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.- Santos T.R.B., Farias N.A.R., Cunha Filho N.A., Pappen F.G. & Vaz Junior I.S. 2009. [Studies of the management of the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Abordagem sobre o controle do carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):65-70. Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Cx. Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: tsantos@ufpel.edu.br In the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, cattle become infested with Rhipicephalus (B.) microplus mainly between October and April due to the climatic conditions. In addition to knowing its life cycle, knowledge of parasite’s epidemiology is essential to establish management strategies. Epidemiological studies on resistance to acaricides in Rio Grande do Sul as well as in the rest of Brazil are scarce. Moreover, the large geographical area and the structural deficiency with respect to the use and access to databases make reliable data difficult to obtain. The present study surveyed the perception by cattle breeders in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul in regards of identification of R. (B.) microplus populations that are difficult to manage using acaricides, as well as the risk factors for the selection of resistant tick populations. Tick management data on beef cattle in 85 properties of seven municipalities were collected. The results revealed that the difficulty in tick management correlated positively with levels of education of the farm owners (up to elementary school, OR = 3.67 and p = 0.01) and with the yearly number of acaricide applications (over four, with OR = 4.05 and p= 0.006). These results also suggest that properties with more than 100 beef cattle under extensive farming conditions in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul show characteristics that may contribute to longer acaricide lifetimes as compared to other regions in the Country.

• Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus risk factors resistance acaricides South Brazil

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Santos T.R.B., Farias N.A.R., Cunha Filho N.A., Pappen F.G. & Vaz Junior I.S. 2009. [Studies of the management of the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Abordagem sobre o controle do carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):65-70. Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Cx. Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: tsantos@ufpel.edu.br In the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, cattle become infested with Rhipicephalus (B.) microplus mainly between October and April due to the climatic conditions. In addition to knowing its life cycle, knowledge of parasite’s epidemiology is essential to establish management strategies. Epidemiological studies on resistance to acaricides in Rio Grande do Sul as well as in the rest of Brazil are scarce. Moreover, the large geographical area and the structural deficiency with respect to the use and access to databases make reliable data difficult to obtain. The present study surveyed the perception by cattle breeders in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul in regards of identification of R. (B.) microplus populations that are difficult to manage using acaricides, as well as the risk factors for the selection of resistant tick populations. Tick management data on beef cattle in 85 properties of seven municipalities were collected. The results revealed that the difficulty in tick management correlated positively with levels of education of the farm owners (up to elementary school, OR = 3.67 and p = 0.01) and with the yearly number of acaricide applications (over four, with OR = 4.05 and p= 0.006). These results also suggest that properties with more than 100 beef cattle under extensive farming conditions in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul show characteristics that may contribute to longer acaricide lifetimes as compared to other regions in the Country.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Medeiros E.S., Santos M.V., Pinheiro Jr J.W., Faria E.B., Wanderley G.G., Teles J.A.A. & Mota R.A. 2009. [In vitro evaluation of the efficacy of commercial disinfectants used in pre and post-dipping against Staphylococcus spp. isolated from bovine mastitis.] Avaliação in vitro da eficácia de desinfetantes comerciais utilizados no pré e pós-dipping frente amostras de Staphylococcus spp. isoladas de mastite bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):71-75. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil. E-mail: rinaldo.mota@hotmail.com The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the in vitro sensibility of Staphylococcus spp. to several commercially available disinfectants used for pre and post dipping. A total of 60 isolates of Staphylococcus spp., identified as Staphylococcus aureus (50) and Positive coagulase Staphylococcus (10) were obtained from the mammary glands of dairy cows with subclinical mastitis in the regions of Metropolitan Recife, the Agreste and the Zona da Mata of the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. As active ingredients were used a chlorine base (25%), iodine (0.6%), chlorhexidine (2.0%), quaternary ammonium (4.0%), and lactic acid (2.0%) at four specific intervals (15", 30", 60", and 300"). One hundred percent of S. aureus was found to be sensitive to iodine, 93.3% to chlorhexidine, 80% to ammonia, 35.6% to lactic acid, and 97.8% were resistant to chlorine at a 60-minute interval. With respect to the Positive coagulase Staphylococcus (SCP), 100.0% of the isolates were sensitive to iodine, 81.8% to quaternary ammonium, 99.9% to lactic acid, 72.7% to chlorhexidine, and 100% was resistant to chlorine at an interval of 60 minutes. It can be concluded that the highest disinfectant activity in vitro was found to be with iodine and chlorhexidine for S. aureus, and with iodine and lactic acid for SCP. A further conclusion was that it is important to undertake a periodic evaluation of the disinfectants used on the dairy properties in the regions studied, given the variety of sensibilities and resistance to disinfectants used, which may prejudice the control of bovine mastitis caused by Staphylococcus spp.

• Disinfectants mastitis Staphylococcus spp. dairy cows

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Medeiros E.S., Santos M.V., Pinheiro Jr J.W., Faria E.B., Wanderley G.G., Teles J.A.A. & Mota R.A. 2009. [In vitro evaluation of the efficacy of commercial disinfectants used in pre and post-dipping against Staphylococcus spp. isolated from bovine mastitis.] Avaliação in vitro da eficácia de desinfetantes comerciais utilizados no pré e pós-dipping frente amostras de Staphylococcus spp. isoladas de mastite bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):71-75. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil. E-mail: rinaldo.mota@hotmail.com The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the in vitro sensibility of Staphylococcus spp. to several commercially available disinfectants used for pre and post dipping. A total of 60 isolates of Staphylococcus spp., identified as Staphylococcus aureus (50) and Positive coagulase Staphylococcus (10) were obtained from the mammary glands of dairy cows with subclinical mastitis in the regions of Metropolitan Recife, the Agreste and the Zona da Mata of the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. As active ingredients were used a chlorine base (25%), iodine (0.6%), chlorhexidine (2.0%), quaternary ammonium (4.0%), and lactic acid (2.0%) at four specific intervals (15", 30", 60", and 300"). One hundred percent of S. aureus was found to be sensitive to iodine, 93.3% to chlorhexidine, 80% to ammonia, 35.6% to lactic acid, and 97.8% were resistant to chlorine at a 60-minute interval. With respect to the Positive coagulase Staphylococcus (SCP), 100.0% of the isolates were sensitive to iodine, 81.8% to quaternary ammonium, 99.9% to lactic acid, 72.7% to chlorhexidine, and 100% was resistant to chlorine at an interval of 60 minutes. It can be concluded that the highest disinfectant activity in vitro was found to be with iodine and chlorhexidine for S. aureus, and with iodine and lactic acid for SCP. A further conclusion was that it is important to undertake a periodic evaluation of the disinfectants used on the dairy properties in the regions studied, given the variety of sensibilities and resistance to disinfectants used, which may prejudice the control of bovine mastitis caused by Staphylococcus spp.

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.- Santos G.C., Matuella G.A., Coraiola A.M., Silva L.C., Lange R.R. & Santin E. 2008. [Diseases of wild birds diagnosed at the Federal University of Paraná, Brazil (2003-2007).] Doenças de aves selvagens diagnosticadas na Universidade Federal do Paraná (2003-2007). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(11):565-570. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Campus do Setor de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR 80035-050, Brazil. E-mail: santin@ufpr.br From 253 wild birds attended at the Wild Animal Ambulatory of the Veterinary Hospital, Paraná Federal University, between August 2003 and August 2006, 45 cases (17.8%) were related to the species Serinus canarius (Belgian Canary). Within these attended birds and its respective orders, most morbid conditions occurred with the Psittaciforme order and were caused by traumatism, in 45 cases (14.32%). Of these, 17 animals (30.91%) had bone fractures; the most common were on radius-ulna (17.65%). Other conditions were presence of ectoparasites (12.50%) and endoparasites (10.68%), respiratory disease (10.42%), dermatological ailments (6.51%), neoplasms (4.95%), ophthalmic illnesses (4.43%), gastrointestinal diseases (3.91%), cachexia (3.39%), neurological diseases (2.86%), self-mutilation (2.86%), obesity (2.34%), aggression by other animals (1.56%), nutritional deficiencies (1.30%), egg retention (1.04%), avian poxvirus (0.78%) and uric gout (0.52%), as well as there was clinical routine measures to be taken (7.55%). Traumas and illnesses were observed as the highest prevalence on the casuistic, which could be prevented by correct husbandry practices.

• Wild birds diseases casuistic

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Santos G.C., Matuella G.A., Coraiola A.M., Silva L.C., Lange R.R. & Santin E. 2008. [Diseases of wild birds diagnosed at the Federal University of Paraná, Brazil (2003-2007).] Doenças de aves selvagens diagnosticadas na Universidade Federal do Paraná (2003-2007). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(11):565-570. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Campus do Setor de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR 80035-050, Brazil. E-mail: santin@ufpr.br From 253 wild birds attended at the Wild Animal Ambulatory of the Veterinary Hospital, Paraná Federal University, between August 2003 and August 2006, 45 cases (17.8%) were related to the species Serinus canarius (Belgian Canary). Within these attended birds and its respective orders, most morbid conditions occurred with the Psittaciforme order and were caused by traumatism, in 45 cases (14.32%). Of these, 17 animals (30.91%) had bone fractures; the most common were on radius-ulna (17.65%). Other conditions were presence of ectoparasites (12.50%) and endoparasites (10.68%), respiratory disease (10.42%), dermatological ailments (6.51%), neoplasms (4.95%), ophthalmic illnesses (4.43%), gastrointestinal diseases (3.91%), cachexia (3.39%), neurological diseases (2.86%), self-mutilation (2.86%), obesity (2.34%), aggression by other animals (1.56%), nutritional deficiencies (1.30%), egg retention (1.04%), avian poxvirus (0.78%) and uric gout (0.52%), as well as there was clinical routine measures to be taken (7.55%). Traumas and illnesses were observed as the highest prevalence on the casuistic, which could be prevented by correct husbandry practices.

Abstract in English:

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

• Ecology birds yeast Cryptococcus neoformans Cryptococcus gattii

Abstract in Portuguese:

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

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pavarini S.P., Sonne L., Antoniassi N.A.B., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A., Corbellini L.G. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Congenital anomalies in aborted bovine fetuses in Southern Brazil.] Anomalias congênitas em fetos bovinos abortados no Sul do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):149-154. 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 Abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death are important causes of production losses to the livestock industry. Abortions caused by congenital anomalies may occur sporadically, or appear in epidemics. This retrospective study was conducted at Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology of Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, and included 307 cases of bovine abortion submitted for diagnosis from September 2001 to March 2007. Most of them were from southern Brazil. Ten cases (3.25%) of congenital anomalies were seen. The most frequent congenital anomalies were artrogryposis, Amorphous globosus, and cleft palate (palatoschisis). Infectious causes were investigated, but only BVDV infection was detected by immunohistochemistry in one case, which was affected with porencephalia.

• Abortion bovine congenital anomalies

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pavarini S.P., Sonne L., Antoniassi N.A.B., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A., Corbellini L.G. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Congenital anomalies in aborted bovine fetuses in Southern Brazil.] Anomalias congênitas em fetos bovinos abortados no Sul do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):149-154. 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 Abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death are important causes of production losses to the livestock industry. Abortions caused by congenital anomalies may occur sporadically, or appear in epidemics. This retrospective study was conducted at Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology of Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, and included 307 cases of bovine abortion submitted for diagnosis from September 2001 to March 2007. Most of them were from southern Brazil. Ten cases (3.25%) of congenital anomalies were seen. The most frequent congenital anomalies were artrogryposis, Amorphous globosus, and cleft palate (palatoschisis). Infectious causes were investigated, but only BVDV infection was detected by immunohistochemistry in one case, which was affected with porencephalia.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Corrêa A.M.R., Bezerra P.S.J., Pavarini S.P., Santos A.S., Sonne L., Zlotowski P., Gomes G. & Driemeier D. 2008. Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) poisoning in Murrah buffaloes in Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):187-189. 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 Thirteen (14.4%) out of 90 Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) became ill after con-sumption of Senecio brasiliensis, and 11 (12.2%) of them died. The buffaloes were kept in a highly Senecio brasiliensis infested area. The poisoning occurred in June-August 2006 on a farm in the county of Nova Prata, Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Clinical signs included weakness, apathy, progressive weight loss, permanent decubitus, and diarrhea. Necropsy was performed in 2 of the 11 buffaloes that died. The pathological findings were typical of poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids. High infestation of pastures with S. brasiliensis, severe drought, and consequent starvation were the main epidemiological factors associated with the poisoning here described.

• Buffaloes pyrrolizidine alkaloids Senecio poisoning

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Corrêa A.M.R., Bezerra P.S.J., Pavarini S.P., Santos A.S., Sonne L., Zlotowski P., Gomes G. & Driemeier D. 2008. Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) poisoning in Murrah buffaloes in Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):187-189. 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 Thirteen (14.4%) out of 90 Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) became ill after con-sumption of Senecio brasiliensis, and 11 (12.2%) of them died. The buffaloes were kept in a highly Senecio brasiliensis infested area. The poisoning occurred in June-August 2006 on a farm in the county of Nova Prata, Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Clinical signs included weakness, apathy, progressive weight loss, permanent decubitus, and diarrhea. Necropsy was performed in 2 of the 11 buffaloes that died. The pathological findings were typical of poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids. High infestation of pastures with S. brasiliensis, severe drought, and consequent starvation were the main epidemiological factors associated with the poisoning here described.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Santos J.C.A., Riet-Correa F., Simões S.V.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2008. [Pathogenesis, clinical signs and pathology of diseases caused by hepatotoxic plants in ruminants and horses in Brazil.] Patogênese, sinais clínicos e patologia das doenças causadas por plantas hepatotóxicas em ruminantes e eqüinos no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):1-14. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Plants causing hepatic lesions in ruminants and horses constitute one important group of poisonous plants in Brazil. These plants can be placed in three major groups: plants causing acute liver necrosis; plants causing liver fibrosis; and plants causing hepatogenous photosensitization. For some of these plants the toxic principles are known. Cestrum parqui and Xanthium cavanillesi that cause acute liver necrosis contain carboxy-atractylosides. Senecio spp., Crotalaria spp., and Echium plantagineum that cause liver fibrosis contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. As for the group of plants causing hepatogenous photosensibilization, Myoporum spp. contain furanosesquiterpenes, Lantana spp contain triterpenes, and Brachiaria spp. and Panicum spp. contain steroidal saponins. The clinical and pathologic features of the toxicosis caused by these phytotoxins, general mechanisms of production for the production of the clinical signs and the methods for diagnosis of hepatic failure in farm animals are reviewed.

• Hepatotoxic plants liver failure carboxyatractylosides pyrrolizidine alkaloids furanosesquiterpenes triterpenes steroidal saponins

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Santos J.C.A., Riet-Correa F., Simões S.V.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2008. [Pathogenesis, clinical signs and pathology of diseases caused by hepatotoxic plants in ruminants and horses in Brazil.] Patogênese, sinais clínicos e patologia das doenças causadas por plantas hepatotóxicas em ruminantes e eqüinos no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):1-14. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Plants causing hepatic lesions in ruminants and horses constitute one important group of poisonous plants in Brazil. These plants can be placed in three major groups: plants causing acute liver necrosis; plants causing liver fibrosis; and plants causing hepatogenous photosensitization. For some of these plants the toxic principles are known. Cestrum parqui and Xanthium cavanillesi that cause acute liver necrosis contain carboxy-atractylosides. Senecio spp., Crotalaria spp., and Echium plantagineum that cause liver fibrosis contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. As for the group of plants causing hepatogenous photosensibilization, Myoporum spp. contain furanosesquiterpenes, Lantana spp contain triterpenes, and Brachiaria spp. and Panicum spp. contain steroidal saponins. The clinical and pathologic features of the toxicosis caused by these phytotoxins, general mechanisms of production for the production of the clinical signs and the methods for diagnosis of hepatic failure in farm animals are reviewed.