Molecular and morphologic characterization of Sarcocystis felis (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in South American wild felids from Brazil.

Wild felids are thought to share parasites with domestic cats. However, little is known of the coccidian parasites of wild felids. We investigated the presence of Sarcocystis spp. in tissues of 6 species of 90 Neotropical small felids killed in road accidents in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil by using microscopic and molecular techniques. Formalin-fixed tissues from 28 felids were examined, and Sarcocystis felis-like sarcocysts were detected in 4 wild cats (2 Puma yagouaroundi and 2 Leopardus guttulus). By transmission electron microscopy, sarcocysts from a P. yagouaroundi were identical to S. felis from domestic cats in the USA. Direct sequencing of PCR amplicons resulted the unambiguous sequences of the ITS-1 region from 18 of the 31 PCR positive wild cats; 5 sequences from each P. yagouaroundi, and Leopardus geoffroyi, 4 sequences from L. guttulus, and 2 sequences from each Leopardus wiedii, and Leopardus colocolo. Sequences analysis of ITS-1 region revealed the highest identiy (97-99%) with that of previously describe isolates of S. felis from domestic cats in the USA and identified them as S. felis. Tissues of 1 Leopardus pardalis tested by PCR and histology were negative. The phylogenetic relationship indicated that S. felis is quite different to species which employ opossums as their definitive host. This is the first report of S. felis infection in small wild felids from Brazil.

An overview of seventy years of research (1944-2014) on toxoplasmosis in Colombia, South America.

This paper summarizes prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in humans and animals and associated correlates of infection, clinical spectrum of disease in humans, and genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates from Colombia. Recent studies, especially in the states of Antioquia, Quindío and Cundinamarca, indicate that toxoplasmosis is a major public health problem. Approximately half of the women of child bearing age have T. gondii antibodies, and the clinical disease in congenitally infected children is more severe than in Europe. Limited studies indicate that the strains of T. gondii from Colombia are genetically and phenotypically different than in Europe and North America. However, epidemiological factors, such as the involvement of domestic and/or wild animals in transmission, the distribution of strain diversity by natural geographic regions, and the variation in risk factors between regions that are associated with human infection in Colombia, remain unknown. Areas of research for the future are outlined. This review should be of interest to biologists, veterinarians, physicians, and parasitologists.

Phoretic mites identified on Andean hummingbirds (Trochilidae) of Caldas, Colombia.

Within the bird-plant-mite system, the relationship between hummingbirds, flowers, and mites remains poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the degree of association between nasal mites and eight species of Andean hummingbirds in Colombia (Amazilia saucerrottei, A. tzacatl, Chalybura buffonii, Chlorostilbon mellisugus, Florisuga mellivora, Glaucis hirsutus, Phaethornis guy and P. striigularis). Over a five-month period (trapping effort 360 hours/month), a total of 178 birds were captured, from which 81 mite specimens were collected and identified as belonging to three genera (Proctolaelaps, Rhinoseius and Tropicoseius) spanning eleven species. This is the first report of its kind from Colombia on the identification of the mite species P. rabulatus, R. luteyni, R. rafinskii, T. berryi, T. colwelli, T. erro and T. uniformis and the first record of P. guy as phoretic host for Proctolaelaps rabulatus. Morphological characteristics (length of the dorsal plate, width of the dorsal plate and setae z5 length) alone failed to distinguish between mite species. The ecologic impact of this relationship on flowers with respect to nectar and pollen availability and the effect of mites on pollination by hummingbirds needs to be determined.

Phoretic mites identified on andean hummingbirds (Trochilidae) of Caldas, Colombia / Ácaros foréticos em beija-flores dos Andes (Trochilidae) de Caldas, Colombia

Within the bird-plant-mite system, the relationship between hummingbirds, flowers, and mites remains poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the degree of association between nasal mites and eight species of Andean hummingbirds in Colombia (Amazilia saucerrottei, A. tzacatl, Chalybura buffonii, Chlorostilbon mellisugus, Florisuga mellivora, Glaucis hirsutus, Phaethornis guy and P. striigularis). Over a five-month period (trapping effort 360 hours/month), a total of 178 birds were captured, from which 81 mite specimens were collected and identified as belonging to three genera (Proctolaelaps, Rhinoseius and Tropicoseius) spanning eleven species. This is the first report of its kind from Colombia on the identification of the mite species P. rabulatus, R. luteyni, R. rafinskii, T. berryi, T. colwelli, T. erro and T. uniformis and the first record of P. guy as phoretic host for Proctolaelaps rabulatus. Morphological characteristics (length of the dorsal plate, width of the dorsal plate and setae z5 length) alone failed to distinguish between mite species. The ecologic impact of this relationship on flowers with respect to nectar and pollen availability and the effect of mites on pollination by hummingbirds needs to be determined.

Pouco conhecido, o termo "ácaros de flores de beija-flor" define as relações entre o sistema ave-planta-ácaro. Nesta pesquisa foi avaliado o grau de associação entre ácaros foréticos nasais e oito espécies de beija-flores dos Andes colombianos (Amazilia saucerrottei, A. tzacatl, Chalybura buffonii, Chlorostilbon mellisugus, Florisuga mellivora, Glaucis hirsutus, Phaethornis guy, P. striigularis). Um total de 178 beija-flores foram capturados durante cinco meses (esforço de captura 360 horas/mês) no qual 81 espécimes de ácaros foram coletados e identificados em três gêneros (Proctolaelaps, Rhinoseius e Tropicoseius) e onze espécies. Este é o primeiro registro para Colômbia das espécies P. rabulatus, R. luteyni, R. rafinskii, T. berryi, T. colwelli, T. erro e T. uniformis, e o primeiro registro de P. guy como hospedeiro forético para Proctolaelaps rabulatus. Adicionalmente, foram avaliados os caracteres morfológicos (comprimento da placa dorsal, largura da placa dorsal e comprimento da seta z5) que não foram suficientes, para distinguir entre as espécies de ácaros. O impacto ecológico desta relação nas flores, em termos de néctar e pólen, e o efeito na polinização pelos beija-flores necessita ser esclarecida.

Toxoplasma gondii in small neotropical wild felids / Toxoplasma gondii em pequenos felinos silvestres neotropicais

In the last decade, studies on wildlife worldwide have discovered key epidemiological aspects of the sylvatic cycleof Toxoplasma gondii. However, despite the known role of wild felines as definitive hosts in the transmission andmaintenance of this parasite, few studies have focused on the involvement of these animals. Brazil exhibits the largestnumber of wild felid species in the Americas, all of which have a critical conservation status. However, serologicaldetections, epidemiological studies and some molecular characterizations of T. gondii have primarily used Neotropicalfelid populations that are maintained in captivity, which does not reflect the disease behavior in free-living conditions. Asystematic review of the worldwide scientific literature was conducted focusing on toxoplasmosis in small Neotropicalfelids. This review covered a number of aspects, including the state of scientific research, parasite transmission in thewild, the genetic characteristics of isolates, the relationship between these genetic characteristics and the pathogenicityof the parasite, and the risk factors linked to conflicts with humans. The present review shows the relevance of studyingthese felid populations based on their frequent interactions with humans in peri-urban areas and the need for furthercomprehensive studies to establish the real significance of T. gondii in public and animal health in tropical and temperateregions

Na ultima década, pesquisas em animais silvestres no mundo todo, tem demonstrado aspectos importantes na epidemiologia do ciclo silvestre de Toxoplasma gondii. No entanto, apesar do papel conhecido dos felinos silvestres como hospedeiros definitivos na transmissão e manutenção desse parasita, há poucos estudos sobre o envolvimento desses animais. O Brasil possui a maior quantidade de espécies de felinos silvestres do continente americano, todas em estado crítico de conservação. Porém, a detecção sorológica, pesquisas epidemiológicas e algumas caracterizações moleculares do T. gondii nestas espécies, utilizaram principalmente populações de felinos neotropicais mantidos em cativeiro, o que não reflete o comportamento da doença em condições de vida livre.Uma revisão sistemática da literatura cientifica mundial foi realizada focando a toxoplasmose em pequenos felinos neotropicais, abrangendo aspectos como o estado da pesquisa cientifica, transmissão do parasita na vida silvestre, características genéticas dos isolados e sua relação com a patogenicidade, além dos fatores de risco ligados aos conflitos com o homem. Esta revisão mostra a importância do estudo dessas populações de felinos, em função das frequentes interações com o homem em áreas peri-urbanas e a necessidade de estudos mais abrangentes, que estabeleçam a real importância do T. gondii no tangente á saúde pública e saúde animal nas regiões tropicais e temperadas.

Recovery of gastrointestinal swine parasites in anaerobic biodigester systems.

Solid and liquid wastes from livestock operations represent important challenges for animal production regarding their impact in the environment and public health. Parasitological tests performed on 80 samples of affluent and effluent waters from three anaerobic biodigestors with flexible structure from swine farms of Caldas - Colombia, showed the presence of Isospora suis (45%), Eimeria suis (42.5%), E. espinosa (35%), Strongyloides ransomi (28.8%), E. perminuta (12.5%), E. cerdonis (3.8%), and E. porci (2.5%). The additional finding of eggs of Taenia spp. in 10% of the samples was probably caused by a connection between the human sewage system and the biodigester. Although we observed a mean decrease of 65.6% of parasites, these levels were insufficient to meet the minimum requirement set by Engelberg's guidelines regarding water quality. This study demonstrates the serious environmental impact that an inadequately treated animal wastewater represents, and has important implications for water resources and human health.

Recovery of gastrointestinal swine parasites in anaerobic biodigester systems / Recuperação de parasitas gastrintestinais de suínos em biodigestores anaeróbicos

Solid and liquid wastes from livestock operations represent important challenges for animal production regarding their impact in the environment and public health. Parasitological tests performed on 80 samples of affluent and effluent waters from three anaerobic biodigestors with flexible structure from swine farms of Caldas - Colombia, showed the presence of Isospora suis (45%), Eimeria suis (42.5%), E. espinosa (35%), Strongyloides ransomi (28.8%), E. perminuta (12.5%), E. cerdonis (3.8%), and E. porci (2.5%). The additional finding of eggs of Taenia spp. in 10% of the samples was probably caused by a connection between the human sewage system and the biodigester. Although we observed a mean decrease of 65.6% of parasites, these levels were insufficient to meet the minimum requirement set by Engelberg's guidelines regarding water quality. This study demonstrates the serious environmental impact that an inadequately treated animal wastewater represents, and has important implications for water resources and human health.

Resíduos sólidos e líquidos oriundos da suinocultura representam desafios importantes para a produção animal no que diz respeito ao impacto do meio ambiente e em saúde pública. Testes parasitológicos foram realizados em 80 amostras de águas afluentes e efluentes de três biodigestores anaeróbicos com estrutura flexível em granjas de Caldas - Colômbia, demonstrando a presença de Isospora suis (45%), Eimeria suis (42,5%), E. espinosa (35%), Strongyloides ransomi (28,8%), E. perminuta (12,5%), E. cerdonis (3,8%) e E. porci (2,5%). A constatação adicional de ovos de Taenia spp. em 10% das amostras foi provavelmente causada pela conexão entre o sistema de esgoto humano e o biodigestor. Embora fosse observada uma diminuição média de 65,6% dos parasitas, estes níveis são insuficientes para atender ao requisito mínimo estabelecido pelas diretrizes Engelberg em relação à qualidade da água. Este estudo demonstra o grave impacto ambiental que águas residuais animais inadequadamente tratadas representam, bem como as implicações nos recursos hídricos e na saúde humana.

Siphonaptera (Pulicidae) in dogs and cats of Colombia: Clinical and epidemiological aspects.

Flea infestation is a common worldwide problem, its effective control results in high costs and difficult implementation. During February to August 2007, an epidemiological study of Siphonaptera order in dogs and cats admitted at the University of Caldas-Colombia - Veterinary Hospital (UCVH), was carried out by corporal examination and recording epidemiological variables. Overall, 3698 fleas were collected from 140 dogs and 30 cats. Two main species were identified: Ctenocephalides felis (94.2%) and Pulex irritans (5.8%) and a single specimen of Xenopsylla cheopis were also collected. Owners also considered some products as improper or of doubtful efficacy and employed schedules defined as inadequate, both because of a poor choice and an erroneous use of the product. Epidemiological factors associated with flea infestation allowed estimating the effect of variables such as locality, sleeping area, preferred place, type of floor, presence of other animals, and type of hair. Performing epidemiological studies on canine and feline populations in other areas of the country is required for an adequate implementation of strategies for flea control in pets.

Presença de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum e Toxoplasma gondii em cães com leishmaniose visceral da região de Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brasil / Presence of anti-Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in dogs with visceral leishmaniosis from the region of Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil

Dogs that had positive and negative sera to Leishmania chagasi from the region of Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, were evaluated for the presence of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies as potential co-infecting agents. Blood samples were collected from 204 dogs and out of them 98 were carriers of leishmaniosis. Sera were tested for the presence of anti-L. chagasi antibodies by ELISA, and anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Age, gender, and association between the presences of anti-L. chagasi antibodies and seroprevalence to N. caninum and T. gondii were analyzed by chi-square test. Out of the 204 sera investigated, 36 (17.6%) were positive for N. caninum (IFAT=50) and 75 (36.8%) to T. gondii (IFAT=16) with titers that varied from 50 to 6400 for N. caninum, and from 16 to 16384 for T. gondii. The co-presence of anti-L. chagasi, N. caninum and T. gondii antibodies was observed in 17 (8.3%) dogs. Antibodies to N. caninum were observed in four (3.8%) out of 106 dogs that were negative for L. chagasi, and in 32 (32.6%) out of the 98 dogs that were positive for L. chagasi. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were found in 40 (41.0%) and in 35 (33.0%) of the 98 positive dogs and in 106 negative dogs for L. chagasi, respectively. An association between the presence of antibodies against L. chagasi and a positive response to N. caninum (p<0.001) was observed. The gender and age of the dogs did not show an association between the presence of antibodies and any of the agents studied (p>0.05), with the exception of age and presence of anti-L. chagasi antibodies, in which only a slight association was observed (p=0.038). Within this interaction, a higher number of dogs, older than four years, were positive for this agent when compared to other age groups.

Cães soropositivos e soronegativos à Leishmania chagasi da região de Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brasil, foram avaliados quanto à presença de possível co-infecção por Neospora caninum e Toxoplasma gondii. Amostras de sangue de 204 cães, sendo 98 portadores de leishmaniose, foram coletadas e os soros testados quanto à presença de anticorpos anti-L. chagasi pelo método de ELISA e anti-T. gondii e N. caninum pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI). Idade, sexo e possíveis associações entre a presença de anticorpos anti-L. chagasi e a soroprevalência de N. caninum e T. gondii foram analisados pelo teste do Qui-quadrado. Dos 204 soros examinados, 36 (17,6%) foram positivos para N. caninum (RIFI ³50) e 75 (36,8%) para T. gondii (RIFI ³16) com títulos que variaram de 50 a 6.400 para N. caninum, e de 16 a 16.384 para T. gondii. A co-presença de anticorpos anti-L. chagasi, N. caninum e T. gondii foi observada em 17 (8,3%) cães. Anticorpos anti- N. caninum foram observados em quatro (3,8%) dos 106 cães negativos e em 32 (32,6%) dos 98 cães positivos à L. chagasi. Anticorpos anti-T. gondii foram encontrados em 40 (41%) e em 35 (33%) dos 98 cães positivos e dos 106 cães negativos à L. chagasi, respectivamente. Foi observada associação entre a presença de anticorpos anti-L.chagasi e a presença de anticorpos anti-N. caninum (p<0,001). O sexo e a idade dos cães não apresentaram associação com a presença de anticorpos para nenhum dos agentes estudados (p>0,05), com exceção da idade e presença de anticorpos anti-L. chagasi , que apresentou uma associação fraca (p=0,038), com maior número de cães com mais de quatro anos de idade positivos a esse agente quando comparado às outras idades.

Evaluation of the performance of the modified direct agglutination test (MAT) for detection of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in dogs

Toxoplasmose é uma zoonose que vem sendo objeto de estudos no Brasil e em todas as partes do mundo. Os cães são considerados sentinelas da infecção, podendo carrear o agente pelo ambiente. Levantamentos soro-epidemiológicos desses animais são importantes ferramentas de vigilância e controle da doença em programas de saúde. Neste estudo a performance do Teste de Aglutinação Modificada (MAT) no sorodiagnóstico da toxoplasmose canina foi avaliado e comparado à reação de imunoflorescência indireta (RIFI). Uma amostra de 157 soros de cães do município de Monte Negro, Rondônia, com 76.40 por cento de animais positivos ao Toxoplasma gondii (RIFI =16) foi analisado utilizando o MAT (=25) e apresentou sensibilidade de 85,00 por cento (Intervalo de Confiança 95,00 por cento: 79,4-90,60 por cento) e especificidade de 100,00 por cento.