PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Filoni C., Pena H.F.J., Gennari S.M., Cristo D.S., Torres L.N. & Catão-Dias J.L. 2009. Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) disease in a Brazilian oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):373-478. Departamento de Patologia, 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: claudiafiloni@triade.org.br Heartworm disease is caused by the intravascular nematode Dirofilaria immitis, a pathogen of public health importance usually associated to domestic dogs and cats, and to a lesser extend to other mammal species. The oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) is a threatened neotropic felid species that naturally occurs in Brazil. Here, we report the encounter of adult and larval stages of heartworms in a female specimen of L. tigrinus, probable of free-ranging origin, from Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, which died showing clinical signals compatible with heartworm disease. This was the first reported case of D. immitis infection and associated disease in L. tigrinus, also suggesting that the oncilla acted as a definitive host for this parasite. The present findings confirmed D. immitis as a pathogenic agent for this felid species, thus supporting the recommendation for the inclusion of diagnostic testing for this pathogen in routine health screening procedures for captive and free-ranging oncillas in Brazil, especially in those localities where climate conditions support the occurrence of the parasite. Potential reservoirs as oncillas are established beyond the reach of veterinary care, thus representing a continuing risk for domestic animals and humans acquiring heartworm infection. We encourage further serologic and molecular studies aiming to establish D. immitis prevalences in L. tigrinus and other wild carnivores in the region of Ubatuba, as well as ecological and veterinary studies to access the role of this pathogen for the survival of this threatened felid species.

• Dirofilaria immitis heartworm disease Leopardus tigrinus neotropic felid Brazil

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Filoni C., Pena H.F.J., Gennari S.M., Cristo D.S., Torres L.N. & Catão-Dias J.L. 2009. Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) disease in a Brazilian oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):373-478. Departamento de Patologia, 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: claudiafiloni@triade.org.br Heartworm disease is caused by the intravascular nematode Dirofilaria immitis, a pathogen of public health importance usually associated to domestic dogs and cats, and to a lesser extend to other mammal species. The oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) is a threatened neotropic felid species that naturally occurs in Brazil. Here, we report the encounter of adult and larval stages of heartworms in a female specimen of L. tigrinus, probable of free-ranging origin, from Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, which died showing clinical signals compatible with heartworm disease. This was the first reported case of D. immitis infection and associated disease in L. tigrinus, also suggesting that the oncilla acted as a definitive host for this parasite. The present findings confirmed D. immitis as a pathogenic agent for this felid species, thus supporting the recommendation for the inclusion of diagnostic testing for this pathogen in routine health screening procedures for captive and free-ranging oncillas in Brazil, especially in those localities where climate conditions support the occurrence of the parasite. Potential reservoirs as oncillas are established beyond the reach of veterinary care, thus representing a continuing risk for domestic animals and humans acquiring heartworm infection. We encourage further serologic and molecular studies aiming to establish D. immitis prevalences in L. tigrinus and other wild carnivores in the region of Ubatuba, as well as ecological and veterinary studies to access the role of this pathogen for the survival of this threatened felid species.

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.- Barbosa J.D., Silveira J.A.S, Albernaz T.T., Silva N.S., Belo Reis A.S., Oliveira C.M.C., Riet- Correa G. & Duarte M.D. 2009 [Cutaneous lesions of the legs caused by the thorns of Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae) in cattle and sheep in the State of Pará.] Lesões de pele causadas por Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae) nos membros de bovinos e ovinos no Estado do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):435-438. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Pará, Campus Castanhal, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Castanhal, PA 68740-080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br A condition of cattle and sheep characterized by ulcerous and granulomatous skin lesions of the legs was studied. Epidemiological data and the nature of the lesions indicate that they are caused by the thorns of Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae). The disease was observed only in pastures largely infested by the plant, and animals recover quickly when moved from them.

• Mimosa pudica Leguminosae Mimosoideae traumatic lesions malícia lesões traumáticas

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa J.D., Silveira J.A.S, Albernaz T.T., Silva N.S., Belo Reis A.S., Oliveira C.M.C., Riet- Correa G. & Duarte M.D. 2009 [Cutaneous lesions of the legs caused by the thorns of Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae) in cattle and sheep in the State of Pará.] Lesões de pele causadas por Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae) nos membros de bovinos e ovinos no Estado do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):435-438. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Pará, Campus Castanhal, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Castanhal, PA 68740-080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br A condition of cattle and sheep characterized by ulcerous and granulomatous skin lesions of the legs was studied. Epidemiological data and the nature of the lesions indicate that they are caused by the thorns of Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae). The disease was observed only in pastures largely infested by the plant, and animals recover quickly when moved from them.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva K.P.C., Mota R.A., Cunha A.P., Silva L.B.G., Leal N.C., Cavalcante Y.V.N., Teles J.A.A., Pereira M.C.C. & Freitas N.S. 2009. [Phenotypic and molecular characterization of Burkholderia mallei isolated in northeastern Brazil.] Caracterização fenotípica e molecular de amostras de Burkholderia mallei isoladas na Região Nordeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):439-444. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil. E-mail: rinaldo.mota@hotmail.com The objective of this paper was to study the molecular performance and phenotypic characterization of Burkholderia mallei isolated from horses with clinical and serological diagnosis of glanders, originating from the Metropolitan District of Recife and Zona da Mata of Pernambuco and Alagoas. The isolation and biochemical identification of B. mallei was carried out by microbiological and molecular techniques of PCR-fingerprinting and RAPD-PCR. From the eight samples studied, four showed little phenotype variations. In the molecular tests, the samples formed 4 groups of different ribotype profiles and 4 genotype profiles. There was some association of PCR-fingerprinting with RAPD-PCR results. It was concluded that the slight biochemical variations were not associated with different molecular profiles. They also indicated that these differences show heterogeneity associated with the origin of the sample, indicating that the infection was caused by clones of different strains and that the polymorphism of DNA observed could make it

• Burkholderia mallei glanders mormo doenças de eqüdeos

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva K.P.C., Mota R.A., Cunha A.P., Silva L.B.G., Leal N.C., Cavalcante Y.V.N., Teles J.A.A., Pereira M.C.C. & Freitas N.S. 2009. [Phenotypic and molecular characterization of Burkholderia mallei isolated in northeastern Brazil.] Caracterização fenotípica e molecular de amostras de Burkholderia mallei isoladas na Região Nordeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):439-444. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil. E-mail: rinaldo.mota@hotmail.com The objective of this paper was to study the molecular performance and phenotypic characterization of Burkholderia mallei isolated from horses with clinical and serological diagnosis of glanders, originating from the Metropolitan District of Recife and Zona da Mata of Pernambuco and Alagoas. The isolation and biochemical identification of B. mallei was carried out by microbiological and molecular techniques of PCR-fingerprinting and RAPD-PCR. From the eight samples studied, four showed little phenotype variations. In the molecular tests, the samples formed 4 groups of different ribotype profiles and 4 genotype profiles. There was some association of PCR-fingerprinting with RAPD-PCR results. It was concluded that the slight biochemical variations were not associated with different molecular profiles. They also indicated that these differences show heterogeneity associated with the origin of the sample, indicating that the infection was caused by clones of different strains and that the polymorphism of DNA observed could make it

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silverio S.M., Mari R.B, Clebis N.K., Scoz J.R., Germano R.M., Major J.A.A., Bombonato P.P. & Stabille S.R. 2009. The effects of ascorbic acid supplementation in ileum myenteric neurons of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):295-302. Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: remari@usp.br The exacerbation of the oxidative stress and of the polyol pathway which impair damage myenteric plexus are metabolic characteristics of diabetes. The ascorbic acid (AA) is an antioxidant and an aldose reductase inhibitor, which may act as neuroprotector. The effects of AA supplementation on the density and cellular body profile area (CP) of myenteric neurons in STZ-induced diabetes in rats were assessed. Four groups with five animals each were formed: normoglycemic (C); diabetic (D); AA-treated diabetic (DS) and AA-treated normoglycemic (CS). Dosagen of 50mg of AA were given, three times a week, for each animal (group DS and CS). Ninety days later and after euthanasia, the ileum was collected and processed for the NADPH-diaphorase technique. There were no differences (P>0.05) in the neuronal density among the groups. The CP area was lower (P<0.05) in the DS and CS groups, with a higher incidence of neurons with a CP area exceeding 200mm2 for groups C and D. The AA had no influence on the neuronal density in the ileum but had a neuroprotective effect, preventing the increase in the CP area and allowing a higher number of neurons with a CP area with less than 200mm2.

• Vitamin C diabetes intestine myenteric plexus

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silverio S.M., Mari R.B, Clebis N.K., Scoz J.R., Germano R.M., Major J.A.A., Bombonato P.P. & Stabille S.R. 2009. The effects of ascorbic acid supplementation in ileum myenteric neurons of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):295-302. Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: remari@usp.br The exacerbation of the oxidative stress and of the polyol pathway which impair damage myenteric plexus are metabolic characteristics of diabetes. The ascorbic acid (AA) is an antioxidant and an aldose reductase inhibitor, which may act as neuroprotector. The effects of AA supplementation on the density and cellular body profile area (CP) of myenteric neurons in STZ-induced diabetes in rats were assessed. Four groups with five animals each were formed: normoglycemic (C); diabetic (D); AA-treated diabetic (DS) and AA-treated normoglycemic (CS). Dosagen of 50mg of AA were given, three times a week, for each animal (group DS and CS). Ninety days later and after euthanasia, the ileum was collected and processed for the NADPH-diaphorase technique. There were no differences (P>0.05) in the neuronal density among the groups. The CP area was lower (P<0.05) in the DS and CS groups, with a higher incidence of neurons with a CP area exceeding 200mm2 for groups C and D. The AA had no influence on the neuronal density in the ileum but had a neuroprotective effect, preventing the increase in the CP area and allowing a higher number of neurons with a CP area with less than 200mm2.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Moura Junior P.C., Vieira T.H.M., Vieira S.R.C., Leão J.P.N., Leão C.E.S.,Lopes A.K.M.S., Ruiz C.R., Wafae G.C., Silva N.C. & Wafae N. 2009. [Anatomic study of coronary arteries in goats.] Estudo anatômico das artérias coronárias em caprinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):358-362. Laboratório de Anatomia da União Educacional do Planalto Central (Uniplac), SIGA, Área especial nº 2 Setor Leste Gama, Brasília, DF 72460-000, Brazil. E-mail: crisruiz@scamilo.edu.br The coronary arteries of the goats have been used to researches about to pharmacological actions, heart failure after connection of coronary arteries and others. Twenty-seven goat hearts, both sexes, fixed in formalin at 10% has been used in this study that analyzed the coronary arteries pattern in goats and if the same is similar to the human coronary arteries pattern. The left coronary artery is dominant and in relation to the length demonstrated average 1.15cm emitting two branches: interventricular paraconalis and circumflex. The interventricular paraconalis branch with average length 10.5cm issued branches to the both ventricles fairly, ending more frequently in the interventricular subsinuosis sulcus. The circumflex branch with average length 8.5cm issued branches to left ventricle and right atrium fairly. The left marginal branch is not constant. The right coronary artery, with average length 6.1cm issued branches to right ventricle and right atrium fairly, but the interventricular subsinuosis branch with average length 3.1cm is variable and can present one long branch, one short branch or one double branch, with the huge part for the right ventricle.

• Coronary dominance interventricular paraconalis branch interventricular subsinuosis branch

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Moura Junior P.C., Vieira T.H.M., Vieira S.R.C., Leão J.P.N., Leão C.E.S.,Lopes A.K.M.S., Ruiz C.R., Wafae G.C., Silva N.C. & Wafae N. 2009. [Anatomic study of coronary arteries in goats.] Estudo anatômico das artérias coronárias em caprinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):358-362. Laboratório de Anatomia da União Educacional do Planalto Central (Uniplac), SIGA, Área especial nº 2 Setor Leste Gama, Brasília, DF 72460-000, Brazil. E-mail: crisruiz@scamilo.edu.br The coronary arteries of the goats have been used to researches about to pharmacological actions, heart failure after connection of coronary arteries and others. Twenty-seven goat hearts, both sexes, fixed in formalin at 10% has been used in this study that analyzed the coronary arteries pattern in goats and if the same is similar to the human coronary arteries pattern. The left coronary artery is dominant and in relation to the length demonstrated average 1.15cm emitting two branches: interventricular paraconalis and circumflex. The interventricular paraconalis branch with average length 10.5cm issued branches to the both ventricles fairly, ending more frequently in the interventricular subsinuosis sulcus. The circumflex branch with average length 8.5cm issued branches to left ventricle and right atrium fairly. The left marginal branch is not constant. The right coronary artery, with average length 6.1cm issued branches to right ventricle and right atrium fairly, but the interventricular subsinuosis branch with average length 3.1cm is variable and can present one long branch, one short branch or one double branch, with the huge part for the right ventricle.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Nogueira V.A., França T.N. & Peixoto P.V. 2009. [Ionophore poisoning in animals.] Intoxicação por antibióticos ionóforos em animais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):191-197. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: pfpeixoto@terra.com.br The therapeutic use of ionophores in veterinary medicine has grown in the last years, with resultant increase in the risk of poisoning in animals. Ionophores are used as food additives as coccidiostacts in several animal species and growth promoter and bloat prevention in ruminants. The most often used ionophores are monensin, lasalocid, narasin and salinomycin. There is a great variation in the susceptibility to the toxic effect of ionophores in different animal species. Poisoning can occur when the dosage is too high or when not correct doses for a certain animal species are given. Cases of poisoning have been described in sheep, swine, horses, dogs and poultry. For horses ionophores are extremely toxic. The use of ionophores is only safe when used accordingly to the instructions of the manufacturer and especially for each animal species. In this paper the most important data regarding clinical-pathological and pathogenic aspects, and also the conditions in which the poisoning may occur are critically reviewed.

• Monensin lasalocid narasin salinomycin poisoning animals

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Nogueira V.A., França T.N. & Peixoto P.V. 2009. [Ionophore poisoning in animals.] Intoxicação por antibióticos ionóforos em animais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):191-197. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: pfpeixoto@terra.com.br The therapeutic use of ionophores in veterinary medicine has grown in the last years, with resultant increase in the risk of poisoning in animals. Ionophores are used as food additives as coccidiostacts in several animal species and growth promoter and bloat prevention in ruminants. The most often used ionophores are monensin, lasalocid, narasin and salinomycin. There is a great variation in the susceptibility to the toxic effect of ionophores in different animal species. Poisoning can occur when the dosage is too high or when not correct doses for a certain animal species are given. Cases of poisoning have been described in sheep, swine, horses, dogs and poultry. For horses ionophores are extremely toxic. The use of ionophores is only safe when used accordingly to the instructions of the manufacturer and especially for each animal species. In this paper the most important data regarding clinical-pathological and pathogenic aspects, and also the conditions in which the poisoning may occur are critically reviewed.

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.- Fontana P.A., Zanuzzi C.N., Barbeito C.G., Gimeno E.J. & Portiansky E.L. 2009. Thymic atrophy in cattle poisoned with Solanum glaucophyllum. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):266-274. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina. E-mail: elporti@fcv.unlp.edu.ar Solanum glaucophyllum (Sg) [= S. malacoxylon] is a calcinogenic plant inducing “Enzootic Calcinosis” in cattle. The 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, its main toxic principle, regulates bone and calcium metabolism and also exerts immunomodulatory effects. Thymocyte precursors from bone marrow-derived progenitor cells differentiate into mature T-cells. Differentiation of most T lymphocytes is characterized not only by the variable expression of CD4/CD8 receptor molecules and increased surface density of the T cell antigen receptor, but also by changes in the glycosylation pattern of cell surface glycolipids or glycoproteins. Thymocytes exert a feedback influence on thymic non-lymphoid cells. Sg-induced modifications on cattle thymus T-lymphocytes and on non-lymphoid cells were analysed. Heifers were divided into 5 groups (control, intoxicated with Sg during 15, 30 or 60 days, and probably recovered group). Histochemical, immunohistochemical, lectinhistochemical and morphometric techniques were used to characterize different cell populations of the experimental heifers. Sg-poisoned heifers showed a progressive cortical atrophy that was characterized using the peanut agglutinin (PNA) lectin that recognizes immature thymocytes. These animals also increased the amount of non-lymphoid cells per unit area detected with the Picrosirius technique, WGA and DBA lectins, and pancytokeratin and S-100 antibodies. The thymus atrophy found in intoxicated animals resembled that of the physiological aging process. A reversal effect on these changes was observed after suppression of the intoxication. These findings suggest that Sg-intoxication induces either directly, through the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 itself, or indirectly through the hypercalcemia, the observed alteration of the thymus.

• Calcinosis; calcitriol cattle immunohistochemistry lectinhistochemistry plant poisoning Solanum glaucophyllum S. malacoxylon thymus gland

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Fontana P.A., Zanuzzi C.N., Barbeito C.G., Gimeno E.J. & Portiansky E.L. 2009. Thymic atrophy in cattle poisoned with Solanum glaucophyllum. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):266-274. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina. E-mail: elporti@fcv.unlp.edu.ar Solanum glaucophyllum (Sg) [= S. malacoxylon] is a calcinogenic plant inducing “Enzootic Calcinosis” in cattle. The 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, its main toxic principle, regulates bone and calcium metabolism and also exerts immunomodulatory effects. Thymocyte precursors from bone marrow-derived progenitor cells differentiate into mature T-cells. Differentiation of most T lymphocytes is characterized not only by the variable expression of CD4/CD8 receptor molecules and increased surface density of the T cell antigen receptor, but also by changes in the glycosylation pattern of cell surface glycolipids or glycoproteins. Thymocytes exert a feedback influence on thymic non-lymphoid cells. Sg-induced modifications on cattle thymus T-lymphocytes and on non-lymphoid cells were analysed. Heifers were divided into 5 groups (control, intoxicated with Sg during 15, 30 or 60 days, and probably recovered group). Histochemical, immunohistochemical, lectinhistochemical and morphometric techniques were used to characterize different cell populations of the experimental heifers. Sg-poisoned heifers showed a progressive cortical atrophy that was characterized using the peanut agglutinin (PNA) lectin that recognizes immature thymocytes. These animals also increased the amount of non-lymphoid cells per unit area detected with the Picrosirius technique, WGA and DBA lectins, and pancytokeratin and S-100 antibodies. The thymus atrophy found in intoxicated animals resembled that of the physiological aging process. A reversal effect on these changes was observed after suppression of the intoxication. These findings suggest that Sg-intoxication induces either directly, through the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 itself, or indirectly through the hypercalcemia, the observed alteration of the thymus.

Abstract in English:

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

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

Abstract in Portuguese:

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