PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Cortez A., Heinemann M.B., Castro A.M.M.G., Soares M.S, Pinto A.M.V., Alfieri A.A., Flores E.F., Leite R.C. & Richtzenhain L.J. 2006. Genetic characterization of Brazilian bovine viral diarrhea virus isolates by partial nucleotide sequencing of the 5’-UTR region. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):211-216. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil. E-mail: leonardo@usp.br Nineteen isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) from Brazil were genetically characterized through partial nucleotide sequencing and analysis of the 5’UTR region. The isolates were grouped as BVDV-1 (11/19), BVDV-2 (6/19) or “atypical” pestivirus (2/19). Among the BVDV-1, eight isolates were classified as subgenotype BVDV-1a, whereas most (4 out of 6) BVDV-2 belonged to subgenotype 2b. Two isolates from aborted fetuses were not classified into any genetic group, being considered atypical BVDVs. Genetic diversity among Brazilian BVDV isolates may be responsible for vaccination and diag-nostic failure and therefore may influence the control strategies for BVDV infection in the country.

• BVDV-1 BVDV-2 Pestivirus phylogenetic analysis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Cortez A., Heinemann M.B., Castro A.M.M.G., Soares M.S, Pinto A.M.V., Alfieri A.A., Flores E.F., Leite R.C. & Richtzenhain L.J. 2006. Genetic characterization of Brazilian bovine viral diarrhea virus isolates by partial nucleotide sequencing of the 5’-UTR region. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):211-216. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil. E-mail: leonardo@usp.br Nineteen isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) from Brazil were genetically characterized through partial nucleotide sequencing and analysis of the 5’UTR region. The isolates were grouped as BVDV-1 (11/19), BVDV-2 (6/19) or “atypical” pestivirus (2/19). Among the BVDV-1, eight isolates were classified as subgenotype BVDV-1a, whereas most (4 out of 6) BVDV-2 belonged to subgenotype 2b. Two isolates from aborted fetuses were not classified into any genetic group, being considered atypical BVDVs. Genetic diversity among Brazilian BVDV isolates may be responsible for vaccination and diag-nostic failure and therefore may influence the control strategies for BVDV infection in the country.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Monteiro L.A.R.C., Pellegrin A.O., Ishikawa M.M. & Osório A.L.A.R. 2006. [Epidemiological investigation of bovine brucellosis in an extract of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Investigação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina em um estrato do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):217-222. Programa Mestrado em Ciência Animal, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: leticiacmonteiro@yahoo.com.br The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of bovine brucellosis in 22 counties which make up the region Extract 1 of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, in order to identify risk factors associated with the infection. The sample region encompasses an area of 70,214.1 km² and represents 19.7% of the State. The region studied has about 5.7 million head of cattle, corresponding to 23% of the total of 24.9 million cattle in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. On 210 farms, between December 2003 and March 2004, 2,376 blood samples were collected from cows, aged 24 months or older, for serial diagnostic tests. Screening through the buffered acidified antigen test was confirmed by the 2-mercaptoetanol test. On the occasion of sample collection a questionnaire with information related to identification, kind of cattle and management practices was filled out. In individual animals the real prevalence was estimated at 5.6%, and in the cattle herds at 37.3%. The variables, which presented association through odds ratio (OR), univariate analysis and 95% confidence interval (CI) with serum positivity for brucellosis, were: the exploration of beef cattle (OR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.49-5.34), Zebu breed (OR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.40-4.88) and abortion (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.01-3.33). The results shown here demonstrate, despite the prevalence of brucellosis in the extract of Mato Grosso do Sul studied, that the control of the disease may depend on adoption of a program focusing upon the exploration of beef cattle, the Zebu breed and the occurrence of abortion.

• Brucellosis cattle epidemiology seroprevalence

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Monteiro L.A.R.C., Pellegrin A.O., Ishikawa M.M. & Osório A.L.A.R. 2006. [Epidemiological investigation of bovine brucellosis in an extract of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Investigação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina em um estrato do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):217-222. Programa Mestrado em Ciência Animal, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: leticiacmonteiro@yahoo.com.br The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of bovine brucellosis in 22 counties which make up the region Extract 1 of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, in order to identify risk factors associated with the infection. The sample region encompasses an area of 70,214.1 km² and represents 19.7% of the State. The region studied has about 5.7 million head of cattle, corresponding to 23% of the total of 24.9 million cattle in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. On 210 farms, between December 2003 and March 2004, 2,376 blood samples were collected from cows, aged 24 months or older, for serial diagnostic tests. Screening through the buffered acidified antigen test was confirmed by the 2-mercaptoetanol test. On the occasion of sample collection a questionnaire with information related to identification, kind of cattle and management practices was filled out. In individual animals the real prevalence was estimated at 5.6%, and in the cattle herds at 37.3%. The variables, which presented association through odds ratio (OR), univariate analysis and 95% confidence interval (CI) with serum positivity for brucellosis, were: the exploration of beef cattle (OR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.49-5.34), Zebu breed (OR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.40-4.88) and abortion (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.01-3.33). The results shown here demonstrate, despite the prevalence of brucellosis in the extract of Mato Grosso do Sul studied, that the control of the disease may depend on adoption of a program focusing upon the exploration of beef cattle, the Zebu breed and the occurrence of abortion.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Santos S.B., Faccini J.L.H. & Santos A.C.G. 2006. [Seasonal variation of Bovicola caprae parasitizing goats in the State of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil.] Variação estacional de Bovicola caprae parasitando caprinos no Estado da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):249-253. Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: faccini@ufrrj.br The effects of temperature, humidity and rainfall on field population trend of the biting louse Bovicola caprae, parasitizing goats bred in the semiarid region of the State of Paraiba, northeastern Brazil were monthly evaluated from August 1999 to July 2002. In the first two years (August 1999 to July 2001) 30 goats were examined, whereas 16 goats were examined in the last year (August 2001 to July 2002). All goats were crossbred, both sexes and abated for human consumption. The lice were collected in an area 4cm of diameter at three body sites: maxillary, back line and haunch. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted (p< 0.05) between monthly average intensity of infestation of all stages (egg, larva, nymph, male and female) of the life cycle pooled and monthly total counts of each stage and mean temperature, mean relative humidity and rainfall. B. caprae was found throughout the year with prevalence of 75-100%. Increase of the louse population during the drier months was probably a consequence of poor nutrition due to reduced pasture and inadequate husbandry practices instead the influence of abiotic factors.

• Bovicola caprae Trichodectidae Mallophaga seasonal variation goats northeastern Brazil

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Santos S.B., Faccini J.L.H. & Santos A.C.G. 2006. [Seasonal variation of Bovicola caprae parasitizing goats in the State of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil.] Variação estacional de Bovicola caprae parasitando caprinos no Estado da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):249-253. Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: faccini@ufrrj.br The effects of temperature, humidity and rainfall on field population trend of the biting louse Bovicola caprae, parasitizing goats bred in the semiarid region of the State of Paraiba, northeastern Brazil were monthly evaluated from August 1999 to July 2002. In the first two years (August 1999 to July 2001) 30 goats were examined, whereas 16 goats were examined in the last year (August 2001 to July 2002). All goats were crossbred, both sexes and abated for human consumption. The lice were collected in an area 4cm of diameter at three body sites: maxillary, back line and haunch. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted (p< 0.05) between monthly average intensity of infestation of all stages (egg, larva, nymph, male and female) of the life cycle pooled and monthly total counts of each stage and mean temperature, mean relative humidity and rainfall. B. caprae was found throughout the year with prevalence of 75-100%. Increase of the louse population during the drier months was probably a consequence of poor nutrition due to reduced pasture and inadequate husbandry practices instead the influence of abiotic factors.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Carvalho N.M., Alonso L.A., Cunha T.G., Ravedutti J., Barros C.S.L. & Lemos R.A.A. 2006. [Poisoning of cattle by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação de bovinos por Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) em Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):139-146. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Avenida Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br Two outbreaks of poisoning by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in cattle and the experimental reproduction of the toxicosis in sheep are described. Both outbreaks occurred on the same farm in the municipality of Bataiporã, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The first outbreak occurred in July-October 2004 and involved a cattle population at risk of 290 pregnant cows, which were introduced into a 60 hectare pasture with a legal reservation area heavily infested by T. multiglandulosa. Of these, 230 cows (79.3%) aborted, had stillbirths or delivered weak calves that died few days after birth. Seven cows died, and one cow and a 10-day-old calf were necropsied. The second outbreak occurred in September-October 2005, 40 days after 285 2-year-old heifers were introduced into the same pasture infested by T. multiglandulosa and where the first outbreak had occurred in the previous year. Nine heifers got sick and died, and three of then were necropsied. Clinical signs of affected cattle, including a 10-day-old calf, were marked lethargy, loss of weight with distension of the abdomen (ascites), subcutaneous dependant edema, distended and pulsating jugular veins, dyspnea and cardiac arrhythmia. Necropsy findings included a round and dilated heart with whitish and firm areas in the myocardium, and changes related to cardiac failure such as cavitary edema, nutmeg liver, pulmonary edema, a large blood clot in the left ventricle. Histopathological changes included necrosis and fibrosis in the myocardium, chronic passive hepatic centrolobular congestion, pulmonary edema, and spongy degeneration in the white matter of the brain. Experimental sheep died 29 (Sheep 1) and 35 (Sheep 2) days after being fed average daily doses of T. multiglandulosa corresponding to 14g/kg (Sheep 1) and 7,5 g/kg (Sheep 2) per day. Clinical signs were observed from the 7th day (Sheep1) and the 4th day (Sheep 2) of the experiment and included tachycardia, arrhythmia, lethargy and head pressing. Necropsy and histopathologic findings in both experimental sheep were very similar to those observed in affected cattle of the two spontaneous outbreaks.

• Poisonous plants Tetrapterys multiglandulosa Malpighiaceae plant poisoning cardiomiopathy abortion diseases of cattle pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Carvalho N.M., Alonso L.A., Cunha T.G., Ravedutti J., Barros C.S.L. & Lemos R.A.A. 2006. [Poisoning of cattle by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação de bovinos por Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) em Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):139-146. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Avenida Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br Two outbreaks of poisoning by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in cattle and the experimental reproduction of the toxicosis in sheep are described. Both outbreaks occurred on the same farm in the municipality of Bataiporã, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The first outbreak occurred in July-October 2004 and involved a cattle population at risk of 290 pregnant cows, which were introduced into a 60 hectare pasture with a legal reservation area heavily infested by T. multiglandulosa. Of these, 230 cows (79.3%) aborted, had stillbirths or delivered weak calves that died few days after birth. Seven cows died, and one cow and a 10-day-old calf were necropsied. The second outbreak occurred in September-October 2005, 40 days after 285 2-year-old heifers were introduced into the same pasture infested by T. multiglandulosa and where the first outbreak had occurred in the previous year. Nine heifers got sick and died, and three of then were necropsied. Clinical signs of affected cattle, including a 10-day-old calf, were marked lethargy, loss of weight with distension of the abdomen (ascites), subcutaneous dependant edema, distended and pulsating jugular veins, dyspnea and cardiac arrhythmia. Necropsy findings included a round and dilated heart with whitish and firm areas in the myocardium, and changes related to cardiac failure such as cavitary edema, nutmeg liver, pulmonary edema, a large blood clot in the left ventricle. Histopathological changes included necrosis and fibrosis in the myocardium, chronic passive hepatic centrolobular congestion, pulmonary edema, and spongy degeneration in the white matter of the brain. Experimental sheep died 29 (Sheep 1) and 35 (Sheep 2) days after being fed average daily doses of T. multiglandulosa corresponding to 14g/kg (Sheep 1) and 7,5 g/kg (Sheep 2) per day. Clinical signs were observed from the 7th day (Sheep1) and the 4th day (Sheep 2) of the experiment and included tachycardia, arrhythmia, lethargy and head pressing. Necropsy and histopathologic findings in both experimental sheep were very similar to those observed in affected cattle of the two spontaneous outbreaks.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Tokarnia C.H. & Peixoto P.V. 2006. [Hepatogenous photosensitization in horses caused by Brachiaria humidicola (Gramineae) in the State of Pará.] Fotossensibilização hepatógena em eqüinos pela ingestão de Brachiaria humidicola (Gramineae) no Estado do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):147-153. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br Data on the clinical-pathological aspects and on the epidemioloy of a disease in horses, characterized by phototsensitization, which occurs in northeastern of Pará, Brazil, are presented. Of a total of 40 horses examined clinically, post-mortem examination was performed on seven. Due to the characteristic lesions found on the non-pigmented skin, the macroscopic and histological alterations in the liver, and knowing that Brachiaria grasses contain saponins with toxic properties, which cause liver lesions and photosensitization in cattle and sheep, it is concluded that this disease in horses is caused by grassing exclusively Brachiaria humidicola.

• Poisonous plants Brachiaria humidicola plant poisoning photosensitization saponins horses

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Tokarnia C.H. & Peixoto P.V. 2006. [Hepatogenous photosensitization in horses caused by Brachiaria humidicola (Gramineae) in the State of Pará.] Fotossensibilização hepatógena em eqüinos pela ingestão de Brachiaria humidicola (Gramineae) no Estado do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):147-153. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br Data on the clinical-pathological aspects and on the epidemioloy of a disease in horses, characterized by phototsensitization, which occurs in northeastern of Pará, Brazil, are presented. Of a total of 40 horses examined clinically, post-mortem examination was performed on seven. Due to the characteristic lesions found on the non-pigmented skin, the macroscopic and histological alterations in the liver, and knowing that Brachiaria grasses contain saponins with toxic properties, which cause liver lesions and photosensitization in cattle and sheep, it is concluded that this disease in horses is caused by grassing exclusively Brachiaria humidicola.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Corrêa A.M.R., Zlotowski P., Rozza D.B., Borba M.R., Leal J.S., Cuz C.E.F. & Driemeier D. 2006. Postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome in farmed wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):154-156. Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpath@ufrgs.br This report concerns an outbreak of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome in wild boars from commercial herds in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The main clinical signs were progressive wasting, respiratory distress, diarrhea, and ocular discharges. Enhanced lymph nodes and spleens, ascites, hydrothorax, and non collapsed lungs were the principal gross lesions. Varying degrees of lymphohistiocytic infiltrates in lymph nodes, spleen, and intestines were the most significant microscopic changes. Although a total of 26 animals had showed clinical and pathological findings consistent with the disease, only in 11 of them it was possible to confirm a PMWS diagnosis through the association of specific lesions in lymphoid tissues with the presence of the viral antigen detected by immunohistochemistry. These findings were similar to those reported in the swine disease.

• Circovirus PCV2 PMWS immunohistochemistry wild boar Sus scrofa

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Corrêa A.M.R., Zlotowski P., Rozza D.B., Borba M.R., Leal J.S., Cuz C.E.F. & Driemeier D. 2006. Postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome in farmed wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):154-156. Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpath@ufrgs.br This report concerns an outbreak of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome in wild boars from commercial herds in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The main clinical signs were progressive wasting, respiratory distress, diarrhea, and ocular discharges. Enhanced lymph nodes and spleens, ascites, hydrothorax, and non collapsed lungs were the principal gross lesions. Varying degrees of lymphohistiocytic infiltrates in lymph nodes, spleen, and intestines were the most significant microscopic changes. Although a total of 26 animals had showed clinical and pathological findings consistent with the disease, only in 11 of them it was possible to confirm a PMWS diagnosis through the association of specific lesions in lymphoid tissues with the presence of the viral antigen detected by immunohistochemistry. These findings were similar to those reported in the swine disease.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Costa M.M., Machado S.A., Krewer C.C., Ilha M.R.S., Graça D.L., Guaraldi A.L.M. & Vargas A.C. 2006. Pathogenicity of Rhodococcus equi in mice, isolated from environment, human and horse clinical samples. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):167-170. Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Avenida Roraima 1000, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: agueda@ccr.ufsm.br Rhodococcus equi is a facultative intracellular pathogen associated with bronchopneumonia, mesenteric lymphadenitis and enterocolitis in foals. Although R. equi is likely to be found in every horse-breeding farm, the clinical disease is unrecognized in most of them. Capsule components, equi factor, micolic acid and some products encoded by the large 85-90Kb plasmid were described as virulence factors. However, the pathogenesis of R. equi infections and the sensibility of foals are not completely understood. The aim of this study was evaluate the virulence of R. equi isolated from human, horses and environment for mices. Nine strains carrying the 85-90Kb plasmid isolated from foal clinical specimens, one from immunodeficient human patient and six plasmidless strains (four isolated from feces, one from pasture and one from immunodeficient human patient) were inoculated in cyclophosphamide immunossuppressed mice. The pathological changes and viability of R. equi cells in the liver of mice was verified after the 3rd, 6th an 10th day after inoculation for horse and environmental isolates and for R. equi isolates from human patients on the 1st, 3rd and 6th day. During the necropsy procedures, infiltrate of macrophages and pyogranulomatous lesions were detected after the sixth pos-inoculation day in the liver and spleen. In horse isolates, only plasmid positive strains were virulent, but in human isolates both strains (plasmid positive e plasmid negative) were virulent. Both groups of the immunossupressed mice inoculated with R. equi isolated from environment showed pathological changes. All R. equi strains were unable to kill non imunossuppressed mice.

• Rhodococcus equi mice virulence cyclophosphamide

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Costa M.M., Machado S.A., Krewer C.C., Ilha M.R.S., Graça D.L., Guaraldi A.L.M. & Vargas A.C. 2006. Pathogenicity of Rhodococcus equi in mice, isolated from environment, human and horse clinical samples. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):167-170. Laboratório de Bacteriologia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Avenida Roraima 1000, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: agueda@ccr.ufsm.br Rhodococcus equi is a facultative intracellular pathogen associated with bronchopneumonia, mesenteric lymphadenitis and enterocolitis in foals. Although R. equi is likely to be found in every horse-breeding farm, the clinical disease is unrecognized in most of them. Capsule components, equi factor, micolic acid and some products encoded by the large 85-90Kb plasmid were described as virulence factors. However, the pathogenesis of R. equi infections and the sensibility of foals are not completely understood. The aim of this study was evaluate the virulence of R. equi isolated from human, horses and environment for mices. Nine strains carrying the 85-90Kb plasmid isolated from foal clinical specimens, one from immunodeficient human patient and six plasmidless strains (four isolated from feces, one from pasture and one from immunodeficient human patient) were inoculated in cyclophosphamide immunossuppressed mice. The pathological changes and viability of R. equi cells in the liver of mice was verified after the 3rd, 6th an 10th day after inoculation for horse and environmental isolates and for R. equi isolates from human patients on the 1st, 3rd and 6th day. During the necropsy procedures, infiltrate of macrophages and pyogranulomatous lesions were detected after the sixth pos-inoculation day in the liver and spleen. In horse isolates, only plasmid positive strains were virulent, but in human isolates both strains (plasmid positive e plasmid negative) were virulent. Both groups of the immunossupressed mice inoculated with R. equi isolated from environment showed pathological changes. All R. equi strains were unable to kill non imunossuppressed mice.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Jabour F.F., Seixas J.N., Tokarnia C.H. & Brito M.F. 2006. [Variation of the toxicity of Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) in rabbits.] Variação da toxidez de Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) em coelhos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):171-176. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil. E-mail: flaviajabour@bol.com.br The dried and powdered mature leaves and sprouts of Arrabidaea bilabiata (fam. Bignoniaceae), a liana or scandent shrub, were administered by stomach tube to 15 rabbits at doses of 0.25-6.0g/kg. The lowest dose of the sprouts collected in October (End of the dry season) causing death was 0.5g/kg, whilst the lowest lethal dose of sprouts collected in May (End of the rainy season) was 1.0g/kg. With the mature leaves collected in October the lowest lethal dose was of 4.0g/kg, and the lowest lethal dose of the mature leaves collected in May was 6.0g/kg. The clinical course of the poisoning was peracute. The rabbits all of a sudden fell down with struggling movements, difficult and spaced breathing, and died. At necropsy, significant alterations were not observed and histopatological examination showed, as the more important changes, vacuolar hydropic degeneration of epithelial cells of the distal convoluted renal tubules, diffuse vacuolation of the cytoplasm and necrosis of hepatocytes, presence of eosinophilic sphaerules in the sinusoids, groups of heart muscle fibers with increased eosinophilia, besides congestion in the kidneys, liver, heart and lungs. It was concluded that the toxicity of A. bilabiata varies according to the season of the year and the growth stage of the plant. The plant was most toxic in October and the sprouts were more toxic than the mature leaves, confirming the data previously obtained in experiments with cattle and buffalos.

• Poisonous plants Arrabidaea bilabiata Bignoniaceae plant poisoning rabbit pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Jabour F.F., Seixas J.N., Tokarnia C.H. & Brito M.F. 2006. [Variation of the toxicity of Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) in rabbits.] Variação da toxidez de Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) em coelhos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):171-176. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil. E-mail: flaviajabour@bol.com.br The dried and powdered mature leaves and sprouts of Arrabidaea bilabiata (fam. Bignoniaceae), a liana or scandent shrub, were administered by stomach tube to 15 rabbits at doses of 0.25-6.0g/kg. The lowest dose of the sprouts collected in October (End of the dry season) causing death was 0.5g/kg, whilst the lowest lethal dose of sprouts collected in May (End of the rainy season) was 1.0g/kg. With the mature leaves collected in October the lowest lethal dose was of 4.0g/kg, and the lowest lethal dose of the mature leaves collected in May was 6.0g/kg. The clinical course of the poisoning was peracute. The rabbits all of a sudden fell down with struggling movements, difficult and spaced breathing, and died. At necropsy, significant alterations were not observed and histopatological examination showed, as the more important changes, vacuolar hydropic degeneration of epithelial cells of the distal convoluted renal tubules, diffuse vacuolation of the cytoplasm and necrosis of hepatocytes, presence of eosinophilic sphaerules in the sinusoids, groups of heart muscle fibers with increased eosinophilia, besides congestion in the kidneys, liver, heart and lungs. It was concluded that the toxicity of A. bilabiata varies according to the season of the year and the growth stage of the plant. The plant was most toxic in October and the sprouts were more toxic than the mature leaves, confirming the data previously obtained in experiments with cattle and buffalos.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Jardim G.C., Pires P.P., Mathias L.A. & Ribeiro O.C. & Kuchembuck M.R.G. 2006. [Serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis in adult herd vaccinated with Brucella abortus strain 19 reduced dose.] Diagnóstico sorológico da brucelose bovina em animais adultos vacinados com dose reduzida da cepa 19 de Brucella abortus. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):177-182. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade para o Desenvolvimento do Estado e Região do Pantanal (Uniderp), Rua Alexandre Herculano 1400, Parque dos Poderes, Campo Grande, MS 79037-280, Brazil. E-mail: gustavoj@mail.uniderp.br The study evaluated the use of a reduced dose of the Brucella abortus strain 19 vaccine, in an adult herd negative for the disease, by serological diagnostic techniques, advocated by the Brazilian Program for Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Control and Eradication, and by an indirect ELISA. The complement fixation test detecteed 46.77% positives, the rose bengal test 67.74%, the mercaptoethanol with standard agglutination test 87.09% and the ELISA ID 100%. The reduced dose influenced the serological diagnosis. None of the techniques reached a suitable specificity for use in the herd under those conditions, up to 3 months after vaccination.

• Bovine brucellosis vaccination strain 19 serological diagnosis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Jardim G.C., Pires P.P., Mathias L.A. & Ribeiro O.C. & Kuchembuck M.R.G. 2006. [Serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis in adult herd vaccinated with Brucella abortus strain 19 reduced dose.] Diagnóstico sorológico da brucelose bovina em animais adultos vacinados com dose reduzida da cepa 19 de Brucella abortus. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):177-182. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade para o Desenvolvimento do Estado e Região do Pantanal (Uniderp), Rua Alexandre Herculano 1400, Parque dos Poderes, Campo Grande, MS 79037-280, Brazil. E-mail: gustavoj@mail.uniderp.br The study evaluated the use of a reduced dose of the Brucella abortus strain 19 vaccine, in an adult herd negative for the disease, by serological diagnostic techniques, advocated by the Brazilian Program for Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Control and Eradication, and by an indirect ELISA. The complement fixation test detecteed 46.77% positives, the rose bengal test 67.74%, the mercaptoethanol with standard agglutination test 87.09% and the ELISA ID 100%. The reduced dose influenced the serological diagnosis. None of the techniques reached a suitable specificity for use in the herd under those conditions, up to 3 months after vaccination.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Rech R.R., Rissi D.R., Rodrigues A., Pierezan F., Piazer J.V.M., Kommers G.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Poisoning by Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) in cattle: epidemiology, clinical signs and morphometry of cerebellar lesions.] Intoxicação por Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) em bovinos: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e morfometria das lesões cerebelares. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):183-189. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Nineteen cases of Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) poisoning in cattle from three municipalites in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurring from 2003 to 2005, are described. Morbidity and mortality rates were respectively 6.7% and 3.4%. Average age of affected cattle was five-year-old (2 to 8-year-old) and duration of clinical courses was 3-18 months. Clinical signs observed in all affected cattle were cerebellar deficits characterized by hypermetry, incoordination, falls, muscle tremors, transitory seizures and wide base stance. One affected bovine had encephalic traumatic subdural hemorrhage and another had gross atrophy of the cerebellum. Histologically, lesions were restricted to the cerebellum and consisted of partial or complete vacuolation of the perikaria of Purkinje neurons with occasional axonal spheroids in the granular cell layer and in the white matter of the cerebellum. In advanced cases there were extensive loss of cerebellar Purkinje neurons and proliferation of the Bergmann’s glia. The morphometric evaluation of the numbers of Purkinje neurons and of the thickness of the cerebellar molecular layer indicated decreased numbers of Purkinje neurons with consequent decrease in the molecular layer thickness.

• Poisonous plants Solanum fastigiatum Solanaceae lysosomal storage diseases central nervous system diseases of cattle neuropathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Rech R.R., Rissi D.R., Rodrigues A., Pierezan F., Piazer J.V.M., Kommers G.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Poisoning by Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) in cattle: epidemiology, clinical signs and morphometry of cerebellar lesions.] Intoxicação por Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) em bovinos: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e morfometria das lesões cerebelares. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):183-189. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Nineteen cases of Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) poisoning in cattle from three municipalites in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurring from 2003 to 2005, are described. Morbidity and mortality rates were respectively 6.7% and 3.4%. Average age of affected cattle was five-year-old (2 to 8-year-old) and duration of clinical courses was 3-18 months. Clinical signs observed in all affected cattle were cerebellar deficits characterized by hypermetry, incoordination, falls, muscle tremors, transitory seizures and wide base stance. One affected bovine had encephalic traumatic subdural hemorrhage and another had gross atrophy of the cerebellum. Histologically, lesions were restricted to the cerebellum and consisted of partial or complete vacuolation of the perikaria of Purkinje neurons with occasional axonal spheroids in the granular cell layer and in the white matter of the cerebellum. In advanced cases there were extensive loss of cerebellar Purkinje neurons and proliferation of the Bergmann’s glia. The morphometric evaluation of the numbers of Purkinje neurons and of the thickness of the cerebellar molecular layer indicated decreased numbers of Purkinje neurons with consequent decrease in the molecular layer thickness.