Thromboelastometry assessment of mycophenolate mofetil effect on thrombotic risk in dogs with primary and secondary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and by Erhlichia canis infection / [Avaliação por tromboelastometria do efeito do micofenolato de mofetila no risco trombótico em cães com anemia hemolítica imunomediada primária e secundária à infecção por Erhlichia canis]

This study aimed to identify, by means of thromboelastometry assessment, altered thrombotic risk in dogs with primary and secondary IMHA by E. canis infection after initiating the immunosuppressive therapy with mycophenolate mofetil. The animals' screening was based on complete blood count (CBC), biochemical and urine tests. Dogs with moderate to severe anemia (hematocrit ≤ 25%) which showed symptoms of immune-mediated hemolysis, such as spherocytosis, positive saline agglutination, bilirubinuria and/or hemoglobinuria, were included. Blood and urine samples were collected at two different moments. The first sample (M1) was collected at the time of diagnosis, when hematocrit was lower or equal to 25% before treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (Accord ®); the second sample (M2) was collected after treatment with mycophenolate mofetil, when hematocrit was greater or equal to 30%. Five out of the twelve animals selected died before the end of the study. No reduction in thrombotic risk was observed in the animals treated with mycophenolate mofetil. The animals that presented hypocoagulation at the time of diagnosis showed the worst prognosis, and their reticulocyte count displayed a better prognostic value than their erythrocytes count at the time of diagnosis.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi esclarecer se há alteração do risco trombótico em cães com anemia hemolítica imunomediada primária e secundária a E.canis, avaliado por meio da tromboelastometria, após início de tratamento com micofenolato de mofetila. A seleção dos animais foi baseada na avaliação de hemograma, exame bioquímico e urinálise. Cães com anemia moderada a severa (hematócrito ≤ 25%), com sinais de hemólise imunomediada, como esferocitose, aglutinação em salina positivo, bilirrubinúria e/ ou hemoglobinúria, foram incluídos. As amostras de sangue e urina foram coletadas em dois momentos diferentes. A primeira amostra (M1) foi coletada no momento do diagnóstico, quando o hematócrito era igual ou inferior a 25%, sem fazer uso do micofenolato de mofetila (Accord®), e o segundo momento (M2), após tratamento com micofenolato de mofetila, quando o hematócrito era igual ou maior que 30%. Doze animais foram selecionados, cinco morreram antes do término do estudo. Não houve diminuição do risco trombótico entre os animais tratados com micofenolato de mofetila; os animais que apresentaram menor coagulabilidade apresentaram pior prognóstico, e a contagem de reticulócitos apresentou melhor valor prognóstico do que a contagem de hemácias no momento do diagnóstico.(AU)

Pre-Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection Causing Fatal Enteric Disease in a Dog from a Family with History of Human Tuberculosis.

This report describes a fatal case of a pet dog with major enteric signs owned by a family that has experienced cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in the household. Clinical and epidemiological aspects, imaging data, microbiological, haematological and histopathological examinations were assessed to diagnosis of disease. gyrB-RFLP, spoligotyping and MIRU-VNTR allowed molecular detection of M. tuberculosis strain from S family. The resazurin microtiter assay indicated that all isolates were resistant to isoniazid, ethambutol, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, streptomycin and amikacin. The public health concerns related to canine tuberculosis and risk of the dissemination by pets of M. tuberculosis pre-multidrug-resistant (PMD) to isoniazid, ethambutol and other first-line drugs used in human therapy of TB are discussed. We believe this to be the first report of PMD M. tuberculosis infection in a dog presenting mainly enteric manifestation, confirmed as S lineage by molecular methods, owned by a family in which TB has spread in the household for generations.

Trueperella pyogenes multispecies infections in domestic animals: a retrospective study of 144 cases (2002 to 2012).

BACKGROUND: Formerly, Arcanobacterium pyogenes was recently renamed Trueperella pyogenes. This opportunistic bacterium is related to miscellaneous pyogenic infections in animals. Most studies involving T. pyogenes are case reports, whereas few surveys have focused the major aspects of T. pyogenes infections involving a case series study design. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate selected epidemiological and clinical aspects, as well as the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of 144 cases of T. pyogenes infections among domestic animals from 2002 to 2012. ANIMALS AND METHODS: T. pyogenes was isolated from different clinical specimens from cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, horses, dogs, and buffaloes. Correlations were assessed by the Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Mastitis (45.1%), abscesses (18.0%), pneumonia (11.1%), and lymphadenitis (9.0%) were the most common clinical manifestations. In addition, the organism was also isolated from other miscellaneous clinical specimens from cases of septicemia, encephalitis, pyometra, prostatitis, orchitis, seminal vesiculitis, pericarditis, and omphalitis. No statistical association was observed between T. pyogenes infections and age, gender, or season across the study. The most effective drugs against the pathogen were florfenicol (99.1%), cefoperazone (96.0%), cephalexin (95.0%), and ceftiofur (94.8%). High resistance rates were observed against trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (49.3%), followed by norfloxacin (10.9%) and tetracycline (9.2%). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the diversity of clinical manifestations and the opportunistic behavior of T. pyogenes infections in domestic animals, with predominance of mastitis, abscesses, pneumonia, and lymphadenitis. It also reinforces the importance of knowing the susceptibility profile before initiating therapy, to improve antimicrobial therapy approaches.

Exogenous bacterial osteomyelitis in 52 dogs: a retrospective study of etiology and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility profile (2000-2013).

BACKGROUND: Most clinical cases of osteomyelitis in dogs involve infectious agents, especially bacteria and fungi. The characterization of these microorganisms may aid in the prevention and treatment of disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively microbiological cultures and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility profile of isolates from 52 cases of bacterial osteomyelitis in long bones of dogs over 2000-2013. In 78% of the cases injuries were caused by a motor vehicle accident, but there were a few cases of dog bites (17%) and ascending infection due to pododermatitis (5%). ANIMALS AND METHODS: The isolated microorganisms were identified based on conventional phenotypic methods. In vitro disk diffusion test was performed using 30 different antimicrobials. RESULTS: The isolates were obtained from femur (28%), humerus (16%), tibia (31%), and radius/ulna (25%). Among 52 cases, culture was positive in 88% of cases. Thirteen genus of different species of microorganisms were isolated. The most common microorganisms isolated were Staphylococcus spp. and Escherichia coli followed by Streptococcus spp., enteric bacteria, Corynebacterium sp. and anaerobic bacteria. In 42% of cases cultures were mixed. The most effective drugs against isolated bacteria were amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium (79%) followed by ceftriaxone (69%). High-resistance rates were documented against azithromycin (80%), penicillin (59%), and clindamycin (59%). CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights diverse etiologic agents in cases of infectious bacterial osteomyelitis, with predominance of Staphylococcus genus, and reinforces the importance of obtaining cultures and susceptibility profiles given the high rates of antimicrobial resistance.

Canine distemper virus and Toxoplasma gondii co-infection in dogs with neurological signs / Co-infecção pelo vírus da cinomose canina e Toxoplasma gondii em cães com sinais neurológicos

O presente estudo relata a ocorrência de co-infecção entre o vírus da cinomose canina (CDV) e Toxoplama gondii em cães com sinais neurológicos. Amostras de soro e tecido nervoso (pos-mortem) de 21 cães, suspeitos de cinomose canina foram analisadas pela Reação de Imunofluorecência indireta (RIFI) para pesquisa de anticorpos contra T. gondii e N. caninum e por RT-PCR para CDV. Dezessete (80,9 por cento) cães foram positivos para o CDV pela RT-PCR e 8 (38,1 por cento) foram positivos para anticorpos contra T. gondii. Sete cães (41,1 por cento) apresentaram-se positivos para ambos agentes, caracterizando processo de co-infecção. Somente 1 (4,7 por cento) cão foi soropositivo para N. caninum (RIFI=100), entretanto este mesmo animal foi positivo para T. gondii (RIFI=4096) e para CDV (RT-PCR).

Mastite bovina por Pasteurella multocida: estudo de nove casos / Bovine mastitis by Pasteurella multocida: a study of nine cases

The uncommon occurrence of bovine mastitis by Pasteurella multocida is reported in nine cows. Mammary pasteurellosis was predominantly diagnosed predominantly in clinical cases, in dairy cows milked in the presence of calves. Low interference of immunosuppressive or predispose factors and absence of pulmonary signs were observed in animals. In vitro multiple drug resistance of isolates was observed to three or more conventional antimicrobials, especially with use of tetracycline and gentamicin. Epidemiologic findings, clinical signs, and antimicrobial profile were discussed in nine cases of bovine mastitis caused by P. multocida.

Anticorpos para Leptospira spp., Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em cães errantes albergados em canil privado / Antibodies to Leptospira spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Neospora caninum in mongrel dogs kept in private kennel

The serological profile of 300 mongrel dogs of various ages and gender were investigated. Animals were captured in the streets and afterwards directed to a private kennel in Avaré city (SP) to search for leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, and neosporosis. Blood samples were obtained from jugular or cephalic vein for the obtention of sera. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was used to leptospirosis. MAT detect the prevalence of 9.3%. The most frequent reactant serovars were Bratislava (35.7%), Cynopteri (17.9%), Autumnalis (14.3%), and Copenhageni (10.7%), besides 7.1% to others serovars: Icterohaemorrhagiae, Canicola, and Hardjo. The modified agglutination test used for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis showed 26% of positive animals, with titers varying from 16 to 256, with 16 in 3.3%, 64 in 13.7%, and 256 in 9% of the samples. To canine neosporosis, it was used the indirect fluorescent antibody test, and two animals (0.7%) demonstrated antibodies with titers 25 and 100. The results show the participation of the animals in the epidemiological chain of the researched diseases.

Peracute bovine mastitis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae / Mastite bovina hiperaguda causada por Klebsiella pneumoniae

Relata-se a ocorrência de graves sintomas de mastite hiperaguda em vaca, causada por Klebsiella pneumoniae, na terceira semana de lactação. Descrevem-se aspectos epidemiológicos, sintomas clínicos, procedimentos de diagnóstico microbiológico, conduta terapêutica e medidas de controle.

Ocorrência de Mannheimia haemolytica e de Pasteurella multocida em ovinos sadios e com enfermidade respiratória / Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida occurrence in healthy and affected lambs

Frequency of Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida in the respiratory tract of lambs in the region of Botucatu, SP, Brazil, was studied. Nasopharingeal and oropharingeal swabs were obtained from 262 animals: 180 from healthy and 82 from animals with respiratory diseases. M. haemolytica was the most prevalent (47 percent), followed by the association of M. haemolytica and P. multocida (27 percent), and P. multocida (11 percent). Animals with respiratory disease presented higher occurrence of P. multocida in the nasopharynx as compared to healthy animals (P<0.05). No significant difference in isolation rate of M. haemolytica, P. multocida, and association of these microorganisms in the oropharynx of healthy and affected animals was observed

Immune response to Mycobacterium bovis-AN5 infection in genetically selected mice (selection IV-A)

Mice genetically selected for high (H) and low (L) antibody production (Selection IV-A) were used as murine experimental model. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the macrophagic activity and to characterize the immune response in Mycobacterium bovis-AN5 infected mice (3X107 bacteria). The response profile previously observed in such strains was not similar to that obtained during M. bovis infection; however, it corroborated works carried out using Selection I, which is very similar to Selection IV-A regarding infection by M. tuberculosis and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Considering bacterial recovery, LIV-A mice showed higher control of the infectious process in the lungs than in the spleen, whereas HIV-A mice presented more resistance in the spleen. With respect to macrophagic activity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was probably not involved in the infection control since there was an inhibition in the production of this metabolite. Nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-a production seemed to be important in the control of bacterial replication and varied according to the strain, period and organ. Evaluation of the antibody production indicated that the multi-specific effect commonly observed in these strains was not the same in the response to M. bovis. Antibody concentrations were higher in LIV-A than in HIV-A mice at the beginning of the infection, being similar afterwards. Such data were compared with delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), which was more intense in HIV-A than in LIV-A mice, indicating that antibody production is independent of the capability to trigger DTH reactions and that cellular and humoral responses to M. bovis antigens show a polygenic control and an independent quantitative genetic regulation. Differences were observed among organs and metabolites, suggesting that different mechanisms play an important role in this infection in natural heterogeneous populations, indicating that NO, TNF-a and Th1 cytokines are involved in the infection control.(AU)

Minimal inhibitory concentration of azithromycin in Rhodococcus equi strains isolated from foals

O perfil de sensibilidade microbiana e a concentração inibitória mínima (MIC) da azitromicina para 42 cepas de Rhodococcus equi isoladas de potros, no Brasil, e em uma cepa-controle, foi avaliado, respectivamente, pelos métodos de difusão com discos e E-test. A azitromicina apresentou 100 por cento de efetividade in vitro para todas as cepas em ambos os testes. As cepas de R. equi apresentaram MIC90 para azitromicina em valores <1.5µg/ml. Este estudo mostra a alta efetividade da azitromicina em linhagens de R. equi isoladas no Brasil, sugerindo o uso dessa droga como alternativa na terapia da rodococose em potros.

American visceral leishmaniasis: a case report

Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by parasites of the Leishmania genus. Dog is the major source of infection to man, especially in urban areas. The authors report a case of visceral leishmaniasis in a pit bull female dog from Bocaina, São Paulo, Brazil. The animal presented clinical signs compatible with leishmaniasis, including skin lesions in the body and partial damage of the external ears. The indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) demonstrated a titer of 1280, and promastigote forms of Leishmania sp were isolated by the culture of bone marrow puncture. Cytological analysis of the lymph node and smear of the bone marrow puncture revealed macrophages containing amastigote forms of Leishmania sp in their inner region. The test of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) utilized the primers LINR4 and LIN19, which amplify 720 base pairs, specific for Leishmania sp. The authors discuss the importance of techniques for a quick and precise diagnosis to this serious zoonosis with great impact in animal and public health

Modified E-test by the addition of EDTA-Tris and dimethyl sulfoxide on the potentiation of the effects of some antimicrobials in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from bovine mastitis

A concentração inibitória mínima-MIC em 30 estirpes de Pseudomonas aeruginosa isoladas de mastite bovina foi avaliada utilizando o E-test padrão e o método modificado, pela adição de Tris-EDTA e DMSO. Os métodos modificados apresentaram redução significativa da MIC das estirpes utilizando a gentamicina, a ciprofloxacina e a norfloxacina.

Hepatozoonose canina: achados clínico-epidemiológicos em três casos / Canine hepatozoonosis: clinic-epidemiological data in three cases

Clinic-epidemiological data in canine infection by Hepatozoon canis were reported. Apatia, anorexia, prostaction, weight loss and muscle pain were the most-common clinical recognized signs. Blood smear was used as diagnosis method for the detection of H. canis gamonts in the neutrophils. Anaemia, leucocytosis, monocytosis and lymphopenia were observed in the haematological exams. Imidocarb dipropionate associated with tetracyclines and sulfamethoxasole-trimethoprim were used in therapy.

Aglutininas anti-Brucella abortus no soro e em secreçäo de bursite cervical em eqüinos / Anti-Brucella abortus agglutinins in serum and secretion of fistulous withers in horses

Fistulous wither secretions from three horses were tested by the plate agglutination (PAT), tube agglutination (SAT), buffered plate-Rose Bengal (RBPT) and 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) tests, comparatively with standard agglutination tests. In the modified tests, titers were increased in the PAT, SAT and 2-ME tests and positive reaction was observed in RBPT. Brucella abortus was isolated from the secretion of fistulous withers collected from one animal. These results suggest that the modified tests may be used as alternative tests to diagnose brucellosis in horses with fistulous withers

Incidence of leptospiral abortion in Brazilian dairy cattle.

We examined dams' paired serum samples and foetal kidneys (histopathologically and attempting leptospiral cultures) from 120 Brazilian Holstein abortions from 10 herds near Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 1996. Leptospiras was isolated from 15 foetuses. The Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo was obtained from four, pomona from three and wolffi from eight foetuses. Ten of these 15 foetuses showed a four-fold rise in titres between the day of abortion and the second samples taken 15 days later. Fifty-seven other foetuses had histologic evidence of leptospires; 27 of their dams (47%) had four-fold rises in titres. In total, 72 of 120 aborted foetuses had evidence of leptospiral infection.