PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pimentel L.A., Oliveira D.M., Galiza G.J.N., Rego R.O., Dantas A.F.M. & Riet-Correa F. 2009. [Diseases of the central nervous system in equidae in the Brazilian semiarid.] Doenças do sistema nervoso central de equídeos no semi-árido. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):589-597. Hospital Veterinário, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) in equidae are important in these species, and their knowledge in the different Brazilian regions is necessary to determine efficient control and preventive measures. This paper reports epidemiologic aspects, clinical signs and pathology of diseases of the CNS in equidae diagnosed by the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory at the Federal University of Campina Grande in the city of Patos, state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil, during 2002-2008. During the period, 159 cases or outbreaks of those diseases were studied, 49 (30.8%) affecting the CNS. Hepatic encephalopathy caused by Crotalaria retusa poisoning, with 14 cases (28.5%), was the main disease observed. Tetanus was diagnosed in 13 (26.5%) cases and rabies in 11 (22.4%). In seven (14.2%) cases the death or euthanasia was due to traumatic lesions of the CNS. Also were diagnosed 1 case of leucoencephalomalacia, 1 case of encephalitis by equine herpesvirus-1, 1 case of intracarotid artery injection, 1 outbreak of Eastern equine encephalitis, 1 of Turbina cordata poisoning, and 1 of a tremogenic disease of unknown cause. In 5 cases the diagnosis was inconclusive. This paper indicates the importance of diagnostic veterinary laboratories, in the different Brazilian regions, for the knowledge of livestock diseases.

• Eastern equine encephalitis equine herpesvirus-1 hepatic encephalopaty intracarotid artery injection equine leucoencephalomalacia rabies tetanus

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pimentel L.A., Oliveira D.M., Galiza G.J.N., Rego R.O., Dantas A.F.M. & Riet-Correa F. 2009. [Diseases of the central nervous system in equidae in the Brazilian semiarid.] Doenças do sistema nervoso central de equídeos no semi-árido. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):589-597. Hospital Veterinário, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) in equidae are important in these species, and their knowledge in the different Brazilian regions is necessary to determine efficient control and preventive measures. This paper reports epidemiologic aspects, clinical signs and pathology of diseases of the CNS in equidae diagnosed by the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory at the Federal University of Campina Grande in the city of Patos, state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil, during 2002-2008. During the period, 159 cases or outbreaks of those diseases were studied, 49 (30.8%) affecting the CNS. Hepatic encephalopathy caused by Crotalaria retusa poisoning, with 14 cases (28.5%), was the main disease observed. Tetanus was diagnosed in 13 (26.5%) cases and rabies in 11 (22.4%). In seven (14.2%) cases the death or euthanasia was due to traumatic lesions of the CNS. Also were diagnosed 1 case of leucoencephalomalacia, 1 case of encephalitis by equine herpesvirus-1, 1 case of intracarotid artery injection, 1 outbreak of Eastern equine encephalitis, 1 of Turbina cordata poisoning, and 1 of a tremogenic disease of unknown cause. In 5 cases the diagnosis was inconclusive. This paper indicates the importance of diagnostic veterinary laboratories, in the different Brazilian regions, for the knowledge of livestock diseases.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Figueiredo A.O., Pellegrin A.O., Gonçalves V.S.P., Freitas E.B., Monteiro L.A.R.C., Oliveira J.M. & Osório A.L.A.R. 2009. [Prevalence and risk factors for bovine leptospirosis in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Prevalência e fatores de risco para a leptospirose em bovinos do Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):375-381. Programa Mestrado em Ciência Animal, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: line_figueiredo@yahoo.com.br The prevalence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies was estimated for female cattle aged 24 months or older. The sample comprised 178 herds from 22 counties in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The risk factors associated with the presence of infeccion were investigated. A total of 2,573 blood serum samples were tested against 10 leptospira serovars using the microagglutination test (MAT). Titers of 100 or higher for one or more serovars were detected in 1,801 females (98.8%) from 161 herds (96.5%). Serovar Hardjo (65.6%) was the most frequent, followed by serovar Wolffi (12.3%). These results suggest that bovine leptospirosis is widespread in all the counties under study, with a high prevalence both at the animal and the herd level. Beef farms and the Zebu breed were associated to the higher risk of herd infection by leptospiras.

• Leptospirosis Leptospirose

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Figueiredo A.O., Pellegrin A.O., Gonçalves V.S.P., Freitas E.B., Monteiro L.A.R.C., Oliveira J.M. & Osório A.L.A.R. 2009. [Prevalence and risk factors for bovine leptospirosis in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Prevalência e fatores de risco para a leptospirose em bovinos do Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):375-381. Programa Mestrado em Ciência Animal, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: line_figueiredo@yahoo.com.br The prevalence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies was estimated for female cattle aged 24 months or older. The sample comprised 178 herds from 22 counties in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The risk factors associated with the presence of infeccion were investigated. A total of 2,573 blood serum samples were tested against 10 leptospira serovars using the microagglutination test (MAT). Titers of 100 or higher for one or more serovars were detected in 1,801 females (98.8%) from 161 herds (96.5%). Serovar Hardjo (65.6%) was the most frequent, followed by serovar Wolffi (12.3%). These results suggest that bovine leptospirosis is widespread in all the counties under study, with a high prevalence both at the animal and the herd level. Beef farms and the Zebu breed were associated to the higher risk of herd infection by leptospiras.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Moraes J.M., Brito L.A.B., Moura V.M.B.D., Ribeiro C.S., Guimarães V.Y., Andrade D.F., Lobo J.R. & Fioravanti M.C.S. 2009. [Immunophenotyping and quantitative evaluation of circulating lymphocytes of cattle of the Curraleiro breed.] Imunofenotipagem e avaliação quantitativa de linfócitos circulantes de bovinos da raça Curraleiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):339-344. Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Cx. Postal 131, Goiânia, GO 74001-970, Brazil. E-mail: mmjulia_vet@yahoo.com.br The aim of this study was to establish an immunological profile by marking and quantification of T and B lymphocytes in Curraleiro breed by immunocytochemistry. A total of 116 cattle was used, males and females of different ages, from two farms situated in the Goiás State, Brazil. The animals were allotted into groups according to age, sex and origin. Blood samples were collected and processed in accordance with immunocytochemistry standard technique using lymphoid markers species-specific, as anti-CD3 (MM1A - BoCD3) and anti-LB (LCTB16A-clone B-B14), for T and B lymphocyte counting, respectively. The data were submitted to descriptive statistics, and to Kruskall Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. The results showed decreased levels of leukocytes, lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes along the age advance. Absolute values of leukocytes, lymphocytes and T lymphocytes were higher in males than females. None of the evaluated parameters were affected by differences of the management carried out at the two farms.

• Immunocytochemistry CD3 T lymphocytes B lymphocytes immunological profile

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Moraes J.M., Brito L.A.B., Moura V.M.B.D., Ribeiro C.S., Guimarães V.Y., Andrade D.F., Lobo J.R. & Fioravanti M.C.S. 2009. [Immunophenotyping and quantitative evaluation of circulating lymphocytes of cattle of the Curraleiro breed.] Imunofenotipagem e avaliação quantitativa de linfócitos circulantes de bovinos da raça Curraleiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):339-344. Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Cx. Postal 131, Goiânia, GO 74001-970, Brazil. E-mail: mmjulia_vet@yahoo.com.br The aim of this study was to establish an immunological profile by marking and quantification of T and B lymphocytes in Curraleiro breed by immunocytochemistry. A total of 116 cattle was used, males and females of different ages, from two farms situated in the Goiás State, Brazil. The animals were allotted into groups according to age, sex and origin. Blood samples were collected and processed in accordance with immunocytochemistry standard technique using lymphoid markers species-specific, as anti-CD3 (MM1A - BoCD3) and anti-LB (LCTB16A-clone B-B14), for T and B lymphocyte counting, respectively. The data were submitted to descriptive statistics, and to Kruskall Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. The results showed decreased levels of leukocytes, lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes along the age advance. Absolute values of leukocytes, lymphocytes and T lymphocytes were higher in males than females. None of the evaluated parameters were affected by differences of the management carried out at the two farms.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Eurides D., Silva L.A.F., Daleck C.R., Fioravanti M.C., Gonçalves G.F., Silva O.F. & Nadri A.B. 2009. [Implantation of the autologous auricular cartilagem in the repair of penile deviation in cattle.] Implante de cartilagem auricular autóloga no reparo de desvio de pênis de bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):258-262. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, Campus Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil. E-mail: duvaldo@ufu.br Eighteen 18 to 24-month-old mixed breed bullocks were submitted to removal of the apical ligament of the penis to induce penile deviation. After 60 days from the surgery the steers were put together with cows in heat. A ventral and right lateral penis deviation leading to incapacity to copulate was observed. The bullocks were then submitted to an autolgous transplant of a cartilage segment from the ear pinna placed on top of the tunica albuginea, replacing the penile ligament apical tha had been removed. The implanted material was well tolerated; histologically with only infiltration few mononuclear cells, polymorpho nucleated cells and giant cells, and fibrosis, which caused strong adherence and provided ability to sustain the free penile extremity. The bullocks that were cows in heat did not show any degree of penile deviation nor any change in sexual behavior. The surgical method described here was shown to be satisfactory as to be indicated for correction of ventral and right lateral penile deviation in bullocks.

• Cattle surgery penile deviation repair implant

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Eurides D., Silva L.A.F., Daleck C.R., Fioravanti M.C., Gonçalves G.F., Silva O.F. & Nadri A.B. 2009. [Implantation of the autologous auricular cartilagem in the repair of penile deviation in cattle.] Implante de cartilagem auricular autóloga no reparo de desvio de pênis de bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):258-262. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, Campus Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil. E-mail: duvaldo@ufu.br Eighteen 18 to 24-month-old mixed breed bullocks were submitted to removal of the apical ligament of the penis to induce penile deviation. After 60 days from the surgery the steers were put together with cows in heat. A ventral and right lateral penis deviation leading to incapacity to copulate was observed. The bullocks were then submitted to an autolgous transplant of a cartilage segment from the ear pinna placed on top of the tunica albuginea, replacing the penile ligament apical tha had been removed. The implanted material was well tolerated; histologically with only infiltration few mononuclear cells, polymorpho nucleated cells and giant cells, and fibrosis, which caused strong adherence and provided ability to sustain the free penile extremity. The bullocks that were cows in heat did not show any degree of penile deviation nor any change in sexual behavior. The surgical method described here was shown to be satisfactory as to be indicated for correction of ventral and right lateral penile deviation in bullocks.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva Júnior A., Castro L.A., Chiarelli Neto O., Silva F.M.F., Vidigal P.M.P., Moraes M.P. & Almeida M.R. 2009. Development and evaluation of a recombinant DNA vaccine candidate expressing porcine circovirus 2 structural protein. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):76-82. Laboratório de Infectologia Molecular Animal, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs s/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, MG 36570-000, Brazil. E-mail: marcia@ufv.br Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) is generally associated with the porcine circovirosis syndrome, which is considered an important disease of swine and has potentially serious economic impact on the swine industry worldwide. This article describes the construction of a recombinant plasmid expressing the PCV2 structural protein and the evaluation of cellular and humoral immune responses produced by this recombinant vaccine in BALB/c mice. The vaccine candidate was obtained and analyzed in vivo, in an effort to determine the ability to induce a specific immune response in mice. DNA was extracted from a Brazilian PCV2 isolate and the gene coding for Cap protein was amplified by PCR and inserted into an expression plasmid. Groups of BALB/c mice were inoculated intra-muscularly and intradermally in a 15-day interval, with 100 µg and 50 µg of the vaccine construct, respectively. Another group was inoculated intramuscularly with 100 µg of empty plasmid, corresponding to the control group. Seroconversion and cellular response in BALB/c mice were compared and used for vaccine evaluation. Seroconversion was analyzed by ELISA. After a series of 3 immunizations the spleen cells of the immunized animals were used to perform lymphocyte proliferation assays. Seroconversion to PCV2 was detected by ELISA in the animals inoculated with the vaccine construct when compared with control groups. Lymphocyte proliferation assays showed a stronger cell proliferation in the inoculated animals compared with the control group. Thus, the vaccine candidate construct demonstrated to be able to induce both humoral and cellular responses in inoculated mice.

• PCV2 DNA vaccine porcine circovirosis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva Júnior A., Castro L.A., Chiarelli Neto O., Silva F.M.F., Vidigal P.M.P., Moraes M.P. & Almeida M.R. 2009. Development and evaluation of a recombinant DNA vaccine candidate expressing porcine circovirus 2 structural protein. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):76-82. Laboratório de Infectologia Molecular Animal, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs s/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, MG 36570-000, Brazil. E-mail: marcia@ufv.br Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) is generally associated with the porcine circovirosis syndrome, which is considered an important disease of swine and has potentially serious economic impact on the swine industry worldwide. This article describes the construction of a recombinant plasmid expressing the PCV2 structural protein and the evaluation of cellular and humoral immune responses produced by this recombinant vaccine in BALB/c mice. The vaccine candidate was obtained and analyzed in vivo, in an effort to determine the ability to induce a specific immune response in mice. DNA was extracted from a Brazilian PCV2 isolate and the gene coding for Cap protein was amplified by PCR and inserted into an expression plasmid. Groups of BALB/c mice were inoculated intra-muscularly and intradermally in a 15-day interval, with 100 µg and 50 µg of the vaccine construct, respectively. Another group was inoculated intramuscularly with 100 µg of empty plasmid, corresponding to the control group. Seroconversion and cellular response in BALB/c mice were compared and used for vaccine evaluation. Seroconversion was analyzed by ELISA. After a series of 3 immunizations the spleen cells of the immunized animals were used to perform lymphocyte proliferation assays. Seroconversion to PCV2 was detected by ELISA in the animals inoculated with the vaccine construct when compared with control groups. Lymphocyte proliferation assays showed a stronger cell proliferation in the inoculated animals compared with the control group. Thus, the vaccine candidate construct demonstrated to be able to induce both humoral and cellular responses in inoculated mice.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Vieira R.C., Bombardiere E., Oliveira J.J., Lino-Júnior R.S., Brito L.A.B. & Junqueira-Kipnis A.P. 2008. [Influence of Copaifera langsdorffii oil on the repair of a surgical wound in the presence of foreign body.] Influência do óleo de Copaifera langsdorffii no reparo de ferida cirúrgica em presença de corpo estranho. Revista Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(8):358-366. Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública (IPTSP), UFG, Rua 235 s/n, Sala 325, Setor Universitário, Goiânia, GO 74605-050, Brazil. E-mail: rafael.objetivo@gmail.com Copaifera langsdorffii is a Brazilian native leguminosae that produce resin-oil, popularly known as copaíba oil. This oil is used for the treatment of skin wound due to its recognized antiinflammatory and wound healing effects. Despite, its popular use, there are few published data about the therapeutic effect of this medicinal plant. The aim of the study was to evaluate the topic treatment effect of the Copaíba oil on the process of skin repair inflammation induced by a foreign body subcutanously implanted. Sixty BALB/c mice were submitted to a 1cm linear incision and a 12mm circle coverslip was subcutaneously implanted. Four treatments groups were established: control, sterile saline (C); vehicle control, sterile mineral oil, (VC); treatment 1 (T1), mineral oil plus copaiba oil (V/V), and treatment 2 (T2) copaiba oil. The evaluations were performed at pre-determined time points (1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days). It was possible to find fibroblasts, epithelial cells proliferation, re-epithelization and newly formed blood vessels in all groups, however, all oil treated groups (T1 and T2) did not present re-epithelization at three days post surgical incision. On days 5 and 7, a higher intensity of edema and hyperemia on the groups T1 and T2 was observed, besides that, the T1 and T2 groups presented a serous cellular scab on the wounds that was absent on the C and VC groups. The inflammatory reactions among the groups C and VC showed more mononuclear cells than the T1 and T2 groups that presented a mixed cell patter composed from both mono and polymorphonuclear cells. Although the surgical wounds were re-epithelizaded, in the groups T1 and T2, they were covered by a serous cellular crust and the dermis tissue still presented an intense mononuclear cell inflammatory focus. Fourteen days after of the surgical incision, the gross aspects on groups C and VC were similar and on groups T1 and T2, despite wound to be completely closed and without crusts, the skin those animals was thickened. Furthermore, the dermis on group T2 presented moderate fibrosis, while the other groups presented slightly ones. The results demonstrated that topical treatment with C. langsdorffii oil debilitated the normal process of a wound repair in the presence of a foreign body.

• Copaifera langsdorffii copaíba wound healing anti-inflammatory

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Vieira R.C., Bombardiere E., Oliveira J.J., Lino-Júnior R.S., Brito L.A.B. & Junqueira-Kipnis A.P. 2008. [Influence of Copaifera langsdorffii oil on the repair of a surgical wound in the presence of foreign body.] Influência do óleo de Copaifera langsdorffii no reparo de ferida cirúrgica em presença de corpo estranho. Revista Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(8):358-366. Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública (IPTSP), UFG, Rua 235 s/n, Sala 325, Setor Universitário, Goiânia, GO 74605-050, Brazil. E-mail: rafael.objetivo@gmail.com Copaifera langsdorffii is a Brazilian native leguminosae that produce resin-oil, popularly known as copaíba oil. This oil is used for the treatment of skin wound due to its recognized antiinflammatory and wound healing effects. Despite, its popular use, there are few published data about the therapeutic effect of this medicinal plant. The aim of the study was to evaluate the topic treatment effect of the Copaíba oil on the process of skin repair inflammation induced by a foreign body subcutanously implanted. Sixty BALB/c mice were submitted to a 1cm linear incision and a 12mm circle coverslip was subcutaneously implanted. Four treatments groups were established: control, sterile saline (C); vehicle control, sterile mineral oil, (VC); treatment 1 (T1), mineral oil plus copaiba oil (V/V), and treatment 2 (T2) copaiba oil. The evaluations were performed at pre-determined time points (1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days). It was possible to find fibroblasts, epithelial cells proliferation, re-epithelization and newly formed blood vessels in all groups, however, all oil treated groups (T1 and T2) did not present re-epithelization at three days post surgical incision. On days 5 and 7, a higher intensity of edema and hyperemia on the groups T1 and T2 was observed, besides that, the T1 and T2 groups presented a serous cellular scab on the wounds that was absent on the C and VC groups. The inflammatory reactions among the groups C and VC showed more mononuclear cells than the T1 and T2 groups that presented a mixed cell patter composed from both mono and polymorphonuclear cells. Although the surgical wounds were re-epithelizaded, in the groups T1 and T2, they were covered by a serous cellular crust and the dermis tissue still presented an intense mononuclear cell inflammatory focus. Fourteen days after of the surgical incision, the gross aspects on groups C and VC were similar and on groups T1 and T2, despite wound to be completely closed and without crusts, the skin those animals was thickened. Furthermore, the dermis on group T2 presented moderate fibrosis, while the other groups presented slightly ones. The results demonstrated that topical treatment with C. langsdorffii oil debilitated the normal process of a wound repair in the presence of a foreign body.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Lugarini C., Condas L.A.Z., Soresini G.C., Santos R.C.F., Muro M.D., Ono M., Farias M.R. & Montiani-Ferreira F. 2008. Screening of antigenemia and isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii from cloaca and crop of birds in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(7):341-344. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Rua dos Funcionários 1540, Juvevê, Curitiba PR 80035-050, Brazil. E-mail: camilelug@gmail.com Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii are associated with dry bird excreta but rarely recovered from birds’ digestive tract. The objective of the present study was (1) to verify the existence of C. neoformans and C. gattii in crop and cloaca of wildlife and captivity birds hypothesizing about a possible primary source of this yeast in the excreta, and (2) to determine the fungi’s invasive capability in avian species through latex agglutination. For that purpose, 172 cloacal and 77 crop samples of domestic pigeon, Passerine, and Psittacine birds were collected. None of these samples was positive, suggesting that the yeast is not saprobiotic in the digestive tract of these birds. Only one out of 82 serum samples collected from pigeons and Psittacine birds was positive (title 1:2) showing that Cryptococcus sp. probably has a low invasive capability in birds, and is thus considered only a dry excreta colonizer.

• Ecology birds yeast Cryptococcus neoformans Cryptococcus gattii

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Lugarini C., Condas L.A.Z., Soresini G.C., Santos R.C.F., Muro M.D., Ono M., Farias M.R. & Montiani-Ferreira F. 2008. Screening of antigenemia and isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii from cloaca and crop of birds in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(7):341-344. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Rua dos Funcionários 1540, Juvevê, Curitiba PR 80035-050, Brazil. E-mail: camilelug@gmail.com Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii are associated with dry bird excreta but rarely recovered from birds’ digestive tract. The objective of the present study was (1) to verify the existence of C. neoformans and C. gattii in crop and cloaca of wildlife and captivity birds hypothesizing about a possible primary source of this yeast in the excreta, and (2) to determine the fungi’s invasive capability in avian species through latex agglutination. For that purpose, 172 cloacal and 77 crop samples of domestic pigeon, Passerine, and Psittacine birds were collected. None of these samples was positive, suggesting that the yeast is not saprobiotic in the digestive tract of these birds. Only one out of 82 serum samples collected from pigeons and Psittacine birds was positive (title 1:2) showing that Cryptococcus sp. probably has a low invasive capability in birds, and is thus considered only a dry excreta colonizer.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira D.M., Pimentel L.A., Araújo J.A.S., Medeiros R.M.T., Dantas A.F.M. & Riet-Correa F. 2008. [Poisoning by Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae) in goats.] Intoxicação por Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae) em caprinos. Pesquisa Ve-terinária Brasileira 28(1):36-42. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campi-na Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae), with the common name favela, is a generally spiny plant of the Brazilian semiarid. Mainly during the dry season livestock browse its leaves from the shrubs or ingest the dry leaves fallen to the ground. Farmers report the spontaneous poisoning by this plant when livestock has access to shrubs or branches that had been cut. Different parts of the ground fresh plant, diluted in water, are used by people in the semiarid to hunt birds. To determine the toxicity of C. phyllacanthus, leaves of the non-spiny plant were fed by hand to a goat by putting small amount into its mouth. After the consumption of 4.7g/kg body weight, the goat had tachycardia, tachypnoea, dyspnoea, nystagmus, opisthotonos and sternal recumbence. The death occurred 30 minutes after the onset of clinical signs. Fresh leaves from the same plants were given to 8 goats at doses of 0.5-2.5g/kg without causing clinical signs. Three goats showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 3g/kg. Clinical signs were similar to those observed in cyanide poisoning. Two goats given 0.5mg/kg of a 20% solution of sodium thiosulphate recovered immediately after treatment. Another goat recovered spontaneously. Leaves from the same plants were sun-dried during variable periods for 8-30 days, and then given to 8 goats. The goat that ingested the plant dried at the sun during 8 days died after the ingestion of 3 g/kg. The goat that ingested the plant, exposed to the sun for 9 days, showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 1.13g/kg, but recovered spontaneously. The goats that ingested the leaves exposed to the sun during 10-29 days showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 3g/kg, but recovered spontaneously or after treatment with sodium thiosulphate. No clinical signs were observed in the goat that ingested the plant that had been exposed to the sun during 30 days. In another experiment ground leaves of the plant were dried at the sun for 1, 2, 3, and 4 days and given to goats at the dose of 3g/kg. Goats that received the plant dried for 1, 2 or 3 days showed clinical signs, but recovered spontaneously. The goat that ingested the plant dried 4 days showed no clinical signs. Leaves of the spineless C. phyllacanthus used in the experiments, 20 samples of leaves from spiny plants, 3 samples of the ground plant stem, and 2 samples of fruits were positive with the picrosodic paper test for HCN. These results demonstrated that C. phyllacanthus is a cyanogenic plant. After being cut the entire leaves maintain their toxicity for up to 30 days, and the ground leaves for up to 3 days. After the end of the raining season dry leaves fallen to the ground and tested within a short period were negative for HCN. These results have to be taken into account for the use of C. phyllacanthus as forage.

• Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus plant poisoning cyanide poisoning goats semiarid

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira D.M., Pimentel L.A., Araújo J.A.S., Medeiros R.M.T., Dantas A.F.M. & Riet-Correa F. 2008. [Poisoning by Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae) in goats.] Intoxicação por Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae) em caprinos. Pesquisa Ve-terinária Brasileira 28(1):36-42. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campi-na Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae), with the common name favela, is a generally spiny plant of the Brazilian semiarid. Mainly during the dry season livestock browse its leaves from the shrubs or ingest the dry leaves fallen to the ground. Farmers report the spontaneous poisoning by this plant when livestock has access to shrubs or branches that had been cut. Different parts of the ground fresh plant, diluted in water, are used by people in the semiarid to hunt birds. To determine the toxicity of C. phyllacanthus, leaves of the non-spiny plant were fed by hand to a goat by putting small amount into its mouth. After the consumption of 4.7g/kg body weight, the goat had tachycardia, tachypnoea, dyspnoea, nystagmus, opisthotonos and sternal recumbence. The death occurred 30 minutes after the onset of clinical signs. Fresh leaves from the same plants were given to 8 goats at doses of 0.5-2.5g/kg without causing clinical signs. Three goats showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 3g/kg. Clinical signs were similar to those observed in cyanide poisoning. Two goats given 0.5mg/kg of a 20% solution of sodium thiosulphate recovered immediately after treatment. Another goat recovered spontaneously. Leaves from the same plants were sun-dried during variable periods for 8-30 days, and then given to 8 goats. The goat that ingested the plant dried at the sun during 8 days died after the ingestion of 3 g/kg. The goat that ingested the plant, exposed to the sun for 9 days, showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 1.13g/kg, but recovered spontaneously. The goats that ingested the leaves exposed to the sun during 10-29 days showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 3g/kg, but recovered spontaneously or after treatment with sodium thiosulphate. No clinical signs were observed in the goat that ingested the plant that had been exposed to the sun during 30 days. In another experiment ground leaves of the plant were dried at the sun for 1, 2, 3, and 4 days and given to goats at the dose of 3g/kg. Goats that received the plant dried for 1, 2 or 3 days showed clinical signs, but recovered spontaneously. The goat that ingested the plant dried 4 days showed no clinical signs. Leaves of the spineless C. phyllacanthus used in the experiments, 20 samples of leaves from spiny plants, 3 samples of the ground plant stem, and 2 samples of fruits were positive with the picrosodic paper test for HCN. These results demonstrated that C. phyllacanthus is a cyanogenic plant. After being cut the entire leaves maintain their toxicity for up to 30 days, and the ground leaves for up to 3 days. After the end of the raining season dry leaves fallen to the ground and tested within a short period were negative for HCN. These results have to be taken into account for the use of C. phyllacanthus as forage.

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Pescador C.A., Bandarra P.M., Castro L.A., Antoniassi N.A.B., Ravazollo, A.P., Sonne L. Cruz C.E.F. & Driemeier D. 2007. Co-infection by porcine circovirus type 2 and porcine parvovirus in aborted fetuses and stillborn piglets in southern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):425-429. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Porcine circovirus types 1 and 2 (PCV1, PCV2) and porcine parvovirus (PPV) are widespread in pig populations around the world. Nevertheless, only PCV2 has been associated with different clinical syndromes, thus representing a major problem to the pig industry. The association of cases of swine abortions and stillborns with PCV1 and PCV2 and PPV was studied retrospectively (2005-2007). Additional pathogens were also investigated in lesioned fetuses. The studied litters included stillborn piglets and several mummified fetuses of varied sizes. Ventricular dilatation, myocardial pale areas, and mesocolic edema were the gross lesions. Escherichia coli was detected as co-infecting with PCV2 the cases in which mesocolic edema was seen. Microscopic lesions included non-suppurative myocarditis, myocardial necrosis and fibrosis, mineralization foci and intranuclear inclusion bodies in cardiomyocytes, and interstitial mononuclear pneumonia. Samples from 7 (5.78 per cent) of 121 aborted fetuses and stillborn piglets had lesions consistent with a viral cause and showed both positive anti-PCV2 immunostaining as well as PCV2-PCR. In samples from 3 (2.47 per cent) of these 7 fetuses, co-infection with PPV was confirmed by Nested-PCR. Both viruses were detected in fetuses at different stages of gestation. Viral antigens of PCV2 were detected by immunohistochemistry mainly in macrophages and myocytes. PCV1 individually was not detected in any of these affected fetuses, but it was associated with PCV2 and/or PPV in some of them. These findings indicate that PCV2 alone or in association with PPV should be kept in mind when investigating causes of infectious abortion in pigs in Brazil.

• Abortion PCV2 PCV1 PPV stillborn swine Brazil

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Pescador C.A., Bandarra P.M., Castro L.A., Antoniassi N.A.B., Ravazollo, A.P., Sonne L. Cruz C.E.F. & Driemeier D. 2007. Co-infection by porcine circovirus type 2 and porcine parvovirus in aborted fetuses and stillborn piglets in southern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):425-429. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Porcine circovirus types 1 and 2 (PCV1, PCV2) and porcine parvovirus (PPV) are widespread in pig populations around the world. Nevertheless, only PCV2 has been associated with different clinical syndromes, thus representing a major problem to the pig industry. The association of cases of swine abortions and stillborns with PCV1 and PCV2 and PPV was studied retrospectively (2005-2007). Additional pathogens were also investigated in lesioned fetuses. The studied litters included stillborn piglets and several mummified fetuses of varied sizes. Ventricular dilatation, myocardial pale areas, and mesocolic edema were the gross lesions. Escherichia coli was detected as co-infecting with PCV2 the cases in which mesocolic edema was seen. Microscopic lesions included non-suppurative myocarditis, myocardial necrosis and fibrosis, mineralization foci and intranuclear inclusion bodies in cardiomyocytes, and interstitial mononuclear pneumonia. Samples from 7 (5.78 per cent) of 121 aborted fetuses and stillborn piglets had lesions consistent with a viral cause and showed both positive anti-PCV2 immunostaining as well as PCV2-PCR. In samples from 3 (2.47 per cent) of these 7 fetuses, co-infection with PPV was confirmed by Nested-PCR. Both viruses were detected in fetuses at different stages of gestation. Viral antigens of PCV2 were detected by immunohistochemistry mainly in macrophages and myocytes. PCV1 individually was not detected in any of these affected fetuses, but it was associated with PCV2 and/or PPV in some of them. These findings indicate that PCV2 alone or in association with PPV should be kept in mind when investigating causes of infectious abortion in pigs in Brazil.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Mathias L.A., Meirelles R.B. & Buchala F.G. 2007. [Stability of Brucella abortus whole cell antigen for use in the serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis by the complement fixation test.] Estabilidade do antígeno de célula total de Brucella abortus para uso no diagnóstico sorológico da brucelose bovina pela reação de fixação de complemento. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):18-22. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: lmathias@fcav.unesp.br The complement fixation test is used worldwide in the confirmatory diagnosis of bovine brucellosis. For this technique the antigen is the same as the one used in the tube agglutination test. However, literature is poor in information about the stability of the whole cell Brucella antigen for use in the complement fixation test to establish a time of validity of the antigen. Hence the aim of this investigation was to evaluate the stability of this antigen under refrigeration for use in the complement fixation test. Fourteen batches of antigen prepared with Brucella abortus strain 1119/3, produced from 9 months to 23 years and 11 months before, were analysed. One hundred and sixty-seven cattle sera with varying titres of antibodies to Brucella were tested through the warm complement fixation microtechnique with five 50% haemolytic units of complement. Sera with at least 25% of complement fixation in dilution 1:4 were considered positive. The results with 13 of the antigen batches were compared with the results obtained with the batch produced 9 months before by the McNemar c2 test and kappa statistic. The oldest antigen batch gave a higher proportion of sera titres which were exactly the same observed with the 9-month-batch (90.4%), and the antigen produced 4 years and 3 months before the test gave de lowest proportion of sera with the same titre of the 9-month-antigen (73.7%). The comparison of the results after being classified as positive and negative showed that the highest proportion of agreed results was observed with the antigen produced 21 years and 4 months before (98.8%, kappa 0.98). The antigen with the lowest proportion of agreed results was the one produced 3 years and 2 months before (91.6%, kappa 0.84). The results of the study show that most sera gave very similar results with all antigen batches evaluated, and that there was no relationship between the period of antigen production and the difference in test results.

• Bovine brucellosis serological diagnosis complement fixation test

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Mathias L.A., Meirelles R.B. & Buchala F.G. 2007. [Stability of Brucella abortus whole cell antigen for use in the serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis by the complement fixation test.] Estabilidade do antígeno de célula total de Brucella abortus para uso no diagnóstico sorológico da brucelose bovina pela reação de fixação de complemento. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):18-22. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: lmathias@fcav.unesp.br The complement fixation test is used worldwide in the confirmatory diagnosis of bovine brucellosis. For this technique the antigen is the same as the one used in the tube agglutination test. However, literature is poor in information about the stability of the whole cell Brucella antigen for use in the complement fixation test to establish a time of validity of the antigen. Hence the aim of this investigation was to evaluate the stability of this antigen under refrigeration for use in the complement fixation test. Fourteen batches of antigen prepared with Brucella abortus strain 1119/3, produced from 9 months to 23 years and 11 months before, were analysed. One hundred and sixty-seven cattle sera with varying titres of antibodies to Brucella were tested through the warm complement fixation microtechnique with five 50% haemolytic units of complement. Sera with at least 25% of complement fixation in dilution 1:4 were considered positive. The results with 13 of the antigen batches were compared with the results obtained with the batch produced 9 months before by the McNemar c2 test and kappa statistic. The oldest antigen batch gave a higher proportion of sera titres which were exactly the same observed with the 9-month-batch (90.4%), and the antigen produced 4 years and 3 months before the test gave de lowest proportion of sera with the same titre of the 9-month-antigen (73.7%). The comparison of the results after being classified as positive and negative showed that the highest proportion of agreed results was observed with the antigen produced 21 years and 4 months before (98.8%, kappa 0.98). The antigen with the lowest proportion of agreed results was the one produced 3 years and 2 months before (91.6%, kappa 0.84). The results of the study show that most sera gave very similar results with all antigen batches evaluated, and that there was no relationship between the period of antigen production and the difference in test results.