Bacterial septicemia and herpesvirus infection in Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) stranded in the São Paulo coast, Brazil.

In August 2021, two juvenile male Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) stranded in the southeastern Brazilian coast and were referred to rehabilitation centers. The animals presented increased body temperature, prostration, respiratory distress and despite treatment died. A necropsy following a standardized protocol was performed, and formalin-fixed tissues were processed for microscopic examination. Samples were screened for morbillivirus, herpesvirus, and Brucella spp. by molecular analyses (PCR, RT-PCR). Bacteriological culture was performed in samples collected from the lungs, trachea, and lymph nodes of both cases. The main histopathologic findings were of infectious nature, including multifocal necrotizing and fibrinous mixed interstitial pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and bronchitis, with intralesional myriad bacteria associated with vascular fibrinoid necrosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from tracheal and lung swabs of Case 1, and Klebsiella oxytoca was found in nostril swabs, tracheobronchial lymph nodes, and lung of Case 2. Gammaherpesvirus infection was detected in both cases, and the sequences retrieved were classified into the genus Percavirus. All tested samples were PCR-negative for Brucella spp. and morbillivirus. We hypothesize that the deficient immunological status in association with starvation predisposed the reactivation of herpesvirus and secondary bacterial co-infections. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first molecular detection of herpesvirus in an Antarctic pinniped. These findings reinforce that Otariid gammaherpesvirus circulating in the Southern Hemisphere are likely endemic in the Arctocephalus genus. This report contributes to the current knowledge of health aspects affecting wild pinnipeds, especially in the poorly studied Antarctic species.

Detection of sapovirus in brazilian pig farms / Detecção de sapovírus em criações de suínos brasileiras

Sapoviruses (Caliciviridae) are considered important agents of gastroenteritis worldwide affecting animals and humans. In pig farming, the epidemiology is not completely understood because it can affect all stages of production, with symptomatic (diarrhea) or asymptomatic pigs. The aim of our study was to investigate Sapovirus occurrence in Brazilian pig farms. A total of 166 fecal samples of pigs, with different ages, from Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Mato Grosso States were submitted to RT-PCR reactions and confirmed with nucleotide sequencing of Sapovirus RdRp gene. Six (3.61%) samples were positive and four had partial RdRp gene sequenced, putatively belonging to GVII.1 genogroup, also reported in swine herds in Brazil.(AU)

Sapovírus (Caliciviridae) são considerados importantes agentes causadores de gastroenterites em todo o mundo, afetando animais e humanos. Na suinocultura, sua epidemiologia ainda não foi totalmente esclarecida, pois pode afetar todas as fases da produção, com suínos sintomáticos (diarreia) ou assintomáticos. O objetivo do nosso estudo foi investigar a ocorrência de Sapovírus em granjas de suínos brasileiras. Um total de 166 amostras fecais de suínos, com diferentes idades, dos estados de Minas Gerais, São Paulo e Mato Grosso foram submetidas a reações de RT-PCR e confirmadas com sequenciamento de nucleotídeos do gene RdRp do Sapovírus. Seis (3,61%) amostras foram positivas e quatro delas tinham sequenciamento parcial do gene RdRp, supostamente pertencente ao genogrupo GVII.1, previamente relatado em rebanhos suínos no Brasil.(AU)

DETECTION OF SAPOVIRUS IN BRAZILIAN PIG FARMS / DETECTION OF SAPOVIRUS IN BRAZILIAN PIG FARMS

Sapoviruses (Caliciviridae) are considered important agents of gastroenteritis worldwide affecting animals and humans. In pig farming, the epidemiology is not completely understood because it can affect all stages of production, with symptomatic (diarrhea) or asymptomatic pigs. The aim of our study was to investigate Sapovirus occurrence in Brazilian pig farms. A total of 166 fecal samples of pigs, with different ages, from Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Mato Grosso States were submitted to RT-PCR reactions and confirmed with nucleotide sequencing of Sapovirus RdRp gene. Six (3.61%) samples were positive and four had partial RdRp gene sequenced, putatively belonging to GVII.1 genogroup, also reported in swine herds in Brazil.

Sapoviruses (Caliciviridae) are considered important gastroenteritis worldwide affecting animals and humans. In pig farming, the epidemiology has not completely understood, because can affect all stages of production, with symptomatic (diarrhea) or asymptomatic pigs. The aim of our study was investigated Sapovirus occurrence in Brazilian pig farms. A total of 166 fecal samples of pigs, with different ages, from Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Mato Grosso States were submitted to RT-PCR reactions and confirmed with nucleotide sequencing of Sapovirus RdRp gene. In total, six (3.61%) samples were positive and four of them had partial RdRp gene sequenced, putatively belonging to GVII.1 genogroup, also previously reported in swine herds in Brazil.

Detection of sapovirus in brazilian pig farms / Detecção de sapovírus em criações de suínos brasileiras

Sapoviruses (Caliciviridae) are considered important agents of gastroenteritis worldwide affecting animals and humans. In pig farming, the epidemiology is not completely understood because it can affect all stages of production, with symptomatic (diarrhea) or asymptomatic pigs. The aim of our study was to investigate Sapovirus occurrence in Brazilian pig farms. A total of 166 fecal samples of pigs, with different ages, from Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Mato Grosso States were submitted to RT-PCR reactions and confirmed with nucleotide sequencing of Sapovirus RdRp gene. Six (3.61%) samples were positive and four had partial RdRp gene sequenced, putatively belonging to GVII.1 genogroup, also reported in swine herds in Brazil.

Sapovírus (Caliciviridae) são considerados importantes agentes causadores de gastroenterites em todo o mundo, afetando animais e humanos. Na suinocultura, sua epidemiologia ainda não foi totalmente esclarecida, pois pode afetar todas as fases da produção, com suínos sintomáticos (diarreia) ou assintomáticos. O objetivo do nosso estudo foi investigar a ocorrência de Sapovírus em granjas de suínos brasileiras. Um total de 166 amostras fecais de suínos, com diferentes idades, dos estados de Minas Gerais, São Paulo e Mato Grosso foram submetidas a reações de RT-PCR e confirmadas com sequenciamento de nucleotídeos do gene RdRp do Sapovírus. Seis (3,61%) amostras foram positivas e quatro delas tinham sequenciamento parcial do gene RdRp, supostamente pertencente ao genogrupo GVII.1, previamente relatado em rebanhos suínos no Brasil.

Effect of a multifaceted quality improvement intervention on the prescription of evidence based treatment in patients at high cardiovascular risk in Brazil The BRIDGE Cardiovascular Prevention Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial

RESULTS Of the 1619 included patients,1029 (63.6%) weremale,1327(82.0%) had coronary artery disease (843[52.1%] with prioracutemyo cardial infarction),355(21.9%)had priorischemicstroke ortransientischemicattack,and197 (12.2%) had peripheral vascular disease,andthemean( SD) age was 65.6 (10.5) years. Among randomized clusters, 30 (75%) were cardiology sites, 6 (15%) were primary careunits,and 26 (65%) were teaching institutions.Amonge ligible patients,thosein intervention clusters were more like ly to receive aprescription of evidence-based therapies thant hose in control clusters (73.5%[515of701] vs58.7% [493of840];oddsratio,2.30;95%CI,1.14-4.65). There were no differences between the intervention and control group swithregard storisk factor control(ie,hyperlipidemia,hypertension,ordiabetes).Ratesofeducationforsmokingcessationwere higher among current smokers in the intervention group thanin the control group (51.9%[364of701] vs18.2%[153of840];oddsratio,11.24;95%CI,2.20-57.43).Therateofcardiovascularmortality,acute myocardial infarction,andstrokewas2.6%for patients from intervention cluster sand 3.4%forthose in the control group (hazardratio, 0.76;95%CI,0.43-1.34). (AU)

ANGISTRONGYLUS CANTONENSIS AND ANCYLOSTOMA CANINUM DETECTION IN SNAILS OF SÃO PAULO CITY (2016-2017), BRAZIL / ANGISTRONGYLUS CANTONENSIS AND ANCYLOSTOMA CANINUM DETECTION IN SNAILS OF SÃO PAULO CITY (2016-2017), BRAZIL.

Achatina fulica snails cause environmental problems and represent a public health hazard since it is a host in the life cycles of various parasites, among them, Angiostrongylus cantonensis and, less frequently, Ancylostoma caninum. We report the occurrence of Angistrongylus cantonensis, as well as the unexpected finding of Ancylostoma caninum, in a total of 936 specimens of Achatina fulica snails from different regions of São Paulo city, Brazil. Samples were divided into 492 pools which were screened for nematodes. If present, larvae were submitted to DNA extraction and PCR protocol targeting, the ITS-2 gene junction. From the 183 positive pools for larvae presence, 97 showed specific 650 bp band at electrophoresis and 21 presented bands nearly 300 bp. Two amplicons from each size were and sequenced. A BLAST/n of 650 bp sequences presented identity with Angistrongylus cantonensis, while the two of 300 bp, showed identity with Ancylostoma caninum, also supported by phylogenetic analysis. This is the second report of Ancylostoma caninum found in these snails in the world, therefore, this study allows a better understanding about these diseases and highlights the need of continue systematically mapping sites that can be infested with the mollusc.

Achatina fulica snails cause environmental problems and represent a public health hazard since it is a host in the life cycles of various parasites, among them, Angiostrongylus cantonensis and, less frequently, Ancylostoma caninum. We report the occurrence of Angistrongylus cantonensis, as well as the unexpected finding of Ancylostoma caninum, in a total of 936 specimens of Achatina fulica snails from different regions of São Paulo city, Brazil. Samples were divided into 492 pools which were screened for nematodes. If present, larvae were submitted to DNA extraction and PCR protocol targeting, the ITS-2 gene junction. From the 183 positive pools for larvae presence, 97 showed specific 650 bp band at electrophoresis and 21 presented bands nearly 300 bp. Two amplicons from each size were and sequenced. A BLAST/n of 650 bp sequences presented identity with Angistrongylus cantonensis, while the two of 300 bp, showed identity with Ancylostoma caninum, also supported by phylogenetic analysis. This is the second report of Ancylostoma caninum found in these snails in the world, therefore, this study allows a better understanding about these diseases and highlights the need of continue systematically mapping sites that can be infested with the mollusc.

Angistrongylus cantonensis and Ancylostoma caninum detection in snails of São Paulo city (2016-2017), Brazil / Detecção de Angistrongylus cantonensis and Ancylostoma caninum em caramujos da cidade de São Paulo (2016-2017), Brasil

Achatina fulica snails cause environmental problems and represent a public health hazard since it is a host in the life cycles of various parasites, among them, Angiostrongylus cantonensis and, less frequently, Ancylostoma caninum. We report the occurrence of Angistrongylus cantonensis, as well as the unexpected finding of Ancylostoma caninum, in a total of 936 specimens of Achatina fulica snails from different regions of São Paulo city, Brazil. Samples were divided into 492 pools which were screened for nematodes. If present, larvae were submitted to DNA extraction and PCR protocol targeting, the ITS-2 gene junction. From the 183 positive pools for larvae presence, 97 showed specific 650 bp band at electrophoresis and 21 presented bands nearly 300 bp. Two amplicons from each size were and sequenced. A BLAST/n of 650 bp sequences presented identity with Angistrongylus cantonensis, while the two of 300 bp, showed identity with Ancylostoma caninum, also supported by phylogenetic analysis. This is the second report of Ancylostoma caninum found in these snails in the world, therefore, this study allows a better understanding about these diseases and highlights the need of continue systematically mapping sites that can be infested with the mollusc.(AU)

Os caramujos Achatina fulica causam problemas ambientais e representam um perigo em Saúde Pública uma vez que são hospedeiros de vários parasitas, entre eles o Angiostrongylus cantonensis e menos frequentemente o Ancylostoma caninum. Nós relatamos a ocorrência de Angistrongylus cantonensis, bem como o achado de Ancylostoma caninum, a partir de 936 espécimens de caramujos Achatina fulica de diferentes regiões da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Amostras foram divididas em 492 pools os quais foram triados para nematóides. Se presentes, larvas foram submetidas a extração de DNA e um protocolo de PCR tendo como alvo a junção do gene ITS-2. De 183 pools contendo larvas, 97 apresentaram bandas específicas de 650 pb e na eletroforese 21 apresentaram bandas próximas aos 300 pb. Dois amplicons de cada tamanho foram sequenciados. A submissão ao BLAST/n das sequências de 650 pb apresentaram identidade das sequências com Angistrongylus cantonensis, enquanto que as duas de 300 pb apresentaram identidade com Ancylostoma caninum, também corroboradas por análises filogenéticas. Este é o segundo relato do encontro de Ancylostoma caninum nestes caramujos no mundo, sendo assim, este estudo permite um melhor entendimento destas doenças e denota a necessidade de contínuo monitoramento de regiões que estejam infestadas pelo molusco.(AU)

Angistrongylus cantonensis and Ancylostoma caninum detection in snails of São Paulo city (2016-2017), Brazil / Detecção de Angistrongylus cantonensis and Ancylostoma caninum em caramujos da cidade de São Paulo (2016-2017), Brasil

Achatina fulica snails cause environmental problems and represent a public health hazard since it is a host in the life cycles of various parasites, among them, Angiostrongylus cantonensis and, less frequently, Ancylostoma caninum. We report the occurrence of Angistrongylus cantonensis, as well as the unexpected finding of Ancylostoma caninum, in a total of 936 specimens of Achatina fulica snails from different regions of São Paulo city, Brazil. Samples were divided into 492 pools which were screened for nematodes. If present, larvae were submitted to DNA extraction and PCR protocol targeting, the ITS-2 gene junction. From the 183 positive pools for larvae presence, 97 showed specific 650 bp band at electrophoresis and 21 presented bands nearly 300 bp. Two amplicons from each size were and sequenced. A BLAST/n of 650 bp sequences presented identity with Angistrongylus cantonensis, while the two of 300 bp, showed identity with Ancylostoma caninum, also supported by phylogenetic analysis. This is the second report of Ancylostoma caninum found in these snails in the world, therefore, this study allows a better understanding about these diseases and highlights the need of continue systematically mapping sites that can be infested with the mollusc.

Os caramujos Achatina fulica causam problemas ambientais e representam um perigo em Saúde Pública uma vez que são hospedeiros de vários parasitas, entre eles o Angiostrongylus cantonensis e menos frequentemente o Ancylostoma caninum. Nós relatamos a ocorrência de Angistrongylus cantonensis, bem como o achado de Ancylostoma caninum, a partir de 936 espécimens de caramujos Achatina fulica de diferentes regiões da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Amostras foram divididas em 492 pools os quais foram triados para nematóides. Se presentes, larvas foram submetidas a extração de DNA e um protocolo de PCR tendo como alvo a junção do gene ITS-2. De 183 pools contendo larvas, 97 apresentaram bandas específicas de 650 pb e na eletroforese 21 apresentaram bandas próximas aos 300 pb. Dois amplicons de cada tamanho foram sequenciados. A submissão ao BLAST/n das sequências de 650 pb apresentaram identidade das sequências com Angistrongylus cantonensis, enquanto que as duas de 300 pb apresentaram identidade com Ancylostoma caninum, também corroboradas por análises filogenéticas. Este é o segundo relato do encontro de Ancylostoma caninum nestes caramujos no mundo, sendo assim, este estudo permite um melhor entendimento destas doenças e denota a necessidade de contínuo monitoramento de regiões que estejam infestadas pelo molusco.

Vaccine effectiveness and use of collar impregnated with insecticide for reducing incidence of Leishmania infection in dogs in an endemic region for visceral leishmaniasis, in Brazil.

Although a national programme for control of visceral leishmaniosis (VL) is being run in Brazil, the disease continues to spread. This programme is essentially based on culling infected dogs from endemic regions. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop other control measures against VL to deter its advance. Here, a subunit vaccine, a recombinant vaccine, an insecticide-impregnated collar and the associations between these measures were evaluated for reducing the incidence of Leishmania infection in dogs. This was through a cohort study conducted in an endemic region of Brazil, considering the incidence and time of total exposure over a period of 1 year. The incidence of VL was estimated by means of serological and molecular diagnostic tests, 180 and 360 days after the application of the control measures. The estimates of the effectiveness (EF) were not significant in any cohort. The EF of the subunit vaccine, the recombinant vaccine and the collar were 26.4%, 32.8% and 57.7% and the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval for EF were 63.7%, 67.9% and 82.5%, respectively. In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, none of the immunogens for VL control was sufficiently effective to protect dogs against infection. On the other hand, use of collars impregnated with insecticide seems to constitute a method with better prognosis, corroborating other studies in this field.

Histatin-5 induces the reversal of Pdr5p mediated fluconazole resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisae.

BACKGROUND: Candidiasis is a major opportunistic fungal infection in humans. The low number of antifungal drugs available to treat Candida infections and the increasing incidence of multidrug resistant (MDR) strains point to an urgent need of identifying new therapeutic options. The role of salivary components can provide insights for the development of new methodologies of control. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of histatin-5, a constitutive immunological peptide present in saliva, in reversing fungal MDR phenotype, using a resistant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain as model of study. RESULTS: A total of 2.5µg and 5µg of histatin-5 revealed to be able to chemosensitize (to revert antifungal resistance) a MDR strain to fluconazole impairing its intrinsic resistance. The presence of histatin-5 decreased the strain growth when associated to fluconazole, and also assisted in the retention of rhodamine 6G within cell cytoplasm. The ATPase activity of Pdr5p, an ABC efflux transporter, was significantly reduced up to 65% within physiological concentration of the peptide. CONCLUSION: Results revealed that histatin-5 is able to revert MDR phenotype and may be considered a potential alternative MDR inhibitor. Since Pdr5p is homologous to Candida albicans CaCdr1p and CaCdr2p, data obtained might be extrapolated to these transporters, inferring that associating fluconazole and histatin-5 may be a useful tool to circumvent failure treatments of infections caused by Candida MDR strains.

Occurrence of infectious and parasitic diseases in association with the outdoor habits of household dogs and cats a case-control study / Estudo caso-controle da ocorrência de doenças infecto-parasitárias associadas aos hábitos semi-domiciliados de cães e gatos domésticos

Many owners believe to act in their pets best interest by allowing them to go outside, with or without supervision. However, outdoor exposure greatly increases the risk of disease and accidents. In this study, we evaluated the association between infectious and parasitic diseases and the outdoor habits of pet dogs and cats. Epidemiological data were obtained from the records of dogs and cats treated at the Teaching Clinic and Hospital Unit of Veterinary Medicine in the city of Pirassununga, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Pets with any form of infection were included in the case study group, and pets with no infectious or parasitic diseases were used as controls. Animals were further divided according to their habits into indoor animals, indoor animals taken for walks, and outdoor animals. The odds ratio of having a disease was calculated from the comparisons among these groups using the MedCalc Statistical Software. We found an increased risk for the occurrence of infectious or parasitic diseases in outdoor dogs and cats when compared to indoor animals (OR of 4.735) and to those taken for walks (OR of 2.303). In light of our results, we suggest that awareness campaigns should also focus on the benefits of keeping pets indoors.(AU)

Muitos proprietários acreditam agir no melhor interesse de seus animais de estimação permitindo-os o acesso ao ambiente externo, com ou sem supervisão. Entretanto, isso aumenta consideravelmente o risco para a ocorrência de doenças e acidentes. Neste estudo, foi avaliada a associação entre doenças infecciosas e parasitárias com relação aos hábitos semi-domiciliados de cães e gatos. Dados epidemiológicos foram obtidos de arquivo de prontuários de cães e gatos atendidos na Unidade Didática Clínico Hospitalar (UDCH) do curso de Medicina Veterinária da FZEA/USP no município de Pirassununga, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Animais de estimação que apresentaram doenças infecto-parasitárias foram incluídos no grupo de casos; animais sem tais doenças, controles. Os animais foram ainda divididos de acordo em domiciliados, domiciliados frequentemente levados a passeios e semi-domiciliados. A razão de chances para a ocorrência de doenças infecciosas foi calculada a partir da comparação dos grupos supracitados, fazendo uso do software estatístico MedCalc. Encontrou-se um risco aumentado para a ocorrência de doenças infecto-parasitárias em cães e gatos semi-domiciliados quando comparados aos animais domiciliados (OR de 4.735) e quanto aos domiciliados guiados em passeios (OR de 2.303). À luz dos resultados se sugere que campanhas de conscientização foquem também nos benefícios da criação domiciliada de animais de estimação.(AU)

Occurrence of infectious and parasitic diseases in association with the outdoor habits of household dogs and cats a case-control study / Estudo caso-controle da ocorrência de doenças infecto-parasitárias associadas aos hábitos semi-domiciliados de cães e gatos domésticos

Many owners believe to act in their pets best interest by allowing them to go outside, with or without supervision. However, outdoor exposure greatly increases the risk of disease and accidents. In this study, we evaluated the association between infectious and parasitic diseases and the outdoor habits of pet dogs and cats. Epidemiological data were obtained from the records of dogs and cats treated at the Teaching Clinic and Hospital Unit of Veterinary Medicine in the city of Pirassununga, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Pets with any form of infection were included in the case study group, and pets with no infectious or parasitic diseases were used as controls. Animals were further divided according to their habits into indoor animals, indoor animals taken for walks, and outdoor animals. The odds ratio of having a disease was calculated from the comparisons among these groups using the MedCalc Statistical Software. We found an increased risk for the occurrence of infectious or parasitic diseases in outdoor dogs and cats when compared to indoor animals (OR of 4.735) and to those taken for walks (OR of 2.303). In light of our results, we suggest that awareness campaigns should also focus on the benefits of keeping pets indoors.

Muitos proprietários acreditam agir no melhor interesse de seus animais de estimação permitindo-os o acesso ao ambiente externo, com ou sem supervisão. Entretanto, isso aumenta consideravelmente o risco para a ocorrência de doenças e acidentes. Neste estudo, foi avaliada a associação entre doenças infecciosas e parasitárias com relação aos hábitos semi-domiciliados de cães e gatos. Dados epidemiológicos foram obtidos de arquivo de prontuários de cães e gatos atendidos na Unidade Didática Clínico Hospitalar (UDCH) do curso de Medicina Veterinária da FZEA/USP no município de Pirassununga, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Animais de estimação que apresentaram doenças infecto-parasitárias foram incluídos no grupo de casos; animais sem tais doenças, controles. Os animais foram ainda divididos de acordo em domiciliados, domiciliados frequentemente levados a passeios e semi-domiciliados. A razão de chances para a ocorrência de doenças infecciosas foi calculada a partir da comparação dos grupos supracitados, fazendo uso do software estatístico MedCalc. Encontrou-se um risco aumentado para a ocorrência de doenças infecto-parasitárias em cães e gatos semi-domiciliados quando comparados aos animais domiciliados (OR de 4.735) e quanto aos domiciliados guiados em passeios (OR de 2.303). À luz dos resultados se sugere que campanhas de conscientização foquem também nos benefícios da criação domiciliada de animais de estimação.

Serological and molecular diagnostic tests for canine visceral leishmaniasis in Brazilian endemic area: one out of five seronegative dogs are infected.

Euthanasia of infected dogs is one of the measures adopted in Brazil to control visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in endemic areas. To detect infected dogs, animals are screened with the rapid test DPP® Visceral Canine Leishmaniasis for detection of antibodies against K26/K39 fusion antigens of amastigotes (DPP). DPP-positives are confirmed with an immunoenzymatic assay probing soluble antigens of promastigotes (ELISA), while DPP-negatives are considered free of infection. Here, 975 dogs from an endemic region were surveyed by using DPP, ELISA and real-time PCR (qPCR) for the diagnosis of VL. When DPP-negative dogs were tested by qPCR applied in blood and lymph node aspirates, 174/887 (19·6%) were positive in at least one sample. In a second sampling using 115 cases, the DPP-negative dogs were tested by qPCR in blood, lymph node and conjunctival swab samples, and 36/79 (45·6%) were positive in at least one sample. Low-to-moderate pairwise agreement was observed between all possible pair of tests. In conclusion, the official diagnosis of VL in dogs in Brazilian endemic areas failed to accuse an expressive number of infected animals and the impact of the low accuracy of serological tests in the success of euthanasia-based measure for VL control need to be assessed.

Low toxicity superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles: One-pot facile green synthesis for biological applications.

Superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles have been synthesized by a highly reproducible polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based modified sol-gel process using water as the only solvent. The synthesis method has proven to be effective, time and cost saving and environmental friendly, resulting in PVA-coated magnetite nanoparticles as direct product from the synthesis, without any special atmosphere or further thermal treatment. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the biocompatible PVA-coating prevents the nanoparticle agglomeration, giving rise to spherical crystals with sizes of 6.8nm (as-cast) and 9.5nm (heat treated) with great control over size and shape with narrow size distribution. Complementary compositional and magnetic characterizations were employed in order to study the surface chemistry and magnetic behavior of the samples, respectively. Cytotoxicity endpoints including no observed adverse effect concentration (NOAEC), 50% lethal concentration (LC50) and total lethal concentration (TLC) of the tested materials on cell viability were determined after 3, 24 and 48h of exposure. The PVA coating improved the biocompatibility of the synthesized magnetite nanoparticles showing good cell viability and low cytotoxicity effects on the MTT assay performed on BHK cells. Preliminary assessment of nanoparticles in vivo effects, performed after 48h on Balb/c mice, exposed to a range of different sub-lethal doses, showed their capacity to penetrate in liver and kidneys with no significant morphological alterations in both organs.

On-line identification of fermentation processes for ethanol production.

A strategy for monitoring fermentation processes, specifically, simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of corn mash, was developed. The strategy covered the development and use of first principles, semimechanistic and unstructured process model based on major kinetic phenomena, along with mass and energy balances. The model was then used as a reference model within an identification procedure capable of running on-line. The on-line identification procedure consists on updating the reference model through the estimation of corrective parameters for certain reaction rates using the most recent process measurements. The strategy makes use of standard laboratory measurements for sugars quantification and in situ temperature and liquid level data. The model, along with the on-line identification procedure, has been tested against real industrial data and have been able to accurately predict the main variables of operational interest, i.e., state variables and its dynamics, and key process indicators. The results demonstrate that the strategy is capable of monitoring, in real time, this complex industrial biomass fermentation. This new tool provides a great support for decision-making and opens a new range of opportunities for industrial optimization.

Brucella canis infection in dogs from commercial breeding kennels in Brazil.

Canine brucellosis caused by Brucella canis is a neglected zoonosis worldwide and is a leading cause of reproductive failure in dogs, often causing substantial economic losses in breeding kennels. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of B. canis infection in dogs of commercial breeding kennels located in São Paulo State, Brazil. A total of 753 dogs (183 males and 570 females) from 38 commercial kennels were clinically examined, and blood samples were collected for brucellosis diagnosis through blood culture. The association between clinical manifestations suggestive of brucellosis and positive results through blood culture was determined. Of the 753 dogs tested, 166 (22.0%) had at least one clinical sign suggestive of brucellosis and 158 (20.9%) had positive blood cultures. Seventy-two dogs had positive blood culture and had at least one clinical sign suggestive of brucellosis, while 91 dogs showed at least one clinical manifestation suggestive of brucellosis although blood culture was negative. Of the 38 kennels, 16 (42.1%) had at least one positive dog. The prevalence of infection in each kennel varied from 3.8% to 62.6%. Abortion/stillbirth, failure to conceive and enlargement of lymph nodes were significantly associated with brucellosis in female. No association of clinical signs and positive results in blood culture was observed in males. None of the kennels has been carrying out programmes to control brucellosis, and the sale of infected dogs was considered a common practice yielding risks to the public health, in view of the zoonotic potential of the infection.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of two Toxoplasma gondii isolates in free-range chickens from Uberlândia, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in free-range chickens from Uberlândia, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, and characterize the genotypic and phenotypic features of two isolates of this parasite, considering the importance of these hosts in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis. Serum samples from 108 free-range chickens were obtained from ten different districts, and submitted to the modified agglutination test (MAT) for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies, and brain and heart tissue samples from infected chickens were processed for mouse bioassay. An overall seroprevalence of 71·3% was found and antibody titres ranged from 16 to 4096. After confirmation of seropositivity by mouse bioassay, the determination of the T. gondii genotypes of two isolates was performed by PCR-RFLP, using primers for the following markers: SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, new SAG2, Apico and CS3. These T. gondii isolates, designated TgChBrUD1and TgChBrUD2, were obtained from heart samples of free-range chickens. The TgChBrUD1 isolate belonged to ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotype 11 and the TgChBrUD2 isolate belonged to ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotype 6. Both isolates demonstrated high virulence in a rodent model, with the TgChBrUD1 isolate able to induce brain cysts, in accord with its pattern of multiplication rates in human fibroblast culture. Taken together, these results reveal high prevalence of T. gondii infection in free-range chickens throughout Uberlândia, indicating an important degree of oocyst environmental contamination and the existence of considerable risk for T. gondii transmission to humans by consumption of free-range chicken as a food source.

Evaluation of an Immunochromatographic Test to the Diagnosis of Canine Brucellosis Caused by Brucella canis.

This study evaluated the performance of an immunochromatographic test (ICT) for the diagnosis of canine brucellosis caused by Brucella canis, comparing its results with that of the rapid slide agglutination test with and without the use of 2-mercaptoethanol and the agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID). The microbiological culture, PCR and clinical examination were used as reference. According to the results obtained in clinical examination, blood culture, culture of semen and vaginal swab and PCR in blood, semen and vaginal swab, a total of 102 dogs were divided into three groups: B. canis-infected dogs (Group 1), B. canis-non-infected dogs (Group 2) and dogs with suspected brucellosis (Group 3). The diagnostic sensitivity of RSAT, 2ME-RSAT, AGID and ICT in Group 1 was, respectively, 75%, 37.5%, 27.8% and 89.58%. The diagnostic specificity of RSAT, 2ME-RSAT, AGID and ICT in Group 2 was, respectively, 91%, 100%, 100%, and 100%. In dogs with suspected brucellosis, 9.67% were RSAT positive, none was positive by 2ME-RSAT, 3.22% were AGID positive and 6.45% were ICT positive. The main drawback concerning canine brucellosis diagnosis is the lack of a highly sensitive serological assay to be used as a screening test to the rapid identification of infected animals. The ICT showed a high diagnostic specificity and a diagnostic sensitivity value greater than that observed in the RSAT, 2ME-RSAT and AGID. However, 10.41% of infected dogs had negative results by ICT. These dogs were positive by microbiological culture and/or PCR, indicating active infection and consequently a higher potential of spreading Brucella. Although rapid and simple to perform, the ICT lacked sensitivity to be used as a screening test.

Variables Associated with Infections of Cattle by Brucella abortus., Leptospira spp. and Neospora spp. in Amazon Region in Brazil.

The frequency of Neospora spp., Leptospira spp. and Brucella abortus infections in adult cattle was determined in herds of the State of Pará, Brazil, which is an important region for cattle production located in the Amazon region. A total of 3466 adult female cattle from 176 herds were tested, leading to a frequency of seropositive animals of 14.7%, 3.7% and 65.5% and a herd positivity of 87.4%, 41.3% and 98.8% for infections caused by Neospora spp., B. abortus and Leptospira spp., respectively. The five most frequently diagnosed serologic responses to Leptospira spp. were those against serovars hardjo, wolfii, grippotyphosa, hebdomadis and shermani. The following associations were found: practice of artificial insemination, large farm size, large herd size, large number of dogs and high number of total abortions per year with the presence of antibodies against serovar hardjo; positive results to serovar grippotyphosa with the presence of dogs; inappropriate disposal of aborted foetuses with positivity to serovar hebdomadis. Serovar grippotyphosa was also associated with number of episodes of abortions. Neospora spp. positive herds were associated with episodes of abortion and B. abortus infection with the disposal of dead animals and aborted foetuses on pastures and with the use of artificial insemination. In conclusion, the high frequency of brucellosis, leptospirosis and neosporosis in the region may be a consequence of social, natural and raising conditions as: (i) climate conditions that favour the survival and spread of pathogens in the environment; (ii) farms located in regions bordering forest areas; (iii) farms in areas of difficult access to the veterinary service; (iv) extensive beef herds raised at pastures with different age and productive groups inter-mingled; and (v) minimal concerns regarding hygiene practices and disease prevention measures.