PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Nunes Rangel M.F., Lemos L.S., Almeida C.M.C., Sales L.G. & Vieira-da-Motta O. 2010. Development of Polyclonal IgY antibodies in chickens and IgG in rabbits immunized against proteins of Pythium insidiosum isolated from horses in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(1):87-93. Micologia Veterinária do Setor de Doenças Infectocontagiosas, Laboratório de Sanidade Animal do Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego 2000, Horto, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil. E-mail: olney@uenf.br Pythiosis is caused by Pythium insidiosum and the occurrence of disease in horses was described in the North and Northwest State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The disease was described in cattle, sheep, humans, and horses in different states and regions across the country. This paper describes the development of IgY and IgG polyclonal antibodies, in chicken and rabbits, respectively against proteins extracted from kunkers and hyphae of P. insidiosum from affected horses. The proteins were recognized by chicken, rabbit and horse antibodies by immunodiffusion and Western blot against majority bands of 27 and 43 KDa, and titrated by ELISA. The antibodies IgY developed by the first time against Brazilian strains of P. insidiosum may represent a valuable tool in the detection of antigens of the pathogen and contribute to further studies aimed at immunotherapy and knowledge about this disease in endemic areas in Rio de Janeiro and in Brazil.

• Pythiosis Pythium insidiosum

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Nunes Rangel M.F., Lemos L.S., Almeida C.M.C., Sales L.G. & Vieira-da-Motta O. 2010. Development of Polyclonal IgY antibodies in chickens and IgG in rabbits immunized against proteins of Pythium insidiosum isolated from horses in the state of Rio de Janeiro. [Desenvolvimento de Anticorpos IgY em galinhas e IgG em coelhos imunizados contra proteínas de Pythium insidiosum isolado de equinos no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.] Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(1):87-93. Micologia Veterinária do Setor de Doenças Infectocontagiosas, Laboratório de Sanidade Animal do Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego 2000, Horto, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil. E-mail: olney@uenf.br Pitiose é causada por Pythium insidiosum e a doença foi descrita em equinos no Norte e Noroeste do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. A doença foi descrita em bovinos, ovelhas, humanos e cavalos em diferentes estados e regiões do país. Este trabalho descreve o desenvolvimento de anticorpos policlonais, IgY e IgG, em galinha e coelho, respectivamente, contra proteínas extraídas de kunkers e hifas de P. insidiosum de cavalos doentes. As proteínas foram reconhecidas por anticorpos de galinha, coelho e cavalos contra as bandas majoritárias de 27 e 34 KDa em imunodifusão e Western blot tituladas por ELISA. Os anticorpos IgY desenvolvidos pela primeira vez contra cepas brasileiras de P. insidiosum podem representar um valioso instrumento na detecção de antígenos de patógenos e contribuem para novos estudos baseados na imunoterapia e no entendimento sobre esta doença em áreas endêmicas no Rio de Janeiro e em todo o país.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva A.D., Franco A.C., Esteves P.A., Spilki F.R. & Roehe P.M. 2009. Experimental infection of rabbits with a recombinant bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5) gI, gE and US9-negative. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11):913-918. Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Fepagro Saúde Animal, Estrada Municipal do Conde 6000, Caixa Postal 47, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil. E-mail: anafranco.ufrgs@gmail.com Bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5) is a major cause of viral meningoencephalitis in cattle. The expression of different viral proteins has been associated with BoHV-5 neuropathogenesis. Among these, gI, gE and US9 have been considered essential for the production of neurological disease in infected animals. To evaluate the role of gI, gE and US9 in neurovirulence, a recombinant from which the respective genes were deleted (BoHV-5 gI-/gE-/US9-) was constructed and inoculated in rabbits of two age groups (four and eight weeks-old). When the recombinant virus was inoculated through the paranasal sinuses of four weeks-old rabbits, neurological disease was observed and death was the outcome in 4 out of 13 (30.7 %) animals, whereas clinical signs and death were observed in 11/13 (84.6%) of rabbits infected with the parental virus. In eight weeks-old rabbits, the BoHV-5 gI-/gE-/US9- did not induce clinically apparent disease and could not be reactivated after dexamethasone administration, whereas wild type BoHV-5 caused disease in 55.5% of the animals and was reactivated. These findings reveal that the simultaneous deletion of gI, gE and US9 genes did reduce but did not completely abolish the neurovirulence of BoHV-5 in rabbits, indicating that other viral genes may also play a role in the induction of neurological disease.

• Herpesvírus bovino tipo 5 BoHV-5

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Silva A.D., Franco A.C., Esteves P.A., Spilki F.R. & Roehe P.M. 2009. Experimental infection of rabbits with a recombinant bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5) gI, gE and US9-negative. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11):913-918. Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Fepagro Saúde Animal, Estrada Municipal do Conde 6000, Caixa Postal 47, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil. E-mail: anafranco.ufrgs@gmail.com O herpesvírus bovino tipo 5 é uma das principais causas de meningoencefalite viral em bovinos. A expressão de diferentes proteínas virais tem sido associada à neuropatogenia do BoHV-5. Entre estas, a gI, gE e US9 têm sido consideradas essenciais para a indução de sinais neurológicos nos animais infectados. Para avaliar o papel das proteínas gI, gE e US9 na neurovirulência, construiu-se um recombinante no qual os genes que codificam estas proteínas foram deletados, denominado BoHV-5 gI-/gE-/US9-. Este vírus foi inoculado em coelhos de idades diferentes (quatro e oito semanas de idade). Quando o vírus recombinante foi inoculado nos seios paranasais de coelhos de quatro semanas de idade, doença neurológica e morte foram observadas em 4 dos 13 (30,7 %) animais, enquanto que sinais clínicos e morte foram observados em 11/13 (84,6%) dos coelhos infectados com o vírus parental. Em coelhos de oito semanas de idade, o BoHV-5 gI-/gE-/US9- não induziu sinais clínicos aparentes e, após tentativa de reativação viral por tratamento com dexametasona, o vírus não foi re-excretado. Por outro lado, o vírus selvagem causou doença clínica em 55,5 % dos coelhos e foi re-excretado após tratamento com dexametasona. Estes achados revelam que a deleção simultânea dos genes gI, gE e US9 reduziu mas não aboliu completamente a neurovirulência do BoHV-5 em coelhos, indicando que outros genes virais possam ter papel na indução da doença neurológica.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Peixoto P.V., Nogueira V.A., Gonzaléz A.P., Tokarnia C.H. & França T.N. 2009. Accidental and experimental salinomycin poisoning in rabbits. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):695-699. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: pfpeixoto@terra.com.br An outbreak of salinomycin poisoning in rabbits is described. At least 27 out of 2,000 rabbits reared on a farm died after the coccidiostatic drug sulfaquinoxaline was substituted by salinomycin in the feed. An average of 26.9ppm salinomycin was detected in the ration given to the rabbits. Clinical signs included anorexia, apathy and bradykinesia, which progressed to incoordination and recumbency. Gross lesions consisted of pale areas in the skeletal muscles. The histopathological findings showed severe necrotic degenerative myopathy in association with infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages. One rabbit exhibited similar alterations in the myocardium. Mineralization was observed in the affected skeletal muscles in some cases. In order to verify if the poisoning was due to salinomycin, 20 rabbits were divided into five groups and a ration containing the drug at doses of 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100ppm was given. The administration of doses higher than 50ppm resulted in manifestation of the clinical signs seen in the outbreak of poisoning. It was concluded, that probably an error related to the mixture of salinomycin in the feed was the cause of deaths in the spontaneous outbreak of poisoning on the rabbit farm.

• Salinomycin poisoning myopathy Salinomicina miopatia

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Peixoto P.V., Nogueira V.A., Gonzaléz A.P., Tokarnia C.H. & França T.N. 2009. Accidental and experimental salinomycin poisoning in rabbits. [Intoxicações natural e experimental por salinomicina em coelhos.] Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):695-699. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: pfpeixoto@terra.com.br Relata-se, pela primeira vez, um surto de intoxicação por salinomicina em coelhos. De 2000 animais, no mínimo 27 morreram após troca do coccidiostático sulfaquinoxalina pela salinomicina. A análise de parte da ração detectou 26,9ppm de salinomicina. Os sinais clínicos observados foram anorexia, apatia e lentidão com evolução para incoordenação dos movimentos e decúbito. As lesões macroscópicas consistiram de áreas pálidas na musculatura esquelética. O exame histopatológico evidenciou miopatia degenerativo-necrótica. Adicionalmente, verificou-se reação inflamatória constituída por neutrófilos e macrófagos. Um coelho apresentou lesões similares no miocárdio. Em alguns casos, mineralização estava presente nos músculos esqueléticos afetados. Vinte coelhos experimentais foram divididos em 5 grupos que receberam 10, 25, 50, 75 e 100ppm de salinomicina por via oral, com a finalidade de reproduzir a intoxicação. Os animais que receberam a partir de 50ppm de salinomicina apresentaram sinais clínicos semelhantes aos observados no surto espontâneo. Nossos resultados indicam que, provavelmente, erro na mistura da substância à ração causou a morte dos coelhos.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Coelho S.M.O., Reinoso E., Pereira I.A., Soares L.C., Demo M., Bogni C & Souza M.M.S. 2009. Virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance in Staphylo-coccus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis in Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):369-374. Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: miliane@ufrrj.br The study was conducted to characterize pheno-genotypically the virulence factors and resistance pattern of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from milk samples of cows with subclinical mastitis. All hemolytic isolates presented beta-hemolysin, and 38% of the non-hemolytic isolates were able to express hemolysins in the presence of a beta-hemolytic strain. The amplification of the coa-gene displayed four different size polymorphisms with about 400 bp, 600 bp, 700 bp and 900 bp. The spaA gene that encodes the IgG-binding region of protein A revealed sizes of 700 bp and 900 bp. The amplification of region X from spaA yielded a single amplicon for each isolate with the prevalent amplicon size being of 180 bp. Amplification of sae gene yielded an amplicon size of 920 bp in 71% of the isolates. Antibiotic resistance pattern revealed that 42% S. aureus were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested. Seven different antibiotic patterns were observed. Our results indicated that 47% and 25% of S. aureus strains exhibited resistance to penicillin and oxacillin respectively. All oxacillin-resistant isolates were mecA-positive.

• Staphylococcus aureus antimicrobial resistance virulence factors resistência antimicrobiana fatores de virulência

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Coelho S.M.O., Reinoso E., Pereira I.A., Soares L.C., Demo M., Bogni C & Souza M.M.S. 2009. Virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance in Staphylo-coccus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis in Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):369-374. Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: miliane@ufrrj.br The study was conducted to characterize pheno-genotypically the virulence factors and resistance pattern of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from milk samples of cows with subclinical mastitis. All hemolytic isolates presented beta-hemolysin, and 38% of the non-hemolytic isolates were able to express hemolysins in the presence of a beta-hemolytic strain. The amplification of the coa-gene displayed four different size polymorphisms with about 400 bp, 600 bp, 700 bp and 900 bp. The spaA gene that encodes the IgG-binding region of protein A revealed sizes of 700 bp and 900 bp. The amplification of region X from spaA yielded a single amplicon for each isolate with the prevalent amplicon size being of 180 bp. Amplification of sae gene yielded an amplicon size of 920 bp in 71% of the isolates. Antibiotic resistance pattern revealed that 42% S. aureus were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested. Seven different antibiotic patterns were observed. Our results indicated that 47% and 25% of S. aureus strains exhibited resistance to penicillin and oxacillin respectively. All oxacillin-resistant isolates were mecA-positive.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Coelho A.C., Pinto M.L., Coelho A.M. & Rodrigues J. 2009. [Comparison of two techniques of isolation of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in faecal samples of ovine with clinical suspicion of paratuberculosis.] Comparação de duas técnicas de isolamento de Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis em amostras de fezes de ovinos com suspeita clínica de paratuberculose. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):415-420. Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal. E-mail: accoelho@utad.pt Paratuberculosis is a chronic enteric disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. Culture of bacteria from faeces and tissues samples constitutes one of the most effective methods of confirming the diagnosis of para-tuberculosis and the only method available to obtain strains of mycobacteria. However, this method is less sensitive and requires months of incubation before colony growth occurs. In this study, culture method was used on sheep faeces to diagnose paratuber-culosis in animals with compatible signs of the disease. A comparison of two culture media used to isolation was also investigated. Culture was positive in 2.0% of faecal samples. Isolation was obtained using Löwenstein Jensen® with mycobactin® J, and the Middlebrook® 7H11 with OADC®. The Löwenstein Jensen® with mycobactin® J was that provided highest amount of isolations. The percentages of isolation in each culture media were 2.0% (6/300) to Löwenstein Jensen® with micobactina J, and 1.0% (3/300) to Middlebrook® 7H11/OADC. The three positive samples in Middlebrook® 7H11/OADC were also positive in Löwenstein Jensen® with micobactina J. In the Middlebrook® 7H11/OADC alone there was no sample growth. The results of this study suggest that culture media of Löwenstein-Jensen® with micobactina® J is more effective for the isolation of sheep strains in Portugal.

• Paratuberculosis Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis paratuberculose

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Coelho A.C., Pinto M.L., Coelho A.M. & Rodrigues J. 2009. [Comparison of two techniques of isolation of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in faecal samples of ovine with clinical suspicion of paratuberculosis.] Comparação de duas técnicas de isolamento de Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis em amostras de fezes de ovinos com suspeita clínica de paratuberculose. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):415-420. Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal. E-mail: accoelho@utad.pt Paratuberculosis is a chronic enteric disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. Culture of bacteria from faeces and tissues samples constitutes one of the most effective methods of confirming the diagnosis of para-tuberculosis and the only method available to obtain strains of mycobacteria. However, this method is less sensitive and requires months of incubation before colony growth occurs. In this study, culture method was used on sheep faeces to diagnose paratuber-culosis in animals with compatible signs of the disease. A comparison of two culture media used to isolation was also investigated. Culture was positive in 2.0% of faecal samples. Isolation was obtained using Löwenstein Jensen® with mycobactin® J, and the Middlebrook® 7H11 with OADC®. The Löwenstein Jensen® with mycobactin® J was that provided highest amount of isolations. The percentages of isolation in each culture media were 2.0% (6/300) to Löwenstein Jensen® with micobactina J, and 1.0% (3/300) to Middlebrook® 7H11/OADC. The three positive samples in Middlebrook® 7H11/OADC were also positive in Löwenstein Jensen® with micobactina J. In the Middlebrook® 7H11/OADC alone there was no sample growth. The results of this study suggest that culture media of Löwenstein-Jensen® with micobactina® J is more effective for the isolation of sheep strains in Portugal.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Sampaio R.S., Lacerda M.S., Oliveira P.C.L., Paneto J.C.C., Bittar E.R., Borges G.A., Camacho G.M.M. & Braga E.M. 2009. [Variation of the resistance force to the micro-traction of fragments of cortical bones preserved in several means and fresh: Experimental study in rabbits.] Variação da força de resistência à micro-tração de fragmentos de ossos corticais preservados e a fresco: estudo experimental em coelhos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):345-352. Instituto de Estudos Avançados em Veterinária “José Caetano Borges”, Universidade de Uberaba, Av. Afrânio Azevedo 2140, Bairro Olinda, Uberaba, MG 38020-450, Brazil. E-mail: relisampa@terra.com.br Due to the increasing use of cortical bone allografts in orthopedic surgeries, de knowledge of its biomechanics characteristics during preservation time is needed. The present study consisted in the analyses of the resistance power to the micro-traction of samples of rabbit cortical bones preserved in several means for up to 180 days and fresh. The results showed that the resistance and the preservation time presented an inversely proportional relation, meaning that, the longer the time of preservation, the shorter the physical resistance evaluated in the biomechanical rehearsal of resistance to the micro-traction. The glycerin has presented lower values in relation to the resistance test, showing, after 30 days, only 24.58% of the present power in the fresh bone, and by 180 days, 1.76%. The samples submitted to autoclavation also showed low values by the end of the experiment, while they remained with just 12.31% of the power present in the fresh bone. The bones preserved in homologous plasma, Dakin liquid and the ones cryopreserved showed the best levels of resistance at the end of the experiment, remaining, respectively with 82.47, 70.34 and 66.72% of the maximum power, while compared with the resistance of the fresh bones. The conclusion is that the choice of methodology and time of preservation interfered directly in the biomechanics of the cortical bones, promoting decrease of the resistance capacity to the traction along the period of preservation.

• Bone graft bone preservation bone resistance bone micro-traction rabbits

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Sampaio R.S., Lacerda M.S., Oliveira P.C.L., Paneto J.C.C., Bittar E.R., Borges G.A., Camacho G.M.M. & Braga E.M. 2009. [Variation of the resistance force to the micro-traction of fragments of cortical bones preserved in several means and fresh: Experimental study in rabbits.] Variação da força de resistência à micro-tração de fragmentos de ossos corticais preservados e a fresco: estudo experimental em coelhos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):345-352. Instituto de Estudos Avançados em Veterinária “José Caetano Borges”, Universidade de Uberaba, Av. Afrânio Azevedo 2140, Bairro Olinda, Uberaba, MG 38020-450, Brazil. E-mail: relisampa@terra.com.br Due to the increasing use of cortical bone allografts in orthopedic surgeries, de knowledge of its biomechanics characteristics during preservation time is needed. The present study consisted in the analyses of the resistance power to the micro-traction of samples of rabbit cortical bones preserved in several means for up to 180 days and fresh. The results showed that the resistance and the preservation time presented an inversely proportional relation, meaning that, the longer the time of preservation, the shorter the physical resistance evaluated in the biomechanical rehearsal of resistance to the micro-traction. The glycerin has presented lower values in relation to the resistance test, showing, after 30 days, only 24.58% of the present power in the fresh bone, and by 180 days, 1.76%. The samples submitted to autoclavation also showed low values by the end of the experiment, while they remained with just 12.31% of the power present in the fresh bone. The bones preserved in homologous plasma, Dakin liquid and the ones cryopreserved showed the best levels of resistance at the end of the experiment, remaining, respectively with 82.47, 70.34 and 66.72% of the maximum power, while compared with the resistance of the fresh bones. The conclusion is that the choice of methodology and time of preservation interfered directly in the biomechanics of the cortical bones, promoting decrease of the resistance capacity to the traction along the period of preservation.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Rezende R.S., Coelho H.E, Kamimura R., Severino R.S, Oliveira, P.C.L., Medeiros A.A. & Magalhães A.O.C. 2009. [Microscopic analysis of the left ventricular myocardium in positive serum dogs to distemper disease.] Análise microscópica do miocárdio ventricular esquerdo em cães soropositivos para cinomose. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):117-119. Instituto de Estudos Avançados em Veterinária José Caetano Borges, Universidade de Uberaba, Av. do Tutunas 720, Uberaba, MG 38061-500, Brazil. E-mail: rezendehvu@hotmail.com Classified pertaining to the genus Morbillivirus of the Paramyxoviridae family, the canine distemper virus is a RNA single-stranded virus with negative polarity and causes a multisystemic disease, serious and highly contagious for dogs and wild carnivores, with a high mortality rate in non-vaccinated animals or with vaccine fails. With the objective to evaluate heart histopathological alterations, particularly in the left ventricular myocardium, in dogs naturally infected with canine distemper virus, 35 dogs, males and females of different ages, were studied. All the 35 samples sent to the Veterinary Hospital of Uberaba were serum-positive for distemper (immunoassay technique in solid phase) and had in the left ventricular myocardium the following histopathologic alterations: myocarditis, hyalin degeneration, hyperemia and hemorrhage, in 42.8% (15/35), 31.4% (11/35), 14.3% (5/35) and 11.4% (4/35), respectively. Having carried out the Qui-Quadrado test with a significancy level of 0.05, it can be concluded that there is a high correlation (p=0.02) between the infected animals with canine distemper virus and histopathological alterations found in the left ventricular myocardium.

• Distemper myocarditis immunoassay dog

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Rezende R.S., Coelho H.E, Kamimura R., Severino R.S, Oliveira, P.C.L., Medeiros A.A. & Magalhães A.O.C. 2009. [Microscopic analysis of the left ventricular myocardium in positive serum dogs to distemper disease.] Análise microscópica do miocárdio ventricular esquerdo em cães soropositivos para cinomose. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):117-119. Instituto de Estudos Avançados em Veterinária José Caetano Borges, Universidade de Uberaba, Av. do Tutunas 720, Uberaba, MG 38061-500, Brazil. E-mail: rezendehvu@hotmail.com Classified pertaining to the genus Morbillivirus of the Paramyxoviridae family, the canine distemper virus is a RNA single-stranded virus with negative polarity and causes a multisystemic disease, serious and highly contagious for dogs and wild carnivores, with a high mortality rate in non-vaccinated animals or with vaccine fails. With the objective to evaluate heart histopathological alterations, particularly in the left ventricular myocardium, in dogs naturally infected with canine distemper virus, 35 dogs, males and females of different ages, were studied. All the 35 samples sent to the Veterinary Hospital of Uberaba were serum-positive for distemper (immunoassay technique in solid phase) and had in the left ventricular myocardium the following histopathologic alterations: myocarditis, hyalin degeneration, hyperemia and hemorrhage, in 42.8% (15/35), 31.4% (11/35), 14.3% (5/35) and 11.4% (4/35), respectively. Having carried out the Qui-Quadrado test with a significancy level of 0.05, it can be concluded that there is a high correlation (p=0.02) between the infected animals with canine distemper virus and histopathological alterations found in the left ventricular myocardium.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pereira I.A., Soares L.C., Coelho S.M.O., Pribul B.R. & Souza M.M.S. 2009. [Susceptibility to azithromycin of bacteria isolated from infectious processes in dogs and cats.] Suscetibilidade à azitromicina de isolados bacterianos de processos infecciosos em cães e gatos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):153-156. Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: miliane@ufrrj.br The susceptibility pattern to azithromycin of bacterial pathogens from various infectious sites, and the in vitro activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of azithromycin were studied. Tests such as disc diffusion and broth microdilution detected respectively 48.6% and 55% of resistant Staphylococcus spp., and 55.3% and 72.7% resistant gram-negative rods. MIC50 for S. aureus was 4.0mg/mL, that for S. intermedius was 1.0mg/mL, for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus e”512mg/mL, and for gram-negative rods 256mg/mL. Fifteen percent (9/60) of oxacilin-resistant, multidrug-resistant and mecA-positive Staphylococcus spp. isolates were also azithromycin resistant. The dissemination of multidrug resistant bacteria points out to the need of antimicrobial evaluation activity in order to select the best indicated drug and thus minimizing therapeutic failures in veterinary practice.

• Diseases of dogs and cats bacterial diseases bacterial antibiotic resistance azithromycin

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pereira I.A., Soares L.C., Coelho S.M.O., Pribul B.R. & Souza M.M.S. 2009. [Susceptibility to azithromycin of bacteria isolated from infectious processes in dogs and cats.] Suscetibilidade à azitromicina de isolados bacterianos de processos infecciosos em cães e gatos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(2):153-156. Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: miliane@ufrrj.br The susceptibility pattern to azithromycin of bacterial pathogens from various infectious sites, and the in vitro activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of azithromycin were studied. Tests such as disc diffusion and broth microdilution detected respectively 48.6% and 55% of resistant Staphylococcus spp., and 55.3% and 72.7% resistant gram-negative rods. MIC50 for S. aureus was 4.0mg/mL, that for S. intermedius was 1.0mg/mL, for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus e”512mg/mL, and for gram-negative rods 256mg/mL. Fifteen percent (9/60) of oxacilin-resistant, multidrug-resistant and mecA-positive Staphylococcus spp. isolates were also azithromycin resistant. The dissemination of multidrug resistant bacteria points out to the need of antimicrobial evaluation activity in order to select the best indicated drug and thus minimizing therapeutic failures in veterinary practice.

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.- Graça F.A.S., Peixoto P.V., Coelho C.D., Caldas S.A. & Tokarnia C.H. 2008. [Clinical and pathological aspects of experimental Crotalus poisoning in cattle.] Aspectos clinicos e patológicos do envenenamento crotálico experimental em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(6):261-270. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: flaviograca@uol.com.br Crotalus poisoning was experimentally reproduced by subcutaneous inoculation of Crotalus durissus terrificus (South American rattlesnake) venom into 10 clinically healthy mixed bred 12 to 36-month-old cattle, weighing 125 to 449 kg. Two animals were used as controls. The animal that received a dose of 0.03mg/kg body weight died 7h40min after inoculation. A 0.015mg/kg dose provoked death in 4 out of 7 young oxen. Two animals given 0.0075mg/kg became slightly sick and recovered. Onset of symptoms occurred from 1h30min to 13h45min after inoculation. The clinical course varied from 5h25min to 45h for animals that died, and from 33h15min to 17 days for animals that recovered. The main nervous signs observed were diminished response to external stimuli, hypotonic reflexes, dragging of the hooves, apathy, difficulties in moving around obstacles, ocular globe paralysis, lateral and sternal decubitus, and tongue paralysis. Adipsia and sometimes petechiae in the conjunctival and vaginal mucosa were observed. A slight to moderate increase in bleeding time was noted in 6 animals, and a moderate increase in partial thromboplastin time was found in 7 others. Moderate leukocytosis with neutrophilia, relative lymphopenia, eosinopenia, and monocytosis was found. There was a significant increase in creatine kinase serum levels of a ten-fold order. No significant alterations were revealed by urinalysis. Necropsy revealed minimal edema at the inoculation site, few petechiae and equimoses in the epicardium, omentum, biliary vesicle and bladder mucosa of some animals. Histopathological examination revealed necrosis (hyalinization) of groups or isolated myocytes in different muscles examined, both near and far from the inoculation site, in all animals. The diagnosis of Crotalus poisoning and its differentiation from diseases causing paralysis and muscular necrosis in cattle in Brazil are discussed.

• Poisoning Crotalus durissus terrificus cattle snake bite

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Graça F.A.S., Peixoto P.V., Coelho C.D., Caldas S.A. & Tokarnia C.H. 2008. [Clinical and pathological aspects of experimental Crotalus poisoning in cattle.] Aspectos clinicos e patológicos do envenenamento crotálico experimental em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(6):261-270. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: flaviograca@uol.com.br Crotalus poisoning was experimentally reproduced by subcutaneous inoculation of Crotalus durissus terrificus (South American rattlesnake) venom into 10 clinically healthy mixed bred 12 to 36-month-old cattle, weighing 125 to 449 kg. Two animals were used as controls. The animal that received a dose of 0.03mg/kg body weight died 7h40min after inoculation. A 0.015mg/kg dose provoked death in 4 out of 7 young oxen. Two animals given 0.0075mg/kg became slightly sick and recovered. Onset of symptoms occurred from 1h30min to 13h45min after inoculation. The clinical course varied from 5h25min to 45h for animals that died, and from 33h15min to 17 days for animals that recovered. The main nervous signs observed were diminished response to external stimuli, hypotonic reflexes, dragging of the hooves, apathy, difficulties in moving around obstacles, ocular globe paralysis, lateral and sternal decubitus, and tongue paralysis. Adipsia and sometimes petechiae in the conjunctival and vaginal mucosa were observed. A slight to moderate increase in bleeding time was noted in 6 animals, and a moderate increase in partial thromboplastin time was found in 7 others. Moderate leukocytosis with neutrophilia, relative lymphopenia, eosinopenia, and monocytosis was found. There was a significant increase in creatine kinase serum levels of a ten-fold order. No significant alterations were revealed by urinalysis. Necropsy revealed minimal edema at the inoculation site, few petechiae and equimoses in the epicardium, omentum, biliary vesicle and bladder mucosa of some animals. Histopathological examination revealed necrosis (hyalinization) of groups or isolated myocytes in different muscles examined, both near and far from the inoculation site, in all animals. The diagnosis of Crotalus poisoning and its differentiation from diseases causing paralysis and muscular necrosis in cattle in Brazil are discussed.