Campylobacter fetus in abomasal fluid from spontaneously aborted bovine and ovine fetuses

Pregnancy losses are a major concern in livestock industry due to their economic impact on producers. Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus (Cff) and C. fetus subspecies venerealis (Cfv) are directly related to reproductive failures in ruminants. Cff colonizes the gastrointestinal tract of a wide range of hosts leading to abortion, while Cfv is restricted to genital tract being generally associated to infertility in bovine. Considering the great economic losses related to campylobacteriosis in cattle and ovine herds, this study aims to investigate the occurrence of C. fetus, considering Cff and Cfv subspecies, in bovine and ovine spontaneously aborted fetuses in state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. In this study, samples of abomasal fluid collected from 30 spontaneously aborted bovine (n = 18) and ovine (n = 12) fetuses were investigated for the detection of Campylobacter fetus throughout conventional PCR. Positive fetuses for C. fetus presence were further analyzed by molecular assays for Cff and Cfv detection, in order to determine subspecies identification. When available, samples of the main organs of the thoracic and abdominal cavities, as well as the brain, skeletal muscle, eyelid, skin, and placenta were collected for further histopathological analyses and bacterial culture, aiming to assess the presence of infection lesions and pathogens in those sites, respectively. Additionally, RT-qPCR assays were also performed for the detection of ruminant pestivirus, in order to detect bovine viral diarrhea cases. Throughout the present methodology, C. fetus was detected in the abomasal fluid samples of 2 bovine fetuses, being both identified as Cfv subspecies by PCR. Histopathological analyses demonstrated that macroscopic and microscopic changes found in the Cfv-positive animals were not either specific or directly related to Campylobacter infections. Moreover, no significant bacterial growth was observed in microbiological culture from the collected tissues, and both fetuses were negative for ruminant pestivirus. Differently, there was no detection of C. fetus in any of the analyzed ovine fetuses. Considering that abortion diagnosis rates reported in cattle and sheep industry are highly variable among the published studies, and that abortion diagnoses are commonly inconclusive due to difficulties in sampling methodology and inadequate identification of the pathogen involved, it is important to investigate the etiological causes of abortion the herds for better understanding the causes of pregnancy issues and monitoring their occurrence. In addition, the absence of pathognomonic lesions in the tissues investigated in the histopathological analyses observed in this study strongly suggests that well-known etiological agents commonly associated to abortion, such as Leptospira spp., Toxoplasma spp., Chlamydia spp. and Neospora caninum, are unlikely to be the cause of infection of the analyzed fetuses. Taking this into account, the presence of C. fetus in the abomasal fluid samples from two bovine fetuses demonstrated in the present study suggests the possible association of Cfv not only with infertility, but also with cases of bovine abortion, highlighting the importance of investigating unusual causal agents of abortions in sheep and cattle. Overall, an adequate diagnosis is essential for establishing better prevention strategies to avoid the circulation of abortion-related infectious agents in the herds.(AU)

Immunogenicity in sheep of Uruguayan commercial vaccines against bovine alphaherpesvirus 1, 5 and bovine pestiviruses / Imunogenicidade em ovelhas de vacinas comerciais Uruguaias para alfaherpesvírus bovino 1, 5 e pestivírus de bovinos

ABSTRACT: The serological responses induced by four commercial inactivated Uruguayan vaccines against bovine alphaherpesviruses (BoHV)-1 and -5 and bovine pestiviruses (BVDV-1, BVDV-2, and HoBiPeV) were evaluated in sheep. Thirty-seven sheep were immunized twice (day 0 and 25) and their serum samples were tested at different intervals (days 0, 25, 40, 60, and 90) post-vaccination (PV). Among the four vaccines tested, only one (G4) could induce the production of moderate neutralizing antibody titers against BoHV-1 and -5 and BVDV-1 and -2. The G3 vaccine showed a neutralizing serological response against the bovine alphaherpesviruses only. The G1 and G2 vaccines produced extremely low levels of antibodies in a few vaccinated animals only (geometric mean titers (GMT) 2.2). Similar levels of immunological responses were induced by the G4 vaccine against BoHV-1 and -5, and titers of neutralizing antibodies induced in approximately 70% of the animals are known to confer protection (GMT > 8). For bovine pestiviruses, the vaccine stimulated response of G4 against BVDV-2 was higher compared to that against BVDV-1, and extremely low for HoBiPeV. The peak of neutralizing antibodies to BoHV-1 and BVDV-1 was observed on days 40 and 60 PV, respectively. Thereafter, a remarkably decrease in neutralizing antibody response was observed at day 90 PV. These results demonstrated that tested commercial Uruguayan vaccines did not induce a serological response of adequate magnitude and duration. Thus, it is important to periodically review formulations and compositions of commercial vaccines against bovine alphaherpesviruses and pestiviruses.

RESUMO: A resposta sorológica induzida por quatro vacinas comerciais uruguaias inativadas contra os alfaherpesvírus bovinos (BoHV-1 e -5) e pestivírus de bovinos (BVDV-1, BVDV-2 e HoBiPeV) foi avaliada em ovinos. Os animais foram imunizados duas vezes (dia 0 e dia 25) e o soro testado em diferentes intervalos (dias 0, 25, 40, 60 e 90) após a vacinação (PV). Dentre as quatro vacinas testadas, apenas uma (G4) apresentou títulos de anticorpos neutralizantes moderados para os BoHV-1 e -5, BVDV-1 e 2. A vacina G3 apresentou resposta somente para alfaherpesvírus bovinos. As vacinas G1 e G2 estimularam resposta somente em alguns animais vacinados. Para a vacina G4, observou-se que a resposta imunológica frente ao BoHV-1 e 5 foi semelhante e pelo menos 70% dos animais apresentaram níveis protetivos de anticorpos neutralizantes. Para os pestivírus bovinos, a vacina G4 estimulou resposta para o BVDV-2 mais elevada quando comparada com o BVDV-1, e quase que indetectável para HoBiPeV. O pico de anticorpos neutralizantes para o BoHV-1 foi observado no dia 40 PV e no dia 60 PV para o BVDV-1. Após isso, observou-se um decréscimo considerável na resposta de anticorpos neutralizantes. Os resultados demonstraram que vacinas comerciais uruguaias testadas não induziram resposta sorológica de magnitude e duração adequadas. Assim, ressalva-se a importância de rever periodicamente a formulação e composição das vacinas comerciais para alfaherpesvírus e pestivírus bovinos.

Evidence of persistent Müllerian duct syndrome in a Yorkshire terrier / Evidencias de síndrome de persistencia del conducto Mülleriano en un Yorkshire terrier / Evidências de sindrome do ducto Mülleriano persistente em um Yorkshire terrier

Abstract Anamnesis: A one-year-old female Yorkshire terrier, weighing 2.2 kg, was referred for evaluation of an abnormal structure in the inguinal region. Clinical and laboratory findings: Upon examination, the structure -similar to a penis- was found protruding from the preputial orifice. Physical, laboratory, ultrasound, and radiographic examinations were performed. The initial suspicion was a case of sexual development disorder, so the dog was referred for exploratory laparotomy and karyotyping. Treatment approach: During the surgical procedure, two macroscopically similar structures were found at the caudal pole of the left and right kidneys. These tissues were attached to two structures similar to the uterine horns, caudally fused to a body in the pelvic cavity. All the tissue was removed and submitted for histopathological examination, revealing the presence of typical seminiferous tubules (testis) and proliferative endometrial glands (uterine tubes). Subsequently, a surgical correction procedure was performed to cover the penile tissue and avoid damage by exposure and contact. Conclusion: This case reports unique information on diagnosis and therapeutic approach in a Yorkshire terrier with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS). Because they are unusual, sexual development disorders are challenging in terms of diagnostic and therapy, making this report a valuable tool for veterinarians.

Resumen Anamnesis: Una hembra Yorkshire terrier de un año de edad y 2,2 kg de peso fue remitida para evaluación de una estructura anormal en la región inguinal. Hallazgos clínicos y de laboratorio: Tras el examen, se encontró una estructura similar a un pene sobresaliendo del orificio prepucial. Se realizó examen clínico, paraclínico, ecografía y radiografía abdominal. El diagnóstico presuntivo inicial fue trastorno del desarrollo sexual, por lo que la perra fue remitida para laparotomía exploratoria y cariotipaje. Abordaje terapéutico: Durante el procedimiento quirúrgico se encontraron dos estructuras macroscópicas similares en la región caudal de ambos riñones. Estos tejidos se unían a dos estructuras similares a los cuernos uterinos, caudalmente fusionados a un cuerpo en la cavidad pélvica. Se retiró todo el tejido y se envió para examen histopatológico, revelando la presencia de túbulos seminíferos típicos (testículos) y glándulas endometriales proliferativas (tubos uterinos). Posteriormente se realizó un procedimiento quirúrgico de corrección para cubrir el tejido peneano y evitar daños por exposición y contacto. Conclusión: Este informe aporta información única sobre el diagnóstico y el enfoque terapéutico en un Yorkshire terrier con síndrome de persistencia del conducto Mülleriano (PMDS). Dado que los trastornos del desarrollo sexual son inusuales y plantean un desafío diagnóstico y terapéutico, este reporte puede representar una valiosa herramienta para los veterinarios.

Resumo Anamnese: Uma fêmea Yorkshire terrier de 1 ano de idade, com 2,2 kg de peso e uma estrutura anormal na região inguinal, similar ao orifício prepucial. Achados clínicos e laboratoriais: Após o exame, uma estrutura semelhante a um pênis foi encontrada saindo do orifício prepucial. Foram realizados exames físicos, laboratoriais, ecográficos e radiográficos. A suspeita inicial seria um caso de desordem do desenvolvimento sexual, pelo que a cadela foi encaminhada para laparotomia exploratória e cariotipagem. Abordagem terapêutica: Durante o procedimento cirúrgico macroscopicamente duas estruturas semelhantes foram encontradas: uma na região caudal do rim direito e outro na região caudal do rim esquerdo. Estes tecidos encontravam-se ligados a duas estruturas semelhantes aos cornos uterinos, caudalmente fusionados a um corpo na cavidade pélvica. Todo o tecido foi removido e enviado para exame histopatológico e revelou a presença de túbulos seminíferos típicos (testículos) e glândulas endometriais proliferativas (tubas uterinas). Subsequentemente, foi realizado procedimento cirúrgico de correção para cobrir o tecido peniano e evitar danos por exposição e contato. Conclusão: Este relatório aporta informações únicas sobre diagnóstico e abordagem terapêutica em um Yorkshire terrier com síndrome de persistência do ducto de Müller (PMDS). Distúrbios do desenvolvimento sexual são anomalias incomuns que representam um desafio diagnóstico e terapêutico considerando este relato uma ferramenta valiosa para os veterinários.

Impacto econômico da retenção de placenta em vacas leiteiras / Economic impact of retained placenta in dairy cows

Aproximadamente 75% das doenças em vacas leiteiras acontecem no primeiro mês após o parto e esses problemas têm sua origem associada ao sistema imune e ao consumo de alimentos duas a três semanas antes do parto. Doenças relacionadas ao trato reprodutivo como, por exemplo, retenção de placenta pode afetar a eficiência reprodutiva assim como a produção de leite. Os efeitos das doenças nos processos fisiológicos dos animais se transformam em impactos econômicos passíveis de serem mensurados. Objetivou-se avaliar o impacto econômico da retenção de placenta em um rebanho composto de 900 vacas em lactação. O diagnóstico de retenção de placenta foi definido como presença da placenta 24 horas após o parto. Foi utilizado um banco de dados no estudo, do qual foram extraídas as seguintes informações: ano de parição, época de parição, ordem de lactação, presença da placenta 24 horas após o parto, e número de doses de sêmen por gestação. Para cálculo do impacto econômico foram considerados os custos diretos (tratamento, mão de obra, redução da produção de leite e descarte de leite durante o período de tratamento) e indiretos (aumento do período de serviço, aumento do número de doses de sêmen e aumento do risco de descarte). Os valores médios relacionados aos custos foram obtidos junto ao veterinário responsável pela propriedade com referência ao ano de 2009 para que os cálculos fossem realizados. O custo total por ocorrência de retenção de placenta em vacas primíparas no período de chuva e seca foi de US$51,8 e em vacas multíparas foi de US$70,6 e US$87,9 nas épocas de seca e de chuvas, respectivamente. A retenção de placenta apresentou custo para a propriedade no período avaliado de US$8.878,0 ou 19.666 litros de leite. A retenção de placenta apresentou impacto econômico importante na propriedade leiteira nas condições avaliadas.(AU)

Approximately 75% of diseases in dairy cows occur in the first month after parturition and these problems have their origin associated with the immune system and food consumption two to three weeks before parturition. Diseases related to the reproductive tract, such as retained placenta, can affect reproductive efficiency as well as milk production. The effects of diseases on the physiological processes of animals become economic impacts that can be measured. The objective of this study was to evaluate the economic impact of retained placenta on a herd of 900 lactating cows. The diagnosis of placental retention was defined as presence of the placenta 24 hours postpartum. A database was used in the study, from which the following information was extracted: placenta presence 24 hours after calving, year of calving, calving season, and number of semen doses per gestation. In order to calculate the economic impact, the direct costs (treatment, labor, reduction of milk production and milk discharge during the treatment period) and indirect costs (increase in the service period, increase in the number of semen doses and increase of the risk of disposal). The average values related to the costs were obtained from the veterinarian responsible for the property with reference to the year 2009 for the calculations to be carried out. The total cost per occurrence of placenta retention in primiparous cows in the rainy and dry season was US$51.8 and in multiparous cows was US$70.6 and US$87.9 in times of drought and rain, respectively. Retention of placenta presented a cost for the property in the evaluated period of US$8,878.0 or 19,666 liters of milk. Retention of placenta presented a significant economic impact on milk production under the conditions evaluated.(AU)

Herpesvirus bovino 4 (BoHV-4): aspectos generales de su biología y situación en la República Argentina / Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4): general aspects of the biology and status in Argentina

El herpesvirus bovino 4 [Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4)] ha sido aislado de bovinos con infecciones respiratorias, vulvovaginitis, mastitis, abortos, endometritis y de animales aparentemente sanos en diferentes partes del mundo. Si bien no se ha reconocido como agente causal de una entidad patológica en particular, se asocia principalmente con infecciones del tracto reproductivo de los bovinos. Este virus puede infectar un amplio rango de especies tanto in vivo como in vitro. Los primeros aislamientos dieron origen a dos grupos de cepas prototipo: el grupo americano tipo DN599 y el grupo europeo tipo Movar. En Argentina, el BoHV-4 fue aislado y caracterizado en el año 2007; este aislamiento se obtuvo de muestras de mucus cérvico-vaginal de vacas que abortaron. Hasta el momento se han registrado más de 40 aislamientos, provenientes principalmente de hembras bovinas que han abortado

Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) has been isolated from cattle with respiratory infections, vulvovaginitis, mastitis, abortions, endometritis and from apparently healthy animals throughout the world. Although it has not yet been established as causal agent of a specific disease entity, it is primarily associated with reproductive disorders of cattle. This virus can infect a wide range of species, either in vivo or in vitro. Two groups of prototype strains were originated from the first isolates: the DN599-type strains (American group) and the Movar-type strains (European group). In Argentina, BoHV-4 was isolated and characterized in 2007 from vaginal discharge samples taken from cows that had aborted. So far, more than 40 isolates, mainly associated with aborting bovine females have been registered in our country

Ocorrência de Mollicutes e Ureaplasma spp. em surto de doença reprodutiva em rebanho bovino no Estado da Paraíba / Occurrence of Mollicutes and Ureaplasma spp. in outbreak of reproductive disease in cattle herds, State of Paraíba, Brazil

Em março de 2012 foi diagnosticado um surto de doença reprodutiva em rebanho bovino no Estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Foram examinadas 32 vacas e dois touros da raça Girolando. As vacas apresentaram sinais de doença reprodutiva como repetição de cio, vulvovaginite granular, infertilidade e abortos. As amostras de suabes vaginais e prepuciais foram colhidas e submetidas a isolamento bacteriano e PCR. As reações da PCR para Mollicutes e Ureaplasma spp. foram realizadas com os iniciadores MGSO-GPO3 e UGP'F-UGP'R, respectivamente. Na Nested PCR para Ureaplasma diversum, os iniciadores usados foram UD1, UD2, UD3 e UD4. Para isolamento bacteriano, as amostras foram diluídas de 10-1 até 10-5, semeadas em meio "UB", líquido e placa, sendo incubadas por até 21 dias a 37ºC em jarra de microaerofilia. A frequência de Mollicutes detectada na PCR foi de 65,6% e para Ureaplasma spp. foi de 50,0%, enquanto que para U. diversum foi de 15,6%. No isolamento a frequência de Mollicutes foi de 57,1% e para Ureaplasma spp. foi de 28,6%. No ágar "UB" foi visualizado o crescimento misto de Mycoplasma spp. e Ureaplasma spp. em seis amostras. Foi confirmado o envolvimento de micro-organismos da Classe Mollicutes em surto de doença reprodutiva em vacas no sertão paraibano.

In March of 2012 was investigated a reproductive disease outbreak in cattle herds from Paraíba State, Brazil. Were examined 32 cows and two bulls Giroland breed. The cows showed signs and symptoms of reproductive failure such as repeat breeding, granular vulvovaginitis, infertility and abortions. Vaginal and preputial mucous samples were collected for analysis by PCR and isolation. The PCR reactions for Mollicutes and Ureaplasma spp. were realized with primers MGSO and GPO3, and UGP'F and UGP'R respectively. The nested PCR assay for Ureaplasma diversum was realized with primers UD1, UD2, UD3 and UD4. For bacteriologic isolation, obtained samples were diluted up to 10-1 at 10-5, inoculated into liquid and solid "UB" medium, and incubated for up to 21 days, at 37ºC in microaerophilie jar. In the PCR reactions the frequency of Mollicutes detected in the analyzed vaginal mucous samples was 65.6, for Ureaplasma spp. was 50.0, while for U. diversum was 15.6. The frequency for isolation of Mollicutes was of 57.1 and for Ureaplasma spp. was of 28.6. In the UB agar was visualized growth of Mycoplasma spp. and Ureaplasma spp., associated in six of the samples. In the cows the presence of Mollicutes and Ureaplasma spp. was confirmed for the reproductive disease outbreak in the semiarid region of Paraiba.