Esporotricose em felinos domésticos (Felis catus domesticus) em Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ / Sporotrichosis in domestic felines (Felis catus domesticus) in Campos dos Goytacazes/RJ, Brazil

A esporotricose é uma micose subcutânea de evolução subaguda a crônica, causada pelo fungo dimórfico e geofílico Sporothrix schenckii. A transmissão zoonótica vem recebendo destaque, tendo os felinos domésticos um importante papel epidemiológico na doença. Este trabalho pesquisa teve como objetivo diagnosticar casos de esporotricose em felinos domésticos atendidos no município de Campos dos Goytacazes/RJ, bem como correlacionar os casos positivos com os sinais clínicos observados nos mesmos, assim como fatores de risco tais quais sexo, animais castrados ou não, dentre outras características. Foram utilizados 100 felinos domésticos, portadores de lesões cutâneas suspeitas de esporotricose, os quais passaram por avaliação clínica minuciosa e preenchimento de fichas individuais. As lesões foram então selecionadas para coleta de material em suabes estéreis e posterior análise laboratorial, através da citologia e cultura fúngica. Dos 100 animais analisados, 66 (66%) foram positivos para Sporothrix spp., sendo 46 (69,6%) machos não castrados, 15 (22,7%) fêmeas não castradas, 4 (6,06%) fêmeas castradas e 1 (1,5%) macho castrado, os quais 89,3% tinham acesso à rua. Quanto à topografia lesional e estado clínico dos animais, 43 (65,2%) apresentavam lesões focais e 23 (34,8%) lesões disseminadas, onde 21 (31,8%) vieram à óbito ou foram submetidos a eutanásia por opção do tutor. Com os resultados dos exames foi possível a adequada prescrição do protocolo terapêutico e acompanhamento de 40 animais (60,6%), e nos casos dos felinos encaminhados (7,5%), foi reportado ao médico veterinário responsável o respectivo diagnóstico para que este escolhesse sua conduta terapêutica.(AU)

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis of subacute to chronic evolution, caused by the dimorphic and geophilic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. The zoonotic transmission has been highlighted, with domestic cats having an important epidemiological role in the disease. This research aimed to diagnose cases of sporotrichosis in domestic cats treated in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes/RJ, as well as to correlate the positive cases with the clinical signs observed in them, as well as risk factors such as sex, castrated animals or not, among other characteristics. One hundred domestic felines were used, with skin lesions suspected of sporotrichosis, which underwent a thorough clinical evaluation and completion of individual files. The lesions were then selected for material collection in sterile swabs and subsequent laboratory analysis, through cytology and fungal culture. Of the 100 animals analyzed, 66 (66%) were positive for Sporothrix spp., Being 46 (69.6%) uncastrated males, 15 (22.7%) uncastrated females, 4 (6.06%) females castrated and 1 (1.5%) castrated male, 89.3% of whom had access to the street. Concerning the lesion topography and clinical status of the animals, 43 (65.2%) had focal lesions and 23 (34.8%) disseminated lesions, where 21 (31.8%) died or were submitted to euthanasia at the option of tutor. With the results of the exams, it was possible to adequately prescribe the therapeutic protocol and follow up of 40 animals (60.6%), and in the cases of the cats referred (7.5%), the respective veterinarian was informed of the respective diagnosis so that this To choose their therapeutic behavior.(AU)

Canine sporotrichosis: report of 15 advanced cases / Esporotricose canina: descrição de 15 casos avançados

Sporotrichosis is a chronic, granulomatous and usually lymphocutaneous infection of animals and humans, caused by a dimorphic fungus, Sporothrix schenckii complex. The disease in dogs is considered rare, however, in the last years a crescent registration of cases was observed in Brazil, especially in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Fifteen dogs with ulcerated cutaneous lesions were seen at the Dermatology Service in the Small Animal's Hospital at Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, between January 2014 and October 2015. Most lesions were located on the head, mainly the nose. Lesions were even seen on the chest, disseminated on the body and on the limbs. Three dogs (20%) exhibited the cutaneous-lymphatic form, with lesions initially on the distal aspect of one leg and ascending via lymphatics up the leg to the trunk and head. It was not ruled out the disseminated form in at least 3 dogs (20%). They had consistent signs of generalized or disseminated disease exhibiting respiratory symptoms (nasal discharge, sneezing, stertorous breathing), anorexia and weight loss. Draining tracts and cellulitis were very common. Some had large areas of skin necrosis with exposure of muscle and bone. Definitive diagnosis was obtained by cytological examination of exudates, histological examination, and/or isolation of S. schenckii complex by fungal culture. Because of the severity of the lesions that mimic other disorders like neoplasms or autoimmune skin diseases, and due to the difficulties of getting an accurate diagnosis, this study describes 15 advanced cases of canine sporotrichosis.(AU)

A esporitricose é uma doença infecciosa crônica, granulomatosa e frequentemente linfocutânea, causada por um fungo dimórfico do Complexo Sporothrix schenckii. A doença em cães é considerada rara, no entanto, nos últimos anos, um número crescente de casos foi registrado no Brasil, especialmente no Rio de Janeiro. Quinze cães com lesões cutâneas ulceradas foram atendidos no Setor de Dermatologia do Hospital Veterinário de Pequenos Animais da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, entre Janeiro de 2014 e Outubro de 2015. Todos os animais foram submetidos ao exame clínico e dermatológico. A maioria das lesões estava localizada na cabeça, principalmente no plano nasal. Havia também lesões no tórax, disseminada pelo corpo e nos membros. Três cães (20%) apresentaram a forma cutâneo-linfática, com lesões inicialmente nos membros e se propagavam via vasos linfáticos para o tronco e a cabeça. Não foi descartada a forma disseminada em pelo menos 3 cães (20%). Estes cães apresentaram sinais consistentes de doença generalizada ou disseminada, exibindo sinais respiratórios (descarga nasal, espirros, estertoração), anorexia e perda de peso. Fístulas e celulite eram muito comuns. Alguns tinham grandes áreas de necrose que desencadearam a exposição de músculo e osso. O diagnóstico definitivo da infecção foi obtido por exame citológico de exsudato e por exame histológico, e/ou apenas isolamento do complexo S. schenckii pela cultura de fungos. Por causa da severidade das lesões que imitam outras enfermidades, principalmente neoplasias e doenças autoimunes, e pela dificuldade de se obter o diagnóstico correto, este estudo descreve 15 casos avançados de esporotricose canina.(AU)

Doenças micóticas em gatos no Rio Grande do Sul / Fungal diseases in cats in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

As enfermidades fúngicas são diagnósticos diferenciais de diversas morbidades de caráter infeccioso, degenerativo ou proliferativo neoplásico, principalmente em gatos, que é a espécie mais suscetível a estas. Este trabalho descreve os achados anatomopatológicos de doenças fúngicas em gatos no período de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2015 pelo SPV-UFRGS. Foram revisados 1.274 protocolos de necropsia e encontrou-se 17 casos de micoses, correspondendo a 1,33% dos diagnósticos. Quanto às amostras provenientes de biopsias, foram verificados 2.615 protocolos e detectou-se 59 casos de doenças fúngicas, totalizando 2,25% dos diagnósticos, sendo revisados seus achados macroscópicos, microscópicos, colorações especiais e cultivo micológico. O principal diagnóstico encontrado foi esporotricose com 34 casos de biópsia e cinco de necropsia. Criptococose obteve seis diagnósticos na necropsia e 13 na biópsia. O pseudomicetoma dermatofítico possui cinco casos de biópsia e dois de necropsia. Histoplasmose obteve um diagnóstico na necropsia e dois na biópsia. Aspergilose teve dois casos diagnosticados na necropsia. Candidíase e feo-hifomicose obtiveram um caso cada. Em quatro ocasiões, não se pode identificar o agente envolvido na lesão e foram classificados conforme a alteração morfológica em: dermatite fúngica, enterite fúngica, rinite micótica e dermatite e osteomielite fúngica. Através deste trabalho, pode-se identificar que a esporotricose foi o diagnóstico de doença fúngica mais frequente em felinos, seguido da criptococose e pseudomicetoma dermatofítico.(AU)

Fungal disease is included in the differential diagnosis of a wide range of disorders in cats. At the Department of Veterinary Pathology of Federal University Federal of Rio Grande do Sul (SPV-UFRGS), evaluation of records data of cats from January 2005 to December 2015 were examined. A total of 1,274 necropsy have been reviewed from which 17 cases of fungal infection was revealed accounting for 1.33%, and a total of 2,615 biopsies have been reviewed from which 59 cases of fungal infection was revealed, accounting for 2.25%. We retrospectively analyzed the gross and microscopic findings and the yield of additional diagnostic approaches employed. Sporotrichosis was the most common diagnosis with 34 cases found in biopsy and five necropsies. Cryptococcosis obtained six diagnoses through necropsy and 13 through biopsy. Dermatophytic pseudomycetoma was found in five cases in biopsy and two necropsies. Histoplasmosis diagnosis was obtained in one necropsy and two biopsies. Aspergillosis had two cases diagnosed in necropsy. Candidiase and phaeo-hyphomycosis accounted for one case each. In four occasions, it was not possible to identify the agent involved and the diagnosis was made regarding the morphological changes: fungal dermatitis, fungal enteritis, mycotic rhinitis, and fungal dermatitis and osteomyelitis. In this study, sporotrichosis could be identified as the most frequent diagnosis of fungal disease in cats, followed by cryptococcosis and dermatophytic pseudomycetoma.(AU)

Sporotrichosis ­ cat as the source of familiar infection outbreak in Guarulhos, São Paulo: a case report / Esporotricose ­ gato como fonte de infecção em foco epidêmico familiar em Guarulhos, São Paulo: relato de caso

Sporotrichosis is a dermatozoonosis caused by fungi of the Sporothrix genus. It is classified as an implantation mycosis. This fungal infection, with anthropozoonotic and saprozoonotic characteristics and which has domestic felines, soil, and vegetables as main sources of infection, has been responsible for epizootic and epidemic outbreaks in southern and southeastern Brazil. This report presents the case of a feline diagnosed and treated for sporotrichosis at Dermatology Service of FMVZ/USP, after referral from the Dermatology Department of EPM/Unifesp, where the owners of the cat were being treated for human sporotrichosis.(AU)

A esporotricose é uma dermatozoonose que tem como agentes etiológicos fungos do gênero Sporothrix. É responsável por quadros micóticos ditos de implantação. Essa micose, de características antropo e saprozoonóticas e cujas principais fontes de infecção são os felinos domésticos, o solo e os vegetais, tem sido responsável por surtos epizoóticos e epidêmicos no sul e sudeste brasileiro. Este relato apresenta o caso de um felino diagnosticado e tratado para esporotricose pelo Serviço de Dermatologia do Hospital Veterinário da FMVZ/USP, após ter sido encaminhado pelo Departamento de Dermatologia da EPM/Unifesp, onde os proprietários do animal estavam sendo tratados para esporotricose humana.(AU)

Effects of essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis Linn. and Origanum vulgare Linn. from different origins on Sporothrix brasiliensis and Sporothrix schenckii complex / Efeitos dos óleos essenciais de Rosmarinus officinalis Linn. e Origanum vulgare Linn. de diferentes origens em Sporothrix brasiliensis e complexo Sporothrix schenckii

Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) and Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) are known to have antimicrobial properties, but studies on sporotrichosis are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-Sporothrix spp. activity of essential oils from commercial products and oils extracted from aerial parts of these plants and analyze their chemical constituents. S. schenckii complex and S. brasiliensis (n: 25) isolated from humans, cats, dogs, and environmental soil were tested through M27-A3 guidelines of CLSI with modification for phytotherapics. The essential oils of R. officinalis L. were similar for MIC50 and MFC50 ≤2.25mg/mL for extracted oil; and 4.5mg/mL and 9mg/mL, respectively, for commercial oil. Both products showed MIC90 of 18mg/mL and MFC90 of 36mg/mL. In O. vulgare L., the extracted oil had better activity with MIC50 and MFC50 ≤2.25mg/mL, and MIC90 and MFC90 of 4.5mg/mL, whereas the commercial oil showed MIC50 and MFC50 of 9mg/mL and MIC90 18mg/mL, respectively, and MFC90 of 36mg/mL. Through gas chromatography (CG/FID), thymol and α-terpinene were majority for extracted oil of O. vulgare L., and carvacrol and γ-terpinene made up the majority of the commercial oil. Both essential oils of R. officinalis L. showed 1,8-cineole and α-pinene as major. The fungal isolates were susceptible to all tested essential oils, including in itraconazole-resistant S. brasiliensis isolates. The extracted and commercial oils of the plants presented in vitro anti-Sporothrix spp. activity, and they are promising for treatment of sporotrichosis, including in cases refractory to itraconazole. More studies should be performed about toxicity and in vivo efficacy for its safe use.(AU)

Rosmarinus officinalis L. (alecrim) e Origanum vulgare L. (orégano) são conhecidos pelas propriedades antimicrobianas, entretanto seus estudos na esporotricose são escassos. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a atividade anti-Sporothrix spp. de óleos extraídos e comerciais dessas plantas e analisar seus constituintes químicos. Isolados do complexo S. schenckii e S. brasiliensis (n: 25) de humanos, gatos, cães e solo, foram testados pela diretriz M27-A3 do CLSI com modificações para fitoterápicos. Os óleos de R. officinalis L. foram similares com CIM50 e CFM50 ≤2.25mg/mL para extraído; e 4.5mg/mL e 9mg/mL, respectivamente, para comercial. Ambos os produtos demonstraram CIM90 de 18mg/mL e CFM90 de 36mg/mL. Em O. vulgare L., o óleo extraído apresentou melhor atividade com CIM50 e CFM50≤2.25mg/mL e CIM90 e CFM90 de 4.5mg/mL, ao passo que o óleo comercial mostrou CIM50 e CFM50 de 9mg/mL; e CIM90 de 18mg/mL e CFM90 de 36mg/mL. Por meio da cromatografia gasosa (CG/FID), timol e α-terpineno foram majoritários para o óleo extraído de O. vulgare L., e carvacrol e γ-terpineno para o comercial. Ambos os óleos de R. officinalis L. apresentaram 1,8-cineol e α-pineno como prevalentes. Os isolados foram sensíveis a todos os óleos essenciais testados, inclusive S. brasiliensis, resistentes ao itraconazol. Os óleos extraídos e comerciais de R. officinalis L. e O. vulgare L. apresentaram atividade anti-Sporothrix spp. in vitro e são promissores para o tratamento da esporotricose, inclusive em casos refratários ao itraconazol. Mais estudos devem ser realizados sobre toxicidade e eficácia in vivo para seu uso seguro.(AU)

The use of singleplex and nested PCR to detect Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in free-living frogs

Many microorganisms are able to cause diseases in amphibians, and in the past few years one of the most reported has been Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. This fungus was first reported in Brazil in 2005; following this, other reports were made in specimens deposited in museum collections, captive and free-living frogs. The aim of this study was to compare singleplex and nested-PCR techniques to detect B. dendrobatidis in free-living and apparently healthy adult frogs from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The sample collection area was a protected government park, with no general entrance permitted and no management of the animals there. Swabs were taken from the skin of 107 animals without macroscopic lesions and they were maintained in ethanol p.a. Fungal DNA was extracted and identification of B. dendrobatidis was performed using singleplex and nested-PCR techniques, employing specific primers sequences. B. dendrobatidis was detected in 61/107 (57%) and 18/107 (17%) animals, respectively by nested and singleplex-PCR. Nested-PCR was statistically more sensible than the conventional for the detection of B. dendrobatidis (Chi-square = 37.1; α = 1%) and the agreement between both techniques was considered just fair (Kappa = 0.27). The high prevalence obtained confirms that these fungi occur in free-living frogs from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest with no macroscopic lesions, characterizing the state of asymptomatic carrier. We concluded that the nested-PCR technique, due to its ease of execution and reproducibility, can be recommended as one of the alternatives in epidemiological surveys to detect B. dendrobatidis in healthy free-living frog populations.

DNA damage in BALB/c mice infected with Lacazia loboi and its relation to nutritional status

AbstractBackground Jorge Lobos disease, also known as lacaziosis, is a cutaneous-subcutaneous mycosis with chronic evolution. It is caused by the fungus Lacazia loboi. Herein we report a study that relates the genotoxicity caused by L. loboi in isogenic mice with nutritional status, through a normal or restricted diet.Methods DNA damage was assessed in the peripheral blood by the comet assay (tail intensity).Results The results for leukocytes showed increases in the mean tail intensity in mice under dietary restriction, in infected mice under dietary restriction and in infected mice ingesting a normal diet.Conclusion These results indicate that dietary restriction and L. loboi infection may increase DNA damage levels in mice, as detected by the comet assay.

First isolation of the Stephanoascus ciferrii in feline otitis in Brazil

Ear infections in cats are uncommon, especially involving yeasts. This report describes the first isolation of the Stephanoascus ciferrii, teleomorph of the Candida genus, in a case of feline otitis in Brazil. The identification and characterization of Stephanoascus ciferrii were confirmed by the Vitek2 System (BioMerieux ®).

Body length of Hylodes cf. ornatus and Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles, depigmentation of mouthparts, and presence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis are related / Tamanho do corpo, despigmentação das partes bucais e presença de Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis estão relacionados em Hylodes cf. ornatus e Lithobates catesbeianus

A fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which can cause morbidity and death of anurans, has affected amphibian populations on a worldwide basis. Availability of pure cultures of Bd isolates is essential for experimental studies to understand the ecology of this pathogen. We evaluated the relationships of body length of Hylodes cf. ornatus and Lithobates catesbeianus tadpoles to depigmentation of mouthparts and determined if dekeratinization indicated an infection by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. A strong association existed for both species, one from South America (Brazil: São Paulo) and one from North America (USA: Maine). We believe it prudent not to kill adult amphibians if avoidable, thus obtaining tissue for isolating Bd from tadpoles is reasonable because infected specimens of some species can be selectively collected based on depigmentation of mouthparts.

O fungo patógeno Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) é apontado como o causador de morbidade e morte em anuros, e tem afetado populações de anfíbios em uma base mundial. Avaliar culturas puras de isolados de Bd é essencial para estudos experimentais para o entendimento da ecologia desse patógeno. Avaliou-se a relação entre o comprimento do corpo em girinos de Hylodes cf. ornatus e Lithobates catesbeianus com a despigmentação das peças bucais, para verificar se a desqueratinização indica uma infecção por Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Uma forte associação existe para ambas as espécies, uma da América do Sul (Brasil: São Paulo) e uma da América do Norte (USA: Maine). Acredita-se ser prudente este uso, para evitar a morte de anfíbios adultos; dessa forma, obter tecidos para isolar o Bd de girinos é razoável, porque espécimes infectados podem ser coletados seletivamente com base na despigmentação do aparelho bucal.

Resistance to Chalkbrood Disease in Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies with Different Hygienic Behaviour

Chalkbrood disease affects the larvae of honeybees Apis mellifera L. and is caused by the fungus Ascosphaera apis. Infected larvae die when they are stretched in the cap cell and suffer a gradual hardening that ends in a very hard structure (mummie). Several studies have demonstrated that colonies that express an efficient hygienic behaviour (uncapping of cell and subsequent removal of dead brood) exhibit a higher resistance to the disease. However, it remains unclear whether the advantage of hygienic colonies over less hygienic ones lies in the ability to remove mummies or in the early detection of infected larvae and its cannibalization before they harden. To elucidate this aspect, the hygienic behaviour of 24 colonies, which were subsequently provided with pollen cakes containig A. apis, was evaluated. The number of mummies and the number of partially cannibalized and whole larvae in uncapped cells were recorded. The most hygienic colonies controlled the disease better. These colonies also had a higher tendency to uncap cells that contained infected larvae and cannibalize them. The presence of A. apis in partially cannibalized and whole larvae in uncapped cells indicate that the advantage of hygienic colonies over less hygienic ones lies in the early detection of infected larvae death and their quick removal from the cell before they become mummies.

Lethargic crab disease: multidisciplinary evidence supports a mycotic etiology

Although lethargic crab disease (LCD) is causing massive mortalities in populations of the mangrove crab Ucides cordatus of Northeastern Brazil, the identity of its etiological agent was hitherto unknown. In this study we provide robust evidence suggesting that LCD is caused by an anamorph Ascomycota (Fungi). We examined specimens of U. cordatus collected from stocks affected by LCD. Histological and TEM methods detected the presence of hyphae, conidia, and condiophores in several host tissues. Moreover, the abundance of fungal stages is negatively associated with crab health. Finally, DNA was isolated from the fungus and a region of its 18S ribosomal gene was sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses not only confirm the diagnosis of the LCD fungus in crab tissues as an ascomycete, but also suggest a close relationship with members of the subphylum Pezizomycotina.

Factors associated with the catastrophic decline of a cloudforest frog fauna in Guatemala

Comparison of recent and historical surveys of frog populations in cloudforest habitat in Sierra de las Minas,Guatemala,indicated population declines and local extirpation of several species.Pathological exams of diseased tadpoles indicated infection by amphibian chytridiomycosis. The local habitat has been severely altered by recent establishment of large-scale leatherleaf fern production.Analysis of water chemistry at our study site suggested increased nitrogenation associated with the leatherleaf industry

Una comparación entre un inventario anterior y otro reciente de poblaciones de ranas de bosque nublado en la Sierra de Las Minas de Guatemala demostró disminuciones poblacionales y ausencia localizada de varias especies.El examen patológico de un renacuajo muerto indicó infección por un hongo quítrido propio de los anfibios.El hábitat local ha sido gravemente alterado por el establecimiento reciente de producción a gran escala de helechos ornamentales.El análisis químico del agua en el área de estudio señaló un aumento en nitrogenación asociado al cultivo de helechos