Effect of supplementation with core homeopathic on the serum immunological profile of pregnant ewes and lambs / Efeito da suplementação com complexo homeopático no perfil imunológico sérico de ovelhas gestantes e cordeiros

Few information is available about the optimal period for colostrum absorption in the bowel of newborn lambs. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of using supplementation with commercial core homeopathic during pregnancy and early lactation on 18 pregnant Santa Inês ewes presenting body condition score ≥ 2.5. Pregnant animals were randomly divided in two groups; one was used as control (control group) and the other was supplemented on a daily basis with 30 g of homeopathic product with Natrum muriaticum 10-60, Calcium carbonicum 10-30, Silicea terra 10-400 and Hypothalamus 10-30 per animal, mixed to the concentrate during pregnancy and early lactation (treatment group). The Total Protein (TP) and globulin (GLB) values found in ewes and lambs belonging to the treatment group were higher than and different from those recorded for the control group. The serum albumin (ALB) concentration did not differ between groups of ewes but was different in lambs. TP and GLB evolution in lambs and ewes throughout the seven experimental days showed the animals in the treatment group trend to present higher TP and GLB values in all experimental periods; supplemented animals showed trend to progressive increase in both variables until day 3; whereas non-supplemented animals showed such trend until day 2 (when they reached their peak). The commercial core homeopathic to the animals during pregnancy and early lactation resulted in higher TP and GLB concentrations in the serum samples collected from ewes and lambs.(AU)

Poucas informações estão disponíveis sobre o período ideal para a absorção do colostro no intestino de neonatos ovinos. O objetivo do presente estudo é investigar os efeitos da suplementação com complexo homeopático comercial durante a gestação e início da lactação em 18 ovelhas Santa Inês gestantes com escore de condição corporal ≥ 2,5. Os animais gestantes foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos; um controle (grupo controle) e outro suplementado diariamente com 30 g de produto homeopático com Natrum muriaticum 10-60, Calcium carbonicum 10-30, Silicea terra 10-400 and Hypothalamus 10-30 por animal, misturado ao concentrado durante a gestação e início da lactação (grupo tratamento). Os valores de Proteína Total (PT) e globulina (GLB) encontrados em ovelhas e cordeiros pertencentes ao grupo tratamento foram superiores e dife-rentes dos registrados para o grupo controle. A concentração de albumina sérica (ALB) não diferiu entre os grupos de ovelhas, mas foi diferente nos cordeiros. A evolução de PT e GLB em cordeiros e ovelhas ao longo dos 7 dias experimentais demons-trou que os animais do grupo tratamento tendem a apresentar maiores valores de PT e GLB em todo o período experimen-tal; os animais suplementados apresentaram tendência de aumento progressivo em ambas as variáveis até o dia 3; enquanto os animais não suplementados mostraram tal tendência até o dia 2 (quando atingiram o pico). O núcleo homeopático comercial fornecido para os animais durante a gestação e início da lactação resultou em maiores concentrações de PT e GLB nas amos-tras de soro coletadas de ovelhas e cordeiros.(AU)

Effect of supplementation with core homeopathic on the serum immunological profile of pregnant ewes and lambs / Efeito da suplementação com complexo homeopático no perfil imunológico sérico de ovelhas gestantes e cordeiros

Few information is available about the optimal period for colostrum absorption in the bowel of newborn lambs. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of using supplementation with commercial core homeopathic during pregnancy and early lactation on 18 pregnant Santa Inês ewes presenting body condition score ≥ 2.5. Pregnant animals were randomly divided in two groups; one was used as control (control group) and the other was supplemented on a daily basis with 30 g of homeopathic product with Natrum muriaticum 10-60, Calcium carbonicum 10-30, Silicea terra 10-400 and Hypothalamus 10-30 per animal, mixed to the concentrate during pregnancy and early lactation (treatment group). The Total Protein (TP) and globulin (GLB) values found in ewes and lambs belonging to the treatment group were higher than and different from those recorded for the control group. The serum albumin (ALB) concentration did not differ between groups of ewes but was different in lambs. TP and GLB evolution in lambs and ewes throughout the seven experimental days showed the animals in the treatment group trend to present higher TP and GLB values in all experimental periods; supplemented animals showed trend to progressive increase in both variables until day 3; whereas non-supplemented animals showed such trend until day 2 (when they reached their peak). The commercial core homeopathic to the animals during pregnancy and early lactation resulted in higher TP and GLB concentrations in the serum samples collected from ewes and lambs.

Poucas informações estão disponíveis sobre o período ideal para a absorção do colostro no intestino de neonatos ovinos. O objetivo do presente estudo é investigar os efeitos da suplementação com complexo homeopático comercial durante a gestação e início da lactação em 18 ovelhas Santa Inês gestantes com escore de condição corporal ≥ 2,5. Os animais gestantes foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos; um controle (grupo controle) e outro suplementado diariamente com 30 g de produto homeopático com Natrum muriaticum 10-60, Calcium carbonicum 10-30, Silicea terra 10-400 and Hypothalamus 10-30 por animal, misturado ao concentrado durante a gestação e início da lactação (grupo tratamento). Os valores de Proteína Total (PT) e globulina (GLB) encontrados em ovelhas e cordeiros pertencentes ao grupo tratamento foram superiores e dife-rentes dos registrados para o grupo controle. A concentração de albumina sérica (ALB) não diferiu entre os grupos de ovelhas, mas foi diferente nos cordeiros. A evolução de PT e GLB em cordeiros e ovelhas ao longo dos 7 dias experimentais demons-trou que os animais do grupo tratamento tendem a apresentar maiores valores de PT e GLB em todo o período experimen-tal; os animais suplementados apresentaram tendência de aumento progressivo em ambas as variáveis até o dia 3; enquanto os animais não suplementados mostraram tal tendência até o dia 2 (quando atingiram o pico). O núcleo homeopático comercial fornecido para os animais durante a gestação e início da lactação resultou em maiores concentrações de PT e GLB nas amos-tras de soro coletadas de ovelhas e cordeiros.

Serological evidence of Ehrlichia minasensis infection in Brazilian dogs.

Ehrlichia spp. are important tick-borne pathogens of animals in Brazil, and Ehrlichia canis is the most prevalent species infecting dogs. Moreover, Ehrlichia minasensis has also recently been identified as a novel ehrlichial agent that infects cattle in Brazil. The objective of this study was to determine whether dogs could be infected by E. minasensis. To investigate this possibility, sera (n = 429) collected from dogs in the Pantanal region were retrospectively analyzed for the presence of antibodies against E. canis and E. minasensis. Canine sera were screened by two isolates of E. canis in indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and the majority (n = 298; 69.4%) had antibodies with endpoint titers ranging from 80 to 327,680. In order to further confirm E. canis-specific antibodies, IFA positive sera were analyzed by ELISA using E. canis-specific peptides (i.e. TRP19 and TRP36 US/BR/CR), which detected E. canis antibodies in 80.2% (239/298) of the dog sera. Fifty-nine (13.7%) samples had detectable antibodies to E. canis by IFA but were negative by E. canis peptide ELISA. These sera were then tested by E. minasensis IFA (Cuiaba strain) as antigen and 67.8% (40/59) were positive (titers ranging from 80 to 20,480). Eleven sera had antibody titers against E. minasensis at least two-fold higher than observed for E. canis and suggests that these dogs were previously infected with E. minasensis. The results of the present study suggest that multiple ehrlichial agents infect dogs in Brazil, which highlights the need to consider different Ehrlichia spp. in Brazilian dogs, particularly in areas where dogs are frequently exposed to multiple tick species. This investigation is the first to provide serologic evidence of E. minasensis infection in dogs from Brazil.

Detection of Ehrlichia sp. in Amblyomma sculptum parasitizing horses from Brazilian Pantanal wetland.

Bacteria of the genus Ehrlichia are transmitted by ticks and also are an important cause of infection in wild and domestic mammals. Infection with Ehrlichia spp. has been reported in horses, especially in the USA, Nicaragua and Brazil. In this study, we report the parasitism by Amblyomma sculptum, Rhipicephalus microplus and Dermacentor nitens ticks in horses from a ranch located in south Pantanal wetland. Molecular and serological analyzes to determine infection by Ehrlichia spp. in horses and their respective ticks were carried out. A total of 12 horses were submitted to blood collection to investigate antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using Ehrlichia canis crude antigens and to be tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in order to amplify fragments of the 16S rRNA, dsb, groEL and sodB gene of Ehrlichia spp. A total of 164 tick specimens were removed from horses, stored in isopropanol and later identified as D. nitens, A. sculptum and R. microplus. DNA from ticks were extracted and subjected to the same PCR assays to detect Ehrlichia spp. Anti-Ehrlichia spp. antibodies were detected in five/12 (41.7 %) horses by IFA, with antibody titers ranging from 40 to 160. All horse DNA samples were negative for the 16S rRNA, dsb, groEL and sodB of Ehrlichia spp. One A. sculptum female was positive to all target genes of Ehrlichia. This tick was parasitizing an Ehrlichia-seropositive horse with antibody titer of 80. Nucleotide sequences of 16S rRNA, dsb, groEL and sodB genes showed close relationship with different strains of Ehrlichia detected in wild mammals, Amblyomma ticks and horses from Brazil and Argentina. Detection of anti-Ehrlichia sp. antibodies suggests that horses have been exposed to an ehrlichial agent in the Pantanal. Future studies on Ehrlichia infection should be carried out to better elucidate and to bring new information about equine ehrlichiosis, since these animals are important hosts of ticks in the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands.

High genetic diversity of paramyxoviruses infecting domestic cats in Western Brazil.

Feline morbillivirus was discovered in 2012 in cats from Hong Kong, and it was initially found to be associated with chronic kidney disease. Although subsequent molecular surveys showed a common occurrence in cat populations from distinct countries, there were controversial results regarding the relationship between viral shedding through urine and reduced kidney function. In this study, 276 domestic cats of diverse origins from Western Brazil had their urine evaluated for the presence of paramyxoviral RNA by reverse transcription seminested PCR and direct sequencing. Additionally, a selected Brazilian feline morbillivirus strain was isolated in Crandell Rees feline kidney cells, and a nearly complete genome sequence was obtained. To assess the kidney function of all cats, serum biochemistry screening and standard urinalysis were performed. Our results revealed a relatively high paramyxovirus-positive rate (34.7%) in the evaluated cats although there was not a statistical association between the shedding of viral RNA through urine and kidney disease. Direct sequencing of partial fragments of the L gene demonstrated high genetic diversity among strains detected in cats in this study, since both feline morbillivirus RNA and feline paramyxovirus RNA were frequently shed in urine. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on partial amino acid sequences of the L gene showed that Brazilian feline paramyxovirus strains were genetically diverse since they grouped into two distinct subclusters; one subcluster contained three strains identified in Germany, while the second contained Japanese strain 163, which was recently classified in the Jeilongvirus genus of the Paramyxoviridae family. In contrast, the Brazilian feline morbillivirus strain FeMV/BR_Boni, herein characterized by nearly complete genome sequencing, was classified in the Morbillivirus genus with other strains previously identified as genotype 1. In conclusion, urinary excretion of diverse paramyxoviral RNA is frequent in cats of different origins from Western Brazil, but viral infection is not related to altered kidney function.

Uncommon Ehrlichia canis infection associated with morulae in neutrophils from naturally infected dogs in Brazil.

Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species are the most common tick-borne disease (TBD) pathogens in dogs worldwide. Ehrlichia canis, the aetiological agent of the Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME), is known to replicate within the cytoplasm of mononuclear cells into clusters of organisms called morulae. However, detection of morulae in neutrophils is commonly observed in dogs infected by Ehrlichia ewingii or Anaplasma phagocytophilum. We report uncommon clinical cases of canine ehrlichiosis presenting morulae compatible with E. ewingii and A. phagocytophilum in dogs from two distinct regions of Brazil. Eight dogs were admitted to two veterinary teaching hospitals from Brazil, showing clinical or haematological signs suggestive of TBD. Blood or peritoneal fluid was withdrawn for haematological and cytologic analysis. All samples were evaluated by PCR assays for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma using genus-specific primers for dsb, 16S rRNA and groEL genes, followed by sequencing. Samples were also evaluated by nested PCR assays for the 16S rRNA gene of E. ewingii and groEL gene of A. phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys. Seven dogs revealed thrombocytopenia, six dogs had monocytosis and five presented lymphopenia and anaemia. All dogs showed morulae structures compatible with Ehrlichia spp. in neutrophils and were PCR-positive for the dsb and 16S rRNA gene fragments of Ehrlichia, with sequences showing 100% identity with multiple E. canis sequences deposited in the GenBank™. Sequencing of 16S rRNA and groEL gene fragments from one PCR-positive dog showed 100% identity with A. platys. Overall, our data suggest that in endemic regions for E. canis, that is Brazil, the presence of morulae in neutrophils may indicate infection by this bacterium. Herein, morulae were also found in neutrophils present in the peritoneal fluid of a dog. Also, this is the first report of E. canis and Hepatozoon canis co-infection in neutrophils from naturally infected dogs confirmed by DNA sequencing.

Immunohistochemical characterization of cutaneous leishmaniasis in cats from Central-west Brazil.

Feline leishmaniasis (FeL) is an emerging infectious disease of cats caused by Leishmania infantum with global distribution. This study investigated the cause of chronic progressive cutaneous lesions in two cats from Central-west Brazil by using cytological, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses. Clinically, both cats had ulcerative cutaneous lesions at the nasal planum and ear resulting in a tentative diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Moreover, both cats had varying degrees of onychogryphosis. However, cytology revealed chronic inflammatory reactions associated with intralesional amastigotes; histopathology confirmed chronic ulcerative dermatitis associated with intralesional and intracytoplasmic parasitic organisms consistent with amastigotes of Leishmania spp. within histiocytes. The IHC assay demonstrated that the intralesional parasitic structures identified by cytology and histopathology were immunoreactive to antigens of Leishmania spp., confirming the participation of this infectious disease agent in the development of the cutaneous lesions of these cats. The observation of onychogryphosis must be highlighted, since this lesion is frequently observed in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis but is underreported in FeL. Collectively, the pathologic and IHC findings of the chronic cutaneous disease confirmed active infections due to Leishmania spp. in these cats. Additionally, FeL with associated lesions to the ear and nasal planum must be considered as differential diagnosis for SCC in cats.

Effect Of Gallium Arsenide Low-Level Laser Therapy On The Inflammatory Phase Of Skin Wound Healing In Rats

The use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has shown promising results for the inflammatory modulation of tissue repair. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of gallium arsenide (GaAs) LLLT in skin wound healing via (1) measurement of the temperature on the surface of the skin wound; (2) white blood cell count; and (3) histopathological examination. Skin lesions were induced on the dorsum of 20 Wistar rats, after which the animals were divided into two groups: a treatment group, subjected to GaAs LLLT, and a control group. Thermography was performed daily in all of the study animals until the end of the experiment. On the fourth day after lesion induction, whole blood was collected (white blood cell count), animals were euthanized, and skin lesions were biopsied (histopathological examination). There were no differences in the number of leukocytes and in the histopathological evaluations between the groups; however, the thermography analysis indicated an increase in temperature in the treated group. The anti-inflammatory activity of GaAs LLLT was not confirmed. The increase in temperature on the surface of the skin lesions after LLLT requires further elucidation because this result could not be justified by the direct action of LLLT.(AU)

Effect Of Gallium Arsenide Low-Level Laser Therapy On The Inflammatory Phase Of Skin Wound Healing In Rats

The use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has shown promising results for the inflammatory modulation of tissue repair. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of gallium arsenide (GaAs) LLLT in skin wound healing via (1) measurement of the temperature on the surface of the skin wound; (2) white blood cell count; and (3) histopathological examination. Skin lesions were induced on the dorsum of 20 Wistar rats, after which the animals were divided into two groups: a treatment group, subjected to GaAs LLLT, and a control group. Thermography was performed daily in all of the study animals until the end of the experiment. On the fourth day after lesion induction, whole blood was collected (white blood cell count), animals were euthanized, and skin lesions were biopsied (histopathological examination). There were no differences in the number of leukocytes and in the histopathological evaluations between the groups; however, the thermography analysis indicated an increase in temperature in the treated group. The anti-inflammatory activity of GaAs LLLT was not confirmed. The increase in temperature on the surface of the skin lesions after LLLT requires further elucidation because this result could not be justified by the direct action of LLLT.

First report of feline morbillivirus in South America.

Feline morbillivirus was first identified in healthy and diseased stray cats captured in Hong Kong. Recently, it was demonstrated that the virus circulates within cat populations in Japan, Italy, Germany, and the USA. Importantly, an association between feline morbillivirus infection and chronic kidney disease was suggested by histological analysis of kidney tissue of infected cats. The aim of this study was to verify the presence and examine the genetic diversity of feline morbilliviruses associated with infections of domestic cats in Brazil. Seventeen cats without clinical manifestations of urinary tract diseases from a multi-cat household and 35 random client-owned cats admitted to the Teaching Veterinary Hospital for a variety of reasons were evaluated for paramyxoviral infection and the presence of uropathy. A fragment of the paramyxoviral L gene was amplified from urine samples using a reverse transcription semi-nested PCR assay. For the first time, we detected a feline morbillivirus strain that was genetically related to viral strains previously characterized in Japan in urine samples from cats in South America, in Brazil. This together with the recent description of feline morbillivirus identification within cat populations in the USA, suggests a possible widespread distribution of this viral agent on the American continent. Our data demonstrated feline morbillivirus RNA shedding mostly in the urine of cats without clinical, laboratorial, or ultrasonographic signs of urinary tract diseases. In contrast to previously published findings that associated feline morbillivirus infection with chronic kidney disease, we did not observe a clear relationship between feline morbillivirus RNA shedding in urine and kidney disease in the cats evaluated.

The occurrence of anti-Neospora caninum in bovine female animals and bovine fetuses in Nossa Senhora do Livramento County, Mato Grosso / Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum em fêmeas e fetos da espécie bovina do município de Nossa Senhora do Livramento, Mato Grosso

Neosporosis is a parasitic disease caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan Neospora caninum, which is responsible for miscarriage cases in cattle countrywide. The vertical or transplacental route with prevalent miscarriages between the 3rd and 6rd months of pregnancyis the main transmission form in cattle. The aim of the present study is to investigate the presence of anti-N.caninum antibodies in (Bos indicus) Nellore female animals and fetuses in Nossa Senhora do Livramento County - MT. Blood samples from 489 female bovines and from 128 bovine fetuses over three months of pregnancy were colleted. The research about the anti N. caninum antibodies in bovine females and fetuses was conducted through the Immunofluorescence technique (IFA). We found 2.45% (12) seropositive and 3.91% (5) seropositive to N. caninum in the present study.(AU)

A neosporose é uma doença parasitária ocasionada pelo protozoário intracelular obrigatório Neospora caninum, responsável por quadros de abortos em bovinos em várias regiões do país. A principal forma de transmissão entre os bovinos é a via vertical ou transplacentária com abortos prevalentes entre 3 a 6 meses de gestação. Este trabalho teve como objetivo pesquisar a presença de anticorpos anti-N. caninum em fêmeas e fetos bovinos da raça Nelore (Bos indicus), do município de Nossa Senhora do Livramento-MT. Durante o abate dos animais foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 489 fêmeas e de 128 fetos acima de três meses de gestação. A pesquisa de anticorpos anti N. caninum nas fêmeas e fetos foi determinada pela Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI). A ocorrência foi de 2,45% para as fêmeas e de 3,91% para os fetos.(AU)

The occurrence of anti-Neospora caninum in bovine female animals and bovine fetuses in Nossa Senhora do Livramento County, Mato Grosso / Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum em fêmeas e fetos da espécie bovina do município de Nossa Senhora do Livramento, Mato Grosso

Neosporosis is a parasitic disease caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan Neospora caninum, which is responsible for miscarriage cases in cattle countrywide. The vertical or transplacental route with prevalent miscarriages between the 3rd and 6rd months of pregnancyis the main transmission form in cattle. The aim of the present study is to investigate the presence of anti-N.caninum antibodies in (Bos indicus) Nellore female animals and fetuses in Nossa Senhora do Livramento County - MT. Blood samples from 489 female bovines and from 128 bovine fetuses over three months of pregnancy were colleted. The research about the anti N. caninum antibodies in bovine females and fetuses was conducted through the Immunofluorescence technique (IFA). We found 2.45% (12) seropositive and 3.91% (5) seropositive to N. caninum in the present study.

A neosporose é uma doença parasitária ocasionada pelo protozoário intracelular obrigatório Neospora caninum, responsável por quadros de abortos em bovinos em várias regiões do país. A principal forma de transmissão entre os bovinos é a via vertical ou transplacentária com abortos prevalentes entre 3 a 6 meses de gestação. Este trabalho teve como objetivo pesquisar a presença de anticorpos anti-N. caninum em fêmeas e fetos bovinos da raça Nelore (Bos indicus), do município de Nossa Senhora do Livramento-MT. Durante o abate dos animais foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 489 fêmeas e de 128 fetos acima de três meses de gestação. A pesquisa de anticorpos anti N. caninum nas fêmeas e fetos foi determinada pela Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI). A ocorrência foi de 2,45% para as fêmeas e de 3,91% para os fetos.

Pathological and immunohistochemical findings of a case of canine chagasic myocarditis in the state of Mato Grosso / Aspectos patológicos e imuno-histoquímico de um caso de miocardite chagásica canina no estado de Mato Grosso

Dogs are as considered important reservoirs of trypanosomiasis and play a vital role in maintaining the interaction between the domestic and wild cycles of this disease. This paper reports the clinical and pathological findings of a case of Chagas disease myocarditis in a dog from an urban area in Brazil. During clinical examination, the animal showed apathy, weakness and pale ocular mucous and died shortly after. Necropsy revealed ascites, hydrothorax and hydropericardium. The heart was remarkably globoid with scattered multifocal pale in the epicardium and ventricular miocardium and dilated chambers. Histological analysis revealed non-suppurative myocarditis and cardiomyocyte necrosis. The sarcoplasms of cardiomyocytes were frequently infiltrated by T. cruzi pseudocysts filled with amastigotes. The myocardium immunostained positive for anti-T. cruzi antibody. The presence of Chagas disease in a dog from an urban area increases the risk of disease transmission to man, which renders this diagnosis a matter of significant public health concern.(AU)

Os cães são considerados importantes reservatórios de tripanosomose e têm um relevante papel na manutenção e interação entre o ciclo doméstico e silvestre desta doença. Neste trabalho é descrito as alterações clínicas e anatomopatológicas de miocardite chagásica em um cão, domiciliado em área urbana, no Brasil. Durante o exame clínico o animal apresentava apatia, debilidade e mucosas oculares pálidas, com rápida evolução para o óbito. Na necropsia foram observados ascite, hidrotórax e hidropericárdio. O coração estava globoso com áreas multifocais pálidas no epicárdio e miocárdio ventricular e ao corte observou-se dilatação das câmaras átrio-ventriculares. Histologicamente, no coração havia miocardite não supurativa e necrose de cardiomiócitos. Frequentemente, infiltrando o sarcoplasma de cardiomiócitos, haviam pseudocistos de T. cruzi contendo múltiplas amastigotas. No exame de imuno-histoquímica, do miocárdio, houve imunomarcação positiva para o anticorpo anti-T. cruzi. A ocorrência da doença de Chagas em um canino domiciliado em área urbanizada eleva os riscos de transmissão da doença para o homem, o que consequentemente torna este diagnóstico uma nota de importância em saúde pública e de diferencial para outras patologias caninas.(AU)

Pathological and immunohistochemical findings of a case of canine chagasic myocarditis in the state of Mato Grosso / Aspectos patológicos e imuno-histoquímico de um caso de miocardite chagásica canina no estado de Mato Grosso

Dogs are as considered important reservoirs of trypanosomiasis and play a vital role in maintaining the interaction between the domestic and wild cycles of this disease. This paper reports the clinical and pathological findings of a case of Chagas disease myocarditis in a dog from an urban area in Brazil. During clinical examination, the animal showed apathy, weakness and pale ocular mucous and died shortly after. Necropsy revealed ascites, hydrothorax and hydropericardium. The heart was remarkably globoid with scattered multifocal pale in the epicardium and ventricular miocardium and dilated chambers. Histological analysis revealed non-suppurative myocarditis and cardiomyocyte necrosis. The sarcoplasms of cardiomyocytes were frequently infiltrated by T. cruzi pseudocysts filled with amastigotes. The myocardium immunostained positive for anti-T. cruzi antibody. The presence of Chagas disease in a dog from an urban area increases the risk of disease transmission to man, which renders this diagnosis a matter of significant public health concern.

Os cães são considerados importantes reservatórios de tripanosomose e têm um relevante papel na manutenção e interação entre o ciclo doméstico e silvestre desta doença. Neste trabalho é descrito as alterações clínicas e anatomopatológicas de miocardite chagásica em um cão, domiciliado em área urbana, no Brasil. Durante o exame clínico o animal apresentava apatia, debilidade e mucosas oculares pálidas, com rápida evolução para o óbito. Na necropsia foram observados ascite, hidrotórax e hidropericárdio. O coração estava globoso com áreas multifocais pálidas no epicárdio e miocárdio ventricular e ao corte observou-se dilatação das câmaras átrio-ventriculares. Histologicamente, no coração havia miocardite não supurativa e necrose de cardiomiócitos. Frequentemente, infiltrando o sarcoplasma de cardiomiócitos, haviam pseudocistos de T. cruzi contendo múltiplas amastigotas. No exame de imuno-histoquímica, do miocárdio, houve imunomarcação positiva para o anticorpo anti-T. cruzi. A ocorrência da doença de Chagas em um canino domiciliado em área urbanizada eleva os riscos de transmissão da doença para o homem, o que consequentemente torna este diagnóstico uma nota de importância em saúde pública e de diferencial para outras patologias caninas.

Pathological and immunohistochemical findings of a case of canine chagasic myocarditis in the state of Mato Grosso / Aspectos patológicos e imuno-histoquímico de um caso de miocardite chagásica canina no estado de Mato Grosso

Dogs are as considered important reservoirs of trypanosomiasis and play a vital role in maintaining the interaction between the domestic and wild cycles of this disease. This paper reports the clinical and pathological findings of a case of Chagas disease myocarditis in a dog from an urban area in Brazil. During clinical examination, the animal showed apathy, weakness and pale ocular mucous and died shortly after. Necropsy revealed ascites, hydrothorax and hydropericardium. The heart was remarkably globoid with scattered multifocal pale in the epicardium and ventricular miocardium and dilated chambers. Histological analysis revealed non-suppurative myocarditis and cardiomyocyte necrosis. The sarcoplasms of cardiomyocytes were frequently infiltrated by T. cruzi pseudocysts filled with amastigotes. The myocardium immunostained positive for anti-T. cruzi antibody. The presence of Chagas disease in a dog from an urban area increases the risk of disease transmission to man, which renders this diagnosis a matter of significant public health concern.

Os cães são considerados importantes reservatórios de tripanosomose e têm um relevante papel na manutenção e interação entre o ciclo doméstico e silvestre desta doença. Neste trabalho é descrito as alterações clínicas e anatomopatológicas de miocardite chagásica em um cão, domiciliado em área urbana, no Brasil. Durante o exame clínico o animal apresentava apatia, debilidade e mucosas oculares pálidas, com rápida evolução para o óbito. Na necropsia foram observados ascite, hidrotórax e hidropericárdio. O coração estava globoso com áreas multifocais pálidas no epicárdio e miocárdio ventricular e ao corte observou-se dilatação das câmaras átrio-ventriculares. Histologicamente, no coração havia miocardite não supurativa e necrose de cardiomiócitos. Frequentemente, infiltrando o sarcoplasma de cardiomiócitos, haviam pseudocistos de T. cruzi contendo múltiplas amastigotas. No exame de imuno-histoquímica, do miocárdio, houve imunomarcação positiva para o anticorpo anti-T. cruzi. A ocorrência da doença de Chagas em um canino domiciliado em área urbanizada eleva os riscos de transmissão da doença para o homem, o que consequentemente torna este diagnóstico uma nota de importância em saúde pública e de diferencial para outras patologias caninas.

Pathological and immunohistochemical findings of a case of canine chagasic myocarditis in the state of Mato Grosso / Aspectos patológicos e imuno-histoquímico de um caso de miocardite chagásica canina no estado de Mato Grosso

Dogs are as considered important reservoirs of trypanosomiasis and play a vital role in maintaining the interaction between the domestic and wild cycles of this disease. This paper reports the clinical and pathological findings of a case of Chagas disease myocarditis in a dog from an urban area in Brazil. During clinical examination, the animal showed apathy, weakness and pale ocular mucous and died shortly after. Necropsy revealed ascites, hydrothorax and hydropericardium. The heart was remarkably globoid with scattered multifocal pale in the epicardium and ventricular miocardium and dilated chambers. Histological analysis revealed non-suppurative myocarditis and cardiomyocyte necrosis. The sarcoplasms of cardiomyocytes were frequently infiltrated by T. cruzi pseudocysts filled with amastigotes. The myocardium immunostained positive for anti-T. cruzi antibody. The presence of Chagas disease in a dog from an urban area increases the risk of disease transmission to man, which renders this diagnosis a matter of significant public health concern.

Os cães são considerados importantes reservatórios de tripanosomose e têm um relevante papel na manutenção e interação entre o ciclo doméstico e silvestre desta doença. Neste trabalho é descrito as alterações clínicas e anatomopatológicas de miocardite chagásica em um cão, domiciliado em área urbana, no Brasil. Durante o exame clínico o animal apresentava apatia, debilidade e mucosas oculares pálidas, com rápida evolução para o óbito. Na necropsia foram observados ascite, hidrotórax e hidropericárdio. O coração estava globoso com áreas multifocais pálidas no epicárdio e miocárdio ventricular e ao corte observou-se dilatação das câmaras átrio-ventriculares. Histologicamente, no coração havia miocardite não supurativa e necrose de cardiomiócitos. Frequentemente, infiltrando o sarcoplasma de cardiomiócitos, haviam pseudocistos de T. cruzi contendo múltiplas amastigotas. No exame de imuno-histoquímica, do miocárdio, houve imunomarcação positiva para o anticorpo anti-T. cruzi. A ocorrência da doença de Chagas em um canino domiciliado em área urbanizada eleva os riscos de transmissão da doença para o homem, o que consequentemente torna este diagnóstico uma nota de importância em saúde pública e de diferencial para outras patologias caninas.

Ocurrencia de anticuerpos contra Neospora caninum y estudio de los factores de riesgo en perros en Cuiabá y Varzea Grande-MT, servido en hospital veterinario / Ocurrency of antibodies anti-Neospora caninum and study of risk factors in dogs from Cuiabá and Várzea Grande-MT, treated in the veterinary hospital / Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum e estudo dos fatores de risco em cães de Cuiabá e Varzéa Grande-MT, atendidos em hospital veterinário

Neospora caninum es un protozoario intracelular obligatório de distribución en todo el mundo, responsable de enfermedades neuromusculares en los perros domésticos. Los perros son considerados el huésped definitivo del N. caninum y son fundamentales en la transmisión de otros animales. La neosporosis en perros es responsable de las enfermedades neuromusculares, corazón, pulmón y dérmicos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de anti-N. caninum en perros tratados en la rutina del hospital, el Hospital Veterinario de la Universidad de Cuiabá, e involucrar a los principales factores de riesgo para la infección . 199 muestras de suero de los perros se analizaron mediante un ensayo de inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI) con punto de corte 1:50. El 82.5% de estas muestras eran de Cuiabá, el 15% de Varzea Grande, 2.3% de localidades vecinas. Se encontraron anticuerpos anti -N. caninum en 31 muestras (15.6%) con títulos que van de 50 a 1600. Sólo la variable tipo alimento (casero o mixto) se asoció con la presencia de anticuerpos (p < 0,05). Los resultados confirman que los perros están expuestos al N. caninum y que algunas de las medidas de control para la prevención de la infección incluye una ración de alimento restringido.(AU)

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular protozoan of worldwide distribution, it is responsible for neuromuscular diseases in domestic dogs. Dogs are the definitive host of N. caninum and are fundamental in the parasite transmission to other animals. Neosporosis in dogs is responsible for the neuromuscular, heart, lung and dermal diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibody in dogs treated at the hospital routine, in the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Cuiabá, as well as associate its major risk factors to infection. 199 serum samples from dogs were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) with cut off of 1:50. 82.5 % of these samples were from Cuiabá, 15 % from Várzea Grande and 2.3 % from neighboring towns. Anti N. caninum antibodies were found in 31 samples (15.6%) with titles ranging from 50 to 1600. From the variables only type of food (homemade or mixed) presented association to the presence of antibodies (p < 0.05). The results confirm that the dogs from these cities are exposed to N. caninum and that some of the control measures of the infection in the studied area would include a restricted feed of pet food.(AU)

Neospora caninum é um protozoário intracelular obrigatório de distribuição mundial, responsável por doenças neuromusculares em cães. Os cães são os hospedeiros definitivos do N. caninum e são fundamentais na transmissão do parasito aos outros animais. Nos cães a neosporose é responsável por doenças neuromusculares, cardíacas, pulmonares e dérmicas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de anticorpos anti-N. caninum em cães atendidos na rotina hospitalar do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de Cuiabá, assim como associar os principais fatores de risco para a infecção. Foram analisadas 199 amostras de soro de cães, por meio da reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) com ponto de corte de 1:50. Dessas amostras 82,5% foram provenientes de Cuiabá, 15% do município de Várzea Grande e 2,3% de localidades vizinhas. Foram encontrados anticorpos anti-N. caninum em 31 amostras (15,6%) com títulos que variaram entre 50 e 1600. Das variáveis analisadas, somente tipo de alimentação (caseira ou mista) apresentou associação com a presença de anticorpos (p < 0,05). Os resultados indicam que os cães das localidades estudadas estão expostos ao N. caninum e que umas das medidas de controle da infecção deve incluir a uma alimentação restrita com ração comercial.(AU)

Occurrence of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in horses in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum e anti-Toxoplasma gondii em equinos do Pantanal Mato-Grossense, Brasil

This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in horses from Pantanal, in Mato Grosso state. Two hundred blood samples were collected from horses in Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The samples were analyzed by IFAT for the detection of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Antibodies to N. caninum were found in 30 (15%) of 200 horses in titers of 50 (25 horses), 100 (two horses), 200 (two horses), and 400 (one horse). Antibodies to T. gondii were found in five (2.5%) of 200 horses in titers of 50 (three horses), 200 (one horse), and 400 (one horse). One animal showed antibody titers for both coccidian (titers of 200 for N. caninum e 400 for T. gondii). The pantaneiros horses were exposed to Neospora spp. and T. gondii.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum. e anti-Toxoplasma gondii em cavalos do Pantanal, no estado de Mato Grosso. Duzentas amostras de sangue foram coletadas de equinos do Pantanal Mato-grossense, Brasil. As amostras foram analisadas pela reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) para pesquisa de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum e anti-Toxoplasma gondii. Os anticorpos anti N. caninum foram detectados em 30 (15%) dos 200 cavalos, nos títulos de 50 (25 cavalos), 100 (dois cavalos), 200 (dois cavalos) e 400 (um cavalo). Os anticorpos anti T. gondii foram detectados em cinco (2,5%) dos 200 cavalos, nos títulos de 50 (três cavalos), 200 (um cavalo) e 400 (um cavalo). Em um cavalo verificou-se presença de anticorpos para ambos coccídeos (título de 200 para N. caninum e 400 para T. gondii). Os equinos pantaneiros foram expostos ao N. caninum e T. gondii.(AU)

Occurrence of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in horses in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum e anti-Toxoplasma gondii em equinos do Pantanal Mato-Grossense, Brasil

This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in horses from Pantanal, in Mato Grosso state. Two hundred blood samples were collected from horses in Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The samples were analyzed by IFAT for the detection of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Antibodies to N. caninum were found in 30 (15%) of 200 horses in titers of 50 (25 horses), 100 (two horses), 200 (two horses), and 400 (one horse). Antibodies to T. gondii were found in five (2.5%) of 200 horses in titers of 50 (three horses), 200 (one horse), and 400 (one horse). One animal showed antibody titers for both coccidian (titers of 200 for N. caninum e 400 for T. gondii). The pantaneiros horses were exposed to Neospora spp. and T. gondii.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum. e anti-Toxoplasma gondii em cavalos do Pantanal, no estado de Mato Grosso. Duzentas amostras de sangue foram coletadas de equinos do Pantanal Mato-grossense, Brasil. As amostras foram analisadas pela reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) para pesquisa de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum e anti-Toxoplasma gondii. Os anticorpos anti N. caninum foram detectados em 30 (15%) dos 200 cavalos, nos títulos de 50 (25 cavalos), 100 (dois cavalos), 200 (dois cavalos) e 400 (um cavalo). Os anticorpos anti T. gondii foram detectados em cinco (2,5%) dos 200 cavalos, nos títulos de 50 (três cavalos), 200 (um cavalo) e 400 (um cavalo). Em um cavalo verificou-se presença de anticorpos para ambos coccídeos (título de 200 para N. caninum e 400 para T. gondii). Os equinos pantaneiros foram expostos ao N. caninum e T. gondii.

Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-neospora caninum e estudo dos fatores de risco em cães de cuiabá e varzéa grande-mt, atendidos em hospital veterinário

Neospora caninum é um protozoário intracelular obrigatório de distribuição mundial, responsável por diversas doenças neuromusculares em várias espécies de animais, incluindo os cães domésticos. Os cães são considerados os hospedeiros definitivos do N. caninum e são fundamentais na transmissão do ciclo aos outros animais. Nos cães a neosporose é responsável por doenças neuromusculares, cardíacas, pulmonares e dérmicas. O objetivo desde trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de anticorpos anti-N. caninum em cães atendidos na rotina hospitalar do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de Cuiabá, assim como associar os principais fatores de risco para a neosporose. Foram analisadas 199 amostras de soro de cães, por meio da reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI). Dessas amostras 82,5% foram provenientes de Cuiabá, 15% do município de Várzea Grande e 2,3% de localidades vizinhas. Foram encontrados anticorpos Anti-N. caninum em 35 amostras (17,6%) com titulações que variavam entre 1:50 e 1:1600. Somente a variável alimentação (caseira ou mista) apresentou valores significativos com p<0,05. Os resultados indicam uma prevalência baixa, porém dentro média nacional que varia de 4 a 54,2%. Os dados desse estudo confirmam que os cães urbanos provenientes de Cuiabá e Várzea Grande estão expostos ao N. caninum e