PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Souza A.M., Marques D.F., Döbereiner J. & Dutra I.S. 2006. [Spores and toxins of Clostridium botulinum in raining ponds used as water supply for cattle in pastures in the Araguaia Valley, state of Goiás, Brazil.] Esporos e toxinas de Clostridium botulinum em cacimbas utilizadas como bebedouro de bovinos no Vale do Araguaia, Goiás. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):133-138. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO 74001-970, Brazil. E-mail: airesms@vet.ufg.br The occurrence and distribution of Clostridium botulinum spores and toxins type C and D in 300 ponds, used by cattle for drinking on 130 farms located in 12 municipalities of the Rio Araguaia valley, state of Goiás, Brazil, was evaluated. The presence of spores was determined indirectly by cultivation in culture medium, followed by inoculation and neutralization in mice of samples of the sediment from the bottom of the raining ponds, from superficial soil and from cattle feces collected to its circuit. The toxin presence was evaluated directly by inoculation in mice of the filtered sediment of the ponds, followed by the neutralization in mice with antitoxins C and D. The presence of C. botulinum spores was significantly more frequent (p<0,05) in the cattle feces (31%), when compared with the results of the superficial soil samples (19%) and the sediments (10%). Botulinum toxins of type C and D or classified as belonging to the CD compound were detected in 6 samples (2%) of the 300 ponds. Of the 130 worked farms, in 122 (93,85%) ponds Clostridium botulinum spores or toxins were found in at least one of the researched variables, whilst ponds on only 8 (6,15%) farms did not present any contamination. Age and depth of the ponds were associated with the frequency of detection of botulinum spores and toxins. The older and shallower the ponds were, the larger was the frequency of isolation of the spores and toxins. The contamination of the ponds in the Araguaia valley with Clostridium botulinum spores and toxins type C and D demonstrates the permanent and growing potential risk for the occurrence of botulism in cattle through drinking water.

• Clostridium botulinum spores botulinum toxin botulism water contamination ponds cattle

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Souza A.M., Marques D.F., Döbereiner J. & Dutra I.S. 2006. [Spores and toxins of Clostridium botulinum in raining ponds used as water supply for cattle in pastures in the Araguaia Valley, state of Goiás, Brazil.] Esporos e toxinas de Clostridium botulinum em cacimbas utilizadas como bebedouro de bovinos no Vale do Araguaia, Goiás. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):133-138. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO 74001-970, Brazil. E-mail: airesms@vet.ufg.br The occurrence and distribution of Clostridium botulinum spores and toxins type C and D in 300 ponds, used by cattle for drinking on 130 farms located in 12 municipalities of the Rio Araguaia valley, state of Goiás, Brazil, was evaluated. The presence of spores was determined indirectly by cultivation in culture medium, followed by inoculation and neutralization in mice of samples of the sediment from the bottom of the raining ponds, from superficial soil and from cattle feces collected to its circuit. The toxin presence was evaluated directly by inoculation in mice of the filtered sediment of the ponds, followed by the neutralization in mice with antitoxins C and D. The presence of C. botulinum spores was significantly more frequent (p<0,05) in the cattle feces (31%), when compared with the results of the superficial soil samples (19%) and the sediments (10%). Botulinum toxins of type C and D or classified as belonging to the CD compound were detected in 6 samples (2%) of the 300 ponds. Of the 130 worked farms, in 122 (93,85%) ponds Clostridium botulinum spores or toxins were found in at least one of the researched variables, whilst ponds on only 8 (6,15%) farms did not present any contamination. Age and depth of the ponds were associated with the frequency of detection of botulinum spores and toxins. The older and shallower the ponds were, the larger was the frequency of isolation of the spores and toxins. The contamination of the ponds in the Araguaia valley with Clostridium botulinum spores and toxins type C and D demonstrates the permanent and growing potential risk for the occurrence of botulism in cattle through drinking water.

Abstract in English:

Diel D.G., Fonseca E.T., Souza S.F., Mazzanti A., Bauermann F., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2005. [Bovine herpesvirus 5 may use the olfactory and trigeminal pathways to invade the central nervous system of rabbits, depending upon the route of inoculation.] O Herpesvírus bovino tipo 5 (BoHV-5) pode utilizar as rotas olfatória ou trigeminal para invadir o sistema nervoso central de coelhos, dependendo da via de inoculação. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):164-170. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5) is a major etiological agent of meningoencephalitis in cattle. Following replication in the nasal mucosa, viral invasion of the brain is thought to occur mainly by the olfactory pathway. To address the role of this pathway in the pathogenesis of neurological infection in a laboratory model, 30 days old rabbits had the main olfactory bulbs (MOBs) surgically removed and were subsequently inoculated intranasally (IN) or conjunctivally (IC) with a highly neurovirulent BoHV-5 strain (SV-507). Following IN inoculation, 10 out of 10 (100 %) control rabbits developed neurological disease. The clinical onset ranged from day 5 to 10 post-inoculation (pi, average 7.5 days); nine being euthanized in extremis and one recovering after a mild clinical course. In contrast, only one rabbit (9.1 %) of the group lacking the MOBs (n=11) developed neurological disease (onset at day 17 pi). Dexamethasone administration to the survivors (n=10) at day 50pi was followed by virus shedding in nasal and/or ocular secretions by 8 animals, demonstrating that the virus was able to reach the trigeminal ganglia (TG) during acute infection. These results demonstrate that the olfactory route provides the main, yet not the sole access to the brain of rabbits following IN inoculation. To address the role of a second pathway, groups of control (n=12) or MOB-lacking rabbits (n=12) were inoculated into the conjunctival sac (IC), following which the virus would be expected to use the ophtalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve to reach the brain. Ten control rabbits (83.3 %) developed neurological disease upon IC inoculation (onset 15.3 days [11 to 20]). Previous ablation of the MOBs did not affect the frequency and course of neurological disease: ten out of 12 rabbits (83.3 %) lacking the MOBs developed neurological disease (onset 9 to 15 dpi, average: 12.7 days) upon IC inoculation. These results demonstrate that both IN and IC routes may operate in the transport of BoHV-5 to the brain of experimentally infected rabbits, depending on the route of inoculation. IN inoculation results in a fast and efficient transport by the olfactory pathway, the trigeminal route providing an alternative, much slower and less efficient transport; IC inoculation results in efficient viral transport by the trigeminal route, yet with a delayed kinetics comparing to the transport provided by the olfactory pathway.

• Bovine herpesvirus type 5 BoHV-5 neurological infection rabbits.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Diel D.G., Fonseca E.T., Souza S.F., Mazzanti A., Bauermann F., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2005. [Bovine herpesvirus 5 may use the olfactory and trigeminal pathways to invade the central nervous system of rabbits, depending upon the route of inoculation.] O Herpesvírus bovino tipo 5 (BoHV-5) pode utilizar as rotas olfatória ou trigeminal para invadir o sistema nervoso central de coelhos, dependendo da via de inoculação. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):164-170. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5) is a major etiological agent of meningoencephalitis in cattle. Following replication in the nasal mucosa, viral invasion of the brain is thought to occur mainly by the olfactory pathway. To address the role of this pathway in the pathogenesis of neurological infection in a laboratory model, 30 days old rabbits had the main olfactory bulbs (MOBs) surgically removed and were subsequently inoculated intranasally (IN) or conjunctivally (IC) with a highly neurovirulent BoHV-5 strain (SV-507). Following IN inoculation, 10 out of 10 (100 %) control rabbits developed neurological disease. The clinical onset ranged from day 5 to 10 post-inoculation (pi, average 7.5 days); nine being euthanized in extremis and one recovering after a mild clinical course. In contrast, only one rabbit (9.1 %) of the group lacking the MOBs (n=11) developed neurological disease (onset at day 17 pi). Dexamethasone administration to the survivors (n=10) at day 50pi was followed by virus shedding in nasal and/or ocular secretions by 8 animals, demonstrating that the virus was able to reach the trigeminal ganglia (TG) during acute infection. These results demonstrate that the olfactory route provides the main, yet not the sole access to the brain of rabbits following IN inoculation. To address the role of a second pathway, groups of control (n=12) or MOB-lacking rabbits (n=12) were inoculated into the conjunctival sac (IC), following which the virus would be expected to use the ophtalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve to reach the brain. Ten control rabbits (83.3 %) developed neurological disease upon IC inoculation (onset 15.3 days [11 to 20]). Previous ablation of the MOBs did not affect the frequency and course of neurological disease: ten out of 12 rabbits (83.3 %) lacking the MOBs developed neurological disease (onset 9 to 15 dpi, average: 12.7 days) upon IC inoculation. These results demonstrate that both IN and IC routes may operate in the transport of BoHV-5 to the brain of experimentally infected rabbits, depending on the route of inoculation. IN inoculation results in a fast and efficient transport by the olfactory pathway, the trigeminal route providing an alternative, much slower and less efficient transport; IC inoculation results in efficient viral transport by the trigeminal route, yet with a delayed kinetics comparing to the transport provided by the olfactory pathway.

Abstract in English:

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

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

Abstract in Portuguese:

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

Abstract in English:

Minho A.P., Navarro I.T., Freire R.L., Vidotto O., Gennari S.M., Marana E.M. & Garcia J.L. 2004. Evaluation of the indirect fluorescent antibody test and modified agglutination test for detection of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in experimentally infected pigs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):199-202. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86050-970, Brazil. E-mail: italmar@uel.br The study determined the sensitivity and specificity of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and modified agglutination test (MAT) for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody detection by analyzing sera from 46 experimentally infected pigs. Values for sensitivity were 95.7% (confidence interval 95%: 84.0-99.2%) and for specificity 97.8% (confidence interval 95%: 87.0-99.9%) in both tests. There was an optimum agreement of results between IFAT and MAT evidenced by a Kappa test of 0.86. These results validate these tests for the detection of T. gondii infection in pigs. IFAT and MAT despite methodologies with different characteristics and readings have similar accuracy in pig serum samples.

• Toxoplasma gondii swine antibodies serology indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) modified agglutination test (MAT).

Abstract in Portuguese:

Minho A.P., Navarro I.T., Freire R.L., Vidotto O., Gennari S.M., Marana E.M. & Garcia J.L. 2004. Evaluation of the indirect fluorescent antibody test and modified agglutination test for detection of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in experimentally infected pigs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):199-202. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86050-970, Brazil. E-mail: italmar@uel.br The study determined the sensitivity and specificity of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and modified agglutination test (MAT) for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody detection by analyzing sera from 46 experimentally infected pigs. Values for sensitivity were 95.7% (confidence interval 95%: 84.0-99.2%) and for specificity 97.8% (confidence interval 95%: 87.0-99.9%) in both tests. There was an optimum agreement of results between IFAT and MAT evidenced by a Kappa test of 0.86. These results validate these tests for the detection of T. gondii infection in pigs. IFAT and MAT despite methodologies with different characteristics and readings have similar accuracy in pig serum samples.

Abstract in English:

Paulovich F.B., Borowski S.M., Driemeier D., Razia L.E., Coutinho T. A., Prates A.B.H., Pescador C., Correa A. & Barcellos D.E.S.N. 2004. [Assessment of the pathogenicity of Brachyspira pilosicoli strains by conventional histopathological techniques and by immunohistochemistry.] Avaliação da patogenicidade de amostras de Brachyspira pilosicoli através de técnicas histopatológicas convencionais e por imuno-histoquímica. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):144-148. Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br The study assessed differences of pathogenicity among 19 strains of Brachyspira pilosicoli isolated from cases of diarrhea in swine in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, using an one-day-old chick model. The chicken inoculated with live bacterial cultures were submitted to euthanasia 21 days later, and the cecum was examined histologically using hematoxylin-eosin, silver staining and immunohistochemistry with a polyclonal antibody anti-Brachyspira pilosicoli. With silver staining and immunohistochemistry, respectively, 21.59% and 70.96% of the chicken showed colonization of the cecal epithelium with B. pilosicoli. Differences in the type of colonization characterized by continuous adhesion, focal adhesion or free bacteria in the intestinal lumen were observed. Immunohistochemistry was more efficient to assess intestinal colonization, because 49.37% more colonized chicken could be detected with silver staining. With three strains, elongated figures inside the cytoplasm of epithelial cecal cells in the inoculated chicken were observed.

• Brachyspira spp Brachyspira pilosicoli spirochetal colitis immunohistochemistry pathogenesis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Paulovich F.B., Borowski S.M., Driemeier D., Razia L.E., Coutinho T. A., Prates A.B.H., Pescador C., Correa A. & Barcellos D.E.S.N. 2004. [Assessment of the pathogenicity of Brachyspira pilosicoli strains by conventional histopathological techniques and by immunohistochemistry.] Avaliação da patogenicidade de amostras de Brachyspira pilosicoli através de técnicas histopatológicas convencionais e por imuno-histoquímica. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):144-148. Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFRGS, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br The study assessed differences of pathogenicity among 19 strains of Brachyspira pilosicoli isolated from cases of diarrhea in swine in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, using an one-day-old chick model. The chicken inoculated with live bacterial cultures were submitted to euthanasia 21 days later, and the cecum was examined histologically using hematoxylin-eosin, silver staining and immunohistochemistry with a polyclonal antibody anti-Brachyspira pilosicoli. With silver staining and immunohistochemistry, respectively, 21.59% and 70.96% of the chicken showed colonization of the cecal epithelium with B. pilosicoli. Differences in the type of colonization characterized by continuous adhesion, focal adhesion or free bacteria in the intestinal lumen were observed. Immunohistochemistry was more efficient to assess intestinal colonization, because 49.37% more colonized chicken could be detected with silver staining. With three strains, elongated figures inside the cytoplasm of epithelial cecal cells in the inoculated chicken were observed.

Abstract in English:

Azevedo J.R., Mannigel R.C., Agulhon A.Z., Borba T.R., Barbieri A.W., Oliveira D.C.L., Headley S.A. & Janeiro V. 2004. Prevalence and geographical distribution of bovine eurytrematosis in cattle slaughtered in northern Paraná, Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira, 24(1):23-26. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Centro Universitário de Maringá, Av. Guedner 1610, Jd. Aclimação, Maringá, PR 87050-390, Brazil. E-mail: headleysa@cesumar.br A retrospective study of cattle slaughtered in northern Paraná during 2000 was performed to determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of bovine eurytrematosis (BE), as identified by the Federal Inspection Service (SIF). The cattle was from different regions of the State of Paraná; all regions had cattle parasitized by Eurytrema spp. BE was identified in 12.1% (12,534/103,411) of the total number of cattle inspected. Prevalence of animals parasitized by Eurytrema spp varied from 8.3% (Region G, São João do Caiuá, 1,069/12,914) to 40.5% (Region R, Ponta Grossa, 225/555). BE was more prevalent during the month of March (1.6) and markedly reduced during May (-2). A possible seasonal predominance of BE was identified: comparatively fewer cases occurred from April to August, while there was a peak from December to March. The study indicates that bovine eurytrematosis is hypoendemic and occurs in almost all geographical regions of the State of Paraná. The prevalence within this State is variable and may be directly related to factors of the biological cycle of the trematode, particularities of each region, and environmental conditions.

• Cattle eurytrematosis epidemiology parasitology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Azevedo J.R., Mannigel R.C., Agulhon A.Z., Borba T.R., Barbieri A.W., Oliveira D.C.L., Headley S.A. & Janeiro V. 2004. Prevalence and geographical distribution of bovine eurytrematosis in cattle slaughtered in northern Paraná, Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira, 24(1):23-26. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Centro Universitário de Maringá, Av. Guedner 1610, Jd. Aclimação, Maringá, PR 87050-390, Brazil. E-mail: headleysa@cesumar.br A retrospective study of cattle slaughtered in northern Paraná during 2000 was performed to determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of bovine eurytrematosis (BE), as identified by the Federal Inspection Service (SIF). The cattle was from different regions of the State of Paraná; all regions had cattle parasitized by Eurytrema spp. BE was identified in 12.1% (12,534/103,411) of the total number of cattle inspected. Prevalence of animals parasitized by Eurytrema spp varied from 8.3% (Region G, São João do Caiuá, 1,069/12,914) to 40.5% (Region R, Ponta Grossa, 225/555). BE was more prevalent during the month of March (1.6) and markedly reduced during May (-2). A possible seasonal predominance of BE was identified: comparatively fewer cases occurred from April to August, while there was a peak from December to March. The study indicates that bovine eurytrematosis is hypoendemic and occurs in almost all geographical regions of the State of Paraná. The prevalence within this State is variable and may be directly related to factors of the biological cycle of the trematode, particularities of each region, and environmental conditions.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Bonel-Raposoj., Driemeier D., Barros S.S. & Gevehr~Fernandes C. 2003. [Histological and ultrastructural evolution of liver lesions in experimental Myoporum laetum poisoning of sheep and cattle.] Evolução das lesões histológicas e ultra-estruturais no fígado de ovinos e bovinos experimentalmente intoxicados por Myoporum laetum. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4):149-155. Depto Patologia Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFPel, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: bonel-raposo@brturbo.com Green leaves of Myoporum laetum were collected during spring and summer, and administered to five sheep and six steers at dosages of 20 and 30 g/kg. Liver biopsies were taken before (Controls) and 1, 3 and 7 days after dosage. ln sheep, the clinicai signs were depression, rumen hypomotility, dried feces, tenesmus, teeth grinding, dyspnea and typical lesions of photosensitization. ln cattle, the clinicai picture was much less pronounced. The main histological findings in sheep were vacuolization of hepatocytes, portal ftbrosis, bile duct proliferation and necrosis of periportal hepatocytes; the ultrastructural examination revealed hyperplasia of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, hepatocellular hydropic degeneration, presence of crystals and severa! other degenerative changes. ln cattle both, the histological and the ultrastructural findings, were less evident.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Myoporum laetum sheep cattle Plantas tóxicas intoxicação por plantas ovinos bovinos.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Bonel-Raposoj., Driemeier D., Barros S.S. & Gevehr~Fernandes C. 2003. [Histological and ultrastructural evolution of liver lesions in experimental Myoporum laetum poisoning of sheep and cattle.] Evolução das lesões histológicas e ultra-estruturais no fígado de ovinos e bovinos experimentalmente intoxicados por Myoporum laetum. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4):149-155. Depto Patologia Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFPel, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: bonel-raposo@brturbo.com Amostras de Myoporum laetum foram colhidas durante a primavera e verão e administradas a cinco ovinos e seis bovinos em doses únicas de 20 e 30 g/kg. Biópsias hepáticas foram colhidas antes (controles) e 1, 3 e 7 dias após a dosagem da planta. Estas biópsias foram analisadas histológica e ultraestruturalmente. Os sinais clínicos, em ovinos, caracterizaramse, especialmente; pordepressão, diminuição dos movimentos ruminais, fezes ressequidas, tenesmo, ranger de dentes, dispnéia e lesões típicas de fotossensibilização. Em bovinos, o quadro clínico foi discreto. Os principais achados histológicos, em ovinos, incluíram vacuolização de hepatócitos, fibrose portal, proliferação de duetos biliares e necrose de hepatócitos periportais. Os estudos ultra-estruturais, em ovinos, revelaram hiperplasia do retículo endoplasmático liso, tumefação de hepatócitos, degranulação e vesiculação do retículo endoplasmático rugoso, presença de cristais aciculares, retenção biliar, tumefação de mitocôndrias e várias outras alterações degenerativas. Em bovinos, tanto os achados histológicos, quanto os ultra-estruturais foram menos evidentes.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Peixoto P.V., Malafaia P., Miranda L.V., Canella C.F.C., Canella Filho, C.F.C. & Villas Boas F.V. 2003. [Reproduction performance of beef cattle cows given three different types of mineral supplements.] Eficiência reprodutiva de matrizes bovinas de corte submetidas a três diferentes tipos de suplementação mineral. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(3):125-130. Depto Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Inst. Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23851-970, Brazil. E-mail: pvpeixoto@uol.com.br The reproduction performance of about 1,200 beef cows, raised on pasture and given three different mineral supplements, was evaluated during 5 years in Cássia county, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The cows were divided into three groups: For one group (A) a comercial mineral mixture was used in 1997 and 1998; for the second group (B) common salt and dicalcium phosphate 1:1 was offered in 1999; and the third group (C) received only common salt during the sarne year. ln 2000 and 2001, ali the cows received exclusively common salt. There was no decrease in i:eproduction efficiency when only common salt was given; on the contrary, the reproduction performance of the inseminated e pregnant cows, thát was respectively 92.5 and 78.2 % (1997) and 92.2 and 80.5 % (1998), increased to 94.5 and 85.7 % (2000) and 96.7 and 89.7 % (2001). The decrease of reproduction performance of the cattle in 1999 was probably due to the severe drought during this year. The authors emphasize the importance of a selective mineral supplementation, i.e. to supplement cattle with mineral mixtures including only the elements which the animais can not obtain from the pasture. Theselective mineral supplementation requires the assistance of professionals with training and experience in clinics, pathology and nutrition of ruminants. These professionals should be able to accompany and evaluate the nutritional condition of a herd when a selective mineral mixture is used. Selective mineral supplementation could represent a two or threefold economy of the total cost of conventional supplementation with "complete" mineral mixtures. The authors discuss ifthe improvement of the reproduction performance of the cattle used in this fiel d experiment was due to a better management of the herd or to possible antagonism between the minerais.

• Cattle mineral deficiencies mineral supplementation tropical pastures Bovinos deficiências minerais pastagens tropicais suplementação mineral.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Peixoto P.V., Malafaia P., Miranda L.V., Canella C.F.C., Canella Filho, C.F.C. & Villas Boas F.V. 2003. [Reproduction performance of beef cattle cows given three different types of mineral supplements.] Eficiência reprodutiva de matrizes bovinas de corte submetidas a três diferentes tipos de suplementação mineral. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(3):125-130. Depto Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Inst. Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23851-970, Brazil. E-mail: pvpeixoto@uol.com.br Em uma fazenda do município de Cássia, Minas Gerais, o desempenho reprodutivo de aproximadamente 1200 matrizes bovinas de corte, criadas a campo, foi avaliado frente a três diferentes tipos de suplementação mineral, durante cinco anos. Enquanto que a mistura A (sal mineral comercial) foi oferecida nos anos de 1997 e 1998, a mistura B (cloreto de sódio 50% e fosfato bicálcico 50%) foi disponibilizada, em 1999, para as matrizes mantidas em um dos setores da fazenda e a mistura C (apenas cloreto de sódio), foi oferecida, neste mesmo ano, para os lotes cria dos em outros dois setores. Nos anos de 2000 e 2001, a mistura C foi ofertada a todas matrizes. Não houve queda na eficiência reprodutiva pela suplementação exclusiva com cloreto de sódio, pelo contrário, as percentagens de matrizes inseminadas e matrizes prenhes, que eram, respectivamente, de 92,5 e 78,2 (1997) e 92,2 e 80,5 (1998) alcançaram níveis de 94,5 e 85,7 (2000) e 96,7 e 89,7 (2001). A redução nos índices de matrizes inseminadas e de prenhez verificadas no ano de 1999 foi atribuída à baixa precipitação pluviométrica registrada naquele ano. Os autores ressalvam, porém, que a suplementação seletiva, isto é, aquela baseada na exclusiva administração do (s) mineral (is) que está (ão) faltando em uma determinada fazenda, só deve ser implantada mediante avaliação e acompanhamento clínico-nutricional do rebanho, o que exige apoio de profissional com adequados conhecimentos sobre nutrição, deficiências minerais e clínica de ruminantes. Por outro lado, a suplementação seletiva, pode representar uma despesa 2 a 3 vezes menor do que a verificada com a "mineralização" convencional do rebanho. Discute-se se a melhoria dos índices reprodutivos deveu-se à adequação do manejo ou à cessação de possível antagonismo entre os minerais.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Loretti A.P., Oliveira L.O., Cruz C.E.F. & Driemeier D. 2002. Clinical and pathological study of an outbreak of obstructive urolithiasis in feedlot cattle in Southern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(1):61-64. Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: lorettiufrgsvet3@aol.com The epidemiology, clinical picture and pathology of an outbreak of urolithiasis in cattle in southern Brazil are described. The disease occurred in August 1999 in a feedlot beef cattle herd. Five out of 1,100 castrated steers were affected. Clinical sigos included colic and ventral abdominal distension. White, sand-grain-like mineral deposits precipitated on the preputial hairs. Affected cattle died spontaneously 24-48 hrs after the onset of the clinical signs. Only one animal recovered after perineal urethrostomy. Necropsy findings included calculi blocking the urethral lumen of the distal portion of the penile sigmoid flexure, urinary bladder rupture with leakage of urine into the abdominal cavity and secondary fibrinous peritonitis. Daily water intake was low since water sources were scarce and not readily available. The animais were fed rations high in grains and received limited amounts of roughage. Biochemical analysis revealed that the calculi were composed of ammonium phosphate. A calcium-phosphorus imbalance (0.4:0.6) was detected in the feedlot ration. For the outbreak, it is suggested that contributing factors to urolith formation include insufficient fiber ingestion, low water intake and high dietary leveis of phosphorus. No additional cases were observed in that feedlot after preventive measures were established. Similar dietary mismanagement in fattening steers has been associated with obstructive urolithiasis in feedlot beef cattle in other countries.

• Obstructive urolithiasis uroperitoneum cattle feedlot ammonium phosphate Southern Brazil Urolitíase obstrutiva uroperitônio bovinos confinamento fosfato amônio Região Sul do Brasil.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Loretti A.P., Oliveira L.O., Cruz C.E.F. & Driemeier D. 2002. Clinical and pathological study of an outbreak of obstructive urolithiasis in feedlot cattle in Southern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(1):61-64. [Estudo clínico e anatomopatológico de um surto de urolitíase obstrutiva em bovinos confinados na Região Sul do Brasil.] Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: lorettiufrgsvet3@aol.com Os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e anatomopatológicos de um surto de urolitíase obstrutiva em bovinos são descritos. A enfermidade ocorreu em agosto de 1999 em um rebanho de bovinos de corte confinados na Região Sul do Brasil. De um total de 1.100 novilhos castrados, cinco foram afetados. O quadro clínico consistia em cólica, distensão abdominal ventral e acúmulo de material esbranquiçado, arenoso, aderido aos pêlos da bainha prepucial. Os animais afetados morriam espontaneamente 2448h após o início dos sinais clínicos. Um animal se recuperou após uretrostomia perineal. Os achados de necropsia incluíam a presença de urólitos obstruindo a luz uretral na porção distal da flexura sigmóide peniana, ruptura da bexiga com extravasamento de urina para a cavidade abdominal e peritonite fibrinosa difusa. O consumo diário de água era pequeno devido à escassez e acesso limitado às fontes hídricas. Os novilhos recebiam alimentação rica em grãos e pobre em forragem. A análise química revelou que os cálculos urinários eram formados por fosfato e amônio. Um desequilíbrio na relação cálcio-fósforo (0,4:0,6) foi constatado através da análise da ração utilizada. No presente relato, sugere-se que os fatores associados com a formação de urólitos foram o fornecimento insuficiente de fibra, a ingestão limitada de água e os níveis elevados de fósforo da ração. Não foram observados mais casos da enfermidade após o estabelecimento de medidas para prevenir a ocorrência de urolitíase neste rebanho. De forma semelhante, erros de manejo na alimentação de bovinos confinados têm sido associados à ocorrência de urolitíase em outros países.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Molnár L., Molnár E., Lima E.S.C. & Dias H.L.T. 2002. [Evaluation of six serological tests for the diagnosis of brucellosis in water buffaloes.] Avaliação de seis testes sorológicos no diagnóstico da brucelose bubalina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 22(2):41-44. Centro Agropecuário, Lidea, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-900, Brazil. Four hundred and forty buffalo sera, selected from about 1,200 blood samples of another study, were examined. The samples were tested by six serological methods: two of agglutination, two of indirect ELISA and two of competitive ELISA. To determine the relative sensitivity and specificity of different tests, animals with a positive result to competitive ELISA of the FAO/IAEA were considered as infected. The relative sensitivity of competitive ELISA, indirect ELISA with conjugate anti-bovine light chain monoclonal antibody labelled with HRPO, indirect ELISA with anti-bovine lgG conjugate, rose Bengal test and rapid slide agglutination test was 100%, 98.57%, 97.14%, 91.42% and 79.28%, and the relative specificity 99.33%, 97.33%, 95.66%, 94.00% and 86.33%, respectively. The value of the different serological tests for the diagnosis of brucellosis is discussed.

• Brucellosis water buffalo competitive ELISA indirect ELISA agglutination Bucelose bubalino ELISA competitivo ELISA indireto aglutinação.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Molnár L., Molnár E., Lima E.S.C. & Dias H.L.T. 2002. [Evaluation of six serological tests for the diagnosis of brucellosis in water buffaloes.] Avaliação de seis testes sorológicos no diagnóstico da brucelose bubalina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 22(2):41-44. Centro Agropecuário, Lidea, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-900, Brazil. Foram examinados 440 soros bubalinos, selecionados em um outro exame de cerca de 1200 amostras sangüíneas. Utilizaram-se seis diferentes testes sorológicos para o exame dessas amostras: dois de aglutinação, dois de ELISA indireto e dois de ELISA competitivo. Os animais positivos no ELISA competitivo da FAO/IAEA foram considerados como infectados, e a comparação com os resultados dos outros testes aconteceu neste sentido. A sensibilidade relativa foi de 100%, 98,57%, 97,14%, 91,42% e 79,28%, e a especificidade relativa de 99,33%, 97,33%, 95,66%, 94,00% e 86,33% nas provas de ELISA competitivo, ELISA indireto com conjugado antibovino de cadeia leve (anticorpo monoclonal com HRPO), ELISA indireto com conjugado contra lgG bovino total, teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado e aglutinação rápida, respectivamente. Discute-se o valor dos diferentes testes sorológicos no diagnóstico da brucelose.