Resultado da pesquisa (589)

Termo utilizado na pesquisa AST

#1 - Fungi isolated from wild birds in the Marambaia Island, Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil

Abstract in English:

In Brazil, the Atlantic Forest has been suffering from deforestation, which has had impacts on its flora, fauna, and microbiota. However, the fungal diversity present in these environments is little known and studied. In this study, a total of 90 samples of 45 wild birds (45 feathers and 45 feces) were collected in Ilha da Marambaia, southeastern Brazil. Filamentous fungi isolated from these samples were identified through macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Some isolates were identified by molecular biology using the PCR technique. Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cunninghamella, Curvularia, Eurotium, Fusarium, Geotrichum, Neosartorya, Pestalotia, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Mucor and Syncephalastrum were identified. These results indicate the presence of saprophytic fungi species in the feathers and feces of wild birds of the capture site. Further studies should be conducted to elucidate if the mycobiota profile modifies with anthropization and if it interferes with bird health and environmental recovery.

Abstract in Portuguese:

No Brasil, a Mata Atlântica vem sofrendo com o desmatamento, que tem impactado sua flora, fauna e microbiota. No entanto, a diversidade fúngica presente nesses ambientes é pouco conhecida e estudada. Neste trabalho, um total de 90 amostras de 45 aves silvestres (45 penas e 45 fezes) foram coletadas na Ilha da Marambaia, Sudeste do Brasil. Fungos filamentosos isolados dessas amostras foram identificados por meio de características macroscópicas e microscópicas. Alguns isolados foram identificados por biologia molecular usando a técnica de PCR. Foram identificados Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cunninghamella, Curvularia, Eurotium, Fusarium, Geotrichum, Neosartorya, Pestalotia, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Mucor e Syncephalastrum. Esses resultados indicam a presença de espécies de fungos saprofíticos nas penas e fezes de aves silvestres do local de captura. Novos estudos devem ser realizados a fim de elucidar se o perfil da micobiota se modifica com a antropização e se interfere na saúde das aves e na recuperação ambiental.


#2 - Male reproductive tract disorders in equids: 87 cases (2014-2022)

Abstract in English:

Male reproductive tract disorders (MRTDs) are common in equids and may represent a significant proportion of the caseload of equine practitioners. Herein, we determined the frequency, clinico-pathological findings, and therapeutics of MRTDs in equids from a 9-year survey of the clinical records of a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Midwestern Brazil. During this period, 87 affected equids presented 100 MRTDs distributed in 17 different diagnoses. Forty-three (49.4%) equids presented MRTDs affecting the glans penis or preputial skin fold. Testicles, scrotum, and spermatic cords disorders were diagnosed in 32 (36.8%) horses. Of the remaining 12 (13.8%) horses, six presented two different MRTDs on two distinct anatomical areas, and five animals exhibited the same disease, affecting two different anatomical locations. Only one horse presented three distinct MRTDs on two anatomical regions. Habronemiasis was the most frequent MRTD detected in 26% of the diagnoses, followed by miscellaneous wounds (14%), cryptorchidism (13%), inguinal hernia (13%), funiculitis (9%), paraphimosis (6%), squamous cell carcinoma (5%), urethrolithiasis (3%), preputial abscesses, and orchitis (2% each). Phimosis, ulcerative posthitis, epididymitis, hydrocele, papillomatosis, teratoma, and testicular torsion accounted for 1% each. Sixty-three (72.5%) equids received hospital discharge, 18 (20.6%) were humanely euthanized, and six (6.9%) died. This study detected the most relevant MRTDs that affected over 7.5% in a survey of 1,154 equids referred for hospital care. Our finding highlights that MRTDs may be debilitating and life-threatening conditions, and they can potentially impact the reproduction of equids in the region. This knowledge may support equine practitioners in elaborating proper sanitary and management protocols to prevent and reduce the incidence of most MRTDs recorded, improving equid production and welfare.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Distúrbios do trato reprodutivo masculino (DTRMs) são comuns em equídeos e podem representar uma proporção significativa da casuística de hipiatras. Determinamos a frequência, os achados clínico-patológicos e a terapêutica de DTRMs em equídeos a partir de um levantamento de nove anos dos registros clínicos em um Hospital Veterinário no Centro-Oeste do Brasil. Nesse período, 87 equinos afetados apresentaram 100 DTRMs distribuídos em 17 diagnósticos diferentes. Quarenta e três (49,4%) equídeos apresentaram DTRM afetando a glande peniana ou pregas de pele prepucial. Distúrbios dos testículos, escroto e cordão espermático foram diagnosticados em 32 (36,8%) equinos. Dos 12 (13,8%) equinos restantes, seis apresentaram dois DTRMs diferentes em duas áreas anatômicas distintas, e cinco animais exibiram a mesma doença em duas localizações anatômicas diferentes. Apenas um cavalo apresentou três DTRMs distintas em duas regiões anatômicas. A habronemíase foi a DTRM mais frequente detectada em 26% dos diagnósticos, seguida por feridas diversas (14%), criptorquidismo (13%), hérnia inguinal (13%), funiculite (9%), parafimose (6%), carcinoma de células escamosas (5%), uretrolitíase (3%), abscessos prepuciais e orquite (2% cada). Fimose, postite ulcerativa, epididimite, hidrocele, papilomatose, teratoma e torção testicular representaram 1% cada. Sessenta e três (72,5%) equídeos receberam alta hospitalar, 18 (20,6%) foram sacrificados humanitariamente e seis (6,9%) morreram. Este estudo detectou as DTRMs mais relevantes que afetaram 7,5% dos pacientes em um levantamento de 1.154 equídeos encaminhados para atendimento hospitalar. Este achado destaca que as DTRMs podem ser condições debilitantes e com risco de morte, e podem impactar potencialmente a reprodução de equídeos na região. Este conhecimento pode ajudar os hipiatras a elaborar protocolos sanitários e de manejo adequados para prevenir e reduzir a incidência da maioria das DTRMs registradas, melhorando a produção e o bem-estar dos equídeos.


#3 - Body condition, external morphology, parasitology, and histological and biometrical study of the gastrointestinal tract of Sporophila nigricollis and Sporophila caerulescens seized from trafficking in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract in English:

The objective was to analyze Sporophila nigricollis and Sporophila caerulescens in terms of body conditions, parasitological, bacteriological, external biometric measurements, and histological analysis of the gastrointestinal tract. We used 115 individuals apprehended from 2020 to 2021 and sent to the Wild Animal Triage Center, Paraíba, Brazil. Concerning weight, S. nigricollis, females and males presented 9.36±1.36g and 9.70±1.39g, and S. caerulescens with 10.5±0.70g and 11.75±1.28g, being the second heaviest. The body condition in 69.62% of S. nigricollis and 62.50% of S. caerulescens was good. In the fecal microbiological examination, 40.25% of S. nigricollis and 40% of S. caerulescens were positive for Isospora sp. Dispharynx sp. was reported for the first time in S. nigricollis and S. caerulescens. In fecal bacteriology, 95.65% of S. nigricollis were identified with Gram-positive cocci and 73.91% with Gram-positive bacilli. Forty-one animals died and were placed under refrigeration for 48 hours; of these, 31.16% of S. nigricollis and 37.50% of S. caerulescens presented inadequate body conditions. 19.51% had gastrointestinal tract engorgement with hemorrhagic points, and 14.63% had hepatic alteration due to yellowish coloration. The study contributes with subsidies for the taxonomic elucidation of the genus Sporophila, in addition to the knowledge of the conditions in which birds are found in sorting centers, once the destination of most of the seized animals is the release, thus, a potential source of pathogens to the natural environment.

Abstract in Portuguese:

O objetivo foi analisar Sporophila nigricollis e Sporophila caerulescens quanto às condições corporais, parasitológicas, bacteriológicas, medidas biométricas externas e análise histológica do trato gastrointestinal. Foram utilizados 115 indivíduos apreendidos entre 2020 e 2021 e encaminhados ao Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres, Paraíba, Brasil. Quanto ao peso, S. nigricollis, fêmeas e machos apresentaram, 9,36±1,36g e 9,70±1,39g, e S. caerulescens com 10,5±0,70g e 11,75±1,28g, sendo o segundo mais pesado. A condição corporal em 69,62% de S. nigricollis e 62,50% de S. caerulescens foi boa. No exame microbiológico fecal, 40,25% de S. nigricollis e 40% de S. caerulescens foram positivos para Isospora sp. Dispharynx sp. foi relatada pela primeira vez em S. nigricollis e S. caerulescens. Na bacteriologia fecal, 95,65% dos S. nigricollis foram identificados com cocos Gram-positivos e 73,91% com bacilos Gram-positivos. Quarenta e um animais morreram e foram colocados sob refrigeração por 48 horas; destes, 31,16% de S. nigricollis e 37,50% de S. caerulescens apresentaram condições corporais inadequadas. 19,51% apresentaram ingurgitamento do trato gastrointestinal com pontos hemorrágicos e 14,63% alteração hepática devido à coloração amarelada. O estudo contribui com subsídios para a elucidação taxonômica do gênero Sporophila, além do conhecimento das condições em que as aves se encontram nos centros de triagem, uma vez que a maior parte dos animais apreendidos tem como destino a soltura, sendo assim, uma potencial fonte de patógenos para o ambiente natural.


#4 - Fusobacterium necrophorum predominates in the microbiota of mandibular dental abscess in Blastocerus dichotomus

Abstract in English:

Dental abscess in ruminants is an acute polymicrobial infection, usually resulting from periodontal disease or endodontic infection, with consequences for animal health and welfare. The present study aimed to describe the bacterial microbiota of dental abscesses in Blastocerus dichotomus. Biological material from mandibular dental abscesses, punctured with a sterile syringe and needle during routine veterinary curative procedures or necropsies, was collected from three ex-situ marsh deer. Bacteria were identified using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The three specimens had the presence of facial bulging, and two died because of severe emaciation with a history of progressive weight loss. Bacteroides (38.6%), Fusobacterium (36.65%), and Porphyromonas (7.49%) represented the most abundant genera and Fusobacterium necrophorum (35.69%), Porphyromonas levii (3.12%) and Porphyromonas gulae (1.78%) were among the ten most represented species in the microbiota of mandibular abscess in Blastocerus dichotomus. These molecular findings demonstrate a broader diversity of species in the polymicrobial nature of dental abscesses in B. dichotomus than was previously reported when culture-dependent methods were used in the diagnosis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

O abcesso dentário em ruminantes é uma infeção polimicrobiana aguda, geralmente resultante de doença periodontal ou infeção endodôntica, com consequências para a saúde e bem-estar animal. O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever a microbiota bacteriana de abscessos dentários em Blastocerus dichotomus. Material biológico de abscessos dentários mandibulares, puncionados com seringa e agulha estéril durante procedimentos curativos veterinários de rotina ou necropsias, foi coletado de três cervos do pantanal criados ex situ. As bactérias foram identificadas usando sequenciamento de alto rendimento do gene 16S ribossomal RNA. Os três espécimes apresentavam abaulamento facial e dois faleceram por emagrecimento severo com histórico de emagrecimento progressivo. Bacteroides (38,6%), Fusobacterium (36,65%) e Porphyromonas (7,49%) representaram os gêneros mais abundantes e Fusobacterium necrophorum (35,69%), Porphyromonas levii (3,12%) e Porphyromonas gulae (1,78%) estavam entre as dez espécies mais representadas na microbiota do abscesso mandibular em Blastocerus dichotomus. Esses achados moleculares demonstram uma diversidade mais ampla de espécies na natureza polimicrobiana dos abscessos dentários em B. dichotomus, do que o relatado anteriormente quando métodos dependentes de cultura foram utilizados no diagnóstico.


#5 - Cestrum axillare hepatotoxicity in cattle in the Distrito Federal, Goiás and Minas Gerais

Abstract in English:

This study reports four outbreaks of Cestrum axillare poisoning in cattle. Outbreaks occurred in farms of the Distrito Federal, Goiás, and Minas Gerais states during the dry season, affecting cows and heifers, with a mortality rate of 1 to 14,28%. Poisoned animals showed neurological signs and recumbency, followed by death within 12 hours, and some animals were found dead. Gross and histological lesions were typical of acute hepatotoxicity with hepatomegaly, enhancement of lobular pattern, and centrilobular to massive necrosis. This study seems to be the first report on C. axillare poisoning in cattle in the Distrito Federal, Goiás, and Triângulo Mineiro. C. axillare poisoning must be included in the differential diagnosis for cattle with hepatic necrosis in these locations.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Este estudo relata quatro surtos de intoxicação por Cestrum axillare em bovinos. Os surtos ocorreram em fazendas do Distrito Federal, Goiás e Minas Gerais durante a estação seca, afetando vacas e novilhas, com taxa de mortalidade de 1 a 14,28%. Os animais afetados apresentaram sinais neurológicos e decúbito, seguidos de óbito em 12 horas. Alguns animais foram encontrados mortos. Foram observadas lesões macroscópicas e histológicas típicas de hepatotoxicidade aguda como hepatomegalia, evidenciação do padrão lobular e necrose centrolobular a massiva. Este é o primeiro relato de intoxicação por C. axillare em bovinos no Distrito Federal, Goiás e Triângulo Mineiro. A intoxicação por Cestrum axillare deve ser incluída no diagnóstico diferencial de bovinos com necrose hepática nessas localidades.


#6 - Histopathological characterization and analysis of cell proliferation in 162 cases of canine subcutaneous mast cell tumors in Brazil

Abstract in English:

here are limited publications about canine subcutaneous mast cell tumors (MCT). International studies have shown that subcutaneous MCT has longer survival times than cutaneous MCT, with lower recurrence and metastasis rates. In addition, subcutaneous MCT has a specific histopathological classification (circumscribed, combined, or infiltrative pattern). Our study evaluated 162 cases of subcutaneous MCT diagnosed from 2014 to 2017 in Brazil. The mean age of the animals was 8.6 years, with a predominance of females and higher incidence in dogs with mixed breed (n=40), followed by Boxer (n=20), Labrador Retriever (n=14), Golden Retriever (n=11) and Pug (n=10). Regarding histopathological characterization, the most common infiltrative pattern represented 54.3% of cases, followed by circumscribed (34.8%) and combined (11%) patterns. The mean mitotic index (MI) was 1.04, with 93.9% of cases presenting MI≤4 and 53.1% MI=0. The data found in this Brazilian study regarding subcutaneous MCT does not differ from those described in American studies, suggesting similar genetic and epidemiological factors. The evaluated proliferation indices suggest that subcutaneous MCT presents slow progression and should be evaluated as a distinct form of cutaneous MCT.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Há poucas informações prognósticas sobre o mastocitoma (MCT) subcutâneo em cães, apresentando maiores tempos de sobrevida e menores taxas de recidiva e metástase em comparação ao MCT cutâneo. Além disso, o MCT subcutâneo canino segue a classificação histopatológica própria, sendo subdivididos de acordo com o padrão em: circunscrito, combinado ou infiltrativo. Sendo assim, o principal objetivo desse estudo foi caracterizar a incidência e as características histopatológicas de MCT subcutâneos no Brasil. Para isso, foram avaliadas 164 amostras de MCT subcutâneos diagnosticados entre o período de 2014 a 2017 no Brasil. A média de idade dos animais foi de 8,6 anos (variação de 3 a 20 anos), com predomínio de fêmeas (64,8%) e maior incidência em cães sem raça definida (n=40), seguido de Boxer (n=20), Labrador Retriever (n=14), Golden retriever (n=11) e Pug (n=10). Em relação a caracterização histopatológica, o padrão infiltrativo foi o mais comum representando 54,3% dos casos, seguido dos padrões circunscritos (34,8%) e combinados (11%). Quanto a contagem de mitose (CM), 93,8% dos casos apresentam CM≤4 e, em 53,1%, CM=0. Os dados encontrados nesse estudo brasileiro em relação ao MCT subcutâneo reforçam outros trabalhos realizados em diferentes regiões demográficas, sugerindo fatores genéticos e epidemiológicos para a doença. Por fim, os índices de proliferação avaliados sugerem que o MCT subcutâneo apresenta progressão lenta devendo ser avaliado como uma forma distinta do MCT cutâneo.


#7 - Clinical, pathological and immunohistochemical characterization of spontaneous neoplasms in pet rodents in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract in English:

In the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the demand for small rodents such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, and mice to be kept as pets. Consequently, the veterinary care provided to these animals has also increased. The aim of this study was to describe gross, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings of 26 spontaneous neoplasms diagnosed in 25 pet rodents in Northeastern Brazil. A retrospective study was carried out from 2014 to 2022 in two veterinary diagnostic laboratories to identify cases of tumoriform lesions in these species. Hamsters represented the most frequent species in this study (60%, 15/25), followed by rats (28%, 7/25), guinea pigs (8%, 2/25), and mice (4%, 1/25), with a mean age of 17.63 months. The anatomical regions of the face/head and thoracic region were the most affected. The most affected tissues were the skin/subcutaneous/mucosal (65%, 15/26) and mammary gland (23%, 6/26). Eighteen different types of neoplasms were diagnosed, and T-cell lymphomas and mammary adenocarcinomas were the most diagnosed tumors, each corresponding to 12% (3/26) of the cases. Leiomyosarcoma, myxosarcoma and mammary adenocarcinoma metastases were also noted. Immunohistochemistry was essential for the diagnosis of certain malignant mesenchymal and round-cell neoplasms. Pet rodent neoplasms in Northeastern Brazil are common, especially in hamsters, and immunohistochemistry can be a useful tool for the definitive diagnosis of these tumors.

Abstract in Portuguese:

In the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the demand for small rodents such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, and mice to be kept as pets. Consequently, the veterinary care provided to these animals has also increased. The aim of this study was to describe gross, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings of 26 spontaneous neoplasms diagnosed in 25 pet rodents in Northeastern Brazil. A retrospective study was carried out from 2014 to 2022 in two veterinary diagnostic laboratories to identify cases of tumoriform lesions in these species. Hamsters represented the most frequent species in this study (60%, 15/25), followed by rats (28%, 7/25), guinea pigs (8%, 2/25), and mice (4%, 1/25), with a mean age of 17.63 months. The anatomical regions of the face/head and thoracic region were the most affected. The most affected tissues were the skin/subcutaneous/mucosal (65%, 15/26) and mammary gland (23%, 6/26). Eighteen different types of neoplasms were diagnosed, and T-cell lymphomas and mammary adenocarcinomas were the most diagnosed tumors, each corresponding to 12% (3/26) of the cases. Leiomyosarcoma, myxosarcoma and mammary adenocarcinoma metastases were also noted. Immunohistochemistry was essential for the diagnosis of certain malignant mesenchymal and round-cell neoplasms. Pet rodent neoplasms in Northeastern Brazil are common, especially in hamsters, and immunohistochemistry can be a useful tool for the definitive diagnosis of these tumors.


#8 - Streptococcus lutetiensis and Streptococcus equinus as potential emerging bovine mastitis pathogens

Abstract in English:

The current study characterizes the genetic distribution of virulence and antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus lutetiensis and Streptococcus equinus isolated from cows with clinical mastitis using whole genome sequencing (WGS). Although they are not the protagonist species within the genus Streptococcus, recent studies have isolated these species associated with bovine mastitis. In addition, these species are reported and isolated from humans and other animals. A total of four strains of S. lutetiensis and one of S. equinus were isolated from five cows with identified cases of clinical mastitis at a dairy farm near Ithaca, New York. Nineteen genes associated with antimicrobial resistance and 20 genes associated with virulence were identified in the analyzed strains. All strains presented genes associated with resistance: alr, ddl, gdpD, kasA, murA, lsa(E), msr(D), mef(A), gidB, and LiaF. Resistance genes associated with several different classes of antibiotics have also been reported. Sixteen virulence-associated genes were identified in all strains. Based on our findings, we conclude that the studied species have the potential to cause mastitis in cattle, and further studies are important to elucidate their role.

Abstract in Portuguese:

O presente estudo caracteriza a distribuição genética de virulência e resistência antimicrobiana de Streptococcus lutetiensis e Streptococcus equinus isolados de vacas com mastite clínica usando sequenciamento completo do genoma. Apesar de não serem as espécies protagonistas dentro do gênero Streptococcus, estudos recentes têm isolado essas espécies associadas à mastite bovina. Além disso, essas espécies são relatadas e isoladas de humanos e outros animais. Um total de quatro cepas de S. lutetiensis e uma de S. equinus foram isoladas de cinco vacas com casos identificados de mastite clínica em uma fazenda leiteira perto de Ithaca, Nova York. Dezenove genes associados à resistência antimicrobiana e 20 genes associados à virulência foram identificados nas cepas analisadas. Todas as linhagens apresentaram genes associados à resistência: alr, ddl, gdpD, kasA, murA, lsa(E), msr(D), mef(A), gidB e LiaF. Genes de resistência associados a várias classes diferentes de antibióticos também foram relatados. Dezesseis genes associados à virulência foram identificados em todas as cepas. Com base em nossos achados, concluímos que as espécies estudadas têm potencial para causar mastite em bovinos e mais estudos são importantes para elucidar seu papel.


#9 - ‘Beer yeast’ (liquid brewery waste) for sheep and pig feeding: epidemiological and clinical aspects of the poisoning, safety margin and prevention

Abstract in English:

Considering the practice of using ‘brewer’s yeast’ (BY) – liquid brewery yeast waste from the brewing industry – in animal feed in some establishments in the south of the State of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, this study was conducted to establish safety margins and to determine epidemiological and clinical aspects. In addition, this study suggested prophylactic measures that can prevent or minimise alcohol intoxication due to BY in sheep and swine. The main characteristics of the clinical features in both natural poisoning and controlled spontaneous ingestion in swine as well as intoxication by controlled ingestion of BY using a ruminal probe in sheep were found to be staggering gait, tripping and falls. Overall, 3.8 and 8.875mL/kg of ethanol content in the BY caused mild-moderate and severe clinical conditions, respectively, in swine and sheep. The following prophylactic measures are suggested: 1. BY must be adequately diluted in water, whey, or with BY that has been previously stored in the property (old BY); 2. It must be administered in proportion to the animals’ weight and size. 3. It must be administered continuously, without interruptions, and with the provision of other food in the trough (such as soybean meal or cornmeal and water ad libitum). In conclusion, although BY is increasingly used in sheep and swine breeding properties – in the south of the State of Rio de Janeiro – many owners use one or more of the suggested prophylactic measures. Hence, ethanol intoxications because of BY are infrequent and rarely cause deaths; therefore, BY can be used provided adequate prophylactic measures are followed.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Considerando-se à prática de utilizar “levedo de cerveja” (LC) – resíduo líquido da indústria cervejeira – na alimentação de animais, em alguns estabelecimentos no sul do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, esse estudo foi realizado para estabelecer as margens de segurança e os quadros epidemiológico e clínico, bem como sugerir medidas profiláticas que impeçam ou minimizem esse tipo de intoxicação alcoólica para ovinos e suínos. Verificou-se que o quadro clínico na intoxicação por ingestão controlada de LC por sonda em ovinos e na intoxicação natural e ingestão espontânea controlada em suínos, caracterizou-se principalmente por andar cambaleante, tropeços e quedas. Concentrações de 3,8 e 8,875mL/kg de etanol contido no LC, causaram quadros clínicos leve a moderado e grave em suínos e ovinos, respectivamente. Como medidas profiláticas sugere-se: diluição adequada do LC com água, soro de leite ou com o LC já estocado na propriedade (LC antigo); administração do LC proporcional ao peso/tamanho dos animais, administração contínua, sem interrupções, disponibilizar outro alimento no cocho, como farelo de soja ou fubá de milho e água à vontade. Conclui-se que apesar de o LC ser cada vez mais utilizado nas propriedades criadoras de ovinos e suínos no sul do Estado do Rio de Janeiro já que, muitos proprietários aplicam uma ou mais medidas profiláticas aqui sugeridas, as intoxicações pelo etanol, contido no LC são pouco frequentes e raramente ocorrem mortes, de forma que esse produto deve ser utilizado, desde que as medidas profiláticas sejam observadas.


#10 - Outbreaks of philophthalmiasis in ostriches (Struthio camelus) in Northeast Brazil

Abstract in English:

This study discusses the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological characteristics of two outbreaks of ocular infection in ostriches (Struthio camelus) caused by the trematode Philophthalmus sp. The outbreaks occurred in the states of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte in Northeast Brazil. Ostrich farming was categorized as semi-intensive farming with free access to the weir and river. The clinical symptoms for infection included nictitating membrane inflammation, epiphora (tearing), eyelid edema, ocular congestion, eyeball destruction, emaciation, and death, and the infection period ranged from 8 to 16 months. Macroscopically, thickening of the eyelids and conjunctiva were observed, with orange parasites infestation. Histologically, the lesions were characterized as lymphoplasmacytic and heterophilic, multifocal to coalescing, moderate, chronic conjunctivitis associated with hyperplasia and ectasia of the Harderian gland, and numerous parasites. The parasites were oval and flattened with an oral suction cup, acetabulum, and thick cuticle containing spicules. The diagnosis of philophthalmiasis was based on epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings associated with the morphological characteristics of the parasites present in the conjunctival sacs which were similar to the trematode Philophthalmus sp. Philophthalmiasis can occur in ostriches raised on urban and rural properties in Northeastern Brazil, probably associated with the contact of birds with contaminated water, and is characterized by severe conjunctivitis that can result in the loss of the eyeball and death of the animals.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Descrevem-se as características epidemiológicas, clínicas e patológicas de dois surtos de infecção ocular pelo trematódeo Philophthalmus sp. em avestruzes ocorridos nos estados do Ceará e Rio Grande do Norte no Nordeste do Brasil. As propriedades tinham em comum, a criação semi-intensiva e livre acesso a açude e rio. Os sinais clínicos incluíam protrusão da membrana nictante, lacrimejamento, edema palpebral, congestão ocular, destruição do globo ocular, emagrecimento e morte. A evolução clínica variou de oito a 16 meses. Macroscopicamente, observou-se espessamento das pálpebras e conjuntivas associado a numerosas estruturas parasitárias alaranjadas. No segundo surto, as lesões eram mais graves e consistiam em perda do globo ocular direito e anexos. Histologicamente, as lesões caracterizavam-se por conjuntivite linfoplasmocítica e heterofílica, multifocal a coalescente, moderada, crônica associada a hiperplasia e ectasia da glândula de Harderian e numerosas estruturas parasitárias. Os parasitas eram ovalados, achatados com ventosa oral e acetábulo e cutícula espessa contendo espículas. O diagnóstico de filoftalmíase foi realizado com base nos achados epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos associadas as características morfológicas dos parasitas presentes nos sacos conjuntivais compatíveis com o trematódeo Philophthalmus sp. A filoftalmíase pode ocorrer em avestruzes criados em propriedades urbanas e rurais no Nordeste do Brasil, provavelmente associado ao contato das aves com água contaminada e caracteriza-se por quadros de conjuntivite grave que pode resultar com a perda do globo ocular e morte dos animais.


Colégio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal SciELO Brasil CAPES CNPQ UNB UFRRJ CFMV