PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

Seitz A.L., Colodel E.M., Barros S.S. & Driemeier D. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):15-20. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: alseitz@terra.com.br. Seven sheep received dry crushed Sida carpinifolia L.f. One of them died at 18 and other at 53 days of the experiment. Four others were euthanatized and necropsied at 30, 45, 75 and 100 days. For one sheep the supply of S. carpinifolia was interrupted on the 80th day of the experiment, and 70 days later the animal was euthanized and necropsied. The minimal amount of the dry plant consumed was 11 g/kg and the maximum was 30 g/kg. The progression of clinical findings was similar in six animals with slight diarrhea at 20 days of experiment. Neurological signs were observed at 25 days and included ataxia with dysmetria, muscle tremors of the head, atypical postural reactions, frequent falls, sluggish of movements, difficulty in grazing and swallowing. These signs were enhanced when the animals were forced to walk. Four of the animals presented progressive emaciation. The sheep whose supply of the plant was interrupted recovered gradually, and 11 days after the animal returned to normal. During necropsy, only enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes were observed. The histological alterations were more significant in the central nervous system, with multiple and severe cytoplasmic distention and vacuolation which affects specially Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, neurons of cerebral cortex, thalamus, midbrain and the ventral horn of spinal cord. Axonal spheroids in the brain, more frequently in the granular layer of cerebellum were also observed. The cytoplasmic vacuolation was also found in pancreatic acinar cells, renal tubules, thyroid follicular epithelium, hepatocytes and macrophages of lymphoid organs. The ultrastructural lesions observed were cytoplasmic vacuolation, some surrounded by membranes in Purkinje cells of cerebellum and thyroid follicular cells. The sheep, which had S. carpinifolia withdrawn from its diet for 70 days, had no significant histological alterations.

• Toxic plants plant poisoning Sida carpinifolia Malvaceae lysosomal storage disease swainsonine electronic microscopy.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Seitz A.L., Colodel E.M., Barros S.S. & Driemeier D. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):15-20. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: alseitz@terra.com.br. Seven sheep received dry crushed Sida carpinifolia L.f. One of them died at 18 and other at 53 days of the experiment. Four others were euthanatized and necropsied at 30, 45, 75 and 100 days. For one sheep the supply of S. carpinifolia was interrupted on the 80th day of the experiment, and 70 days later the animal was euthanized and necropsied. The minimal amount of the dry plant consumed was 11 g/kg and the maximum was 30 g/kg. The progression of clinical findings was similar in six animals with slight diarrhea at 20 days of experiment. Neurological signs were observed at 25 days and included ataxia with dysmetria, muscle tremors of the head, atypical postural reactions, frequent falls, sluggish of movements, difficulty in grazing and swallowing. These signs were enhanced when the animals were forced to walk. Four of the animals presented progressive emaciation. The sheep whose supply of the plant was interrupted recovered gradually, and 11 days after the animal returned to normal. During necropsy, only enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes were observed. The histological alterations were more significant in the central nervous system, with multiple and severe cytoplasmic distention and vacuolation which affects specially Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, neurons of cerebral cortex, thalamus, midbrain and the ventral horn of spinal cord. Axonal spheroids in the brain, more frequently in the granular layer of cerebellum were also observed. The cytoplasmic vacuolation was also found in pancreatic acinar cells, renal tubules, thyroid follicular epithelium, hepatocytes and macrophages of lymphoid organs. The ultrastructural lesions observed were cytoplasmic vacuolation, some surrounded by membranes in Purkinje cells of cerebellum and thyroid follicular cells. The sheep, which had S. carpinifolia withdrawn from its diet for 70 days, had no significant histological alterations.

Abstract in English:

França T.N., Peixoto P.V., Brito M.F., Driemeier D., Mores N. & Zanella J. 2005. [Outbreak of Circovirosis (Porcine Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.] Surto de Circovirose (Síndrome Definhante Multissistêmica de Suínos Desmamados) no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):39-53. Universidade Estácio de Sá, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Disciplina de Anatomia Patológica, Estrada Boca do Mato 850, Vargem Pequena, RJ 22783-320, Brazil. E-mail: ticianaf@uol.com.br The first outbreak of Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) in swine, which occurred in southeastern Brazil, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, is described. The disease, which affects mainly weaned about 4 month-old pigs, caused the death of at least 14 animals. The property, where the outbreak occurred, had inadequate sanitary and management conditions. Clinically the disease was characterized by wasting, poor development, cough, tachypnoea, dispnoea, diarrhoea, ataxia, tremors after stimulation, decubitus and convulsions. The course of the disease was acute or subacute. The most important post-mortem findings were enlarged lymphnodes, non-collapsed lungs, with consolidated areas mainly in the cranial lobes. Histological lesions consisted mainly of lymphohistiocytic infiltration with multinucleate giant cells in lymph nodes, spleen, Peyer’s patches, kidney, lung and liver, depletion or lymphoid hyperplasia, as well as lymphohistiocytic interstitial pneumonia and areas of secondary bronchopneumonia. The diagnosis was established through observations of the symptoms and typical lesions, and was confirmed by immunohistochemical examination and PCR. The objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of the outbreak of PMWS, because of the severe direct or indirect economical losses caused by the disease to the world pig industry.

• Postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome porcine circovirus type 2 pathology immunohistochemistry PCR.

Abstract in Portuguese:

França T.N., Peixoto P.V., Brito M.F., Driemeier D., Mores N. & Zanella J. 2005. [Outbreak of Circovirosis (Porcine Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.] Surto de Circovirose (Síndrome Definhante Multissistêmica de Suínos Desmamados) no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):39-53. Universidade Estácio de Sá, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Disciplina de Anatomia Patológica, Estrada Boca do Mato 850, Vargem Pequena, RJ 22783-320, Brazil. E-mail: ticianaf@uol.com.br The first outbreak of Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) in swine, which occurred in southeastern Brazil, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, is described. The disease, which affects mainly weaned about 4 month-old pigs, caused the death of at least 14 animals. The property, where the outbreak occurred, had inadequate sanitary and management conditions. Clinically the disease was characterized by wasting, poor development, cough, tachypnoea, dispnoea, diarrhoea, ataxia, tremors after stimulation, decubitus and convulsions. The course of the disease was acute or subacute. The most important post-mortem findings were enlarged lymphnodes, non-collapsed lungs, with consolidated areas mainly in the cranial lobes. Histological lesions consisted mainly of lymphohistiocytic infiltration with multinucleate giant cells in lymph nodes, spleen, Peyer’s patches, kidney, lung and liver, depletion or lymphoid hyperplasia, as well as lymphohistiocytic interstitial pneumonia and areas of secondary bronchopneumonia. The diagnosis was established through observations of the symptoms and typical lesions, and was confirmed by immunohistochemical examination and PCR. The objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of the outbreak of PMWS, because of the severe direct or indirect economical losses caused by the disease to the world pig industry.

Abstract in English:

Vargas A.C., Costa M.M., Groff A.C.M., Viana L.R., Krewer C.C., Spricigo D.A. & Kirinus J.K. 2005. [Antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolated from cattle.] Susceptibilidade antimicrobiana de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolado de bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):1-3. Laboratório de Bacteriologia do Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: agueda@ccr.ufsm.br Venereal campylobacteriosis is associated with infection of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus and Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis. The etiological agent is transmitted by natural bull breeding or artificial insemination using contaminated semen. The present study aimed to determine the in vitro susceptibility of C. fetus subsp. venerealis isolates to antimicrobial drugs generally used in clinical and semen treatment. Reference strains of C. fetus subsp. fetus and C. fetus subsp. venerealis and 21 C. fetus isolates were tested. The susceptibility test was performed by using the modified Kirby-Bauer diffusion disc method. C. fetus subsp. fetus reference strain was resistant to lincomycin and penicillin. C. fetus subsp. venerealis was susceptible to all antimicrobial tested, with exception to C.C. KrewerDnalidixic acid. C. fetus subsp. venerealis samples were sensible to amikacin, ampicillin, cefalotin, streptomycin, gentamycin, penicillin and tetracycline. Drug resistance was observed on 42.86% of lincomycin, 4,76 % of enrofloxacin, and 100% to nalidixic acid. In addition 4.76% of the isolates showed intermediate susceptibility to enrofloxacin, neomycin, polimixin B and 9.52% to lincomycin. The susceptibility of C. fetus isolates to antimicrobial drugs commonly used in clinical and semen treatment was demonstrated.

• Campylobacteriosis cattle semen antibiomicrobials.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Vargas A.C., Costa M.M., Groff A.C.M., Viana L.R., Krewer C.C., Spricigo D.A. & Kirinus J.K. 2005. [Antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolated from cattle.] Susceptibilidade antimicrobiana de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolado de bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):1-3. Laboratório de Bacteriologia do Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: agueda@ccr.ufsm.br Venereal campylobacteriosis is associated with infection of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus and Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis. The etiological agent is transmitted by natural bull breeding or artificial insemination using contaminated semen. The present study aimed to determine the in vitro susceptibility of C. fetus subsp. venerealis isolates to antimicrobial drugs generally used in clinical and semen treatment. Reference strains of C. fetus subsp. fetus and C. fetus subsp. venerealis and 21 C. fetus isolates were tested. The susceptibility test was performed by using the modified Kirby-Bauer diffusion disc method. C. fetus subsp. fetus reference strain was resistant to lincomycin and penicillin. C. fetus subsp. venerealis was susceptible to all antimicrobial tested, with exception to C.C. KrewerDnalidixic acid. C. fetus subsp. venerealis samples were sensible to amikacin, ampicillin, cefalotin, streptomycin, gentamycin, penicillin and tetracycline. Drug resistance was observed on 42.86% of lincomycin, 4,76 % of enrofloxacin, and 100% to nalidixic acid. In addition 4.76% of the isolates showed intermediate susceptibility to enrofloxacin, neomycin, polimixin B and 9.52% to lincomycin. The susceptibility of C. fetus isolates to antimicrobial drugs commonly used in clinical and semen treatment was demonstrated.

Abstract in English:

Traverso S.D., Correa A.M.R., Schmitz M., Colodel E.M. & Driemeier D. 2004 [Experimental poisoning by Trema micrantha (Ulmaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação experi-mental por Trema micrantha (Ulmaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):211-216. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veteriná-ria, UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br Leaves of Trema micrantha were orally given to 13 cattle. Ten animals received green leaves in a single dose, two animals received green leaves in fractionated doses, and one received the dried leaves in a single dose. Eight animals showed clinical signs and six of them died. Clinical signs were observed 16 hours after administration and included apathy, anorexia, drooling, progressive weakness, coma and death. Neurological signs as pressing the head against obstacles and head shaking were observed in four animals . Death occurred between 67 and 153 hours after the end of plant ingestion. The main gross lesions were observed in the liver, and included friable consistency, pronounced lobular pattern and areas of haemorrhages. The liver of one bovine was homogeneously dark reddened. Petechial hemorrhages in serosal membranes and edema in the gall bladder were frequently seen. Pale kidneys with red spots in the cortex were observed in one animal. Microscopically, the most striking lesion in the liver was massive coagulative necrosis, associated with centrolobular haemorrhages, observed in four animals. In the liver of one bovine centrolobular necrosis was observed . Tubular renal necrosis was noted in two animals. Additional microscopic lesions were found in the central nervous system of five bovines, especially in the frontal cortex, and included perineuronal and perivascular edema with basophilia and retraction of the neurons. T T. micrantha caused clinical signs with 50g/kg and death with doses of 54g/kg or higher. The fractionated administration of the green leaves as well as the dried leaves did not cause poisoning.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Trema micrantha Ulmaceae cattle liver necrosis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Traverso S.D., Correa A.M.R., Schmitz M., Colodel E.M. & Driemeier D. 2004 [Experimental poisoning by Trema micrantha (Ulmaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação experi-mental por Trema micrantha (Ulmaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):211-216. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veteriná-ria, UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br Leaves of Trema micrantha were orally given to 13 cattle. Ten animals received green leaves in a single dose, two animals received green leaves in fractionated doses, and one received the dried leaves in a single dose. Eight animals showed clinical signs and six of them died. Clinical signs were observed 16 hours after administration and included apathy, anorexia, drooling, progressive weakness, coma and death. Neurological signs as pressing the head against obstacles and head shaking were observed in four animals . Death occurred between 67 and 153 hours after the end of plant ingestion. The main gross lesions were observed in the liver, and included friable consistency, pronounced lobular pattern and areas of haemorrhages. The liver of one bovine was homogeneously dark reddened. Petechial hemorrhages in serosal membranes and edema in the gall bladder were frequently seen. Pale kidneys with red spots in the cortex were observed in one animal. Microscopically, the most striking lesion in the liver was massive coagulative necrosis, associated with centrolobular haemorrhages, observed in four animals. In the liver of one bovine centrolobular necrosis was observed . Tubular renal necrosis was noted in two animals. Additional microscopic lesions were found in the central nervous system of five bovines, especially in the frontal cortex, and included perineuronal and perivascular edema with basophilia and retraction of the neurons. T T. micrantha caused clinical signs with 50g/kg and death with doses of 54g/kg or higher. The fractionated administration of the green leaves as well as the dried leaves did not cause poisoning.

Abstract in English:

Paulovich F.B., Borowski S.M., Driemeier D., Razia L.E., Coutinho T. A., Prates A.B.H., Pescador C., Correa A. & Barcellos D.E.S.N. 2004. [Assessment of the pathogenicity of Brachyspira pilosicoli strains by conventional histopathological techniques and by immunohistochemistry.] Avaliação da patogenicidade de amostras de Brachyspira pilosicoli através de técnicas histopatológicas convencionais e por imuno-histoquímica. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):144-148. Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br The study assessed differences of pathogenicity among 19 strains of Brachyspira pilosicoli isolated from cases of diarrhea in swine in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, using an one-day-old chick model. The chicken inoculated with live bacterial cultures were submitted to euthanasia 21 days later, and the cecum was examined histologically using hematoxylin-eosin, silver staining and immunohistochemistry with a polyclonal antibody anti-Brachyspira pilosicoli. With silver staining and immunohistochemistry, respectively, 21.59% and 70.96% of the chicken showed colonization of the cecal epithelium with B. pilosicoli. Differences in the type of colonization characterized by continuous adhesion, focal adhesion or free bacteria in the intestinal lumen were observed. Immunohistochemistry was more efficient to assess intestinal colonization, because 49.37% more colonized chicken could be detected with silver staining. With three strains, elongated figures inside the cytoplasm of epithelial cecal cells in the inoculated chicken were observed.

• Brachyspira spp Brachyspira pilosicoli spirochetal colitis immunohistochemistry pathogenesis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Paulovich F.B., Borowski S.M., Driemeier D., Razia L.E., Coutinho T. A., Prates A.B.H., Pescador C., Correa A. & Barcellos D.E.S.N. 2004. [Assessment of the pathogenicity of Brachyspira pilosicoli strains by conventional histopathological techniques and by immunohistochemistry.] Avaliação da patogenicidade de amostras de Brachyspira pilosicoli através de técnicas histopatológicas convencionais e por imuno-histoquímica. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):144-148. Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br The study assessed differences of pathogenicity among 19 strains of Brachyspira pilosicoli isolated from cases of diarrhea in swine in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, using an one-day-old chick model. The chicken inoculated with live bacterial cultures were submitted to euthanasia 21 days later, and the cecum was examined histologically using hematoxylin-eosin, silver staining and immunohistochemistry with a polyclonal antibody anti-Brachyspira pilosicoli. With silver staining and immunohistochemistry, respectively, 21.59% and 70.96% of the chicken showed colonization of the cecal epithelium with B. pilosicoli. Differences in the type of colonization characterized by continuous adhesion, focal adhesion or free bacteria in the intestinal lumen were observed. Immunohistochemistry was more efficient to assess intestinal colonization, because 49.37% more colonized chicken could be detected with silver staining. With three strains, elongated figures inside the cytoplasm of epithelial cecal cells in the inoculated chicken were observed.

Abstract in English:

Lázaro N.S., Tibana A., Rodrigues D.P., Reis E.M.F., Quintaes B.R. & Hofer E. 2004. Antimicrobial resistance and R-plasmid in Salmonella spp from swine and abattoir environments. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):57-60. Depto Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Veterinária, UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: nslazaro@aol.com Salmonella serovars isolated from swine are of particular interest not only because of the pathogenic potential for this animal species, but also due to its relevance with regard to public health. On basis of the profile of resistance to antimicrobials, 13 Salmonella strains were selected which belonged to the serovars Muenster (7), Derby (4), Typhimurium (1), and Braenderup (1). They were isolated from healthy swine as well as from the abattoir environment in the state of Rio de Janeiro. All strains of Salmonella were subjected to bacterial conjugation, and the E. coli K12 Nalr Lac+ F standard strain was used as receptor, with the purpose to verify the ability to transfer the resistance marks. Gene transfer phenomenon was detected in seven strains, and except Salmonella Typhimurium which transconjugated to Sm, Tc and Su, the remaining ones were characterized by transferring mark Su only. By plasmidial analysis of strains used and their respective transconjugants, 63 Kb plasmid was found, which was probably related to S. Typhimurium resistance.

• Salmonella swine antimicrobial resistance R-plasmid.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Lázaro N.S., Tibana A., Rodrigues D.P., Reis E.M.F., Quintaes B.R. & Hofer E. 2004. Antimicrobial resistance and R-plasmid in Salmonella spp from swine and abattoir environments. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):57-60. Depto Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Veterinária, UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: nslazaro@aol.com Salmonella serovars isolated from swine are of particular interest not only because of the pathogenic potential for this animal species, but also due to its relevance with regard to public health. On basis of the profile of resistance to antimicrobials, 13 Salmonella strains were selected which belonged to the serovars Muenster (7), Derby (4), Typhimurium (1), and Braenderup (1). They were isolated from healthy swine as well as from the abattoir environment in the state of Rio de Janeiro. All strains of Salmonella were subjected to bacterial conjugation, and the E. coli K12 Nalr Lac+ F standard strain was used as receptor, with the purpose to verify the ability to transfer the resistance marks. Gene transfer phenomenon was detected in seven strains, and except Salmonella Typhimurium which transconjugated to Sm, Tc and Su, the remaining ones were characterized by transferring mark Su only. By plasmidial analysis of strains used and their respective transconjugants, 63 Kb plasmid was found, which was probably related to S. Typhimurium resistance.

Abstract in English:

Lázaro N.S., Tibana A., Reis E.M.F., Rodrigues D.P., Quintaes B.R. & Hofer E. 2004. [Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and plasmid profile in Salmonella Muenster isolated from swine and abattoir environment, Brazil.] Padrão de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos e perfil plasmidial em Salmonella Muenster isoladas de suínos e do ambiente de abatedouros. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):65-70. Depto Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Inst.Veterinária, UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: nslazaro@aol.com Thirty-eight strains of Salmonella Muenster, isolated from swine and the abattoir environment, in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from March 1991 to February 1992, were analyzed for the presence of plasmids. The strains were selected according to their profile regarding the antimicrobials: streptomycin, tetracycline, sulphonamide and sulfametoxazole-trimethoprim. Thirteen strains were resistant to one or several antimicrobials, 18 with intermediate degree and seven were sensitive. Plasmids varying in size from 1.2 Kb to 42 Kb were detected in 37 (97.36%) of the 38 samples, corresponding to 11 different profiles (P1- P11), varying from 1 to 6 plasmids per model. The number and plasmids diversity was greater than the resistance marks for strains. The plasmid of 2.85 Kb was the most frequent, being present in 83.78% of the 37 strains; only the one of 7.5 Kb was detected at the two slaughterhouses. There was no parallelism between resistance pattern and plasmidial profile, and a same antibiotype was found in several plasmidial profiles. The results of the present investigation, allowed us to conclude that the plasmid characterization is an useful and simple tool for the epidemiological typing of this sorovar.

• Salmonella Muenster swine antimicrobial resistance plasmids.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Lázaro N.S., Tibana A., Reis E.M.F., Rodrigues D.P., Quintaes B.R. & Hofer E. 2004. [Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and plasmid profile in Salmonella Muenster isolated from swine and abattoir environment, Brazil.] Padrão de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos e perfil plasmidial em Salmonella Muenster isoladas de suínos e do ambiente de abatedouros. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):65-70. Depto Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Inst.Veterinária, UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: nslazaro@aol.com Thirty-eight strains of Salmonella Muenster, isolated from swine and the abattoir environment, in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from March 1991 to February 1992, were analyzed for the presence of plasmids. The strains were selected according to their profile regarding the antimicrobials: streptomycin, tetracycline, sulphonamide and sulfametoxazole-trimethoprim. Thirteen strains were resistant to one or several antimicrobials, 18 with intermediate degree and seven were sensitive. Plasmids varying in size from 1.2 Kb to 42 Kb were detected in 37 (97.36%) of the 38 samples, corresponding to 11 different profiles (P1- P11), varying from 1 to 6 plasmids per model. The number and plasmids diversity was greater than the resistance marks for strains. The plasmid of 2.85 Kb was the most frequent, being present in 83.78% of the 37 strains; only the one of 7.5 Kb was detected at the two slaughterhouses. There was no parallelism between resistance pattern and plasmidial profile, and a same antibiotype was found in several plasmidial profiles. The results of the present investigation, allowed us to conclude that the plasmid characterization is an useful and simple tool for the epidemiological typing of this sorovar.

Abstract in English:

Rossetti C.A., Vansco B.N., Pini, N & Carfagnini J.C. 2004. Comparison of three diagnostic techniques for the detection of leptospires in the kidneys of wild house mice (Mus musculus). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):6-10. Instituto de Patobiología, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (CNIA) del Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), CC 25 (1712) Castelar, Buenos Aires, Argentina. E-mail: crossetti@cicv.inta.gov.ar Forty-one wild house mice (Mus musculus) were trapped in an urban area, near railways, in Santa Fe city, Argentina. Both kidneys from each mouse were removed for bacteriological and histological examination. One kidney was inoculated into Fletcher semi-solid medium and isolates were serologically typed. The other kidney was microscopically examined after hematoxylin-eosin, silver impregnation and immunohistochemical stains. Leptospires, all of them belonging to the Ballum serogroup, were isolated from 16 (39%) out of 41 samples. The presence of the agent was recorded in 18 (44%) and in 19 (46%) out of 41 silver impregnated and immunohistochemically stained samples respectively. Additionally, leptospires were detected in high number on the apical surface of epithelial cells and in the lumen of medullary tubules and they were less frequently seen on the apical surface of epithelial cells or in the lumen of the cortical tubules, which represents an unusual finding in carrier animals. Microscopic lesions consisting of focal mononuclear interstitial nephritis, glomerular shrinkage and desquamation of tubular epithelial cells were observed in 13 of 19 infected and in 10 of 22 non-infected mice; differences in presence of lesions between infected and non-infected animals were not statistically significant (P=0,14). The three techniques, culture, silver impregnation and immunohistochemistry, had a high agreement (k³0.85) and no significant differences between them were detected (P>0.05). In addition, an unusual location of leptospires in kidneys of carrier animals was reported, but a relationship between lesions and presence of leptospires could not be established.

• Leptospires diagnostic techniques Mus musculus lesions.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Rossetti C.A., Vansco B.N., Pini, N & Carfagnini J.C. 2004. Comparison of three diagnostic techniques for the detection of leptospires in the kidneys of wild house mice (Mus musculus). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):6-10. Instituto de Patobiología, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (CNIA) del Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), CC 25 (1712) Castelar, Buenos Aires, Argentina. E-mail: crossetti@cicv.inta.gov.ar Forty-one wild house mice (Mus musculus) were trapped in an urban area, near railways, in Santa Fe city, Argentina. Both kidneys from each mouse were removed for bacteriological and histological examination. One kidney was inoculated into Fletcher semi-solid medium and isolates were serologically typed. The other kidney was microscopically examined after hematoxylin-eosin, silver impregnation and immunohistochemical stains. Leptospires, all of them belonging to the Ballum serogroup, were isolated from 16 (39%) out of 41 samples. The presence of the agent was recorded in 18 (44%) and in 19 (46%) out of 41 silver impregnated and immunohistochemically stained samples respectively. Additionally, leptospires were detected in high number on the apical surface of epithelial cells and in the lumen of medullary tubules and they were less frequently seen on the apical surface of epithelial cells or in the lumen of the cortical tubules, which represents an unusual finding in carrier animals. Microscopic lesions consisting of focal mononuclear interstitial nephritis, glomerular shrinkage and desquamation of tubular epithelial cells were observed in 13 of 19 infected and in 10 of 22 non-infected mice; differences in presence of lesions between infected and non-infected animals were not statistically significant (P=0,14). The three techniques, culture, silver impregnation and immunohistochemistry, had a high agreement (k³0.85) and no significant differences between them were detected (P>0.05). In addition, an unusual location of leptospires in kidneys of carrier animals was reported, but a relationship between lesions and presence of leptospires could not be established.

Abstract in English:

Malafaia P., Pimentel V.A., Freitas K.P., Coelho C.D., Brito M.F. & Peixoto P.V. 2003. [Daily weight gain, economic, nutritional and clinical aspects of goats receiving two types of mineral supplements.] Desempenho ponderal, aspectos econômicos, nutricionais e clínicos de caprinos submetidos a dois esquemas de suplementação mineral. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):15-22. Depto de Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23835-000, Brazil. E-mail: malafaia1@ig.com.br Daily weight gain, economic, nutritional and clinical aspects of goats receiving two types of mineral supplements were evaluated during 148 days in Seropédica county, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The animals were daily fed with fresh and chopped Andropogon gayanus or Pennisetum purpureum; the concentrate ration was formulated without a mineral mixture and was offered together with the forage of 300 up to 500 g/animal/day. Sixteen goats were divided into two groups of 8 animals each (4 small and 4 larger goats). For one group a commercial mineral mixture was used, and to the other group a selective mineral mixture containing only Na, P and Cu was offered. The animals were weighed every 30 days and the mineral supplement intake was measured monthly. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and the end of the experimental period. There was no difference in daily weight gain when the selective or commercial mixture was given for both groups. The selective mineral supplementation was 2.3 (for the smaller animals) and 3.9 (for larger animals) times more economic than the conventional supplementation with a “complete” mineral mix. The two groups showed recovery of hair quality and had an increase of hair pigmentation around the eyes, which was attributed to the correction of copper deficiency. In the larger animals the intake of both supplements increased the red blood cells counts, and the haematocrit and haemoglobin values. The forage intake was sufficient to meet the Ca and Co needs of the animals, and for P the concentrate intake was sufficient to overcome the demand for this element. The requirement of zinc was supplied through the forage and the concentrate ration. Thus, when an adequate concentrate and a good quality forage is given, only the deficient mineral element(s) should be supplemented. In this specific case only Na and Cu should be given. The result of this experiment confirms the hypothesis that selective mineral supplementation – i.e. supplementation of the mineral element(s) deficient in the diet – was correct and can result in reduction of the cost with the mineral supplementation of a herd.

• Goats copper deficiency mineral supplementation tropical forages.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Malafaia P., Pimentel V.A., Freitas K.P., Coelho C.D., Brito M.F. & Peixoto P.V. 2003. [Daily weight gain, economic, nutritional and clinical aspects of goats receiving two types of mineral supplements.] Desempenho ponderal, aspectos econômicos, nutricionais e clínicos de caprinos submetidos a dois esquemas de suplementação mineral. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):15-22. Depto de Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23835-000, Brazil. E-mail: malafaia1@ig.com.br Daily weight gain, economic, nutritional and clinical aspects of goats receiving two types of mineral supplements were evaluated during 148 days in Seropédica county, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The animals were daily fed with fresh and chopped Andropogon gayanus or Pennisetum purpureum; the concentrate ration was formulated without a mineral mixture and was offered together with the forage of 300 up to 500 g/animal/day. Sixteen goats were divided into two groups of 8 animals each (4 small and 4 larger goats). For one group a commercial mineral mixture was used, and to the other group a selective mineral mixture containing only Na, P and Cu was offered. The animals were weighed every 30 days and the mineral supplement intake was measured monthly. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and the end of the experimental period. There was no difference in daily weight gain when the selective or commercial mixture was given for both groups. The selective mineral supplementation was 2.3 (for the smaller animals) and 3.9 (for larger animals) times more economic than the conventional supplementation with a “complete” mineral mix. The two groups showed recovery of hair quality and had an increase of hair pigmentation around the eyes, which was attributed to the correction of copper deficiency. In the larger animals the intake of both supplements increased the red blood cells counts, and the haematocrit and haemoglobin values. The forage intake was sufficient to meet the Ca and Co needs of the animals, and for P the concentrate intake was sufficient to overcome the demand for this element. The requirement of zinc was supplied through the forage and the concentrate ration. Thus, when an adequate concentrate and a good quality forage is given, only the deficient mineral element(s) should be supplemented. In this specific case only Na and Cu should be given. The result of this experiment confirms the hypothesis that selective mineral supplementation – i.e. supplementation of the mineral element(s) deficient in the diet – was correct and can result in reduction of the cost with the mineral supplementation of a herd.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Fighera R.A., Rozza D.B., Piazer J.V., Copetti M.V., lrigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2003. [Interstitial pneumonia in cattle fed moldy sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas).] Pneumonia intersticial em bovinos associada à ingestão de batata-doce (lpomoea batatas) mofada. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4):161-166. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105- 900 Santa Maria, RS, Brasil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Cases of respiratory disease were diagnosed in five out of 23 cattle (21. 7%) after they wete fed moldy damaged sweet potatoes (lpomoea batatas) on a small farm in the county of São Vicente do Sul, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Of those five cattle, three died spontaneously and another one was euthanatized for necropsy while showing advanced respiratory clinicai signs. The disease manifested itself approximately 24 hours after the ingestion of the sweet potatoes and lasted from 1 to 4 days. Clinicai signs included dyspnea (labored breathing and abdominal respiration), tachypnea, extended neck with Iow carriage of the head and rhythmical flaring of the nostrils. Two cows were necropsied. Necropsy findings included distended pale and rubbery lungs which failed to collapse when the thorax was open, and marked pulmonar interstitial emphysema and edema. Lymphoid hyperplasia was observed in the hilar nodes and spleen. Histologically, the lesions were those of interstitial pneumonia. Alveolar septa were thickened by fibroblasts and inflammatory cells, and there was hypertrophy and hyperplasia of type li pneumocytes; the interlobular septa were distended by edema and emphysema. The culture of the moldy sweet potatoes yielded Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum.

• Toxic diseases mycotoxicoses respiratory diseases interstitial pneumonia diseases of cattle sweet potatoes lpomoea batatas Intoxicações micotoxicoses doenças respiratórias pneumonia intersticial doenças de bovinos batata-doce.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Fighera R.A., Rozza D.B., Piazer J.V., Copetti M.V., lrigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2003. [Interstitial pneumonia in cattle fed moldy sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas).] Pneumonia intersticial em bovinos associada à ingestão de batata-doce (lpomoea batatas) mofada. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4):161-166. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105- 900 Santa Maria, RS, Brasil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Uma doença respiratória foi diagnosticada em cinco dentre 23 bovinos (21, 7%) após terem sido alimentados com batata-doce (lpomoea batatas) mofada em uma pequena propriedade rural em São Vicente do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Três dos cinco bovinos afetados morreram espontaneamente, e o quarto foi sacrificado para necropsia quando mostrava sinais clínicos respiratórios avançados. A manifestação clínica iniciara cerca de 24 horas após a ingestão das batatasdoces e a evolução clínica foi de 1 a 4 dias. Os sinais clínicos incluíam dispnéia (respiração laboriosa e abdominal), taquipnéia, pescoço estendido com cabeça baixa e dilatação ritmada das narinas. Dois bovinos foram necropsiados. Os achados de necropsia incluíam pulmões distendidos, pálidos e de consistência borrachenta, que não colapsavam quando o tórax era aberto; enfisema e edema acentuados eram evidentes no pulmão. Os linfonodos e o baço apresentavam alterações características de hiperplasia linfóide. Histologicamente, as lesões eram típicas de pneumonia intersticial. Os septos alveolares estavam espessados por fibroblastos e células inflamatórias, havia hipertrofia e hiperplasia de pneumócitos tipo II; os septos interlobulares estavam distendidos por edema e enfisema. A cultura de amostras das batatas-doces mofadas produziu Fusarium solani e F. oxysporum.