PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Bahr Arias M.V., Aiello G., Battaglia L.A. & Freitas J.C. 2013. [Study of nosocomial infections in dogs and cats in an academic veterinary surgical center.] Estudo da ocorrência de infecção hospitalar em cães e gatos em um centro cirúrgico veterinário universitário. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 33(6):771-779. Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 Km 380, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 10011, Londrina, PR 86057-970, Brazil. E-mail: vicky@uel.br Hospital or nosocomial infections are infections acquired during patient hospitalization, and that can be related to surgical and invasive procedures performed during the hospital admission. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of nosocomial infection in animals treated at a Veterinary Surgical Center of Small Animals, submitted to surgical or invasive procedures, to discuss the possible causes of infection, to detect the bacteria present when possible, and to verify the antimicrobial sensitivity of these agents. The study was developed through daily monitoring of 131 animals admitted in this surgical center and doing active surveillance of cases of nosocomial infection. In 104 animals (91 dogs and 13 cats), 113 surgical procedures were performed, and in 27 animals were performed non-surgical procedures such monitoring of delivery and postpartum, urethral catheterization and placement of splints. All animals were submitted to catheter placement for fluid therapy and application of medications and/or anesthetic at some point during hospitalization. The rate of surgical site infection was 7.96%, and by categories was 4.54% in clean surgeries, 4.25% in clean-contaminated surgeries, 10.53% in contaminated surgeries, and 16% in infected surgeries. The rate of non-surgical nosocomial infection in surgical patients was 2.88% and in the non-surgical patient was 3.7%. Bacteria were cultured as follows: Pseudomonas sp. (3), Streptococcus sp. (2), Acinetobacter sp. (1) and Gram negative bacilli (1), and high bacterial multidrug resistance were observed in all isolates. The duration of surgery and pre and postoperative time of hospitalization did not affect the occurrence of nosocomial infection, but factors that probably contributed to the occurrence of infections in this study were the severity of the condition responsible for the treatment, the kind of procedure performed and the severity of lesions.

• Nosocomial infections infectious disease infecção hospitalar doenças infecciosas

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Bahr Arias M.V., Aiello G., Battaglia L.A. & Freitas J.C. 2013. [Study of nosocomial infections in dogs and cats in an academic veterinary surgical center.] Estudo da ocorrência de infecção hospitalar em cães e gatos em um centro cirúrgico veterinário universitário. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 33(6):771-779. Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 Km 380, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 10011, Londrina, PR 86057-970, Brazil. E-mail: vicky@uel.br Infecção hospitalar ou nosocomial é aquela adquirida durante a hospitalização do paciente, e que pode ser relacionada os procedimentos hospitalares invasivos realizados durante o internamento. O presente trabalho teve como objetivos estudar a ocorrência de infecção hospitalar em animais atendidos em um Centro Cirúrgico Veterinário Universitário de Pequenos Animais submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos e/ou invasivos; discutir as possíveis causas de infecção, detectar as bactérias presentes quando possível e verificar a sensibilidade antimicrobiana destes agentes. O trabalho foi desenvolvido através do acompanhamento diário de 131 animais internados neste setor e busca ativa de casos de infecção hospitalar. Em 104 animais (91 cães e 13 felinos), foram realizados 113 procedimentos cirúrgicos e em 27 animais condutas não cirúrgicas tais como acompanhamento de parto e pós-parto, desobstrução uretral e colocação de talas. Todos os animais foram submetidos à colocação de cateter para fluidoterapia e/ou aplicação de medicamentos e/ou anestésicos em algum momento durante o internamento. O índice de infecção do sítio cirúrgico foi de 7,96% sendo 4,54% nas cirurgias limpas, 4,25% nas cirurgias limpa-contaminadas, 10,53% nas cirurgias contaminadas e 16% nas cirurgias infectadas. A taxa de infecção hospitalar não cirúrgica no paciente cirúrgico foi de 2,88% e 3,7% no paciente não cirúrgico. Foram cultivados sete isolados bacterianos, sendo Pseudomonas sp. (3), Streptococcus sp. (2), Acinetobacter sp. (1) e bacilo Gram negativo (1), constatando-se multirresistência bacteriana alta em todos os isolados. A duração da cirurgia e os tempos de internamento pré e pós-operatório não influenciaram na ocorrência de infecção hospitalar, mas os fatores que provavelmente colaboraram para a ocorrência de infecções no presente trabalho foram a própria gravidade da doença que motivou o tratamento, o tipo de procedimento realizado e a gravidade das lesões concomitantes.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pedroso P.M.O., Pescador C.A., Bandarra P.M., Raymundo D.L., Borba M.R., Wouters F., Bezerra Jr P.S. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Standardization of immunohistochemistry technique for detection of rabies virus in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples from central nervous system of cattle.] Padronização da técnica de imuno-histoquímica para raiva em amostras de tecido do sistema nervoso central de bovinos fixadas em formol e emblocadas em parafina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):627-632. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br For standardization of the rabies immunohistochemistry technique, five samples of central nervous system (CNS) of cattle naturally infected with rabies virus were examined. One polyclonal antibody and two monoclonal antibodies were used. The following reagents were evaluated for antigen retrieval: XIV protease, proteinase K and citrate buffer (pH 6.0) boiling at 100°C during 15 minutes in bain-marie. Detection of rabic antigen was possible with the three antibodies tested. The polyclonal antibody was superior to the monoclonal antibodies, demonstrating good results with the three antigen retrieval protocols. The highest intensity staining was obtained with the citrate buffer and heat. The immunohistochemistry technique demonstrated the presence of viral antigens in the cytoplasm of neurons, in form of aggregates or with round or oval shape. The antigens were found as single or multiples inclusion bodies in the neurons. Immunohistochemistry is a fast method that can be used in routine procedures in cases where rabies is suspected, especially when the brain is submitted to the laboratory as formalin-fixed fragments or when samples could not be immediately shipped. The technique is also useful for retrospective studies.

• Diseases of cattle infectious diseases diseases of the central nervous system rabies immunohistochemistry standardization

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pedroso P.M.O., Pescador C.A., Bandarra P.M., Raymundo D.L., Borba M.R., Wouters F., Bezerra Jr P.S. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Standardization of immunohistochemistry technique for detection of rabies virus in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples from central nervous system of cattle.] Padronização da técnica de imuno-histoquímica para raiva em amostras de tecido do sistema nervoso central de bovinos fixadas em formol e emblocadas em parafina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):627-632. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br For standardization of the rabies immunohistochemistry technique, five samples of central nervous system (CNS) of cattle naturally infected with rabies virus were examined. One polyclonal antibody and two monoclonal antibodies were used. The following reagents were evaluated for antigen retrieval: XIV protease, proteinase K and citrate buffer (pH 6.0) boiling at 100°C during 15 minutes in bain-marie. Detection of rabic antigen was possible with the three antibodies tested. The polyclonal antibody was superior to the monoclonal antibodies, demonstrating good results with the three antigen retrieval protocols. The highest intensity staining was obtained with the citrate buffer and heat. The immunohistochemistry technique demonstrated the presence of viral antigens in the cytoplasm of neurons, in form of aggregates or with round or oval shape. The antigens were found as single or multiples inclusion bodies in the neurons. Immunohistochemistry is a fast method that can be used in routine procedures in cases where rabies is suspected, especially when the brain is submitted to the laboratory as formalin-fixed fragments or when samples could not be immediately shipped. The technique is also useful for retrospective studies.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Inkelmann M.A., Rozza D.B., Fighera R.A., Kommers G.D., Graça D.L., Irigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Infectious canine hepatitis: 62 cases.] Hepatite infecciosa canina: 62 casos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(8):325-332. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Necropsy reports from 5,361 dogs necropsied over a 43-year period (1964-2006) were reviewed in search for cases of infectious canine hepatitis (ICH). Sixty two (1.2%) cases of the disease were found. Most of the 62 affected dogs (91.9%,) were 2-year-old or less. Clinical signs were recorded in the necropsy files of 45 ICH affected dogs and included anorexia (55.6%), apathy (35.6%), diarrhea (35.6%) (often with blood [43,8%]), neurological signs (33.3%), vomiting (26.7%), petechiae and echymosis in the mucous membranes and/or skin (24.4%), hypothermia (20.0%), abdominal pain (15.6%), icterus (13.3%), enlargement and congestion of the tonsils (11.1%), fever (11.1%) and ascites (6.7%). The clinical courses lasted from few hours to 15 days. The most frequent necropsy findings included hepatic changes (87.1%), edematous, congested and hemorrhagic lymph nodes (51.6%), bloodstained fluid, clear fluid or whole blood in the abdominal cavity (35.5%), and petechial or paint-brush hemorrhages over the pleural (27.4%) and gastrointestinal (24.2%) serosal surfaces. In 12.9% of the cases there was a granularity to the intestinal serosa. Hemorrhages in the leptomeninges and in the substance of the brain were observed in 9.7% of the cases. Hepatic gross changes included moderately enlarged and more friable livers with marked lobular pattern, congestion and multifocal pale or hemorrhagic foci of necrosis. Films and strands of fibrin covered the hepatic surface in 20.4% of the cases and in 27.8% of the cases the gall bladder was thickened by edema. Zonal or randomly distributed multifocal hepatic necrosis (93.5%) associated with intranuclear inclusion bodies were the most consistent microscopic findings. Intranuclear inclusion bodies were found in the liver in every case and their detection was the criterium for confirmation of the diagnosis. The most significant microscopic extra-hepatic lesions included hemorrhages and intranuclear inclusion bodies in endothelial and reticuloendothelial cells of the renal glomeruli (50.0%) lymph nodes (47.8%), brain (27.8%), tonsils (25.0%) and spleen (10.0%).

• Liver diseases viral diseases infectious diseases pathology diseases of dogs infectious canine hepatitis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Inkelmann M.A., Rozza D.B., Fighera R.A., Kommers G.D., Graça D.L., Irigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Infectious canine hepatitis: 62 cases.] Hepatite infecciosa canina: 62 casos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(8):325-332. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Necropsy reports from 5,361 dogs necropsied over a 43-year period (1964-2006) were reviewed in search for cases of infectious canine hepatitis (ICH). Sixty two (1.2%) cases of the disease were found. Most of the 62 affected dogs (91.9%,) were 2-year-old or less. Clinical signs were recorded in the necropsy files of 45 ICH affected dogs and included anorexia (55.6%), apathy (35.6%), diarrhea (35.6%) (often with blood [43,8%]), neurological signs (33.3%), vomiting (26.7%), petechiae and echymosis in the mucous membranes and/or skin (24.4%), hypothermia (20.0%), abdominal pain (15.6%), icterus (13.3%), enlargement and congestion of the tonsils (11.1%), fever (11.1%) and ascites (6.7%). The clinical courses lasted from few hours to 15 days. The most frequent necropsy findings included hepatic changes (87.1%), edematous, congested and hemorrhagic lymph nodes (51.6%), bloodstained fluid, clear fluid or whole blood in the abdominal cavity (35.5%), and petechial or paint-brush hemorrhages over the pleural (27.4%) and gastrointestinal (24.2%) serosal surfaces. In 12.9% of the cases there was a granularity to the intestinal serosa. Hemorrhages in the leptomeninges and in the substance of the brain were observed in 9.7% of the cases. Hepatic gross changes included moderately enlarged and more friable livers with marked lobular pattern, congestion and multifocal pale or hemorrhagic foci of necrosis. Films and strands of fibrin covered the hepatic surface in 20.4% of the cases and in 27.8% of the cases the gall bladder was thickened by edema. Zonal or randomly distributed multifocal hepatic necrosis (93.5%) associated with intranuclear inclusion bodies were the most consistent microscopic findings. Intranuclear inclusion bodies were found in the liver in every case and their detection was the criterium for confirmation of the diagnosis. The most significant microscopic extra-hepatic lesions included hemorrhages and intranuclear inclusion bodies in endothelial and reticuloendothelial cells of the renal glomeruli (50.0%) lymph nodes (47.8%), brain (27.8%), tonsils (25.0%) and spleen (10.0%).

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva M.C., Fighera R.A., Brum J.S., Graça D.L., Kommers G.D., Irigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Clinicopathological features in 620 neurological cases of canine distemper.] Aspectos clinicopatológicos de 620 casos neurológicos de cinomose em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(5):215-220. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br The files of 5,361 necropsies performed in dogs in the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Maria during 1965-2006 were reviewed in search of cases of canine distemper. Six hundred and eighty three cases (12.7%) of the disease were found, 620 of which had neurological signs. From those 620, the following data on each case were retrieved: age, clinical signs, histopathology and concomitance or not of another disease. Age groups were classified as puppies (up to 1 year of age), adults (from 1 to 9 years) and aged (from 10 years on). In 565 out of the 620 (91.1%) neurological cases of canine distemper, histopathological brain changes were observed and in 554 of those 565 the age was registered in the files with following age group distribution: 45.9% of puppies, 51.4% of adults, and 2.7% of aged dogs. Neurological clinical signs encompassed a large spectrum of motor, postural and behavioral disturbances which could occur together or individually. Most frequent clinical signs were myoclonus (38.4%), motor incoordination (25.0%), seizures (18.5%), and paraplegia (13.4%). In 98.4% of the 565 dogs with histopathological changes in the brain demyelination, non-suppurative encephalitis or a combination of these two were found. Intranuclear eosinophilic inclusion bodies were observed in different brain cells of 343 of the 565 dogs with histopathological changes. In 170 (49.6%) the cellular type bearing the inclusions was not mentioned in the file and in the remaining cases the inclusions were seen in astrocytes (94.8% of the cases), neurons (3.5%), oligodendrocytes (1.1%), and ependyma cells (0.6%). Taking in consideration the type of lesions and the age groups, cases with combined demyelination and non-suppurative encephalitis occurred in 40.0% of the puppies, 51.2% of the adult dogs and 72.7% of the aged dogs. Demyelination alone occurred in 48.4% of the puppies, 41.3% of the adults and in 35.7% of the aged dogs. Non-suppurative encephalitis alone occurred 11.6% of the puppies, 7.5% of the adults and in 7.1% of the aged dogs.

• Infectious diseases canine distemper neurology neuropathology pathology diseases of dogs

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva M.C., Fighera R.A., Brum J.S., Graça D.L., Kommers G.D., Irigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Clinicopathological features in 620 neurological cases of canine distemper.] Aspectos clinicopatológicos de 620 casos neurológicos de cinomose em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(5):215-220. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br The files of 5,361 necropsies performed in dogs in the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Maria during 1965-2006 were reviewed in search of cases of canine distemper. Six hundred and eighty three cases (12.7%) of the disease were found, 620 of which had neurological signs. From those 620, the following data on each case were retrieved: age, clinical signs, histopathology and concomitance or not of another disease. Age groups were classified as puppies (up to 1 year of age), adults (from 1 to 9 years) and aged (from 10 years on). In 565 out of the 620 (91.1%) neurological cases of canine distemper, histopathological brain changes were observed and in 554 of those 565 the age was registered in the files with following age group distribution: 45.9% of puppies, 51.4% of adults, and 2.7% of aged dogs. Neurological clinical signs encompassed a large spectrum of motor, postural and behavioral disturbances which could occur together or individually. Most frequent clinical signs were myoclonus (38.4%), motor incoordination (25.0%), seizures (18.5%), and paraplegia (13.4%). In 98.4% of the 565 dogs with histopathological changes in the brain demyelination, non-suppurative encephalitis or a combination of these two were found. Intranuclear eosinophilic inclusion bodies were observed in different brain cells of 343 of the 565 dogs with histopathological changes. In 170 (49.6%) the cellular type bearing the inclusions was not mentioned in the file and in the remaining cases the inclusions were seen in astrocytes (94.8% of the cases), neurons (3.5%), oligodendrocytes (1.1%), and ependyma cells (0.6%). Taking in consideration the type of lesions and the age groups, cases with combined demyelination and non-suppurative encephalitis occurred in 40.0% of the puppies, 51.2% of the adult dogs and 72.7% of the aged dogs. Demyelination alone occurred in 48.4% of the puppies, 41.3% of the adults and in 35.7% of the aged dogs. Non-suppurative encephalitis alone occurred 11.6% of the puppies, 7.5% of the adults and in 7.1% of the aged dogs.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Schild A.L., Sallis E.S.V., Priebe A.P., Soares M.P., Almeida M.B., Ladeira S.R.L., Schramm R. & Riet-Correa F. 2006. Anthrax in cattle in southern Brazil: 1978-2006. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):243-248. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Univer-sidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Ten outbreaks of anthrax occurred in cattle from 1978 to 2006 in southern Brazil, in 5 municipalities on the border with Uruguay, a country where the disease is frequent. The 10 outbreaks represented 0.2% of all bovine specimens received during the period by the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory of the Federal University of Pelotas, causing 267 deaths in a risk population of 6,605 head. The disease affected young and adult cattle mainly during summer. Only one farmer reported that sheep and horses were also affected. Clinically the peracute form was more frequent, but in some outbreaks the acute form with a clinical manifestation period of 6-48 hours was also observed. The source of infection was not established; but the reduced rainfall, associated with low, flat, flooded lands used for agriculture followed by animal grazing after harvest was probably related to the disease occurrence. Annual vaccination is an efficient way to prevent the disease.

• Anthrax Bacillus anthracis infectious disease disease of cattle

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Schild A.L., Sallis E.S.V., Priebe A.P., Soares M.P., Almeida M.B., Ladeira S.R.L., Schramm R. & Riet-Correa F. 2006. Anthrax in cattle in southern Brazil: 1978-2006. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):243-248. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Univer-sidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Ten outbreaks of anthrax occurred in cattle from 1978 to 2006 in southern Brazil, in 5 municipalities on the border with Uruguay, a country where the disease is frequent. The 10 outbreaks represented 0.2% of all bovine specimens received during the period by the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory of the Federal University of Pelotas, causing 267 deaths in a risk population of 6,605 head. The disease affected young and adult cattle mainly during summer. Only one farmer reported that sheep and horses were also affected. Clinically the peracute form was more frequent, but in some outbreaks the acute form with a clinical manifestation period of 6-48 hours was also observed. The source of infection was not established; but the reduced rainfall, associated with low, flat, flooded lands used for agriculture followed by animal grazing after harvest was probably related to the disease occurrence. Annual vaccination is an efficient way to prevent the disease.

Abstract in English:

Rodrigues A., Fighera R.A., Souza T.M., Schild A.L., Soares M.P., Milano J. & Barros C.S.L. 2005. [Outbreaks of trypanosomiasis in horses by Trypanosoma evansi in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects.] Surtos de tripanossomíase por Trypanosoma evansi em eqüinos no Rio Grande do Sul: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, hematológicos e patológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):239-249. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Cases of trypanosomiasis by Trypanosoma evansi were diagnosed in horses in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 2003 and 2004. In one stud farm (Farm A) with 125 horses, 52 died. Additionally, around 80 mares were sent to Farm A to be bred. Of those, 66 became ill and 56 died after being returned to their farms of origin. Twenty one horses clinically affected by the disease were observed. Clinical signs included loss of weight (despite voracious appetite), lethargy, incoordination and instability of hindlimbs, atrophy of the large muscles of the hindlimbs, muscle weakness and paleness of mucosae. Specimens of T. evansi were detected in the blood drawn from four affected horses. Normocytic normochromic anemia with PCVs ranging from 15 to 31%, leucocytosis due to lymphocytosis associated to large atypical lymphocytes was observed in several affected horses. High levels of antibodies against T. evansi were detected in the serum of six horses from Farm A. Eight horses presented encephalic neurological signs such as circling, ataxia, blindness, excitation, falls, listlessness, proprioception deficits and head tilt. One horse assumed a “dog-seating position”. Necropsy findings included muscle atrophy, enlargement and lymphoid hyperplasia of the spleen and lymphnodes, edema and softening of the white and grey matter of the brain. Histologically, an overwhelming necrotizing panencephalitis was observed in the seven horses with encephalic signs. This panencephalitis was characterized by marked edema, demyelination and necrosis and perivascular infiltrates of 6-10 layers of lymphocytes and plasm cells affecting both the white and gray matter. Several plasm cells in the inflammatory infiltrate contained numerous eosinophilic globules in their cytoplasm (Mott cells). Similar histological lesions were observed in the spinal cord of the horse with the “dog-seating position”. The brains of five horses with the encephalic signs were submitted to immunohistochemistry stain by the streptavidin-biotin technique. In all of those five brains moderate to abundant specimens of T. evansi in the perivascular spaces and neuropile were marked by the specific antibody. Epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects of equine trypanosomiasis caused by T. evansi are discussed.

• Trypanosomiasis Trypanosoma evansi infectious diseases encephalitis hematology pathology diseases of horses.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Rodrigues A., Fighera R.A., Souza T.M., Schild A.L., Soares M.P., Milano J. & Barros C.S.L. 2005. [Outbreaks of trypanosomiasis in horses by Trypanosoma evansi in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects.] Surtos de tripanossomíase por Trypanosoma evansi em eqüinos no Rio Grande do Sul: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, hematológicos e patológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):239-249. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Cases of trypanosomiasis by Trypanosoma evansi were diagnosed in horses in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 2003 and 2004. In one stud farm (Farm A) with 125 horses, 52 died. Additionally, around 80 mares were sent to Farm A to be bred. Of those, 66 became ill and 56 died after being returned to their farms of origin. Twenty one horses clinically affected by the disease were observed. Clinical signs included loss of weight (despite voracious appetite), lethargy, incoordination and instability of hindlimbs, atrophy of the large muscles of the hindlimbs, muscle weakness and paleness of mucosae. Specimens of T. evansi were detected in the blood drawn from four affected horses. Normocytic normochromic anemia with PCVs ranging from 15 to 31%, leucocytosis due to lymphocytosis associated to large atypical lymphocytes was observed in several affected horses. High levels of antibodies against T. evansi were detected in the serum of six horses from Farm A. Eight horses presented encephalic neurological signs such as circling, ataxia, blindness, excitation, falls, listlessness, proprioception deficits and head tilt. One horse assumed a “dog-seating position”. Necropsy findings included muscle atrophy, enlargement and lymphoid hyperplasia of the spleen and lymphnodes, edema and softening of the white and grey matter of the brain. Histologically, an overwhelming necrotizing panencephalitis was observed in the seven horses with encephalic signs. This panencephalitis was characterized by marked edema, demyelination and necrosis and perivascular infiltrates of 6-10 layers of lymphocytes and plasm cells affecting both the white and gray matter. Several plasm cells in the inflammatory infiltrate contained numerous eosinophilic globules in their cytoplasm (Mott cells). Similar histological lesions were observed in the spinal cord of the horse with the “dog-seating position”. The brains of five horses with the encephalic signs were submitted to immunohistochemistry stain by the streptavidin-biotin technique. In all of those five brains moderate to abundant specimens of T. evansi in the perivascular spaces and neuropile were marked by the specific antibody. Epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects of equine trypanosomiasis caused by T. evansi are discussed.

Abstract in English:

Rech R.R., Schild A.L., Driemeier D., Garmatz S.L., Oliveira F.N., Riet-Correa F. & Barros C.S.L. 2005. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e patologia. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):97-105. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br The epidemiology, clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings in cases of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) occurring in cattle from 15 farms in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 1973 to 2003, are described. In 9 instances (60%) the disease occurred as sporadic cases affecting 1-3 cattle whereas in six farms (40%) MCF occurred as epizootics involving several cattle in each affected herd. Morbidity rates ranged from 2.4% to 20% and lethality rates were 83.3% and 100%. Cattle of all ages and both sexes were affected. Where the information was available (9 farms) sheep were in contact with affected cattle and cases of MCF occurred more frequently in spring and summer. Clinical courses were acute or subacute and clinical signs included fever, nasal and ocular discharges, conjunctivitis, drooling, hematuria, necrosis and blunting of buccal papillae, enlargement of lymph nodes, diarrhea and neurological disturbances. Necropsy findings included opaque corneas, reddening, erosions and ulcerations in several mucous membranes of the alimentary, respiratory and urogenital tracts, and the conjunctiva; enlargement and haemorrhage of lymph nodes and multiple white foci in the renal cortices and in the hepatic portal triads. Crustous dermatitis was observed in some cases. Main histopathological findings included vasculitis, necrosis of the surface epithelia and accumulation of inflammatory cells in several organs. Vasculitis were associated with fibrinoid necrosis of the medial layer of arteries and inflammatory cells included lymphoblasts, lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages.

• Infectious diseases epidemiology viral diseases diseases of cattle pathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Rech R.R., Schild A.L., Driemeier D., Garmatz S.L., Oliveira F.N., Riet-Correa F. & Barros C.S.L. 2005. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e patologia. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):97-105. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br The epidemiology, clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings in cases of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) occurring in cattle from 15 farms in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 1973 to 2003, are described. In 9 instances (60%) the disease occurred as sporadic cases affecting 1-3 cattle whereas in six farms (40%) MCF occurred as epizootics involving several cattle in each affected herd. Morbidity rates ranged from 2.4% to 20% and lethality rates were 83.3% and 100%. Cattle of all ages and both sexes were affected. Where the information was available (9 farms) sheep were in contact with affected cattle and cases of MCF occurred more frequently in spring and summer. Clinical courses were acute or subacute and clinical signs included fever, nasal and ocular discharges, conjunctivitis, drooling, hematuria, necrosis and blunting of buccal papillae, enlargement of lymph nodes, diarrhea and neurological disturbances. Necropsy findings included opaque corneas, reddening, erosions and ulcerations in several mucous membranes of the alimentary, respiratory and urogenital tracts, and the conjunctiva; enlargement and haemorrhage of lymph nodes and multiple white foci in the renal cortices and in the hepatic portal triads. Crustous dermatitis was observed in some cases. Main histopathological findings included vasculitis, necrosis of the surface epithelia and accumulation of inflammatory cells in several organs. Vasculitis were associated with fibrinoid necrosis of the medial layer of arteries and inflammatory cells included lymphoblasts, lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages.

Abstract in English:

Garmatz S.L., Irigoyen L.F., Rech R.R., Brown C.C., Zhang J. & Barros C.S.L. 2004. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Experimental transmission to cattle and characterization of the etiological agent.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul: transmissão experimental para bovinos e caracterização do agente etiológico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):93-106. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Two oubreaks of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) occurring in cattle on two farms (A and B) in the municipality of Santiago, state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, and the transmission of the disease to susceptible calves as well as the detection of ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) in tissues of affected cattle are reported. The two epizootics occurred from November 2001 to February 2002 (Farm A) and in January-February 2003 (Farm B). Numbers of cattle at risk, morbidity and letality rates were respectively 170, 10.59% and 83.33% for Farm A and 500, 2.4% and 100% for Farm B. Contact between affected cattle and sheep was detected in both farms, but lambing ewes were present only in farm A. Duration of clinical courses, gross findings and histopathology were the same for the affected cattle in both farms. Most affected cattle died or were euthanatized in extremis after a clinical course of 2-8 days. Clinical signs included fever (40.5 and 41.5°C), nasal and ocular discharge, corneal opacity, conjunctivitis, drooling, erosions and ulcerations of the mucosae, diarrhea, hematuria, and neurological disturbances. Eleven necropsies (9 on Farm A, 2 on Farm B) were performed. Gross lesions included erosions and ulcers affecting the mucosae of nasal turbinates, oral cavity, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts; hemorrhage and necrosis of the tip of the buccal papillae, lymph node enlargement, multifocal white foci in renal cortex, and hyperemia of leptomeninges. Microscopically, there were arteritis and fibrinoid degeneration in medium and small arteries and arterioles of multiple organs and tissues, necrosis and inflammation in several mucosal surfaces, keratitis, conjunctivitis, uveitis, intersticial nephritis, and encephalitis. Transmission experiments were attempted in five calves (E1-E5) by inocculating each of them intravenously with 500 ml of whole heparinized blood from a MCF affected cow. The transmission was suscessful in at least three (E1-E3) of the experimental calves which became sick after an incubation period of 15-27 days. Four experimental calves either died or were euthanatized in extremis after a clinical course which varied from 3 days to 8 weeks. The remaining experimental calf (E5) recovered from a mild disease and was euthanatized 14 weeks after inocculation. Necropsies were performed in all five calves. Clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings of three calves (E1-E3) were characteristic of MCF. OvHV-2 viral DNA was detected by the polimerase chain reaction (PCR) test in paraffin embedded tissues from seven cattle out of the 11 spontaneous MCF cases and from three experimental calves (E1-E3). PCR tests resulted negative in the remaining four of the 11 spontaneous MCF cases tested and in two (E4,E5) of the five experimental calves. Immunohistochemistry performed in sections of lymphoid tissue from calf E4 failed to detect BVD virus antigen. The experimental transmission of MCF and the characterization of the etiological agent as OvHV-2 were successfully attempted in cattle for the first time in Brazil.

• Infectious diseases malignant catarrhal fever viral diseases diseases of cattle pathology polimerase chain reation.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Garmatz S.L., Irigoyen L.F., Rech R.R., Brown C.C., Zhang J. & Barros C.S.L. 2004. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Experimental transmission to cattle and characterization of the etiological agent.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul: transmissão experimental para bovinos e caracterização do agente etiológico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):93-106. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Two oubreaks of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) occurring in cattle on two farms (A and B) in the municipality of Santiago, state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, and the transmission of the disease to susceptible calves as well as the detection of ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) in tissues of affected cattle are reported. The two epizootics occurred from November 2001 to February 2002 (Farm A) and in January-February 2003 (Farm B). Numbers of cattle at risk, morbidity and letality rates were respectively 170, 10.59% and 83.33% for Farm A and 500, 2.4% and 100% for Farm B. Contact between affected cattle and sheep was detected in both farms, but lambing ewes were present only in farm A. Duration of clinical courses, gross findings and histopathology were the same for the affected cattle in both farms. Most affected cattle died or were euthanatized in extremis after a clinical course of 2-8 days. Clinical signs included fever (40.5 and 41.5°C), nasal and ocular discharge, corneal opacity, conjunctivitis, drooling, erosions and ulcerations of the mucosae, diarrhea, hematuria, and neurological disturbances. Eleven necropsies (9 on Farm A, 2 on Farm B) were performed. Gross lesions included erosions and ulcers affecting the mucosae of nasal turbinates, oral cavity, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts; hemorrhage and necrosis of the tip of the buccal papillae, lymph node enlargement, multifocal white foci in renal cortex, and hyperemia of leptomeninges. Microscopically, there were arteritis and fibrinoid degeneration in medium and small arteries and arterioles of multiple organs and tissues, necrosis and inflammation in several mucosal surfaces, keratitis, conjunctivitis, uveitis, intersticial nephritis, and encephalitis. Transmission experiments were attempted in five calves (E1-E5) by inocculating each of them intravenously with 500 ml of whole heparinized blood from a MCF affected cow. The transmission was suscessful in at least three (E1-E3) of the experimental calves which became sick after an incubation period of 15-27 days. Four experimental calves either died or were euthanatized in extremis after a clinical course which varied from 3 days to 8 weeks. The remaining experimental calf (E5) recovered from a mild disease and was euthanatized 14 weeks after inocculation. Necropsies were performed in all five calves. Clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings of three calves (E1-E3) were characteristic of MCF. OvHV-2 viral DNA was detected by the polimerase chain reaction (PCR) test in paraffin embedded tissues from seven cattle out of the 11 spontaneous MCF cases and from three experimental calves (E1-E3). PCR tests resulted negative in the remaining four of the 11 spontaneous MCF cases tested and in two (E4,E5) of the five experimental calves. Immunohistochemistry performed in sections of lymphoid tissue from calf E4 failed to detect BVD virus antigen. The experimental transmission of MCF and the characterization of the etiological agent as OvHV-2 were successfully attempted in cattle for the first time in Brazil.