PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

Zafalon L.F., Nader Filho A., Oliveira J.V. & Resende F.D. 2005. [Electrical conductivity and chloride concentration of milk as auxiliary diagnostic methods in bovine subclinical mastitis.] Comportamento da condutividade elétrica e do conteúdo de cloretos do leite como métodos auxiliares de diagnóstico na mastite subclínica bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):159-163. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, FACVJ, Unesp - Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/no, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: zafalon@iz.sp.gov.br Electrical conductivity measured by a hand-held meter and chloride concentration of milk were studied as auxiliary methods for diagnosis of bovine subclinical mastitis in the identification of affected mammary quarters where Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium sp were later isolated. Tests were made during 2 years in Holstein cows of a dairy farm producing type C milk, where milking was performed once a day. Sensitivities of electrical conductivity and chloride concentration tests from mammary quarters, where Corynebacterium sp was isolated (65.3% and 78.3%, respectively), were superior to the found in mammary quarters where S. aureus was identified (55.4% and 68.2%, respectively). The efficacies of the two diagnostic tests were similar. Statistical significance was demonstrated with regression analysis of both tests of healthy mammary quarters and subclinical mastitis quarters infected with Staphylococcus aureus.

• Bovine subclinical mastitis electric conductivity chloride level Staphylococcus aureus Corynebacterium sp.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Zafalon L.F., Nader Filho A., Oliveira J.V. & Resende F.D. 2005. [Electrical conductivity and chloride concentration of milk as auxiliary diagnostic methods in bovine subclinical mastitis.] Comportamento da condutividade elétrica e do conteúdo de cloretos do leite como métodos auxiliares de diagnóstico na mastite subclínica bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):159-163. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, FACVJ, Unesp - Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/no, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: zafalon@iz.sp.gov.br Electrical conductivity measured by a hand-held meter and chloride concentration of milk were studied as auxiliary methods for diagnosis of bovine subclinical mastitis in the identification of affected mammary quarters where Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium sp were later isolated. Tests were made during 2 years in Holstein cows of a dairy farm producing type C milk, where milking was performed once a day. Sensitivities of electrical conductivity and chloride concentration tests from mammary quarters, where Corynebacterium sp was isolated (65.3% and 78.3%, respectively), were superior to the found in mammary quarters where S. aureus was identified (55.4% and 68.2%, respectively). The efficacies of the two diagnostic tests were similar. Statistical significance was demonstrated with regression analysis of both tests of healthy mammary quarters and subclinical mastitis quarters infected with Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract in English:

Rech R.R., Schild A.L., Driemeier D., Garmatz S.L., Oliveira F.N., Riet-Correa F. & Barros C.S.L. 2005. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e patologia. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):97-105. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br The epidemiology, clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings in cases of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) occurring in cattle from 15 farms in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 1973 to 2003, are described. In 9 instances (60%) the disease occurred as sporadic cases affecting 1-3 cattle whereas in six farms (40%) MCF occurred as epizootics involving several cattle in each affected herd. Morbidity rates ranged from 2.4% to 20% and lethality rates were 83.3% and 100%. Cattle of all ages and both sexes were affected. Where the information was available (9 farms) sheep were in contact with affected cattle and cases of MCF occurred more frequently in spring and summer. Clinical courses were acute or subacute and clinical signs included fever, nasal and ocular discharges, conjunctivitis, drooling, hematuria, necrosis and blunting of buccal papillae, enlargement of lymph nodes, diarrhea and neurological disturbances. Necropsy findings included opaque corneas, reddening, erosions and ulcerations in several mucous membranes of the alimentary, respiratory and urogenital tracts, and the conjunctiva; enlargement and haemorrhage of lymph nodes and multiple white foci in the renal cortices and in the hepatic portal triads. Crustous dermatitis was observed in some cases. Main histopathological findings included vasculitis, necrosis of the surface epithelia and accumulation of inflammatory cells in several organs. Vasculitis were associated with fibrinoid necrosis of the medial layer of arteries and inflammatory cells included lymphoblasts, lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages.

• Infectious diseases epidemiology viral diseases diseases of cattle pathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Rech R.R., Schild A.L., Driemeier D., Garmatz S.L., Oliveira F.N., Riet-Correa F. & Barros C.S.L. 2005. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e patologia. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):97-105. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br The epidemiology, clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings in cases of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) occurring in cattle from 15 farms in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 1973 to 2003, are described. In 9 instances (60%) the disease occurred as sporadic cases affecting 1-3 cattle whereas in six farms (40%) MCF occurred as epizootics involving several cattle in each affected herd. Morbidity rates ranged from 2.4% to 20% and lethality rates were 83.3% and 100%. Cattle of all ages and both sexes were affected. Where the information was available (9 farms) sheep were in contact with affected cattle and cases of MCF occurred more frequently in spring and summer. Clinical courses were acute or subacute and clinical signs included fever, nasal and ocular discharges, conjunctivitis, drooling, hematuria, necrosis and blunting of buccal papillae, enlargement of lymph nodes, diarrhea and neurological disturbances. Necropsy findings included opaque corneas, reddening, erosions and ulcerations in several mucous membranes of the alimentary, respiratory and urogenital tracts, and the conjunctiva; enlargement and haemorrhage of lymph nodes and multiple white foci in the renal cortices and in the hepatic portal triads. Crustous dermatitis was observed in some cases. Main histopathological findings included vasculitis, necrosis of the surface epithelia and accumulation of inflammatory cells in several organs. Vasculitis were associated with fibrinoid necrosis of the medial layer of arteries and inflammatory cells included lymphoblasts, lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages.

Abstract in English:

Amorim S.L., Oliveira A.C.P., Riet-Correa F., Simões S.V.D., Medeiros R.M.T. & Clementino I.J. 2005. [Nutritional muscular dystrophy in sheep in Paraíba.] Distrofia muscular nutricional em ovinos na Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):120-124. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, UFCG, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br An outbreak of nutritional muscular dystrophy is reported in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil affecting 3-4 months old Dorper sheep. The animals, weighing 30-40 kg, were fed ad libitum with milk, concentrated ration, Tifton hay, and a mineral mixture. Six out of 70 lambs were affected and died in the first 48 hours after the onset of the outbreak. Clinical signs were fever of 40-41ºC, incoordination followed by paralysis and recumbence, depression, prostration with decreased pupillary and corneal reflexes, decreased tonus of the tongue and maxilla, salivation, submaxillar edema, and increased cardiac and respiratory rates. Death occurred after a clinical manifestation period of 6-12 hours. At necropsy of three animals, skeletal muscles were pale, the liver was yellowish and enlarged, the parotid, submaxillary, retropharyngeal, prescapular and mediastinal lymph nodes were enlarged with red surface, and red areas were observed on the lung surface. On histology, segmental muscular necrosis was observed in all skeletal muscles examined. The liver had centrilobular fatty degeneration, and congestion was observed in the lung and lymph nodes. From 48-96 hours after the begin of the outbreak, another 3 animals were affected. They were treated with Vitamin A, E and D complex; two of them died and one survived. On the same farm, a flock of 20 Santa Inês sheep of the same age as the affected animals, fed with the same food, but no milk, and another 900 sheep of different ages were not affected. The over nutrition of sheep with fast growing rates, and the stress caused by two days of water restriction to improve milk consumption had been predisposing factors for the occurrence of the disease. It is also possible that some of the minerals supplemented interfered with selenium availability.

• Nutritional muscular dystrophy muscular segmental necrosis selenium and vitamine E deficiency sheep.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Amorim S.L., Oliveira A.C.P., Riet-Correa F., Simões S.V.D., Medeiros R.M.T. & Clementino I.J. 2005. [Nutritional muscular dystrophy in sheep in Paraíba.] Distrofia muscular nutricional em ovinos na Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):120-124. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, UFCG, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br An outbreak of nutritional muscular dystrophy is reported in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil affecting 3-4 months old Dorper sheep. The animals, weighing 30-40 kg, were fed ad libitum with milk, concentrated ration, Tifton hay, and a mineral mixture. Six out of 70 lambs were affected and died in the first 48 hours after the onset of the outbreak. Clinical signs were fever of 40-41ºC, incoordination followed by paralysis and recumbence, depression, prostration with decreased pupillary and corneal reflexes, decreased tonus of the tongue and maxilla, salivation, submaxillar edema, and increased cardiac and respiratory rates. Death occurred after a clinical manifestation period of 6-12 hours. At necropsy of three animals, skeletal muscles were pale, the liver was yellowish and enlarged, the parotid, submaxillary, retropharyngeal, prescapular and mediastinal lymph nodes were enlarged with red surface, and red areas were observed on the lung surface. On histology, segmental muscular necrosis was observed in all skeletal muscles examined. The liver had centrilobular fatty degeneration, and congestion was observed in the lung and lymph nodes. From 48-96 hours after the begin of the outbreak, another 3 animals were affected. They were treated with Vitamin A, E and D complex; two of them died and one survived. On the same farm, a flock of 20 Santa Inês sheep of the same age as the affected animals, fed with the same food, but no milk, and another 900 sheep of different ages were not affected. The over nutrition of sheep with fast growing rates, and the stress caused by two days of water restriction to improve milk consumption had been predisposing factors for the occurrence of the disease. It is also possible that some of the minerals supplemented interfered with selenium availability.

Abstract in English:

Riet-Correa G., Terra F.F., Schild A.L., Riet-Correa F. & Barros S.S. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):91-96. Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Campus de Castanhal, UFPA, Castanhal, PA 68740-080, Brazil. E-mail: griet@ufpa.br Cardiac fibrosis was observed in a calf showing dullness, weakening and respiratory insufficiency in a farm in the state of São Paulo, where cardiac insufficiency, abortion and nervous signs in cattle were associated with the ingestion of Tetrapterys multiglandulosa. The objectives of this paper were to determine the susceptibility of sheep to the intoxication by T. multiglandulosa, to describe the clinical and pathological characteristics of the intoxication, and to evaluate the possibility of using sheep as an experimental species for toxicological studies with this plant. In a previous experiment to determine the toxicity of T. multiglandulosa to be used in sheep, the green plant was given to a steer at the dose of 22g per kg body weight (g/kg/bw), daily, during 9 days. After 9 days the steer showed nervous signs, and on the 12thday was euthanatized. No gross lesions were observed at necropsy. Status spongiosus was observed on the deeper layers of the cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter. Six male sheep were divided in three groups of two sheep each. Group 1 (Sheep 1 and 2) received daily doses of 6 g/kg/bw of the dry plant, during 30 days; Group 2 (Sheep 3 and 4) received daily doses of 3 g/kg/bw, during 60 days; and Group 3 was the control group. Sheep 1 was euthanatized 30 days after the start of the ingestion. Only cardiac arrhythmia was observed clinically, and no lesions were observed at necropsy. Sheep 2, 3 and 4 had also cardiac arrhythmia from day 9, 12 and 18, respectively. From day 52 they started to show depression, reluctance to move and incoordination. Clinical signs got gradually worst and the sheep were euthanatized on days 60, 70 and 80, when clinical signs were marked, and the animals will die at any moment. Hydrothorax, hydropericardium, ascites, nutmeg appearance of the liver and hard whitish myocardium, mainly in the interventricular septum and left ventricle, were observed at necropsy. Histologically, the heart of Sheep 2, 3 and 4 had areas of fibrosis associated with mononuclear cell infiltration. No lesions were found in the heart of Sheep 1. The 4 treated sheep had status spongiosus in different areas of the cerebrum and brain stem, mainly of the deep layers of the cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter. Status spongiosus were also observed in the cerebellar white matter and cervical medulla. In the later the vacuolization was moderate in the white matter and mild in the grey matter. Status spongiosus were mild in Sheep 1 and moderate to severe in Sheep 2, 3 and 4. On electron microscopy it was observed that the status spongiosus is due to an intramyelinic edema. No gross or histologic lesions were observed on the two control sheep, which were euthanized on day 80 after the start of the experiment.

• etrapterys multiglandulosa Malpighiaceae cardiac fibrosis status spongiosus nervous system sheep.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Riet-Correa G., Terra F.F., Schild A.L., Riet-Correa F. & Barros S.S. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):91-96. Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Campus de Castanhal, UFPA, Castanhal, PA 68740-080, Brazil. E-mail: griet@ufpa.br Cardiac fibrosis was observed in a calf showing dullness, weakening and respiratory insufficiency in a farm in the state of São Paulo, where cardiac insufficiency, abortion and nervous signs in cattle were associated with the ingestion of Tetrapterys multiglandulosa. The objectives of this paper were to determine the susceptibility of sheep to the intoxication by T. multiglandulosa, to describe the clinical and pathological characteristics of the intoxication, and to evaluate the possibility of using sheep as an experimental species for toxicological studies with this plant. In a previous experiment to determine the toxicity of T. multiglandulosa to be used in sheep, the green plant was given to a steer at the dose of 22g per kg body weight (g/kg/bw), daily, during 9 days. After 9 days the steer showed nervous signs, and on the 12thday was euthanatized. No gross lesions were observed at necropsy. Status spongiosus was observed on the deeper layers of the cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter. Six male sheep were divided in three groups of two sheep each. Group 1 (Sheep 1 and 2) received daily doses of 6 g/kg/bw of the dry plant, during 30 days; Group 2 (Sheep 3 and 4) received daily doses of 3 g/kg/bw, during 60 days; and Group 3 was the control group. Sheep 1 was euthanatized 30 days after the start of the ingestion. Only cardiac arrhythmia was observed clinically, and no lesions were observed at necropsy. Sheep 2, 3 and 4 had also cardiac arrhythmia from day 9, 12 and 18, respectively. From day 52 they started to show depression, reluctance to move and incoordination. Clinical signs got gradually worst and the sheep were euthanatized on days 60, 70 and 80, when clinical signs were marked, and the animals will die at any moment. Hydrothorax, hydropericardium, ascites, nutmeg appearance of the liver and hard whitish myocardium, mainly in the interventricular septum and left ventricle, were observed at necropsy. Histologically, the heart of Sheep 2, 3 and 4 had areas of fibrosis associated with mononuclear cell infiltration. No lesions were found in the heart of Sheep 1. The 4 treated sheep had status spongiosus in different areas of the cerebrum and brain stem, mainly of the deep layers of the cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter. Status spongiosus were also observed in the cerebellar white matter and cervical medulla. In the later the vacuolization was moderate in the white matter and mild in the grey matter. Status spongiosus were mild in Sheep 1 and moderate to severe in Sheep 2, 3 and 4. On electron microscopy it was observed that the status spongiosus is due to an intramyelinic edema. No gross or histologic lesions were observed on the two control sheep, which were euthanized on day 80 after the start of the experiment.

Abstract in English:

Simionatto S., Vaz E.K., Michelon A., Seixas F.K., Dellagostin O.A. 2005. [Development and evaluation of new strategies for immunization against swine colibacillosis.] Desenvolvimento e avaliação de novas estratégias de imunização contra colibacilose suína. Pes-quisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):84-90. Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Centro de Bio-tecnologia, UFPel, Campus Capão do Leão, Cx. Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: ssimionatto@bol.com.br Swine colibacillosis caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli remains one of the main sanitary problems in pig farms. The recombinant DNA technology offers the possibility of developing new immunization strategies. This paper describes the development of a subunit vaccine through the expression and purification of the E. coli K88 FaeC fimbrial protein. The gene that codes for this antigen was amplified by PCR and cloned into an E. coli expression vector fused to a 6X histidine tag. The recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography and used for mice immunization. In parallel, the same gene was cloned into an eucariotic expression vector with the addition of the Kozak sequence for improving translation of this gene in muscle cells. The resulting plasmid named pUP310 was purified in large scale and used to immunize mice. The immune response afforded by both forms of immunization was monitored by ELISA. There was an immune response in mice inoculated with pUP310 and purified FaeC. It was possible to detect anti-FaeC antibodies 42 days after the first inoculation. The antibody titer increased with time, being still detectable 7 months after the first inoculation. It is concluded that recombinant FaeC and pUP310 are potential tools for immunization of swine against E. coli K88.

• Swine colibacillosis FaeC Escherichia coli DNA vaccine recombinant vaccine.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Simionatto S., Vaz E.K., Michelon A., Seixas F.K., Dellagostin O.A. 2005. [Development and evaluation of new strategies for immunization against swine colibacillosis.] Desenvolvimento e avaliação de novas estratégias de imunização contra colibacilose suína. Pes-quisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):84-90. Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Centro de Bio-tecnologia, UFPel, Campus Capão do Leão, Cx. Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: ssimionatto@bol.com.br Swine colibacillosis caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli remains one of the main sanitary problems in pig farms. The recombinant DNA technology offers the possibility of developing new immunization strategies. This paper describes the development of a subunit vaccine through the expression and purification of the E. coli K88 FaeC fimbrial protein. The gene that codes for this antigen was amplified by PCR and cloned into an E. coli expression vector fused to a 6X histidine tag. The recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography and used for mice immunization. In parallel, the same gene was cloned into an eucariotic expression vector with the addition of the Kozak sequence for improving translation of this gene in muscle cells. The resulting plasmid named pUP310 was purified in large scale and used to immunize mice. The immune response afforded by both forms of immunization was monitored by ELISA. There was an immune response in mice inoculated with pUP310 and purified FaeC. It was possible to detect anti-FaeC antibodies 42 days after the first inoculation. The antibody titer increased with time, being still detectable 7 months after the first inoculation. It is concluded that recombinant FaeC and pUP310 are potential tools for immunization of swine against E. coli K88.

Abstract in English:

Hofer E. & Reis C.M.F. 2005. [Species and serovars of Listeria isolated from sick and clinically healthy animals in Brazil.] Espécies e sorovares de Listeria isolados de animais doentes e portadores no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):79-83. Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Depto Bacteriologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brazil. E-mail: ehofer@ioc.fiocruz.br Two hundred fourty-six strains of the genus Listeria were isolated from sick and clinically healthy animals, collected in three different regions of Brazil during 1971-2000. About 88.2% (217 cultures) yielded Listeria species from faecal specimens of healthy cattle and 29 strains (11.7%) were isolated from sick animals: 15 (6.0%) from central nervous system (CNS) and 14(5.6%) were from otherwise sterile sites. Phenotyping techniques were used to characterize the Listeria isolates. The commonest were L. innocua 6a and non-typable (140/56.9%), L. monocytogenes 4a (37/15.0%) and 4b (22/8.9%), originated mainly from stools of healthy cattle. From sick animals the predominant species and serovars were L. monocytogenes 4b (14/5.6%), and the higher incidence was observed in ruminants (12/4.8%) and 8/3.2% of the serovar 1a from other animal species (rodents and canines) mainly isolated from CNS samples.

• Listeria species serovars sick and healthy animals.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Hofer E. & Reis C.M.F. 2005. [Species and serovars of Listeria isolated from sick and clinically healthy animals in Brazil.] Espécies e sorovares de Listeria isolados de animais doentes e portadores no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):79-83. Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Depto Bacteriologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brazil. E-mail: ehofer@ioc.fiocruz.br Two hundred fourty-six strains of the genus Listeria were isolated from sick and clinically healthy animals, collected in three different regions of Brazil during 1971-2000. About 88.2% (217 cultures) yielded Listeria species from faecal specimens of healthy cattle and 29 strains (11.7%) were isolated from sick animals: 15 (6.0%) from central nervous system (CNS) and 14(5.6%) were from otherwise sterile sites. Phenotyping techniques were used to characterize the Listeria isolates. The commonest were L. innocua 6a and non-typable (140/56.9%), L. monocytogenes 4a (37/15.0%) and 4b (22/8.9%), originated mainly from stools of healthy cattle. From sick animals the predominant species and serovars were L. monocytogenes 4b (14/5.6%), and the higher incidence was observed in ruminants (12/4.8%) and 8/3.2% of the serovar 1a from other animal species (rodents and canines) mainly isolated from CNS samples.

Abstract in English:

Lima E.F., Riet-Correa F., Tabosa I.M., Dantas A.F.M., Medeiros J.M. & Sucupira Júnior G. 2005. [Polioencephalomalacia in goats and sheep in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil.] Polioencefalomalacia em caprinos e ovinos na região semi-árida do Nordeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):9-14. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br Seven outbreaks of polioencephalomalacia in goats and 3 in sheep are reported from the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Animals of different ages were affected in various seasons of the year. In 5 outbreaks the animals were supplemented with concentrate ration and in 5 others they were only grazing on pastures. In one outbreak sheep were supplemented with an energy-protein-mineral mixture containing 1.3% of sulfur flower. Clinical signs were characterized by blindness, depression, head pressing, circling, grinding of the teeth, incoordination, spastic paralysis, ataxia, depression of the palpebral and pupillary reflexes, lateral strabismus, nystagmus, and dilated pupils. Nine affected animals were treated with thiamine and dexamethasone; 7 of them recovered but 2 died. The diagnosis of the disease was based on the recovered animals after treatment and/or on the histologic lesions. The clinical course varied from 2 to 15 days. On three animals post-mortem examination was made. One had herniation of the cerebellum through the Foramen magnum and softening of the cerebral cortex. The cut surface of the cerebral cortex showed cavitation and yellowish discoloration. Another animal had only cerebellar herniation. In a third animal no gross lesions were observed. Histological changes in the 3 animals were laminar necrosis of the cerebral cortex, and in 2 malacia of the thalamus and the rostral colliculi was also observed. In 9 outbreaks the cause of the disease was not determined, but one was probably due to sulfur toxicosis caused by the high sulfur content of the energy-protein-mineral mixture containing 1.3% of sulfur flower (96% sulfur) and 30% chicken litter (0.39% sulfur).

• Polioencephalomalacia cortical necrosis goats sheep sulfur poisoning thiamine deficiency.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Lima E.F., Riet-Correa F., Tabosa I.M., Dantas A.F.M., Medeiros J.M. & Sucupira Júnior G. 2005. [Polioencephalomalacia in goats and sheep in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil.] Polioencefalomalacia em caprinos e ovinos na região semi-árida do Nordeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):9-14. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br Seven outbreaks of polioencephalomalacia in goats and 3 in sheep are reported from the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Animals of different ages were affected in various seasons of the year. In 5 outbreaks the animals were supplemented with concentrate ration and in 5 others they were only grazing on pastures. In one outbreak sheep were supplemented with an energy-protein-mineral mixture containing 1.3% of sulfur flower. Clinical signs were characterized by blindness, depression, head pressing, circling, grinding of the teeth, incoordination, spastic paralysis, ataxia, depression of the palpebral and pupillary reflexes, lateral strabismus, nystagmus, and dilated pupils. Nine affected animals were treated with thiamine and dexamethasone; 7 of them recovered but 2 died. The diagnosis of the disease was based on the recovered animals after treatment and/or on the histologic lesions. The clinical course varied from 2 to 15 days. On three animals post-mortem examination was made. One had herniation of the cerebellum through the Foramen magnum and softening of the cerebral cortex. The cut surface of the cerebral cortex showed cavitation and yellowish discoloration. Another animal had only cerebellar herniation. In a third animal no gross lesions were observed. Histological changes in the 3 animals were laminar necrosis of the cerebral cortex, and in 2 malacia of the thalamus and the rostral colliculi was also observed. In 9 outbreaks the cause of the disease was not determined, but one was probably due to sulfur toxicosis caused by the high sulfur content of the energy-protein-mineral mixture containing 1.3% of sulfur flower (96% sulfur) and 30% chicken litter (0.39% sulfur).

Abstract in English:

Penatti M.P.A., Silva A.S., Valadares G.F. & Leite D.S. 2005. Occurrence of F42 colonization factor in Escherichia coli strains isolated from piglets with diarrhea. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):31-33. Depto Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Unicamp, Campinas, SP 13081-970, Brazil. E-mail: domingos@unicamp.br The objective of this study was to determine the presence of the colonization factor F42 in 168 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic stools of newborn piglets. The presence of F42 in 12 (7.1%) strains was detected with the agglutination test. Through the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of F42 positive strains, gene encoding enterotoxins (ST-I, ST-II, LT-I and LT-II) were detected. The finding of ST-I/ST-II genes in 50% of the strains, ST-I (16%) and ST-II (25%) indicates a strong association of FC F42 with heat-stable enterotoxins (91%). In contrast, the thermolabile enterotoxin (LT-I and LT-II) genes were not detected. Serogroups of F42 positive strains were determined, serogroup O8 being the most prevalent (41,7%). Other serogroups, as there are O9, O11, O18, O32, O35, O98 and O101, were also identified. Thus, FC F42 was confirmed as an additional factor of virulence in the pathogenesis of porcine colibacillosis.

• Escherichia coli F42 piglets fimbriae diarrhea PCR.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Penatti M.P.A., Silva A.S., Valadares G.F. & Leite D.S. 2005. Occurrence of F42 colonization factor in Escherichia coli strains isolated from piglets with diarrhea. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):31-33. Depto Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Unicamp, Campinas, SP 13081-970, Brazil. E-mail: domingos@unicamp.br The objective of this study was to determine the presence of the colonization factor F42 in 168 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic stools of newborn piglets. The presence of F42 in 12 (7.1%) strains was detected with the agglutination test. Through the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of F42 positive strains, gene encoding enterotoxins (ST-I, ST-II, LT-I and LT-II) were detected. The finding of ST-I/ST-II genes in 50% of the strains, ST-I (16%) and ST-II (25%) indicates a strong association of FC F42 with heat-stable enterotoxins (91%). In contrast, the thermolabile enterotoxin (LT-I and LT-II) genes were not detected. Serogroups of F42 positive strains were determined, serogroup O8 being the most prevalent (41,7%). Other serogroups, as there are O9, O11, O18, O32, O35, O98 and O101, were also identified. Thus, FC F42 was confirmed as an additional factor of virulence in the pathogenesis of porcine colibacillosis.

Abstract in English:

Assis R.A., Lobato F.C.F., Serakides R., Santos R.L., Dias G.R.C., Nascimento R.A.P., Abreu V.L.V, Parreiras P.M. & Uzal F.A. 2005. Immunohistochemical detection of Clostridia species in paraffin-embedded tissues of experimentally inoculated guinea pigs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):4-8. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos 6627, Cx. Postal 567, Belo Horizonte, MG 30123-970, Brazil. E-mail: assisra@rwnet.com.br Blackleg is caused by Clostridium chauvoei, whereas malignant oedema is caused by C. chauvoei, C. septicum, C. sordellii, C. perfringens type A, and/or C. novyi type A. Anti-C. chauvoei, anti-C. septicum, anti-C. sordellii and anti-C. novyi type A polyclonal antibodies were produced in rabbits and purified in a column of DEAE-cellulose. Aliquots of the antisera were conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate and the remaining was used for the streptavidin biotin peroxidase technique (SBPT). SBPT was standardized to detect C. chauvoei, C. septicum, C. sordellii and C. novyi type A in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of guinea pigs. SBPT was compared to a fluorescent antibody technique (FAT). Sections and smears of muscle from inoculation area (MIA), heart, liver, spleen and kidney, were obtained for both SBPT and FAT. Cross-reactions between the different Clostridial species were not observed. C. chauvoei and C. septicum were detected in all specimens from the animals inoculated with these microorganisms, while only sections of muscle obtained from all the animals inoculated with C. sordellii and C. novyi type A were positive. The same results observed by the SBPT, were obtained on tissue smears of these microorganisms stained by the FAT. The results indicate that SBPT is suitable for detection of C. chauvoei, C. septicum, C. sordellii and C. novyi type A in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of guinea pigs.

• Blackleg malignant oedema Clostridia guinea pigs fluorescent antibody technique streptavidin biotin peroxidase technique.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Assis R.A., Lobato F.C.F., Serakides R., Santos R.L., Dias G.R.C., Nascimento R.A.P., Abreu V.L.V, Parreiras P.M. & Uzal F.A. 2005. Immunohistochemical detection of Clostridia species in paraffin-embedded tissues of experimentally inoculated guinea pigs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):4-8. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos 6627, Cx. Postal 567, Belo Horizonte, MG 30123-970, Brazil. E-mail: assisra@rwnet.com.br Blackleg is caused by Clostridium chauvoei, whereas malignant oedema is caused by C. chauvoei, C. septicum, C. sordellii, C. perfringens type A, and/or C. novyi type A. Anti-C. chauvoei, anti-C. septicum, anti-C. sordellii and anti-C. novyi type A polyclonal antibodies were produced in rabbits and purified in a column of DEAE-cellulose. Aliquots of the antisera were conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate and the remaining was used for the streptavidin biotin peroxidase technique (SBPT). SBPT was standardized to detect C. chauvoei, C. septicum, C. sordellii and C. novyi type A in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of guinea pigs. SBPT was compared to a fluorescent antibody technique (FAT). Sections and smears of muscle from inoculation area (MIA), heart, liver, spleen and kidney, were obtained for both SBPT and FAT. Cross-reactions between the different Clostridial species were not observed. C. chauvoei and C. septicum were detected in all specimens from the animals inoculated with these microorganisms, while only sections of muscle obtained from all the animals inoculated with C. sordellii and C. novyi type A were positive. The same results observed by the SBPT, were obtained on tissue smears of these microorganisms stained by the FAT. The results indicate that SBPT is suitable for detection of C. chauvoei, C. septicum, C. sordellii and C. novyi type A in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of guinea pigs.

Abstract in English:

França T.N., Peixoto P.V., Brito M.F., Driemeier D., Mores N. & Zanella J. 2005. [Outbreak of Circovirosis (Porcine Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.] Surto de Circovirose (Síndrome Definhante Multissistêmica de Suínos Desmamados) no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):39-53. Universidade Estácio de Sá, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Disciplina de Anatomia Patológica, Estrada Boca do Mato 850, Vargem Pequena, RJ 22783-320, Brazil. E-mail: ticianaf@uol.com.br The first outbreak of Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) in swine, which occurred in southeastern Brazil, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, is described. The disease, which affects mainly weaned about 4 month-old pigs, caused the death of at least 14 animals. The property, where the outbreak occurred, had inadequate sanitary and management conditions. Clinically the disease was characterized by wasting, poor development, cough, tachypnoea, dispnoea, diarrhoea, ataxia, tremors after stimulation, decubitus and convulsions. The course of the disease was acute or subacute. The most important post-mortem findings were enlarged lymphnodes, non-collapsed lungs, with consolidated areas mainly in the cranial lobes. Histological lesions consisted mainly of lymphohistiocytic infiltration with multinucleate giant cells in lymph nodes, spleen, Peyer’s patches, kidney, lung and liver, depletion or lymphoid hyperplasia, as well as lymphohistiocytic interstitial pneumonia and areas of secondary bronchopneumonia. The diagnosis was established through observations of the symptoms and typical lesions, and was confirmed by immunohistochemical examination and PCR. The objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of the outbreak of PMWS, because of the severe direct or indirect economical losses caused by the disease to the world pig industry.

• Postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome porcine circovirus type 2 pathology immunohistochemistry PCR.

Abstract in Portuguese:

França T.N., Peixoto P.V., Brito M.F., Driemeier D., Mores N. & Zanella J. 2005. [Outbreak of Circovirosis (Porcine Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.] Surto de Circovirose (Síndrome Definhante Multissistêmica de Suínos Desmamados) no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):39-53. Universidade Estácio de Sá, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Disciplina de Anatomia Patológica, Estrada Boca do Mato 850, Vargem Pequena, RJ 22783-320, Brazil. E-mail: ticianaf@uol.com.br The first outbreak of Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) in swine, which occurred in southeastern Brazil, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, is described. The disease, which affects mainly weaned about 4 month-old pigs, caused the death of at least 14 animals. The property, where the outbreak occurred, had inadequate sanitary and management conditions. Clinically the disease was characterized by wasting, poor development, cough, tachypnoea, dispnoea, diarrhoea, ataxia, tremors after stimulation, decubitus and convulsions. The course of the disease was acute or subacute. The most important post-mortem findings were enlarged lymphnodes, non-collapsed lungs, with consolidated areas mainly in the cranial lobes. Histological lesions consisted mainly of lymphohistiocytic infiltration with multinucleate giant cells in lymph nodes, spleen, Peyer’s patches, kidney, lung and liver, depletion or lymphoid hyperplasia, as well as lymphohistiocytic interstitial pneumonia and areas of secondary bronchopneumonia. The diagnosis was established through observations of the symptoms and typical lesions, and was confirmed by immunohistochemical examination and PCR. The objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of the outbreak of PMWS, because of the severe direct or indirect economical losses caused by the disease to the world pig industry.