Detection of Pneumocystis in lungs of bats from Brazil by PCR amplification, p.469-473
- Abstracts: English Portuguese
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.
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.
Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) disease in a Brazilian oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus), p.474-478
- Abstracts: English Portuguese
Abstract in English:
ABSTRACT.- Filoni C., Pena H.F.J., Gennari S.M., Cristo D.S., Torres L.N. & Catão-Dias J.L. 2009. Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) disease in a Brazilian oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):373-478. Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: claudiafiloni@triade.org.br
Heartworm disease is caused by the intravascular nematode Dirofilaria immitis, a pathogen of public health importance usually associated to domestic dogs and cats, and to a lesser extend to other mammal species. The oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) is a threatened neotropic felid species that naturally occurs in Brazil. Here, we report the encounter of adult and larval stages of heartworms in a female specimen of L. tigrinus, probable of free-ranging origin, from Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, which died showing clinical signals compatible with heartworm disease. This was the first reported case of D. immitis infection and associated disease in L. tigrinus, also suggesting that the oncilla acted as a definitive host for this parasite. The present findings confirmed D. immitis as a pathogenic agent for this felid species, thus supporting the recommendation for the inclusion of diagnostic testing for this pathogen in routine health screening procedures for captive and free-ranging oncillas in Brazil, especially in those localities where climate conditions support the occurrence of the parasite. Potential reservoirs as oncillas are established beyond the reach of veterinary care, thus representing a continuing risk for domestic animals and humans acquiring heartworm infection. We encourage further serologic and molecular studies aiming to establish D. immitis prevalences in L. tigrinus and other wild carnivores in the region of Ubatuba, as well as ecological and veterinary studies to access the role of this pathogen for the survival of this threatened felid species.
Abstract in Portuguese:
ABSTRACT.- Filoni C., Pena H.F.J., Gennari S.M., Cristo D.S., Torres L.N. & Catão-Dias J.L. 2009. Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) disease in a Brazilian oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):373-478. Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: claudiafiloni@triade.org.br
Heartworm disease is caused by the intravascular nematode Dirofilaria immitis, a pathogen of public health importance usually associated to domestic dogs and cats, and to a lesser extend to other mammal species. The oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) is a threatened neotropic felid species that naturally occurs in Brazil. Here, we report the encounter of adult and larval stages of heartworms in a female specimen of L. tigrinus, probable of free-ranging origin, from Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, which died showing clinical signals compatible with heartworm disease. This was the first reported case of D. immitis infection and associated disease in L. tigrinus, also suggesting that the oncilla acted as a definitive host for this parasite. The present findings confirmed D. immitis as a pathogenic agent for this felid species, thus supporting the recommendation for the inclusion of diagnostic testing for this pathogen in routine health screening procedures for captive and free-ranging oncillas in Brazil, especially in those localities where climate conditions support the occurrence of the parasite. Potential reservoirs as oncillas are established beyond the reach of veterinary care, thus representing a continuing risk for domestic animals and humans acquiring heartworm infection. We encourage further serologic and molecular studies aiming to establish D. immitis prevalences in L. tigrinus and other wild carnivores in the region of Ubatuba, as well as ecological and veterinary studies to access the role of this pathogen for the survival of this threatened felid species.
Perfil eletroforético das proteínas séricas de serpentes Crotalus durissus terrificus (cascavel) criadas em cativeiro, p.457-460
- Abstracts: English Portuguese
Abstract in English:
ABSTRACT.- Fonteque J.H., Kohayagawa A., Takahira R.K., Bianchi E.H., Cherubini A.L., Piccinin A., Bruder E.M. & Ramos P.R.R. 2009. [Serum protein electrophoresis profile of the rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus kept in captivity.] Perfil eletroforético das proteínas séricas de serpentes Crotalus durissus terrificus (cascavel) criadas em cativeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):457-460. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Hospital de Clínica Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Av. Luiz de Camões 2090, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: fonteque@cav.udesc.br
The poisonous snakes of the genera Crotalus and Bothrops have been kept in captivity with the purpose of extracting poison for the production of immunobiological. Knowledge of the physiology of these animals and serum proteins concentration changes are important for early identification of major diseases which lead to states of hypoproteinemia and hyperproteinemia. The objective was to determine the concentration of total protein and serum protein electrophoresis profile of Crotalus durissus terrificus (rattlesnake) in captivity. Blood samples were taken from the ventral coccygeal vein of 21 adult and healthy snakes divided into groups: Group 1 with 12 males, weighing in average 588.89±193.55g, and Group 2 with nine females, weighing in average 708.33±194.04g. The total serum concentration of protein was determined by the method of refractometry and agarose gel electrophoresis. The total protein values in the serum for females was 4.82±0.72, for males 4.51±0.50 and males and females 4.64±0.61, identified by four fractions (g/dL): albumin, a, b and g-globulin. Additionally the albumin/globulin ratio was calculated. The female snakes showed higher values for the variables, albumin and the albumin/globulin (AG) differed significantly (P<0.05) from the group of male snakes, but there was no clinical significance.
Abstract in Portuguese:
ABSTRACT.- Fonteque J.H., Kohayagawa A., Takahira R.K., Bianchi E.H., Cherubini A.L., Piccinin A., Bruder E.M. & Ramos P.R.R. 2009. [Serum protein electrophoresis profile of the rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus kept in captivity.] Perfil eletroforético das proteínas séricas de serpentes Crotalus durissus terrificus (cascavel) criadas em cativeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):457-460. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Hospital de Clínica Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Av. Luiz de Camões 2090, Lages, SC 88520-000, Brazil. E-mail: fonteque@cav.udesc.br
The poisonous snakes of the genera Crotalus and Bothrops have been kept in captivity with the purpose of extracting poison for the production of immunobiological. Knowledge of the physiology of these animals and serum proteins concentration changes are important for early identification of major diseases which lead to states of hypoproteinemia and hyperproteinemia. The objective was to determine the concentration of total protein and serum protein electrophoresis profile of Crotalus durissus terrificus (rattlesnake) in captivity. Blood samples were taken from the ventral coccygeal vein of 21 adult and healthy snakes divided into groups: Group 1 with 12 males, weighing in average 588.89±193.55g, and Group 2 with nine females, weighing in average 708.33±194.04g. The total serum concentration of protein was determined by the method of refractometry and agarose gel electrophoresis. The total protein values in the serum for females was 4.82±0.72, for males 4.51±0.50 and males and females 4.64±0.61, identified by four fractions (g/dL): albumin, a, b and g-globulin. Additionally the albumin/globulin ratio was calculated. The female snakes showed higher values for the variables, albumin and the albumin/globulin (AG) differed significantly (P<0.05) from the group of male snakes, but there was no clinical significance.
Phenotypical characterization of Candida spp. isolated from crop of parrots (Amazona spp.), p.452-456
- Abstracts: English Portuguese
Abstract in English:
ABSTRACT.- Renata G. Vieira R.G. & Acqua Coutinho S.D. 2009. Phenotypical characterization of Candida spp. isolated from crop of parrots (Amazona spp.). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):452-456. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Imunopatologia Veterinária da Universidade Paulista, Rua Agariba 48, São Paulo, SP 05053-010, Brazil. E-mail: selene@uol.com.br
The purpose of this study was to characterize Candida isolates from crop of parrots. Forty baby parrots of genus Amazona, species aestiva and amazonica that were apprehended from wild animal traffic were used: 18 presented ingluvitis and 22 other alterations, but showing general debilitation. Samples were seeded on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol after be obtained by the introduction of urethral probe through the esophagus. Based on morphology and biochemical reactions (API 20C) Candida was confirmed; it was still searched the production of proteinase and phospholipase, virulence factors for Candida species. Candida spp. were isolated from 57.5% parrots, being 72.2% from birds with ingluvitis and 45.5% from without ones. Twenty-five strains of Candida were isolated, 60% and 40%, respectively from parrots with and without ingluvitis, and were speciated: 28% C. humicola, 24% C. parapsilosis, 20% C. guilliermondii, 20% C. famata, and 8% C. albicans. These results demonstrate that C. albicans is not the most frequent species isolated, and it is the first report that shows C. guilliermondii, C. famata, and C. humicola causing infection in parrots. Many isolates presented filamentation (76%), 100% produced proteinase and 68% phospholipase. The observation of Candida spp. producing virulence factors reinforce the pathogenic role of these yeasts in the cases studied.
Abstract in Portuguese:
ABSTRACT.- Renata G. Vieira R.G. & Acqua Coutinho S.D. 2009. Phenotypical characterization of Candida spp. isolated from crop of parrots (Amazona spp.). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):452-456. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Imunopatologia Veterinária da Universidade Paulista, Rua Agariba 48, São Paulo, SP 05053-010, Brazil. E-mail: selene@uol.com.br
The purpose of this study was to characterize Candida isolates from crop of parrots. Forty baby parrots of genus Amazona, species aestiva and amazonica that were apprehended from wild animal traffic were used: 18 presented ingluvitis and 22 other alterations, but showing general debilitation. Samples were seeded on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol after be obtained by the introduction of urethral probe through the esophagus. Based on morphology and biochemical reactions (API 20C) Candida was confirmed; it was still searched the production of proteinase and phospholipase, virulence factors for Candida species. Candida spp. were isolated from 57.5% parrots, being 72.2% from birds with ingluvitis and 45.5% from without ones. Twenty-five strains of Candida were isolated, 60% and 40%, respectively from parrots with and without ingluvitis, and were speciated: 28% C. humicola, 24% C. parapsilosis, 20% C. guilliermondii, 20% C. famata, and 8% C. albicans. These results demonstrate that C. albicans is not the most frequent species isolated, and it is the first report that shows C. guilliermondii, C. famata, and C. humicola causing infection in parrots. Many isolates presented filamentation (76%), 100% produced proteinase and 68% phospholipase. The observation of Candida spp. producing virulence factors reinforce the pathogenic role of these yeasts in the cases studied.
Pneumonia enzoótica em javalis (Sus scrofa), p.461-468
- Abstracts: English Portuguese
Abstract in English:
ABSTRACT.- Ecco R., Lazzari M.A. & Guedes R.M.C. 2009. [Enzootic pneumonia in wild boars (Sus scrofa).] Pneumonia enzoótica em javalis (Sus scrofa). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):461-468. Departamento de Clinica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Cx. Postal 567, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: ecco@vet.ufmg.br
The aim of this paper is to describe the clinical, epidemiological, pathological, bacteriological and immunohistochemical aspects of a pneumonia outbreak in a wild pig farm in the Distrito Federal, Brazil. Ninety wild pigs died in a period of five months, and 63 of these had pulmonary lesions. Clinically, the pigs presented reduced growth rate, anorexia, lethargy, cough and dyspnea, especially after they were moved. High body temperature (40oC in average) was verified in some animals. Auscultation revealed moderate pulmonary crepitation and stertors. Pulmonary gross lesions were typical of lobular bronchopneumonia. Lung lesions were characterized by ventral-cranial consolidation in the majority of the cases. The color of affected pulmonary areas varied from diffuse dark red to mosaic pattern (dark red lobule intercalate by grayish lobule) or diffusely grayish. The majority of the lungs had mucopurulent exsudate in the bronchial lumen that also drained from the parenchyma cut surface. Upon microscopy, the changes were characterized by purulent and histiocytic bronchopneumonia with necrotic foci. In some animals, there was BALT hyperplasia associated with perivascular and peribronchial plasma cells and lymphocytes infiltration in most of these cases. Bordetella bronchiseptica and Streptococcus spp. were the most frequently isolated bacteria. Immunohistochemistry evaluation demonstrated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae on the luminal surface of bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells, and the DNA of bacteria was detected by PCR. This is the first report of bronchopneumonia in wild boars associated with M. hyopneumoniae infection.
Abstract in Portuguese:
ABSTRACT.- Ecco R., Lazzari M.A. & Guedes R.M.C. 2009. [Enzootic pneumonia in wild boars (Sus scrofa).] Pneumonia enzoótica em javalis (Sus scrofa). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):461-468. Departamento de Clinica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Cx. Postal 567, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: ecco@vet.ufmg.br
The aim of this paper is to describe the clinical, epidemiological, pathological, bacteriological and immunohistochemical aspects of a pneumonia outbreak in a wild pig farm in the Distrito Federal, Brazil. Ninety wild pigs died in a period of five months, and 63 of these had pulmonary lesions. Clinically, the pigs presented reduced growth rate, anorexia, lethargy, cough and dyspnea, especially after they were moved. High body temperature (40oC in average) was verified in some animals. Auscultation revealed moderate pulmonary crepitation and stertors. Pulmonary gross lesions were typical of lobular bronchopneumonia. Lung lesions were characterized by ventral-cranial consolidation in the majority of the cases. The color of affected pulmonary areas varied from diffuse dark red to mosaic pattern (dark red lobule intercalate by grayish lobule) or diffusely grayish. The majority of the lungs had mucopurulent exsudate in the bronchial lumen that also drained from the parenchyma cut surface. Upon microscopy, the changes were characterized by purulent and histiocytic bronchopneumonia with necrotic foci. In some animals, there was BALT hyperplasia associated with perivascular and peribronchial plasma cells and lymphocytes infiltration in most of these cases. Bordetella bronchiseptica and Streptococcus spp. were the most frequently isolated bacteria. Immunohistochemistry evaluation demonstrated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae on the luminal surface of bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells, and the DNA of bacteria was detected by PCR. This is the first report of bronchopneumonia in wild boars associated with M. hyopneumoniae infection.
Principais processos neoplásicos encontrados em psitacídeos mantidos em cativeiro, p.445-451
- Abstracts: English Portuguese
Abstract in English:
ABSTRACT.- Godoy S.N., Alves V.A.F., Kanamura C.T. & Matushima E.R. 2009. [Main neoplasic processes in psittacines birds kept in captivity.] Principais processos neoplásicos encontrados em psitacídeos mantidos em cativeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):445-451. Instituto Brasileiro de Meio Ambiente e Recursos Naturais Renováveis, SHIN CA 02, Bloco D, Apto 408, Ed. Spazio Uno, Brasilia, DF 71.503-502, Brazil. E-mail: silng@uol.com.br
An anatomopathologic study of 130 captivy psittacines from zoos, breeders and rehabilitation centers showed the presence of neoplastic disease in seven birds, totalizing 5.4% of the cases. The neoplasms were identified like cholangiocarcinoma, cholangioma, lymphoma, haemangiosarcoma and renal cell carcinoma. The cholangiocarcinoma was the tumor most commonly observed. it was present in birds. This study describes the macro and microscopic findings of these tumors; also reports diagnostic methods employed to identify these neoplasms.
Abstract in Portuguese:
ABSTRACT.- Godoy S.N., Alves V.A.F., Kanamura C.T. & Matushima E.R. 2009. [Main neoplasic processes in psittacines birds kept in captivity.] Principais processos neoplásicos encontrados em psitacídeos mantidos em cativeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):445-451. Instituto Brasileiro de Meio Ambiente e Recursos Naturais Renováveis, SHIN CA 02, Bloco D, Apto 408, Ed. Spazio Uno, Brasilia, DF 71.503-502, Brazil. E-mail: silng@uol.com.br
An anatomopathologic study of 130 captivy psittacines from zoos, breeders and rehabilitation centers showed the presence of neoplastic disease in seven birds, totalizing 5.4% of the cases. The neoplasms were identified like cholangiocarcinoma, cholangioma, lymphoma, haemangiosarcoma and renal cell carcinoma. The cholangiocarcinoma was the tumor most commonly observed. it was present in birds. This study describes the macro and microscopic findings of these tumors; also reports diagnostic methods employed to identify these neoplasms.
