Mycobacterium bovis identification by a molecular method from post-mortem inspected cattle obtained in abattoirs of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

The presence of Mycobacterium bovis in bovine carcasses with lesions suggestive of tuberculosis was evaluated. Seventy-two carcass samples were selected during slaughter inspection procedures in abattoirs in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Seventeen (23.6 percent) of samples showed colonies suggestive of mycobacteria that were confirmed to be acid-fast bacilli by Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers specific for M. bovis identified M. bovis in 13 (76.5 percent) isolates. The PCR-restriction enzyme pattern analysis using gene encoding for the 65-kDa protein and two restriction enzymes identified the remaining four isolates that were represented by two M. tuberculosis complex and two nontuberculous mycobacteria. The results are indicative of infection of slaughter cattle by M. bovis and other mycobacteria in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.

Anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii em estudantes de Medicina Veterinária de Campo Grande, MS, Brasil / Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in veterinary medicine students of Campo Grande, MS, Brazil

Amostras de soro obtidas de estudantes do curso de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade para o desenvolvimento do Estado e da Regiäo do Pantanal, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil, foram examinadas para a presença de anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii. Dos 145 soros testados, 44 (30,34 por cento) foram positivos na hemaglutinaçäo, com título igual ou superior a 1:16. Näo foram observadas associaçöes entre as características epidemiológicas examinadas tais como hábitos alimentares (ingestäo de carne bovina crua ou malpassada, vegetais crus/näo lavados, produtos lácteos näo pasteurizados) ou contato constante com cäes e a presença de anticorpos contra T. gondii, exceto pelo percentual significativamente maior de estudantes soropositivos que relataram ter contato freqüente com gatos (P=0,03).