Long-Term Co-Circulation of Host-Specialist and Host-Generalist Lineages of Group B Streptococcus in Brazilian Dairy Cattle with Heterogeneous Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of contagious bovine mastitis (CBM) in Brazil. The GBS population is composed of host-generalist and host-specialist lineages, which may differ in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and zoonotic potential, and the surveillance of bovine GBS is crucial to developing effective CBM control and prevention measures. Here, we investigated bovine GBS isolates (n = 156) collected in Brazil between 1987 and 2021 using phenotypic testing and whole-genome sequencing to uncover the molecular epidemiology of bovine GBS. Clonal complex (CC) 61/67 was the predominant clade in the 20th century; however, it was replaced by CC91, with which it shares a most common recent ancestor, in the 21st century, despite the higher prevalence of AMR in CC61/67 than in CC91, and high selection pressure for AMR from indiscriminate antimicrobial use in the Brazilian dairy industry. CC103 also emerged as a dominant CC in the 21st century, and a considerable proportion of herds had two or more GBS strains, suggesting poor biosecurity and within-herd evolution due to the chronic nature of CBM problems. The majority of bovine GBS belonged to serotype Ia or III, which was strongly correlated with CCs. Ninety-three isolates were resistant to tetracycline (≥8 µg/mL; tetO = 57, tetM = 34 or both = 2) and forty-four were resistant to erythromycin (2.0 to >4 µg/mL; ermA = 1, ermB = 38, mechanism unidentified n = 5). Only three isolates were non-susceptible to penicillin (≥8.0 µg/mL), providing opportunities for improved antimicrobial stewardship through the use of narrow-spectrum antimicrobials for the treatment of dairy cattle. The common bovine GBS clades detected in this study have rarely been reported in humans, suggesting limited risk of interspecies transmission of GBS in Brazil. This study provides new data to support improvements to CBM and AMR control, bovine GBS vaccine design, and the management of public health risks posed by bovine GBS in Brazil.

In Vitro Activity of Quaternary Ammonium in Prototheca Isolated from Clinical Bovine Mastitis Identified by Mass Spectrometry and PCR Sequencing of the cytb Gene Marker.

The in vitro algaecide activity of quaternary ammonium (QA) against Prototheca isolated from bovine clinical mastitis was investigated, in which the clinical severity was scored, milk samples were subjected to microbiological culture, and algal species were identified by molecular typing. A total of 4275 milk clinical samples of different cows from ten large dairy farms were used. Forty-four (1%) samples of cows from three dairy farms yielded growth of Prototheca, of which 88.6% (39/44) were identified as Prototheca bovis and 11.3% (5/44) as Prototheca sp. by MALDI-TOF MS, whereas 100% of the isolates were identified as P. bovis using PCR sequencing of the cytb gene. Among cows for which clinical severity scoring was available, 78.8% (26/33) and 21.2% (7/33) had mild and moderate infections, respectively, whereas no animal showed severe clinical signs. The algaecide activity of QA in Prototheca was observed in low concentrations among all isolates, in 20.4% (9/44) at 35 ppm, 36.4% (16/44) at 17 ppm, and 43.2% (19/44) at an 8 ppm, in addition to activity on three reference Prototheca strains. Overall, the study highlights the predominance of P. bovis as the causative agent of algal mastitis in bovines. Prototheca induced abnormalities preponderantly in the milk and mammary gland tissue of cows, and to our knowledge, our study is the first to apply clinical severity scoring in protothecal mastitis. In addition, the study underlines the activity of QA in low concentrations against Prototheca, indicating its potential use as an antiseptic/disinfectant in milking facilities and dairy environments.

Flies (Insecta, Diptera) collected in the environment of dairy farms as carriers of Rotavirus A and betacoronavirus.

AIMS: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of rotavirus and coronavirus in dipterans that commonly inhabit the environment of dairy farms. METHODS AND RESULTS: We collected 217 insect specimens from nine dairy farms, which were examined through hemi-nested RT-PCR followed by Sanger sequencing in search of VP1 and N genes for rotavirus and bovine coronavirus-BCoV, respectively. With a predominance of Muscidae (152/217 = 70%) 11 families of Diptera were identified. Rotavirus A (RVA) and betacoronavirus (BCoV) were detected in 14.7% (32/217) and 4.6% (10/217) of the dipterans, respectively. Sequencing of the amplicons was possible for 11.5% (25/217) of RVA and 0.5% (1/217) of BCoV, confirming the presence of these pathogens. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the role of dipterans as carriers of RVA and BCoV of great relevance for public and animal health.

Sequential Cerebrospinal Fluid Sampling in Horses: Comparison of Sampling Times and Two Different Collection Sites.

Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is important as a complementary test in horses with neurologic diseases, and sequential analysis may provide information about the treatment response or evolution and quantitative measures of the CSF drug concentration during treatment. The aim of this study was to compare erythrocyte and nucleated cell counts and protein concentration in multiple CSF samples obtained sequentially from two different puncture sites in clinically healthy horses. Eight and 12 horses, with no evidence of neurologic disease, were subjected to CSF collection from the atlanto-occipital (AO) and C1-C2 spaces, respectively. Cytologic and chemical analyses were performed on the CSF obtained at five sampling times (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). Repeated measures models were used to compare the mean erythrocyte count, nucleated cell count, and total protein concentration between the AO and C1-C2 groups at each sampling time. C1-C2 CSF had a significantly higher total protein concentration at T1 and T4 than that of AO CSF. All total protein concentration values remained within the reference interval (<90 mg/dL) for all sampling times and groups. No statistical difference was present between results at T2, T3, T4, and T5 and at T1 in both groups for all analyses. In conclusion, five consecutive AO or C1-C2 CSF collections with at least a 7-d interval did not result in alterations in the CSF erythrocyte and nucleated cell counts and total protein concentrations and did not interfere with the CSF analysis results.

Epidemiological aspects of Ancylostoma spp. infection in naturally infected dogs from São Paulo state, Brazil.

Ancylostoma spp. are the most prevalent canine nematode parasites in Brazil. Despite their widespread parasitism in juvenile dogs, infections may occur regardless of host age. Although eosinophilia is a frequent finding in experimental infections, it is uncommon in naturally infected dogs. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Ancylostoma spp. and the eosinophil blood counts (EBC) in naturally infected dogs, with or without comorbidities, admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Botucatu campus, São Paulo state, Brazil, from 2009 to 2018. All retrospective data were gathered from veterinary medical records (VMR); diagnosis of Ancylostoma infection required the identification of eggs in fecal samples by the simple flotation test (SFT). Ancylostoma-infected animals were evaluated for other intestinal parasitic coinfections (IPC) by either the SFT or the centrifugal-flotation test. Dogs free of any gastro-intestinal parasites were prospectively included in control group (Group C). Ancylostoma-infected animals were defined: Ancylostoma spp. only intestinal parasite infection (Group A), Ancyslostoma spp. with concurrent IPC (Group B), Ancylostoma spp. only intestinal parasite infection with concurrent systemic disorders (Group D), and Ancylostoma spp. with both IPC and concurrent systemic disorders (Group E). The overall prevalence of Ancylostoma spp. was 12.1% (207/1715), that was decreased from 2014 to 2018 (9.7%) relative to the 2009-to-2013 period (13.9%). Prevalence was not significantly different between dogs <1-year-old (10.7% [51/478]) and ≥ 1 year-old (11.7% [130/1109]). IPC was observed in 45.4% (93/205) of the animals positive for Ancylostoma spp., while dogs <1 year old experienced IPC more often (58.8% [30/51]) than dogs ≥1 year old (38.5% [50/130]) (P = 0.02). Group A (n = 35) exhibited median EBC of 1.05 × 109/L, and an eosinophilia ratio of 34.3% that was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than Group C (0.45 × 109/L and 4.1%, respectively). Both variables did not differ in Group B (n = 20), D (n = 39) or E (n = 36) in comparison to Group C (P > 0.05). By ROC curve analysis, only Group A generated a significant area under the curve (0.72). With EBC cutoff of 0.85 × 109 eosinophils/L, sensitivity and specificity were 65.7% and 70.8%, respectively. Eosinophil counts alone may be helpful in raising suspicion of an Ancylostoma spp. infection if further intestinal parasites and concurrent disorders are absent. However, local prevalence data and epidemiological findings should also be evaluated, since eosinophilia is less frequently observed with Ancylostoma spp. infections in the presence of comorbidities.

Efficacy of cefquinome and a combination of cloxacillin and ampicillin for treatment of dairy cows with Streptococcus agalactiae subclinical mastitis.

A randomized clinical trial was conducted to assess efficacy of intramammary cloxacillin and ampicillin (CLOXIMM), intramammary cefquinome (CEFIMM), and intramuscular cefquinome (CEFIM) to treat Streptococcus agalactiae intramammary infections (Trial 1). Subsequently, two treatment groups were extended to assess whether CLOXIMM was not inferior to CEFIMM (Trial 2). Nine farms were included in the study. Milk samples were collected from all quarters of all lactating cows for microbiological identification of S. agalactiae. Positive cows were randomly allocated into four groups: CLOXIMM, CEFIMM, CEFIM, or negative control (CONTROL). Study outcomes were bacteriological cure at 14 (CURE14), 21 (CURE21), and 14 and 21 (CURE1421) days after treatment onset, and somatic cell count. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of cure between each treatment and CONTROL. Non-inferiority analysis was performed considering a one-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) and non-inferiority margins (Δ) of 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25. Adjusted S. agalactiae bacteriological cure for CLOXIMM, CEFIMM, CEFIM, and CONTROL was 86, 98, 55, and 25% at day 14; 82, 93, 52, and 0% at day 21; and 82, 92, 40, and 0% at days 14 and 21, respectively. Treatment with CLOXIMM and CEFIMM resulted in greater bacteriological cure rates, as compared with CEFIM or CONTROL, which does not justify the use of CEFIM in S. agalactiae eradication programs. The CURE14 difference between CEFIMM and CLOXIMM was of 12.1 percentage points (95% CI: 0.056-0.184). CLOXIMM was considered not inferior to CEFIMM for Δ = 0.20 or 0.25 and inconclusive for Δ = 0.10 or 0.15. Thus, it should be pondered by veterinarians whether an expected 12.1 (5.6-18.4) percentage points increase in cure rate would justify the use of a fourth-generation cephalosporin, as opposed to a combination of traditional IMM drugs (cloxacillin and ampicillin) to treat S. agalactiae subclinical mastitis.

Brucellosis Prevalence in Brazilian Slaughterhouses with Different Meat Inspection Systems.

In Brazil, meat inspection occurs in a decentralized manner and consists of three types: (i) federal inspection (SIF), (ii) state inspection (SISP), and (iii) municipal inspection (SIM). The objective of this work was to discuss the three current inspection systems through the apparent prevalence of bovine brucellosis, a zoonosis that has an eradication program implemented by the Brazilian government. Nine abattoirs from federal, state, and municipal inspection systems were assessed and 1,490 animals were sampled. Serology for brucellosis was determined by the rose bengal test and the complement fixation test. The overall apparent prevalence (and 95% confidence interval) of brucellosis was 2.2% (1.5 to 2.9%). Apparent prevalence stratified by inspection system for SIF, SISP, and SIM was 0.4% (0.0 to 0.9%), 2.0% (0.8 to 3.2%), and 4.3% (2.5 to 6.1%), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the odds ratio for finding an animal positive for brucellosis among inspection systems. A statistical difference ( P < 0.0015) was observed among surveillance systems, with SISP × SIF, SIM × SISP, and SIM × SIF having an odds ratio of 4,996, 2,304, and 11,494, respectively. Hence, the need for increasing official surveillance in state and municipal inspection systems seems to be necessary and could assist in the surveillance of bovine brucellosis and other diseases of interest to the federation. In addition, an increase in official presence would help to improve the selection of slaughtered cattle during ante- and postmortem inspection, with consequent impact on food safety and public health.

Microbiological profile of different types of salads from hospital kitchens / Perfil microbiológico de diferentes tipos de saladas provenientes de cozinhas hospitalares

The objective of this work was to verify the microbiological profile of different types of salads from hospital kitchens. During the period from 2010 to 2014, the Public Food Guidance Service (SOAP) received 641 samples of salads from two public hospitals in the Central West region of the São Paulo state, where they were submitted to microbiological analysis in order to determine the most probable number (MPN) of coliforms at 35 and 45ºC, carry out Salmonella spp. study and coagulase-positive staphylococci count. The results showed that in 30.56% of samples the coliform count at 35ºC was above 1,100 MPN/g and 12.17% of samples presented coliforms at 45ºC above 100 MPN/g, which is the maximum limit established by Brazilian law. The prevalence of contaminated samples among those without heat treatment was at 97.44%, and for samples with heat treatment the prevalence was at 2.56% for both cooked and braised foods. All samples were negative for Salmonella spp. presence and showed coagulase-positive staphylococci count at < 1.0 × 102 UFC/g. Although no pathogenic agents were found, the high count for indicator microorganisms in a large number of samples suggests that the practices of obtaining and manipulating these foods are inadequate, facilitating the risk of contamination with pathogens, including other agents not included in this research. Thus, food and nutrition units must pay attention to food preparation procedures, especially since these meals are served to indoor patients.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o perfil microbiológico de diferentes tipos de saladas provenientes de cozinhas hospitalares. No período de 2010 a 2014, o Serviço de Orientação à Alimentação Pública (SOAP) recebeu 641 amostras de saladas provenientes de dois hospitais públicos da região centro-oeste do estado de São Paulo, onde foram submetidas às análises microbiológicas para a determinação do número mais provável (NMP) de coliformes a 35 e 45ºC, pesquisa de Salmonella spp. e contagem de estafilococos coagulase positiva. Os resultados revelaram que em 30,56% das amostras a contagem de coliformes a 35ºC foi maior que 1.100 NMP/g, e 12,17% apresentaram coliformes a 45ºC acima de 100 NMP/g, limite máximo estabelecido pela legislação brasileira. A prevalência de amostras contaminadas sem tratamento térmico foi de 97,44% e de 2,56% para amostras com tratamento térmico, cozidas ou refogadas. Todas as amostras foram negativas para presença de Salmonella spp. e apresentaram contagem de estafilococos coagulase positiva < 1,0 × 102 UFC/g. Embora não tenham sido encontrados agentes patogênicos, as altas contagens de micro-organismos indicadores em grande parte das amostras sugerem que as práticas de obtenção e manipulação desses alimentos estão inadequadas, possibilitando risco de contaminação por patógenos, inclusive outros agentes não contemplados nesta pesquisa. Portanto, as unidades de alimentação e nutrição hospitalares devem se atentar quanto aos procedimentos de preparo de alimentos, sobretudo porque essas refeições são servidas a indivíduos hospitalizados.(AU)

Streptococcus suis in employees and the environment of swine slaughterhouses in São Paulo, Brazil: Occurrence, risk factors, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility.

Streptococcus suis is an important pathogen in the swine industry. This article is the first to report the occurrence, risk factors, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility of S. suis recovered from employees and environmental samples of swine slaughterhouses in Brazil. Tonsillar swabs from all 139 pig-slaughtering employees and 261 environmental swabs were collected for detection of S. suis and serotyping by monoplex and multiplex polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the disk-diffusion method. Although S. suis was not detected in any of the tested employees, it was isolated from 25% of the environmental samples. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in the occurrence of S. suis were observed between slaughterhouses and between areas of low, medium, and high risk. The most frequent serotypes were 4 and 29, each accounting for 12% of the isolates, followed by 5, 12, 21, and 31, each accounting for 6%. High rates of susceptibility to the antimicrobials doxycycline (100%), ceftiofur (94%), ampicillin (81%), and cephalexin (75%) were observed. However, multidrug resistance was observed in all the isolates. Because S. suis is present in the environment of swine slaughterhouses, on carcasses and knives, as well as on the hands of employees in all areas, all employees are at risk of infection.

Streptococcus suis est un agent pathogène important dans l'industrie porcine. Cet article est le premier à rapporter la fréquence, les facteurs de risque, la distribution des sérotypes, et la sensibilité aux antimicrobiens d'isolats de S. suis provenant des employés et d'échantillons de l'environnement d'abattoirs de porcs au Brésil. Des échantillons des amygdales des 139 employés et 261 échantillons environnementaux furent prélevés pour détection de S. suis et sérotypage par réaction d'amplification en chaine monoplex et multiplex, respectivement. La sensibilité aux antimicrobiens a été déterminée par la méthode de diffusion en disque. Bien que S. suis ne fut isolé d'aucun des employés testés, la bactérie a été isolée de 25 % des échantillons environnementaux. Des différences significatives (P < 0,05) dans la fréquence de S. suis furent observées entre les abattoirs et entre les zones à risque faible, moyen, et élevé. Les sérotypes 4 et 29 étaient les plus fréquents, comptant chacun pour 12 % des isolats, suivi des sérotypes 5, 12, 21, et 31, chacun comptant pour 6 %. Des pourcentages élevés de sensibilité à la doxycycline (100 %), au ceftiofur (94 %), à l'ampicilline (81 %) et à la céphalexine (75 %) ont été notés. Toutefois, de la résistance multiple fut observée chez tous les isolats. Étant donné que S. suis est présent dans l'environnement des abattoirs de porc, sur les carcasses et les couteaux, ainsi que sur les mains des employés dans toutes les zones, tous les employés sont à risque de s'infecter.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Ultrasonography of the conceptus development from days 15 to 60 of pregnancy in non-cyclic recipient mares / Ultrassonografia do desenvolvimento do concepto entre 15 e 60 dias de gestação em éguas receptoras acíclicas

The present study evaluated the development of equine conceptus transferred to non-cyclic recipient mares treated with altrenogest. Twenty four mares were used as embryo recipients during the ovulatory phase (Control group; n=8) or anestrus/transitional phases (Altrenogest group; n=16) and were evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography, at five day intervals, to monitor the development of embryonic vesicles from 15 to 45 days of pregnancy and embryo proper/fetus from 20 to 60 days. Embryonic vesicle's features such as shape, embryo location within the vesicle and umbilical cord development were similar between cyclic and non-cyclic recipient mares. The embryonic vesicle and embryo proper/fetus growth was significant (P<0.05) between 15 and 60 days of gestation in Altrenogest and Control groups, except for days 20 to 30, where embryonic vesicle growth decrease was observed (P>0.05). The embryonic vesicle and embryo proper/fetus growth was similar (P>0.05) when gestational days were compared between groups. The similarity in conceptus growth between cyclic and non-cyclic recipient mares during early pregnancy indicates that the uterine environment of non-cyclic recipient mares treated with progestins provides similar conditions for the development of transferred embryos.

O presente trabalho avaliou o desenvolvimento de conceptos equinos transferidos para éguas receptoras acíclicas, tratadas com altrenogest. Vinte e quatro receptoras gestantes por transferência de embrião durante a fase cíclica (grupo Controle; n=8) ou acíclica (grupo Altrenogest; n=16) foram avaliadas por meio de ultrassonografia transretal, a cada cinco dias, para monitorar o desenvolvimento da vesícula embrionária entre 15 e 45 dias de gestação e embrião/feto dos 20 aos 60 dias. As características da vesícula embrionária quanto ao formato, localização do embrião dentro da vesícula e formação do cordão umbilical foram similares em receptoras cíclicas e acíclicas. O crescimento da vesícula embrionária e embrião/feto foi significativo (P<0,05) entre 15 e 60 dias de gestação nos grupos Altrenogest e Controle, com exceção dos dias 20 a 30, em que redução no crescimento da vesícula embrionária foi observada (P>0,05). O crescimento da vesícula embrionária e embrião/feto também foi similar (P>0,05) entre grupos nos diferentes dias de gestação. A similaridade no crescimento do concepto entre éguas receptoras cíclicas e acíclicas durante o início da gestação indica que o ambiente uterino de receptoras acíclicas, mantidas com progestágeno, oferece condições similares para o desenvolvimento de um embrião transferido.

Influence of anestrus and diestrus stages of oocyte on meiotic competence in bitches / Influência das fases de anestro e diestro na competência meiótica oocitária de cadelas

The bitch has reproductive peculiarities that differentiate it from other species. Several experiments have been conducted to establish efficient protocols for maturation; however, the results appear to be unsatisfactory. In this respect, the reproductive female donor should be considered, since it can be a factor of variability of findings in this species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the estrous cycle phases phase diestrus and anestrus on canine oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM). The ovaries were transported in sodium chloride 0.9% solution, and were cut into phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and the cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) selected in tissue culture medium (TCM), supplemented with 199 HEPES. A total of 469 grade 1 oocytes were collected from bitches in anestrus and diestrus. These selected oocytes were transferred to the maturation medium for a period of 72 hours, then subjected to hyaluronidase solution and stained with Hoechst 33342 to assess nuclear configuration. The comparison of anestrus and diestrus phase showed no differences (p > 0.05) between the nuclear maturation stages. Thus, the phase of the estrous cycle did not influence the in vitro maturation of canine oocytes, increasing the rates of M-II in this species.

A cadela apresenta particularidades reprodutivas que a diferencia de outras espécies. Diversos experimentos têm sido realizados visando estabelecer protocolos eficientes para a maturação, entretanto os resultados mostram-se insatisfatórios. Nesse aspecto, a fase reprodutiva da fêmea doadora deve ser considerada, já que pode ser um fator de variabilidade dos achados ate então presenciados nessa espécie. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influencia das fases do ciclo estral (anestro e diestro) na maturação in vitro (MIV) de cadelas. Os ovários foram transportados em solução de cloreto de sódio 0,9% e seccionados em solução salina fosfato tamponado (PBS) e os complexos cumulus-oócito (COCs) selecionados em meio de cultura de tecidos (TCM) 199 suplementado com HEPES. Foram obtidos 469 oócitos grau 1 de cadelas em anestro e diestro. Esses oócitos selecionados foram transferidos para o meio de maturação por um período de 72 horas, sendo posteriormente submetidos a solução de hialuronidase e corados com HOESCHT 33342 para avaliação da configuração nuclear. A comparação das fases de anestro e diestro não revelou diferença (p > 0,05) entre os estágios de maturação nuclear. Dessa maneira, a fase do ciclo estral não influenciou na maturação in vitro de oócitos caninos, incrementando os índices de M-II nesta espécie.

Brainstem auditory-evoked potential in Boxer dogs / Potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico em cães da raça Boxer

Brainstem auditory-evoked potential (BAEP) has been widely used for different purposes in veterinary practice and is commonly used to identify inherited deafness and presbycusis. In this study, 43 Boxer dogs were evaluated using the BAEP. Deafness was diagnosed in 3 dogs (2 bilateral and 1 unilateral) allowing the remaining 40 Boxers to be included for normative data analysis including an evaluation on the influence of age on the BAEP. The animals were divided into 2 groups of 20 Boxers each based on age. The mean age was 4.54 years (range, 1-8) in group I, and 9.83 years (range, 8.5-12) in group II. The mean latency for I, III, and V waves were 1.14 (±0.07), 2.64 (±0.11), and 3.48 (±0.10) ms in group I, and 1.20 (±0.12), 2.73 (±0.15), and 3.58 (±0.22) ms in group II, respectively. The mean inter-peak latencies for the I-III, III-V and I-V intervals were 1.50 (±0.15), 0.84 (±0.15), and 2.34 (±0.11) ms in group I, and 1.53 (±0.16), 0.85 (±0.15), and 2.38 (±0.19) ms in group II, respectively. Latencies of waves I and III were significant different between group I and II. For the I-III, III-V and I-V intervals, no significant differences were observed between the 2 groups. As far as we know, this is the first normative study of BAEP obtained from Boxer dogs.

O potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico (PEATE) tem sido amplamente utilizado com diferentes finalidades na prática veterinária e é comumente usado para identificar a surdez hereditária e a presbiacusia. No presente estudo, 43 cães da raça Boxer foram pelo teste PEATE. Foi diagnosticada surdez em 3 cães (2 bilaterais e 1 unilateral), e 40 Boxers foram usados no estudo normativo incluindo avaliação da influência da idade no PEATE. Os animais foram divididos de acordo com a idade em 2 grupos de 20 Boxers cada. A idade media foi 4,54 anos (variação de 1-8) no grupo I e 9,83 anos (variação de 8,5-12) no grupo II. A latência media das ondas I, III e V foram: 1,14 (±0,07); 2,64 (±0,11) e 3,48 (±0,10) ms no grupo I; e 1,20 (±0,12); 2,73 (±0,15) e 3,58 (±0,22) ms no grupo II, respectivamente. A latência media para os intervalos I-III, III-V e I-V foram 1,50 (±0,15); 0,84 (±0,15) e 2,34 (±0,11) ms no grupo I; e 1,53 (±0,16); 0,85 (±0,15) e 2,38 (±0,19) ms no grupo II, respectivamente. As latências das ondas I e III foram estatisticamente diferentes entre os grupos I e II. Não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas entre os dois grupos para os intervalos I-III, III-V e I-V. De acordo com a revisão realizada, este é o primeiro estudo normativo de BAEP realizado em cães da raça Boxer.

A sedação sobre os potenciais evocados auditivos em cães / The sedation on the auditory brainstem responses in dogs

O potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential - BAEP) avalia a atividade elétrica do sistema auditivo, desde a cóclea até o tronco encefálico, permitindo diagnóstico de surdez em cães. Como alguns animais não permitem a obtenção do BAEP sem contenção química, o objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a influência da sedação com morfina e acepromazinano BAEP de 16 cães com audição normal. Os potenciais foram obtidos antes e durante a sedação com administração intramuscular de morfina (0,5mgkg-1) e acepromazina (0,05mgkg-1). O protocolo de sedação utilizado permitiu contenção efetiva e segurança dos animais. A sedação causou prolongamento nas latências das ondas II, III e intervalos I-III e I-V, mas não dificultou as suas identificações. O uso deste protocolo de sedação não interferiu com a interpretação do potencial evocado e pode ser útil em cães. Pelo que se pode observar na literatura compilada, este é o primeiro estudo avaliando a influência da sedação no BAEP em cães no Brasil.

Brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) reflects the electrical activity along the auditory pathway, from the cochlea to the brainstem, and contributes for the diagnosis of deafness in dogs. BAEP recording may require chemical restraint in some cases, so this study was designed to analyze the impact of sedation with morphine and acepromazine on the BAEP recordings of 16 dogs with normal hearing. BAEPs were recorded before and during sedation with a combination of morphine (0.5mgkg-1) and acepromazine (0.05mgkg-1) given intramuscularly. The protocol employed allowed safe and effective animal restraint. Sedation increased the latency of waves II and III and intervals I-III and I-V but did not interfere with wave identification. and showed to be safe in the dogs tested. Based on the current literature this is the first study which assessed the impact of sedation on BAEPs in dogs in Brazil.

Isotherapic for the control of the cattle tick

Parasitism constitutes one of the major problems that affect the livestock. Commercial acaricides can propitiate drug resistance and residues in the environment and animals. This study aimed to evaluate the control of cattle ticks by using the isotherapics. These drugs were prepared using Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The dilution and agitations were performed according to the homeopathic pharmacopoeia. By the immersion technique of adults, 50 teleogines were distributed into five treatments: 12cH and 32cH isotherapic, negative control, positive (ivermectin 1%) and vehicle control. The results were evaluated by the rate of mortality, egg production, hatchability rate, estimated reproduction, and the efficacy of the products. In addition, 16 Jersey females cows were subjected to 15mL pour on, of the following treatments: 12cH and 32cH isotherapic and vehicle control. The count of ticks was performed by the simple method on days 0, 15, 21, 42, 63, 84 and 105, post treatments. It was used the Wilcoxon test and Bonferroni method. Both isotherapics treatments showed efficacy at in vitro tests. The 12cH medication presented better results: 10% of mortality rate on the first day of life, maintaining 20% from the second to the 13th day. Additionally, it was observed 20% of egg production, hatching rate of 0.0038% and 99.39% of product effectiveness. However, the in vivo tests showed no satisfactory results for these evaluated conditions, although it was verified a tendency to decreasing the infestation.(AU)

Isotherapic for the control of the cattle tick

Parasitism constitutes one of the major problems that affect the livestock. Commercial acaricides can propitiate drug resistance and residues in the environment and animals. This study aimed to evaluate the control of cattle ticks by using the isotherapics. These drugs were prepared using Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The dilution and agitations were performed according to the homeopathic pharmacopoeia. By the immersion technique of adults, 50 teleogines were distributed into five treatments: 12cH and 32cH isotherapic, negative control, positive (ivermectin 1%) and vehicle control. The results were evaluated by the rate of mortality, egg production, hatchability rate, estimated reproduction, and the efficacy of the products. In addition, 16 Jersey females cows were subjected to 15mL pour on, of the following treatments: 12cH and 32cH isotherapic and vehicle control. The count of ticks was performed by the simple method on days 0, 15, 21, 42, 63, 84 and 105, post treatments. It was used the Wilcoxon test and Bonferroni method. Both isotherapics treatments showed efficacy at in vitro tests. The 12cH medication presented better results: 10% of mortality rate on the first day of life, maintaining 20% from the second to the 13th day. Additionally, it was observed 20% of egg production, hatching rate of 0.0038% and 99.39% of product effectiveness. However, the in vivo tests showed no satisfactory results for these evaluated conditions, although it was verified a tendency to decreasing the infestation.

Serological study of vaccinia virus reservoirs in areas with and without official reports of outbreaks in cattle and humans in São Paulo, Brazil.

Vaccinia virus (VACV), the etiological agent of an exanthematic disease, has been associated with several bovine outbreaks in Brazil since the end of the global vaccination campaign against smallpox. It was previously believed that the vaccine virus used for the WHO global campaign had adapted to an unknown wild reservoir and was sporadically re-emerging in outbreaks in cattle and milkers. At present, it is known that Brazilian VACV is phylogenetically different from the vaccinia virus vaccinal strain, but its origin remains unknown. This study assessed the seroprevalence of orthopoxviruses in domestic and wild animals and farmers from 47 farms in three cities in the southwest region of the state of São Paulo with or without official reports of outbreaks in cattle or humans. Our data indicate a low seroprevalence of antibodies in wild animals and raise interesting questions about the real potential of wild rodents and marsupials as VACV reservoirs, suggesting other routes through which VACV can be spread.

Ultrassonografia Doppler na avaliação renal de cadelas diagnosticadas com piometra antes e após tratamento com ovariosalpingohisterectomia / Doppler ultrasonography in the renal evaluation of bitches diagnosed with pyometra before and after treatment with ovariohysterectomy

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a hemodinâmica renal de cadelas com piometra por meio de exames laboratoriais, ultrassonografia Modo B e Doppler, antes e após o tratamento cirúrgico com ovariosanpigohisterectomia (OSH). Foram utilizadas 30 cadelas com diagnóstico de piometra, todas foram submetidas a OSH (momento 1) e 20 foram reavaliadas sete dias após a cirurgia (momento 2). A perfusão renal, o índice de resistividade da artéria renal principal e de cada artéria interlobar (cranial, média e caudal) foi estatisticamente diferente entre os momentos 1 e 2 (p<0,05). Não foi observada diferença estatística para a perfusão renal entre o rim direito e esquerdo no momento 1 e 2. As correlações entre o índice de resistividade da artéria renal principal e as variáveis utilizadas para verificar a função renal foram estabelecidas no momento 1. Para as variáveis correlacionadas ureia, creatinina, proteinúria, relação GGT/creatinina e proteína/creatinina ocorreram associações curvilíneas e positivas com o índice de resistividade da artéria renal principal (p<0,05), no entanto essas correlações foram consideradas de média e fracas. Ao comparar o IR da artéria renal principal com diferentes escores de desidratação e perfusão renal, este foi estatisticamente diferente, e demonstrou aumento da resistência renal em cadelas com moderada redução da perfusão renal, assim como em cadelas desidratadas. Foram avaliadas diversas características de morfologia renal na ultrassonografia Modo B, no entanto, somente as variáveis presença de dilatação de pelve, sinal da medular e outras alterações como áreas de infartos e pontos hiperecogênicos difusos na cortical e medular renal foram estatisticamente distintas de um momento para o outro, com maior frequência no momento 2. Os resultados do presente trabalho demonstram que a ultrassonografia Doppler pode identificar alterações de redução na perfusão renal, por meio do Doppler colorido e o aumento do índice de resistividade das artérias renais em cadelas com piometra. Assim como, a ultrassonografia modo B, embora apresente alterações inespecíficas, pode detectar alterações renais progressivas em cadelas com piometra.

The aim of this study was evaluate the renal hemodynamics of bitches with pyometra by means of laboratory tests, ultrasound B mode and Doppler, before and after treatment with ovariohysterectomy (OSH). This study evaluated 30 bitches with pyometra, all were subjected to OSH (moment 1) and 20 were evaluated after 7 days (moment 2). The renal perfusion, the resistivity index (RI) of the main renal artery and the interlobar arteries (cranial, middle and caudal) were statistically different between times 1 and 2 (p<0,05). There was no statistical difference for renal perfusion between the left and the right kidney at the time 1 and 2. The correlations between the IR of the main artery and the variables used to determine renal function were stablished at the time 1. For the correlated variables: urea, creatinine, proteinuria, ratio GGT/creatinine and protein/creatinine were curvilinear and positive associations with the resistivity index of the main renal artery (p<0,05), however these correlations were considered medium and weak. Comparing the RI of the main renal artery with different scores of dehydration and renal perfusion, there was statistical difference, and show increased of resistance renal in bitches with moderate reduction in renal perfusion as well as in dehydrated bitches. Were evaluated several features of renal morphology in ultrasound B mode, however, only the presence of pelvic dilatation, medullary signal and other changes as infarcts areas and diffuse hyperechoic spots in the renal cortical and medullary were statistically different from one moment to the other, most frequently at the time 2. The results of this study show that the Doppler ultrasound can identify changes of reduction in renal perfusion by color Doppler and the increasing of the resistivity index of the renal arteries in some bitches with pyometra. As well as, the ultrasound B mode, although has non-specific changes, can detect progressive renal disorders in bitches with pyometra.