Diagnóstico de cinomose canina por meio de teste imunocromatográfico e sua correlação com achados clínicos e hematológicos no semiárido da Paraíba / Diagnosis of canine distemper by immunochromatographic test and its correlation with clinical and hematological findings in the semiarid region of Paraíba

Objetivou-se através deste trabalho, determinar a prevalência de cinomose canina no semiárido da Paraíba, através de testes rápidos imunocromatográficos, correlacionando-a com os principais achados clínicos e hematológicos. Foram analisadas 67 fichas de animais em que foram realizados testes rápidos para pesquisa de antígeno em amostras nasais e oculares no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Observou-se que 47% (32/67) dos cães analisados foram positivos para cinomose canina. As variáveis que apresentaram diferença estatística significativa (p<0,05) para a infecção foram animais sem raça definida 60% (21/35), animais não vacinados 70% (29/42), e período seco do ano, sendo o mês de agosto (40%; 13/32), com maior ocorrência. Os principais sistemas afetados foram o respiratório 61% (17/28), oftalmológico 70% (22/31), nervoso 69% (13/19), dermatológico 45% (9/20), e gastrintestinal 42% (6/14). As principais alterações hematológicas foram anemia 66% (23/32), leucopenia 76% (19/25) e linfopenia 48% (15/31). Concluiu-se que foi elevada a ocorrência de cinomose canina em animais com suspeita clínica no Semiárido Paraibano, e animais sem raça definida, não vacinados, no período seco do ano foram mais diagnosticados com a enfermidade.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of distemper canine distemper vírus (CDV) infection in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, using rapid immunochromatographic tests, correlating it with the main clinical and hematological findings. 67 records of animals were analyzed in which rapid tests were performed for antigen research in nasal and ocular from January to December 2019. It was observed that 47% (32/67) of compulsory dogs were positive for canine distemper. The variables that defined difference difference (p <0.05) for infection were mixed breed animals 60% (21/35), unvaccinated animals 70% (29/42), and dry period of the year, being the August (40%; 13/32), with greater occurrence. The main affected systems were the respiratory 61% (17/28), ophthalmological 70% (22/31), nervous 69% (13/19), dermatological 45% (9/20), and gastrointestinal 42% (6/14 )) The main changes were hematological, anemia 66% (23/32), leukopenia 76% (19/25) and lymphopenia 48% (15/31). It was concluded that the occurrence of canine distemper in animals with clinical suspicion in the Semiarid Paraibano was high, and non-vaccinated mixed-breed animals in the dry period of the year were more diagnosed with the disease.

Diagnóstico de cinomose canina por meio de teste imunocromatográfico e sua correlação com achados clínicos e hematológicos no semiárido da Paraíba / Diagnosis of canine distemper by immunochromatographic test and its correlation with clinical and hematological findings in the semiarid region of Paraíba

Objetivou-se através deste trabalho, determinar a prevalência de cinomose canina no semiárido da Paraíba, através de testes rápidos imunocromatográficos, correlacionando-a com os principais achados clínicos e hematológicos. Foram analisadas 67 fichas de animais em que foram realizados testes rápidos para pesquisa de antígeno em amostras nasais e oculares no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Observou-se que 47% (32/67) dos cães analisados foram positivos para cinomose canina. As variáveis que apresentaram diferença estatística significativa (p<0,05) para a infecção foram animais sem raça definida 60% (21/35), animais não vacinados 70% (29/42), e período seco do ano, sendo o mês de agosto (40%; 13/32), com maior ocorrência. Os principais sistemas afetados foram o respiratório 61% (17/28), oftalmológico 70% (22/31), nervoso 69% (13/19), dermatológico 45% (9/20), e gastrintestinal 42% (6/14). As principais alterações hematológicas foram anemia 66% (23/32), leucopenia 76% (19/25) e linfopenia 48% (15/31). Concluiu-se que foi elevada a ocorrência de cinomose canina em animais com suspeita clínica no Semiárido Paraibano, e animais sem raça definida, não vacinados, no período seco do ano foram mais diagnosticados com a enfermidade.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of distemper canine distemper vírus (CDV) infection in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, using rapid immunochromatographic tests, correlating it with the main clinical and hematological findings. 67 records of animals were analyzed in which rapid tests were performed for antigen research in nasal and ocular from January to December 2019. It was observed that 47% (32/67) of compulsory dogs were positive for canine distemper. The variables that defined difference difference (p <0.05) for infection were mixed breed animals 60% (21/35), unvaccinated animals 70% (29/42), and dry period of the year, being the August (40%; 13/32), with greater occurrence. The main affected systems were the respiratory 61% (17/28), ophthalmological 70% (22/31), nervous 69% (13/19), dermatological 45% (9/20), and gastrointestinal 42% (6/14 )) The main changes were hematological, anemia 66% (23/32), leukopenia 76% (19/25) and lymphopenia 48% (15/31). It was concluded that the occurrence of canine distemper in animals with clinical suspicion in the Semiarid Paraibano was high, and non-vaccinated mixed-breed animals in the dry period of the year were more diagnosed with the disease.

Características epizootiológicas da infecção natural pelo vírus da cinomose canina em Belo Horizonte / Natural canine distemper virus infection epizootiology characteristics in Belo Horizonte

O perfil epizootiológico da cinomose canina em Belo Horizonte é desatualizado e não alberga algumas características relevantes. Uma análise recente da distribuição do vírus em relação às características do hospedeiro e do meio ambiente associada aos principais sinais clínicos e achados laboratoriais são importantes para se adotarem medidas estratégicas para o controle da enfermidade. Objetivou-se, assim, determinar as características epizootiológicas da infecção pelo vírus da cinomose canina associada à variedade de sinais clínico-neurológicos e laboratoriais em Belo Horizonte, auxiliando no diagnóstico precoce da infecção e na diminuição das taxas de morbidade e mortalidade da doença. A avaliação do perfil epizootiológico de 90 cães revelou que a doença é mais frequente em animais adultos (um a seis anos de idade) e que não receberam vacinas conforme recomendado pelos protocolos. Os sinais clínicos extraneurais e neurais foram variados, com predomínio para manifestações gastrentérica e respiratória, mioclonia e déficit motor, respectivamente. O exame do fluido cérebro-espinhal demonstrou predomínio de proteinorraquia associada à pleocitose linfocítica. O teste de imunocromatografia para pesquisa de antígeno com amostras do fluido cerebroespinhal foi eficaz para identificar a doença em pacientes com sinais neurológicos, diferentemente das amostras do swab conjuntival, que não devem ser utilizadas.(AU)

The epizootiology profile of canine distemper in Belo Horizonte is outdated and does not harbor some important characteristics. A recent analysis of the virus distribution in relation to host and environmental characteristics associated with the main clinical signs and laboratory findings are important for adopting strategic measures to control the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the epizootiology characteristics of canine distemper virus infection associated with a variety of clinical and neurologic signs and laboratory findings in Belo Horizonte, helping to detect early infection and reduce morbidity and mortality rates. The evaluation of the epizootiology profile of 90 dogs revealed that the disease is more frequent in adult animals (1-6 years of age) and did not receive vaccines as recommended by the protocols. Extra neural and neural clinical signs were varied, with predominance for gastrointestinal and respiratory manifestations and myoclonus and motor deficit, respectively. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid of 16 dogs showed a predominance of increase protein associated with lymphocytic pleocytosis. The immunochromatography test for antigen screening with samples of cerebrospinal fluid in 76 animals with neurological signs was effective in identifying the disease, unlike conjunctival swab samples, which should not be used.(AU)

Blood typing in positive DEA 1 dogs: comparative analysis between immunochromatography, hemagglutination and flow cytometry / Tipificação sanguínea em cães AEC 1 positivo: análise comparativa entre a imunocromatografia, hemoaglutinação e citometria de fluxo

Blood typing techniques have been improved to ensure greater safety for transfusion procedures. Typification for the DEA 1 antigen through flow cytometry should offer more reliability to routine immunohematology in donor and recipient dogs. Currently, the DEA 1 group is starting to be an autosomal dominant allelic system with the DEA 1 negative type and its variations of positivity. The present study investigated the DEA 1 antigen using the techniques of immunochromatography, hemagglutination and flow cytometry. Among the positive animals for the DEA 1 group, typified by flow cytometry, medium intensities of fluorescence were found, which are indicative of weak, moderate and strong antigenicity. This enabled the division of the DEA 1 group into weak positive, moderate positive and strong positive. The blood typing techniques for the DEA 1 group by flow cytometry, agglutination and immunochromatography had positive (Spearman r=0.70) and statistically significant (p>0.0001) correlations.(AU)

As técnicas de tipificação sanguínea vêm sendo aperfeiçoadas para garantir maior segurança aos procedimentos transfusionais. A tipificação para o antígeno AEC 1 com o emprego da citometria de fluxo poderá oferecer mais confiabilidade à rotina da imunohematologia em cães doadores e receptores. Na atualidade, o grupo AEC 1 passou a ser denominado como um sistema alélico autossômico dominante com o tipo AEC 1 negativo e suas variações de positividade. O presente trabalho comparou os resultados de três técnicas utilizadas para a pesquisa do antígeno AEC 1: cromatografia; hemoaglutinação e citometria de fluxo. Dentro dos indivíduos positivos para o grupo AEC 1, tipificados pela citometria de fluxo, foram encontradas intensidades médias de fluorescência indicadoras de antigenicidade fraca, moderada e forte, podendo-se dividir o grupo AEC 1 em positivo fraco, positivo moderado e positivo forte. As técnicas de tipificação sanguínea para o grupo AEC 1 por cromatografia, hemoaglutinação e citometria de fluxo apresentaram correlação positiva (Spearman r=0,70) e estatisticamente significativa (p<0,0001).(AU)

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in Buenos Aires, Argentina: comparison of serological and molecular assays / Ehrlichiose monocítica canina em Buenos Aires: comparação de testes serológicos e moleculares

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis and transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, a tick with worldwide distribution. When not diagnosed and treated early, disease can be severe. Currently, the disease is confirmed by serological or molecular assays. The objective of this study was to compare a serological assay based on immunochromatography (SPEED® EHRLI immunochromatographic test; BVT, France) and a molecular assay (a screening PCR followed by a nested PCR specific for E. canis) for the diagnosis of E. canis in suspected dogs from Buenos Aires city and southern Greater Buenos Aires, Argentina. Blood samples from 20 clinically healthy dogs (Control Group) and from 80 sick dogs suspected of having CME (Groups 1 to 4) were tested in parallel. Neither the immunochromatographic test nor the PCR assay was able to detect the presence of E. canis in the Control Group. In the group which had been previously tested by serology, the agreement between the tests was low (kappa: 0.200), whereas in the group which had been previously tested by PCR, the concordance between the tests was adequate (kappa: 0.650). The concordance between the tests evaluated in the total population studied was moderate (kappa: 0.496). The results of our study suggest that the use of rapid serological tests as a first approach, together with subsequent confirmation by PCR, will improve the diagnosis of CME.(AU)

A ehrlichiose monocítica canina (CME) é uma doença infecciosa transmitida pelo carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato com distribuição mundial causada por Ehrlichia canis, que pode produzir uma doença grave se não foi diagnosticada e tratada precocemente. A confirmação da doença é feita diretamente pela detecção do DNA fazendo a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) ou indiretamente por métodos sorológicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o método sorológico baseado na imunocromatografia e a técnica de PCR para o diagnóstico de E. canis em cães suspeitos da Cidade de Buenos Aires e da região sul da Grande Buenos Aires. As amostras de sangue de 20 cães clinicamente saudáveis (Grupo Controle) e de 80 cães com suspeita clínica de CME (Grupo 1-4) foram avaliadas em paralelo. O diagnóstico serológico foi feito pelo teste imunocromatográfico SPEED® EHRLI (BVT, França). Para a detecção molecular, foi utilizada uma PCR de triagem para amplificar um fragmento de 345 pb do gene que codifica a subunidade 16S do rRNA da família Anaplasmataceae. As amostras positivas depois foram processadas pela PCR aninhada específica para E. canis. No Grupo Controle, a presença de E. canis não foi detectada por PCR ou anticorpos específicos com o teste imunocromatográfico. No grupo em que a sorologia foi solicitada inicialmente (1 e 2), a concordância entre os testes foi baixo (kappa: 0,200) enquanto que no grupo onde o teste inicialmente solicitado foi a PCR, a concordância entre os testes era adequado (kappa: 0,650). A concordância entre os testes avaliados na população total estudada foi moderada (kappa: 0,496). Em conclusão, os resultados do nosso estudo sugerem que o uso de testes serológicos rápidos inicialmente, juntamente com a confirmação subsequente por PCR, permitirá melhorar o diagnóstico de CME.(AU)

Avaliação de dois testes sorológicos comerciais para diagnóstico das infecções pelo FIV e pelo FeLV / Evaluation of two point-of-care tests to diagnosis of FIV and FeLV infections

FIV e FeLV são retrovírus associados principalmente com neoplasias. Dois testes rápidos são disponibilizados no Brasil para o diagnóstico dessas infecções: um kit de imunocromatografia de fluxo bidirecional (SNAP® Combo IDEXX) e um kit de imunocromatografia de fluxo lateral unidirecional (ALERE/BIONOTE Anigen Rapid). O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o teste SNAP® com o teste ALERE. Amostras de sangue de 178 gatos foram testadas utilizando-se ambos os kits. A reação em cadeia de polimerase em tempo real (qPCR) foi empregada como método confirmatório para todos os resultados. O teste SNAP® apresentou sensibilidade e especificidade de 100% para FIV; a sensibilidade e a especificidade do teste ALERE foram de 96,15% e 98,68%, respectivamente. A sensibilidade e a especificidade para o FeLV foram de 93,02% e 96,30% para o teste SNAP® e de 90,70% e 97,78% para o teste ALERE. Ainda em relação ao FeLV, três amostras com resultado positivo na qPCR obtiveram resultado falso-negativo em ambos os testes. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os métodos. Considerando a qPCR como padrão-ouro, o teste SNAP® apresentou maior sensibilidade e especificidade para o FIV, e o teste ALERE apresentou maior especificidade para o FeLV. Os resultados mostraram uma boa correlação entre os testes.(AU)

FIV and FeLV are Retrovirus associated mainly with feline neoplasms. Two point-of-care tests are commercially available in Brazil for diagnosis of these infections: a bidirectional flow immunochromatography kit (IDEXX SNAP ® Combo) and a lateral unidirectional flow immunochromatography kit (ALERE/BIONOTE Anigen Rapid). The aim of this study was to compare SNAP ® and ALERE tests. Blood samples obtained from 178 cats were evaluated using both tests. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used as confirmatory test for all samples. The sensitivity and specificity of SNAP ® test was 100% for FIV, and for ALERE test was 96.15% and 98.68%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for FeLV was 93.02% and 96.30% for SNAP ® test and 90.70% and 97.78% for ALERE test. Three samples with a qPCR positive result for FeLV obtained a false negative result in both SNAP ® and ALERE tests. There was no statistically significant difference between the two methods. Considering qPCR as gold standard method, the SNAP® test showed higher sensitivity and specificity for FIV, and the ALERE test presented higher specificity for FeLV. The results showed good agreement among the tests.(AU)

Modification of the Alere GIARDIA Ag TEST immunochromatography KIT methodology for its use in frozen fecal sediment of dogs and cats

ABSTRACT Giardia duodenalis is a worldwide intestinal parasite and is one of the most frequent protozoa species infecting dogs and cats. This study aimed to modify the methodology of Alere GIARDIA Ag TEST KIT for its use in frozen fecal sediments with different storage times in a freezer (-20°C), thus expanding the range of use of this methodology. One hundred fecal sediments from dogs (n=50) and cats (n=50) previously examined by optical microscopy for Giardia cysts were selected for this study. The agreement between the modified immunochromatography and microscopy results was calculated by Kappa coefficient. To evaluate the performance of the modified immunochromatography assay on samples with different storage time, the fecal sediments were divided into three groups according to the time of storage in a freezer: (a) ≤ 1 year (n=37); (b) > 1 year and ≤ 3 years (n=39); (c) > 10 years (max. 13 years) (n=24). The results obtained by the modified immunochromatography assay demonstrates a higher sensitivity of this technique when compared with microscopy, regardless of the frozen storage time. These results allow for the use of this methodology in a greater scope of analysis, especially in frozen fecal sediment triage in sample collections, enabling epidemiological and comparative analysis along different decades.

Autochthonous case of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in a non-endemic area in Minas Gerais, Brazil / Caso autóctone de Leishmaniose Visceral Canina em área indene em Minas Gerais

Visceral Leishmaniasis by Leishmania infantum chagasi is an endemic zoonosis present in many areas of Brazil. This parasite needs reservoirs for maintenance of the infection and the presence of dogs in urban areas is a key factor for the spread of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). The aim of this study was to report the first autochthonous case of CVL in the municipality of Iguatama, in west central region of Minas Gerais State. Dog infection by Leishmania infantum chagasi was confirmed in the municipality, previously considered as non-endemic area to CVL. The canine infection by Leishmania was confirmed by three immunological tests for antibodies: indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), rapid Dual Path Platform (DPP®) CVL immunochromatographic test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and microscopic demonstration of Leishmania amastigotes in imprints of spleen and bone marrow stained by Giemsa. The species Leishmania infantum chagasi was confirmed by molecular diagnosis (PCR). Studies are being carried out, aiming to describe the importance and the prevalence of this disease in the region and factors associated with its transmission.(AU)

Leishmaniose visceral causada por Leishmania infantum chagasi é uma zoonose endêmica em algumas regiões do Brasil. Este parasito necessita de reservatórios para a manutenção da infecção e a presença de cães em áreas urbanas é um fator importante para a manutenção e expansão da leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC). O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar o primeiro caso autóctone de LVC no município de Iguatama, na região Centro Oeste de Minas Gerais, cidade onde a LVC era tida como não existente. A infecção canina por Leishmania foi confirmada por três testes imunológicos para pesquisa de anticorpos: reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), teste rápido de imunocromatografia com plataforma dupla (DPP® LVC) e ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA), e demonstração microscópica de amastigotas de Leishmania a partir de aposições de amostras de baço e de medula óssea corados pelo Giemsa. A espécie Leishmania infantum chagasi foi confirmada por diagnóstico molecular (PCR). Estudos estão sendo realizados com o objetivo de descrever a importância e a prevalência desta parasitose na região e os fatores associados com a transmissão.(AU)

Diagnostic utility of an immunochromatography test for the detection of Leptospira IgM antibodies in domestic dogs

A cross-sectional study using 99 serum samples of dogs from southern Chile was conducted to determine the diagnostic utility of a rapid immunochromatography assay for the detection of Leptospira specific IgM antibodies as screening test and as a potential aid in the diagnosis of leptospirosis in animals with and without clinical suspicion of the disease. The Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) was used as reference assay. Anti-Leptospira antibodies were detected in 37.3% of the dogs with MAT. Using the immunochromatography test, specific IgM antibodies were found in 13.1% of sampled dogs. The sensitivity of the rapid test as screening assay was 29.7% (95% Confidence Interval=16.4-47.2) and the specificity was 96.7% (95% Confidence Interval=87.8-99.4). 40.0% of the canines with clinical suspicion of leptospirosis and 37.1% of dogs without clinical signs were serological reactors to MAT, but none of MAT reactive dogs with clinical suspicion tested positive in the rapid test. Rapid and user-friendly diagnostic procedures for canine leptospirosis such as this immunochromatography assay could be important tools to use in clinical practice, however, further studies are needed to obtain more information about their utility, considering that diagnostic tests could not have similar performances in different geographic locations, clinical and epidemiological contexts.(AU)

IDENTIFICATION OF CANINE VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS IN A PREVIOUSLY UNAFFECTED AREA BY CONVENTIONAL DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES AND CELL-BLOCK FIXATION

After the report of a second case of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in São Bento da Lagoa, Itaipuaçu, in the municipality of Maricá, Rio de Janeiro State, an epidemiological survey was carried out, through active search, totaling 145 dogs. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and rapid chromatographic immunoassay based on dual-path platform (DPP(r)) were used to perform the serological examinations. The parasitological diagnosis of cutaneous fragments was performed by parasitological culture, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. In the serological assessment, 21 dogs were seropositive by IFA, 17 by ELISA, and 11 by DPP(r), with sensitivity of 66.7%, 66.7% and 50%, and specificity of 87.2%, 90.2% and 94%, respectively for each technique. The immunohistochemistry of bone marrow using the cell-block technique presented the best results, with six positive dogs found, three of which tested negative by the other parasitological techniques. Leishmania sp. was isolated by parasitological culture in three dogs. The detection of autochthonous Leishmania infantum in Itaipuaçu, and the high prevalence of seropositive dogs confirm the circulation of this parasite in the study area and alert for the risk of expansion in the State of Rio de Janeiro.

Risk factors associated with Trypanosoma cruziexposure in domestic dogs from a rural community in Panama

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruziinfection, is a zoonosis of humans, wild and domestic mammals, including dogs. In Panama, the main T. cruzivector is Rhodnius pallescens, a triatomine bug whose main natural habitat is the royal palm, Attalea butyracea. In this paper, we present results from three T. cruziserological tests (immunochromatographic dipstick, indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA) performed in 51 dogs from 24 houses in Trinidad de Las Minas, western Panama. We found that nine dogs were seropositive (17.6% prevalence). Dogs were 1.6 times more likely to become T. cruziseropositive with each year of age and 11.6 times if royal palms where present in the peridomiciliary area of the dog’s household or its two nearest neighbours. Mouse-baited-adhesive traps were employed to evaluate 12 peridomestic royal palms. All palms were found infested with R. pallescenswith an average of 25.50 triatomines captured per palm. Of 35 adult bugs analysed, 88.6% showed protozoa flagellates in their intestinal contents. In addition, dogs were five times more likely to be infected by the presence of an additional domestic animal species in the dog’s peridomiciliary environment. Our results suggest that interventions focused on royal palms might reduce the exposure to T. cruzi infection.

Detección de Brucella canis por método de inmunocromatografía en perros vagos capturados en la ciudad de Temuco, Chile, 2011 / Detection of Brucella canis by immunochromatography method in vague dogs captured in Temuco city, Chile, 2011

Background: Brucella canis is responsible for brucellosis in dogs, causing reproductive disorders and is considered a zoonoses, as described in several countries. The epidemiological data are scarce in our country. Aim: To determine the prevalence of Brucella canis in vague dogs in Temuco city and housed in the Temuco Kennel. Methods: Quantitative and cross-section study. We used 400 samples of dogs of both sexes, different ages and mainly mixed race, which were tested by immunochromatography. Results: Antibodies were detected in 4 samples Brucella canis which represented 1% of the population studied, 2 females (0.5%) and 2 males (0.5%). Discussion: We conclude that dogs are infected by B. canis in a low range but remains a risk condition to the health of the human population if not maintained adequate sanitary control of pets, like vague dogs.

Introducción: Brucella canis es responsable de la brucelosis en perros, provocándoles trastornos reproductivos y es considerada una zoonosis, ya descrita en varios países. Los datos epidemiológicos en nuestro medio son exiguos. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de B. canis en perros vagos capturados en la ciudad de Temuco y albergados en el Canil Temuco. Materialy Métodos: Estudio de tipo cuantitativo y de corte transversal. Se utilizaron 400 muestras de perros de ambos sexos, diferentes edades y principalmente mestizos, procesadas mediante la prueba de inmunocromatografía. Resultados: Se detectaron anticuerpos anti-B. canis en 4 muestras lo cual representó 1% de la población estudiada, 2 hembras (0,5%) y 2 machos (0,5%). Conclusión: El hallazgo de perros serológicamente positivos a B. canis, es baja pero no deja de ser un indicador del riesgo en el que se encuentra la salud de la población humana si no se mantiene un adecuado control sanitario de las mascotas, como ocurre con los perros vagos.

Evaluation of glycoproteins purified from adult and larval camel ticks (Hyalomma dromedarii) as a candidate vaccine

In order to identify antigens that can help prevent camel tick infestations, three major glycoproteins (GLPs) about 97, 66 and 40 kDa in size were purified from adult and larval Egyptian ticks, Hyalomma (H.) dromedarii, using a single-step purification method with Con-A sepharose. The purified GLPs were evaluated as vaccines against camel tick infestation in rabbits. The rabbits received three intramuscular inoculations of GLPs (20 microg/animal) on days 0, 14, and 28. In the immunoblot analysis, Sera from the immunized rabbits recognized the native GLPs and other proteins from larval and adult H. dromedarii ticks along with those from other tick species such as Rhipicephalus sanguineus but not Ornithodoros moubata. The effects of immunity induced by these GLPs were determined by exposing rabbits to adult H. dromedarii ticks. These results demonstrated that GLP immunization led to a slightly decreased reproductive index and significantly reduced rates of egg hatchability. These results demonstrated that immunization with the purified GLPs can provide protection against infestation by H. dromedarii and some other tick species. Further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of immunization with GLPs against other tick species.

Production of monoclonal antibodies against serum immunoglobulins of black rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli Higendorf)

The present study was undertaken to produce monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against immunoglobulin (Ig) purified from black rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli Higendorf) serum using protein A, mannan binding protein, and goat IgG affinity columns. These three different ligands were found to possess high affinity for black rockfish serum Ig. All of the Igs purified eluted at only 0.46 M NaCl concentration in anion exchange column chromatography and consisted of two bands at 70 kDa and 25 kDa in SDS-PAGE; they also had similar antigenicity for MAbs to Ig heavy chain in immunoblot assays. Therefore, black rockfish Ig is believed to exist as a single isotype within serum. The MAbs produced against Ig heavy chain reacted specifically with spots distributed over the pI range from 4.8 to 5.6 with a molecular weight of 70 kDa on two dimensional gel electrophoresis immunoblot profiles.