TRYPANOSOMA spp. in captive primates in a brazilian zoo

Captive animals, despite the constant care provided, are susceptible to infections from different sources. We herein report the natural trypanosome infection of 11 (28.2% positive) out of 39 non-human primates from 13 different species, in a Brazilian zoological park. Immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) ruled out Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. However, sequencing performed with positive samples employing hsp70 primers revealed similarities from 86% to 88% to diverse trypanosomes, including T. cruzi, Trypanosoma grayi, Trypanosoma lewisi, Trypanosoma rangeli and Trypanosoma vivax. We believe that the low similarity values obtained by sequencing reflect the difficulties in the molecular identification of trypanosomes, which share a large portion of their genetic material; this similarity may also preclude the diagnosis of co-infection by more than one trypanosome species. Thus, our study demonstrates the presence of diverse trypanosomes in primates, which are susceptible to infection by these parasites. Mechanical devices such as windows and bed nets, etc., are required to avoid vector insects in these environments, in addition to preventive quarantining of animals recently introduced into zoos. Therefore, investigation of the parasites in both the animals already residing in the zoo and those being introduced is of paramount importance, although no easy task.

Extracellular vesicles in infectious diseases caused by protozoan parasites in buffaloes

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-bound vesicles of growing interest in vetetinary parasitology. The aim of the present report was to provide the first isolation, quantification and protein characterization of EVs from buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) sera infected with Theileria spp. Methods: Infected animals were identified through optical microscopy and PCR. EVs were isolated from buffalo sera by size-exclusion chromatography and characterized using western blotting analysis, nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Subsequently, the proteins from isolated vesicles were characterized by mass spectrometry. Results: EVs from buffalo sera have shown sizes in the 124-140 nm range and 306 proteins were characterized. The protein-protein interaction analysis has evidenced biological processes and molecular function associated with signal transduction, binding, regulation of metabolic processes, transport, catalytic activity and response to acute stress. Five proteins have been shown to be differentially expressed between the control group and that infected with Theileria spp., all acting in the oxidative stress pathway. Conclusions: EVs from buffaloes infected with Theileria spp. were successfully isolated and characterized. This is an advance in the knowledge of host-parasite relationship that contributes to the understanding of host immune response and theileriosis evasion mechanisms. These findings may pave the way for searching new EVs candidate-markers for a better production of safe biological products derived from buffaloes.(AU)

Occurrence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in opossums caught in urban areas of Bauru, state of São Paulo, Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos para Toxoplasma gondii em gambás capturados na área urbana de Bauru, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common zoonoses worldwide. It was initially described in rodents and rabbits. There are few data on the morbidity and mortality of this disease among Brazilian marsupial fauna, such as opossums. These animals are of great importance regarding the epidemiology of this disease, given that they are prey for felids and other carnivores. With the aim of ascertaining the serological response to Toxoplasma gondii among marsupials (Didelphis spp.), 38 animals that had been caught in 14 districts of the urban area of the municipality of Bauru, state of São Paulo, were evaluated. The modified agglutination test (MAT) showed that 26.3% (10/38) of the samples analyzed were seropositive. It can be suggested that the opossums' behavior and persistent proximity to human housing results in contact with cats and T. gondii infection, based on the frequency found in this study. This was the first study on the seroprevalence of T. gondii in opossums caught in the urban area of the municipality of Bauru, SP, and it highlights the need for environmental and health authorities of the municipality to monitor this zoonosis.(AU)

A toxoplasmose é uma das zoonoses mais comuns no mundo, tendo sido descrita inicialmente em roedores e em coelhos. Todavia, poucos são os dados sobre morbidade e mortalidade da toxoplasmose nos marsupiais da fauna brasileira, como os gambás, sendo de grande importância na epidemiologia da doença, como presas para felídeos e outros carnívoros. Com o objetivo de verificar a resposta sorológica para Toxoplasma gondii em marsupiais (Didelphis spp.), foram avaliados 38 animais capturados em 14 regiões da área urbana do município de Bauru-SP. Foi encontrada uma frequência, de acordo com o teste de aglutinação modificada (MAT), de 26,3% (10/38) nas amostras analisadas. Pode-se sugerir que o comportamento dos gambás e sua permanência próxima a habitações humanas resultam em contato com gatos e infecção por T. gondii, tendo em vista a frequência encontrada neste estudo. Este é o primeiro estudo de soroprevalência de T. gondii em gambás capturados na área urbana do município de Bauru-SP, alertando-se para a necessidade do monitoramento desta zoonose pelas autoridades de vigilância ambiental e sanitária do município.(AU)

Anti-leptospirosis agglutinins in Brazilian capybaras (hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

The interest in commercial use of wild animals is increasing, especially regarding raising of capybaras. Although this wild species is potentially lucrative for the production of meat, oil and leather, it is suggested as a probable reservoir of leptospires. Methods Due to the economic importance of this species and the lack of studies concerning leptospirosis, the presence of anti-leptospirosis agglutinins was assayed in 55 serum samples of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from commercial and experimental breeding flocks located in São Paulo state, Paraná state, and Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Samples were obtained through cephalic or femoral venipunction (5 to 10 mL). Microscopic agglutination test was used according to the Brazilian Health Ministry considering as cut-off titer of 100. Results Out of the 55 samples analyzed, 23 (41.82 %) tested positive. The most prevalent serovar was Icterohaemorrhagiae (56.52 %) in 13 samples, followed by Copenhageni in nine samples (39.13 %), Pomona in four samples (17.39 %), Djasiman and Castellonis in three samples each (13.04 %), Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Canicola, and Cynopteri in two samples each (8.7 %), and Andamana and Bratislava in one sample each (4.34 %). Conclusions These results suggest the evidence of exposure toLeptospira spp. and the need of new studies to evaluate a higher number of capybaras from different regions to better understand the importance of leptospirosis infection in these animals and verify the zoonotic role of this species as a possible source of infection to humans and other animals.

Anti-leptospirosis agglutinins in Brazilian capybaras (hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

Abstract Background The interest in commercial use of wild animals is increasing, especially regarding raising of capybaras. Although this wild species is potentially lucrative for the production of meat, oil and leather, it is suggested as a probable reservoir of leptospires. Methods Due to the economic importance of this species and the lack of studies concerning leptospirosis, the presence of anti-leptospirosis agglutinins was assayed in 55 serum samples of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from commercial and experimental breeding flocks located in São Paulo state, Paraná state, and Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Samples were obtained through cephalic or femoral venipunction (5 to 10 mL). Microscopic agglutination test was used according to the Brazilian Health Ministry considering as cut-off titer of 100. Results Out of the 55 samples analyzed, 23 (41.82 %) tested positive. The most prevalent serovar was Icterohaemorrhagiae (56.52 %) in 13 samples, followed by Copenhageni in nine samples (39.13 %), Pomona in four samples (17.39 %), Djasiman and Castellonis in three samples each (13.04 %), Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Canicola, and Cynopteri in two samples each (8.7 %), and Andamana and Bratislava in one sample each (4.34 %). Conclusions These results suggest the evidence of exposure toLeptospira spp. and the need of new studies to evaluate a higher number of capybaras from different regions to better understand the importance of leptospirosis infection in these animals and verify the zoonotic role of this species as a possible source of infection to humans and other animals.

Evaluation of canine and feline leishmaniasis by the association of blood culture, immunofluorescent antibody test and polymerase chain reaction

This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Leishmania spp. in dogs and cats from Botucatu, São Paulo state, and Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, by the association of three diagnostic tests: blood culture in liver infusion tryptose medium, immunofluorescent antibody test and polymerase chain reaction. Fifty blood samples of dogs and cats from the Center for Zoonosis Control in Campo Grande, an area endemic for canine visceral leishmaniasis, were collected randomly, as well as canine and feline blood samples from the Municipal Kennel and Animal Protection Association in Botucatu, currently considered a transmission-free, non-endemic area.

Evaluation of canine and feline leishmaniasis by the association of blood culture, immunofluorescent antibody test and polymerase chain reaction

This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Leishmania spp. in dogs and cats from Botucatu, São Paulo state, and Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, by the association of three diagnostic tests: blood culture in liver infusion tryptose medium, immunofluorescent antibody test and polymerase chain reaction. Fifty blood samples of dogs and cats from the Center for Zoonosis Control in Campo Grande, an area endemic for canine visceral leishmaniasis, were collected randomly, as well as canine and feline blood samples from the Municipal Kennel and Animal Protection Association in Botucatu, currently considered a transmission-free, non-endemic area.

Avaliação da reatividade cruzada entre antígenos de Leishmania spp e Trypanosoma cruzi na resposta sorológica de cães pela técnica de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) / Cross reaction evaluation of Leishmania spp and Trypanosoma cruzi antigens in dogs’ serologic response by indirect immunofluorescence test (IIF)

A leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma zoonose causada por protozoários do gênero Leishmania. O cão é o principal reservatório do parasito, especialmente em áreas urbanas. A Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) é comumente empregada para o diagnóstico da leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC), baseada na detecção de anticorpos contra o parasito. Entretanto, reações cruzadas com Trypanosoma cruzi podem ocorrer à sorologia. Com o objetivo de avaliar as reações cruzadas entre os antígenos de Leishmania spp. e de T.cruzi, foram colhidas 150 amostras de sangue de cães positivos para LVC em inquérito epidemiológico e os soros foram testados pela RIFI. Os cães foram submetidos à eutanásia no Centro de Controle de Zoonoses de Bauru (SP), área endêmica para LV. Outras 150 amostrasde sangue de cães foram colhidas em Botucatu (SP), área não endêmica para LV, e os soros foram também testados pela RIFI. Os soros de cães procedentes de Bauru resultaram positivos, tanto para Leishmania spp. quanto para T.cruzi, demonstrando uma grande incidência de reações cruzadas, reforçando a necessidade da confirmação diagnóstica por outras técnicas. As amostras de soros de cães procedentes de Botucatu (SP), pela técnica de RIFI, demonstraram baixa prevalência de resultados positivos para Leishmania spp. e para T.cruzi. Entretanto,apesar do reduzido número de resultados positivos à sorologia para ambos parasitos, a investigação sorológica e epidemiológica para LVe doença de Chagas em cães de Botucatu deve ser mantida, considerando a importância do cão como reservatório doméstico no contexto destas zoonoses.

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonosis caused by Leishmania spp. protozoa. Dog is the main parasite’s reservoir, especially in urban areas. Indirect Immunofluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) is commonly used for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) diagnosis, by detection of antibodies against the parasite. However, Trypanosoma cruzi (T.cruzi) cross reactions can occur in serological diagnosis. In order to evaluate the occurrence of cross reactions between antigens of Leishmania spp. and T.cruzi, 150 blood samples of CVL epidemiological inquiry positive dogs were collected and sera were tested by IFAT. Dogs were culled at Zoonosis Control Center of Bauru (SP), an endemic area for VL. Another 150 dogs’ blood samples were collected in Botucatu (SP), a non endemic area for LV, and será were also tested by IFAT. Serum samples of dogs from Bauru were positive, both for Leishmania spp. and for T. cruzi, showing high cross-reactions incidence, reinforcing the need of diagnosis confirmation by other tests. Serum samples of dogs from Botucatu demonstrated low prevalence of positive results by IFAT, both for Leishmania spp. and T.cruzi. However, despite the low number of positive serological results for these parasites, the epidemiological and serological investigation for LV and Chagas disease in dogs from Botucatu must be kept, considering the importance of dog as domestic reservoir for both parasites.

Estudo da microbiota aeróbica e prevalência de Yersinia enterocolitica em casos de mastite bovina / Study of aerobic microbiota and prevalence of the Yersinia enterocolitica in mastitis bovine

Um dos problemas que involve a pecuária leiteira é a alta prevalência de mastites, ocasionadas por diferentes microrganismos, que fazem parte da microbiota externa do teto ou por aqueles presentes no meio ambiente. Trata-se de sério problema de saúde pública, na medida que muitos dos agentes envolvidos em sua gênese, podem levar a quadros de infecçäo ou de toxinfecçöes de origem alimentar, seja por açäo direta ou de suas toxinas. Coletaram-se 302 amostras de leite bovino, diretamente dos tetos, positivos ao teste do CMT, e pesquisou-se a prevalência da flora microbiana aeróbica neste alimento, pela semeadura em meios de Agar sangue bovino a 10 por cento e Agar Mac Conkey, com incubaçäo por 96 horas a 37§C, bem como a realizaçäo do antibiograma dos microrganismos isolados. Obtiveram-se 93 (30,8 por cento) amostras negativas e 209 (69,2 por cento) amostras positivas, seja em cultura pura ou em associaçäo. Os agentes isolados foram Corynebacterium bovis (40,1 por cento), Staphylococcus aureus (16,9 por cento), Staphylococcus epidermis (15,7 por cento), Streptococcus dysgalactiae (9,1 por cento), Streptococcus agalactiae (5,5 por cento), Actinomyces pyogenes (3,1 por cento), Micrococcus spp (2,4 por cento), Enterococcus faecalis (1,6 por cento), Staphylococcus hyicus, Staphylococcus intermedius, Bacillus spp e Morganella morganii (0,8 por cento), Escherichia coli, Serratia marscescens, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Prototheca spp (0,4 por cento). As drogas de melhor açäo para os agentes testados foram cloranfenicol, oxacilina e cefalexina. Pesquisou-se também a prevalência de Yersinia enterocolitica em todas as amostras, devido a sua importância como agente zoonótico e capacidade de sobrevivência em temperaturas de refrigeraçäo. Foram empregados como meios de enriquecimento a Salina Tampäo Fosfato pH 7,6 e o Cold Mannitol Broth, pH 7,5 utilizando-se a diluiçäo de 1:10 do leite para cada meio de enriquecimento, os quais foram mantidos a 4§C e repicados no 7§, 14§ e 21§ dias nos meios Desoxicolato citrato, Salmonella Shigella e Agar Mac Conkey, incubados a 25§C, por 72 horas. Previamente à incubaçäo dos tubos, realizou-se a descontaminaçäo das amostras, com potassa (KOH 0,5 por cento + NaCL 0,5 por cento). As 302 amostras de leite examinadas para pesquisa de bactérias do gênero Yersinia, vislumbrando o isolamento de Yersinia enterocolitica, lograram-se negativas.