Opportunistic pneumonia caused by E. cuniculi in mice immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide.

Opportunistic fungal pneumonia is a cause of concern in immunocompromised patients due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. One such opportunistic agent affecting immunocompromised patients is the microsporidia called Encephalitozoon cuniculi. This study aimed to evaluate pneumonia caused by E. cuniculi in mice treated with the immunosuppressive agent cyclophosphamide (Cy). This study also aimed to describe the immune cells associated with the microsporidial pneumonia. C57BL/6 mice were infected intravenously with E. cuniculi spores and treated with Cy (75 mg/kg/week, intraperitoneally). Thirty days post-infection, the fungal burden (qPCR), histopathological lesions, cytokine production, and the phenotype of the immune cells in the lung parenchyma were evaluated. Histologically, interstitial pneumonia with lymphocytic infiltrate was observed in the infected animals. The infiltrate mainly consisted of CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes, with reduced populations of B lymphocytes and macrophages. The production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was significant in the animals of the infected groups. Also, the fungal burden was higher in the Cy-treated animals, which was confirmed by the immunohistochemical observation of spores. These results demonstrated that E. cuniculi infection of C57BL/6 mice caused lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (characterized by a predominant lymphocytic infiltrate), which was aggravated by Cy-induced immunosuppression. Thus, these results can be used to understand the different pathological, immunological, and therapeutic aspects of lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia.

Alterações hematológicas em cadelas portadoras de tumores de mama

In this study we describe the occurrence of hematological disorders in bitches with mammary neoplasm and analyze the possibility that alterations present can be used as a diagnostic parameter and prognosis. Two hundred and forty-six dogs with mammary neoplasms (123 with malignant and 123 with benign mammary tumor) and the same number of female dogs without mammary tumors were investigated for observation of hematologic abnormalities. The full blood test and measurement of proteins was carried out before any treatment for breast tumor. The diagnosis of mammary neoplasm was done by histopathology. Few animals with benign tumors had hematological disorders, but in malignant neoplasm the prevalence was 55%, and thrombocytosis, hyperproteinemia (hypergammaglobulinemia) and leucopenia (neutropenia) were the most prevalent abnormalities. Anemia and erythrocytosis had equilibrated occurrence (22 and 21%, respectively). Leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia were less hematologic changes observed. We concluded that because of the high prevalence of thrombocytosis, leukopenia and hyperproteinemia (hypergammaglobulinemia) in bitches bearing mammary tumors, the hematological abnormalities may be signaling of malignant neoplasm.

Alterações hematológicas em cadelas portadoras de tumores de mama

In this study we describe the occurrence of hematological disorders in bitches with mammary neoplasm and analyze the possibility that alterations present can be used as a diagnostic parameter and prognosis. Two hundred and forty-six dogs with mammary neoplasms (123 with malignant and 123 with benign mammary tumor) and the same number of female dogs without mammary tumors were investigated for observation of hematologic abnormalities. The full blood test and measurement of proteins was carried out before any treatment for breast tumor. The diagnosis of mammary neoplasm was done by histopathology. Few animals with benign tumors had hematological disorders, but in malignant neoplasm the prevalence was 55%, and thrombocytosis, hyperproteinemia (hypergammaglobulinemia) and leucopenia (neutropenia) were the most prevalent abnormalities. Anemia and erythrocytosis had equilibrated occurrence (22 and 21%, respectively). Leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia were less hematologic changes observed. We concluded that because of the high prevalence of thrombocytosis, leukopenia and hyperproteinemia (hypergammaglobulinemia) in bitches bearing mammary tumors, the hematological abnormalities may be signaling of malignant neoplasm. 

Ectocommensal and ectoparasites in goldfish Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758) in farmed in the State of São Paulo

Concomitant infections by several parasitic genera are rare, very debilitating and often lethal to fish reared under commercial breeding conditions. Were describe a multiple and concurrent parasite infestation in cultured goldfish Carassius auratus with skin damage (nodules and/or ulceration). Fish with skin lesions underwent necropsy, and the skin and gills were scraped and examined. Histopathological examination with Hematoxylin-Eosin and Giemsa stain, and an ultrastructure study using transmission and scanning electron microscopy were conducted. In the skin, we identified multiple-parasite infestations by Gyrodactylidae, Epistylis sp., Trichodina sp., Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Tetrahymena sp. and Ichthyobodo necator,associated with epithelial cell hyperplasia and epidermal sloughing. Although no gross lesions were observed, were identified a large number of parasites in the gills (Epistylis sp., Piscinoodinium sp., Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Trichodina sp., Apiosoma sp., Hexamitasp. and cysts of a trematode digenean). The observed trematodes were not identified. The associated microscopic lesions were epithelial hypertrophic and hyperplasic and exhibited fusion of secondary lamellae and epithelial cell detachment. This is the first description of a protozoan Vorticella sp. parasitizing goldfish in Brazil. Multiple ectoparasitism by protozoa and Platyhelminthes, with or without apparent tissue damage, can be fatal for goldfish raised on farms with poor management.

A infestação concomitante por vários gêneros de parasitas é uma condição rara, debilitante e letal para os peixes e está geralmente associada aos problemas ambientais e de manejo. Com o objetivo de descrever os ectoparasitos presentes em kinguios Carassius auratus com lesões cutâneas, cultivados em fazenda comercial, foram analisados 30 exemplares de peixes por esfregaços de pele lesionada e de brânquias; exame histopatológico de tecidos corados pela técnica de Hematoxilina-Eosina e Giemsa e estudo ultraestrutural por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão e varredura de tecidos coletados após necropsia. Nas lesões cutâneas, foram observados os parasitos: Gyrodactylidae, Epistylis sp., Trichodina sp., Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Tetrahymena sp. e Ichthyobodo necator, associados à hiperplasia epitelial, descamação epidérmica e presença de infiltrado inflamatório. A infestação das brânquias, mesmo sem lesão macroscópica, evidenciou Epistylissp., Piscinoodinium sp., I. multifiliis, Trichodina sp., Apiosoma sp., Hexamita sp. e cistos de trematódeo associados à hipertrofia e hiperplasia epitelial, fusão de lamelas secundárias, descamação epitelial e presença de infiltrado inflamatório. Os trematódeos observados não foram identificados. É a primeira descrição do protozoário Vorticella sp. parasitando kinguios no Brasil. O ectoparasitismo múltiplo por protozoários e platelmintos, com ou sem lesão aparente, pode ser fatal em peixes cultivados em condições ambientais precárias.

Public survey of knowledge concerning canine distemper and protective measures

To help understand why there is a prevalence of canine distemper in Brazil, we interviewed 404 owners of dogs that were in clinics or veterinary hospitals about distemper. Our results showed that 80.4% of respondents knew about distemper and 67.6% knew that it is a severe and fatal disease. Approximately 50.9% knew that distemper can be prevented by the use of the vaccine, but 60.9% did not know about distemper vaccines. Our results show that the lack of knowledge and, consequently, the lack of vaccination against distemper may be the most important factors in the endemic presence of distemper in Brazil.

Public survey of knowledge concerning canine distemper and protective measures

To help understand why there is a prevalence of canine distemper in Brazil, we interviewed 404 owners of dogs that were in clinics or veterinary hospitals about distemper. Our results showed that 80.4% of respondents knew about distemper and 67.6% knew that it is a severe and fatal disease. Approximately 50.9% knew that distemper can be prevented by the use of the vaccine, but 60.9% did not know about distemper vaccines. Our results show that the lack of knowledge and, consequently, the lack of vaccination against distemper may be the most important factors in the endemic presence of distemper in Brazil. 

Encephalitozoonosis in pharmacologically immunosuppressed mice.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a parasite that has been identified as a cause of opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals. This study was performed to evaluate E. cuniculi infection in pharmacologically immunosuppressed mice. Mice were immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide (100mg/kg twice a week, IP) or cyclosporin (10mg/kg daily, IP) and inoculated with 10(7)E. cuniculi spores IP. The E. cuniculi spores were cultivated in MDCK cells. E. cuniculi identification was performed by light microscopy studies using Gram-Chromotrope, Hematoxylin-Eosin and Toluidine blue-fuchsin staining techniques, as well as by PCR at 15, 30 and 45 days post-inoculation (DPI). Cyclophosphamide-immunosuppressed mice have greatly reduced amounts of CD8(+), CD4(+) and CD3(+) T cells and CD19(+) B cells. The cells from these mice were analyzed by FACS and showed acute disseminated and fatal encephalitozoonosis. Mice treated with ciclosporin, which is both antiparasitic and immunosuppressive, have a milder, chronic, non-lethal infection and showed a significant reduction only in CD3(+) and CD4(+) T cell numbers. Our results support the role of CD8(+) T cells in controlling infection by E. cuniculi and show that preventive measures are essential for preventing this zoonosis in individuals undergoing chemotherapy for cancer or other immunosuppressive therapies.

Prevalência de Cryptosporidium serpentis em serpentes de cativeiro

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan found in a wide variety of animal species which is responsible for gastritis and enteritis, but its epidemiology is poorly known in wild animals. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium serpentis in gastric aspirate of captive snakes from the public serpentarium of the Butantan Institute (São Paulo, Brazil). Sampling was performed preferably one week after feeding, thereby preventing regurgitation due to manipulation. Smears were done from the gastric aspirate sediment obtained by centrifugation and stained by Kinyoun technique. Part of the pellet was submitted to RFLP-PCR technique for amplification of Cryptosporidium segment (833bp, CSP01) of SSU rRNA gene. The serpentarium was divided in three sections by species - the first housing eight Amaral´s Boa (Boa constrictor amarali), the second with ten jararacas (Bothropoides jararaca) and the last one with seven south american rattlesnakes (Caudisona durissa). The prevalence of C. serpentis found in this study for the snakes C. durissa, B. jararaca and B. constrictor was 57.14% (04/07), 40% (04/10) and 37.5% (03/08), respectively, thus revealing the high occurrence of this protozoan among captive snakes. Despite the high prevalence found, only B. constrictor amarali presented symptoms as regurgitation and weight loss, probably due to a different sensibility of this species to C. serpentis.

Cryptosporidium é um protozoário encontrado em uma grande variedade de espécies animais como responsável por casos de gastrite e enterite, porém com epidemiologia pouco conhecida em animais silvestres. A presente investigação teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de Cryptosporidium serpentis em lavado gástrico de serpentes mantidas em cativeiro no serpentário do Instituto Butantan (São Paulo, Brasil). A coleta foi realizada uma semana após alimentação, evitando, assim, a regurgitação devido à manipulação. Foram realizados esfregaços do sedimento do lavado gástrico, obtido por centrifugação, corados pela técnica de coloração de Kinyoun. Parte do sedimento foi submetido à técnica de RFLP-PCR para identificação da espécie de Cryptosporidium. O serpentário é dividido em três seções, por espécie - a primeira com oito jibóias (Boa constrictor amarali), a segunda com dez jararacas (Bothropoides jararaca) e a última com sete cascavéis (Caudisona durissa). A prevalência de C. serpentis encontrada neste estudo para as serpentes C. durissa, B. jararaca e Boa c. amarali, foi de 57,14% (04/07), 40% (04/10) e 37,5% (03/08), respectivamente, revelando importante ocorrência desse protozoário em serpentes de cativeiro. Apesar da alta prevalência encontrada, apenas as jiboias apresentaram sintomas como perda de peso e regurgitação, refletindo uma sensibilidade diferente da espécie para C. serpentis.

Prevalência de Cryptosporidium serpentis em serpentes de cativeiro

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan found in a wide variety of animal species which is responsible for gastritis and enteritis, but its epidemiology is poorly known in wild animals. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium serpentis in gastric aspirate of captive snakes from the public serpentarium of the Butantan Institute (São Paulo, Brazil). Sampling was performed preferably one week after feeding, thereby preventing regurgitation due to manipulation. Smears were done from the gastric aspirate sediment obtained by centrifugation and stained by Kinyoun technique. Part of the pellet was submitted to RFLP-PCR technique for amplification of Cryptosporidium segment (833bp, CSP01) of SSU rRNA gene. The serpentarium was divided in three sections by species - the first housing eight Amaral´s Boa (Boa constrictor amarali), the second with ten jararacas (Bothropoides jararaca) and the last one with seven south american rattlesnakes (Caudisona durissa). The prevalence of C. serpentis found in this study for the snakes C. durissa, B. jararaca and B. constrictor was 57.14% (04/07), 40% (04/10) and 37.5% (03/08), respectively, thus revealing the high occurrence of this protozoan among captive snakes. Despite the high prevalence found, only B. constrictor amarali presented symptoms as regurgitation and weight loss, probably due to a different sensibility of this species to C. serpentis.

Cryptosporidium é um protozoário encontrado em uma grande variedade de espécies animais como responsável por casos de gastrite e enterite, porém com epidemiologia pouco conhecida em animais silvestres. A presente investigação teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de Cryptosporidium serpentis em lavado gástrico de serpentes mantidas em cativeiro no serpentário do Instituto Butantan (São Paulo, Brasil). A coleta foi realizada uma semana após alimentação, evitando, assim, a regurgitação devido à manipulação. Foram realizados esfregaços do sedimento do lavado gástrico, obtido por centrifugação, corados pela técnica de coloração de Kinyoun. Parte do sedimento foi submetido à técnica de RFLP-PCR para identificação da espécie de Cryptosporidium. O serpentário é dividido em três seções, por espécie - a primeira com oito jibóias (Boa constrictor amarali), a segunda com dez jararacas (Bothropoides jararaca) e a última com sete cascavéis (Caudisona durissa). A prevalência de C. serpentis encontrada neste estudo para as serpentes C. durissa, B. jararaca e Boa c. amarali, foi de 57,14% (04/07), 40% (04/10) e 37,5% (03/08), respectivamente, revelando importante ocorrência desse protozoário em serpentes de cativeiro. Apesar da alta prevalência encontrada, apenas as jiboias apresentaram sintomas como perda de peso e regurgitação, refletindo uma sensibilidade diferente da espécie para C. serpentis.

Técnicas de coloração para detecção de Encephalitozoon cuniculi em cortes histológicos

In this study, it was investigated different staining techniques applied to histological sections for identification of Encephalitozoon cuniculi. It was used liver fragments from Balb-c mice immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide and inoculated with spores of Encephalitozoon cuniculi. The histological paraffin embedded sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H-E), modified trichrome, Gram-Chromotrope, Giemsa, Brown-Hopps, PAS, Ziehl-Neelsen, and Grocott and also by the technique of calcofluor. Toluidine blue-fuchsin and toluidine blue stainings were used for the cuts embedded in plastic resin. Gram-Chromotrope, Brown-Hopps and Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques permitted the best visualization of the spores for the diagnosis of E. cuniculi in histological paraffin embedded sections, since they allowed the clear differentiation of the spores among other tissue structures. In tissues embedded in plastic resin, toluidine blue-fuchsin and toluidine blue stainings also facilitate the finding of the agent. On the other hand, the trichrome technique showed great variability on results, therefore, allowing the identification of the parasite in tissue. The other techniques, H-E, calcofluor, Grocott, Giemsa and PAS did not permited the easy identification of the E. cuniculi spores.

No presente trabalho, foram avaliadas diferentes técnicas de coloração aplicadas a cortes histológicos para a identificação de Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Foram utilizados fragmentos hepáticos de camundongos Balb-c, imunossuprimidos com ciclofosfamida e inoculados com esporos de Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Os cortes histológicos incluídos em parafina foram corados pelas técnicas de hematoxilina-eosina (H-E), tricrômica modificada, Gram-Chromotrope, Giemsa, Brown-Hopps, PAS, Ziehl-Neelsen e Grocott, e ainda pela técnica de calcoflúor. As colorações azul de toluidina-fucsina e azul de toluidina foram utilizadas para os cortes incluídos em resina plástica. As técnicas de Gram-Chromotrope, Brown-Hopps e Ziehl-Neelsen foram as que permitiram melhor visualização dos esporos para o diagnóstico de E. cuniculi em cortes histológicos incluídos em parafina, uma vez que possibilitaram a clara diferenciação dos esporos de outras estruturas teciduais. Nos tecidos incluídos em resina plástica, as colorações de azul de toluidina-fucsina e azul de toluidina também facilitaram o encontro do agente. Por outro lado, a técnica tricrômica apresentou grande variabilidade nos resultados, sendo, portanto, pouco indicada para o diagnóstico em tecido. As demais técnicas - H-E, calcoflúor, Grocott, Giemsa e PAS - não permitiram a fácil identificação do E. cuniculi.

Técnicas de coloração para detecção de Encephalitozoon cuniculi em cortes histológicos

In this study, it was investigated different staining techniques applied to histological sections for identification of Encephalitozoon cuniculi. It was used liver fragments from Balb-c mice immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide and inoculated with spores of Encephalitozoon cuniculi. The histological paraffin embedded sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H-E), modified trichrome, Gram-Chromotrope, Giemsa, Brown-Hopps, PAS, Ziehl-Neelsen, and Grocott and also by the technique of calcofluor. Toluidine blue-fuchsin and toluidine blue stainings were used for the cuts embedded in plastic resin. Gram-Chromotrope, Brown-Hopps and Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques permitted the best visualization of the spores for the diagnosis of E. cuniculi in histological paraffin embedded sections, since they allowed the clear differentiation of the spores among other tissue structures. In tissues embedded in plastic resin, toluidine blue-fuchsin and toluidine blue stainings also facilitate the finding of the agent. On the other hand, the trichrome technique showed great variability on results, therefore, allowing the identification of the parasite in tissue. The other techniques, H-E, calcofluor, Grocott, Giemsa and PAS did not permited the easy identification of the E. cuniculi spores.

No presente trabalho, foram avaliadas diferentes técnicas de coloração aplicadas a cortes histológicos para a identificação de Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Foram utilizados fragmentos hepáticos de camundongos Balb-c, imunossuprimidos com ciclofosfamida e inoculados com esporos de Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Os cortes histológicos incluídos em parafina foram corados pelas técnicas de hematoxilina-eosina (H-E), tricrômica modificada, Gram-Chromotrope, Giemsa, Brown-Hopps, PAS, Ziehl-Neelsen e Grocott, e ainda pela técnica de calcoflúor. As colorações azul de toluidina-fucsina e azul de toluidina foram utilizadas para os cortes incluídos em resina plástica. As técnicas de Gram-Chromotrope, Brown-Hopps e Ziehl-Neelsen foram as que permitiram melhor visualização dos esporos para o diagnóstico de E. cuniculi em cortes histológicos incluídos em parafina, uma vez que possibilitaram a clara diferenciação dos esporos de outras estruturas teciduais. Nos tecidos incluídos em resina plástica, as colorações de azul de toluidina-fucsina e azul de toluidina também facilitaram o encontro do agente. Por outro lado, a técnica tricrômica apresentou grande variabilidade nos resultados, sendo, portanto, pouco indicada para o diagnóstico em tecido. As demais técnicas - H-E, calcoflúor, Grocott, Giemsa e PAS - não permitiram a fácil identificação do E. cuniculi.

Técnicas de coloração para detecção de Encephalitozoon cuniculi em cortes histológicos

In this study, it was investigated different staining techniques applied to histological sections for identification of Encephalitozoon cuniculi. It was used liver fragments from Balb-c mice immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide and inoculated with spores of Encephalitozoon cuniculi. The histological paraffin embedded sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H-E), modified trichrome, Gram-Chromotrope, Giemsa, Brown-Hopps, PAS, Ziehl-Neelsen, and Grocott and also by the technique of calcofluor. Toluidine blue-fuchsin and toluidine blue stainings were used for the cuts embedded in plastic resin. Gram-Chromotrope, Brown-Hopps and Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques permitted the best visualization of the spores for the diagnosis of E. cuniculi in histological paraffin embedded sections, since they allowed the clear differentiation of the spores among other tissue structures. In tissues embedded in plastic resin, toluidine blue-fuchsin and toluidine blue stainings also facilitate the finding of the agent. On the other hand, the trichrome technique showed great variability on results, therefore, allowing the identification of the parasite in tissue. The other techniques, H-E, calcofluor, Grocott, Giemsa and PAS did not permited the easy identification of the E. cuniculi spores.

No presente trabalho, foram avaliadas diferentes técnicas de coloração aplicadas a cortes histológicos para a identificação de Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Foram utilizados fragmentos hepáticos de camundongos Balb-c, imunossuprimidos com ciclofosfamida e inoculados com esporos de Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Os cortes histológicos incluídos em parafina foram corados pelas técnicas de hematoxilina-eosina (H-E), tricrômica modificada, Gram-Chromotrope, Giemsa, Brown-Hopps, PAS, Ziehl-Neelsen e Grocott, e ainda pela técnica de calcoflúor. As colorações azul de toluidina-fucsina e azul de toluidina foram utilizadas para os cortes incluídos em resina plástica. As técnicas de Gram-Chromotrope, Brown-Hopps e Ziehl-Neelsen foram as que permitiram melhor visualização dos esporos para o diagnóstico de E. cuniculi em cortes histológicos incluídos em parafina, uma vez que possibilitaram a clara diferenciação dos esporos de outras estruturas teciduais. Nos tecidos incluídos em resina plástica, as colorações de azul de toluidina-fucsina e azul de toluidina também facilitaram o encontro do agente. Por outro lado, a técnica tricrômica apresentou grande variabilidade nos resultados, sendo, portanto, pouco indicada para o diagnóstico em tecido. As demais técnicas - H-E, calcoflúor, Grocott, Giemsa e PAS - não permitiram a fácil identificação do E. cuniculi.

Ocorrência de Giardia, Cryptosporidium e microsporídios em animais silvestres em área de desmatamento no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

The occurrence of Giardia, Cryptosporidium and microsporidia was investigated in 98 faecal specimens from wildlife animals, captured in an area of deforestation for the construction of two water reservoirs (Paraitinga and Biritiba), located in the municipalities of Mogi das Cruzes, Salesópolis and Biritiba-Mirim, in the state of São Paulo (Brazil). Samples were obtained from 46 rodents, 21 marsupials, 16 frogs, 9 bats, 3 tamarins and 3 lizards. For the detection of Giardia, Cryptosporidium and microsporidia it was used, respectively, the floatation technique with lead sulphate, the Kinyoun method and the Gram-Chromotrope staining. The total number of parasitized animals by one of these protozoans was 17.35% (17/98). Cysts of Giardia were found in faecal samples from 2 prehensile-tailed porcupines (Coendou villosus). The three positive animals for Cryptoporidium were rodents - 1 montane akodont (Akodon montensis), 1 ebony akodont (Thaptomyces nigrita) and 1 guainan squirrel (Sciurus aestuans). Microporidia spores were seen in the stools of 12 animals - 6 small rodents, including 3 montane akodonts, 1 prehensile-tailed porcupine and 2 pigmy rice rats (Oligoryzomys sp.); 3 marsupials, including 1 gray slender mouse opossum (Marmosops incanus) and 2 big eared opossums (Didelphis aurita); 3 hairy-legged vampire bats (Diphylla ecaudata). This is the first description of microsporidiosis in wildlife animals in Brazil. The present study emphasizes the importance of these animals, particularly small mammals, as potential sources of protozoan infection to other animal populations, including man, in areas of deforestation.

A ocorrência de Giardia, Cryptosporidium e microsporídios foi investigada por meio da análise de 98 amostras fecais de animais silvestres capturados em uma área de desmatamento para a construção das barragens de Paraitinga e Biritiba, localizadas nos Municípios de Mogi das Cruzes, Salesópolis e Biritiba-Mirim, no Estado de São Paulo. As amostras foram obtidas de 46 roedores, 21 marsupiais, 16 sapos, nove morcegos, três primatas e três lagartos. As técnicas de centrífugo-flutuação com sulfato de zinco, de Kinyoun e a coloração de Gram-Chromotrope foram utilizadas, respectivamente, para a pesquisa de Giardia, de Cryptosporidium e de microsporídios. O total de animais parasitados por um dos protozoários investigados foi de 17,35% (17/98). Cistos de Giardia foram encontrados em amostras fecais de dois pequenos roedores da espécie Coendou villosus (ouriço-cacheiro). Os três animais positivos para Cryptosporidium foram roedores das espécies Akodon montensis, Thaptomys nigrita (ambos conhecidos como ratos do mato) e Sciurus aestuans (serelepe ou caxinguelê). Esporos de microsporídios foram encontrados nas fezes de 12 animais, sendo seis roedores das espécies Oligoryzomys sp.(um), Akodon montensis (três) e Coendou villosus (dois), três marsupiais pertencentes às espécies Didelphis aurita (dois) e Marmosops incanus (um) e três morcegos da espécie Diphylla ecaudata. Este é o primeiro relato de microsporidiose em animais silvestres no Brasil. A presente investigação enfatiza a importância de animais silvestres, particularmente pequenos mamíferos, como potenciais fontes de infecção desses protozoários para outras populações animais, incluindo o homem, em áreas de desmatamento.

Ocorrência de Giardia, Cryptosporidium e microsporídios em animais silvestres em área de desmatamento no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

The occurrence of Giardia, Cryptosporidium and microsporidia was investigated in 98 faecal specimens from wildlife animals, captured in an area of deforestation for the construction of two water reservoirs (Paraitinga and Biritiba), located in the municipalities of Mogi das Cruzes, Salesópolis and Biritiba-Mirim, in the state of São Paulo (Brazil). Samples were obtained from 46 rodents, 21 marsupials, 16 frogs, 9 bats, 3 tamarins and 3 lizards. For the detection of Giardia, Cryptosporidium and microsporidia it was used, respectively, the floatation technique with lead sulphate, the Kinyoun method and the Gram-Chromotrope staining. The total number of parasitized animals by one of these protozoans was 17.35% (17/98). Cysts of Giardia were found in faecal samples from 2 prehensile-tailed porcupines (Coendou villosus). The three positive animals for Cryptoporidium were rodents - 1 montane akodont (Akodon montensis), 1 ebony akodont (Thaptomyces nigrita) and 1 guainan squirrel (Sciurus aestuans). Microporidia spores were seen in the stools of 12 animals - 6 small rodents, including 3 montane akodonts, 1 prehensile-tailed porcupine and 2 pigmy rice rats (Oligoryzomys sp.); 3 marsupials, including 1 gray slender mouse opossum (Marmosops incanus) and 2 big eared opossums (Didelphis aurita); 3 hairy-legged vampire bats (Diphylla ecaudata). This is the first description of microsporidiosis in wildlife animals in Brazil. The present study emphasizes the importance of these animals, particularly small mammals, as potential sources of protozoan infection to other animal populations, including man, in areas of deforestation.

A ocorrência de Giardia, Cryptosporidium e microsporídios foi investigada por meio da análise de 98 amostras fecais de animais silvestres capturados em uma área de desmatamento para a construção das barragens de Paraitinga e Biritiba, localizadas nos Municípios de Mogi das Cruzes, Salesópolis e Biritiba-Mirim, no Estado de São Paulo. As amostras foram obtidas de 46 roedores, 21 marsupiais, 16 sapos, nove morcegos, três primatas e três lagartos. As técnicas de centrífugo-flutuação com sulfato de zinco, de Kinyoun e a coloração de Gram-Chromotrope foram utilizadas, respectivamente, para a pesquisa de Giardia, de Cryptosporidium e de microsporídios. O total de animais parasitados por um dos protozoários investigados foi de 17,35% (17/98). Cistos de Giardia foram encontrados em amostras fecais de dois pequenos roedores da espécie Coendou villosus (ouriço-cacheiro). Os três animais positivos para Cryptosporidium foram roedores das espécies Akodon montensis, Thaptomys nigrita (ambos conhecidos como ratos do mato) e Sciurus aestuans (serelepe ou caxinguelê). Esporos de microsporídios foram encontrados nas fezes de 12 animais, sendo seis roedores das espécies Oligoryzomys sp.(um), Akodon montensis (três) e Coendou villosus (dois), três marsupiais pertencentes às espécies Didelphis aurita (dois) e Marmosops incanus (um) e três morcegos da espécie Diphylla ecaudata. Este é o primeiro relato de microsporidiose em animais silvestres no Brasil. A presente investigação enfatiza a importância de animais silvestres, particularmente pequenos mamíferos, como potenciais fontes de infecção desses protozoários para outras populações animais, incluindo o homem, em áreas de desmatamento.

Ocorrência de Giardia, Cryptosporidium e microsporídios em animais silvestres em área de desmatamento no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

The occurrence of Giardia, Cryptosporidium and microsporidia was investigated in 98 faecal specimens from wildlife animals, captured in an area of deforestation for the construction of two water reservoirs (Paraitinga and Biritiba), located in the municipalities of Mogi das Cruzes, Salesópolis and Biritiba-Mirim, in the state of São Paulo (Brazil). Samples were obtained from 46 rodents, 21 marsupials, 16 frogs, 9 bats, 3 tamarins and 3 lizards. For the detection of Giardia, Cryptosporidium and microsporidia it was used, respectively, the floatation technique with lead sulphate, the Kinyoun method and the Gram-Chromotrope staining. The total number of parasitized animals by one of these protozoans was 17.35% (17/98). Cysts of Giardia were found in faecal samples from 2 prehensile-tailed porcupines (Coendou villosus). The three positive animals for Cryptoporidium were rodents - 1 montane akodont (Akodon montensis), 1 ebony akodont (Thaptomyces nigrita) and 1 guainan squirrel (Sciurus aestuans). Microporidia spores were seen in the stools of 12 animals - 6 small rodents, including 3 montane akodonts, 1 prehensile-tailed porcupine and 2 pigmy rice rats (Oligoryzomys sp.); 3 marsupials, including 1 gray slender mouse opossum (Marmosops incanus) and 2 big eared opossums (Didelphis aurita); 3 hairy-legged vampire bats (Diphylla ecaudata). This is the first description of microsporidiosis in wildlife animals in Brazil. The present study emphasizes the importance of these animals, particularly small mammals, as potential sources of protozoan infection to other animal populations, including man, in areas of deforestation.

A ocorrência de Giardia, Cryptosporidium e microsporídios foi investigada por meio da análise de 98 amostras fecais de animais silvestres capturados em uma área de desmatamento para a construção das barragens de Paraitinga e Biritiba, localizadas nos Municípios de Mogi das Cruzes, Salesópolis e Biritiba-Mirim, no Estado de São Paulo. As amostras foram obtidas de 46 roedores, 21 marsupiais, 16 sapos, nove morcegos, três primatas e três lagartos. As técnicas de centrífugo-flutuação com sulfato de zinco, de Kinyoun e a coloração de Gram-Chromotrope foram utilizadas, respectivamente, para a pesquisa de Giardia, de Cryptosporidium e de microsporídios. O total de animais parasitados por um dos protozoários investigados foi de 17,35% (17/98). Cistos de Giardia foram encontrados em amostras fecais de dois pequenos roedores da espécie Coendou villosus (ouriço-cacheiro). Os três animais positivos para Cryptosporidium foram roedores das espécies Akodon montensis, Thaptomys nigrita (ambos conhecidos como ratos do mato) e Sciurus aestuans (serelepe ou caxinguelê). Esporos de microsporídios foram encontrados nas fezes de 12 animais, sendo seis roedores das espécies Oligoryzomys sp.(um), Akodon montensis (três) e Coendou villosus (dois), três marsupiais pertencentes às espécies Didelphis aurita (dois) e Marmosops incanus (um) e três morcegos da espécie Diphylla ecaudata. Este é o primeiro relato de microsporidiose em animais silvestres no Brasil. A presente investigação enfatiza a importância de animais silvestres, particularmente pequenos mamíferos, como potenciais fontes de infecção desses protozoários para outras populações animais, incluindo o homem, em áreas de desmatamento.

Expectativa de vida e causas de morte em cães na área metropolitana de São Paulo (Brasil)

In order to evaluate the canine life expectation in the metropolitan area of São Paulo, as well as the causes of death of these animals, data related to 2,011 dogs attended at a University Veterinary Hospital or collected from veterinary clinics, kennels and private owners were analyzed. It was observed that the median age of the dogs at death due to all causes was 36 months old. Dogs of medium, large and giant breeds had longer longevity than the small ones. Female and neutered dogs lived longer than male and intact dogs. There was no difference in life expectation related to the fact that the animal was from a pure breed or not. The most important causes of mortality were, in decrescent order of occurrence, infeccious diseases, neoplasms and traumatic injuries. Canine life expectation found in this survey was shorter than that observed in other countries and infeccious diseases constitute the major cause of death.

Com o objetivo de avaliar a expectativa de vida dos cães na área metropolitana de São Paulo e as causas relacionadas com a morte destes, foram analisados dados correspondentes a 2.011 animais provenientes de um hospital veterinário universitário, de clínicas particulares, de canis e de proprietários particulares. A idade mediana de sobrevivência dos animais foi de 36 meses. Os animais de porte médio, grande e gigante tiveram maior longevidade que os cães de porte pequeno. As fêmeas viveram mais que os machos e os animais castrados viveram mais que os não-castrados. Não houve diferença na expectativa de vida entre os animais de raça pura e os animais sem raça definida. Constatou-se que as causas mais importantes de mortalidade foram, em ordem decrescente de ocorrência, as doenças infecciosas, as neoplasias e os traumas. Pode-se concluir que a expectativa de vida dos cães foi menor que a observada na literatura internacional e que as doenças infecciosas constituem a principal causa de óbito.

Expectativa de vida e causas de morte em cães na área metropolitana de São Paulo (Brasil)

In order to evaluate the canine life expectation in the metropolitan area of São Paulo, as well as the causes of death of these animals, data related to 2,011 dogs attended at a University Veterinary Hospital or collected from veterinary clinics, kennels and private owners were analyzed. It was observed that the median age of the dogs at death due to all causes was 36 months old. Dogs of medium, large and giant breeds had longer longevity than the small ones. Female and neutered dogs lived longer than male and intact dogs. There was no difference in life expectation related to the fact that the animal was from a pure breed or not. The most important causes of mortality were, in decrescent order of occurrence, infeccious diseases, neoplasms and traumatic injuries. Canine life expectation found in this survey was shorter than that observed in other countries and infeccious diseases constitute the major cause of death.

Com o objetivo de avaliar a expectativa de vida dos cães na área metropolitana de São Paulo e as causas relacionadas com a morte destes, foram analisados dados correspondentes a 2.011 animais provenientes de um hospital veterinário universitário, de clínicas particulares, de canis e de proprietários particulares. A idade mediana de sobrevivência dos animais foi de 36 meses. Os animais de porte médio, grande e gigante tiveram maior longevidade que os cães de porte pequeno. As fêmeas viveram mais que os machos e os animais castrados viveram mais que os não-castrados. Não houve diferença na expectativa de vida entre os animais de raça pura e os animais sem raça definida. Constatou-se que as causas mais importantes de mortalidade foram, em ordem decrescente de ocorrência, as doenças infecciosas, as neoplasias e os traumas. Pode-se concluir que a expectativa de vida dos cães foi menor que a observada na literatura internacional e que as doenças infecciosas constituem a principal causa de óbito.