PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Oliveira E.C., Pescador C.A., Sonne L., Pavarini S.P., Santos A.S., Corbellini L.G. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Immunohistochemical analysis of dogs infected naturally by canine parvovirus.] Análise imuno-histoquímica de cães naturalmente infectados pelo parvovírus canino. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):131-136. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Ninety-six dogs with gross lesions suggestive of canine parvovirus infection were selected and necropsied in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, between March 2005 and November 2006. The main gross lesions were enlargement of the Peyer’s patches in the small intestine and hyperemia in the intestinal mucosa and serosa. Microscopically, the small intestine showed necrotizing enteritis in 77% (74/96) of the dogs examined. However, in 17.7% of the histological evaluation in the small intestine were damaged due to autolytic changes making it difficult to obtain an appropriate interpretation. The immunohistochemistry test was performed in tissues of small intestine, mesenteric lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, tonsils, tongue, and bone marrow in all the 96 selected cases. Parvovirus antigen was detected in 91.6% (88/96) of the dogs necropsied. The best result of the IHC test was seen in samples of small intestine which was positive in 77% (74/96) of the cases. The statistical analysis (Fisher test) showed a weak association between intestinal autolysis and positive result of the IHC test. The chance of the autolysed intestine showing a positive result in the immunohistochemistry test was 0.33 less (OR=0.33, 95% CI:0.10-1.17) when compared with small intestine not autolysed.

• Canine parvovirus dogs immunohistochemistry small intestine lymphoid tissue

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Oliveira E.C., Pescador C.A., Sonne L., Pavarini S.P., Santos A.S., Corbellini L.G. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Immunohistochemical analysis of dogs infected naturally by canine parvovirus.] Análise imuno-histoquímica de cães naturalmente infectados pelo parvovírus canino. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):131-136. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Ninety-six dogs with gross lesions suggestive of canine parvovirus infection were selected and necropsied in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, between March 2005 and November 2006. The main gross lesions were enlargement of the Peyer’s patches in the small intestine and hyperemia in the intestinal mucosa and serosa. Microscopically, the small intestine showed necrotizing enteritis in 77% (74/96) of the dogs examined. However, in 17.7% of the histological evaluation in the small intestine were damaged due to autolytic changes making it difficult to obtain an appropriate interpretation. The immunohistochemistry test was performed in tissues of small intestine, mesenteric lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, tonsils, tongue, and bone marrow in all the 96 selected cases. Parvovirus antigen was detected in 91.6% (88/96) of the dogs necropsied. The best result of the IHC test was seen in samples of small intestine which was positive in 77% (74/96) of the cases. The statistical analysis (Fisher test) showed a weak association between intestinal autolysis and positive result of the IHC test. The chance of the autolysed intestine showing a positive result in the immunohistochemistry test was 0.33 less (OR=0.33, 95% CI:0.10-1.17) when compared with small intestine not autolysed.

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Sonne L., Oliveira E.C., Pescador C.A., Santos A.S., Pavarini S. P., Carissimi A.S. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Pathologic and immunohistochemistry findings in dogs naturally infected by canine distemper virus.] Achados patológicos e imuno-histoquímicos em cães infectados naturalmente pelo vírus da cinomose canina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):143-149. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Canine distemper is a viral disease that affects mainly respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system. The present study analyzes pathologic and immunohistochemical findings in 54 dogs with canine distemper of a total of 760 canine necropsies performed from July 2006 to October 2007. The gross lesions were characterized by mucopurulent oculonasal discharge, hyperkeratosis of footpads, red and not collapsed lungs, thymic atrophy, watery intestinal content, hyperemia and enlarged Peyer’s patches. The histological findings were characterized by interstitial pneumonia, lymphoid depletion, white matter demyelization, perivascular cuffs and intracytoplasmatic and intranuclear inclusion bodies located in epithelial cells of gastric mucosa, urinary bladder, bronchial, renal pelvis, footpads, eyelid, skin of the ear, tonsil, central nervous system and mononuclear cells in lymph nodes, spleen, and tonsils. Viral antigen was detected by an immunohistochemical procedure using a mouse monoclonal anti-canine distemper antibody. The footpads were the more constantly (67.4% of the cases) immunolabeled tissue, followed by stomach with 62.7%. Immunohistochemistry was demonstrated to be a useful tool for the study of viral antigen distribution in distemper affected dogs as well as it indicated which is the best tissue to be examined in order to confirm a suspected case of canine.

• Canine diseases distemper immunohistochemistry

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Sonne L., Oliveira E.C., Pescador C.A., Santos A.S., Pavarini S. P., Carissimi A.S. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Pathologic and immunohistochemistry findings in dogs naturally infected by canine distemper virus.] Achados patológicos e imuno-histoquímicos em cães infectados naturalmente pelo vírus da cinomose canina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):143-149. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Canine distemper is a viral disease that affects mainly respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system. The present study analyzes pathologic and immunohistochemical findings in 54 dogs with canine distemper of a total of 760 canine necropsies performed from July 2006 to October 2007. The gross lesions were characterized by mucopurulent oculonasal discharge, hyperkeratosis of footpads, red and not collapsed lungs, thymic atrophy, watery intestinal content, hyperemia and enlarged Peyer’s patches. The histological findings were characterized by interstitial pneumonia, lymphoid depletion, white matter demyelization, perivascular cuffs and intracytoplasmatic and intranuclear inclusion bodies located in epithelial cells of gastric mucosa, urinary bladder, bronchial, renal pelvis, footpads, eyelid, skin of the ear, tonsil, central nervous system and mononuclear cells in lymph nodes, spleen, and tonsils. Viral antigen was detected by an immunohistochemical procedure using a mouse monoclonal anti-canine distemper antibody. The footpads were the more constantly (67.4% of the cases) immunolabeled tissue, followed by stomach with 62.7%. Immunohistochemistry was demonstrated to be a useful tool for the study of viral antigen distribution in distemper affected dogs as well as it indicated which is the best tissue to be examined in order to confirm a suspected case of canine.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Flores E.F., Weiblen R, Vogel F.S.F., Dezengrini R., Almeida S.R., Spilki F.R. & Roehe P.M. 2009. [Experimental neuropathogenesis of bovine herpesvirus 5 infection in rabbits.] Neuropatogênese experimental da infecção pelo herpesvírus bovino tipo 5 em coelhos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):1-16. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva. Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS. Brazil. E-mail: eduardofurtadoflores@gmail.com Several aspects of the biology of bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) have been studied in rabbits, which develop acute infection and neurological disease upon experimental inoculation. The acute infection is followed by the establishment of latent infection, which can be naturally or artificially reactivated. The first experiments in rabbits established a protocol for virus inoculation and monitoring the infection, and characterized the main virological, clinical and pathological aspects of the acute infection. The pathogenesis of acute infection, from the initial viral replication at site of inoculation, pathways and kinetics of viral transport to the brain, distribution and virus replication in the central nervous system (CNS), cellular and tissue tropism, clinical signs and CNS pathology have been extensively studied using this animal model. Subsequently, several biological and molecular aspects of latent BoHV-5 infection have also been elucidated upon inoculation of rabbits. Rabbits have also been used to investigate the phenotype (neuroinvasiveness, neurogrowth) of field isolates and recombinant vaccine candidates, protection by passive immunity, vaccine protection, the efficacy of anti-viral drugs and support therapies for neurological disease. This animal model was also used to investigate the origin and distribution of electric impulses involved in seizures - a hallmark of BoHV-5 induced neurological infection - and also to test the efficacy of anti-convulsivants. In spite of the possible differences between rabbits and cattle - the natural host of the virus - the observations taken from this experimental model have greatly contributed to the knowledge of the biology of BoHV-5 infection. The present article presents a review of the main published and unpublished results and observations by our group, comprising more than a decade of studies on the pathogenesis of BoHV-5 infection in the rabbit model.

• Bovine herpesvirus 5 BoHV-5 rabbits experimental model

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Flores E.F., Weiblen R, Vogel F.S.F., Dezengrini R., Almeida S.R., Spilki F.R. & Roehe P.M. 2009. [Experimental neuropathogenesis of bovine herpesvirus 5 infection in rabbits.] Neuropatogênese experimental da infecção pelo herpesvírus bovino tipo 5 em coelhos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):1-16. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva. Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS. Brazil. E-mail: eduardofurtadoflores@gmail.com Several aspects of the biology of bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) have been studied in rabbits, which develop acute infection and neurological disease upon experimental inoculation. The acute infection is followed by the establishment of latent infection, which can be naturally or artificially reactivated. The first experiments in rabbits established a protocol for virus inoculation and monitoring the infection, and characterized the main virological, clinical and pathological aspects of the acute infection. The pathogenesis of acute infection, from the initial viral replication at site of inoculation, pathways and kinetics of viral transport to the brain, distribution and virus replication in the central nervous system (CNS), cellular and tissue tropism, clinical signs and CNS pathology have been extensively studied using this animal model. Subsequently, several biological and molecular aspects of latent BoHV-5 infection have also been elucidated upon inoculation of rabbits. Rabbits have also been used to investigate the phenotype (neuroinvasiveness, neurogrowth) of field isolates and recombinant vaccine candidates, protection by passive immunity, vaccine protection, the efficacy of anti-viral drugs and support therapies for neurological disease. This animal model was also used to investigate the origin and distribution of electric impulses involved in seizures - a hallmark of BoHV-5 induced neurological infection - and also to test the efficacy of anti-convulsivants. In spite of the possible differences between rabbits and cattle - the natural host of the virus - the observations taken from this experimental model have greatly contributed to the knowledge of the biology of BoHV-5 infection. The present article presents a review of the main published and unpublished results and observations by our group, comprising more than a decade of studies on the pathogenesis of BoHV-5 infection in the rabbit model.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Munhoz A.D., Pereira M.J.S., Flausino W. & Lopes C.W.G. 2009. Neospora caninum seropositivity in cattle breeds in the South Fluminense Paraíba Valley, state of Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):29-32. Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: lopescwg@ufrrj.br The infection by Neospora caninum of different cattle breeds in dairy properties in two municipalities of the South Fluminense Paraíba Valley, state of Rio de Janeiro, was evaluated. Considering a sampling universe of 2,491 cows, blood samples were collected from 563 dairy cows in 57 farms, which were randomically selected in proportion to the number of animals, using a random stratified sampling system. For each property the number of selected cows was proportional to the herd size. Abortion or other reproductive disorders were not considered as criteria for selecting the animals, and seropositivity was determined by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A high association (p=0.006) between seropositivity and racial patterns was found. The analysis revealed that in comparison of pure black-and-white Holstein cows versus Zebu (p=0.0028), Holstein cows showed 2.65 times greater odds for seropositivity. In the same way, by comparing black-and-white Holstein versus Zebu + crossbreed Zebu/Holstein (p=0.01), it was noted that there is 2.23 times more chance for seropositivity in Holstein cattle. There were no significant differences concerning the comparison of Holstein cattle versus crossbreed Zebu/Holstein (p=0.08) or Zebu versus crossbreed Zebu/Holstein (p=0.11). This study supports the hypothesis that there is a close association between cattle breeds and the frequency of infection by N. caninum.

• Neospora caninum association cattle breed

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Munhoz A.D., Pereira M.J.S., Flausino W. & Lopes C.W.G. 2009. Neospora caninum seropositivity in cattle breeds in the South Fluminense Paraíba Valley, state of Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):29-32. Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: lopescwg@ufrrj.br The infection by Neospora caninum of different cattle breeds in dairy properties in two municipalities of the South Fluminense Paraíba Valley, state of Rio de Janeiro, was evaluated. Considering a sampling universe of 2,491 cows, blood samples were collected from 563 dairy cows in 57 farms, which were randomically selected in proportion to the number of animals, using a random stratified sampling system. For each property the number of selected cows was proportional to the herd size. Abortion or other reproductive disorders were not considered as criteria for selecting the animals, and seropositivity was determined by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A high association (p=0.006) between seropositivity and racial patterns was found. The analysis revealed that in comparison of pure black-and-white Holstein cows versus Zebu (p=0.0028), Holstein cows showed 2.65 times greater odds for seropositivity. In the same way, by comparing black-and-white Holstein versus Zebu + crossbreed Zebu/Holstein (p=0.01), it was noted that there is 2.23 times more chance for seropositivity in Holstein cattle. There were no significant differences concerning the comparison of Holstein cattle versus crossbreed Zebu/Holstein (p=0.08) or Zebu versus crossbreed Zebu/Holstein (p=0.11). This study supports the hypothesis that there is a close association between cattle breeds and the frequency of infection by N. caninum.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Ståhl K., Benito A., Felmer R., Zuñiga J., Reinhardt G., Rivera H., Baule C. & Moreno-López J. 2009. Genetic diversity of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) from Peru and Chile. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):41-44. Joint Virology Research and Development Division, National Veterinary Institute and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Uppsala, Sweden. E-mail: Karl.Stahl@bvf.slu.se Twenty-five BVDV strains, detected in serum from persistently infected cattle from Peru (n=15) and Chile (n=10) were genetically characterized. The phylogenetic analysis based on the 5’ UTR showed that all 25 strains belonged to genotype 1. Twenty-three of the strains could further be subdivided into subtype 1b, and two out of ten Chilean strains into subtype 1a. In conclusion, in total 23 out of 25 strains analyzed were of genotype 1, subtype 1b. This is the predominant BVDV subtype in many countries all over the world, including USA. The close homology with previously described strains reflects the influence of livestock trade on the diversity of BVDV circulating within and between countries and continents. Peru and Chile have imported large numbers of cattle from USA and Europe, mostly with insufficient or lacking health documentation.

• Bovine viral diarrhoea virus BVDV diversity pestivirus phylogenetic analysis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Ståhl K., Benito A., Felmer R., Zuñiga J., Reinhardt G., Rivera H., Baule C. & Moreno-López J. 2009. Genetic diversity of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) from Peru and Chile. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):41-44. Joint Virology Research and Development Division, National Veterinary Institute and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Uppsala, Sweden. E-mail: Karl.Stahl@bvf.slu.se Twenty-five BVDV strains, detected in serum from persistently infected cattle from Peru (n=15) and Chile (n=10) were genetically characterized. The phylogenetic analysis based on the 5’ UTR showed that all 25 strains belonged to genotype 1. Twenty-three of the strains could further be subdivided into subtype 1b, and two out of ten Chilean strains into subtype 1a. In conclusion, in total 23 out of 25 strains analyzed were of genotype 1, subtype 1b. This is the predominant BVDV subtype in many countries all over the world, including USA. The close homology with previously described strains reflects the influence of livestock trade on the diversity of BVDV circulating within and between countries and continents. Peru and Chile have imported large numbers of cattle from USA and Europe, mostly with insufficient or lacking health documentation.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Scarpelli L., Lopes W.D.Z., Migani M., Bresciani K.D.S. & Costa A.J. 2009. Toxoplasma gondii in experimentally infected Bos taurus and Bos indicus semen and tissues. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):59-64. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellani s/n, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: wdzlopes@hotmail.com Eighteen young steers were inoculated with Toxoplasma gondii and randomly distributed into three groups of six animals each: GI, 2.5x105 “P” strain oocysts, GII, 5.0x106 “RH” strain tachyzoites, and GIII (Control). Clinical, serological and parasitemia exams were realized. Parasite investigation by bioassay and PCR was realized on semen and fragments of skeletal musculature, lymph nodes, brain, retina, spleen, liver, lung, testicle, epididymis and seminal vesicle. Blood and semen samples were collected on days -2, -1, 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and weekly thereafter, up to postinfection day (PID) 84. The inoculated steers (GI and GII) presented hyperthermia from PID 3 to 16. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected through the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) on PID 5 (1:16) in both inoculated groups (oocysts and tachyzoites), reaching peaks of 1:4096 on PID 7. Parasitemia outbursts occurred in all infected bovines, principally from PID 7 to 28, independent of the strain and inoculate used. Bioassays revealed the presence of parasites in semen samples of animals infected with oocysts (GI) and tachyzoites (GII) on several experimental days between PID 7 and 84. Tissue parasitism by T. gondii was diagnosed by bioassay and the PCR technique in several organ and tissue fragments. These findings suggest the possibility of sexual transmission of T. gondii in the bovine species.

• Cattle PCR semen Toxoplasma gondii Apicomplexa

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Scarpelli L., Lopes W.D.Z., Migani M., Bresciani K.D.S. & Costa A.J. 2009. Toxoplasma gondii in experimentally infected Bos taurus and Bos indicus semen and tissues. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):59-64. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellani s/n, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: wdzlopes@hotmail.com Eighteen young steers were inoculated with Toxoplasma gondii and randomly distributed into three groups of six animals each: GI, 2.5x105 “P” strain oocysts, GII, 5.0x106 “RH” strain tachyzoites, and GIII (Control). Clinical, serological and parasitemia exams were realized. Parasite investigation by bioassay and PCR was realized on semen and fragments of skeletal musculature, lymph nodes, brain, retina, spleen, liver, lung, testicle, epididymis and seminal vesicle. Blood and semen samples were collected on days -2, -1, 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and weekly thereafter, up to postinfection day (PID) 84. The inoculated steers (GI and GII) presented hyperthermia from PID 3 to 16. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected through the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) on PID 5 (1:16) in both inoculated groups (oocysts and tachyzoites), reaching peaks of 1:4096 on PID 7. Parasitemia outbursts occurred in all infected bovines, principally from PID 7 to 28, independent of the strain and inoculate used. Bioassays revealed the presence of parasites in semen samples of animals infected with oocysts (GI) and tachyzoites (GII) on several experimental days between PID 7 and 84. Tissue parasitism by T. gondii was diagnosed by bioassay and the PCR technique in several organ and tissue fragments. These findings suggest the possibility of sexual transmission of T. gondii in the bovine species.

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Pavarini S.P., Bezerra Junior P.S., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Clinic pathological features during a winter dysentery outbreak in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul.] Achados clínico patológicos durante um surto de disenteria de inverno em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):611- 616. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br The report describes a winter dysentery outbreak that affected 10 dairy cows from a ranch located in the county of Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul. The most significant clinical sign was profuse and watery diarrhea, which ranged from a greenish to a brownish coloration and from occasional blood streaks with mucus to a bloody diarrhea. Most cases persisted for 5 days and also included depression, drastic decrease in milk production and in food consumption. Only one of the affected animals died. The necropsy revealed pale mucosa and sanguineous content with high quantity of blood clots, particularly within the spiral colon, and petechiae on the colonic mucosa. Histopathological lesions were predominant in the spiral colon, and consisted of a high number of dilated crypts without epithelium or with the replacement of a pavement epithelium with occasional immature cuboidal cells, which sometimes showed enlarged nucleus and proeminent nucleolus. Some crypts were filled with epithelial desquamation and polymorphnuclear cells. Bovine coronavirus (8F2) monoclonal antibody was used for immunohistochemistry on sections of the spiral colon that showed positive reactions in the cytoplasm of the infected crypt epithelium, sloughed necrotic cells, and within macrophages in the lamina propria of both.

• Winter dysentery diarrhea spiral colon bovine coronavirus

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Pavarini S.P., Bezerra Junior P.S., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Clinic pathological features during a winter dysentery outbreak in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul.] Achados clínico patológicos durante um surto de disenteria de inverno em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):611- 616. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br The report describes a winter dysentery outbreak that affected 10 dairy cows from a ranch located in the county of Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul. The most significant clinical sign was profuse and watery diarrhea, which ranged from a greenish to a brownish coloration and from occasional blood streaks with mucus to a bloody diarrhea. Most cases persisted for 5 days and also included depression, drastic decrease in milk production and in food consumption. Only one of the affected animals died. The necropsy revealed pale mucosa and sanguineous content with high quantity of blood clots, particularly within the spiral colon, and petechiae on the colonic mucosa. Histopathological lesions were predominant in the spiral colon, and consisted of a high number of dilated crypts without epithelium or with the replacement of a pavement epithelium with occasional immature cuboidal cells, which sometimes showed enlarged nucleus and proeminent nucleolus. Some crypts were filled with epithelial desquamation and polymorphnuclear cells. Bovine coronavirus (8F2) monoclonal antibody was used for immunohistochemistry on sections of the spiral colon that showed positive reactions in the cytoplasm of the infected crypt epithelium, sloughed necrotic cells, and within macrophages in the lamina propria of both.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pedroso P.M.O., Pescador C.A., Bandarra P.M., Raymundo D.L., Borba M.R., Wouters F., Bezerra Jr P.S. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Standardization of immunohistochemistry technique for detection of rabies virus in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples from central nervous system of cattle.] Padronização da técnica de imuno-histoquímica para raiva em amostras de tecido do sistema nervoso central de bovinos fixadas em formol e emblocadas em parafina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):627-632. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br For standardization of the rabies immunohistochemistry technique, five samples of central nervous system (CNS) of cattle naturally infected with rabies virus were examined. One polyclonal antibody and two monoclonal antibodies were used. The following reagents were evaluated for antigen retrieval: XIV protease, proteinase K and citrate buffer (pH 6.0) boiling at 100°C during 15 minutes in bain-marie. Detection of rabic antigen was possible with the three antibodies tested. The polyclonal antibody was superior to the monoclonal antibodies, demonstrating good results with the three antigen retrieval protocols. The highest intensity staining was obtained with the citrate buffer and heat. The immunohistochemistry technique demonstrated the presence of viral antigens in the cytoplasm of neurons, in form of aggregates or with round or oval shape. The antigens were found as single or multiples inclusion bodies in the neurons. Immunohistochemistry is a fast method that can be used in routine procedures in cases where rabies is suspected, especially when the brain is submitted to the laboratory as formalin-fixed fragments or when samples could not be immediately shipped. The technique is also useful for retrospective studies.

• Diseases of cattle infectious diseases diseases of the central nervous system rabies immunohistochemistry standardization

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pedroso P.M.O., Pescador C.A., Bandarra P.M., Raymundo D.L., Borba M.R., Wouters F., Bezerra Jr P.S. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Standardization of immunohistochemistry technique for detection of rabies virus in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples from central nervous system of cattle.] Padronização da técnica de imuno-histoquímica para raiva em amostras de tecido do sistema nervoso central de bovinos fixadas em formol e emblocadas em parafina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):627-632. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br For standardization of the rabies immunohistochemistry technique, five samples of central nervous system (CNS) of cattle naturally infected with rabies virus were examined. One polyclonal antibody and two monoclonal antibodies were used. The following reagents were evaluated for antigen retrieval: XIV protease, proteinase K and citrate buffer (pH 6.0) boiling at 100°C during 15 minutes in bain-marie. Detection of rabic antigen was possible with the three antibodies tested. The polyclonal antibody was superior to the monoclonal antibodies, demonstrating good results with the three antigen retrieval protocols. The highest intensity staining was obtained with the citrate buffer and heat. The immunohistochemistry technique demonstrated the presence of viral antigens in the cytoplasm of neurons, in form of aggregates or with round or oval shape. The antigens were found as single or multiples inclusion bodies in the neurons. Immunohistochemistry is a fast method that can be used in routine procedures in cases where rabies is suspected, especially when the brain is submitted to the laboratory as formalin-fixed fragments or when samples could not be immediately shipped. The technique is also useful for retrospective studies.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Rodrigues J., Meireles G.S., Carvalho Filho P.R., Ribeiro C.T., Flausino W. & Lopes C.W.G. 2008. [Sarcocystis cruzi (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous).] Sarcocystis cruzi (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) no cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(11):561-564. Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: lopescwg@ufrrj.br Sporocysts of Sarcocystis were identified in feces samples of a crab-eating fox, and were orally given to a suckling calf; after 3 months of infection, sarcocysts morphologically similar to Sarcocystis cruzi were observed in cardiac and skeletal striated muscles. The cardiac muscles of this calf were orally given to a puppy free of coccidia, that shed sporocysts in its feces.with a prepatent and patent period of 11 and 12 days after infection, respectively. To compare the morphology of the sporocysts and cysts, a second puppy was fed on bovine cardiac muscles infected naturally, and sporocysts identical to those shed by the first dog were recovered from its feces. In spite of the significant difference between sporocysts found in the mucosa of the crab-eating fox and those shed by the first and second puppies, the species observed in this study was considered to be Sarcocystis cruzi, based on size of the sporocyts, morphology of the cyst wall, and the pray-predator cycle.

• Sarcocystis cruzi sporocysts cysts crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous dogs cattle

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Rodrigues J., Meireles G.S., Carvalho Filho P.R., Ribeiro C.T., Flausino W. & Lopes C.W.G. 2008. [Sarcocystis cruzi (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous).] Sarcocystis cruzi (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) no cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(11):561-564. Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: lopescwg@ufrrj.br Sporocysts of Sarcocystis were identified in feces samples of a crab-eating fox, and were orally given to a suckling calf; after 3 months of infection, sarcocysts morphologically similar to Sarcocystis cruzi were observed in cardiac and skeletal striated muscles. The cardiac muscles of this calf were orally given to a puppy free of coccidia, that shed sporocysts in its feces.with a prepatent and patent period of 11 and 12 days after infection, respectively. To compare the morphology of the sporocysts and cysts, a second puppy was fed on bovine cardiac muscles infected naturally, and sporocysts identical to those shed by the first dog were recovered from its feces. In spite of the significant difference between sporocysts found in the mucosa of the crab-eating fox and those shed by the first and second puppies, the species observed in this study was considered to be Sarcocystis cruzi, based on size of the sporocyts, morphology of the cyst wall, and the pray-predator cycle.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Vasconcelos J.S., Riet-Correa F., Dantas A.F.M., Medeiros R.M.T., Galiza G.J.N., Oliveira D.M. & Pessoa A.F.A. 2008. [Poisoning by Mascagnia rigida (Malpighiaceae) in sheep and goats.] Intoxicação por Mascagnia rigida (Malpighiaceae) em ovinos e caprinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):521-526. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail. franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Mascagnia rigida is the most important toxic plant for cattle in the Northeastern region of Brazil, causing sudden death during exercise. The objectives of this research were to report three outbreaks of poisoning by M. rigida in sheep and one in goats in the semiarid of the state of Paraíba, to reproduce experimentally the disease, and to determine if the active principle of the plant is eliminated through the milk. The outbreaks occurred at beginning of the raining season, when the plant sprouts ahead other forages, or after the end of the raining season, when M. rigida stayed green and other forages had dried. In the experimental reproduction of the poisoning doses of 10 and 20g of M. rigida per kg body weight from two different regions were lethal to 3 goats and 3 sheep. One goat that ingested 20g/kg and a sheep that ingested 10g/kg recovered. Two sheep and two goats that ingested 5g/kg had mild clinical signs and recovered. Clinical signs of experimental and spontaneous cases were ingurgitation of the jugular veins, reluctance to move, sternal recumbence, incoordination, respiratory distress, depression, instability, and muscular tremors. Death occurred after a clinical manifestation period of about 4 min to 27h40min. The main lesions were pulmonary edema and vacuolization and necrosis of epithelial cells in some renal tubules. To test if the active principle of M. rigida causes sudden deaths in newborn lambs and kids, 2g/kg of the plant were given daily to two goats and five sheep in the 15 days previous to parturition. One sheep aborted two lambs, 5 days before parturition. The four lambs of the other four sheep ingested the colostrum without problems. The kid from one goat ingested the colostrum and died suddenly 5 minutes after. The kid from the other goat died immediately after parturition before ingestion of colostrum. These results suggest that the active principle of M. rigida was eliminated through the milk at toxic doses for the kids. Management measures to prevent the poisoning are recommended.

• Toxic plants Mascagnia rigida Malpighiaceae sudden death fluoroacetic acid semiarid small ruminants

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Vasconcelos J.S., Riet-Correa F., Dantas A.F.M., Medeiros R.M.T., Galiza G.J.N., Oliveira D.M. & Pessoa A.F.A. 2008. [Poisoning by Mascagnia rigida (Malpighiaceae) in sheep and goats.] Intoxicação por Mascagnia rigida (Malpighiaceae) em ovinos e caprinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):521-526. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail. franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Mascagnia rigida is the most important toxic plant for cattle in the Northeastern region of Brazil, causing sudden death during exercise. The objectives of this research were to report three outbreaks of poisoning by M. rigida in sheep and one in goats in the semiarid of the state of Paraíba, to reproduce experimentally the disease, and to determine if the active principle of the plant is eliminated through the milk. The outbreaks occurred at beginning of the raining season, when the plant sprouts ahead other forages, or after the end of the raining season, when M. rigida stayed green and other forages had dried. In the experimental reproduction of the poisoning doses of 10 and 20g of M. rigida per kg body weight from two different regions were lethal to 3 goats and 3 sheep. One goat that ingested 20g/kg and a sheep that ingested 10g/kg recovered. Two sheep and two goats that ingested 5g/kg had mild clinical signs and recovered. Clinical signs of experimental and spontaneous cases were ingurgitation of the jugular veins, reluctance to move, sternal recumbence, incoordination, respiratory distress, depression, instability, and muscular tremors. Death occurred after a clinical manifestation period of about 4 min to 27h40min. The main lesions were pulmonary edema and vacuolization and necrosis of epithelial cells in some renal tubules. To test if the active principle of M. rigida causes sudden deaths in newborn lambs and kids, 2g/kg of the plant were given daily to two goats and five sheep in the 15 days previous to parturition. One sheep aborted two lambs, 5 days before parturition. The four lambs of the other four sheep ingested the colostrum without problems. The kid from one goat ingested the colostrum and died suddenly 5 minutes after. The kid from the other goat died immediately after parturition before ingestion of colostrum. These results suggest that the active principle of M. rigida was eliminated through the milk at toxic doses for the kids. Management measures to prevent the poisoning are recommended.