PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

Susceptibility testing is essential to inform the correct management of Aspergillus infections. In this study we present antifungal susceptibility profile of A. fumigatus isolates recovered from lungs of birds with and without aspergillosis. Fifty three isolates were tested for their antifungal susceptibility to voriconazole (VRC), itraconazole (ITZ), amphotericin (AMB) and caspofungin (CSP) using the M38-A2 broth microdilution reference method. Five isolates were resistant to more than one antifungal drug (CSP + AMB, VRC + ITZ and AMB + ITZ). Fifteen (28%) isolates with susceptible increased exposure (I) to ITZ were sensible to VRC. Resistance to AMB (>2μg/mL) was observed in only four isolates. Eleven (21%) A. fumigatus present resistance to ITZ (13%) and VRC (8%). Fungal isolation from respiratory samples has been regarded as being of limited usefulness in the ante mortem diagnosis of aspergillosis in birds. However, the results suggest that the detection and antifungal susceptibility profile may be helpful for monitoring of therapy for avian species and where antifungal resistance might be emerging and what conditions are associated to the event.

• Aspergillus fumigatus antifungal susceptibility isolates birds lungs

Abstract in Portuguese:

Os testes de suscetibilidade são essenciais para informar o correto manejo das infecções por Aspergillus. Neste estudo apresentamos o perfil antifúngico de isolados de A. fumigatus provenientes de pulmões de aves com e sem aspergilose. Cinqüenta e três isolados foram testados quanto à susceptibilidade antifúngica ao voriconazol (VRC), itraconazol (ITZ), anfotericina B (AMB) e caspofungina (CSP) pelo método de referência de microdiluição do caldo M38-A2. Cinco isolados foram resistentes a mais de um antifúngico (CSP + AMB, VRC + ITZ e AMB + ITZ). Quinze (28%) isolados suscetíveis - com exposição aumentada (I) ao ITZ foram sensíveis ao VRC. A resistência ao AMB (>2μg/mL) foi observada em apenas quatro isolados. Onze (21%) A. fumigatus apresentaram resistência a ITZ (13%) e VRC (8%). O isolamento de fungos de amostras respiratórias tem sido considerado de utilidade limitada no diagnóstico ante mortem de aspergilose em aves. No entanto, os resultados sugerem que a detecção e o perfil de suscetibilidade a antifúngicos podem ser úteis para o monitoramento da terapia de espécies aviárias, assim como a emergência da resistência antifúngica e quais condições podem estar associadas ao evento.

• Aspergillus fumigatus antifúngicos suscetibilidade isolados aves pulmões

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Casagrande R.A., Machado G., Guerra P.R., Castro L.A., Spanamberg A., Silva S.C., Cardoso M.R.I. & Driemeier D. 2017. [Pathological and bacteriological characterization on broilers totally condemned due to colibacillosis under the control of the Federal Inspection Service.] Caracterização anatomopatológica e bacteriológica em frangos de corte condenados totalmente por colibacilose sob Serviço de Inspeção Federal. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 37(9):949-957. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Colibacillosis is the main infectious cause of total carcass condemnation in broilers in southern Brazil. This study aims to determine the degree of agreement between the total carcass condemnation for colibacillosis in broilers slaughtered in establishments under Federal Inspection Service (SIF) with the pathological and bacteriological diagnosis. The study was conducted with 45 broilers totally condemned by colibacillosis (case) and theirs 45 respective controls (chickens without lesions). All broilers condemned had gross lesions and the controls had not. The Kappa-Cohen’s test showed that these two variables had almost perfect agreement. Broilers condemned showed lesions in liver (27/45); liver and air sacs (11/45); liver and heart (2/45); liver, heart and air sacs (2/45); liver, air sacs and oviduct (1/45); liver, air sacs, heart and subcutaneous (1/45); and liver, air sacs, oviduct and spleen (1/45). There is almost perfect agreement between carcass condemnation and liver damage. Histologically, in 41 cases and 12 controls were observed lesions, the most frequent diagnoses were random necrotizing hepatitis, fibrinous-heterophilic bronchitis, acute pericarditis and lymphoplasmacytic tracheitis. In hepatitis cases was isolated Escherichia coli, Enterococcus sp. and Streptococcus sp. (10/38) and in bronchitis or bronchopneumonia E. coli and coagulase positive Staphylococcus (9/14). The polymerse chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests for Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M. synoviae were negative. In cases of total carcass condemnation by Colibacillosis the liver was the main organ affected. Therefore, the condemnation criteria should be revised, suggesting conviction for hepatitis in these cases, because other bacteria can cause hepatitis, as demonstrated in this study.

• Broiler colibacilosis condemnation poutry frangos de corte colibacilose condenação ave

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Casagrande R.A., Machado G., Guerra P.R., Castro L.A., Spanamberg A., Silva S.C., Cardoso M.R.I. & Driemeier D. 2017. [Pathological and bacteriological characterization on broilers totally condemned due to colibacillosis under the control of the Federal Inspection Service.] Caracterização anatomopatológica e bacteriológica em frangos de corte condenados totalmente por colibacilose sob Serviço de Inspeção Federal. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 37(9):949-957. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Bairro Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br A colibacilose é a principal causa infecciosa de condenação total de carcaça em frangos de corte no sul do Brasil. Esse trabalho tem por objetivo determinar o grau de concordância entre a condenação total por colibacilose de frangos de corte abatidos em estabelecimento sob Serviço de Inspeção Federal (SIF) com o diagnóstico anatomopatológico e bacteriológico. O estudo foi realizado com 45 frangos de corte condenados totalmente por colibacilose (caso) e seus respectivos 45 controles (frangos sem lesões). Em todos os frangos condenados pelo SIF havia lesões macroscópicas e, nos controles não se observou. Através do teste Kappa-Cohen´s essas duas variáveis apresentaram concordância quase perfeita. As aves condenadas apresentaram lesões em fígado (27/45); em fígado e sacos aéreos (11/45); em fígado e coração (2/45); fígado, sacos aéreos e coração (2/45); fígado, sacos aéreos e oviduto (1/45); fígado, sacos aéreos, coração e tecido subcutâneo (1/45); e fígado, sacos aéreos, oviduto e baço (1/45). Observou-se concordância quase perfeita entre condenação e lesão hepática. Histologicamente, em 41 casos e 12 controles observaram-se lesões, sendo os mais frequentes hepatite necrosante aleatória, bronquite fibrino-heterofílica, pericardite aguda e traqueíte linfoplasmocitária. Nas aves com hepatite identificou-se E. coli, Enterococcus sp. e Streptococcus sp. (10/38) e, nas aves com bronquite ou broncopneumonia isolou-se Escherichia coli e Staphylococcus coagulase positiva (9/14). O PCR em tempo real e a imuno-histoquímica para Mycoplasma gallisepticum e M. synoviae foram negativos. Nos casos de condenação total por colibacilose o fígado foi o principal órgão acometido, portanto, o critério de condenação deveria ser revisto, sugerindo condenação por hepatite nesses casos, já que outras bactérias podem causar hepatite, como foi demonstrado nesse estudo.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Spanamberg A., Ferreiro L., Machado G., Fraga C.F. & Araujo R. 2016. Identification and characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates from broilers. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 36(7):591-594. Laboratório de Micologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: spanamberg.ad@gmail.com Aspergillosis is one of the main causes of mortality in birds. The pulmonary system is most frequently affected, with lesions observed in the air sacs and lungs of a wide variety of bird species. The aim of this study was to confirm by molecular methods the identification and the genetic diversity of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates of lung’s samples from healthy broilers (Galus galus domesticus). Forty-four (9.5%) isolates of lung’s samples were confirmed as A. fumigatus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) multiplex (amplification of β-tub and rodA gene fragments). Microsatellite typing for A. fumigatus was used to analyse all avian isolates. Among them, 40 genotypes (90.9%) were observed only one time. The results showed a high variability and multiple genotypes of de A. fumigatus collected from lung’s samples of broilers.

• Aspergillus fumigatus genotyping genotipagem

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Spanamberg A., Ferreiro L., Machado G., Fraga C.F. & Araujo R. 2016. Identification and characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates from broilers. [Identificação e caracterização de Aspergillus fumigatus isolados de frangos de corte. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 36(7):591-594. Laboratório de Micologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: spanamberg.ad@gmail.com Aspergilose é uma das principais causas de mortalidade em aves. O sistema pulmonar de uma grande variedade de espécies de aves é o mais frequentemente afetado, com lesões nos sacos aéreos e pulmões. Objetivou-se confirmar por métodos moleculares a identificação e a diversidade genética de Aspergillus fumigatus isolados de amostras pulmonares de frangos de corte sadios (Galus galus domesticus). Quarenta e quatro (9,5%) isolados foram confirmados como A. fumigatus através de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) multiplex (amplificação de fragmentos dos genes β-tub e rodA). Todos isolados foram tipificados, sendo quarenta (90,9%) observados apenas uma vez. Os resultados mostram uma alta variabilidade e múltiplos genótipos de A. fumigatus obtidos de amostras pulmonares de frangos, de corte.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Spanamberg A., Machado G., Casagrande R.A., Sales G.M., Fraga C.F., Corbellini L.G., Driemeier D. & Ferreiro L. 2013. Aspergillus fumigatus from normal and condemned carcasses with airsacculitis in commercial poultry. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 33(9):1071-1075. Laboratório de Micologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: andreiaspanamberg@yahoo.com.br Carcass inspection is important for the detection of certain diseases and for monitoring their prevalence in slaughterhouses. The objective of this study was to assess the occurrence of aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in commercial poultry, through mycological and histopathological diagnosis, and to verify the causal association between the aspergillosis diagnosis criteria and condemnation due to airsacculitis in broilers through a case-control study. The study was carried out with 380 samples. Lungs were collected from broilers that were condemned (95) or not condemned (285) due to airsacculitis directly from the slaughter line. Forty-six (12%) lung samples were positive for A. fumigatus in mycological culture. Among all samples, 177 (46.6%) presented histopathological alterations, with necrotic, fibrinous, heterophilic pneumonia; heterophilic pneumonia and lymphoid hyperplasia being the most frequent. Out of the 380 lungs analyzed, 65.2% (30) showed histopathological alterations and isolation of fungi. The statistical analysis (McNemar’s chi-square test) indicated a significant association between the presence of histopathological lesions and the isolation of A. fumigatus. Mycological cultivation and histopathological diagnosis increase the probability of detecting pulmonary alterations in birds condemned by the Final Inspection System, which suggests that such diagnostic criteria can improve the assessment and condemnation of birds affected by airsacculitis.

• Aspergillosis Aspergillus fumigatus airsacculitis aspergilose aerossaculite

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Spanamberg A., Machado G., Casagrande R.A., Sales G.M., Fraga C.F., Corbellini L.G., Driemeier D. & Ferreiro L. 2013. Aspergillus fumigatus from normal and condemned carcasses with airsacculitis in commercial poultry. [Pesquisa de Aspergillus fumigatus em carcaças de frango de corte normais e condenadas por aerossaculite.] Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 33(9):1071-1075. Laboratório de Micologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: andreiaspanamberg@yahoo.com.br Nos abatedouros, a inspeção das carcaças é fundamental para a detecção e monitoramento da prevalência de certas doenças. Os objetivos do trabalho foram avaliar a ocorrência de aspergilose causada por Aspergillus fumigatus em aves comerciais através do diagnóstico micológico e histopatológico e verificar a possibilidade de associação causal entre os critérios de diagnóstico de aspergilose e condenação por aerossaculite em frangos de corte através de um estudo de caso-controle. O estudo foi realizado com 380 amostras. Foram coletados pulmões de frangos condenados (95) e não condenados (285) por aerossaculite, diretamente na linha de abate de um frigorífico. Quarenta e seis (12%) amostras de pulmão foram positivas na cultura micológica. Do total de amostras, 177 (46,6%) apresentaram alterações histopatológicas, sendo os mais frequentes pneumonia fibrinoheterofílica necrótica, pneumonia heterofílica e hiperplasia linfóide. Do total de 380 pulmões analisados, 65,2% (30) apresentaram alterações histopatológicas e isolamento fúngico. A relação entre a presença de lesões histopatológicas e isolamento de A. fumigatus testada por McNemar indicou que houve associação significativa entre a presença de alterações histopatológicas e o isolamento de A. fumigatus. O cultivo micológico e o exame histopatológico aumentam as chances de se detectar alterações pulmonares em aves condenadas pelo Sistema de Inspeção Final do que nas aves normais, sugerindo que tais critérios de diagnóstico são eficazes para aprimorar a avaliação e condenação de aves por aerossaculite.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Cavallini Sanches E.M., Pacheco S.M., Cericatto A.S., Melo R.M., Colodel E.M., Hummel J., Bianchi S.P., Spanamberg A., Santurio J.M. & Ferreiro L. 2009. Detection of Pneumocystis in lungs of bats from Brazil by PCR amplification. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):469-473. Setor de Micologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 90540-000, Brazil. E-mail: cavallini.sanches@ufrgs.br Pneumocystis has been isolated from a wide range of unrelated mammalian hosts, including humans, domestic and wild animals. It has been demonstrated that the genome of Pneumocystis of one host differs markedly from that of other hosts. Also, variation in the chromosome and DNA sequence of Pneumocystis within a single host species has been observed. Since information about the occurrence and nature of infections in wild animals is still limited, the objective of this work was to detect the presence of Pneumocystis sp. in lungs of bats from two states from Brazil by Nested-PCR amplification. The bats, captured in caves and in urban areas, were obtained from the Program of Rabies Control of two States in Brazil, Mato Grosso and Rio Grande do Sul, located in the Mid-Western and Southern regions of the country, respectively. DNAs were extracted from 102 lung tissues and screened for Pneumocystis by nested PCR at the mtLSU rRNA gene and small subunit of mitochondrial ribosomal RNA (mtSSU rRNA). Gene amplification was performed using the mtLSU rRNA, the primer set pAZ102H - pAZ102E and pAZ102X - pAZY, and the mtSSU rRNA primer set pAZ102 10FRI - pAZ102 10R-RI and pAZ102 13RI - pAZ102 14RI. The most frequent bats were Tadarida brasiliensis (25), Desmodus rotundus (20), and Nyctinomops laticaudatus (19). Pneumocystis was more prevalent in the species Nyctinomops laticaudatus (26.3% = 5/19), Tadarida brasiliensis (24% = 6/25), and Desmodus rotundus (20% = 4/20). Besides these species, Pneumocystis also was detected in lungs from Molossus molossus (1/11, 9.1%), Artibeus fimbriatus (1/1, 100%), Sturnira lilium (1/3, 33.3%), Myotis levis (2/3, 66.7%) and Diphylla ecaudata (1/2, 50%). PCR products which could indicate the presence of Pneumocystis (21.56%) were identified in DNA samples obtained from 8 out of 16 classified species from both states (5 bats were not identified). This is the first report of detection of Pneumocystis in bats from Brazil.

• Pneumocystis sp. bats Nested-PCR

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Cavallini Sanches E.M., Pacheco S.M., Cericatto A.S., Melo R.M., Colodel E.M., Hummel J., Bianchi S.P., Spanamberg A., Santurio J.M. & Ferreiro L. 2009. Detection of Pneumocystis in lungs of bats from Brazil by PCR amplification. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):469-473. Setor de Micologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 90540-000, Brazil. E-mail: cavallini.sanches@ufrgs.br Pneumocystis has been isolated from a wide range of unrelated mammalian hosts, including humans, domestic and wild animals. It has been demonstrated that the genome of Pneumocystis of one host differs markedly from that of other hosts. Also, variation in the chromosome and DNA sequence of Pneumocystis within a single host species has been observed. Since information about the occurrence and nature of infections in wild animals is still limited, the objective of this work was to detect the presence of Pneumocystis sp. in lungs of bats from two states from Brazil by Nested-PCR amplification. The bats, captured in caves and in urban areas, were obtained from the Program of Rabies Control of two States in Brazil, Mato Grosso and Rio Grande do Sul, located in the Mid-Western and Southern regions of the country, respectively. DNAs were extracted from 102 lung tissues and screened for Pneumocystis by nested PCR at the mtLSU rRNA gene and small subunit of mitochondrial ribosomal RNA (mtSSU rRNA). Gene amplification was performed using the mtLSU rRNA, the primer set pAZ102H - pAZ102E and pAZ102X - pAZY, and the mtSSU rRNA primer set pAZ102 10FRI - pAZ102 10R-RI and pAZ102 13RI - pAZ102 14RI. The most frequent bats were Tadarida brasiliensis (25), Desmodus rotundus (20), and Nyctinomops laticaudatus (19). Pneumocystis was more prevalent in the species Nyctinomops laticaudatus (26.3% = 5/19), Tadarida brasiliensis (24% = 6/25), and Desmodus rotundus (20% = 4/20). Besides these species, Pneumocystis also was detected in lungs from Molossus molossus (1/11, 9.1%), Artibeus fimbriatus (1/1, 100%), Sturnira lilium (1/3, 33.3%), Myotis levis (2/3, 66.7%) and Diphylla ecaudata (1/2, 50%). PCR products which could indicate the presence of Pneumocystis (21.56%) were identified in DNA samples obtained from 8 out of 16 classified species from both states (5 bats were not identified). This is the first report of detection of Pneumocystis in bats from Brazil.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Bezerra Jr P.S., Santos A.S., Bandarra P.M., Pedroso P.M.O., Pavarini, S.P., Spanamberg A., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Experimental poisoning by Aspergillus clavatus in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Aspergillus clavatus em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):205-210. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br This paper describes the experimental reproduction of a neurological condition in sheep by the administration of a beer by-product contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus. Samples of this by-product, in which pure cultures of A. clavatus grew, originated from two farms where outbreaks of A. clavatus poisoning in cattle had occurred. The onset of symptomatology was 2 to 6 days after dosage with the contaminated beer by-product or pure A. clavatus culture. The clinical course lasted from one and a half to 12 days. Clinical signs were predominantly of locomotor and respiratory nature and included muscle tremors, hyperesthesia, and progressive tachypnea, rigidity of the pelvic limbs, posterior weakness, and recumbency. One sheep also showed occasional knuckling of fetlocks of the hind limbs. Gait abnormalities and tremors were more pronounced after exercise. In 6 of 7 sheep, appetite and dypsia were maintained until close to death or euthanasia. The main histological findings consisted of chromatolytic neuronal degeneration and necrosis in selected nuclei of the brain stem, the ventral horn of the spinal cord and the spinal, trigeminal, stellate and celiac ganglions. Three sheep also presented slight degenerative and necrotic changes in muscles of the pelvic and thoracic limbs.

• Aspergillus clavatus sheep beer by-product poisoning neuronal chromatolysis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Bezerra Jr P.S., Santos A.S., Bandarra P.M., Pedroso P.M.O., Pavarini, S.P., Spanamberg A., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Experimental poisoning by Aspergillus clavatus in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Aspergillus clavatus em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):205-210. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br This paper describes the experimental reproduction of a neurological condition in sheep by the administration of a beer by-product contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus. Samples of this by-product, in which pure cultures of A. clavatus grew, originated from two farms where outbreaks of A. clavatus poisoning in cattle had occurred. The onset of symptomatology was 2 to 6 days after dosage with the contaminated beer by-product or pure A. clavatus culture. The clinical course lasted from one and a half to 12 days. Clinical signs were predominantly of locomotor and respiratory nature and included muscle tremors, hyperesthesia, and progressive tachypnea, rigidity of the pelvic limbs, posterior weakness, and recumbency. One sheep also showed occasional knuckling of fetlocks of the hind limbs. Gait abnormalities and tremors were more pronounced after exercise. In 6 of 7 sheep, appetite and dypsia were maintained until close to death or euthanasia. The main histological findings consisted of chromatolytic neuronal degeneration and necrosis in selected nuclei of the brain stem, the ventral horn of the spinal cord and the spinal, trigeminal, stellate and celiac ganglions. Three sheep also presented slight degenerative and necrotic changes in muscles of the pelvic and thoracic limbs.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Bezerra Jr P.S., Raymundo D.L., Spanamberg A., Corrêa A.M.R., Bangel Jr J.J., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Neurotoxicosis in cattle associated with consumption of beer residues contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus.] Neurotoxicose em bovinos associada ao consumo de bagaço de malte contaminado por Aspergillus clavatus. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):220-228. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: bezerraj@ufla.br Two outbreaks of a neurological disease affecting herds of dairy cattle that were fed moldy beer residues contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus in the county of Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, are described. The morbidity of both outbreaks was 30% and the lethality 50% and 100%. The clinical course varied from 5 to 64 days. Only one of the animals that recovered from the disease remained with slight locomotor sequels. Clinical signs were predominantly locomotor and included muscle tremors of varied intensity, hyperesthesia and progressive posterior ataxia, paresis and paralysis with knuckling of fetlocks of the hind limbs. Gait abnormalities were more pronounced after exercises which in general led to falling down. There was also reduced milk production, but appetite and water intake were maintained until close to death or euthanasia. From five cattle necropsied, two showed macroscopic lesions characterized by necrotic changes and mineralization in pelvic muscles and thoracic limbs. The main histological findings consisted of chromatolytic neuronal degeneration and necrosis in selected nuclei of the brain stem, the ventral horn of the spinal cord, and of the trigeminal, stellate celiac and spinal ganglions. In two cattle there was wallerian degeneration in dorsal funiculi of the spinal cord and ischiadic and fibular nerves. The diagnosis was based on epidemiological data, clinical signs, necropsy findings, histological lesions and mycological examination. Epidemiologic, clinical and pathologic aspects, pathogenetic mechanisms and differential diagnoses are discussed.

• Aspergillus clavatus cattle beer residues neurotoxicosis chromatolysis neuronal

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Bezerra Jr P.S., Raymundo D.L., Spanamberg A., Corrêa A.M.R., Bangel Jr J.J., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Neurotoxicosis in cattle associated with consumption of beer residues contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus.] Neurotoxicose em bovinos associada ao consumo de bagaço de malte contaminado por Aspergillus clavatus. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):220-228. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: bezerraj@ufla.br Two outbreaks of a neurological disease affecting herds of dairy cattle that were fed moldy beer residues contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus in the county of Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, are described. The morbidity of both outbreaks was 30% and the lethality 50% and 100%. The clinical course varied from 5 to 64 days. Only one of the animals that recovered from the disease remained with slight locomotor sequels. Clinical signs were predominantly locomotor and included muscle tremors of varied intensity, hyperesthesia and progressive posterior ataxia, paresis and paralysis with knuckling of fetlocks of the hind limbs. Gait abnormalities were more pronounced after exercises which in general led to falling down. There was also reduced milk production, but appetite and water intake were maintained until close to death or euthanasia. From five cattle necropsied, two showed macroscopic lesions characterized by necrotic changes and mineralization in pelvic muscles and thoracic limbs. The main histological findings consisted of chromatolytic neuronal degeneration and necrosis in selected nuclei of the brain stem, the ventral horn of the spinal cord, and of the trigeminal, stellate celiac and spinal ganglions. In two cattle there was wallerian degeneration in dorsal funiculi of the spinal cord and ischiadic and fibular nerves. The diagnosis was based on epidemiological data, clinical signs, necropsy findings, histological lesions and mycological examination. Epidemiologic, clinical and pathologic aspects, pathogenetic mechanisms and differential diagnoses are discussed.