PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Gregori F., Rosales C.A.R., Brandão P.E., Soares R.M. & Jerez J.A. 2009. [Diversity of porcine rotavirus genotypes in São Paulo State, Brazil.] Diversidade genotípica de rotavírus suínos no Estado de São Paulo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):707-712. Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento em Sanidade Animal, Instituto Biológico, Av. Cons. Rodrigues Alves 1252, São Paulo, SP 04014-002, Brazil. E-mail: fabiogregori@biologico.sp.gov.br Rotavirus is one the most common causes of diarrhea both in humans and different animal species. It was carried out a transversal study with 144 diarrheic fecal samples of piglets, from 16 commercial swine-producing units distributed among 10 municipalities of São Paulo State, Brazil, aiming at the detection of rotavirus occurrence and its molecular characterization according to G and P genotypes. A total of 43 samples (29.86%) were positive for rotavirus by Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) and ELISA, in a parallel screening scheme. The nested-multiplex RT-PCR characterization revealed that, separately, the P[6] genotype was the most frequent, detected in 25.58% of the samples, followed by P[1] (11.63%) and P[7] (9.3%). Concomitant infection of the genotypes P[6]+P[7] (9.3%), P[1]+P[6] (4.65%), P[1]+P[6]+P[7] (2.33%) were also found. Similarly, the G[5] genotype was detected on 30.23% of the samples, followed by G[10] (20.93%), G[6] (4.65%) and G[5]+G[10] (18.6%). The genotype G[5]P[6] was the most frequent (11.63%), but other combinations and untypeable samples were also observed. Considering the diversity porcine rotavirus found in the surveyed population, specific prophylactic measures should take in charge, for its effectiveness, the cross-protection degree between the genotypes present on vaccine formulations and those that really circulates on a region.

• Rotavirus

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Gregori F., Rosales C.A.R., Brandão P.E., Soares R.M. & Jerez J.A. 2009. [Diversity of porcine rotavirus genotypes in São Paulo State, Brazil.] Diversidade genotípica de rotavírus suínos no Estado de São Paulo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):707-712. Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento em Sanidade Animal, Instituto Biológico, Av. Cons. Rodrigues Alves 1252, São Paulo, SP 04014-002, Brazil. E-mail: fabiogregori@biologico.sp.gov.br Rotavírus é uma das causas mais comuns de diarréia tanto em humanos quanto em diferentes espécies animais. Foi conduzido um estudo transversal a partir de 144 amostras fecais diarréicas colhidas de leitões, provenientes de 16 criações comerciais distribuídas por 10 municípios do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, com o objetivo de se detectar a ocorrência de rotavírus e realizar sua caracterização molecular quanto seus genotipos G e P. Um total de 43 amostras (29,86%) foram positivas para rotavírus por Eletroforese em Gel de Poliacrilamida (PAGE) e ELISA, num esquema de triagem em paralelo. A caracterização mediante reações do tipo nested-multiplex RT-PCR demonstrou que, isoladamente, o genotipo P[6] foi o mais frequente, detectado em 25,58% das amostras, seguido pelo P[1] (11,63%) e P[7] (9,3%). Infecções concomitantes de genotipos P[6]+P[7] (9,3%), P[1]+P[6] (4,65%), P[1]+P[6]+P[7] (2,33%) foram também observadas. Analogamente, o genotipo G[5] foi detectado em 30,23% das amostras, seguido pelo G[10] (20,93%) e G[6] (4,65%) e G[5]+G[10] (18,6%). O genotipo G[5]P[6] foi o mais frequente (11,63%), porém outras combinações e amostras não tipificáveis também foram observadas. Considerando-se a diversidade de rotavírus suínos encontrada na população estudada, medidas profiláticas específicas devem levar em conta, para sua efetividade, o grau de proteção cruzada entre os genotipos presentes nas formulações vacinais e aqueles que realmente são circulantes numa região.

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.

• Wild pigs bronchopneumonia pathology bacteriology PCR immunohisto-chemistry Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

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.

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.- Silverio S.M., Mari R.B, Clebis N.K., Scoz J.R., Germano R.M., Major J.A.A., Bombonato P.P. & Stabille S.R. 2009. The effects of ascorbic acid supplementation in ileum myenteric neurons of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):295-302. Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: remari@usp.br The exacerbation of the oxidative stress and of the polyol pathway which impair damage myenteric plexus are metabolic characteristics of diabetes. The ascorbic acid (AA) is an antioxidant and an aldose reductase inhibitor, which may act as neuroprotector. The effects of AA supplementation on the density and cellular body profile area (CP) of myenteric neurons in STZ-induced diabetes in rats were assessed. Four groups with five animals each were formed: normoglycemic (C); diabetic (D); AA-treated diabetic (DS) and AA-treated normoglycemic (CS). Dosagen of 50mg of AA were given, three times a week, for each animal (group DS and CS). Ninety days later and after euthanasia, the ileum was collected and processed for the NADPH-diaphorase technique. There were no differences (P>0.05) in the neuronal density among the groups. The CP area was lower (P<0.05) in the DS and CS groups, with a higher incidence of neurons with a CP area exceeding 200mm2 for groups C and D. The AA had no influence on the neuronal density in the ileum but had a neuroprotective effect, preventing the increase in the CP area and allowing a higher number of neurons with a CP area with less than 200mm2.

• Vitamin C diabetes intestine myenteric plexus

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silverio S.M., Mari R.B, Clebis N.K., Scoz J.R., Germano R.M., Major J.A.A., Bombonato P.P. & Stabille S.R. 2009. The effects of ascorbic acid supplementation in ileum myenteric neurons of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):295-302. Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: remari@usp.br The exacerbation of the oxidative stress and of the polyol pathway which impair damage myenteric plexus are metabolic characteristics of diabetes. The ascorbic acid (AA) is an antioxidant and an aldose reductase inhibitor, which may act as neuroprotector. The effects of AA supplementation on the density and cellular body profile area (CP) of myenteric neurons in STZ-induced diabetes in rats were assessed. Four groups with five animals each were formed: normoglycemic (C); diabetic (D); AA-treated diabetic (DS) and AA-treated normoglycemic (CS). Dosagen of 50mg of AA were given, three times a week, for each animal (group DS and CS). Ninety days later and after euthanasia, the ileum was collected and processed for the NADPH-diaphorase technique. There were no differences (P>0.05) in the neuronal density among the groups. The CP area was lower (P<0.05) in the DS and CS groups, with a higher incidence of neurons with a CP area exceeding 200mm2 for groups C and D. The AA had no influence on the neuronal density in the ileum but had a neuroprotective effect, preventing the increase in the CP area and allowing a higher number of neurons with a CP area with less than 200mm2.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Mendes H.M.F., Faleiros R.R., Vasconcelos A.C., Alves G.E.S. & Moore R.M. 2009. [Apoptosis in equine small colon subjected to experimental ischemia and reperfusion.] Apoptose no cólon menor eqüino submetido à isquemia e reperfusão experimentais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):198-204. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: faleiros@ufmg.br Intestinal ischemia and reperfusion are important factors for mortality in horses. The objective of this study was to detect and to quantify apoptosis in the mucosa of equine small colon in a model of ischemia and reperfusion. The small colon was surgically exposed in twelve horses, and two intestinal segments were demarcated and subjected to 90 (SI) or 180 (SII) minutes of complete arteriovenous ischemia. Intestinal samples were collected before ischemia (control), at its end and after 90 and 180 minutes of reperfusion. Samples were histological processed and stained by hematoxylin and eosin (SI and SII) and by the technique of TUNEL (SI). Digitized histological images were analyzed morphometrically to detect apoptotic cells and to determine the apoptotic index (AI). After 90 or 180 minutes of arteriovenous ischemia, an increase in apoptotic cells was verified when compared with the control group, although no difference could be detected between the different periods of ischemia (P<0.05). After the first 90 minutes of reperfusion, a decrease in AI occurred, similar in both segments, possibly due to lack of energy source promoted by ischemia. AI was maximized after 180 minutes of reperfusion (sample harvested only in SI) (P<0.05). In conclusion, apoptosis is an important cause of cellular mucosal death in equine small colon ischemic obstruction, occurring early in ischemia, and later (after 90 minutes) in the reperfusion period.

• Horse small colon apoptosis ischemia and reperfusion

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Mendes H.M.F., Faleiros R.R., Vasconcelos A.C., Alves G.E.S. & Moore R.M. 2009. [Apoptosis in equine small colon subjected to experimental ischemia and reperfusion.] Apoptose no cólon menor eqüino submetido à isquemia e reperfusão experimentais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):198-204. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: faleiros@ufmg.br Intestinal ischemia and reperfusion are important factors for mortality in horses. The objective of this study was to detect and to quantify apoptosis in the mucosa of equine small colon in a model of ischemia and reperfusion. The small colon was surgically exposed in twelve horses, and two intestinal segments were demarcated and subjected to 90 (SI) or 180 (SII) minutes of complete arteriovenous ischemia. Intestinal samples were collected before ischemia (control), at its end and after 90 and 180 minutes of reperfusion. Samples were histological processed and stained by hematoxylin and eosin (SI and SII) and by the technique of TUNEL (SI). Digitized histological images were analyzed morphometrically to detect apoptotic cells and to determine the apoptotic index (AI). After 90 or 180 minutes of arteriovenous ischemia, an increase in apoptotic cells was verified when compared with the control group, although no difference could be detected between the different periods of ischemia (P<0.05). After the first 90 minutes of reperfusion, a decrease in AI occurred, similar in both segments, possibly due to lack of energy source promoted by ischemia. AI was maximized after 180 minutes of reperfusion (sample harvested only in SI) (P<0.05). In conclusion, apoptosis is an important cause of cellular mucosal death in equine small colon ischemic obstruction, occurring early in ischemia, and later (after 90 minutes) in the reperfusion period.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Martins I.V.F., Verocai G.G., Correia T.R., Melo R.M.P.S., Pereira M.J.S., Scott F.B. & Grisi L. 2009. Survey on control and management practices of equine helminths infection. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):253-257. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Cx. Postal 16, Alegre, ES 29500-000, Brazil. E-mail: isabella@cca.ufes.br Twenty-nine stud farms were selected in the Medium Paraíba region of the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. After an interview with the person responsible for the animals, faecal samples were collected from mares and analyzed via the EPG technique, faecal cultures, Sedimentation-centrifugo-flotation, and modified Ueno and Baermann techniques. The prevalence of helminths in the mares and in the stud farms was calculated. The stocking rates of pasture, change of horse bedding, absence of pasture rotation, absence of technology in the property, and less frequent treatment of the animals were associated with a greater prevalence of helminths, showing that these variables must be considered in equine control programs. The intensity of the parasitism was also associated with the stocking rate of pasture, absence of dunghill, presence of the animals only in paddocks, lack of technology in the property, less frequent treatment of the animals, and absence of the use of rotation regarding the anthelmintic class.

• Control practices management helminths treatment horses

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Martins I.V.F., Verocai G.G., Correia T.R., Melo R.M.P.S., Pereira M.J.S., Scott F.B. & Grisi L. 2009. Survey on control and management practices of equine helminths infection. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):253-257. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Cx. Postal 16, Alegre, ES 29500-000, Brazil. E-mail: isabella@cca.ufes.br Twenty-nine stud farms were selected in the Medium Paraíba region of the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. After an interview with the person responsible for the animals, faecal samples were collected from mares and analyzed via the EPG technique, faecal cultures, Sedimentation-centrifugo-flotation, and modified Ueno and Baermann techniques. The prevalence of helminths in the mares and in the stud farms was calculated. The stocking rates of pasture, change of horse bedding, absence of pasture rotation, absence of technology in the property, and less frequent treatment of the animals were associated with a greater prevalence of helminths, showing that these variables must be considered in equine control programs. The intensity of the parasitism was also associated with the stocking rate of pasture, absence of dunghill, presence of the animals only in paddocks, lack of technology in the property, less frequent treatment of the animals, and absence of the use of rotation regarding the anthelmintic class.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Cunha N.C., Fonseca A.H., Rezende J., Rozental T., Favacho A.R.M., Barreira J.D., Massard C.L., Lemos E.R.S. 2009. First identification of natural infection of Rickettsia rickettsii in the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):105-108. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: adivaldo@ufrrj.br The Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF) is a zoonotic disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii and transmitted by ticks of the genus Amblyomma, more frequently, Amblyomma cajennense. The aim of this paper was to report the first molecular detection of R. rickettsii on R. sanguineus naturally infected in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ticks were collected from dogs in a rural region of Resende municipality, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil (22o 30min 9.46sec S, 44o 42min 44.29sec WO), where occurred five human cases of BSF in 2006. The ticks were identified under a stereoscopic microscope and separated in pools by stages, species and sex. DNA extraction was carried out using QIAamp DNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN®). The DNA was submitted to PCR amplification using 04 set of primers: Rr190.70p/Rr190.602n (OmpA, 532bp), BG1-21/BG2-20 (OmpB, 650bp), Tz15/Tz16 (17 kDa protein-encoding gene, 246bp) and RpCS.877p/RpCS.1258n (gltA, 381bp). PCR products were separated by electrophoresis on 1% agarose gels and visualized under ultraviolet light with ethidium bromide. PCR products of the expected sizes were purified by QIAquick® and sequenced by ABI PRISM®. The generated nucleotide sequences were edited with using Bioedit® software and compared with the corresponding homologous sequences available through GenBank, using Discontiguous Mega Blast (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). It was confirmed R. rickettsii by sequencing of the material (GenBank FJ356230). The molecular characterization of R. rickettsii in the tick R. sanguineus emphasizes the role of dogs as carriers of ticks from the environment to home. Moreover, this result suggests that there is a considerable chance for active participation of R. sanguineus as one of tick species in the transmission of R. ricketsii to human being in the Brazilian territory.

• Rhipicephalus sanguineus Acari Ixodidae Rickettsia rickettsii molecular analysis Brazilian spotted fever

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Cunha N.C., Fonseca A.H., Rezende J., Rozental T., Favacho A.R.M., Barreira J.D., Massard C.L., Lemos E.R.S. 2009. First identification of natural infection of Rickettsia rickettsii in the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):105-108. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: adivaldo@ufrrj.br The Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF) is a zoonotic disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii and transmitted by ticks of the genus Amblyomma, more frequently, Amblyomma cajennense. The aim of this paper was to report the first molecular detection of R. rickettsii on R. sanguineus naturally infected in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ticks were collected from dogs in a rural region of Resende municipality, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil (22o 30min 9.46sec S, 44o 42min 44.29sec WO), where occurred five human cases of BSF in 2006. The ticks were identified under a stereoscopic microscope and separated in pools by stages, species and sex. DNA extraction was carried out using QIAamp DNA Mini Kit (QIAGEN®). The DNA was submitted to PCR amplification using 04 set of primers: Rr190.70p/Rr190.602n (OmpA, 532bp), BG1-21/BG2-20 (OmpB, 650bp), Tz15/Tz16 (17 kDa protein-encoding gene, 246bp) and RpCS.877p/RpCS.1258n (gltA, 381bp). PCR products were separated by electrophoresis on 1% agarose gels and visualized under ultraviolet light with ethidium bromide. PCR products of the expected sizes were purified by QIAquick® and sequenced by ABI PRISM®. The generated nucleotide sequences were edited with using Bioedit® software and compared with the corresponding homologous sequences available through GenBank, using Discontiguous Mega Blast (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). It was confirmed R. rickettsii by sequencing of the material (GenBank FJ356230). The molecular characterization of R. rickettsii in the tick R. sanguineus emphasizes the role of dogs as carriers of ticks from the environment to home. Moreover, this result suggests that there is a considerable chance for active participation of R. sanguineus as one of tick species in the transmission of R. ricketsii to human being in the Brazilian territory.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pereira M.F., Peixoto R.M., Piatti R.M., Medeiros E.S., Mota I.O., Azevedo S.S. & Mota R.A. 2009. [Occurrence and risk factors for Chlamydophila abortus infection in sheep and goats in Pernambuco.] Ocorrência e fatores de risco para Chlamydophila abortus em ovinos e caprinos no estado de Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):33-40. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Recife, PE 52.171-900, Brazil. E-mail: marcia.pereira@dmv.ufrpe.br The study aimed to identify risk factors associated with Chlamydophila abortus infection in sheep and goats from the Litoral/Zona da Mata and Agreste region of Pernambuco state, Brazil. Serum samples (n=290) were analyzed to detect Chlamydophila spp. antibodies in 12 farms. Questionnaires were applied to identify risk factors. Frequency of serum-reactive animals were 10.3% (12.0% in ewes and 8.1% in goats) and 1/12 (91.6%) infection focuses were identified. This is the first report on anti-Chlamydophhila abortus antibodies in goats and sheep in Pernambuco and Brazil, respectively. Risk factors associated with goat infection were breed (OR=9.10) and management (OR=6.41). No significant associations in any of the analyzed factors were found for sheep. In summary, Chlamydophila sp. infection is disseminated in sheep and goat herds in the region. Control measures should be established, focusing primarily risk factor identified in this study, to reduce the possibility of infection by the agent.

• Complement Fixation Test Chlamydophila abortus risk factors

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pereira M.F., Peixoto R.M., Piatti R.M., Medeiros E.S., Mota I.O., Azevedo S.S. & Mota R.A. 2009. [Occurrence and risk factors for Chlamydophila abortus infection in sheep and goats in Pernambuco.] Ocorrência e fatores de risco para Chlamydophila abortus em ovinos e caprinos no estado de Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):33-40. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Recife, PE 52.171-900, Brazil. E-mail: marcia.pereira@dmv.ufrpe.br The study aimed to identify risk factors associated with Chlamydophila abortus infection in sheep and goats from the Litoral/Zona da Mata and Agreste region of Pernambuco state, Brazil. Serum samples (n=290) were analyzed to detect Chlamydophila spp. antibodies in 12 farms. Questionnaires were applied to identify risk factors. Frequency of serum-reactive animals were 10.3% (12.0% in ewes and 8.1% in goats) and 1/12 (91.6%) infection focuses were identified. This is the first report on anti-Chlamydophhila abortus antibodies in goats and sheep in Pernambuco and Brazil, respectively. Risk factors associated with goat infection were breed (OR=9.10) and management (OR=6.41). No significant associations in any of the analyzed factors were found for sheep. In summary, Chlamydophila sp. infection is disseminated in sheep and goat herds in the region. Control measures should be established, focusing primarily risk factor identified in this study, to reduce the possibility of infection by the agent.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Coutinho A.S., Oliveira Filho J.P., Silva D.P.G.S., Oliveira A.P., Marcondes J.S., Chiacchio S.B., Paes A.C., Amorim R.M. & Gonçalves R.C. 2009. [Experimental pneumonic mannheimiosis in calves: Nasal and nasopharingeal swabs for diagnostic.] Mannheimiose pulmonar experimental em bezerros: swab nasal e nasofaringeano como auxílio diagnóstico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):83-88. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu, Distrito de Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com An experimental model of bovine pneumonic mannheimiosis (BPM) was used to evaluate the nasal and nasopharynx bacterial species of calves during the course of the disease and for checking the diagnostic efficiency of nasal swab (NS) and nasopharingeal swab (NPS) microbiological exams. A total of 28 calves were randomized into four experimental groups (G1-G4). NS and NPS were obtained 7 days before and 12 (G1), 24 (G2), 48 (G3) e 72 (G4) hours after intrabronchial inoculation of Mannheimia haemolytica. After the induction of BPM, M. haemolytica biotype A was the predominant isolated bacterium in NS and NPS in all evaluated sampling times, except for one NS (harvested 24 hours). There were no significant statistical differences for the rates of Pasteurella multocida isolation in NS and NPS, harvested before and after the induction of BPM. However, this bacterium was isolated more frequently after the induction of BPM, mainly in NPS. Therefore, the microbiological NS and NPS exams were important auxiliary tests for diagnosing BPM.

• Bacterial flora upper airway respiratory diseases bovine Mannheimia haemolytica

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Coutinho A.S., Oliveira Filho J.P., Silva D.P.G.S., Oliveira A.P., Marcondes J.S., Chiacchio S.B., Paes A.C., Amorim R.M. & Gonçalves R.C. 2009. [Experimental pneumonic mannheimiosis in calves: Nasal and nasopharingeal swabs for diagnostic.] Mannheimiose pulmonar experimental em bezerros: swab nasal e nasofaringeano como auxílio diagnóstico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):83-88. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu, Distrito de Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com An experimental model of bovine pneumonic mannheimiosis (BPM) was used to evaluate the nasal and nasopharynx bacterial species of calves during the course of the disease and for checking the diagnostic efficiency of nasal swab (NS) and nasopharingeal swab (NPS) microbiological exams. A total of 28 calves were randomized into four experimental groups (G1-G4). NS and NPS were obtained 7 days before and 12 (G1), 24 (G2), 48 (G3) e 72 (G4) hours after intrabronchial inoculation of Mannheimia haemolytica. After the induction of BPM, M. haemolytica biotype A was the predominant isolated bacterium in NS and NPS in all evaluated sampling times, except for one NS (harvested 24 hours). There were no significant statistical differences for the rates of Pasteurella multocida isolation in NS and NPS, harvested before and after the induction of BPM. However, this bacterium was isolated more frequently after the induction of BPM, mainly in NPS. Therefore, the microbiological NS and NPS exams were important auxiliary tests for diagnosing BPM.

Abstract in English:

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

• Lithogenic steroidal saponins Panicum dichotomiflorum photosensitization protodioscin

Abstract in Portuguese:

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