PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Bonel-Raposo J., Riet-Correa F., Guim T.N., Schuch I.D., Grecco F.G. & Fernandes C.G. 2007. [Acute poisoning and abortions in guinea pigs by the pods of Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Leg. Mimosoideae).] Intoxicação aguda e abortos em cobaias pelas favas de Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Leg. Mimosoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):593-596. Departamento de Patologia Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: bonel-raposo@brturbo.com.br The objective was to study the acute toxicity and the abortive properties of Enterolobium contortisiliquum pods in guinea pigs. Pods of E. contortisiliquum were administered orally to 4 groups of 3 guinea pigs each. Another group of 3 guinea-pigs was used as control. Group 1 and 2 were fed with one dose of 5 and 10g of pods for kg body weight, respectively. The guinea pigs of Group 3 and 4 received 10 and 15g/kg, respectively, divided into daily doses of 5g/kg. One guinea pig from Group 2 and one from Group 4 died 12 and 18 hours after the end of the administration. Gross lesions were hemorrhages of the stomach and of the large and small gut, enlarged liver, and dilated gall bladder. Histologically, the liver had severe vacuolation and necrosis of periportal hepatocytes. In another experiment a ration containing 4% of pods of E. contortisiliquum was fed to 2 groups of 4 guinea-pigs, 35 days after mating. Four of the 8 guinea pigs aborted 6-15 days after the beginning of ingestion. The other 4 guinea pigs were not pregnant. All guinea pigs were euthanized after abortion or at the end of the experiment. Histologically all animals had mild to severe periportal hemorrhagic necrosis. All fetuses had variable degree of autolysis. In 4 fetuses studied no significant histologic lesions were observed. The acute lesions observed in guinea-pigs are similar than those observed in the spontaneous poisoning by Enterolobium spp. in cattle. Similar lesions are observed in guinea-pigs poisoned experimentally with saponins from E. gummiferum. The results of the experiments in pregnant guinea pigs suggest that E. contortisiliquum can be used to study the abortive effect of its pods or its toxic compounds.

• Poisonous plants hepatotoxic plants abortion Enterolobium contortisiliquum Legumiosae Mimosoideae guinea pigs

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Bonel-Raposo J., Riet-Correa F., Guim T.N., Schuch I.D., Grecco F.G. & Fernandes C.G. 2007. [Acute poisoning and abortions in guinea pigs by the pods of Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Leg. Mimosoideae).] Intoxicação aguda e abortos em cobaias pelas favas de Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Leg. Mimosoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):593-596. Departamento de Patologia Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: bonel-raposo@brturbo.com.br The objective was to study the acute toxicity and the abortive properties of Enterolobium contortisiliquum pods in guinea pigs. Pods of E. contortisiliquum were administered orally to 4 groups of 3 guinea pigs each. Another group of 3 guinea-pigs was used as control. Group 1 and 2 were fed with one dose of 5 and 10g of pods for kg body weight, respectively. The guinea pigs of Group 3 and 4 received 10 and 15g/kg, respectively, divided into daily doses of 5g/kg. One guinea pig from Group 2 and one from Group 4 died 12 and 18 hours after the end of the administration. Gross lesions were hemorrhages of the stomach and of the large and small gut, enlarged liver, and dilated gall bladder. Histologically, the liver had severe vacuolation and necrosis of periportal hepatocytes. In another experiment a ration containing 4% of pods of E. contortisiliquum was fed to 2 groups of 4 guinea-pigs, 35 days after mating. Four of the 8 guinea pigs aborted 6-15 days after the beginning of ingestion. The other 4 guinea pigs were not pregnant. All guinea pigs were euthanized after abortion or at the end of the experiment. Histologically all animals had mild to severe periportal hemorrhagic necrosis. All fetuses had variable degree of autolysis. In 4 fetuses studied no significant histologic lesions were observed. The acute lesions observed in guinea-pigs are similar than those observed in the spontaneous poisoning by Enterolobium spp. in cattle. Similar lesions are observed in guinea-pigs poisoned experimentally with saponins from E. gummiferum. The results of the experiments in pregnant guinea pigs suggest that E. contortisiliquum can be used to study the abortive effect of its pods or its toxic compounds.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pavarini S.P., Sonne L., Antoniassi N.A.B., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A., Corbellini L.G. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Congenital anomalies in aborted bovine fetuses in Southern Brazil.] Anomalias congênitas em fetos bovinos abortados no Sul do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):149-154. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death are important causes of production losses to the livestock industry. Abortions caused by congenital anomalies may occur sporadically, or appear in epidemics. This retrospective study was conducted at Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology of Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, and included 307 cases of bovine abortion submitted for diagnosis from September 2001 to March 2007. Most of them were from southern Brazil. Ten cases (3.25%) of congenital anomalies were seen. The most frequent congenital anomalies were artrogryposis, Amorphous globosus, and cleft palate (palatoschisis). Infectious causes were investigated, but only BVDV infection was detected by immunohistochemistry in one case, which was affected with porencephalia.

• Abortion bovine congenital anomalies

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pavarini S.P., Sonne L., Antoniassi N.A.B., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A., Corbellini L.G. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Congenital anomalies in aborted bovine fetuses in Southern Brazil.] Anomalias congênitas em fetos bovinos abortados no Sul do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):149-154. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death are important causes of production losses to the livestock industry. Abortions caused by congenital anomalies may occur sporadically, or appear in epidemics. This retrospective study was conducted at Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology of Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, and included 307 cases of bovine abortion submitted for diagnosis from September 2001 to March 2007. Most of them were from southern Brazil. Ten cases (3.25%) of congenital anomalies were seen. The most frequent congenital anomalies were artrogryposis, Amorphous globosus, and cleft palate (palatoschisis). Infectious causes were investigated, but only BVDV infection was detected by immunohistochemistry in one case, which was affected with porencephalia.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pescador C.A., Corbellini L.G., Oliveira E.C., M. Bandarra P.M., Leal J.S., Pedroso P.M.O. & Driemeier D. 2007. [Ovine abortion associated with Sarcocystis sp. infection.] Aborto ovino associado com infecção por Sarcocystis sp. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):393-397. Departamento de Patologia Clínica 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 Protozoal infection has worldwide distribution and may cause abortion, premature parturition or fetal death in almost all domestic animals. In July 2004, eight Corriedale sheep showed abortion and stillbirth in the third trimester of gestation. Of these reproductive losses, one stillborn male was submitted to the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology for necropsy investigation. The direct immunofluorescence test for Leptospira sp. was negative. No significant bacteria was isolated from lung and liver by aerobic and microaerobic cultures. Macroscopic lesions were not found in any fetal tissue. The histological lesions were observed mainly in the brain and heart and consisted primarily of severe multifocal nonsupurative encephalitis and nonsuppurative myocarditis. Schizonts of a protozoan parasite consistent with Sarcocystis sp. were found in the endothelial cells and vascular endothelium in several organs. Many schizonts with merozoites arranged in a rosette-like pattern were observed in brain and kidney tissues. In sections stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), the limiting membrane of some schizonts appeared to be weakly PAS-positive. Merozoites and nuclei were PAS-negative. Protozoa did not react immunohistochemically to the antibody anti-Toxoplasma gondii; however, cross-reactivity was observed with Neospora caninum antibody. These findings were consistent with the diagnosis of Sarcocystis sp.

• Sarcocystis sp. abortion stillbirth sheep

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pescador C.A., Corbellini L.G., Oliveira E.C., M. Bandarra P.M., Leal J.S., Pedroso P.M.O. & Driemeier D. 2007. [Ovine abortion associated with Sarcocystis sp. infection.] Aborto ovino associado com infecção por Sarcocystis sp. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):393-397. Departamento de Patologia Clínica 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 Protozoal infection has worldwide distribution and may cause abortion, premature parturition or fetal death in almost all domestic animals. In July 2004, eight Corriedale sheep showed abortion and stillbirth in the third trimester of gestation. Of these reproductive losses, one stillborn male was submitted to the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology for necropsy investigation. The direct immunofluorescence test for Leptospira sp. was negative. No significant bacteria was isolated from lung and liver by aerobic and microaerobic cultures. Macroscopic lesions were not found in any fetal tissue. The histological lesions were observed mainly in the brain and heart and consisted primarily of severe multifocal nonsupurative encephalitis and nonsuppurative myocarditis. Schizonts of a protozoan parasite consistent with Sarcocystis sp. were found in the endothelial cells and vascular endothelium in several organs. Many schizonts with merozoites arranged in a rosette-like pattern were observed in brain and kidney tissues. In sections stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), the limiting membrane of some schizonts appeared to be weakly PAS-positive. Merozoites and nuclei were PAS-negative. Protozoa did not react immunohistochemically to the antibody anti-Toxoplasma gondii; however, cross-reactivity was observed with Neospora caninum antibody. These findings were consistent with the diagnosis of Sarcocystis sp.

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Pescador C.A., Bandarra P.M., Castro L.A., Antoniassi N.A.B., Ravazollo, A.P., Sonne L. Cruz C.E.F. & Driemeier D. 2007. Co-infection by porcine circovirus type 2 and porcine parvovirus in aborted fetuses and stillborn piglets in southern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):425-429. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Porcine circovirus types 1 and 2 (PCV1, PCV2) and porcine parvovirus (PPV) are widespread in pig populations around the world. Nevertheless, only PCV2 has been associated with different clinical syndromes, thus representing a major problem to the pig industry. The association of cases of swine abortions and stillborns with PCV1 and PCV2 and PPV was studied retrospectively (2005-2007). Additional pathogens were also investigated in lesioned fetuses. The studied litters included stillborn piglets and several mummified fetuses of varied sizes. Ventricular dilatation, myocardial pale areas, and mesocolic edema were the gross lesions. Escherichia coli was detected as co-infecting with PCV2 the cases in which mesocolic edema was seen. Microscopic lesions included non-suppurative myocarditis, myocardial necrosis and fibrosis, mineralization foci and intranuclear inclusion bodies in cardiomyocytes, and interstitial mononuclear pneumonia. Samples from 7 (5.78 per cent) of 121 aborted fetuses and stillborn piglets had lesions consistent with a viral cause and showed both positive anti-PCV2 immunostaining as well as PCV2-PCR. In samples from 3 (2.47 per cent) of these 7 fetuses, co-infection with PPV was confirmed by Nested-PCR. Both viruses were detected in fetuses at different stages of gestation. Viral antigens of PCV2 were detected by immunohistochemistry mainly in macrophages and myocytes. PCV1 individually was not detected in any of these affected fetuses, but it was associated with PCV2 and/or PPV in some of them. These findings indicate that PCV2 alone or in association with PPV should be kept in mind when investigating causes of infectious abortion in pigs in Brazil.

• Abortion PCV2 PCV1 PPV stillborn swine Brazil

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Pescador C.A., Bandarra P.M., Castro L.A., Antoniassi N.A.B., Ravazollo, A.P., Sonne L. Cruz C.E.F. & Driemeier D. 2007. Co-infection by porcine circovirus type 2 and porcine parvovirus in aborted fetuses and stillborn piglets in southern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):425-429. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Porcine circovirus types 1 and 2 (PCV1, PCV2) and porcine parvovirus (PPV) are widespread in pig populations around the world. Nevertheless, only PCV2 has been associated with different clinical syndromes, thus representing a major problem to the pig industry. The association of cases of swine abortions and stillborns with PCV1 and PCV2 and PPV was studied retrospectively (2005-2007). Additional pathogens were also investigated in lesioned fetuses. The studied litters included stillborn piglets and several mummified fetuses of varied sizes. Ventricular dilatation, myocardial pale areas, and mesocolic edema were the gross lesions. Escherichia coli was detected as co-infecting with PCV2 the cases in which mesocolic edema was seen. Microscopic lesions included non-suppurative myocarditis, myocardial necrosis and fibrosis, mineralization foci and intranuclear inclusion bodies in cardiomyocytes, and interstitial mononuclear pneumonia. Samples from 7 (5.78 per cent) of 121 aborted fetuses and stillborn piglets had lesions consistent with a viral cause and showed both positive anti-PCV2 immunostaining as well as PCV2-PCR. In samples from 3 (2.47 per cent) of these 7 fetuses, co-infection with PPV was confirmed by Nested-PCR. Both viruses were detected in fetuses at different stages of gestation. Viral antigens of PCV2 were detected by immunohistochemistry mainly in macrophages and myocytes. PCV1 individually was not detected in any of these affected fetuses, but it was associated with PCV2 and/or PPV in some of them. These findings indicate that PCV2 alone or in association with PPV should be kept in mind when investigating causes of infectious abortion in pigs in Brazil.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pescador C.A., Oliveira E.C., Pedroso P.M.O., Bandarra P.M., Okuda L.H., Corbellini L.G. & Driemeier D. 2007. [Reproductive losses linked to Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats in southern Brazil.] Perdas reprodutivas associadas com infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em caprinos no sul do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):167-171. Departamento de Patologia Clínica 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 Toxoplasma gondii was implicated with reproductive losses in a goat herd in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Gross changes were present in 2 out of 6 fetuses/offsprings submitted for diagnosis and included enlarged, pale mesenteric lymph nodes, and edematous, mottled red and tan lungs. Microscopic changes were observed in most fetuses and were especially characterized by lymphoplasmacytic infiltration in the brain and lungs. Other histological changes included lymphoplasmacytic interstitial nephritis, necrotizing lymphadenitis and periportal lympho-plasmacytic cell infiltrates. While bacteriological and direct immunofluorescent antibody tests for Leptospira sp. were negative in samples from all cases, immunohistochemical and PCR procedures for Toxoplasma gondii reacted positively in most of them. Antibody titles against T. gondii varying from 1:512 to 1:2048 were detected in serum samples from the mother goats of these aborted (1), stillborn (3) or dead newborn (2) kids. This paper describes the clinical, pathological, serological, molecular and immunohistochemical findings of a Toxoplasma gondii-infected goat flock.

• Abortion goat reproductive losses stillborn Toxoplasma gondii

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pescador C.A., Oliveira E.C., Pedroso P.M.O., Bandarra P.M., Okuda L.H., Corbellini L.G. & Driemeier D. 2007. [Reproductive losses linked to Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats in southern Brazil.] Perdas reprodutivas associadas com infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em caprinos no sul do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):167-171. Departamento de Patologia Clínica 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 Toxoplasma gondii was implicated with reproductive losses in a goat herd in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Gross changes were present in 2 out of 6 fetuses/offsprings submitted for diagnosis and included enlarged, pale mesenteric lymph nodes, and edematous, mottled red and tan lungs. Microscopic changes were observed in most fetuses and were especially characterized by lymphoplasmacytic infiltration in the brain and lungs. Other histological changes included lymphoplasmacytic interstitial nephritis, necrotizing lymphadenitis and periportal lympho-plasmacytic cell infiltrates. While bacteriological and direct immunofluorescent antibody tests for Leptospira sp. were negative in samples from all cases, immunohistochemical and PCR procedures for Toxoplasma gondii reacted positively in most of them. Antibody titles against T. gondii varying from 1:512 to 1:2048 were detected in serum samples from the mother goats of these aborted (1), stillborn (3) or dead newborn (2) kids. This paper describes the clinical, pathological, serological, molecular and immunohistochemical findings of a Toxoplasma gondii-infected goat flock.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Carvalho N.M., Alonso L.A., Cunha T.G., Ravedutti J., Barros C.S.L. & Lemos R.A.A. 2006. [Poisoning of cattle by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação de bovinos por Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) em Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):139-146. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Avenida Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br Two outbreaks of poisoning by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in cattle and the experimental reproduction of the toxicosis in sheep are described. Both outbreaks occurred on the same farm in the municipality of Bataiporã, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The first outbreak occurred in July-October 2004 and involved a cattle population at risk of 290 pregnant cows, which were introduced into a 60 hectare pasture with a legal reservation area heavily infested by T. multiglandulosa. Of these, 230 cows (79.3%) aborted, had stillbirths or delivered weak calves that died few days after birth. Seven cows died, and one cow and a 10-day-old calf were necropsied. The second outbreak occurred in September-October 2005, 40 days after 285 2-year-old heifers were introduced into the same pasture infested by T. multiglandulosa and where the first outbreak had occurred in the previous year. Nine heifers got sick and died, and three of then were necropsied. Clinical signs of affected cattle, including a 10-day-old calf, were marked lethargy, loss of weight with distension of the abdomen (ascites), subcutaneous dependant edema, distended and pulsating jugular veins, dyspnea and cardiac arrhythmia. Necropsy findings included a round and dilated heart with whitish and firm areas in the myocardium, and changes related to cardiac failure such as cavitary edema, nutmeg liver, pulmonary edema, a large blood clot in the left ventricle. Histopathological changes included necrosis and fibrosis in the myocardium, chronic passive hepatic centrolobular congestion, pulmonary edema, and spongy degeneration in the white matter of the brain. Experimental sheep died 29 (Sheep 1) and 35 (Sheep 2) days after being fed average daily doses of T. multiglandulosa corresponding to 14g/kg (Sheep 1) and 7,5 g/kg (Sheep 2) per day. Clinical signs were observed from the 7th day (Sheep1) and the 4th day (Sheep 2) of the experiment and included tachycardia, arrhythmia, lethargy and head pressing. Necropsy and histopathologic findings in both experimental sheep were very similar to those observed in affected cattle of the two spontaneous outbreaks.

• Poisonous plants Tetrapterys multiglandulosa Malpighiaceae plant poisoning cardiomiopathy abortion diseases of cattle pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Carvalho N.M., Alonso L.A., Cunha T.G., Ravedutti J., Barros C.S.L. & Lemos R.A.A. 2006. [Poisoning of cattle by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação de bovinos por Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) em Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):139-146. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Avenida Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br Two outbreaks of poisoning by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in cattle and the experimental reproduction of the toxicosis in sheep are described. Both outbreaks occurred on the same farm in the municipality of Bataiporã, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The first outbreak occurred in July-October 2004 and involved a cattle population at risk of 290 pregnant cows, which were introduced into a 60 hectare pasture with a legal reservation area heavily infested by T. multiglandulosa. Of these, 230 cows (79.3%) aborted, had stillbirths or delivered weak calves that died few days after birth. Seven cows died, and one cow and a 10-day-old calf were necropsied. The second outbreak occurred in September-October 2005, 40 days after 285 2-year-old heifers were introduced into the same pasture infested by T. multiglandulosa and where the first outbreak had occurred in the previous year. Nine heifers got sick and died, and three of then were necropsied. Clinical signs of affected cattle, including a 10-day-old calf, were marked lethargy, loss of weight with distension of the abdomen (ascites), subcutaneous dependant edema, distended and pulsating jugular veins, dyspnea and cardiac arrhythmia. Necropsy findings included a round and dilated heart with whitish and firm areas in the myocardium, and changes related to cardiac failure such as cavitary edema, nutmeg liver, pulmonary edema, a large blood clot in the left ventricle. Histopathological changes included necrosis and fibrosis in the myocardium, chronic passive hepatic centrolobular congestion, pulmonary edema, and spongy degeneration in the white matter of the brain. Experimental sheep died 29 (Sheep 1) and 35 (Sheep 2) days after being fed average daily doses of T. multiglandulosa corresponding to 14g/kg (Sheep 1) and 7,5 g/kg (Sheep 2) per day. Clinical signs were observed from the 7th day (Sheep1) and the 4th day (Sheep 2) of the experiment and included tachycardia, arrhythmia, lethargy and head pressing. Necropsy and histopathologic findings in both experimental sheep were very similar to those observed in affected cattle of the two spontaneous outbreaks.

Abstract in English:

García y Santos M.C., Schild A.L., Barros S.S., Riet-Correa F., Elias F. & Ramos A.T. 2004. [Perinatal lesions in cattle experimentally poisoned by Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae).] Lesões perinatais em bovinos na intoxicação experimental por Ateleia glazio-viana (Leg.Papilionoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):178-184. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFPel, Cx.Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Leaves of Ateleia glaziovian Baill., dried in a 100o C oven for 16-20 hours, were given to seven crossbred cows, always as bolus. Two of them received 9 g/kg at 4 months of pregnancy. Three cows in the 8th month of pregnancy received daily doses of 1-2 g/kg of the leaves, until a total amount of 10, 21 and 28 g/kg/bw was reached. Two 8-month-pregnant cows were fed 15.5 and 18 g/kg of the dried leaves. Two 4-month-pregnant cows were fed 35 g/kg of green leaves of A. glazioviana. The cow treated with 21 g/kg of the dry plant material showed clinical signs of poisoning and delivered a stillborn calf. No clinical signs were observed in the other cows. The calves from cows that received 9, 15.5 and 28 g/kg of the dried leaves showed weakness and suckling difficulties, and were killed. Whitish areas and thickening of the right ventricle wall of the heart were observed in the stillborn calf. Thickening of the wall of the right ventricle was also observed in the calf delivered by the cow treated with 28g/kg of dry plant. The other calves had no gross lesions. The histological changes in all necropsied calves were characterized by tumefaction and vacuolization of muscle fibers and proliferation of fibrous tissue, similar as occurred in spontaneous cases of fibrosis of the heart muscle in cattle poisoned by A. glazioviana. PAS stained slides revealed positive granules in the cardiomyocytes more evident than those of the control calf. The stillborn calf had mild spongiosis of the white matter of the cerebellum, thalamus and rostral colliculi. The ultrastructural pathology revealed cardiac fibers with large glycogen storage within myofibril bundles, which showed loss of bundles and disappearance of whole sarcomers. Mild glycogen storage was observed in a control calf.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Ateleia glazioviana Leguminosae Papilionoideae abortion cardiac fibrosis glycogenosis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

García y Santos M.C., Schild A.L., Barros S.S., Riet-Correa F., Elias F. & Ramos A.T. 2004. [Perinatal lesions in cattle experimentally poisoned by Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae).] Lesões perinatais em bovinos na intoxicação experimental por Ateleia glazio-viana (Leg.Papilionoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):178-184. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFPel, Cx.Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Leaves of Ateleia glaziovian Baill., dried in a 100o C oven for 16-20 hours, were given to seven crossbred cows, always as bolus. Two of them received 9 g/kg at 4 months of pregnancy. Three cows in the 8th month of pregnancy received daily doses of 1-2 g/kg of the leaves, until a total amount of 10, 21 and 28 g/kg/bw was reached. Two 8-month-pregnant cows were fed 15.5 and 18 g/kg of the dried leaves. Two 4-month-pregnant cows were fed 35 g/kg of green leaves of A. glazioviana. The cow treated with 21 g/kg of the dry plant material showed clinical signs of poisoning and delivered a stillborn calf. No clinical signs were observed in the other cows. The calves from cows that received 9, 15.5 and 28 g/kg of the dried leaves showed weakness and suckling difficulties, and were killed. Whitish areas and thickening of the right ventricle wall of the heart were observed in the stillborn calf. Thickening of the wall of the right ventricle was also observed in the calf delivered by the cow treated with 28g/kg of dry plant. The other calves had no gross lesions. The histological changes in all necropsied calves were characterized by tumefaction and vacuolization of muscle fibers and proliferation of fibrous tissue, similar as occurred in spontaneous cases of fibrosis of the heart muscle in cattle poisoned by A. glazioviana. PAS stained slides revealed positive granules in the cardiomyocytes more evident than those of the control calf. The stillborn calf had mild spongiosis of the white matter of the cerebellum, thalamus and rostral colliculi. The ultrastructural pathology revealed cardiac fibers with large glycogen storage within myofibril bundles, which showed loss of bundles and disappearance of whole sarcomers. Mild glycogen storage was observed in a control calf.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Corbellini L.G., Pescador C.A., Frantz F.J., Lima M., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2003. [Abortus by Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger in cattle in southern Brazil.] Aborto por Aspergillusfumigatus eAspergillus niger em bovinos no sul do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(2):82-86. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail:davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br Mycotic infection has worldwide distribution and may cause placentitis and abortion in almost ali domestic animais. From September 2001 through November 2002 specimens from 147 aborted bovine fetuses along with 34 placentas were submitted to the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, to investigate infectious causes of abortion in southern Brazil. Mycotic abortion was diagnosed in five cases (3.4%). Aspergilfus fumigatus was isolated from four cases and A. niger from one. Virological, bacteriological and direct immunofluorescent antibody tests for Leptospira sp were negative in those cases where Aspergillus sp was cultured. The gestational age of those fetuses ranged from 5 to 8 months. Macroscopic lesions were observed in four cases. One had several Nodular lesions disseminated throughout the liver, two had skin lesions characterized by white-grayish round plaques mostly on the head and neck, and thickened cotyledons in two placentas sent with those fetuses. The histological lesions were observed in the liver, lungs and placenta and consisted primary of necrotizing hepatitis, suppurative bronchopneumonia of varying degrees and necrotizing placentitis. With the use of Grocott's methenamine-silver staining, septate hyphae could be observed in three cases, surrounding necrotizing lesions in the tiver of one fetus and in two placentas. In two cases hyphae were observed in placenta) tissues and not in fetal tissues, indicating the importance of the placenta in diagnosing mycotic abortion in cattle.

• Bovine abortion mycotic abortion Aspergillus spp. Aborto bovino aborto micótico

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Corbellini L.G., Pescador C.A., Frantz F.J., Lima M., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2003. [Abortus by Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger in cattle in southern Brazil.] Aborto por Aspergillusfumigatus eAspergillus niger em bovinos no sul do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(2):82-86. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail:davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br As infecções micóticas apresentam distribuição mundial e podem causar placentite e aborto em diversas espécies de animais. Entre setembro 2001 e novembro 2002, foram processados no Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 147 fetos bovinos abortados com o objetivo de avaliar as principais causas de aborto infeccioso bovino no sul do Brasil. Destes, 34 estavam acompanhados da placenta. Aborto micótico foi diagnosticado em cinco casos (3,4%) mediante cultivo puro de quatro amostras de Aspergillus fumigatus e uma de A. niger associado a lesões histológicas características de fungo. Os exames virológico, bacteriológico e imunofluorescência direta para Leptospira sp foram negativos nestes casos. A idade dos fetos variava entre 5 e 8 meses de idade. Lesões macroscópicas foram observadas em quatro casos e eram caracterizadas por áreas circulares multifocais branco-acinzentadas na pele, principalmente na região da cabeça e dorso, em dois fetos, lesões nodulares no fígado em um caso e espessamento dos cotilédones em duas placentas enviadas juntamente com os fetos. Lesões histológicas foram observadas principalmente no fígado, pulmão e placenta, caracterizadas por hepatite necrótica multifocal, broncopneumonia supurativa e placentite necrótica. Através da coloração de Grocott hifas septadas foram observadas em duas placentas e nas bordas das lesões necróticas no fígado de um feto. Em dois casos hifas foram observadas somente na placenta e não no feto, salientando-se a importância deste tecido para o diagnóstico de aborto micótico bovino.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Leite L.G., Riet-Correa F., Medeiros R.M.T., Piacenti A., Aragão M. & Schons S.V. 2002. Susceptibility of laboratory animals to the intoxication by Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae).] Susceptibilidade de animais de laboratório à intoxicação por Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 22(2):73-78. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil. E-mail: lgmv@alternet.com.br Rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and mice were used to reproduce the cardiac lesions observed in ruminants in the intoxication by Ateleia glazioviana. Four animals of each species were fed during four months with a ration containing 10% of dry A glazioviana. The pellets were made by mixing 700 g of commercial ration, 200 g of cornstarch, 1000 mi of distilled water and 100g of the dry plant. Later this mixture was dried at 100ºC during 16-20 hours. Four control animals of each species were given similar food, but containing dry ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) instead of A glaziovidna. Water was offered ad libitum and a daily amount of green oats (Avena sativa) was given to rabbits and guinea pigs. No clinical signs of disease were observed during the experiment. Ali animals were weighted weekly in the last 5 weeks of the experiment and no differences were observed in weight gains between treated and control groups. At the end of dosing ali animals were euthanatized and necropsied. No macroscopic or histologic lesions were observed in the heart or other organs. The abortive properties of A glazioviana were studied in rats. One group of 11 pregnant rats was fed, from day 7 to day 21 of gestation, ration containing 10% of A. glazioviana, prepared in the sarne way than in the previous experiment. A control group received the ration with 10% ryegrass. Ali rats delivered normal litters. To determine a possible loss of toxicity of the plant during the pellet preparation, dry A. glazioviana was heated for 16-20 hours at 100ºC and administered orally to one ewe. This sheep ingested daily 2.65 g/kg bw of dry A. glazioviana for 26 days. During the experimental period the animal had tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmia. At the end of the experiment bradycardia and severe depression were observed. It was euthanatized 7 days after the last plant administration. The sheep was 2.5-3 months pregnant and the fetus was apparently normal with no autolysis. Ascites and hydrothorax were observed at necropsy. Whitish areas were observed in the myocardium and the liver was pale. Degeneration and necrosis of cardiac fibers and proliferation of fibrous tissue were observed histologically in the heart. The liver had centrilobular degeneration of hepatocytes and congestion. These experiments indicate that A. glazioviana is not cardiotoxic for laboratory animals and suggest that the plant has a heat-stable active principie similar to the active principie of plants causing cardiac fibrosis (gousiekte) in Southern Africa.

• Ateleia glazioviana toxic plants abortion cardiac failure plantas tóxicas aborto insuficiência cardíaca.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Leite L.G., Riet-Correa F., Medeiros R.M.T., Piacenti A., Aragão M. & Schons S.V. 2002. Susceptibility of laboratory animals to the intoxication by Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae).] Susceptibilidade de animais de laboratório à intoxicação por Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 22(2):73-78. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil. E-mail: lgmv@alternet.com.br Coelhos, cobaias, ratos e camundongos foram utilizados com a finalidade de reproduzir a forma cardíaca da intoxicação por Ateleia glazioviana. Quatro animais de cada espécie receberam por 4 meses a planta, secada à sombra, na concentração de 10% na ração, fornecida na forma de pelets. Os pelets foram preparados misturando 700 g de ração comercial, 200 g de amido de milho, 1000 mi de água destilada e 100g de planta seca e, posteriormente, secados em estufa a 100°C, durante 16 a 20 horas. Quatro animais de cada espécie serviram como testemunhas, recebendo a ração preparada da mesma forma, porém com a utilização de azevém (Lolium multijlorum) em lugar de A glazioviana. Era fornecida água à vontade e, para os coelhos e cobaias, também aveia (Avena sativa) verde diariamente. Esses animais não apresentaram nenhuma alteração clínica, e foram pesados semanalmente nas últimas 5 semanas do período experimental, não apresentando diferença significativa no ganho de peso. À necropsia não foram observadas alterações macroscópicas e pelo exame histológico também não foram detectadas lesões significativas no coração e em outros órgãos. Para testar a atividade abortiva de A glazioviana, ração contendo 10% de planta seca, preparada da mesma forma que no experimento anterior, foi administrada a 11 outros ratos, fêmeas, prenhes, nos dois últimos terços da gestação. Um grupo controle de 11 fêmeas recebeu a ração com azevém a 10%, durante o mesmo período. Esses animais tiveram filhotes normais e no prazo correto. Para determinar a possível perda de toxidez da planta durante a preparação dos pelets, A glazioviana foi aquecida por 16 a 20 horas a 100ºC e, posteriormente, administrada a um ovino em 26 doses diárias de 2,65 g/kg de planta seca. Durante o período experimental, a ovelha apresentou batimentos cardíacos mais fortes, taquicardia e arritmia cardíacas, depois bradicardia e, no período final, apatia acentuada. Foi sacrificada 7 dias após a última administração da planta. Esse animal apresentava gestação de 2,5 a 3 meses e o feto não apresentava sinais de autólise. As alterações macroscópicas mais evidentes à necropsia foram ascite, hidrotórax, áreas esbranquiçadas no músculo cardíaco e fígado de coloração clara. Na histologia do coração foram observadas degeneração e necrose de fibras cardíacas e proliferação de tecido conjuntivo fibroso. O fígado apresentava congestão e degeneração de hepatócitos nas áreas centrolobulares. Os resultados indicam que esses animais de laboratório não foram susceptíveis à ação cardiotóxica de A. glazioviana, por via oral, e sugerem a possibilidade de que o princípio ativo da planta, que é resistente ao calor, seja semelhante ao princípio ativo das plantas do sul da África que causam fibrose cardíaca.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Soares C.O., lshikawa M.M., Fonseca A.H. & Yoshinari, N.H. 2000. [Borrelioses, agents and vectors: a review.] Borrelioses, agentes e vetores. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 20(1):1-19. Depto Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Veterinária, Univ. Fed. Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23851-970, Brazil. Borrelioses are infectous diseases caused by spirochaetes of the genus Borrelia. They are born mainly through ticks at animals and/or human beings. In this review are shown and discussed five groups of diseases determined by borrelia, general characteristics of the spirochaetes, aspects related to transmission by arthropods, biological and pathological aspects of the diseases in domestic and wild animals, Lyme disease as an important zoonosis, the association of borrelia with other hematozoa agents, the diagnostic methods and the comparative epidemiologywith data obtained from Brazil and other countries. The borrelioses have pathological, clinical and epidemiological characteristics which vary according to physiographic regions due to the existence of different species, genospecies and strains of borrelia, of arthropod vectors, vector-agent relationship and of different ecocystems.

• Borreliosis ticks Borrelia spp. relapsing fever avian borreliosis bovine borreliosis Lyme disease epizootic bovine abortion Borreliose carrapatos febrerecurrente borreliose aviária borreliose bovina doença de Lyme aborto epizoótico bovino.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Soares C.O., lshikawa M.M., Fonseca A.H. & Yoshinari, N.H. 2000. [Borrelioses, agents and vectors: a review.] Borrelioses, agentes e vetores. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 20(1):1-19. Depto Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Veterinária, Univ. Fed. Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23851-970, Brazil. As borrelioses são enfermidades infecciosas determinadas por espiroquetas do gênero Borrelia, agentes transmissíveis, principalmente, por carrapatos aos animais e/ou ao homem. Nesta revisão são apresentadas e discutidas as enfermidades determinadas por borrélias, bem como as características gerais das espiroquetas, os aspectos relacionados a transmissão por artrópodes, as enfermidades nos animais domésticos e silvestres, quanto aos aspectos biológicos e patológicos, a doença de Lyme como principal zoonose do grupo, a associação de borrélia com outros agentes hematozoários e os métodos diagnósticos e a epidemiologia comparativa entre dados obtidos no Brasil com os de outros países. Estas borrelioses possuem características patológicas, clínicas e epidemiológicas variadas de acordo à região fisiográfica, devido à existência de distintas espécies, genoespédes e cepas; estes aspectos variam ainda em função dos artrópodes vetores, da interação vetor-patógeno e dos ecossistemas distintos.