PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- La Paz M.N., Fonseca V.U., Campos D.B., Artoni L.P., Sousa L.M.M.C. & Papa P.C. 2007. [In vitro progesterone production from bovine corpus luteum throughout gestation.] Produção de progesterona in vitro pelas células do corpo lúteo bovino ao longo da gestação. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(9):370376. Setor de Anatomia, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques Paiva, 87, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: ppapa@usp.br The aim was to test the hypothesis that cultivated bovine luteal cells from three different thirds of pregnancy behave the same way as in vivo luteal cells relative to P4 production. Corpus luteum samples from days 90 (n=3), 150 (n=3) and 210 (n=3) of pregnancy were obtained at a local slaughterhouse. Under aseptic conditions cells were mechanically dispersed and cultivated in a 96 wells-plate. After 24 hours of culture, cells were washed and the precursor pregnenolone was added. Experiments were conducted eight times for each studied time period (24, 48 and 96 h) and three times for each gestational age. Culture medium and cells were collected after 24, 48 and 96 hours of precursor addition and kept frozen at -20oC until processing. Progesterone was measured by RIA and protein content by Lowry’s method. Results were statistically analyzed and considered different when p <0.05. A higher P4 production was observed on day 90 of gestation (35.277±0.075), then this production was decreased at day 150 (28.820±0.231) and increased again at day 210 (32.777±0.099). After 24 hours of culture, luteal cells P4 production reached maximum values in the group of 90 days (2.912±0.047) when compared to 150 (2.669±0.137) and 210 days (2.741±0.088). At 48 and 96 hours of culture, bovine luteal cells from day 90 of gestation produced more P4 than cells from day 210 (2.934±0.029 and 2.976±0.121 respectively x 2.760±0.059 and 2.695±0.149, respectively; p<0.05), which in turn, produced more P4 than cells from day 150 (2.334±0.084 for 48 h and 2.205±0.136 for 96 h). Luteal cells from day 150 of gestation presented a decreasing P4 production throughout the 96 hours of culture. These differences could be explained by differential gene expression of enzymes and/or factors belonging to the esteroidogenic cascade in accordance to the gestational period. The established luteal cell culture model could be used for further functional studies once P4 secretion pattern in vitro resembled what occurs in vivo.

• Corpus luteum gestation progesterone cell culture

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- La Paz M.N., Fonseca V.U., Campos D.B., Artoni L.P., Sousa L.M.M.C. & Papa P.C. 2007. [In vitro progesterone production from bovine corpus luteum throughout gestation.] Produção de progesterona in vitro pelas células do corpo lúteo bovino ao longo da gestação. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(9):370376. Setor de Anatomia, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques Paiva, 87, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: ppapa@usp.br The aim was to test the hypothesis that cultivated bovine luteal cells from three different thirds of pregnancy behave the same way as in vivo luteal cells relative to P4 production. Corpus luteum samples from days 90 (n=3), 150 (n=3) and 210 (n=3) of pregnancy were obtained at a local slaughterhouse. Under aseptic conditions cells were mechanically dispersed and cultivated in a 96 wells-plate. After 24 hours of culture, cells were washed and the precursor pregnenolone was added. Experiments were conducted eight times for each studied time period (24, 48 and 96 h) and three times for each gestational age. Culture medium and cells were collected after 24, 48 and 96 hours of precursor addition and kept frozen at -20oC until processing. Progesterone was measured by RIA and protein content by Lowry’s method. Results were statistically analyzed and considered different when p <0.05. A higher P4 production was observed on day 90 of gestation (35.277±0.075), then this production was decreased at day 150 (28.820±0.231) and increased again at day 210 (32.777±0.099). After 24 hours of culture, luteal cells P4 production reached maximum values in the group of 90 days (2.912±0.047) when compared to 150 (2.669±0.137) and 210 days (2.741±0.088). At 48 and 96 hours of culture, bovine luteal cells from day 90 of gestation produced more P4 than cells from day 210 (2.934±0.029 and 2.976±0.121 respectively x 2.760±0.059 and 2.695±0.149, respectively; p<0.05), which in turn, produced more P4 than cells from day 150 (2.334±0.084 for 48 h and 2.205±0.136 for 96 h). Luteal cells from day 150 of gestation presented a decreasing P4 production throughout the 96 hours of culture. These differences could be explained by differential gene expression of enzymes and/or factors belonging to the esteroidogenic cascade in accordance to the gestational period. The established luteal cell culture model could be used for further functional studies once P4 secretion pattern in vitro resembled what occurs in vivo.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Domingues-F. L.M. & Gioso M.A. 2007. [Comparison of the application of temporary endodontic dressing in teeth of dogs: histopathological and microbiological aspects.] Comparação entre sessão única e a utilização do “curativo de demora” no tratamento endodôntico em cães: aspectos histopatológicos e microbiológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(5):191-193. Departamento de Cirurgia da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Bloco 8, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil. E-mail: lesliedf@usp.br During a root canal therapy the microbiota is the major concern. Bacteria present in dentinal tubules, apical foramens and apical delta is related to failure of this procedure. Some studies reveal that during endodontic treatment in one session bacteria still remain in dental structures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the endodontic treatment in one or two sessions, using calcium hydroxide plus camphorated paramonochlorophenol (CMCP) with temporary endodontic medicaments. Four dogs were used, and two animals were submitted the treatment in one session only and the others in two sessions. Premolar teeth were used in this study: second and third upper premolar teeth and second, third and fourth lower premolar teeth were divided into two groups. Opening of the pulp chamber was performed with burns, and the pulp was exposed for 60 days. After this period the group treated in only session was obtured with gutta-percha and zinc oxide and eugenol, and the group treated in two sessions received the CMCP that remained in the canal per 30 days and was afterwards obtured with the material of the other group. Clinical and radiographical control was performed twice a week, and after 60 days a small block containing the teeth, surrounding periapical tissues and the periodontium was removed for histological and microbiological study. Histological analysis revealed intense inflammatory response in both groups. Microbiological analysis showed a more severe microbial reduction in the group treated in one session. However, bacteria were still observed in the two groups, indicating that none of the treatments presented total efficiency.

• Apical delta endodontics gutta-percha calcium hydroxide dog camphorate paramonochlorophenol

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Domingues-F. L.M. & Gioso M.A. 2007. [Comparison of the application of temporary endodontic dressing in teeth of dogs: histopathological and microbiological aspects.] Comparação entre sessão única e a utilização do “curativo de demora” no tratamento endodôntico em cães: aspectos histopatológicos e microbiológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(5):191-193. Departamento de Cirurgia da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Bloco 8, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil. E-mail: lesliedf@usp.br During a root canal therapy the microbiota is the major concern. Bacteria present in dentinal tubules, apical foramens and apical delta is related to failure of this procedure. Some studies reveal that during endodontic treatment in one session bacteria still remain in dental structures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the endodontic treatment in one or two sessions, using calcium hydroxide plus camphorated paramonochlorophenol (CMCP) with temporary endodontic medicaments. Four dogs were used, and two animals were submitted the treatment in one session only and the others in two sessions. Premolar teeth were used in this study: second and third upper premolar teeth and second, third and fourth lower premolar teeth were divided into two groups. Opening of the pulp chamber was performed with burns, and the pulp was exposed for 60 days. After this period the group treated in only session was obtured with gutta-percha and zinc oxide and eugenol, and the group treated in two sessions received the CMCP that remained in the canal per 30 days and was afterwards obtured with the material of the other group. Clinical and radiographical control was performed twice a week, and after 60 days a small block containing the teeth, surrounding periapical tissues and the periodontium was removed for histological and microbiological study. Histological analysis revealed intense inflammatory response in both groups. Microbiological analysis showed a more severe microbial reduction in the group treated in one session. However, bacteria were still observed in the two groups, indicating that none of the treatments presented total efficiency.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Domingues-F.L.M., Ferreira J., Lopes F.M., Tymoszczenko A. & Gioso M.A. 2007. The effect of timing temporary cements to treat induced pulp necrosis in the teeth of dogs. Revista Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(2):85-88. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando de Marques de Paiva 87, Bloco 8-superior, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil. E-mail: lesliedf@usp.br During endodontic therapy (pulpectomy, root canal debridement and root canal filling) microbiological management is a major concern. Bacteria present in dentine tubules, apical foramina and apical delta are causally related to failure of the procedure. Studies have shown that during single session endodontic treatment bacteria remain within dental structures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate endodontic treatment performed as two sessions, using temporary endodontic dressing materials for different periods in four groups of experimental dogs. A total of 80 roots of second and third upper premolar teeth and second, third and fourth lower premolar teeth were divided into four groups. The pulp chamber was opened with burrs and the pulp exposed for 60 days to induce pulpal inflammation and necrosis. Groups II, III and IV were treated with calcium hydroxide plus camphorated paramono-chlorophenol (PMCC) for 7, 15 and 30 days, respectively. In all groups, the root canals were filled with zinc oxide-eugenol and gutta-percha cones. Clinical and radiographical measurements were performed every 2 weeks. After 60 days a small block section containing the teeth, surrounding periapical tissues and the periodontium was removed for histological and microbiological study. Histological analysis revealed intense inflammatory response in all groups. Microbiological analysis showed microbial reduction inversely proportional to the period of time that the intracanal temporary medicament was left in place.

• Apical delta endodontic gutta-percha camphorated paramonochlorophenol microorganisms dogs

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Domingues-F.L.M., Ferreira J., Lopes F.M., Tymoszczenko A. & Gioso M.A. 2007. The effect of timing temporary cements to treat induced pulp necrosis in the teeth of dogs. Revista Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(2):85-88. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando de Marques de Paiva 87, Bloco 8-superior, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil. E-mail: lesliedf@usp.br During endodontic therapy (pulpectomy, root canal debridement and root canal filling) microbiological management is a major concern. Bacteria present in dentine tubules, apical foramina and apical delta are causally related to failure of the procedure. Studies have shown that during single session endodontic treatment bacteria remain within dental structures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate endodontic treatment performed as two sessions, using temporary endodontic dressing materials for different periods in four groups of experimental dogs. A total of 80 roots of second and third upper premolar teeth and second, third and fourth lower premolar teeth were divided into four groups. The pulp chamber was opened with burrs and the pulp exposed for 60 days to induce pulpal inflammation and necrosis. Groups II, III and IV were treated with calcium hydroxide plus camphorated paramono-chlorophenol (PMCC) for 7, 15 and 30 days, respectively. In all groups, the root canals were filled with zinc oxide-eugenol and gutta-percha cones. Clinical and radiographical measurements were performed every 2 weeks. After 60 days a small block section containing the teeth, surrounding periapical tissues and the periodontium was removed for histological and microbiological study. Histological analysis revealed intense inflammatory response in all groups. Microbiological analysis showed microbial reduction inversely proportional to the period of time that the intracanal temporary medicament was left in place.

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Brocchi M., Ferreira A., Lancellotti M., Stehling E.G., Campos T.A., Nakazato G., Pestana de Castro A.F. & Silveira W.D. 2006. Typing of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strains by REP-PCR. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):69-73. Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Campinas, Cx. Postal 6109, Campinas, SP 13081-862, Brazil. E-mail: wds@unicamp.br In the present study the repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to establish the clonal variability of 49 avian Escherichia coli (APEC) strains isolated from different outbreak cases of septicemia (n=24), swollen head syndrome (n=14) and omphalitis (n=11). Thirty commensal strains isolated from poultry with no signs of these illnesses were used as control strains. The purified DNA of these strains produced electrophoretic profiles ranging from 0 to 15 bands with molecular sizes varying from 100 bp to 6.1 kb, allowing the grouping of the 79 strains into a dendrogram containing 49 REP-types. Although REP-PCR showed good discriminating power it was not able to group the strains either into specific pathogenic classes or to differentiate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains. On the contrary, we recently demonstrated that other techniques such as ERIC-PCR and isoenzyme profiles are appropriate to discriminate between commensal and APEC strains and also to group these strains into specific pathogenic classes. In conclusion, REP-PCR seems to be a technique neither efficient nor universal for APEC strains discrimination. However, the population clonal structure obtained with the use of REP-PCR must not be ignored particularly if one takes into account that the APEC pathogenic mechanisms are not completely understood yet.

• Avian Escherichia coli typing REP-PCR.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Brocchi M., Ferreira A., Lancellotti M., Stehling E.G., Campos T.A., Nakazato G., Pestana de Castro A.F. & Silveira W.D. 2006. Typing of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strains by REP-PCR. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):69-73. Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Campinas, Cx. Postal 6109, Campinas, SP 13081-862, Brazil. E-mail: wds@unicamp.br In the present study the repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to establish the clonal variability of 49 avian Escherichia coli (APEC) strains isolated from different outbreak cases of septicemia (n=24), swollen head syndrome (n=14) and omphalitis (n=11). Thirty commensal strains isolated from poultry with no signs of these illnesses were used as control strains. The purified DNA of these strains produced electrophoretic profiles ranging from 0 to 15 bands with molecular sizes varying from 100 bp to 6.1 kb, allowing the grouping of the 79 strains into a dendrogram containing 49 REP-types. Although REP-PCR showed good discriminating power it was not able to group the strains either into specific pathogenic classes or to differentiate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains. On the contrary, we recently demonstrated that other techniques such as ERIC-PCR and isoenzyme profiles are appropriate to discriminate between commensal and APEC strains and also to group these strains into specific pathogenic classes. In conclusion, REP-PCR seems to be a technique neither efficient nor universal for APEC strains discrimination. However, the population clonal structure obtained with the use of REP-PCR must not be ignored particularly if one takes into account that the APEC pathogenic mechanisms are not completely understood yet.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Aguiar D.M, Gennari S.M., Cavalcante G.T., Labruna M.B., Vasconcellos S.A., Rodrigues A.A.R., Moraes Z.M. & Camargo L.M.A. 2006. Seroprevalence of Leptospira spp in cattle from Monte Negro municipality, western Amazon. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):102-104. Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: danmoura@aptaregional.sp.gov.br The prevalence of anti-Leptospira spp antibodies was investigated in 2,109 female cattle from 86 herds of Monte Negro municipality, Rondônia, Brazil. Sera samples were evaluated by Microscopic Agglutination Test against 24 leptospira serovars. Titers =100 for at least one of 24 leptospira serovars were detected in 1,114 cows (52.8%) from 82 (95.3%) herds. The adjusted overall prevalence for Monte Negro municipality was 53.9% (49-58.7%; CI: 95%). The most prevalent serovars were Hardjo (14.5%), Wolffi (12.3%), Shermani (10.8%), Patoc (7.9%), and Hebdomadis (6.1%). Other serovars worldwidely reported like Bratislava, Pomona and Grippotyphosa were detected in low levels.

• Leptospira spp cattle epidemiology Amazon.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Aguiar D.M, Gennari S.M., Cavalcante G.T., Labruna M.B., Vasconcellos S.A., Rodrigues A.A.R., Moraes Z.M. & Camargo L.M.A. 2006. Seroprevalence of Leptospira spp in cattle from Monte Negro municipality, western Amazon. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):102-104. Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: danmoura@aptaregional.sp.gov.br The prevalence of anti-Leptospira spp antibodies was investigated in 2,109 female cattle from 86 herds of Monte Negro municipality, Rondônia, Brazil. Sera samples were evaluated by Microscopic Agglutination Test against 24 leptospira serovars. Titers =100 for at least one of 24 leptospira serovars were detected in 1,114 cows (52.8%) from 82 (95.3%) herds. The adjusted overall prevalence for Monte Negro municipality was 53.9% (49-58.7%; CI: 95%). The most prevalent serovars were Hardjo (14.5%), Wolffi (12.3%), Shermani (10.8%), Patoc (7.9%), and Hebdomadis (6.1%). Other serovars worldwidely reported like Bratislava, Pomona and Grippotyphosa were detected in low levels.

Abstract in English:

Caron L., Brum M.C.S., Moraes M.P., Golde W.T., Arns C.W. & Grubman M.J. 2005. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor does not increase the potency or efficacy of a foot-and-mouth disease virus subunit vaccine. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):150-158. USDA, ARS, PIADC-FMD Research Unit, PO.Box 848, Greenport, NY 11944 0848, USA. E-mail: mgrubman@piadc.ars.usda.gov Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most feared diseases of livestock worldwide. Vaccination has been a very effective weapon in controlling the disease, however a number of concerns with the current vaccine including the inability of approved diagnostic tests to reliably distinguish vaccinated from infected animals and the need for high containment facilities for vaccine production, have limited its use during outbreaks in countries previously free of the disease. A number of FMD vaccine candidates have been tested and a replication-defective human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) vector containing the FMDV capsid (P1-2A) and 3C protease coding regions has been shown to completely protect pigs against challenge with the homologous virus (FMDV A12 and A24). An Ad5-P1-2A+3C vaccine for FMDV O1 Campos (Ad5-O1C), however, only induced a low FMDV-specific neutralizing antibody response in swine potency tests. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has been successfully used to stimulate the immune response in vaccine formulations against a number of diseases, including HIV, hepatitis C and B. To attempt to improve the FMDV-specific immune response induced by Ad5-O1C, we inoculated swine with Ad5-O1C and an Ad5 vector containing the gene for porcine GM-CSF (pGM-CSF). However, in the conditions used in this trial, pGM-CSF did not improve the immune response to Ad5-O1C and adversely affected the level of protection of swine challenged with homologous FMDV.

• Foot-and-mouth disease virus O1 Campos Adenovirus Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Caron L., Brum M.C.S., Moraes M.P., Golde W.T., Arns C.W. & Grubman M.J. 2005. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor does not increase the potency or efficacy of a foot-and-mouth disease virus subunit vaccine. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):150-158. USDA, ARS, PIADC-FMD Research Unit, PO.Box 848, Greenport, NY 11944 0848, USA. E-mail: mgrubman@piadc.ars.usda.gov Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most feared diseases of livestock worldwide. Vaccination has been a very effective weapon in controlling the disease, however a number of concerns with the current vaccine including the inability of approved diagnostic tests to reliably distinguish vaccinated from infected animals and the need for high containment facilities for vaccine production, have limited its use during outbreaks in countries previously free of the disease. A number of FMD vaccine candidates have been tested and a replication-defective human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) vector containing the FMDV capsid (P1-2A) and 3C protease coding regions has been shown to completely protect pigs against challenge with the homologous virus (FMDV A12 and A24). An Ad5-P1-2A+3C vaccine for FMDV O1 Campos (Ad5-O1C), however, only induced a low FMDV-specific neutralizing antibody response in swine potency tests. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has been successfully used to stimulate the immune response in vaccine formulations against a number of diseases, including HIV, hepatitis C and B. To attempt to improve the FMDV-specific immune response induced by Ad5-O1C, we inoculated swine with Ad5-O1C and an Ad5 vector containing the gene for porcine GM-CSF (pGM-CSF). However, in the conditions used in this trial, pGM-CSF did not improve the immune response to Ad5-O1C and adversely affected the level of protection of swine challenged with homologous FMDV.

Abstract in English:

Dutra I.S., Döbereiner J. & Souza A.M. 2005. [Botulism in beef and dairy cattle fed with poultry litter.] Botulismo em bovinos alimentados com cama de frango. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):115-119. Depto Apoio, Produção e Saúde Animal, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16065-080, Brazil. E-mail: isdutra@fmva.unesp.br Outbreaks of botulism caused by type C and D of the botulinum toxin are frequent in Brazil, and are associated with bone chewing and ingestion of contaminated food and water. This paper reports the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and laboratorial aspects of 7 outbreaks of botulism in beef and dairy cattle fed with poultry litter, which occurred in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, 1989-2000. Five outbreaks occurred in beef cattle herds, raised in confinement or under pasture conditions and supplemented with poultry litter, and 2 outbreaks occurred in dairy farms. From o total of 1,535 cattle supplemented regularily with poultry litter 455 animals (29.64%) died within 2 to 4 weeks. Morbidity and mortality varied from 3.47 to 100% in the 7 outbreaks. In one of the farms the lethality was 60.52%, and in others more than 88.43%, reaching 100% in three farms. Clinical signs were progressive paralysis, difficulties in moving, decubitus, normal alertness, decreased muscular tonus of tongue and tail, sialorrhoe and dyspnoe. At post-mortem examination of 30 cattle no noteable changes were observed. Spores of Clostridium botulinum were found in poultry litter samples collected on 7 farms. In liver, ruminal and intestinal fluid samples from 30 necropsied cattle botulinum toxin of type C (5) and D (9) or of the CD complex (1) were found in at least one of the samples collected from 15 animals, which confirms the clincial, pathological and epidemiological diagnosis of botulism.

• Botulism cattle poultry litter.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Dutra I.S., Döbereiner J. & Souza A.M. 2005. [Botulism in beef and dairy cattle fed with poultry litter.] Botulismo em bovinos alimentados com cama de frango. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):115-119. Depto Apoio, Produção e Saúde Animal, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16065-080, Brazil. E-mail: isdutra@fmva.unesp.br Outbreaks of botulism caused by type C and D of the botulinum toxin are frequent in Brazil, and are associated with bone chewing and ingestion of contaminated food and water. This paper reports the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and laboratorial aspects of 7 outbreaks of botulism in beef and dairy cattle fed with poultry litter, which occurred in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, 1989-2000. Five outbreaks occurred in beef cattle herds, raised in confinement or under pasture conditions and supplemented with poultry litter, and 2 outbreaks occurred in dairy farms. From o total of 1,535 cattle supplemented regularily with poultry litter 455 animals (29.64%) died within 2 to 4 weeks. Morbidity and mortality varied from 3.47 to 100% in the 7 outbreaks. In one of the farms the lethality was 60.52%, and in others more than 88.43%, reaching 100% in three farms. Clinical signs were progressive paralysis, difficulties in moving, decubitus, normal alertness, decreased muscular tonus of tongue and tail, sialorrhoe and dyspnoe. At post-mortem examination of 30 cattle no noteable changes were observed. Spores of Clostridium botulinum were found in poultry litter samples collected on 7 farms. In liver, ruminal and intestinal fluid samples from 30 necropsied cattle botulinum toxin of type C (5) and D (9) or of the CD complex (1) were found in at least one of the samples collected from 15 animals, which confirms the clincial, pathological and epidemiological diagnosis of botulism.

Abstract in English:

Vargas A.C., Costa M.M., Groff A.C.M., Viana L.R., Krewer C.C., Spricigo D.A. & Kirinus J.K. 2005. [Antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolated from cattle.] Susceptibilidade antimicrobiana de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolado de bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):1-3. Laboratório de Bacteriologia do Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: agueda@ccr.ufsm.br Venereal campylobacteriosis is associated with infection of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus and Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis. The etiological agent is transmitted by natural bull breeding or artificial insemination using contaminated semen. The present study aimed to determine the in vitro susceptibility of C. fetus subsp. venerealis isolates to antimicrobial drugs generally used in clinical and semen treatment. Reference strains of C. fetus subsp. fetus and C. fetus subsp. venerealis and 21 C. fetus isolates were tested. The susceptibility test was performed by using the modified Kirby-Bauer diffusion disc method. C. fetus subsp. fetus reference strain was resistant to lincomycin and penicillin. C. fetus subsp. venerealis was susceptible to all antimicrobial tested, with exception to C.C. KrewerDnalidixic acid. C. fetus subsp. venerealis samples were sensible to amikacin, ampicillin, cefalotin, streptomycin, gentamycin, penicillin and tetracycline. Drug resistance was observed on 42.86% of lincomycin, 4,76 % of enrofloxacin, and 100% to nalidixic acid. In addition 4.76% of the isolates showed intermediate susceptibility to enrofloxacin, neomycin, polimixin B and 9.52% to lincomycin. The susceptibility of C. fetus isolates to antimicrobial drugs commonly used in clinical and semen treatment was demonstrated.

• Campylobacteriosis cattle semen antibiomicrobials.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Vargas A.C., Costa M.M., Groff A.C.M., Viana L.R., Krewer C.C., Spricigo D.A. & Kirinus J.K. 2005. [Antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolated from cattle.] Susceptibilidade antimicrobiana de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolado de bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):1-3. Laboratório de Bacteriologia do Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: agueda@ccr.ufsm.br Venereal campylobacteriosis is associated with infection of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus and Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis. The etiological agent is transmitted by natural bull breeding or artificial insemination using contaminated semen. The present study aimed to determine the in vitro susceptibility of C. fetus subsp. venerealis isolates to antimicrobial drugs generally used in clinical and semen treatment. Reference strains of C. fetus subsp. fetus and C. fetus subsp. venerealis and 21 C. fetus isolates were tested. The susceptibility test was performed by using the modified Kirby-Bauer diffusion disc method. C. fetus subsp. fetus reference strain was resistant to lincomycin and penicillin. C. fetus subsp. venerealis was susceptible to all antimicrobial tested, with exception to C.C. KrewerDnalidixic acid. C. fetus subsp. venerealis samples were sensible to amikacin, ampicillin, cefalotin, streptomycin, gentamycin, penicillin and tetracycline. Drug resistance was observed on 42.86% of lincomycin, 4,76 % of enrofloxacin, and 100% to nalidixic acid. In addition 4.76% of the isolates showed intermediate susceptibility to enrofloxacin, neomycin, polimixin B and 9.52% to lincomycin. The susceptibility of C. fetus isolates to antimicrobial drugs commonly used in clinical and semen treatment was demonstrated.

Abstract in English:

Tokarnia C.H., Peixoto P.V., Döbereiner J., Barros S.S. & Riet-Correa F. 2004. [The outbreak of African swine fever which ocurred in 1978 in the county of Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.] O surto de peste suína africana ocorrido em 1978 no município de Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):223-238. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Due to doubts which still persist 25 years after the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) which ocurred in the county of Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1978, the results obtained through the studies to establish and confirm the diagnosis are presented. These include data on the epidemiology, clinic-pathological aspects, bacteriological, virological and ultramicroscopic examinations, the experimental reproduction of the disease and cross immunity tests with classical swine fever virus performed in Brazil, and on the confirmation with isolation of the virus and determination of its identity at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, New York, USA. The pigs of the affected herd had been fed untreated remains of meals from airplanes of international lines flying to Brazil from Portugal and Spain where ASF was occurring at the time. According to publication by the Ministry of Agriculture, after the diagnosis of the outbreak of ASF described in this paper, 223 additional outbreaks were reported in Brazil between 1978 and 1979, in all the Brazilian regions (North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast and South). Further outbreaks were reported in 1981, but their number is not known. The last case was reported to have occurred on November 15, 1981, and on December 5, 1984, Brazil was declared free of ASF. For the diagnosis of ASF 54,002 samples were examined by the Department of Virology of the Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, from 1978 to 1981, by the techniques of haemadsorption in leucocyte cultures (HAd), direct immunoflorescence in tissue sections (FATS), direct immunoflorescence in cell cultures (FATCC), immuno-electro-osmophoresis (IEOP) and indirect immunoflorescence assay (IIF). Only 4 samples were positive with the FATCC procedure. This is the only technique which includes virus isolation; the origin of these positive samples was not reported, but probably they were from the Paracambi outbreak. From other suspected outbreaks of ASF in Brazil there is no information on the isolation and characterization of the virus isolates. Likewise there is no information available about the epidemiology, clinical signs, and pathology of suspected ASF in other outbreaks. The analysis of all published data on this matter in Brazil, the possibility of false-positive results, the lack of information about isolation and characterization of the virus, as well as the lack of epidemiological, clinical and pathological data of these other supposed outbreaks of ASF strongly suggest that the outbreak of Paracambi was the only occurrence of ASF in Brazil, confirmed by the isolation, identification of the virus, and the determination of its pathogenicity, and that ASF occurred and maintained itself confined to this area probably due to the early diagnosis and the rapid application of efficient control measures by the Brazilian authorities; the slaughter of the animals in the outbreak of Paracambi started as soon as 10 days after the first death, 3 days after the presumptive diagnosis.

• African swine fever Brazil pathology experimental reproduction.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Tokarnia C.H., Peixoto P.V., Döbereiner J., Barros S.S. & Riet-Correa F. 2004. [The outbreak of African swine fever which ocurred in 1978 in the county of Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.] O surto de peste suína africana ocorrido em 1978 no município de Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):223-238. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Due to doubts which still persist 25 years after the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) which ocurred in the county of Paracambi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1978, the results obtained through the studies to establish and confirm the diagnosis are presented. These include data on the epidemiology, clinic-pathological aspects, bacteriological, virological and ultramicroscopic examinations, the experimental reproduction of the disease and cross immunity tests with classical swine fever virus performed in Brazil, and on the confirmation with isolation of the virus and determination of its identity at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, New York, USA. The pigs of the affected herd had been fed untreated remains of meals from airplanes of international lines flying to Brazil from Portugal and Spain where ASF was occurring at the time. According to publication by the Ministry of Agriculture, after the diagnosis of the outbreak of ASF described in this paper, 223 additional outbreaks were reported in Brazil between 1978 and 1979, in all the Brazilian regions (North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast and South). Further outbreaks were reported in 1981, but their number is not known. The last case was reported to have occurred on November 15, 1981, and on December 5, 1984, Brazil was declared free of ASF. For the diagnosis of ASF 54,002 samples were examined by the Department of Virology of the Institute of Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, from 1978 to 1981, by the techniques of haemadsorption in leucocyte cultures (HAd), direct immunoflorescence in tissue sections (FATS), direct immunoflorescence in cell cultures (FATCC), immuno-electro-osmophoresis (IEOP) and indirect immunoflorescence assay (IIF). Only 4 samples were positive with the FATCC procedure. This is the only technique which includes virus isolation; the origin of these positive samples was not reported, but probably they were from the Paracambi outbreak. From other suspected outbreaks of ASF in Brazil there is no information on the isolation and characterization of the virus isolates. Likewise there is no information available about the epidemiology, clinical signs, and pathology of suspected ASF in other outbreaks. The analysis of all published data on this matter in Brazil, the possibility of false-positive results, the lack of information about isolation and characterization of the virus, as well as the lack of epidemiological, clinical and pathological data of these other supposed outbreaks of ASF strongly suggest that the outbreak of Paracambi was the only occurrence of ASF in Brazil, confirmed by the isolation, identification of the virus, and the determination of its pathogenicity, and that ASF occurred and maintained itself confined to this area probably due to the early diagnosis and the rapid application of efficient control measures by the Brazilian authorities; the slaughter of the animals in the outbreak of Paracambi started as soon as 10 days after the first death, 3 days after the presumptive diagnosis.

Abstract in English:

Pereira M.S.V., Siqueira Júnior J.P. & Campos Takaki G.M. 2004. [Elimination of resistance to drugs by fluoroquinolones in bovine strains of Staphylococcus aureus.] Eliminação de resistência a drogas por fluorquinolonas em Staphylococcus aureus de origem bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):11-14. Depto Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal da Paraiba, João Pessoa, PB 58059-900, Brazil. E-mail: svieira@dbm.ufpb.br Bovine strains of Staphylococcus aureus were submitted to treatment with four fluoro-quinolones in subinhibitory concentrations (1/2 x MICs) to evaluate their influence on the curing of plasmids. Ciprofloxacin showed to be the most efficient by eliminating resistance to streptomycin, tetracyclin, penicillin, and cadmium nitrate. Norfloxacin and pefloxacin eliminated penicillin- and tetracyclin-resistance respectively. Otherwise, plasmids elimination by ofloxacin was not evidenced. The results obtained in this study confirm the potential of fluoroquinolones to eliminate antibiotic-resistant plasmids, and showed to be a valuable contribution for the prevention of multi-resistant strains, and may even enhance their sensitivity to other chemotherapeutic agents.

• Staphylococcus aureus fluoroquinolones elimination of resistance to drugs.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Pereira M.S.V., Siqueira Júnior J.P. & Campos Takaki G.M. 2004. [Elimination of resistance to drugs by fluoroquinolones in bovine strains of Staphylococcus aureus.] Eliminação de resistência a drogas por fluorquinolonas em Staphylococcus aureus de origem bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):11-14. Depto Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal da Paraiba, João Pessoa, PB 58059-900, Brazil. E-mail: svieira@dbm.ufpb.br Bovine strains of Staphylococcus aureus were submitted to treatment with four fluoro-quinolones in subinhibitory concentrations (1/2 x MICs) to evaluate their influence on the curing of plasmids. Ciprofloxacin showed to be the most efficient by eliminating resistance to streptomycin, tetracyclin, penicillin, and cadmium nitrate. Norfloxacin and pefloxacin eliminated penicillin- and tetracyclin-resistance respectively. Otherwise, plasmids elimination by ofloxacin was not evidenced. The results obtained in this study confirm the potential of fluoroquinolones to eliminate antibiotic-resistant plasmids, and showed to be a valuable contribution for the prevention of multi-resistant strains, and may even enhance their sensitivity to other chemotherapeutic agents.