0.71/6.0 e 2.26cm and for RCaP: 0.74/5.7 e 2.57cm. Pearson’s analysis revealed negative correlation between body weight and mammary glandular weight. Sampling of proximal, middle and distal area was taken and fixed into a 10% formaldehyde solution, followed by mesoscopical investigation through 10, 20 and 40µm thickness cuts stained by Azan, F3BA Picrosirus and Weigert-Van Gieson techniques. Histological and morphometric analyses were applied on 5µm thick samples and showed that the muscular layer was disposed into two arrangements, internal circular and external longitudinal with a bi-stratified cuboidal epithelium. A well developed muscular layer were related to the middle portion revealing thickness of 22.90mm with a great amount of connective tissue (7.10mm).

• Buffaloes mammary papilla morphometry morphology Buballus bubalis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Santos D.A.S., Ricci R.E.G., Prado I.M.M., Carvalho A.F., Bombonato P.P., Ambrósio C.E., Teixeira D.G., Santos T.C., H.-Brazquez F.J., Martins D.S., Morini A.C., Kfoury Jr J.R. & Miglino M.A. 2007. [Morphology and morphometry of buffalo mammary papillae.] Morfologia e morfometria das papilas mamárias de búfalas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(3):95-102. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: ceambrosio@usp.br Fifteen papillae from female water buffaloes and one bovine female were obtained in a slaughter house for this study, which consisted in morphologic and biometrical analyses, histology and histometric and mesoscopical analyses. The means were: right cranial papilla (RCP) 20.95g; right caudal papilla (RCaP) 21.49g; left cranial papilla (LCP) 23.52g; and left caudal papilla (LCaP) 21.35g. Papillary duct average length, numbers of folds and papillary cisterns length were, respectively: 0.67/5,5 e 2.17cm for RCP; 0.62/6.0 e 2.26cm for RCaP; and for the left antimere: RCP: 0.71/6.0 e 2.26cm and for RCaP: 0.74/5.7 e 2.57cm. Pearson’s analysis revealed negative correlation between body weight and mammary glandular weight. Sampling of proximal, middle and distal area was taken and fixed into a 10% formaldehyde solution, followed by mesoscopical investigation through 10, 20 and 40µm thickness cuts stained by Azan, F3BA Picrosirus and Weigert-Van Gieson techniques. Histological and morphometric analyses were applied on 5µm thick samples and showed that the muscular layer was disposed into two arrangements, internal circular and external longitudinal with a bi-stratified cuboidal epithelium. A well developed muscular layer were related to the middle portion revealing thickness of 22.90mm with a great amount of connective tissue (7.10mm).

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Peres M.F., Carrijo A.S., Higa A.H. & Oliveira J.M. 2006. [Serological evidence of avian pneumovirus infections in broiler flocks in counties of Mato Grosso do Sul.] Evidência sorológica de Pneumovírus aviário em lotes de frangos de corte em municípios de Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):254-258. Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Av. Filinto Müller 2443, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: acarrijo@nin.ufms.br Avian pneumovirus (APV) is an important respiratory pathogen of hens and broilers. Although it was not clearly elucidated whether APV may cause economical losses in broiler flocks, it is known that APV infection can induce specific antibody production on these birds, and these serological reactions may provide some information about the epidemiological status of the APV infections. This work was carried out in search for antibodies to APV in broiler flocks in counties of Mato Grosso do Sul. Five hundred and thirty six serum samples from 54 broiler flocks at 42 and 51 days of age were tested with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that 330 samples (61.6%) were negative, 108 (20.1%) were suspect and 98 (18.3%) were considered positive for the presence to APV antibodies. Of all the flocks analyzed, 49 (90.7%) were considered either positive or suspect. The ELISA test demonstrated that there was a similar percentage of positive or suspect flocks among those flocks between 42 and 46 days of age, and among those between 47 and 51 days. No seasonal differences were observed, since the percentages of positive or suspect flocks either in summer or in winter months were similar. Most of the flocks were considered positive despite the type of broiler housing (conventional, environmental controlled or semi-controlled). It is concluded that there are strong evidences indicating circulation of APV in Mato Grosso do Sul. The percentages of positive flocks were similar regardless of the age groups of the birds examined, the type of broiler housing and the season when sampling was performed.

• Antibody diagnosis epidemiology avian pneumovirus PVA swollen head syndrome

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Peres M.F., Carrijo A.S., Higa A.H. & Oliveira J.M. 2006. [Serological evidence of avian pneumovirus infections in broiler flocks in counties of Mato Grosso do Sul.] Evidência sorológica de Pneumovírus aviário em lotes de frangos de corte em municípios de Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):254-258. Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Av. Filinto Müller 2443, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: acarrijo@nin.ufms.br Avian pneumovirus (APV) is an important respiratory pathogen of hens and broilers. Although it was not clearly elucidated whether APV may cause economical losses in broiler flocks, it is known that APV infection can induce specific antibody production on these birds, and these serological reactions may provide some information about the epidemiological status of the APV infections. This work was carried out in search for antibodies to APV in broiler flocks in counties of Mato Grosso do Sul. Five hundred and thirty six serum samples from 54 broiler flocks at 42 and 51 days of age were tested with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that 330 samples (61.6%) were negative, 108 (20.1%) were suspect and 98 (18.3%) were considered positive for the presence to APV antibodies. Of all the flocks analyzed, 49 (90.7%) were considered either positive or suspect. The ELISA test demonstrated that there was a similar percentage of positive or suspect flocks among those flocks between 42 and 46 days of age, and among those between 47 and 51 days. No seasonal differences were observed, since the percentages of positive or suspect flocks either in summer or in winter months were similar. Most of the flocks were considered positive despite the type of broiler housing (conventional, environmental controlled or semi-controlled). It is concluded that there are strong evidences indicating circulation of APV in Mato Grosso do Sul. The percentages of positive flocks were similar regardless of the age groups of the birds examined, the type of broiler housing and the season when sampling was performed.

Abstract in English:

Penatti M.P.A., Silva A.S., Valadares G.F. & Leite D.S. 2005. Occurrence of F42 colonization factor in Escherichia coli strains isolated from piglets with diarrhea. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):31-33. Depto Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Unicamp, Campinas, SP 13081-970, Brazil. E-mail: domingos@unicamp.br The objective of this study was to determine the presence of the colonization factor F42 in 168 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic stools of newborn piglets. The presence of F42 in 12 (7.1%) strains was detected with the agglutination test. Through the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of F42 positive strains, gene encoding enterotoxins (ST-I, ST-II, LT-I and LT-II) were detected. The finding of ST-I/ST-II genes in 50% of the strains, ST-I (16%) and ST-II (25%) indicates a strong association of FC F42 with heat-stable enterotoxins (91%). In contrast, the thermolabile enterotoxin (LT-I and LT-II) genes were not detected. Serogroups of F42 positive strains were determined, serogroup O8 being the most prevalent (41,7%). Other serogroups, as there are O9, O11, O18, O32, O35, O98 and O101, were also identified. Thus, FC F42 was confirmed as an additional factor of virulence in the pathogenesis of porcine colibacillosis.

• Escherichia coli F42 piglets fimbriae diarrhea PCR.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Penatti M.P.A., Silva A.S., Valadares G.F. & Leite D.S. 2005. Occurrence of F42 colonization factor in Escherichia coli strains isolated from piglets with diarrhea. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):31-33. Depto Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Unicamp, Campinas, SP 13081-970, Brazil. E-mail: domingos@unicamp.br The objective of this study was to determine the presence of the colonization factor F42 in 168 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic stools of newborn piglets. The presence of F42 in 12 (7.1%) strains was detected with the agglutination test. Through the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of F42 positive strains, gene encoding enterotoxins (ST-I, ST-II, LT-I and LT-II) were detected. The finding of ST-I/ST-II genes in 50% of the strains, ST-I (16%) and ST-II (25%) indicates a strong association of FC F42 with heat-stable enterotoxins (91%). In contrast, the thermolabile enterotoxin (LT-I and LT-II) genes were not detected. Serogroups of F42 positive strains were determined, serogroup O8 being the most prevalent (41,7%). Other serogroups, as there are O9, O11, O18, O32, O35, O98 and O101, were also identified. Thus, FC F42 was confirmed as an additional factor of virulence in the pathogenesis of porcine colibacillosis.