PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira R.R., Mamprim M.J., Rahal S.C. & Bicudo A.L.C. 2009. [Radiography and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in dogs.] Radiografia e ultrassonografia no diagnóstico da ruptura do ligamento cruzado cranial em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(8):661-665. Departamento de Patologia Geral, Universidade Estadual do Paraná, Cx. Postal 261, Bandeirantes, PR 86360-000, Brazil. E-mail: rodrigoreisvet@hotmail.com Radiography and ultrasonography were evaluated as tools for diagnosis of the rupture of cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) in dogs. Twenty-five dogs were submitted to radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations and their results were compared with those obtained by artrotomy (gold standard). Radiography detected the rupture in 84% (21/25) of the cases, but 16% (4/25) were false-negative. Ultrasonography identified accurately 76% (19/25) of the cases and gave a probable diagnosis for the remaining 24% (6/25) what means that this technique presented 100% of positive results. It was possible to conclude that radiography and ultrasonography are valuable tools for the diagnosis of CrCL rupture in dogs.

• Cruciate ligament

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- ABSTRACT.- Oliveira R.R., Mamprim M.J., Rahal S.C. & Bicudo A.L.C. 2009. [Radiography and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in dogs.] Radiografia e ultrassonografia no diagnóstico da ruptura do ligamento cruzado cranial em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(8):661-665. Departamento de Patologia Geral, Universidade Estadual do Paraná, Cx. Postal 261, Bandeirantes, PR 86360-000, Brazil. E-mail: rodrigoreisvet@hotmail.com Radiografia e ultrassonografia foram avaliadas como técnicas no diagnóstico por imagem na ruptura do ligamento cruzado cranial (LCCr) em cães. Vinte e cinco cães foram submetidos à radiografia e ultrassonografia e seus resultados foram comparados aos obtidos por artrotomia (teste padrão ouro). O exame radiográfico diagnosticou corretamente a lesão em 84% (21/25) dos casos, mas 16% (4/25) apresentaram resultado falso-negativo. O exame ultrassonográfico foi capaz de diagnosticar acertadamente 76% (19/25) dos casos, e sugeriu a ruptura do LCCr nos 24% (6/25) restantes, apresentando 100% de resultados positivos. Concluiu-se que a radiografia e a ultrassonografia são ferramentas valiosas para diagnosticar casos de ruptura do LCCr em cães.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Carvalho D., Oliveira T.M.F.S., Baldani C.D. & Machado R.Z. 2009. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of IgM antibodies against Leishmania chagasi in dogs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):120-124. Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP 14870-000, Brazil. E-mail: zacarias@fcav.unesp.br Visceral leishmaniasis is an emergent zoonosis with an increasing number of new cases in Brazil where the domestic dog is an important parasite reservoir in the infectious cycle of Leishmania chagasi. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), based upon the use of a total soluble antigenic preparation of L. chagasi, was adapted for the detection of IgM antibodies in the serum of infected dogs. Optimal dilutions of the antigen, using positive and negative reference sera, were determined by checkboard titrations. The specificity and sensitivity of the ELISA were 100 %. A total of 110 serum samples were taken from dogs in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and examined for anti-L. chagasi IgM antibody by ELISA and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). About 25% (n=27) of all the dogs tested were found serologically positive for L. chagasi by IFAT, while 89.09% (n=98) were seropositive by ELISA. The results obtained by ELISA and IFAT were significantly different (P<0.01). The combined use of ELISA and IFAT is recommended in order to enable veterinary services to more efficiently detect canine visceral leishmaniasis.

• Leishmania chagasi diagnosis dogs IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Carvalho D., Oliveira T.M.F.S., Baldani C.D. & Machado R.Z. 2009. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of IgM antibodies against Leishmania chagasi in dogs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):120-124. Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP 14870-000, Brazil. E-mail: zacarias@fcav.unesp.br Visceral leishmaniasis is an emergent zoonosis with an increasing number of new cases in Brazil where the domestic dog is an important parasite reservoir in the infectious cycle of Leishmania chagasi. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), based upon the use of a total soluble antigenic preparation of L. chagasi, was adapted for the detection of IgM antibodies in the serum of infected dogs. Optimal dilutions of the antigen, using positive and negative reference sera, were determined by checkboard titrations. The specificity and sensitivity of the ELISA were 100 %. A total of 110 serum samples were taken from dogs in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and examined for anti-L. chagasi IgM antibody by ELISA and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). About 25% (n=27) of all the dogs tested were found serologically positive for L. chagasi by IFAT, while 89.09% (n=98) were seropositive by ELISA. The results obtained by ELISA and IFAT were significantly different (P<0.01). The combined use of ELISA and IFAT is recommended in order to enable veterinary services to more efficiently detect canine visceral leishmaniasis.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Teixeira T.F., Holz C.L., Caixeta S.P.M.B., Dezen D., Cibulski S.P., Silva J.R., Rosa J.C.A., Schmidt E., Ferreira J.C., Batista H.B.C.R., Caldas E., Franco A.C. & Roehe P.M. 2008. [Rabies diagnosis in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 1985 to 2007.] Diagnóstico de raiva no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, de 1985 a 2007. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):515-520. Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Fepagro-Saúde Animal, Cx. Postal 2076, Porto Alegre, RS 90001-970, Brazil. E-mail: proehe@ufrgs.br The results of 23 years of rabies diagnosis carried out at the Veterinary Research Institute Desidério Finamor, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, RS, Brazil, are reported. From 1985 to 2007, a total of 23.460 specimens were examined, corresponding to 95% of the total number of samples submitted to rabies laboratory diagnosis notified within the state. Diagnostic methods included standard techniques such as the fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and mouse inoculation test (MIT). No cases of human rabies occurred in the period. Rabies virus (RV) was detected in 739 specimens (3.1%), from which 656 (88.7%) were from cattle. The virus was also identified in specimens from 23 dogs (3.1%), 21 horses (2.9%), 29 bats (4.0%), 4 cats (0.5%), 3 sheep (0.4%), 2 pigs (0.27%) and a wild animal of undetermined species (0.13%). The last case of rabies associated with a canine variant was diagnosed in 1988. Two cases of rabies associated with bat variant viruses were reported, in a domestic cat (2001) and in a dog (2007). In cattle, a marked tendency to a decrease in the number of cases was detected in the examined period. In contrast, an increase in the number of cases in haematophagous as well as in non haematophagous bats is noticed. However, as the number of bat specimens submitted for diagnosis has increased, this finding most likely reflects a higher degree of awareness on the possible role for bats in the rabies transmission cycle, rather than any particular changes on the virus or its hosts.

• Rabies epidemiology diagnosis incidence

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Teixeira T.F., Holz C.L., Caixeta S.P.M.B., Dezen D., Cibulski S.P., Silva J.R., Rosa J.C.A., Schmidt E., Ferreira J.C., Batista H.B.C.R., Caldas E., Franco A.C. & Roehe P.M. 2008. [Rabies diagnosis in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 1985 to 2007.] Diagnóstico de raiva no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, de 1985 a 2007. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):515-520. Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Fepagro-Saúde Animal, Cx. Postal 2076, Porto Alegre, RS 90001-970, Brazil. E-mail: proehe@ufrgs.br The results of 23 years of rabies diagnosis carried out at the Veterinary Research Institute Desidério Finamor, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, RS, Brazil, are reported. From 1985 to 2007, a total of 23.460 specimens were examined, corresponding to 95% of the total number of samples submitted to rabies laboratory diagnosis notified within the state. Diagnostic methods included standard techniques such as the fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and mouse inoculation test (MIT). No cases of human rabies occurred in the period. Rabies virus (RV) was detected in 739 specimens (3.1%), from which 656 (88.7%) were from cattle. The virus was also identified in specimens from 23 dogs (3.1%), 21 horses (2.9%), 29 bats (4.0%), 4 cats (0.5%), 3 sheep (0.4%), 2 pigs (0.27%) and a wild animal of undetermined species (0.13%). The last case of rabies associated with a canine variant was diagnosed in 1988. Two cases of rabies associated with bat variant viruses were reported, in a domestic cat (2001) and in a dog (2007). In cattle, a marked tendency to a decrease in the number of cases was detected in the examined period. In contrast, an increase in the number of cases in haematophagous as well as in non haematophagous bats is noticed. However, as the number of bat specimens submitted for diagnosis has increased, this finding most likely reflects a higher degree of awareness on the possible role for bats in the rabies transmission cycle, rather than any particular changes on the virus or its hosts.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva M.S., Brum M.C.S., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2007. [Identification and differentiation of herpesvirus types 1 and 5 isolated from clinical samples in central-southern Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay (1987-2006).] Identificação e diferenciação de herpesvírus bovino tipos 1 e 5 isolados de amostras clínicas no Centro-Sul do Brasil, Argentina e Uruguai (1987-2006). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):403-408. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Bovine herpesviruses types 1 and 5 (BoHV-1; BoHV-5) are genetically and antigenically closely related such they can not be distinguished by routine diagnostic tests. As BoHV-1 has been historically associated with respiratory and genital disease, herpesviruses isolated from these clinical syndromes have been tentatively – and sometimes definitively - diagnosed as BoHV-1. Likewise, cases of herpetic neurological infection in cattle have been generally attributed to BoHV-5. This study reports the identification of 40 herpesvirus isolates from different clinical specimens and syndromes in central-southern Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay (1987-2006) by the use of a PCR able to differentiate between BoHV-1 and BoHV-5. BoHV-1 isolates (n=16) were identified in cases of respiratory disease (n=3), vulvovaginitis and/or balanoposthitis (n=3), in semen of healthy bulls (n=5) and in cases of neurological disease (n=5). Viruses identified as BoHV-5 (n=24) were isolated predominantly from cases of neurological disease (n=21), but also from semen of healthy bulls (n=2) and from a spleen of a calf with systemic disease (n=1). These results show that both BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 are not strictly associated with their respective diseases; yet are frequently involved in clinical conditions otherwise attributed to the other virus. These findings also reinforce the need of correctly identifying the herpesvirus isolates as to better understand their pathogenesis and epidemiology.

• Bovine herpesvirus BoHV-1 BoHV-5 differential diagnosis epidemiology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva M.S., Brum M.C.S., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2007. [Identification and differentiation of herpesvirus types 1 and 5 isolated from clinical samples in central-southern Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay (1987-2006).] Identificação e diferenciação de herpesvírus bovino tipos 1 e 5 isolados de amostras clínicas no Centro-Sul do Brasil, Argentina e Uruguai (1987-2006). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):403-408. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Bovine herpesviruses types 1 and 5 (BoHV-1; BoHV-5) are genetically and antigenically closely related such they can not be distinguished by routine diagnostic tests. As BoHV-1 has been historically associated with respiratory and genital disease, herpesviruses isolated from these clinical syndromes have been tentatively – and sometimes definitively - diagnosed as BoHV-1. Likewise, cases of herpetic neurological infection in cattle have been generally attributed to BoHV-5. This study reports the identification of 40 herpesvirus isolates from different clinical specimens and syndromes in central-southern Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay (1987-2006) by the use of a PCR able to differentiate between BoHV-1 and BoHV-5. BoHV-1 isolates (n=16) were identified in cases of respiratory disease (n=3), vulvovaginitis and/or balanoposthitis (n=3), in semen of healthy bulls (n=5) and in cases of neurological disease (n=5). Viruses identified as BoHV-5 (n=24) were isolated predominantly from cases of neurological disease (n=21), but also from semen of healthy bulls (n=2) and from a spleen of a calf with systemic disease (n=1). These results show that both BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 are not strictly associated with their respective diseases; yet are frequently involved in clinical conditions otherwise attributed to the other virus. These findings also reinforce the need of correctly identifying the herpesvirus isolates as to better understand their pathogenesis and epidemiology.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Baldani C.D., Machado R.Z., Raso T.F. & Pinto A.A. 2007. Serodiagnosis of Babesia equi in horses submitted to exercise stress. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira27(4):179-183. Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP 14870-000, Brazil. E-mail: zacarias@fcav.unesp.br A complement fixation test (CFT), performed in microtitre plates, based upon the use of crude antigenic preparation of Babesia equi was adapted for the detection of antibodies in serum of infected horses. The indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were also used for the immunodiagnosis of B. equi. Serum samples from 15 apparently healthy horses, previously conditioned to a high-speed equine treadmill, were taken before and after exercise. All the samples analyzed were positive for B. equi infection. There were no significant differences (P<0.01) between these 3 tests, or the condition of rest or stress. The combined use of CFT and IFAT or ELISA should be recommended in order to enable veterinary services to more efficiently prevent introduction of infected horses into disease-free areas.

• Babesia equi diagnosis complement fixation indirect fluorescent antibody test enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Baldani C.D., Machado R.Z., Raso T.F. & Pinto A.A. 2007. Serodiagnosis of Babesia equi in horses submitted to exercise stress. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira27(4):179-183. Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP 14870-000, Brazil. E-mail: zacarias@fcav.unesp.br A complement fixation test (CFT), performed in microtitre plates, based upon the use of crude antigenic preparation of Babesia equi was adapted for the detection of antibodies in serum of infected horses. The indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were also used for the immunodiagnosis of B. equi. Serum samples from 15 apparently healthy horses, previously conditioned to a high-speed equine treadmill, were taken before and after exercise. All the samples analyzed were positive for B. equi infection. There were no significant differences (P<0.01) between these 3 tests, or the condition of rest or stress. The combined use of CFT and IFAT or ELISA should be recommended in order to enable veterinary services to more efficiently prevent introduction of infected horses into disease-free areas.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Mathias L.A., Meirelles R.B. & Buchala F.G. 2007. [Stability of Brucella abortus whole cell antigen for use in the serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis by the complement fixation test.] Estabilidade do antígeno de célula total de Brucella abortus para uso no diagnóstico sorológico da brucelose bovina pela reação de fixação de complemento. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):18-22. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: lmathias@fcav.unesp.br The complement fixation test is used worldwide in the confirmatory diagnosis of bovine brucellosis. For this technique the antigen is the same as the one used in the tube agglutination test. However, literature is poor in information about the stability of the whole cell Brucella antigen for use in the complement fixation test to establish a time of validity of the antigen. Hence the aim of this investigation was to evaluate the stability of this antigen under refrigeration for use in the complement fixation test. Fourteen batches of antigen prepared with Brucella abortus strain 1119/3, produced from 9 months to 23 years and 11 months before, were analysed. One hundred and sixty-seven cattle sera with varying titres of antibodies to Brucella were tested through the warm complement fixation microtechnique with five 50% haemolytic units of complement. Sera with at least 25% of complement fixation in dilution 1:4 were considered positive. The results with 13 of the antigen batches were compared with the results obtained with the batch produced 9 months before by the McNemar c2 test and kappa statistic. The oldest antigen batch gave a higher proportion of sera titres which were exactly the same observed with the 9-month-batch (90.4%), and the antigen produced 4 years and 3 months before the test gave de lowest proportion of sera with the same titre of the 9-month-antigen (73.7%). The comparison of the results after being classified as positive and negative showed that the highest proportion of agreed results was observed with the antigen produced 21 years and 4 months before (98.8%, kappa 0.98). The antigen with the lowest proportion of agreed results was the one produced 3 years and 2 months before (91.6%, kappa 0.84). The results of the study show that most sera gave very similar results with all antigen batches evaluated, and that there was no relationship between the period of antigen production and the difference in test results.

• Bovine brucellosis serological diagnosis complement fixation test

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Mathias L.A., Meirelles R.B. & Buchala F.G. 2007. [Stability of Brucella abortus whole cell antigen for use in the serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis by the complement fixation test.] Estabilidade do antígeno de célula total de Brucella abortus para uso no diagnóstico sorológico da brucelose bovina pela reação de fixação de complemento. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):18-22. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: lmathias@fcav.unesp.br The complement fixation test is used worldwide in the confirmatory diagnosis of bovine brucellosis. For this technique the antigen is the same as the one used in the tube agglutination test. However, literature is poor in information about the stability of the whole cell Brucella antigen for use in the complement fixation test to establish a time of validity of the antigen. Hence the aim of this investigation was to evaluate the stability of this antigen under refrigeration for use in the complement fixation test. Fourteen batches of antigen prepared with Brucella abortus strain 1119/3, produced from 9 months to 23 years and 11 months before, were analysed. One hundred and sixty-seven cattle sera with varying titres of antibodies to Brucella were tested through the warm complement fixation microtechnique with five 50% haemolytic units of complement. Sera with at least 25% of complement fixation in dilution 1:4 were considered positive. The results with 13 of the antigen batches were compared with the results obtained with the batch produced 9 months before by the McNemar c2 test and kappa statistic. The oldest antigen batch gave a higher proportion of sera titres which were exactly the same observed with the 9-month-batch (90.4%), and the antigen produced 4 years and 3 months before the test gave de lowest proportion of sera with the same titre of the 9-month-antigen (73.7%). The comparison of the results after being classified as positive and negative showed that the highest proportion of agreed results was observed with the antigen produced 21 years and 4 months before (98.8%, kappa 0.98). The antigen with the lowest proportion of agreed results was the one produced 3 years and 2 months before (91.6%, kappa 0.84). The results of the study show that most sera gave very similar results with all antigen batches evaluated, and that there was no relationship between the period of antigen production and the difference in test results.

Abstract in English:

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

• Antibody diagnosis epidemiology avian pneumovirus PVA swollen head syndrome

Abstract in Portuguese:

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

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Jardim G.C., Pires P.P., Mathias L.A. & Ribeiro O.C. & Kuchembuck M.R.G. 2006. [Serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis in adult herd vaccinated with Brucella abortus strain 19 reduced dose.] Diagnóstico sorológico da brucelose bovina em animais adultos vacinados com dose reduzida da cepa 19 de Brucella abortus. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):177-182. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade para o Desenvolvimento do Estado e Região do Pantanal (Uniderp), Rua Alexandre Herculano 1400, Parque dos Poderes, Campo Grande, MS 79037-280, Brazil. E-mail: gustavoj@mail.uniderp.br The study evaluated the use of a reduced dose of the Brucella abortus strain 19 vaccine, in an adult herd negative for the disease, by serological diagnostic techniques, advocated by the Brazilian Program for Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Control and Eradication, and by an indirect ELISA. The complement fixation test detecteed 46.77% positives, the rose bengal test 67.74%, the mercaptoethanol with standard agglutination test 87.09% and the ELISA ID 100%. The reduced dose influenced the serological diagnosis. None of the techniques reached a suitable specificity for use in the herd under those conditions, up to 3 months after vaccination.

• Bovine brucellosis vaccination strain 19 serological diagnosis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Jardim G.C., Pires P.P., Mathias L.A. & Ribeiro O.C. & Kuchembuck M.R.G. 2006. [Serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis in adult herd vaccinated with Brucella abortus strain 19 reduced dose.] Diagnóstico sorológico da brucelose bovina em animais adultos vacinados com dose reduzida da cepa 19 de Brucella abortus. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):177-182. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade para o Desenvolvimento do Estado e Região do Pantanal (Uniderp), Rua Alexandre Herculano 1400, Parque dos Poderes, Campo Grande, MS 79037-280, Brazil. E-mail: gustavoj@mail.uniderp.br The study evaluated the use of a reduced dose of the Brucella abortus strain 19 vaccine, in an adult herd negative for the disease, by serological diagnostic techniques, advocated by the Brazilian Program for Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Control and Eradication, and by an indirect ELISA. The complement fixation test detecteed 46.77% positives, the rose bengal test 67.74%, the mercaptoethanol with standard agglutination test 87.09% and the ELISA ID 100%. The reduced dose influenced the serological diagnosis. None of the techniques reached a suitable specificity for use in the herd under those conditions, up to 3 months after vaccination.

Abstract in English:

Ristow P., Silva M.G., Fonseca L.S. & Lilenbaum W. 2006. [Evaluation of Mycobac-terium avium subsp. paratuberculosis faecal culture protocols and media.] Pesquisa Veteri-nária Brasileira 26(1):1-4. Mycobacteria Laboratory, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-590, Brazil. E-mail: paularistow@bigfoot.com Paratuberculosis is an important enteritis of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map). The disease is officially considered exotic in Brazil, but recent serological surveys and the isolation of the agent suggest it may occur in our herds. The aim of this study was to evaluate three different formulations of Herrold’s egg yolk agar with mycobactin J (HEYM) and four faecal culture protocols considering their ability for Map growth as well as cost and ease of application. Three formulations of HEYM were inoculated with two suspensions of Map. Spiked faeces and naturally contaminated faecal samples were treated by the four faecal culture protocols. Centrifugation protocol and HEYM recommended by OIE showed the best results on the recovery of Map.

• Paratuberculosis bovine diagnosis mycobacterium.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Ristow P., Silva M.G., Fonseca L.S. & Lilenbaum W. 2006. [Evaluation of Mycobac-terium avium subsp. paratuberculosis faecal culture protocols and media.] Pesquisa Veteri-nária Brasileira 26(1):1-4. Mycobacteria Laboratory, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-590, Brazil. E-mail: paularistow@bigfoot.com Paratuberculosis is an important enteritis of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map). The disease is officially considered exotic in Brazil, but recent serological surveys and the isolation of the agent suggest it may occur in our herds. The aim of this study was to evaluate three different formulations of Herrold’s egg yolk agar with mycobactin J (HEYM) and four faecal culture protocols considering their ability for Map growth as well as cost and ease of application. Three formulations of HEYM were inoculated with two suspensions of Map. Spiked faeces and naturally contaminated faecal samples were treated by the four faecal culture protocols. Centrifugation protocol and HEYM recommended by OIE showed the best results on the recovery of Map.

Abstract in English:

Lima V.M.F., Biazzono L., Silva A.C., Correa A.P.F.L. & Luvizotto M.C.R. 2005. Serological diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis by an enzyme immunoassay using protein A in naturally infected dogs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):215-218. Departamento de Clínica, Cirurgia e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: vmflima@fmva.unesp.br A rapid indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for measuring antibodies against Leishmania chagasi using total antigen from lysed promastigotes. Fifty symptomatic mixed breed dogs from a region of high incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil were examined. The results showed that in the positive animals, diagnosed by cytological examination, the ELISA using protein A assay system (mean optical density ± SD / 2.078 ± 0.631) detected more antibodies than the anti-IgG assay (mean optical density ± SD / 1.008 ± 0.437), while in the negative animals, the results by both systems were similar. These results suggest that the ELISA assay using protein A peroxidase conjugated could be useful to detect early infected animals in endemic areas, and thus help to control the spread of the infection.

• Leishmania chagasi visceral leishmaniasis protein A dogs.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Lima V.M.F., Biazzono L., Silva A.C., Correa A.P.F.L. & Luvizotto M.C.R. 2005. Serological diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis by an enzyme immunoassay using protein A in naturally infected dogs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):215-218. Departamento de Clínica, Cirurgia e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: vmflima@fmva.unesp.br A rapid indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for measuring antibodies against Leishmania chagasi using total antigen from lysed promastigotes. Fifty symptomatic mixed breed dogs from a region of high incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil were examined. The results showed that in the positive animals, diagnosed by cytological examination, the ELISA using protein A assay system (mean optical density ± SD / 2.078 ± 0.631) detected more antibodies than the anti-IgG assay (mean optical density ± SD / 1.008 ± 0.437), while in the negative animals, the results by both systems were similar. These results suggest that the ELISA assay using protein A peroxidase conjugated could be useful to detect early infected animals in endemic areas, and thus help to control the spread of the infection.