Resultado da pesquisa (299)

Termo utilizado na pesquisa Souza

#1 - Vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Enterococcus faecalis in broiler chickens from southern Brazil

Abstract in English:

Enterococcal spondylitis affects poultry and causes progressive lameness. This study reports what seems to be the first case of vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Enterococcus in broiler chickens in southern Brazil. We also conducted an experimental infection to evaluate microorganismal characteristics and pathogenicity in broiler chickens. We performed bacterial isolation, identification, and histopathology. The isolates were tested for their growth and survival capacity at different temperatures, pH values, and antimicrobial resistance profiles. The experiment infection was conducted with broiler breeders (n=9). Group 1 = negative control, Group 2 = challenged orally, Group 3 = challenged via air sac. The autopsy was performed on the 50th day of life (DOL). The report showed spondylitis and fusion of thoracic vertebra, accompanied by spinal cord compression, and femoral head necrosis. We used the isolates (n=17) to test their growth at 10°C and 45°C, survival capacity for up to 60° for 30 min, and growth under pH levels from four to 12. Higher resistance was observed against macrolides and quinolones. On experimental infections, all animals expressed signs of lameness and “sitting on the hocks”. Enterococcus faecalis is the causal agent of enterococcal spondylitis in broilers in southern Brazil, which is an underreported and emerging pathological condition that requires attention.

Abstract in Portuguese:

A espondilite enterocócica afeta aves e causa claudicação progressiva. Este estudo relata o primeiro caso de osteomielite vertebral causada por Enterococcus em frangos de corte no sul do Brasil. Também conduzimos uma infecção experimental para avaliar as características microbianas e a patogenicidade em frangos de corte. Realizamos isolamento bacteriano, identificação e histopatologia. Os isolados foram testados quanto ao seu crescimento e capacidade de sobrevivência em diferentes temperaturas, valores de pH e perfil de resistência antimicrobiana. O experimento de infecção foi conduzido com matrizes de corte (n=9). Grupo 1 = controle negativo, Grupo 2 = provocado oralmente, Grupo 3 = provocado via saco aéreo. A autópsia foi realizada no 50º dia de vida (DOL). O laudo mostrou espondilite e fusão de vértebra torácica, acompanhada de compressão da medula espinhal e necrose da cabeça do fêmur. Usamos os isolados (n=17) para testar seu crescimento a 10°C e 45°C, capacidade de sobrevivência até 60° por 30 min e crescimento em níveis de pH de quatro a 12. A maior resistência foi observada contra macrolídeos e quinolonas. Na infecção experimental, todos os animais manifestaram sinais de claudicação e postura sentada sobre os jarretes. Enterococcus faecalis é o agente causal da espondilite enterocócica em frangos de corte no sul do Brasil, que é uma condição patológica emergente e subnotificada que requer atenção.


#2 - Wischnewsky spots in cases of fatal hypothermia in cattle

Abstract in English:

Wischnewsky spots (WS) are hemorrhagic, non-erosive, and non-ulcerative lesions that affect the gastric mucosa. They are considered common in the stomachs of humans who have died from hypothermia and are rarely described in other animal species. This study describes the occurrence of WS in cattle that had died of hypothermia in two cities in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Two properties were visited, and three cattle were necropsied by the team from the Pathological Anatomy Laboratory of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (LAP-UFMS). The epidemiological conditions and clinical signs of the cattle examined on both properties were similar. The deaths occurred on days when there was a sudden drop in environmental temperature, with continuous rain for more than 24 hours. During the visits, the most affected live cattle were found in sternal decubitus, with their heads resting on their flanks, or laterally in a comatose state, with nystagmus and a rectal temperature below 32°C. Macroscopically, there were multifocal to coalescent red and black areas on the mucosal surface of the abomasums of the three cattle necropsied, mainly at the apex of the folds, oval or punctate in shape, measuring 0.1 to 1.0cm in diameter. Microscopically, these dark areas corresponded to areas of rarefaction of the mucosal epithelial cells associated with hemorrhage and the frequent deposition of golden-brown pigment (hematin) in the extracellular medium. The diagnosis of hypothermia in cattle was based on epidemiology, clinical-pathological examination, and the exclusion of differential diagnoses. The lesions found in the abomasum of cattle that had died from hypothermia were compatible with WS, highlighting the importance of recognizing them in cases of cattle deaths in which this condition is suspected.

Abstract in Portuguese:

As manchas de Wischnewsky (WS) são lesões hemorrágicas, não erosivas e não ulcerativas que acometem a mucosa gástrica. Eles são considerados comuns no estômago de humanos que morreram de hipotermia e raramente são descritos em outras espécies animais. Este estudo descreve a ocorrência de WS em bovinos que morreram por hipotermia em duas cidades do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Duas propriedades foram visitadas e três bovinos foram necropsiados pela equipe do Laboratório de Anatomia Patológica da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (LAP-UFMS). As condições epidemiológicas e os sinais clínicos dos bovinos examinados nas duas propriedades foram semelhantes. As mortes ocorreram em dias em que houve queda brusca da temperatura ambiente, com chuva contínua por mais de 24 horas. Os bovinos vivos mais acometidos no momento das visitas foram encontrados em decúbito esternal, com a cabeça apoiada nos flancos, ou lateralmente em estado de coma, com nistagmo e temperatura retal abaixo de 32°C. Macroscopicamente, havia áreas vermelhas e pretas multifocais a coalescentes na superfície mucosa dos abomasos dos três bovinos necropsiados, principalmente no ápice das pregas, de formato oval ou pontiforme, medindo de 0,1 a 1,0cm de diâmetro. Microscopicamente, essas áreas escuras correspondiam a áreas de rarefação das células epiteliais da mucosa associadas à hemorragia e à frequente deposição de pigmento marrom-dourado (hematina) no meio extracelular. O diagnóstico de hipotermia em bovinos foi baseado na epidemiologia, no exame clínico-patológico e na exclusão de diagnósticos diferenciais. As lesões encontradas no abomaso de bovinos que morreram por hipotermia foram compatíveis com WS, destacando a importância de reconhecê-las em casos de mortes de bovinos em que haja suspeita desta condição.


#3 - Expression of TLR2, FOXP3, and COX2 in the synovial membrane of dogs with canine leishmaniasis-induced arthritis

Abstract in English:

Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a multifaceted disease triggered by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, characterized by diverse clinical presentations, including osteoarticular complications. Immune-mediated joint diseases invariably initiate at the synovial membrane, implicating its pivotal role in arthritis pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the influence of natural L. infantum infection on synovial fluid characteristics and the expression of immune markers, including TLR-2, FOXP3, and COX-2, in the synovial membrane. Twenty naturally infected dogs (NID) with L. infantum were sourced from the Zoonosis Surveillance Unit (ZSU). Clinical-orthopedic assessments were conducted, encompassing lameness, joint edema, crepitus, patellar luxation, and the drawer test. Synovial fluid (SF) parameters, including volume, appearance, viscosity, total nucleated cell count (TNC), neutrophil count, and total protein (TP) content, were determined. After anesthesia and euthanasia, synovial membrane specimens were obtained. SF protein concentrations categorized dogs into three groups: GI (2 to 2.5g/dL), GII (2.5 to 6.0g/dL), and GIII (>6g/dL). Inflammatory infiltrates and synovial membrane changes were assessed, and immunohistochemistry evaluated TLR-2, FOXP3, and COX-2 marker expressions. Clinical evaluations revealed various osteoarticular abnormalities in NID dogs, including lameness (55%), joint edema (25%), crepitus (30%), patellar luxation (20%), and positive drawer test (25%). Post mortem examinations revealed bilateral subchondral bone, meniscus, and trochlea erosion in 30% of cases. Amastigotes of L. infantum were identified extracellularly and within macrophages (60%). An inflammatory infiltrate was predominant in 70% of dogs, with varying intensity among the groups. Mononuclear cells, chiefly macrophages and lymphocytes, and neutrophils comprised the infiltrate. TLR-2 and COX-2 expression levels were elevated in GIII compared to GII and GI. Conversely, FOXP3 showed moderate expression in GI and minimal expression in GII and GIII. This study underscores the contributory role of L. infantum infection in the development of joint lesions in CanL. Additionally, alterations in the expression of immune markers TLR2, FOXP3, and COX2 within the synovial membrane imply the perpetuation and exacerbation of the inflammatory processes, shedding light on the intricate pathogenesis of CanL-induced arthritis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

A leishmaniose canina (LC) é uma doença causada pelo protozoário Leishmania infantum com diversas manifestações clínicas, incluindo alterações osteoarticulares. A membrana sinovial é o local inicial de eventos patogênicos em todos os tipos de doenças articulares mediadas pelo sistema imunológico. Devido a essa relação, o objetivo foi avaliar a influência da infecção natural por L. infantum nas características do líquido sinovial e na expressão de TLR-2, FOXP3 e COX-2 na membrana sinovial. Cães naturalmente infectados por L. infantum (NID, N=20) foram obtidos na Unidade de Vigilância de Zoonoses (UVZ). Critérios clínicos ortopédicos foram avaliados, assim como foram obtidas amostras de líquido sinovial por artrocentese. O volume, aspecto, viscosidade, contagem total de células nucleadas (TNC) e contagem de neutrófilos e proteína total (PT) no líquido sinovial (LS) foram determinados. Os cães foram anestesiados e posteriormente eutanasiados para obtenção da membrana sinovial. Os animais do estudo apresentaram claudicação (55%), edema (25%), crepitação na articulação do joelho (30%) e luxação patelar medial (20%) e foram positivos no teste da gaveta (25%). Trinta por cento (30%) dos cães apresentaram erosão bilateral do osso subcondral, menisco e tróclea. Amastigotas de L. infantum foram visualizadas extracelularmente e dentro de macrófagos (60% dos animais). Os cães foram ainda divididos em três grupos de acordo com a concentração de proteína no líquido sinovial: GI: 2 a 2,5g/dL (valor de referência normal), GII: 2,5 a 6,0g/dL, GIII: >6g/dL. Infiltrado celular inflamatório, bem como aumento da camada da membrana sinovial, foram identificados em 70% (14/20) dos cães. O infiltrado inflamatório estava ausente em membranas sinoviais originadas de GI, presente em GII com intensidade moderada e presente em GIII com intensidade alta. O infiltrado inflamatório era predominantemente composto por macrófagos, linfócitos e neutrófilos. Houve um aumento na expressão dos marcadores TLR2 e COX2 em GIII em comparação com os grupos GII e GI. Contudo, em relação à expressão de FOXP3, houve uma marcação moderada em GI e apenas uma marcação leve em GII e GIII. Este trabalho reforça o papel da infecção por L. infantum no desenvolvimento de lesões articulares em cães. Além disso, nosso estudo indica que a LC modifica a expressão de TLR2, FOXP3 e COX2 na membrana sinovial, o que implica a manutenção e progressão do processo inflamatório.


#4 - Detection of multiple circulating sandflies species and investigation of dogs and vectors naturally infected with Leishmania in the city of Ribeirão Vermelho, southeastern Brazil

Abstract in English:

Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by parasites of the Leishmania genus, resulting in various clinical forms, including a highly lethal visceral form. This study aimed to identify Leishmania spp. in sandflies and dogs in a small Brazilian town. DPP® Visceral Canine Leishmaniasis (CVL) was used for screening, and ELISA and conventional PCR were used for confirmatory testing, while sandflies were captured using CDC light traps and conventional PCR targeting ITS1. The Hill series was used to identify the diversity profile of species in the sampled area using R software. The study identified a Leishmania spp. prevalence of 4.02% in dogs, exceeding the 2% limit required by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. A total of 443 sandflies belonging to 14 different species were identified, with Lutzomyia longipalpis being the most abundant (73.81%). Negligence regarding leishmaniasis in small towns can lead to late diagnosis, hence the need to implement effective strategies, including early diagnosis and treatment of human and canine cases, vector control programs, and awareness campaigns to educate the public about risks and preventive measures. These measures can help prevent the spread of leishmaniasis and improve health outcomes for affected individuals and animals.

Abstract in Portuguese:

A leishmaniose é uma doença zoonótica causada por parasitas do gênero Leishmania, resultando em várias formas clínicas, incluindo uma forma visceral altamente letal. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar Leishmania spp. DNA em flebotomíneos e cães em uma pequena cidade brasileira. A investigação usou DPP® Visceral Canine Leishmaniasis (CVL) para triagem, e ELISA e PCR convencional para teste confirmatório, enquanto flebotomíneos foram capturados usando armadilhas de luz CDC e PCR convencional visando ITS1. A série Hill foi utilizada para identificar o perfil de diversidade das espécies na área amostrada, utilizando o software R. O estudo identificou uma prevalência de Leishmania spp. em 4,02% dos cães, ultrapassando o limite de 2% exigido pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. Foi identificado um total de 443 flebotomíneos, pertencentes a 14 espécies diferentes, com Lutzomyia longipalpis sendo o mais abundante (73,81%). A negligência com a leishmaniose em cidades pequenas pode levar ao diagnóstico tardio, daí a necessidade de implementar estratégias eficazes, incluindo diagnóstico precoce e tratamento de casos humanos e caninos, programas de controle de vetores e campanhas de conscientização para educar o público sobre riscos e medidas preventivas. Essas medidas podem ajudar a prevenir a propagação da leishmaniose e melhorar os resultados de saúde para indivíduos e animais afetados.


#5 - Pathological aspects of a septicemic salmonellosis outbreak caused by Salmonella serotype Typhimurium in captive blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva)

Abstract in English:

There are reports of septicemic salmonellosis in exotic birds caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium, although they are scarce and do not address the anatomopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of this condition in blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva). This study aims to report an outbreak of salmonellosis by S. Typhimurium in 15 blue-fronted parrots introduced to a rehabilitation center in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly, accompanied by flat white areas in the capsule and parenchyma, were the most frequent gross changes, histologically represented by necrotic and heterophilic hepatitis and splenitis and associated with bacteria in the cytoplasm of macrophages and free in the affected tissue. S. Typhimurium was identified from bacterial culture, PCR, and DNA sequencing. Along with immunohistochemistry samples of liver, spleen, kidney, small intestine, pancreas, thyroid, heart, and lung, immunostaining was used for Salmonella spp. without previous bacterial isolation. The lethality of this outbreak demonstrates the relevance of salmonellosis in blue-fronted parrots, which are known to be carriers of this bacteria.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Apesar de existirem relatos sobre salmonelose septicêmica em aves silvestres por Salmonella enterica sorovar Typhimurium, eles são escassos e não abordam os aspectos anatomopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos da condição em papagaios-verdadeiros (Amazona aestiva). Este trabalho visou relatar um surto de salmonelose por S. Typhimurium em 15 papagaios-verdadeiros introduzidos em um centro de reabilitação localizado no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Hepatomegalia e esplenomegalia acompanhadas por áreas planas brancacentas na cápsula e no parênquima foram as alterações macroscópicas mais frequentes, representadas histologicamente por hepatite e esplenite necróticas e heterofílicas associadas a bactérias no citoplasma de macrófagos e livres no tecido afetado. S. Typhimurium foi identificada a partir de cultura bacteriana, PCR e sequenciamento de DNA. Na imuno-histoquímica, as amostras de fígado, baço, rim, intestino delgado, pâncreas, tireoide, coração e pulmão evidenciaram imunomarcação para Salmonella spp., mesmo quando não houve isolamento bacteriano prévio. A alta letalidade deste surto demonstra relevância da salmonelose em papagaios-verdadeiros, que são majoritariamente atribuídos como hospedeiros carreadores desta bactéria.


#6 - Serum and immunohistochemical analyses of troponin I in sheep experimentally poisoned with Palicourea marcgravii

Abstract in English:

Palicourea marcgravii is a lethal toxic plant widely distributed in Brazil. Ingestion of this plant causes cardiotoxic effects in animals, leading to acute heart failure without evident macroscopic changes in the heart due to the rapid progression of the disease. Currently, the diagnosis is confirmed based on microscopic identification of characteristic renal lesions. Although troponin is used as a biomarker for myocardial lesions in human and veterinary medicine, its serum levels in sheep poisoned with P. marcgravii remain unknown. The objective of this study was to determine serum levels of troponin I and evaluate its expression in incipient heart lesions in sheep. Eight male sheep were experimentally intoxicated with 1g kg-1 of fresh P. marcgravii plants. The animals were physically examined every two hours, and blood samples were collected before the administration of the plant material and during the agonizing period immediately before death. Additionally, necropsy and immunohistochemistry were performed on cardiac tissue samples. All animals presented minimal serum levels of troponin I before plant administration, with a significant increase in these levels immediately before death, indicating leakage due to the cardiac injury. These results confirm the hypothesis that troponin is released into the bloodstream before morphological changes in the myocardium can be observed through conventional microscopy and immunohistochemical testing. These findings contribute to understanding the pathological mechanisms of this toxicity and may assist in the early diagnosis and treatment of affected animals.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Palicourea marcgravii é uma planta tóxica letal e amplamente disseminada no Brasil. Sua ingestão causa efeitos cardiotóxicos em animais, levando à insuficiência cardíaca aguda sem alterações macroscópicas evidentes no coração devido à rápida progressão da doença. A confirmação do diagnóstico atual se baseia na identificação microscópica das lesões renais características. Embora a troponina seja usada como biomarcador de lesões miocárdicas na medicina humana e veterinária, seus níveis séricos em ovinos intoxicados por P. marcgravii ainda são desconhecidos. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os níveis séricos de troponina I e avaliar sua expressão em lesões incipientes no coração de ovinos. Oito ovinos machos foram experimentalmente intoxicados com 1g/kg da planta fresca. Os animais foram avaliados fisicamente a cada duas horas, e tiveram seu sangue coletado antes da administração da planta e durante a fase agônica, antes do óbito. Além disso, foram realizadas necropsia e imunohistoquímica em fragmentos cardíacos. Todos os animais apresentaram níveis mínimos de troponina antes da administração da planta, e mostraram aumento expressivo imediatamente antes do óbito, indicando extravasamento devido à lesão cardíaca. Esses resultados confirmam a hipótese de que a troponina é liberada na corrente sanguínea antes das alterações morfológicas no miocárdio serem observadas pela microscopia convencional e imunohistoquímica. Esses achados contribuem para a compreensão dos mecanismos patológicos dessa intoxicação e podem auxiliar no diagnóstico precoce e tratamento em animais afetados.


#7 - Feline application/inflammation-associated sarcoma: Gross aspects and histomorphological

Abstract in English:

Feline injection-site sarcomas in felines account for more than 40% of cutaneous and subcutaneous neoplasms in felines. The present study aimed to describe the macroscopic and histomorphological findings of feline application/injection sarcomas. Samples from 31 feline tumors with a history of feline application/inflammation sarcoma were re-evaluated regarding histological subtype, mitotic index and score, depth of tissue invasion, and presence of inflammation considering the location, intensity and predominant cell types. Of the 31 samples from felines diagnosed with sarcoma at the application/inflammation site, 87.15% were cats with no defined breed (NDB), with a mean age of 8.5 years. The predominant anatomical sites were the back and flank/abdomen, both with 29% (9/31), and the prevalent histological subtype was fibrosarcoma at 77.4% (24/31), followed by anaplastic giant cell sarcoma at 12.9% (4/31) and myxosarcoma 9.6% (3/31). The histological grade with the highest number of cases was III (51.6%), followed by Grade II (35.4%) and I (12.9%). The mean of the longest axis measurements varied between the different tumor grades without being significant, with the average being 2.5±2.79cm in Grade I tumors and 3.2±2.28cm in Grade II tumors. and 4.68±2.07cm in Grade III tumors. Necrosis was observed in 74.2% of tumors. The tissue inflammation score was mild to moderate in 58% of cases and severe in 32.2%, with lymphocytic and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates being prevalent, with 25.8% each, followed by lymphoplasmohistiocytic with 22.6%. The infiltration depth was 38.7% in muscle tissue, followed by 32.2% in the subcutaneous tissue. Pleomorphism was accentuated in 51.6%. Desmoplasia was moderate in 45.1%. Satellite nodules were present in 29% of cases, and 19.4% had macrophages with intracytoplasmic content suggestive of adjuvants. Surgical margins were infiltrated (M1) in 48.4% and narrowed in 25.8% (M2). The anatomical locations observed were different from those recommended by the Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force (VAFST); in most cases, the adjuvanted macrophage was not present. From this data, we can suggest that sarcomas in felines are not only correlated to the vaccine application, corroborating the hypothesis that any material, whether liquid or solid, and any chronic inflammatory process in the subcutaneous tissue of cats can induce the entity if they are predisposed to do so. The detailed histomorphological data evaluated in this study were key points and provided important information about tumor behavior, being a tool for clinical-oncological decision-making.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Feline injection-site sarcomas in felines account for more than 40% of cutaneous and subcutaneous neoplasms in felines. The present study aimed to describe the macroscopic and histomorphological findings of feline application/injection sarcomas. Samples from 31 feline tumors with a history of feline application/inflammation sarcoma were re-evaluated regarding histological subtype, mitotic index and score, depth of tissue invasion, and presence of inflammation considering the location, intensity and predominant cell types. Of the 31 samples from felines diagnosed with sarcoma at the application/inflammation site, 87.15% were cats with no defined breed (NDB), with a mean age of 8.5 years. The predominant anatomical sites were the back and flank/abdomen, both with 29% (9/31), and the prevalent histological subtype was fibrosarcoma at 77.4% (24/31), followed by anaplastic giant cell sarcoma at 12.9% (4/31) and myxosarcoma 9.6% (3/31). The histological grade with the highest number of cases was III (51.6%), followed by Grade II (35.4%) and I (12.9%). The mean of the longest axis measurements varied between the different tumor grades without being significant, with the average being 2.5±2.79cm in Grade I tumors and 3.2±2.28cm in Grade II tumors. and 4.68±2.07cm in Grade III tumors. Necrosis was observed in 74.2% of tumors. The tissue inflammation score was mild to moderate in 58% of cases and severe in 32.2%, with lymphocytic and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates being prevalent, with 25.8% each, followed by lymphoplasmohistiocytic with 22.6%. The infiltration depth was 38.7% in muscle tissue, followed by 32.2% in the subcutaneous tissue. Pleomorphism was accentuated in 51.6%. Desmoplasia was moderate in 45.1%. Satellite nodules were present in 29% of cases, and 19.4% had macrophages with intracytoplasmic content suggestive of adjuvants. Surgical margins were infiltrated (M1) in 48.4% and narrowed in 25.8% (M2). The anatomical locations observed were different from those recommended by the Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force (VAFST); in most cases, the adjuvanted macrophage was not present. From this data, we can suggest that sarcomas in felines are not only correlated to the vaccine application, corroborating the hypothesis that any material, whether liquid or solid, and any chronic inflammatory process in the subcutaneous tissue of cats can induce the entity if they are predisposed to do so. The detailed histomorphological data evaluated in this study were key points and provided important information about tumor behavior, being a tool for clinical-oncological decision-making.


#8 - Cardiopulmonary radiographic changes in dogs naturally infected with Dirofilaria immitis

Abstract in English:

Heartworm disease is a zoonosis caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a nematode parasite of worldwide distribution and considered one of the most virulent of dogs, which are definitive and infected hosts during the blood meal of vector mosquitoes (Aedes sp., Anopheles sp. and Culex sp.). The disease has a worldwide prevalence, with a higher incidence in tropical and subtropical climate areas, and affects animals of any breed, sex, and age group. Most animals are asymptomatic, but the disease can cause various cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms. The pathophysiology is related to vessel obstruction and an intense inflammatory reaction in the lung parenchyma, with cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms leading to signs that can be severe and lead to the death of the host. It can be diagnosed through blood tests, and chest X-rays are used to assess the severity of clinical signs and help establish a prognosis. Cardiovascular alterations appear as an increase in vascular caliber, an increase in the right heart silhouette, and pulmonary patterns compatible with infection. This study aimed to describe the conditional radiographic changes caused by the parasite in the lungs, intrathoracic vessels and heart in 30 dogs, independent of breed and sex, with an average age of 9.9 years and an average weight of 10.25kg, originating from routine care at a veterinary hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, from January 2022 to December 2022. All animals were diagnosed with a positive heartworm infection and cardiorespiratory symptoms as essential conditions for participation in the study. The animals were x-rayed and had their lung patterns evaluated, in addition to measuring their vascular caliber and cardiac indices using vertebral-heart size (VHS), manubrium-heart size (MHS) and sphericity index (CSI). Most animals presented pulmonary patterns such as bronchoalveolar and bronchial and increased VHS and MHS indices. Increased and borderline values of CSI measurements were found in half of the patients, demonstrating that the parasite can trigger significant radiographic changes or present potential further worsening.

Abstract in Portuguese:

A dirofilariose é uma zoonose causada pela Dirofilaria immitis, parasita nematoide de distribuição mundial e considerado um dos mais patogênicos de cães, que são hospedeiros definitivos e infectados durante o repasto sanguíneo de mosquitos vetores (Aedes sp., Anopheles sp. e Culex sp.). A doença apresenta prevalência mundial, com maior incidência em áreas de clima tropical e subtropical, acometendo animais de qualquer raça, sexo e faixa etária. A maioria dos animais é assintomática, entretanto, a doença pode causar diversos sintomas cardiovasculares e respiratórios. A fisiopatologia se relaciona com a obstrução de vasos e com intensa reação inflamatória no tecido pulmonar, com sintomatologia cardiovascular e respiratória, levando a sinais que podem ser graves e levar ao óbito do hospedeiro. Pode ser diagnosticada através de exames de sangue e as radiografias de tórax são utilizadas para avaliar a gravidade dos sinais clínicos e auxiliar no estabelecimento do prognóstico. Alterações cardiovasculares surgem como aumento de calibre vascular, aumento de silhueta cardíaca direita e padrões pulmonares compatíveis com infecção. No presente artigo objetivou-se descrever as alterações radiográficas estabelecidas pelo parasita nos pulmões, nos vasos intratorácicos e no coração em 30 cães, independente de raça e sexo, com média de idade 9,9 anos e média de peso 10,25kg, oriundos da rotina de atendimento de um hospital veterinário na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, entre Janeiro de 2022 e Dezembro de 2022. Todos os animais possuem diagnóstico positivo para infecção por dirofilariose e sintomatologia cardiorrespiratória como condição indispensável para pertencerem ao estudo. Os animais foram radiografados e tiveram os padrões pulmonares avaliados, além da medição do calibre vascular e dos índices cardíacos através do VHS (índice cardio-vertebral), MHS (ou índice manúbrio-esternal) e CSI (índice de esfericidade). A maioria dos animais apresentou padrão pulmonar como broncoalveolar e bronquial e índices de VHS e MHS aumentados. Aumento e valores limítrofes das medidas de CSI foram encontrados em metade dos pacientes, demonstrando que o parasita pode desencadear alterações radiográficas significativas ou apresentar potencial agravamento posterior.


#9 - The use of WhatsApp to identify previously undiagnosed and underreported ruminant and equine diseases in Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract in English:

This study explores the use of WhatsApp as a tool for identifying previously undiagnosed and underreported diseases in ruminants and horses in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The research, carried out from January 2022 to December 2023, involved a WhatsApp group of 302 public service and private sector veterinarians. The contacts were categorized as those that resulted in a necropsy by the veterinary diagnostic laboratory, the sending of a sample for histopathological analysis, or the non-sending of material. The results demonstrate the efficiency of using WhatsApp for diagnosing underreported diseases such as anaplasmosis, haemonchosis, rabies, blackleg disease, Mannheimia haemolytica pneumonia, bovine herpesvirus encephalitis, multiple mineral deficiency in cattle and copper poisoning in sheep, thus increasing diagnostic efficiency for veterinary laboratories. The tool also facilitated communication, resulting in an increase in conclusive diagnoses, the identification of previously undiagnosed diseases such as Chlamydia pecorum encephalomyelitis in buffalo, peripheral neuropathy in cattle, phosphorus deficiency in cattle, vitamin A deficiency, and perinatal pneumonia caused by Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae in cattle. In addition, it was possible to identify underreported occurrences, such as cases of abortion and neonatal diarrhea and to implement the correction of diagnostic approaches in real-time via WhatsApp. The study concludes that WhatsApp improves communication between field veterinarians and diagnostic laboratories, providing valuable information on disease occurrence and diagnostic challenges.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Este estudo explora o uso do WhatsApp como ferramenta para identificação de doenças até então não diagnosticadas e subnotificadas em ruminantes e equinos em Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. A pesquisa, realizada de janeiro de 2022 a dezembro de 2023, envolveu um grupo de WhatsApp composto por 302 veterinários do serviço público e da iniciativa privada. Os contatos foram categorizados naqueles que resultaram em necropsia pelo laboratório de diagnóstico veterinário, ao envio de amostra para análise histopatológica ou ao não envio de material. Os resultados demonstram a eficiência do uso do WhatsApp para o diagnóstico de doenças subnotificadas como a anaplasmose, hemoncose, raiva, carbúnculo sintomático, pneumonia por Mannheimia haemolytica, encefalite por herpesvírus bovino, deficiência mineral múltipla em bovinos e intoxicação por cobre em ovinos, ampliando assim a eficiência diagnóstica para os laboratórios veterinários. A ferramenta também facilitou a comunicação, resultando em aumento de diagnósticos conclusivos, identificação de doenças não diagnosticadas previamente como a encefalomielite por Chlamydia pecorum em búfalos, neuropatia periférica em bovinos, deficiência de fósforo em bovinos, deficiência de vitamina A e a pneumonia perinatal por Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae em bovinos. Além disso, foi possível identificar ocorrências subnotificadas como casos de aborto e diarreia neonatal, e implementar a correção de abordagens diagnósticas em tempo real via WhatsApp. O estudo conclui que o WhatsApp melhora a comunicação entre veterinários de campo e laboratórios de diagnóstico, fornecendo informações valiosas sobre a ocorrência de doenças e desafios de diagnóstico.


#10 - Avibacterium paragallinarum and Gallibacterium spp. coinfection in laying hens with sinusitis and rhinitis

Abstract in English:

Respiratory diseases are responsible for economic losses in the poultry sector. The occurrence of coinfections can aggravate the severity of clinical signs and lesions, such as coinfection with Avibacterium paragallinarum and Gallibacterium spp. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of an outbreak of respiratory disease in laying hens caused by a coinfection by A. paragallinarum and Gallibacterium spp. in the state of Sergipe, northeastern Brazil. High morbidity and mortality were observed, accompanied by apathy, anorexia, serous nasal discharge and a decrease in egg production (approximately 10%). Five laying hens were selected for general clinical examination and euthanized. Samples of nasal turbinates, infraorbital sinuses, trachea, liver and spleen were collected, fixed in 10% buffered formalin and routinely processed for histopathology. For the microbiological examination, the whole heads of the birds were collected, packed in Nasco® plastic bags, stored at -8°C then sent to a private laboratory for bacterial isolation on Petri dishes containing blood agar and incubated at 37°C in microaerophilic. Grossly, there was a bilateral increase of periorbital volume with complete obstruction of nasal turbinates due to the presence of caseous exudate. Microscopically, there was marked diffuse chronic necrocaseous and granulomatous rhinitis, marked diffuse chronic granulomatous and heterophilic necrotizing sinusitis, focally extense lymphohistiocytic and heterophilic tracheitis with epithelial hyperplasia, loss of cilia and atrophy of mucous glands. In the microbiological examination, A. paragallinarum and Gallibacterium spp. were identified, and it was concluded that these agents were responsible for the outbreak of rhinitis and sinusitis in the studied birds.

Abstract in Portuguese:

As doenças respiratórias são responsáveis por perdas econômicas no setor avícola. A ocorrência de coinfecções pode agravar a severidade dos sinais clínicos e das lesões, tais como a coinfecção por Avibacterium paragallinarum e Gallibacterium spp. Objetivou-se descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos de um surto de doença respiratória em galinhas poedeiras causado por coinfecção de A. paragallinarum e Gallibacterium no estado de Sergipe, Nordeste do Brasil. Foram observadas elevada morbidade e mortalidade, acompanhada de apatia, anorexia, secreção nasal serosa e diminuição da produção de ovos (aproximadamente 10%). Cinco galinhas de postura foram selecionadas para exame clínico e eutanásia. Amostras de cornetos nasais, seios infraorbitários, traqueia, fígado e baço foram coletadas, fixados em solução de formalina 10% tamponada e processadas pelo protocolo de histopatologia de rotina. Para o exame microbiológico, foram coletadas as cabeças inteiras das aves, acondicionadas em sacos Nasco®, conservadas a -8°C e em seguida enviados para laboratório particular para isolamento bacteriano, em placas de Petri contendo ágar sangue e incubadas a 37°C em microaerofilia. Macroscopicamente, observou-se um aumento de volume periorbital bilateral com completa obstrução dos cornetos nasais devido a presença de exsudato caseoso. Microscopicamente observou-se rinite necrocaseosa e granulomatosa crônica difusa acentuada, sinusite necrotizante granulomatosa e heterofílica crônica difusa acentuada, traqueíte linfohistiocitária e heterofílica focalmente extensa com hiperplasia epitelial, perda de cílios e atrofia de glândulas mucosas. No exame microbiológico identificou-se A. paragallinarum e Gallibacterium spp. concluindo que esses agentes foram responsáveis pelo surto de rinite e sinusite nas aves estudadas.


Colégio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal SciELO Brasil CAPES CNPQ UNB UFRRJ CFMV