PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Da Silva R.C., Lima V.Y., Tanaka E.M., Da Silva A.V., Souza L.C. & Langoni H. 2010. Risk factors and presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in dogs from the coast of São Paulo State, Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(2):161-166. Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Distrito de Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618-000, Brazil. E-mail: silva_rcd@yahoo.com.br Toxoplasmosis is caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii and affects warm-blooded vertebrates, including pets and man. Dogs are epidemio-logically important since they act as sentinels for the infection in humans. The present study aimed to determine the presence of antibodies to T. gondii in 205 serum samples from dogs in Ubatuba, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, through indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IFAT), as well as the risk factors related to toxoplasmosis in the animals such as breed, age, sex, access to outdoors, homemade food ingestion, access to untreated water, and contact with rodents. Toxoplasmosis-positive samples accounted for 52/205 (25.4%), with titers ranging from 16 to 256. The serological results presented significant association (P<0.05) with homemade food ingestion (45/118; 38.1%; CI95% 29.9%-47.2%) (OR=7.0; CI95% 3.0-16.6), and with access to outdoors where those that do not have access to the street were prevalent (37/121; 30.6%; CI95% 23.1%-39.3%) (OR=0.5; CI95% 0.2-1.0). These results show that toxoplasmosis in this region is related to problems of sanitary education, mainly concerning the appropriate cooking of foods, since most positive animals did not show significant association with the presence of rodents or untreated water consumption but showed, instead association with ingestion of homemade food. Thus, toxoplasmosis is a public health problem in the studied region, and sanitary measures are needed to control the infection due to the strict relationship between man and dog and the presented risk factors.

• Toxoplasma gondii

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Da Silva R.C., Lima V.Y., Tanaka E.M., Da Silva A.V., Souza L.C. & Langoni H. 2010. Risk factors and presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in dogs from the coast of São Paulo State, Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(2):161-166. Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Distrito de Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618-000, Brazil. E-mail: silva_rcd@yahoo.com.br A toxoplasmose é causada por um protozoário parasita intracelular obrigatório, Toxoplasma gondii, e acomete vertebrados homeotérmicos incluindo animais de companhia e o homem. O cão apresenta importância epidemiológica por atuar como sentinela da infecção para o homem. O presente estudo objetivou determinar a ocorrência de anticorpos para T. gondii em 205 amostras de soro de cães do município de Ubatuba, SP, Brasil, pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), assim como os fatores de risco relacionados à infecção nos animais, como raça, idade, sexo, acesso a rua, ingestão de comida caseira, acesso a água não tratada e presença de roedores. 52/205 (25,4%) amostras foram positivas para toxoplasmose, com títulos variando de 16 a 256. Os resultados sorológicos apresentaram associação significativa (P<0,05) com consumo de comida caseira (45/118; 38,1%; IC95% 29,9%-47,2%) (OR=7,0; CI95% 3,0-16,6), e acesso a rua, em que aqueles que não tinham acesso a rua foram prevalentes (37/121; 30,6%; IC95% 23,1%-39,3%) (OR=0,5; CI95% 0,2-1,0). Estes resultados demonstram que a toxoplasmose na região está relacionada com problema de educação sanitária, principalmente quanto ao adequado cozimento dos alimentos, visto que a maioria dos animais positivos não apresentou associação significativa com presença de roedores ou consumo de água não tratada, porém os mesmos permaneciam em casa aos quais fora oferecida comida caseira. Portanto, a toxoplasmose consiste em um problema de saúde pública na região estudada, sendo necessárias medidas sanitárias para o controle da infecção, visto a estreita relação homem-cão e os fatores de risco presentes.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Ramos C.A.N., Araújo F.R., Souza I.I.F., Guedes Jr D.S., Oliveira R.H.M., Farias T.A., Oliveira J.B., Alves L.C. & Faustino M.A.G. 2010. [Comparison between several antigens for diagnosis of Anaplasma marginale by ELISA.] Comparação entre diversos antígenos para o diagnóstico de Anaplasma marginale por ELISA. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(1):37-41. Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil. E-mail: carlosanramos@yahoo.com.br Bovine anaplasmosis is a major disease in tropical and subtropical regions of the world by determine economical loss due mortality and productive reduction. The disease is caused by Anaplasma marginale, an intraerythrocytic rickettsia whose control requires, besides an efficient vaccine, the accurate identification of chronically infected cattle. Although the existence of diverse methods of diagnosis of this rickettsia, the serological methods, in particular the enzyme immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), are the most used due to its versatility and practice. However, due to the high number of antigens currently available, an evaluation becomes necessary to define which antigens present the better performance in the diagnosis of anaplasmosis. Sera from cattle positive or negative to A. marginale by PCR, and sera from cattle proceeding from Brazil and Costa Rica, were tested by ELISAs based in recombinant MSP1a, MSP2, and MSP5, a pool of the three recombinant proteins, and initial body lisate antigen (CI). Using sera from A. marginale positive cattle by PCR, the highest sensitivity was shown by CI ELISA. Nevertheless, the highest specificity, with sera from negative cattle by PCR, was shown by recombinants ELISAs. The percentiles of positive cattle from Brazil and Costa Rica were higher with CI ELISA. Reasons for such differences were discussed.

• Anaplasma marginale

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Ramos C.A.N., Araújo F.R., Souza I.I.F., Guedes Jr D.S., Oliveira R.H.M., Farias T.A., Oliveira J.B., Alves L.C. & Faustino M.A.G. 2010. [Comparison between several antigens for diagnosis of Anaplasma marginale by ELISA.] Comparação entre diversos antígenos para o diagnóstico de Anaplasma marginale por ELISA. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(1):37-41. Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil. E-mail: carlosanramos@yahoo.com.br Anaplasmose bovina é uma doença com grande importância nas regiões tropicais e subtropicais do mundo por determinar perdas econômicas devido à mortalidade e redução da produtividade. É causada por Anaplasma marginale, uma riquétsia intraeritrocítica obrigatória cujo controle requer, além de uma vacina eficiente, uma acurada identificação de bovinos cronicamente infectados. Apesar de existirem atualmente diversos métodos de diagnóstico dessa riquétsia, os métodos sorológicos, em particular o ensaio de imunoadsorção enzimática–ELISAs, são os mais utilizados devido à sua versatilidade e praticidade. No entanto, devido ao grande número de antígenos disponíveis, atualmente torna-se necessária uma avaliação para definir quais antígenos apresentam um melhor desempenho no diagnóstico da anaplasmose. Soros de bovinos positivos e negativos para A. marginale por PCR, e soros de animais provenientes do Brasil e Costa Rica, foram testados em ELISAs baseados em MSP1a, MSP2 e MSP5 recombinantes, um pool das três proteínas recombinantes, e antígeno de lisado de corpúsculos iniciais da riquétsia (CI). Utilizando soro de bovinos positivos para A. marginale por PCR, uma maior sensibilidade foi observada no ELISA CI. No entanto, uma maior especificidade, com soro de bovinos negativos a PCR, foi observada com os ELISAs recombinantes. O porcentual de bovinos positivos do Brasil e Costa Rica foi maior com ELISA CI. Razões para essas diferenças são discutidas.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Asano K.M, Souza S.P., Silva S.O.S., Richtzenhain L.J. & Brandão P.E. 2009. Rapid detection of bovine coronavirus by a semi-nested RT-PCR. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11):869-873. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, 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: karen.asano@gmail.com Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is a member of the group 2 of the Coronavirus (Nidovirales: Coronaviridae) and the causative agent of enteritis in both calves and adult bovine, as well as respiratory disease in calves. The present study aimed to develop a semi-nested RT-PCR for the detection of BCoV based on representative up-to-date sequences of the nucleocapsid gene, a conserved region of coronavirus genome. Three primers were designed, the first round with a 463bp and the second (semi-nested) with a 306bp predicted fragment. The analytical sensitivity was determined by 10-fold serial dilutions of the BCoV Kakegawa strain (HA titre: 256) in DEPC treated ultra-pure water, in fetal bovine serum (FBS) and in a BCoV-free fecal suspension, when positive results were found up to the 10-2, 10-3 and 10-7 dilutions, respectively, which suggests that the total amount of RNA in the sample influence the precipitation of pellets by the method of extraction used. When fecal samples was used, a large quantity of total RNA serves as carrier of BCoV RNA, demonstrating a high analytical sensitivity and lack of possible substances inhibiting the PCR. The final semi-nested RT-PCR protocol was applied to 25 fecal samples from adult cows, previously tested by a nested RT-PCR RdRp used as a reference test, resulting in 20 and 17 positives for the first and second tests, respectively, and a substantial agreement was found by kappa statistics (0.694). The high sensitivity and specificity of the new proposed method and the fact that primers were designed based on current BCoV sequences give basis to a more accurate diagnosis of BCoV-caused diseases, as well as to further insights on protocols for the detection of other Coronavirus representatives of both Animal and Public Health importance.

• Coronavírus bovino diarréia

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Asano K.M, Souza S.P., Silva S.O.S., Richtzenhain L.J. & Brandão P.E. 2009. Rapid detection of bovine coronavirus by a semi-nested RT-PCR. [Detecção rápida do Coronavírus Bovino (BCoV) por meio de uma semi-nested RT-PCR.] Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11):869-873. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, 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: karen.asano@gmail.com O Coronavírus bovino (BCoV) pertence ao grupo 2 do gênero Coronavirus (Nidovirales: Coronaviridae) e é agente causador de enterites tanto em bezerros como em bovinos adultos, bem como de doença respiratória em bezerros. O presente estudo teve por objetivo desenvolver uma semi-nested RT-PCR para a detecção do BCoV com base em seqüências representativas e recentes do gene do nucleocapsídeo, região conservada do genoma dos coronavírus. Três primers foram desenhados, a primeira amplificação com um fragmento esperado de 463pb e a segunda (semi-nested) com um fragmento esperado de 306pb. A sensibilidade analítica foi determinada pela diluição do BCoV cepa Kakegawa (título HA: 256) na base de 10 em água ultra-pura tratada com DEPC, em soro fetal bovino (SFB) e em uma suspensão fecal negativa para o BCoV, onde foram encontrados resultados positivos até a diluição de 10-2, 10-3 e 10-7, respectivamente. Este resultado sugere que a quantidade total de RNA na amostra influencia na precipitação dos pellets pelo método de extração utilizado. Quando se utiliza amostra fecal, a grande quantidade de RNA total funciona como carreadora do RNA do BCoV, demonstrando elevada sensibilidade analítica e ausência de possíveis substâncias inibidoras da PCR. O protocolo final da semi-nested RT-PCR foi aplicado a 25 amostras fecais de vacas adultas, previamente avaliadas por uma nested RT-PCR RdRp utilizada como teste de referência, resultando em 20 e 17 amostras positivas para o primeiro e segundo teste, respectivamente. Os resultados dos dois sistema de diagnóstico apresentaram concordância substancial (kappa: 0,694). A elevada sensibilidade e especificidade do novo método proposto e o fato de que os primers foram desenhados baseados em sequências atuais do BCoV, oferecem bases para o diagnóstico mais acurado de infecções causadas pelo BCoV, assim como para novas perspectivas em protocolos de detecção de outros Coronavírus de importância tanto em saninade animal quanto em saúde pública.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Souza F.G., Osório A.L.A.R., Csordas B.G., Prado R.Q., Elisei C., Soares C.O., Araújo F.R., Fragoso S.P. & Rosinha G.M.S. 2009. [Development and evaluation of a strain of Brucella abortus gotten by the knockout of the virB10 gene.] Desenvolvimento e avaliação de uma cepa knockout de Brucella abortus obtida pela deleção do gene virB10. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11):943-950. Programa de Pós-Graduação, Mestrado em Ciência Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: fabicientista@gmail.com Brucella spp. are intracellular facultative gram-negative bacteria which are pathogenic for many species of mammals, causing brucellosis, a worldwide spread zoonosis. Therefore the search for more efficient alternatives of control, as the development of new potential immunogens is necessary. In this study, we knockouted virB10 from Brucella abortus S2308 strain, generating a mutant strain probably incapable to produce the corresponding native protein. The gene virB10 is part of an operon that codifies for type IV secretion system, which is essential for the intracellular survival and multiplication of the bacteria in host cells. The knockout was carried through by the construction of the suicidal plasmid pBlue: virB10: kan and eletroporation in eletrocompetent cells of B. abortus S2308, leading to the exchange of the wild gene for the interrupted gene, containing the gene of resistance to kanamycin, for double homologous recombination. BALB/c mice were inoculated with S19, RB-51, DvirB10 strains of B. abortus and S2308 wild strain; the results demonstrated that the BALB/c mice inoculated with S19 and BALB/c mice inoculated with S2308 presented faster fall of trend line, when compared with the too much groups, for bacterial recovery (BR) and esplenic weight (EW) respectively. The groups that received DvirB10 S2308 B. abortus and RB-51 demonstrated similar behavior for both the characteristics. In the sixth week postinoculation, the results for BR (log UFC ± standart deviations) and EW (esplenic weight ± standart deviations), respectively, showed: groups inoculated with strains S2308 (4,44±1,97 and 0,44±0,11), S19 (1,83±2,54 and 0,31±0,04), RB-51 (0,00±0,00 and 0,20±0,01) and DvirB10 S2308 (1,43±1,25 and 0,19±0,03). Considered the bacterial clearance, all the groups differed statistical from the group that received S2308 (p<0,0001), the group inoculated with DvirB10 S2308 B. abortus was similar to the S19 group (p=0,4302) and different of group RB-51 (p=0,0063). The evaluation of the persistence of the strains showed that virB10 is essential for the maintenance of the virulence. These results support other studies concerning the immunogenic potential of this mutant strain.

• Brucella abortus

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Souza F.G., Osório A.L.A.R., Csordas B.G., Prado R.Q., Elisei C., Soares C.O., Araújo F.R., Fragoso S.P. & Rosinha G.M.S. 2009. [Development and evaluation of a strain of Brucella abortus gotten by the knockout of the virB10 gene.] Desenvolvimento e avaliação de uma cepa knockout de Brucella abortus obtida pela deleção do gene virB10. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11):943-950. Programa de Pós-Graduação, Mestrado em Ciência Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: fabicientista@gmail.com Brucella spp. são bactérias gram-negativas, intracelulares facultativas que são patogênicas para muitas espécies de mamíferos causando a brucelose, uma zoonose difundida mundialmente. Por isso a busca de alternativas de controle mais eficientes se faz necessário como o desenvolvimento de novas cepas que possam ser testadas como potenciais imunógenos. Neste estudo realizou-se a deleção do gene virB10 da cepa S2308 de Brucella abortus gerando uma cepa knockout provavelmente incapaz de produzir a proteína nativa correspondente. O gene virB10 faz parte de um operon que codifica para um sistema de secreção do tipo IV, essencial para a sobrevivência intracelular e multiplicação da bactéria em células hospedeiras. A deleção foi realizada pela construção do plasmídeo suicida pBlue:virB10:kan e eletroporação deste em células eletrocompetentes de B. abortus S2308, ocorrendo a troca do gene selvagem pelo gene interrompido, com o gene de resistência a canamicina, por recombinação homóloga dupla. Camundongos BALB/c foram inoculados com as cepas S19, RB-51, DvirB10 de B. abortus e B. abortus S2308 selvagem; os resultados demonstraram que camundongos BALB/c inoculados com S19 e camundongos BALB/c inoculados com S2308 apresentaram queda mais rápida de linha de tendência, quando comparadas aos demais grupos, para recuperação bacteriana (RB) e peso esplênico (PE) respectivamente. Os grupos que receberam DvirB10 S2308 de B. abortus e RB-51 demonstraram comportamento semelhante para ambas as características. Na sexta semana após a inoculação, os resultados para RB (log de UFC ± desvio padrão) e PE (peso esplênico ± desvio padrão), respectivamente, mostraram: grupos inoculados com as cepas S2308 (4,44±1,97 e 0,44±0,11), S19 (1,83±2,54 e 0,31±0,04), RB-51 (0,00±0,00 e 0,20±0,01) e DvirB10 S2308 (1,43±1,25 e 0,19±0,03). Considerado o clearance bacteriano, todos os grupos diferiram estatisticamente do grupo que recebeu S2308 (p<0,0001), o grupo inoculado com DvirB10 S2308 de B. abortus foi semelhante ao grupo S19 (p=0,4302) e diferente do grupo RB-51 (p=0,0063). A avaliação da persistência revelou que o gene virB10 é essencial para a manutenção da virulência da bactéria. Os resultados obtidos possibilitarão que outras pesquisas sejam realizadas avaliando o potencial imunogênico desta cepa mutante.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Ferreira E.V., Boabaid F.M., Arruda L.P., Lemos R.A.A, Souza M.A., Nakazato L. & Colodel E.M. 2009. [Poisoning by Stryphnodendron fissuratum (Mimosoideae) in cattle.] Intoxicação por Stryphnodendron fissuratum (Mimosoideae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11)951-957. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT 78068-900, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@ufmt.br Epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of natural and experimental Stryphnodendron fissuratum poisoning in cattle in Central-Western Brazil were evaluated. The coiled pods of this tree are popularly known as “rosquinha” (small coil); they mature during July-September, when they fall to the ground, and are consumed by cattle causing mortalities. Spontaneous outbreaks of poisoning were investigated in the municipalities of Aruanã, State of Goias, Guiratinga and Rondonópolis State of Mato Grosso, and Rio Verde de Mato Grosso, State of Mato Grosso do Sul. Commonly the poisoning occurred in properties with Nelore cattle herds, which were raised extensively on Brachiaria spp. pastures. The clinical course in natural cases ranged from 24 hours to 10 days, and the morbidity and case fatality rates were 0.9-25% and 15-100%, respectively. The main clinical signs in the spontaneous poisoning were apathy, anorexia, agressiveness, jaundice, sialorrhoea, incoordination, dysmetria, retraction of the abdomen, uneasiness and pasty black feces with stings of mucus or blood, diarrhea, edema of the dewlap and photosensitization. At necropsy, jaundice, edema of the subcutaneous tissue, mainly of the cervical region, hemorrhages of serous membranes, ascitis and hidrotorax, edema of the mesentery, perirenal edema, increased size of liver and kidney, reddening of the ruminal mucosa, and abomasum ulcers were observed. The diagnosis of S. fissuratum poisoning was based on epidemiological, clinical and pathological findings, and in the experimental reproduction by the administration of the pods of this plant to cattle. Experimentally, daily doses of 4 and 20g of pods by kg body weight, respectively, were administered to two bovines. Both animals had digestive signs and died, but photosensitization was not observed.

• Plantas tóxicas Stryphnodendron fissuratum intoxicação por planta

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Ferreira E.V., Boabaid F.M., Arruda L.P., Lemos R.A.A, Souza M.A., Nakazato L. & Colodel E.M. 2009. [Poisoning by Stryphnodendron fissuratum (Mimosoideae) in cattle.] Intoxicação por Stryphnodendron fissuratum (Mimosoideae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11)951-957. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT 78068-900, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@ufmt.br Descrevem-se aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos da intoxicação natural por Stryphnodendron fissuratum em bovinos na região Centro-Oeste do Brasil. Esta planta possui favas retorcidas, conhecidas popularmente por “rosquinha”, que amadurecem entre julho e setembro, caem ao solo e são consumidas por bovinos, sendo relacionadas com mortalidades. Foram investigados surtos de intoxicação espontânea que ocorreram nos municípios de Aruanã, GO, Guiratinga e Rondonópolis, MT e Rio Verde de Mato Grosso, MS. Em geral, a intoxicação ocorreu em propriedades de pecuária extensiva, com rebanhos da raça Nelore e em pastagens de Brachiaria spp. Nos casos naturais, a evolução clínica variou em média de 24 horas até 10 dias e a morbidade e a letalidade variaram de 0,9 a 25% e de 15 a 100%, respectivamente. Os principais sinais clínicos na intoxicação natural foram depressão, anorexia, agressividade, icterícia, sialorréia, incoordenação motora, dismetria, retração abdominal, inquietação, fezes pastosas enegrecidas ou ressequidas com muco e estrias de sangue, diarréia, edema de barbela e fotossensibilização. À necropsia havia icterícia, edema do tecido subcutâneo, principalmente na região cervical, petéquias e equimoses de serosas abdominais e torácicas, ascite e hidrotórax leves, edema do mesentério, edema perirrenal, aumento do volume de fígado e rim, avermelhamento ruminal e úlceras multifocais no abomaso. O exame histológico revelou lesões degenerativas e necrose no fígado e rim e no abomaso áreas de necrose na mucosa. O diagnóstico de intoxicação por S. fissuratum foi estabelecido com base nos achados epidemiológicos, clínicos, patológicos e, em parte, na reprodução experimental pela administração das favas desta planta para bovinos. Em dois bovinos que receberam, respectivamente, duas doses diárias de 4 e 20 g de favas por kg de peso vivo foram observados sinais digestivos e morte dos animais, mas não ocorreu fotossensibilização.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Nogueira A.P.A., Souza R.I.C., Cardinal S.G., Lemos R.A.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2009. [Experimentally amprolium-induced polioencephalomalacia in sheep.] Polioencefalomalacia experimental induzida por amprólio em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):747-752. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br In order to establish an experimental model for the study of the etiology, pathology, and pathogenesis of polioencephalomalacia in ruminants, the condition was induced in five sheep by oral administration of amprolium at daily doses of 500 and 1,000mg per kg of body weight respectively for 28-59 days and for 13-39 days. All sheep died or were euthanized in extremis after illness of 3-7 days. Clinical signs included depression, incoordination, midriasis, grinding of the teeth, blindness, and laying down with opisthotonus and paddling movements. Drooling and a sawhorse stance were observed in one sheep and myoclonus in another one. Main gross lesions were restricted to the central nervous system and included swelling of the brain with flattening of telencephalic gyri, and hemorrhages in the parietal and occipital lobes of the telencephalon, in the submeningeal areas of the spinal cord and in the mesencephalon. Histologically, there was segmental laminar neuronal necrosis (red neurons) associated with edema, swelling of endothelial cells, hemorrhages and infiltration by foamy macrophages (gitter cells). These changes were more marked in the frontal, parietal and occipital telecephalic lobes and there was sharp demarcation between the lesions and the adjacent normal neuropile. Additionally, similar, but less marked lesions were seen in the mesencephalon, thalamus and hippocampus. Considering the consistent reproducible aspects of polioencephalomalacia in sheep using amprolium, this may be an useful model for the study of the disease.

• Amprolium polioencephalomalacia amprólio polioencefalomalacia

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Nogueira A.P.A., Souza R.I.C., Cardinal S.G., Lemos R.A.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2009. [Experimentally amprolium-induced polioencephalomalacia in sheep.] Polioencefalomalacia experimental induzida por amprólio em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):747-752. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Para estabelecer um modelo experimental para o estudo da etiologia, patologia e patogênese da polioencefalomalacia em ruminantes, a condição foi induzida em cinco ovinos pela administração oral de amprólio nas doses diárias de 500 e 1.000mg/kg de peso animal, respectivamente por 28-59 dias e 13-39 dias. Todos os ovinos morreram ou foram eutanasiados in extremis após um curso clínico de 3-7 dias. Os sinais clínicos incluíam depressão, incoordenação, midríase, bruxismo, cegueira e decúbito com opistótono e movimentos de pedalagem. Salivação excessiva e posição de cavalete foi observada em um ovino e mioclonias em um outro. Os principais achados de necropsia restringiam-se ao sistema nervoso central e incluíam tumefação do encéfalo com achatamento dos giros telencefálicos e hemorragias nos lobos parietal e occipital do telencéfalo; as hemorragias ocorriam também nas áreas submeníngeas da medula espinhal e do mesencéfalo. Histologicamente, havia necrose segmentar laminar de neurônios (neurônios vermelhos) associada a edema, tumefação de células endoteliais, hemorragias e infiltração por macrófagos espumosos (células gitter). Essas alterações eram mais marcadas nos lobos frontal, parietal e occipital do telencéfalo e havia uma demarcação abrupta entre as lesões e o neurópilo normal adjacente. Adicionalmente, lesões semelhantes, mas menos acentuadas, eram observadas no mesencéfalo, tálamo e hipocampo. Levando em consideração a reproducibilidade regular dos aspectos da polioencefalomalacia em ovinos pela administração de amprólio, esse modelo pode ser útil para o estudo da doença.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Coelho S.M.O., Reinoso E., Pereira I.A., Soares L.C., Demo M., Bogni C & Souza M.M.S. 2009. Virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance in Staphylo-coccus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis in Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):369-374. Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: miliane@ufrrj.br The study was conducted to characterize pheno-genotypically the virulence factors and resistance pattern of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from milk samples of cows with subclinical mastitis. All hemolytic isolates presented beta-hemolysin, and 38% of the non-hemolytic isolates were able to express hemolysins in the presence of a beta-hemolytic strain. The amplification of the coa-gene displayed four different size polymorphisms with about 400 bp, 600 bp, 700 bp and 900 bp. The spaA gene that encodes the IgG-binding region of protein A revealed sizes of 700 bp and 900 bp. The amplification of region X from spaA yielded a single amplicon for each isolate with the prevalent amplicon size being of 180 bp. Amplification of sae gene yielded an amplicon size of 920 bp in 71% of the isolates. Antibiotic resistance pattern revealed that 42% S. aureus were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested. Seven different antibiotic patterns were observed. Our results indicated that 47% and 25% of S. aureus strains exhibited resistance to penicillin and oxacillin respectively. All oxacillin-resistant isolates were mecA-positive.

• Staphylococcus aureus antimicrobial resistance virulence factors resistência antimicrobiana fatores de virulência

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Coelho S.M.O., Reinoso E., Pereira I.A., Soares L.C., Demo M., Bogni C & Souza M.M.S. 2009. Virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance in Staphylo-coccus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis in Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):369-374. Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: miliane@ufrrj.br The study was conducted to characterize pheno-genotypically the virulence factors and resistance pattern of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from milk samples of cows with subclinical mastitis. All hemolytic isolates presented beta-hemolysin, and 38% of the non-hemolytic isolates were able to express hemolysins in the presence of a beta-hemolytic strain. The amplification of the coa-gene displayed four different size polymorphisms with about 400 bp, 600 bp, 700 bp and 900 bp. The spaA gene that encodes the IgG-binding region of protein A revealed sizes of 700 bp and 900 bp. The amplification of region X from spaA yielded a single amplicon for each isolate with the prevalent amplicon size being of 180 bp. Amplification of sae gene yielded an amplicon size of 920 bp in 71% of the isolates. Antibiotic resistance pattern revealed that 42% S. aureus were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested. Seven different antibiotic patterns were observed. Our results indicated that 47% and 25% of S. aureus strains exhibited resistance to penicillin and oxacillin respectively. All oxacillin-resistant isolates were mecA-positive.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Câmara A.C.L., Afonso J.A.B., Costa N.A., Mendonça C.L. & Souza M.I. 2009. [Primary abomasal impaction in 14 cattle from Pernambuco State, northeastern Brazil.] Compactação primária do abomaso em 14 bovinos no Estado de Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):387-394. Clínica de Bovinos, Campus Garanhuns, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Bom Pastor s/n, Cx. Postal 152, Mundaú, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: aclcamara@yahoo.com.br Despite the frequent use of dry and fibrous roughage for feeding cows in many regions, especially during the dry season, impaction of the abomasum has been poorly reported in Brazil, probably because the condition is misdiagnosed by practitioners. The present paper aimed to accomplish a retrospective study on primary abomasal impaction in 14 cattle from Pernambuco State, northeastern Brazil. Eight moderate cases, without severe abdominal distention and with no rumen compaction, were treated conservatively, and four severe cases, with severe abdominal distention and rumen compaction, were treated surgically. One bull was slaughtered and one cow died without treatment. The greater number of abomasal impaction cases was in Holstein cows with six cases (42.9%), followed by crossbred cattle with five cases (35.8%), and the breeds Brown-Swiss, Nelore and Marchigiana, each with one case (21.3%). The food composition was characterized by low quality fibers and varied greatly among cases. Most frequent clinical signs were apathy, dehydration, hypomotility and ruminal bloat, intestinal hypomotility and scanty or absent feces with mucus. The hematological findings revealed leukocytosis with neutrophilia and hyperfibrinogenemia in most cases. Ruminal fluid analysis showed compromised flora and fauna dynamics and increased chlorine ion concentration. Clinical (4/8) and chirurgical (2/4) recovery rate achieved 50%. The clinical and chirurgical methods remain as viable options for the treatment of light and severe impaction, but the prognosis is always reserved especially when associated to late pregnancy.

• Impaction vagal indigestion Compactação indigestão vagal

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Câmara A.C.L., Afonso J.A.B., Costa N.A., Mendonça C.L. & Souza M.I. 2009. [Primary abomasal impaction in 14 cattle from Pernambuco State, northeastern Brazil.] Compactação primária do abomaso em 14 bovinos no Estado de Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):387-394. Clínica de Bovinos, Campus Garanhuns, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Bom Pastor s/n, Cx. Postal 152, Mundaú, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: aclcamara@yahoo.com.br Despite the frequent use of dry and fibrous roughage for feeding cows in many regions, especially during the dry season, impaction of the abomasum has been poorly reported in Brazil, probably because the condition is misdiagnosed by practitioners. The present paper aimed to accomplish a retrospective study on primary abomasal impaction in 14 cattle from Pernambuco State, northeastern Brazil. Eight moderate cases, without severe abdominal distention and with no rumen compaction, were treated conservatively, and four severe cases, with severe abdominal distention and rumen compaction, were treated surgically. One bull was slaughtered and one cow died without treatment. The greater number of abomasal impaction cases was in Holstein cows with six cases (42.9%), followed by crossbred cattle with five cases (35.8%), and the breeds Brown-Swiss, Nelore and Marchigiana, each with one case (21.3%). The food composition was characterized by low quality fibers and varied greatly among cases. Most frequent clinical signs were apathy, dehydration, hypomotility and ruminal bloat, intestinal hypomotility and scanty or absent feces with mucus. The hematological findings revealed leukocytosis with neutrophilia and hyperfibrinogenemia in most cases. Ruminal fluid analysis showed compromised flora and fauna dynamics and increased chlorine ion concentration. Clinical (4/8) and chirurgical (2/4) recovery rate achieved 50%. The clinical and chirurgical methods remain as viable options for the treatment of light and severe impaction, but the prognosis is always reserved especially when associated to late pregnancy.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Câmara A.C.L., Costa N.A., Riet-Correa F., Afonso J.A.B., Dantas A.F.M., Mendonça C.L. & Souza M.I. 2009. [Spontaneous poisoning in cattle by mesquite beans, Prosopis juliflora (Leg. Mimosoideae) in Pernambuco.] Intoxicação espontânea por vagens de Prosopis juliflora (Leg. Mimosoideae) em bovinos em Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):233-240. Clínica de Bovinos, Campus Garanhuns, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Bom Pastor s/n, Cx. Postal 152, Mundaú, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: aclcamara@yahoo.com.br Three outbreaks of poisoning by Prosopis juliflora pods are reported in the semiarid region of the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, in cattle grazing in fields invaded by the plant or ingesting mesquite beans as a concentrate food. In two farms the disease occurred sporadically. In another, 112 (9.28%) cattle out of 1206 were affected, 84 (6.96%) died due to emaciation, and 28 (2.32%) gained weight after the pods had been withdrawn from the feed. Main clinical signs were progressive weight loss, atrophy of the masseter muscles, dropped jaw, tongue protrusion, difficulties in prehending food, tilting the head during mastigation or rumination, salivation, impaired swallowing, and decreased tone of the tongue. The hematology reveals hypoproteinemia and anemia. Gross lesions were emaciation and reduction in size of the masseter muscles, which appear thinner than normal and grayish due muscular atrophy. Degeneration of neurons of the trigeminal motor nuclei, Wallerian degeneration of the trigeminal nerve roots, and muscular atrophy of the masseter muscles with substitution by fibrous tissue were observed on histologic examination. For the prevention of the poisoning is necessary to limit the amount of mesquite beans in animal nutrition. It is also necessary to develop research to determine the economic and sustainability of the use of Prosopis juliflora for animal food, human food or other uses such as charcoal, wood and fuel wood.

• Poisonous plants Prosopis juliflora Leguminosae Mimosoideae plant poisoning cattle cranial nerves impairment neuronal degeneration

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Câmara A.C.L., Costa N.A., Riet-Correa F., Afonso J.A.B., Dantas A.F.M., Mendonça C.L. & Souza M.I. 2009. [Spontaneous poisoning in cattle by mesquite beans, Prosopis juliflora (Leg. Mimosoideae) in Pernambuco.] Intoxicação espontânea por vagens de Prosopis juliflora (Leg. Mimosoideae) em bovinos em Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):233-240. Clínica de Bovinos, Campus Garanhuns, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Bom Pastor s/n, Cx. Postal 152, Mundaú, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: aclcamara@yahoo.com.br Three outbreaks of poisoning by Prosopis juliflora pods are reported in the semiarid region of the state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, in cattle grazing in fields invaded by the plant or ingesting mesquite beans as a concentrate food. In two farms the disease occurred sporadically. In another, 112 (9.28%) cattle out of 1206 were affected, 84 (6.96%) died due to emaciation, and 28 (2.32%) gained weight after the pods had been withdrawn from the feed. Main clinical signs were progressive weight loss, atrophy of the masseter muscles, dropped jaw, tongue protrusion, difficulties in prehending food, tilting the head during mastigation or rumination, salivation, impaired swallowing, and decreased tone of the tongue. The hematology reveals hypoproteinemia and anemia. Gross lesions were emaciation and reduction in size of the masseter muscles, which appear thinner than normal and grayish due muscular atrophy. Degeneration of neurons of the trigeminal motor nuclei, Wallerian degeneration of the trigeminal nerve roots, and muscular atrophy of the masseter muscles with substitution by fibrous tissue were observed on histologic examination. For the prevention of the poisoning is necessary to limit the amount of mesquite beans in animal nutrition. It is also necessary to develop research to determine the economic and sustainability of the use of Prosopis juliflora for animal food, human food or other uses such as charcoal, wood and fuel wood.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Maia L., Souza M.V., Alves G.E.S., Júnior J.I.R., Oliveira A.C., Silva Y.F.R.S. & Zandim B.M. 2009. [Platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of induced tendinitis in equines: Ultrasonographic evaluation.] Plasma rico em plaquetas no tratamento de tendinite induzida em eqüinos: avaliação ultra-sonográfica. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):241-245. Setor de Clínica e Cirurgia de Grandes Animais, Departamento de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil. E-mail: msouza@ufv.br The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of induced tendinitis in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of horses through ultrasonographic evaluation. Thus, six 8 to15-year-old healthy gelding horses (=12 years) were used. Tendinitis of the SDFT was provoked in both forelimbs via intratendineous administration of 2.5mg of collagenase (2.5mg.mL-1), what was considered as beginning of the experimental phase. Twelve days after induced tendinitis, the horses were submitted to two treatments: (1) in the lesion caused in the right SDFT (treated group, TG), 2.5mL of PRP activated with calcium chloride at 0.0125mol.L-1, at concentrations from 320,000 to 500,000 platelets.µL-1, were administered; (2) in the tendinitis of the left SDFT (control group, CG), 2.5mL of 0.9% saline solution was administered. After 5 days, the animals were submitted to controlled and progressive physical activity during 30 days. Ultrasonographic examinations were carried out before and after tendinitis induction (48 hours after and on experimental days 7, 12, 14, 21 28, 35 and 42), with tendon cross-sectional area (CSA), lesion cross-sectional area (L-CSA), L-CSA percentage, severity and echogenicity of the lesion, as well as collagen fiber alignment being evaluated. The result revealed reduction (P<0.05) in the L-CSA and in the degree of lesion echogenicity in function of time, but with difference (P<0.05) between groups only for L-CSA, with smaller values in TG. The treatment with PRP promotes greater reduction in the area of the lesion measured by ultrasound.

• Horses tendon ultrasound growth factors healing

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Maia L., Souza M.V., Alves G.E.S., Júnior J.I.R., Oliveira A.C., Silva Y.F.R.S. & Zandim B.M. 2009. [Platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of induced tendinitis in equines: Ultrasonographic evaluation.] Plasma rico em plaquetas no tratamento de tendinite induzida em eqüinos: avaliação ultra-sonográfica. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):241-245. Setor de Clínica e Cirurgia de Grandes Animais, Departamento de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil. E-mail: msouza@ufv.br The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of induced tendinitis in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of horses through ultrasonographic evaluation. Thus, six 8 to15-year-old healthy gelding horses (=12 years) were used. Tendinitis of the SDFT was provoked in both forelimbs via intratendineous administration of 2.5mg of collagenase (2.5mg.mL-1), what was considered as beginning of the experimental phase. Twelve days after induced tendinitis, the horses were submitted to two treatments: (1) in the lesion caused in the right SDFT (treated group, TG), 2.5mL of PRP activated with calcium chloride at 0.0125mol.L-1, at concentrations from 320,000 to 500,000 platelets.µL-1, were administered; (2) in the tendinitis of the left SDFT (control group, CG), 2.5mL of 0.9% saline solution was administered. After 5 days, the animals were submitted to controlled and progressive physical activity during 30 days. Ultrasonographic examinations were carried out before and after tendinitis induction (48 hours after and on experimental days 7, 12, 14, 21 28, 35 and 42), with tendon cross-sectional area (CSA), lesion cross-sectional area (L-CSA), L-CSA percentage, severity and echogenicity of the lesion, as well as collagen fiber alignment being evaluated. The result revealed reduction (P<0.05) in the L-CSA and in the degree of lesion echogenicity in function of time, but with difference (P<0.05) between groups only for L-CSA, with smaller values in TG. The treatment with PRP promotes greater reduction in the area of the lesion measured by ultrasound.