PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira F.C.S., Azevedo S.S., Pinheiro S.R., Batista C.S.A., Moraes Z.M, Souza G.O., Gonçales A.P. & Vasconcellos S.A. 2010. [Risk factors associated with leptospirosis in cows in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil.] Fatores de risco para a leptospirose em fêmeas bovinas em idade reprodutiva no Estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(5):398-402. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: savasco@usp.br Risk factors associated with leptospirosis were identified in cows in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. A total of 10,823 cows with > 24 months of age from 1,414 herds were randomly sampled. For the serological diagnosis of Leptospira spp. infection, the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was carried out using 24 serovars as antigens. A herd was considered positive when presented at least one seropositive animal. Of the 1,414 investigated herds, 1,076 (77.9%; 95% CI = 75.7-80.0%) presented at least one reactant animal at MAT to any serovar. Serovar Hardjo (Hardjoprajitno) was the most prevalent, with 34.49% (95% CI = 31.97-37.14%) of the positive herds. Presence of more than 28 bovine females in reproductive age (OR=2.11; p<0.001), presence of cervids (OR=2.02; p=0.010), animal purchase (OR=1.57; p<0.001), to slaughter animals in the property (OR=1.58; p=0.030) and to share pasture (OR=1.63; p<0.001) were identified as risk factors for leptospirosis due to any serovar. Risk factors for leptospirosis due to serovar Hardjo (Hardjoprajitno) were presence of swine (OR=1.28; p=0.040) and animal purchase (OR=1.48; p<0.001).

• Leptospirosis leptospirose

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Oliveira F.C.S., Azevedo S.S., Pinheiro S.R., Batista C.S.A., Moraes Z.M, Souza G.O., Gonçales A.P. & Vasconcellos S.A. 2010. [Risk factors associated with leptospirosis in cows in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil.] Fatores de risco para a leptospirose em fêmeas bovinas em idade reprodutiva no Estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(5):398-402. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: savasco@usp.br Foram identificados fatores de risco associados à leptospirose em fêmeas bovinas em idade reprodutiva no Estado da Bahia. Foram amostradas aleatoriamente 10.823 fêmeas bovinas com idade igual ou superior a 24 meses procedentes de 1.414 propriedades. Para o diagnóstico sorológico da infecção por Leptospira spp., foi utilizada a Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM) utilizando 24 sorovares como antígenos. Um rebanho foi considerado foco quando apresentou pelo menos um animal soropositivo. Das 1.414 propriedades investigadas, 1.076 (77,9%; IC 95% = 75,7-80,0%) apresentaram pelo menos um animal reagente na SAM para qualquer sorovar. O sorovar Hardjo (Hardjoprajitno) foi o mais prevalente, com 34,49% (IC 95% = 31,97-37,14%) das propriedades positivas. Presença de mais de 28 fêmeas bovinas em idade reprodutiva no rebanho (OR=2,11; p<0,001), presença de cervídeos (OR=2,02; p=0,010), compra de animais (OR=1,57; p<0,001), abate de animais na própria fazenda (OR=1,58; p=0,030) e utilização de partos compartilhados (OR=1,63; p<0,001) foram identificados como fatores de risco para leptospirose por qualquer sorovar. Os fatores de risco para leptospirose pelo sorovar Hardjo (Hardjoprajitno) foram a presença de suínos (OR=1,28; p=0, 040) e a compra de animais (OR=1,48; p<0,001).

Abstract in English:

RESUMO.- Galiza G.J.N., Silva M.L.C.R, Dantas A.F.M., Simões S.V.D. & Riet-Correa F. 2010. [Diseases of the nervous system of cattle in the semiarid of Northeastern Brazil.] Doenças do sistema nervoso de bovinos no semiárido nordestino. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(3):267-276. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Campus de Patos da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Para determinar as doenças que ocorrem no sistema nervoso de bovinos no semiárido nordestino, foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo em 411 necropsias de bovinos realizadas no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, Paraíba, entre janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2008. Dos 411 casos analisados 139 (33,81%) apresentaram alterações clínicas do sistema nervoso e as fichas foram revisadas para determinar os principais achados referentes à epidemiologia, aos sinais clínicos e às alterações macroscópicas e microscópicas. Em 28 (20,14%) casos o diagnóstico foi inconclusivo. As principais enfermidades foram raiva (48,7% dos casos com sinais nervosos), abscessos cerebrais (7,2%) incluindo três casos de abscesso da pituitária, febre catarral maligna (6,3%), botulismo (6,3%), alterações congênitas (4,5%), traumatismo (4,5%), tuberculose (2,7%), tétano (2,7%), infecção por herpesvírus bovino-5 (2,7%), encefalomielite não supurativa (2,7%), intoxicação por Prosopis juliflora (2,7%), status spongiosus congênito de causa desconhecida (1,8%) e polioencefalomalacia (1,8%). Outras doenças diagnosticadas numa única oportunidade (0,9%) foram criptococose, listeriose, encefalite tromboembólica, linfossarcoma, tripanossomíase e babesiose por Babesia bovis.

• Botulism brain abscess malignant catarrhal fever pituitary abscess polioencephalomalacia rabies tuberculosis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Galiza G.J.N., Silva M.L.C.R, Dantas A.F.M., Simões S.V.D. & Riet-Correa F. 2010. [Diseases of the nervous system of cattle in the semiarid of Northeastern Brazil.] Doenças do sistema nervoso de bovinos no semiárido nordestino. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(3):267-276. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Campus de Patos da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Diseases of the nervous system of cattle in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil were evaluated by a retrospective study of 411 cattle necropsies performed in the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraíba, from January 2000 to December 2008. Of the 411 cases analyzed, 139 (33.81%) were from cattle that presented nervous signs and the records were reviewed to determine the epidemiological, clinical, and macroscopic and histologic main features. Diagnosis was inconclusive in 28 cases (20.14%). In cases with diagnosis the main diseases were rabies (48.7% of the cases with nervous signs), brain abscesses (7.2%) including three cases of pituitary abscesses, malignant catarrhal fever (6.3%), botulism (6.3%), congenital malformations (4.5%), trauma (4.5%), tuberculosis (2.7%), tetanus (2.7%), infection by bovine hervesvirus-5 (2.7%), non-suppurative encephalomyelitis (2.7%), intoxication by Prosopis juliflora (2.7%), congenital status spongiosus of unknown etiology (1.8%), and polioencephalomalacia (1.8%). Other diseases diagnosed only once (0.9%) were cryptococcosis, listeriosis, thromboembolic encephalitis, lymphosarcoma, trypanosso-miasis, and babesiosis by Babesia bovis.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT. Riet-Correa F., Haraguchi M., Dantas A.F., Burakovas R.G., Yokosuka A., Mimaki Y., Medeiros R.M.T. & Matos P.F. 2009. Sheep poisoning by Panicum dichotomiflorum in northeastern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):94-98. Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidades Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Different species of Panicum, including P. dichotomiflorum, have been reported as a cause of photosensitization in sheep, horses, cattle and goats. An outbreak of hepatogenous photosensitization occurred in 3 flocks of hair sheep in the Brazilian semiarid region. Eighty one out of 365 sheep were affected and 39 died. The main affected animals were nursing lambs and sheep younger than one year old. Donkeys, goats and cattle grazing in the same pasture were not affected. Clinical signs were edema of the head, followed by dermatitis, mainly in the face, ears, and croup, ocular discharge, corneal opacity with blindness, and redness of the coronary band and hoof. At necropsy of one affected lamb the liver was yellowish. Upon histologic examination scattered necrotic hepatocytes were observed in the liver and focal areas of necrosis of myocytes appeared in the heart. Samples of P. dicotomiflorum were analyzed by TLC and those containing saponins were isolated by HPLC using RP-C18 column and eluted with a mixture of MeOH and H2O. The isolated compounds were submitted to 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Reactions were positive to furostanol saponins with the same Rf of the standard protodioscin (0.21) and methylprotodioscin (0.32). The spectroscopic results indicated a mixture of (25R)- and (25S)-protodioscin isomers in a proportion of 3:1, and methylprotodioscin.

• Lithogenic steroidal saponins Panicum dichotomiflorum photosensitization protodioscin

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT. Riet-Correa F., Haraguchi M., Dantas A.F., Burakovas R.G., Yokosuka A., Mimaki Y., Medeiros R.M.T. & Matos P.F. 2009. Sheep poisoning by Panicum dichotomiflorum in northeastern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):94-98. Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidades Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Different species of Panicum, including P. dichotomiflorum, have been reported as a cause of photosensitization in sheep, horses, cattle and goats. An outbreak of hepatogenous photosensitization occurred in 3 flocks of hair sheep in the Brazilian semiarid region. Eighty one out of 365 sheep were affected and 39 died. The main affected animals were nursing lambs and sheep younger than one year old. Donkeys, goats and cattle grazing in the same pasture were not affected. Clinical signs were edema of the head, followed by dermatitis, mainly in the face, ears, and croup, ocular discharge, corneal opacity with blindness, and redness of the coronary band and hoof. At necropsy of one affected lamb the liver was yellowish. Upon histologic examination scattered necrotic hepatocytes were observed in the liver and focal areas of necrosis of myocytes appeared in the heart. Samples of P. dicotomiflorum were analyzed by TLC and those containing saponins were isolated by HPLC using RP-C18 column and eluted with a mixture of MeOH and H2O. The isolated compounds were submitted to 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Reactions were positive to furostanol saponins with the same Rf of the standard protodioscin (0.21) and methylprotodioscin (0.32). The spectroscopic results indicated a mixture of (25R)- and (25S)-protodioscin isomers in a proportion of 3:1, and methylprotodioscin.

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Riet-Correa F., Dantas A.F.M., Azevedo E.O., Simões S.D.V., Silva S.M.S., Vilela R. & Mendoza L. 2008. Outbreaks of rhinofacial and rhinopharyngeal zygomycosis in sheep in Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):29-35. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidades Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Two outbreaks of zigomycosis with rhinofacial and two other with rhinopharyngeal lesions involving fungi with filamentous coaenocytic hyphae characteristic of entomoph-thoramycetous fungi are reported in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. One outbreak of rhinofacial zygomycosis occurred during the rainy season affecting 5 sheep. Another outbreak of the clinical form affected one out of 40 sheep during the dry season. Common clinical signs of the rhinofacial infection were bilateral serosanguineous nasal discharge with swelling of nostrils, upper lip, and the skin of the face. At necropsy the nasal mucosa showed dark brownish ulcerated areas which extended from the mucocutaneous region to 10cm inside the nasal vestibule. The mucosa of the hard palate was also ulcerated. The cutting surface of nostrils and palate showed a brownish or red spongeous tissue of friable consistency. One outbreak of rhinopharyngitis took place on an irrigated coconut farm; 7 out of 60 adult sheep were affected. Another outbreak affected a sheep in a flock of 80 during the dry season. Clinical signs as noisy respiration and dyspnoea due to mechanical blockage of the nasal cavities, swelling of the nostrils, and serosanguineous nasal discharge were observed. Six out of 8 sheep in this group showed exophthalmia, keratitis and unilateral corneal ulceration of the eye. The sheep either died of their infection or were euthanized after a clinical course of 7-30 days. At necropsy there was a dense yellow exudate in the nasopharyngeal area affecting the ethmoidal region, turbinate bones, paranasal sinuses, hard and soft palates, orbital cavity, pharynges, regional muscles and lymph nodes. Histopathologically both forms of the disease showed multifocal granulomas with an eosinophilic necrotic reaction (Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon) containing ribbon type coenocytic hyphae with 7-30mm in diameter similar to hyphae of zygomycetous fungi, possibly Conidiobolus spp. Outbreaks of both forms of mycotic rhinitis are common in northeastern Brazil and in other regions of the country.

• Conidiobolomycosis zygomycosis sheep semiarid

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Riet-Correa F., Dantas A.F.M., Azevedo E.O., Simões S.D.V., Silva S.M.S., Vilela R. & Mendoza L. 2008. Outbreaks of rhinofacial and rhinopharyngeal zygomycosis in sheep in Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):29-35. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidades Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Two outbreaks of zigomycosis with rhinofacial and two other with rhinopharyngeal lesions involving fungi with filamentous coaenocytic hyphae characteristic of entomoph-thoramycetous fungi are reported in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. One outbreak of rhinofacial zygomycosis occurred during the rainy season affecting 5 sheep. Another outbreak of the clinical form affected one out of 40 sheep during the dry season. Common clinical signs of the rhinofacial infection were bilateral serosanguineous nasal discharge with swelling of nostrils, upper lip, and the skin of the face. At necropsy the nasal mucosa showed dark brownish ulcerated areas which extended from the mucocutaneous region to 10cm inside the nasal vestibule. The mucosa of the hard palate was also ulcerated. The cutting surface of nostrils and palate showed a brownish or red spongeous tissue of friable consistency. One outbreak of rhinopharyngitis took place on an irrigated coconut farm; 7 out of 60 adult sheep were affected. Another outbreak affected a sheep in a flock of 80 during the dry season. Clinical signs as noisy respiration and dyspnoea due to mechanical blockage of the nasal cavities, swelling of the nostrils, and serosanguineous nasal discharge were observed. Six out of 8 sheep in this group showed exophthalmia, keratitis and unilateral corneal ulceration of the eye. The sheep either died of their infection or were euthanized after a clinical course of 7-30 days. At necropsy there was a dense yellow exudate in the nasopharyngeal area affecting the ethmoidal region, turbinate bones, paranasal sinuses, hard and soft palates, orbital cavity, pharynges, regional muscles and lymph nodes. Histopathologically both forms of the disease showed multifocal granulomas with an eosinophilic necrotic reaction (Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon) containing ribbon type coenocytic hyphae with 7-30mm in diameter similar to hyphae of zygomycetous fungi, possibly Conidiobolus spp. Outbreaks of both forms of mycotic rhinitis are common in northeastern Brazil and in other regions of the country.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Batista J.S., Bezerra F.S.B., Lira R.A., Carvalho J.R.G., Rosado Neto A.M., Petri A.A. & Teixeira M.M.G. 2008. [Clinical, epidemiological and pathological signs of natural infection in cattle by Trypanosoma vivax in Paraíba, Brazil.] Aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e patológicos da infecção natural em bovinos por Trypanosoma vivax na Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):63-69. Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-árido, BR 110 Km 47, Caixa Postal 147, Mossoró, RN 59625-900, Brazil. E-mail: jaelsbatista@hotmail.com Two outbreaks of trypanosomiasis by Trypanosoma vivax, reported in cattle, occurred on two farms located in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. The epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology of the disease were studied from May 2005 to November 2006. T. vivax was identified morphologically and by polymerase chain reaction test (PCR). The affected cattle presented anorexia, depression, fever, anemia, weight loss, reduction in milk production, transitory blindness, abortion and some nervous signs as nystagmus, tetany and bruxism. All cattle that presented nervous signs died. Necropsy findings were enlarged lymph and spleen, serous atrophy of the fat depots, proeminence of the splenic white pulp, hydropericardium and pericardial petechiae and ecchymoses on the epicardium. Histologically there was meningoencephalitis. The treatment of the clinical cases with diminazena aceturate was efficient with clearance of the parasite from the blood or disappearance of clinical signs in up to 2 months after the beginning of the outbreak on the two farms studied. The epidemiologic factors favoring the occurrence of the outbreak were the abundance of mechanical vectors, as tabanids and Stomoxys sp., and the introduction into the herd of cattle from farms where the disease occurred. It is suggested that the semiarid of the Brazilian Northeast is an enzootic instability region for trypanosomiasis due to its prolonged periods of drought and high temperatures, constituting during most part of the year an unfavorable environment for the development of vectors.

• Trypanosoma vivax trypanosomiasis cattle outbreak Brazilian Northeast semi-arid

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Batista J.S., Bezerra F.S.B., Lira R.A., Carvalho J.R.G., Rosado Neto A.M., Petri A.A. & Teixeira M.M.G. 2008. [Clinical, epidemiological and pathological signs of natural infection in cattle by Trypanosoma vivax in Paraíba, Brazil.] Aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e patológicos da infecção natural em bovinos por Trypanosoma vivax na Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):63-69. Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-árido, BR 110 Km 47, Caixa Postal 147, Mossoró, RN 59625-900, Brazil. E-mail: jaelsbatista@hotmail.com Two outbreaks of trypanosomiasis by Trypanosoma vivax, reported in cattle, occurred on two farms located in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. The epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology of the disease were studied from May 2005 to November 2006. T. vivax was identified morphologically and by polymerase chain reaction test (PCR). The affected cattle presented anorexia, depression, fever, anemia, weight loss, reduction in milk production, transitory blindness, abortion and some nervous signs as nystagmus, tetany and bruxism. All cattle that presented nervous signs died. Necropsy findings were enlarged lymph and spleen, serous atrophy of the fat depots, proeminence of the splenic white pulp, hydropericardium and pericardial petechiae and ecchymoses on the epicardium. Histologically there was meningoencephalitis. The treatment of the clinical cases with diminazena aceturate was efficient with clearance of the parasite from the blood or disappearance of clinical signs in up to 2 months after the beginning of the outbreak on the two farms studied. The epidemiologic factors favoring the occurrence of the outbreak were the abundance of mechanical vectors, as tabanids and Stomoxys sp., and the introduction into the herd of cattle from farms where the disease occurred. It is suggested that the semiarid of the Brazilian Northeast is an enzootic instability region for trypanosomiasis due to its prolonged periods of drought and high temperatures, constituting during most part of the year an unfavorable environment for the development of vectors.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Santos S.B., Faccini J.L.H. & Santos A.C.G. 2006. [Seasonal variation of Bovicola caprae parasitizing goats in the State of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil.] Variação estacional de Bovicola caprae parasitando caprinos no Estado da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):249-253. Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: faccini@ufrrj.br The effects of temperature, humidity and rainfall on field population trend of the biting louse Bovicola caprae, parasitizing goats bred in the semiarid region of the State of Paraiba, northeastern Brazil were monthly evaluated from August 1999 to July 2002. In the first two years (August 1999 to July 2001) 30 goats were examined, whereas 16 goats were examined in the last year (August 2001 to July 2002). All goats were crossbred, both sexes and abated for human consumption. The lice were collected in an area 4cm of diameter at three body sites: maxillary, back line and haunch. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted (p< 0.05) between monthly average intensity of infestation of all stages (egg, larva, nymph, male and female) of the life cycle pooled and monthly total counts of each stage and mean temperature, mean relative humidity and rainfall. B. caprae was found throughout the year with prevalence of 75-100%. Increase of the louse population during the drier months was probably a consequence of poor nutrition due to reduced pasture and inadequate husbandry practices instead the influence of abiotic factors.

• Bovicola caprae Trichodectidae Mallophaga seasonal variation goats northeastern Brazil

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Santos S.B., Faccini J.L.H. & Santos A.C.G. 2006. [Seasonal variation of Bovicola caprae parasitizing goats in the State of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil.] Variação estacional de Bovicola caprae parasitando caprinos no Estado da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):249-253. Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: faccini@ufrrj.br The effects of temperature, humidity and rainfall on field population trend of the biting louse Bovicola caprae, parasitizing goats bred in the semiarid region of the State of Paraiba, northeastern Brazil were monthly evaluated from August 1999 to July 2002. In the first two years (August 1999 to July 2001) 30 goats were examined, whereas 16 goats were examined in the last year (August 2001 to July 2002). All goats were crossbred, both sexes and abated for human consumption. The lice were collected in an area 4cm of diameter at three body sites: maxillary, back line and haunch. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted (p< 0.05) between monthly average intensity of infestation of all stages (egg, larva, nymph, male and female) of the life cycle pooled and monthly total counts of each stage and mean temperature, mean relative humidity and rainfall. B. caprae was found throughout the year with prevalence of 75-100%. Increase of the louse population during the drier months was probably a consequence of poor nutrition due to reduced pasture and inadequate husbandry practices instead the influence of abiotic factors.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Mendonça C.L., Vieira D., Kohayagawa A., Schenk M.A.M., Madruga C.R. & Afonso J.A.B. 2003. [Clinical and hematological evaluation of Nelore calves experimentally infected with isolates of Babesia bigemina from the Southeastern, Northeastern and Northern regions of Brazil.] Avaliação clínica e hematológica em bezerros Nelore infectados experimentalmente com isolados de Babesia bigemina das regiões Sudeste, Nordeste e Norte do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(2):52-60. Clínica de Bovinos, Campus Garanhuns, Univ. Fed. Rural de Pernambuco, Cx. Postal 152, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. A comparative study was made regarding the clinical and hematological alterations caused by isolates of Babesia bigemina from southeastern, northeastern and northern Brazil in experimentally infected Nelore calves. Eighteen calves between 7 and 9 months of age, without antibodies against Babesia sp and raised free from ticks, were used. Three animais were previously inoculated with 2.0x109 parasitic erythrocytes (PE) for each stabilate. The other 15 calves were subdivided into three groups, with five animais each, that were subinoculated with 1.0x1010 PE of the respective isolates. The clinical and hematological alterations were evaluated by the determination of parasitaemia, haemogram, plasmatic fibrinogen,reticulocyte count, descriptive analysis of the bone marrow and erythrocytic osmotic fragility, for 30 days, totalizing seven moments of observation. The follow-up of the immunological response by the indirect fluorescent antibody test was carried out daily until the 10th day after inoculation (DAI) and after that, on the 151 20th, 25th and 30th DAI. A mild clinical manifestation of the disease was observed. The laboratory findings revealed low leveis of parasitaemia; decrease of the erythrogram values; absence of reticulocytes, initial decrease in the total count of leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes with a posterior elevation of the number of these cells; hypercellularity of the erythrocytic series and decrease of the myeloid: erythroid relation which was more accentuated between the 8th and 12th DAI, and an increase of the erythrocytic osmotic fragility in the groups inoculated with the Southeast and Northeast isolates. None of the three isolates of B. bigemina gave rise to the clinical characteristic form of the disease, although they induced an humoral immune response.

• Experimental infection Babesia bigemina calves brazilian isolates haemogram bone marrow erythrocytic osmotic fragility Infecção experimental bezerros isolados hemograma medula óssea fragilidade osmótica eritrocitária.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Mendonça C.L., Vieira D., Kohayagawa A., Schenk M.A.M., Madruga C.R. & Afonso J.A.B. 2003. [Clinical and hematological evaluation of Nelore calves experimentally infected with isolates of Babesia bigemina from the Southeastern, Northeastern and Northern regions of Brazil.] Avaliação clínica e hematológica em bezerros Nelore infectados experimentalmente com isolados de Babesia bigemina das regiões Sudeste, Nordeste e Norte do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(2):52-60. Clínica de Bovinos, Campus Garanhuns, Univ. Fed. Rural de Pernambuco, Cx. Postal 152, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo estudar comparativamente as alterações clínicas e hematológicas desencadeadas por isolados de Babesia bigemina das regiões Sudeste, Nordeste e Norte do Brasil em bezerros Nelore infectados experimentalmente. Foram utilizados 18 bezerros com idade entre sete e nove meses, isentos de anticorpos contra Babesia sp. e criados livres de carrapatos. Três animais foram previamente inoculados com 2,0x109 eritrócitos parasitados (EP) para cada isolado. Os outros 15 bezerros foram subdivididos em três grupos de cinco animais, que foram subinoculados com 1,0x1010 EP dos respectivos isolados. Foram avaliadas as alterações clínicas e hematológica por meio da determinação da parasitemia, do hemograma, do fibrinogênio plasmático, da contagem de reticulócitos, da análise descritiva da medula óssea e da fragilidade osmótica eritrocitária, no decorrer de 30 dias, perfazendo um total de sete momentos de observação. O acompanhamento da resposta imunológica pelo teste de imunofluorescência indireta foi realizado diariamente até o 10º dia pós-inoculação (DPI) e posteriormente no 15º, 20º, 25º e 30º DPI. Clinicamente, observou-se uma manifestação muito branda da doença. Os achados laboratoriais revelaram baixos níveis de parasitemia; decréscimo nos valores do eritrograma; ausência de reticulócitos; diminuição inicial na contagem total dos leucócitos, neutrófilos e linfócitos com posterior elevação do número destas células; hipercelularidade da série eritrocítica e decréscimo da relação mielóide:eritróide mais acentuada entre o 8º e 12º DPI e um aumento da fragilidade osmótica eritrocitária nos grupos inoculados com os isolados sudeste e nordeste. Nenhum dos três isolados de B. bigemina desencadeou a forma clínica característica da enfermidade, apesar de induzirem uma resposta imune humoral.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Mota R.A., Brito M.F., Castro F.J.C. & Massa M. 2000. [Glanders in horses and mules of the states of Pernambuco and Alagoas, Brazil.] Mormo em eqüídeos nos Estados de Pernambuco e Alagoas_ Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 20(4):155-159. Depto Med. Vet., Univ. Fed. Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/nº, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171- 900, Brazil. Based on clinical-pathological, epidemiological and serological aspects, as well as by the isolation of Burkholderia mallei, foci of glanders were diagnosed in equids of the &quot;Zona da Mata&quot; in the states of Pernambuco and Alagoas. Clinically there was hyperthermia, noisy respiration, loss of appetite, progressive loss of weight leading to emaciation, nasal congestion and muco-purulent discharge, erosions, ulcers and scars of the nasal mucosa. The size of submaxillary and cervical lymphonodes was increased, which contained abscesses and fistules exudating purulent material. In the skin, accompanying the lymph vessels, there were firm nodules and abscesses which in chronic cases fistulated and ulcerated Ieaving stellar scars. The histopathology of the nodules at various sites, from the horses as well as from the guineapigs used for the Strauss test, showed granulomatous lesions and pyogranulomas. The results of this study showed that glanders in the region was emerging and further sero-epidemiological studies are urgent for the eradication of the disease.

• Glanders equids Northeast Brazil Mormo eqüídeos Nordeste do Brasil.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Mota R.A., Brito M.F., Castro F.J.C. & Massa M. 2000. [Glanders in horses and mules of the states of Pernambuco and Alagoas, Brazil.] Mormo em eqüídeos nos Estados de Pernambuco e Alagoas_ Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 20(4):155-159. Depto Med. Vet., Univ. Fed. Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/nº, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171- 900, Brazil. Com base em aspectos clínico-patológicos, epidemiológicos e sorológicos, bem como pelo isolamento de Burkholderia mallei, diagnosticaram-se focos de mormo em eqüídeos na Zona da Mata dos Estados de Pernambuco e Alagoas. Clinicamente observaram-se hipertermia, respiração ruidosa, inapetência, emagrecimento progressivo até caquexia, congestão nasal e descarga mlicopurulenta, erosões, úlceras e cicatrizes na mucosa nasal. Os linfonodos mandibulares e cervicais superficiais apresentavam-se aumentados de volume, com abscessos e fistulas exsudando material purulento. Na pele, ao longo dos vasos linfáticos, havia formação de nódulos firmes e abscessos que, nos casos crônicos, fistulavam e ulceravam deixando cicatrizes estrelares. A histopatologia dos nódulos de diversos sítios, tanto dos eqüídeos como dos cobaios utilizados na prova de Straus, revelou lesões granulomatosas e piogranulomas. Os dados deste estudo evidenciam a emergência da doença nesta área e permitem recomendar inquéritos soro-epidemiológicos nos Estados de ocorrência dos surtos e nos Estados limítrofes.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Peixoto P.V., Mota R.A., Brito M.F., Corbellini L.G., Driemeier D. & Souza M.I. 2000. [Spontaneous BRSV infection in cattle of the state of Alagoas, Brazil.] Infecção natural pelo Vírus Sincicial Respiratório Bovino (BRSV) em bovinos no Estado de Alagoas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 20(4):171-175. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23851-970, Brazil. Cases of bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) infection affecting calves in the State of Alagoas, Brazil, are described. At least 220 calves, which were the progeny of Brown Swiss and Holstein Friesian cattle imported from Germany, Austria, and Uruguay, have died from the disease since 1995. Clinical signs included fever, dry cough, serous ocular discharge and, towards the final stages, marked dyspnea. On auscultation therewere loud and harsh breathing sounds, and a strong wheezing could be heard from a distance. Histopathology of the lung revealed interstitial pneumonia associated with syncytial cells and infiltration by lymphocytes and eosinophils. A few plasma cells containing Russel bodies in their cytoplasm were also observed. There was hyperplasia of type li pneumocytes and mild squamous metaplasia of the respiratory epithelium. Bronchiolar epithelial cells and syncytial cells were positively stained with anti-BRSV antibody. The finding of BRSV infection in calves in Northeast Brazil plus identical findings already reported from South Brazil, strongly indicate the need for a wide epidemiologic survey in arder to evaluate the lasses due to BRSV infection and the incidence of infected cattle. There is evidence that at least part of the imported animals involved in this outbreak was already infected on arrival at the port of Belém, in the State of Pará, Brazil.

• BRSV infection cattle Northeast Brazil Vírus Sincicial Respiratório Bovino bovinos Nordeste do Brasil.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Peixoto P.V., Mota R.A., Brito M.F., Corbellini L.G., Driemeier D. & Souza M.I. 2000. [Spontaneous BRSV infection in cattle of the state of Alagoas, Brazil.] Infecção natural pelo Vírus Sincicial Respiratório Bovino (BRSV) em bovinos no Estado de Alagoas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 20(4):171-175. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23851-970, Brazil. Descreve-se a ocorrência de infecção pelo vírus sincicial respiratório bovino (BRSV) em bezerros descendentes de animais das raças pardo-suíça e holandesa importados da Alemanha, Áustria, Suíça e Uruguai, na qual morreram em Alagoas, Brasil, pelo menos 220 cabeças, de 1995 até apresente data. O quadro clínico caracterizou-se por hipertermia, tosse seca, mais tarde dispnéia acentuada e por vezes lacrimejamento; à auscultação havia estertores secos, depois úmidos, com sibilos, muitas vezes audíveis à distância. O exame histológico revelou pneumonia intersticial com formação de células sinciciais, infiltração predominantemente linfocitária com presença de eosinófilos e de corpúsculos de Russel, proliferação de pneumócitos tipo II e leve metaplasia escamosa. Células epiteliais de bronquíolos e células sinciciais marcaram-se positivamente com o anticorpo anti-BRSV. A ocorrência da enfermidade no Sul e agora no Nordeste do Brasil indica a necessidade de se promover um amplo levantamento epidemiológico para se avaliar o grau de perdas e a proporção de animais infectados no país. Lembramos que parte dos animais importados, ao que tudo indica, já estavam infectados nos países de origem, quando desembarcaram em Belém, Pará.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Hofer E., Zamora M.R.N., Lopes A.E., Moura A.M.C:, Araújo H.L., Leite M.D.D. & Silva Filho S.J. 2000. [Salmonella serovars in meat of horses slaughtered in northeastern Brazil.] Sorovares de Salmonella. em carne de eqüídeos abatidos no nordeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 20(2):80-84. Depto Bacteriologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brazil. In the sixties and seventies there was an extraordinary increase in export of horse meat products to Europe andjapah. This favored an increase in risk of Salmonella outspread through those products to human and animal consumer populations. Thus, from an exporting company dealing with horse meat located in northeastern Brazil (state of Pernambuco), 19,238 fragments of more external muscles, Salmonella was isolated from 666 samples colleted from 433 animals (horses and donkeys). The serotyping of 745 isolates showed 98 serovars pertaining to 14 serogroups, predominantly classified into subspecies 1 (98.9%). S. Anatum, S. Carrau, S. Saintpaul, S. Agona, and S. Typhimurium were the most frequent serovars isolated. Preliminary data indicate that the primary causes for the presence of Salmonella in the meats probably was contact with feces from slaughtered animals, as well a.s possible contamination of environments, in view of the absence of human carriers researched in part of the personnel.

• Horses horse meat Salmonella serogroups serovars Eqüídeos produtos cárneos sorogrupos sorovares.

Abstract in Portuguese:

SINOPSE.- Hofer E., Zamora M.R.N., Lopes A.E., Moura A.M.C:, Araújo H.L., Leite M.D.D. & Silva Filho S.J. 2000. [Salmonella serovars in meat of horses slaughtered in northeastern Brazil.] Sorovares de Salmonella. em carne de eqüídeos abatidos no nordeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 20(2):80-84. Depto Bacteriologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brazil. Nas décadas de 60 e 70, houve um extraordinário incremento da exportação de produtos cárneos de equídeos dos países da América do Sul para a Europa e Japão. Este acontecimento favoreceu o aumento de risco da veiculação de Salmonella através desses produtos, para as populações humana e animal, consumidoras. Assim, num estabelecimento industrial e exportador de carne de eqüídeos localizado no nordeste do Brasil (Pernambuco), foram analisados bacteriologicamente, 19.238 fragmentos de músculos mais externos, que revelaram 666 exames positivos referentes a 433 animais (eqüinos e asininos) e resultando no isolamento de 745 cepas de Salmonella. Na amostragem foram·caracterizados do ponto de vista antigénico 98 sorovares, predominantemente classificados na subespécie 1 (98,9%) e tendo como os mais freqüentes S. Anatum, S. Carrau, S. Saintpaul, S. Agona e S. Typhimurium. Pelas análises efetuadas admite-se que as causas primordiais da presença de Salmonella nas carnes, provavelmente decorreu do contato com os excretas dos animais abatidos, bem como pela possível contaminação ambiental resultante, tendo em vista a ausência de portadores humanos, pesquisados numa parcela do pessoal.