PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Dias J.A., Alfieri, A.A., Medici, K.C., Freitas, J.C., Ferreira-Neto J.S. & Müller E.E. 2008. [Risk factors for bovine herpesvirus 1 infection in cattle herds in the West region of Parana State.] Fatores de risco associados à infecção pelo herpesvírus bovino 1 em rebanhos bovinos da região Oeste do Estado do Paraná. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):161-168. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina. Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid 380, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: muller@uel.br The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of positive herds and to identify the risk factors for BoHV-1 infection in breeding cattle herds in the Western region of Parana State. The statistic delineation, the serum samples and information regarding the selected farms, were the same employed in the study of bovine brucellosis for Parana State in the context of National Program for Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis. The sampling was performed in two stages. Blood samples were collected from 1930 females aged ³24 months from 295 non vaccinated herds. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against BoHV-1 using an indirect ELISA. The epidemiological questionnaire was applied on all the selected farms and aimed to obtain epidemiological data. Hundred ninety of the 295 herds were positive for BoHV-1, presenting prevalence of positive herds of 64.41% [58.65-69.87%]. The number (³23) of females aged 24 months (OR=2.22; IC: 1.09-4.51), purchased cattle (OR=2.68; IC: 1.48-4.82), use of common grass (OR=5.93; IC: 1.31-26.82), history of abortion in the last 12 months (OR=2.37; IC: 1.09-5.16) and presence of wildlife animals (OR=8.86; IC: 1.11-70.73) were identified as risk factors for BoHV-1 infection in the multivariate logistic regression. These results indicate that BoHV-1 infection is widespread in the studied region and that factors related to the herd characteristic and management are associated with the infection.

• Prevalence epidemiology risk factors bovine herpesvirus 1 indirect ELISA

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Dias J.A., Alfieri, A.A., Medici, K.C., Freitas, J.C., Ferreira-Neto J.S. & Müller E.E. 2008. [Risk factors for bovine herpesvirus 1 infection in cattle herds in the West region of Parana State.] Fatores de risco associados à infecção pelo herpesvírus bovino 1 em rebanhos bovinos da região Oeste do Estado do Paraná. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):161-168. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina. Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid 380, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: muller@uel.br The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of positive herds and to identify the risk factors for BoHV-1 infection in breeding cattle herds in the Western region of Parana State. The statistic delineation, the serum samples and information regarding the selected farms, were the same employed in the study of bovine brucellosis for Parana State in the context of National Program for Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis. The sampling was performed in two stages. Blood samples were collected from 1930 females aged ³24 months from 295 non vaccinated herds. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against BoHV-1 using an indirect ELISA. The epidemiological questionnaire was applied on all the selected farms and aimed to obtain epidemiological data. Hundred ninety of the 295 herds were positive for BoHV-1, presenting prevalence of positive herds of 64.41% [58.65-69.87%]. The number (³23) of females aged 24 months (OR=2.22; IC: 1.09-4.51), purchased cattle (OR=2.68; IC: 1.48-4.82), use of common grass (OR=5.93; IC: 1.31-26.82), history of abortion in the last 12 months (OR=2.37; IC: 1.09-5.16) and presence of wildlife animals (OR=8.86; IC: 1.11-70.73) were identified as risk factors for BoHV-1 infection in the multivariate logistic regression. These results indicate that BoHV-1 infection is widespread in the studied region and that factors related to the herd characteristic and management are associated with the infection.

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Barry A.F, Alfieri A.F. & Alfieri A.A. 2008. Detection and phylogenetic analysis of porcine enteric calicivirus, genetically related to the Cowden strain of sapovirus genogroup III, in Brazilian swine herds. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):82-86. Laboratório de Virologia Animal, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: alinebarry@uol.com.br Sapovirus of the Caliciviridae family is an important agent of acute gastroenteritis in children and piglets. The Sapovirus genus is divided into seven genogroups (G), and strains from the GIII, GVI and GVII are associated with infections in swine. Despite the high prevalence in some countries, there are no studies related to the presence of porcine enteric sapovirus infections in piglets in Brazil. In the present study, 18 fecal specimens from piglets up to 28 days were examined to determine the presence of sapovirus genome by RT-PCR assay, using primers designed to amplify a 331 bp segment of the RNA polymerase gene. In 44.4% (8/18) of fecal samples, an amplified DNA fragment was obtained. One of these fragments was sequenced and submitted to molecular and phylogenetic analysis. This analysis revealed high similarity, with nucleotides (87%) and amino acids (97.8%), to the Cowden strain, the GIII prototype of porcine enteric calicivirus. This is the first description of sapovirus in Brazilian swine herds.

• Swine; piglets diarrhea calicivirus Sapovirus

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Barry A.F, Alfieri A.F. & Alfieri A.A. 2008. Detection and phylogenetic analysis of porcine enteric calicivirus, genetically related to the Cowden strain of sapovirus genogroup III, in Brazilian swine herds. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):82-86. Laboratório de Virologia Animal, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: alinebarry@uol.com.br Sapovirus of the Caliciviridae family is an important agent of acute gastroenteritis in children and piglets. The Sapovirus genus is divided into seven genogroups (G), and strains from the GIII, GVI and GVII are associated with infections in swine. Despite the high prevalence in some countries, there are no studies related to the presence of porcine enteric sapovirus infections in piglets in Brazil. In the present study, 18 fecal specimens from piglets up to 28 days were examined to determine the presence of sapovirus genome by RT-PCR assay, using primers designed to amplify a 331 bp segment of the RNA polymerase gene. In 44.4% (8/18) of fecal samples, an amplified DNA fragment was obtained. One of these fragments was sequenced and submitted to molecular and phylogenetic analysis. This analysis revealed high similarity, with nucleotides (87%) and amino acids (97.8%), to the Cowden strain, the GIII prototype of porcine enteric calicivirus. This is the first description of sapovirus in Brazilian swine herds.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira Filho J.P., Silva D.P.G., Pacheco M.D., Mascarini L.M., Marcio Garcia Ribeiro, Alfieri A.A., Alfieri A.F., Stipp D.T., Barros B.J.P. & Borges A.S. 2007. [Diarrhea in Nelore calves: Clinical and etiologic study.] Diarréia em bezerros da raça Nelore criados extensivamente: estudo clínico e etiológico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):419-424. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu s/n, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com Diarrhea is considered as one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in neonates calves. Fecal samples from 100 diarrheic and 30 non-diarrheic (control group) Nelore calves less than 9 weeks old were collected for Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, rotavirus, coronavirus, Cryptosporidium spp., and for helminth eggs investigation. Enteropathogens were detected in 79.0% diarrheic samples and 70.0% non-diarrheic samples. Among diarrheic calves, Escherichia coli (69.0%) was the most common agent found, following by Cryptosporidium spp. (30.0%), coronavirus (16.0%), and rotavirus (11.0%). In the control group, E. coli, Cryptosporidium spp. and coronavirus were detected in 66.7%, 10.0% and 3.3% of the samples, respectively. Salmonella spp. and strongylids were not found in any of the calves from either group. The K99 fimbrial only was detected in E. coli strains from diarrheic calves (5.8%). Enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, and gentamicin were the most effective among the antimicrobials tested. The weight of 210-day-old calves did not show statistic differences between diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves.

• Beef calves Nelore diarrhea enteropathogens etiology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira Filho J.P., Silva D.P.G., Pacheco M.D., Mascarini L.M., Marcio Garcia Ribeiro, Alfieri A.A., Alfieri A.F., Stipp D.T., Barros B.J.P. & Borges A.S. 2007. [Diarrhea in Nelore calves: Clinical and etiologic study.] Diarréia em bezerros da raça Nelore criados extensivamente: estudo clínico e etiológico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):419-424. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu s/n, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com Diarrhea is considered as one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in neonates calves. Fecal samples from 100 diarrheic and 30 non-diarrheic (control group) Nelore calves less than 9 weeks old were collected for Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, rotavirus, coronavirus, Cryptosporidium spp., and for helminth eggs investigation. Enteropathogens were detected in 79.0% diarrheic samples and 70.0% non-diarrheic samples. Among diarrheic calves, Escherichia coli (69.0%) was the most common agent found, following by Cryptosporidium spp. (30.0%), coronavirus (16.0%), and rotavirus (11.0%). In the control group, E. coli, Cryptosporidium spp. and coronavirus were detected in 66.7%, 10.0% and 3.3% of the samples, respectively. Salmonella spp. and strongylids were not found in any of the calves from either group. The K99 fimbrial only was detected in E. coli strains from diarrheic calves (5.8%). Enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, and gentamicin were the most effective among the antimicrobials tested. The weight of 210-day-old calves did not show statistic differences between diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Claus M.P., Vivian D., Lunardi M., Alfieri A.F. & Alfieri A.A. 2007. [Phylogenetic analysis of bovine papillomavirus associated with skin warts in cattle herds from the state of Paraná.] Análise filogenética do papilomavírus bovino associado a lesões cutâneas em rebanhos do Estado do Paraná. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):314-318. Laboratório de Virologia Animal, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Cx. Postal 6001, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: alfieri@uel.br Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) infection causes hyperplastic lesions in the cutaneous epithelium of cattle. Six types of BPV were classified in two sub-groups, being correlated to the anatomical regions of the infection and morphologic characteristics of the lesions. The present study was carried out to identify the types of BPV present in skin warts of cattle from the state of Paraná, Brazil. The generic primers FAP59 and FAP64 were used for amplification of a 478 bp fragment of BPV L1 gene in nine cutaneous papilloma samples obtained from six animals in four herds. In all papillomas examined, a product with the expected molecular size was amplified. Phylogenetic analysis of the PCR products identified BPV-2 in three samples, BPV-1 in one, and BPV-6 in five papillomas. BPV-6 was detected in cutaneous papillomas of the teat and in other body parts as well. In one animal, from which more than one sample was collected, a concomitant infection by BPV-1 and BPV-2 was identified. The five positive BPV-6 samples showed a nucleotide identity of 100% with the sequence of the reference strain available in GenBank. However, differences among BPV-2 and BPV-1 Brazilian samples and the respective reference sequences deposited in GenBank were observed. Molecular comparison of the two BPV-2 strains identified showed the involvement of two viral variants. This study revealed the diversity of BPV types circulating in the state of Paraná.

• Bovine papillomavirus cutaneous papillomatosis phylogeny polymerase chain reaction

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Claus M.P., Vivian D., Lunardi M., Alfieri A.F. & Alfieri A.A. 2007. [Phylogenetic analysis of bovine papillomavirus associated with skin warts in cattle herds from the state of Paraná.] Análise filogenética do papilomavírus bovino associado a lesões cutâneas em rebanhos do Estado do Paraná. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):314-318. Laboratório de Virologia Animal, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Cx. Postal 6001, Campus Universitário, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: alfieri@uel.br Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) infection causes hyperplastic lesions in the cutaneous epithelium of cattle. Six types of BPV were classified in two sub-groups, being correlated to the anatomical regions of the infection and morphologic characteristics of the lesions. The present study was carried out to identify the types of BPV present in skin warts of cattle from the state of Paraná, Brazil. The generic primers FAP59 and FAP64 were used for amplification of a 478 bp fragment of BPV L1 gene in nine cutaneous papilloma samples obtained from six animals in four herds. In all papillomas examined, a product with the expected molecular size was amplified. Phylogenetic analysis of the PCR products identified BPV-2 in three samples, BPV-1 in one, and BPV-6 in five papillomas. BPV-6 was detected in cutaneous papillomas of the teat and in other body parts as well. In one animal, from which more than one sample was collected, a concomitant infection by BPV-1 and BPV-2 was identified. The five positive BPV-6 samples showed a nucleotide identity of 100% with the sequence of the reference strain available in GenBank. However, differences among BPV-2 and BPV-1 Brazilian samples and the respective reference sequences deposited in GenBank were observed. Molecular comparison of the two BPV-2 strains identified showed the involvement of two viral variants. This study revealed the diversity of BPV types circulating in the state of Paraná.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Cortez A., Heinemann M.B., Castro A.M.M.G., Soares M.S, Pinto A.M.V., Alfieri A.A., Flores E.F., Leite R.C. & Richtzenhain L.J. 2006. Genetic characterization of Brazilian bovine viral diarrhea virus isolates by partial nucleotide sequencing of the 5’-UTR region. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):211-216. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil. E-mail: leonardo@usp.br Nineteen isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) from Brazil were genetically characterized through partial nucleotide sequencing and analysis of the 5’UTR region. The isolates were grouped as BVDV-1 (11/19), BVDV-2 (6/19) or “atypical” pestivirus (2/19). Among the BVDV-1, eight isolates were classified as subgenotype BVDV-1a, whereas most (4 out of 6) BVDV-2 belonged to subgenotype 2b. Two isolates from aborted fetuses were not classified into any genetic group, being considered atypical BVDVs. Genetic diversity among Brazilian BVDV isolates may be responsible for vaccination and diag-nostic failure and therefore may influence the control strategies for BVDV infection in the country.

• BVDV-1 BVDV-2 Pestivirus phylogenetic analysis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Cortez A., Heinemann M.B., Castro A.M.M.G., Soares M.S, Pinto A.M.V., Alfieri A.A., Flores E.F., Leite R.C. & Richtzenhain L.J. 2006. Genetic characterization of Brazilian bovine viral diarrhea virus isolates by partial nucleotide sequencing of the 5’-UTR region. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):211-216. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil. E-mail: leonardo@usp.br Nineteen isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) from Brazil were genetically characterized through partial nucleotide sequencing and analysis of the 5’UTR region. The isolates were grouped as BVDV-1 (11/19), BVDV-2 (6/19) or “atypical” pestivirus (2/19). Among the BVDV-1, eight isolates were classified as subgenotype BVDV-1a, whereas most (4 out of 6) BVDV-2 belonged to subgenotype 2b. Two isolates from aborted fetuses were not classified into any genetic group, being considered atypical BVDVs. Genetic diversity among Brazilian BVDV isolates may be responsible for vaccination and diag-nostic failure and therefore may influence the control strategies for BVDV infection in the country.

Abstract in English:

Flores E.F., Weiblen R., Vogel F.S.F., Roehe P.M., Alfieri A.A. & Pituco E.M. 2005. [Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection in Brazil: history, current situation and perspectives.] A infecção pelo vírus da Diarréia Viral Bovina (BVDV) no Brasil - histórico, situação atual e perspectivas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):125-134. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is one of the most important pathogens of cattle worldwide. BVDV infection and associated diseases have been reported in Brazil since the late 1960ties. Several serological, virological, clinical and pathological reports demonstrate the widespread distribution of BVDV infection among Brazilian cattle. In addition to variable levels of positive serology in beef and dairy cattle, BVDV antibodies have been occasionally detected in swine, wild boars, goats, cervids and water buffaloes. BVDV infection has been diagnosed in aborted fetuses, buffy coats of persistently infected (PI) animals, clinical specimens from animals suffering from different clinical syndromes, semen of bulls of artificial insemination (AI) centers, in healthy fetuses and in commercial fetal bovine serum and/or cultured cells. About 50 isolates have been genetically and/or antigenically characterized up to date, whilst roughly an equivalent number of isolates awaits characterization. Most of the characterized isolates belong to BVDV-1 genotype, non-cytopathic (NCP) biotype, yet some BVDV-2 (and some CP BVDV) have been identified as well. Brazilian BVDV isolates display a high antigenic variability and are markedly different from North American vaccine strains. A few inactivated, polyvalent vaccines are currently licensed in the country, yet vaccination is still incipient in many regions: only about 2.5 million doses were marketed in 2003. The low serological cross-reactivity between vaccine strains and field isolates has recently stimulated national industries to develop vaccines containing Brazilian BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 strains. The overall knowledge about BVDV infection in Brazil has grown considerably in the last years, due to an increasing number of laboratories performing diagnosis and research. Studies on the pathogenesis, serological and molecular epidemiology and production of reagents for diagnosis have contributed decisively for the recent growing knowledge on BVDV infections in the country.

• Bovine viral diarrhea virus BVDV epidemiology diagnostic.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Flores E.F., Weiblen R., Vogel F.S.F., Roehe P.M., Alfieri A.A. & Pituco E.M. 2005. [Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection in Brazil: history, current situation and perspectives.] A infecção pelo vírus da Diarréia Viral Bovina (BVDV) no Brasil - histórico, situação atual e perspectivas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):125-134. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is one of the most important pathogens of cattle worldwide. BVDV infection and associated diseases have been reported in Brazil since the late 1960ties. Several serological, virological, clinical and pathological reports demonstrate the widespread distribution of BVDV infection among Brazilian cattle. In addition to variable levels of positive serology in beef and dairy cattle, BVDV antibodies have been occasionally detected in swine, wild boars, goats, cervids and water buffaloes. BVDV infection has been diagnosed in aborted fetuses, buffy coats of persistently infected (PI) animals, clinical specimens from animals suffering from different clinical syndromes, semen of bulls of artificial insemination (AI) centers, in healthy fetuses and in commercial fetal bovine serum and/or cultured cells. About 50 isolates have been genetically and/or antigenically characterized up to date, whilst roughly an equivalent number of isolates awaits characterization. Most of the characterized isolates belong to BVDV-1 genotype, non-cytopathic (NCP) biotype, yet some BVDV-2 (and some CP BVDV) have been identified as well. Brazilian BVDV isolates display a high antigenic variability and are markedly different from North American vaccine strains. A few inactivated, polyvalent vaccines are currently licensed in the country, yet vaccination is still incipient in many regions: only about 2.5 million doses were marketed in 2003. The low serological cross-reactivity between vaccine strains and field isolates has recently stimulated national industries to develop vaccines containing Brazilian BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 strains. The overall knowledge about BVDV infection in Brazil has grown considerably in the last years, due to an increasing number of laboratories performing diagnosis and research. Studies on the pathogenesis, serological and molecular epidemiology and production of reagents for diagnosis have contributed decisively for the recent growing knowledge on BVDV infections in the country.