Helicobacter ibis sp. nov., isolated from faecal droppings of black-faced ibis (Theristicus melanopis).

As part of a larger study on Epsilonproteobacteria carried by wild birds in the city of Valdivia (southern Chile), two curved rod-shaped Gram-stain-negative strains (A82T and WB-40) were recovered from faecal samples and subjected to a taxonomic study. Results of a genus-specific PCR showed that these isolates belonged to the genus Helicobacter. Further identification by 16S rRNA and hsp60 (60 kDa heat-shock protein) gene sequence analysis revealed that they formed a separate phylogenetic clade, different from other known Helicobacter species with 'Helicobacter burdigaliensis' CNRCH 2005/566HT and Helicobacter valdiviensis WBE14T being the most closely related species. This was confirmed by core-genome phylogeny as well as digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity analyses between the genomes of strains A82T and WB-40 and all other Helicobacter species. The draft genome sequences of A82T and WB-40, obtained by Illumina NextSeq 2000 sequencing, consisted of 1.6 Mb with a G+C content of 31.9-32.0 mol%. The results obtained from the phylogenetic and genomic characterization, together with their different morphological and biochemical features, revealed that these two strains represent a novel species, for which we propose the name Helicobacter ibis sp. nov. with A82T (=LMG 32718T=CCCT 22.04T) as the type strain.

The Response of Susceptible and Pyrethroid-Resistant Blattella germanica (Dyctioptera: Blattellidae) to Shelter-Associated Cues.

In this work, it was studied the role of faeces in the location and permanence in a shelter in susceptible and pyrethroid-resistant individuals of Blattella germanica (Linnaeus 1767). Additionally, the effect of different concentrations of palmitic acid on the modulation of these behaviours was tested. A shelter constituted by a square cardboard structure was offered to susceptible as well as to resistant specimens. The shelter bases were treated with faecal extracts obtained from susceptible or resistant cockroaches, or with solutions of palmitic acid. The behaviour of susceptible as well as resistant specimens was analysed using infrared videography software. Susceptible's faecal extract attracted both specimens since the time spent by cockroaches to locate the treated shelters was lower, whereas the faecal extract from resistant insects did not elicit any effect on both strains. Faecal extracts showed an arrestant effect on both strains, suggested by the time spent inside the shelter that was significantly higher in their presence. On the other hand, treatment with palmitic acid produced an attractant or a repellent effect depending on the concentration and strain. The tested lower concentration was attractant to susceptible insects, but did not produce any effect on resistant ones. In addition, the higher concentrations did not produce any effect on susceptible individuals, but resulted repellent for resistant ones. Palmitic acid did not produce an arrestant effect on the strains as there was not an increase in time spent inside the shelter in the presence of this substance. An increase in the number of visits to the shelter and to the periphery was also observed in shelters treated with the faecal extract and with the lower concentration of palmitic acid. These results show that compounds of the susceptible faeces were attractant to cockroaches of both strains, while faecal extracts from resistant insects were not. Moreover, a dual effect of palmitic acid was observed, being attractant at low concentrations and repellent as concentration increased. Additionally, a difference in the concentration threshold at which the effect of this substance changes was observed between strains.

Occurrence of Salmonella spp. in fecal samples from foals with and without diarrhea in the state of São Paulo: microbiological diagnosis, antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and molecular detection / Ocorrência de Salmonella spp. em amostras fecais de potros com e sem diarreia no estado de São Paulo: diagnóstico microbiológico, perfil de susceptibilidade aos antimicrobianos e detecção molecular

The present study investigated Salmonella spp. in the feces of 200 foals up to one year of age (100 with clinical signs of diarrhea and 100 without clinical signs of diarrhea). Bacteriological culture, serotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility, and real-time PCR (qPCR SYBR® Green or a TaqMan®) for detecting the invA gene (with and without a selective pre-enrichment step in tetrathionate broth) were performed. Bacterial culture revealed 15% (n=30) of positive animals (21 animals with diarrhea and nine without diarrhea). Among the 30 isolates, 13 different serovars were identified: S. Infantis, S. Minnesota, S. I.4,5,12:i:-; S. Anatum, S. Cerro, S. Oranienburg, S. Braenderup, S. Give, S. Newport, S. IIIb 61:c:z35, S. 109:-:1.5, S. I.4.12:d:-, S. I.6.8:-:-. Multidrug resistance was found in 43.33% (n=13) of the isolates, with one isolate obtained from animals without diarrhea and 12 isolates from animals with diarrhea. All qPCR techniques used in the study classified more samples as positive for Salmonella spp. than the bacterial culture of feces. In addition, all qPCR techniques detected more positive animals in the diarrhea group than in the diarrhea-free group. The results confirm the utility of the qPCR method without the pre-enrichment step in tetrathionate as a rapid test for Salmonella spp. in carrier animals. In animals with clinical signs of diarrhea, it can be combined with bacterial culture (antimicrobial susceptibility testing and serotyping). The isolation of Salmonella spp. in nine animals without diarrhea confirms the importance of asymptomatic carrier animals in the epidemiology of the disease. The multidrug resistance observed highlights the importance of rational antimicrobial use in horses and adopting biosecurity protocols that are efficacious in controlling the spread of infections between animals and zoonotic transmission in farms.

O presente estudo investigou a ocorrência de Salmonella spp. em fezes de 200 potros com até um ano de idade (100 com sinais clínicos de diarreia e 100 sem sinais clínicos de diarreia), utilizando as técnicas de cultivo bacteriológico e PCR em tempo real (qPCR) pelos métodos de corante fluorescente (SYBR® Green) e sonda específica (Taqman®) para a detecção do gene invA com e sem etapa de pré-enriquecimento seletivo em caldo de tetrationato. O cultivo bacteriológico revelou 15% (n=30) de animais positivos (21 animais com diarreia e nove animais sem diarreia). Dentre esses 30 isolados, 13 sorovares diferentes foram identificados: S. Infantis, S. Minnesota, S. I.4,5,12:i:-; S. Anatum, S. Cerro, S. Oranienburg, S. Braenderup, S. Give, S. Newport, S. IIIb 61:c:z35, S. 109:-:1.5, S. I.4.12:d:-, S. I.6.8:-:-. Multirresistência foi constatada em 43,33% (n=13) dos isolados, sendo um isolado obtido de animal sem diarreia e 12 isolados de animais com diarreia. Todas as técnicas de qPCR empregadas no estudo apresentaram maior número de amostras classificadas como positivas para Salmonella spp. comparadas ao cultivo bacteriológico de fezes. Adicionalmente, em todas as técnicas de qPCR houve maior número de animais detectados como positivos no grupo de animais com diarreia em relação aos animais sem diarreia. Os resultados confirmaram a utilidade do método qPCR sem a etapa de pré-enriquecimento em tetrationato, como um teste rápido para detecção de Salmonella spp. em animais portadores ou em animais com sinais clínicos de diarreia. O cultivo bacteriológico deve ser associado para a realização do teste de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos e sorotipificação. O isolamento de Salmonella spp. em nove animais sem diarreia, confirma a importância dos animais portadores assintomáticos na epidemiologia da doença. A multirresistência observada evidencia a importância do uso racional de antimicrobianos em equinos e a importância da adoção de protocolos de biossegurança que sejam eficazes para controlar a disseminação de infecções entre animais e a transmissão zoonótica nas fazendas.

Characterization of microbial communities from rumen and large intestine of lactating creole goats grazing in arid plant communities.

Arid plant communities provide variable diets that can affect digestive microbial communities of free-foraging ruminants. Thus, we used next-generation sequencing of 16S and 18S rDNA to characterize microbial communities in the rumen (regurgitated digesta) and large intestine (faeces) and diet composition of lactating creole goats from five flocks grazing in native plant communities in the Sonoran Desert in the rainy season. The bacterial communities in the rumen and large intestine of the five flocks had similar alpha diversity (Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indices). However, bacterial community compositions were different: a bacterial community dominated by Proteobacteria in the rumen transitioned to a community dominated by Firmicutes in the large intestine. Bacterial communities of rumen were similar across flocks; similarly occurred with large-intestine communities. Archaea had a minimum presence in the goat digestive tract. We detected phylum Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, and Apicomplexa as the main fungi and protozoa. Analyses suggested different diet compositions; forbs and grasses composed the bulk of plants in the rumen and forbs and shrubs in faeces. Therefore, lactating goats consuming different diets in the Sonoran Desert in the rainy season share a similar core bacterial community in the rumen and another in the large intestine and present low archaeal communities.

Treponema peruense sp. nov., a commensal spirochaete isolated from human faeces.

A Gram-stain-negative, obligatory anaerobic spirochaete (RCC2812T) was isolated from a faecal sample obtained from an individual residing in a remote Amazonian community in Peru. The bacterium showed highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the pig intestinal spirochete Treponema succinifaciens (89.48 %). Average nucleotide identity values between strain RCC2812T and all available Treponema genomes from validated type strains were all <73 %, thus clearly lower than the species delineation threshold. The DNA G+C content of RCC2812T was 41.24 mol%. Phenotypic characterization using the API-ZYM and API 20A systems confirmed the divergent position of this bacterium within the genus Treponema. Strain RCC2812T could be differentiated from the phylogenetically most closely related T. succinifaciens by the presence of alkaline phosphatase and α -glucosidase activities. Unlike T. succinifaciens, strain RCC2812T grew equally well with or without serum. Strain RCC2812T is the first commensal Treponema isolated from the human faecal microbiota of remote populations, and based on the collected data represents a novel Treponema species for which the name Treponema peruense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RCC2812T (=LMG 31794T=CIP 111910T).

Addition of a blend of essential oils (cloves, rosemary and oregano) and vitamin E to replace conventional chemical antioxidants in dog feed: effects on food quality and health of beagles.

This study aimed to produce dog food containing natural antioxidants (blend of essential oils and vitamin E) to replace synthetic antioxidants and determine the effects on food conservation and animal health sequentially. The foods were produced in a commercial factory, and the antioxidants were added at the oil bath stage. Ten adult beagle dogs were used, divided into two treatments; control treatment (CON; synthetic antioxidant feed [butylhydroxytoluene]) and test treatment (NAT; natural antioxidant feed; blend of essential oils from clove, rosemary, oregano, and vitamin E). The dogs were weighed at the beginning and end of each experimental period, and there were no treatment effects for body weight. In both treatments, food conservation efficiency was observed, demonstrating the feasibility of using natural sources as antioxidants in dog food because chemical and oxidative variables did not differ regardless of the antioxidant used during production. The animals' metabolic and haematological variables were not influenced by the treatments; however, a reduction in the number of lymphocytes was observed over time only in the dogs of the NAT group. There was also a day effect for total leukocyte, neutrophil and erythrocyte counts only in NAT animals, which means a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the variables on d 28. There was an effect of the treatment and an interaction treatment x day for the total bacterial count, whereas a decrease in the bacterial count (p < 0.05) was observed in NAT dogs' faeces on day 28. Dogs fed the NAT diet had lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) (p ≤ 0.05) to minimise oxidative stress. In group NAT, the NPSH and glutathione S-transferase levels were increased, which may explain the decrease in ROS levels. It was concluded that natural antioxidants in dog feed, in addition to promoting feed conservation, stimulate levels of systemic antioxidants and minimise the impacts caused by free radicals in the dogs' blood.

A desired gains approach for the prediction of genetic gain in resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes in a multi-trait breeding objective in Uruguayan Merino sheep.

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) constitute a problem in many sheep production systems, including those in Uruguay, causing reduced productivity and increased expenses. The main strategy to control GIN has consisted of the use of anthelmintics. However, GINs have developed resistance to anthelmintics, reducing their effectiveness. Genetic resistance to GINs has been found in flocks of different breeds. To date, there have been no reports about GINs breaking down genetic resistance in sheep. Heritability estimates of resistance to GIN within breeds are generally moderate, so that achieving genetic gain within a flock is possible. In this study, we predicted genetic gain in worm egg count (WEC), an indirect (and generally preferred) criterion of resistance to GIN, following different strategies. A multi-trait breeding objective including wool and meat traits was assumed and genetic gain over 10 years of selection in a Merino flock was estimated. We used a desired gains approach, examining situations in which the economic contribution of genetic gain in resistance to GIN in percentage terms was 0, 25, 50, 75 or 100. Except when the level of infestation with GIN was low, a considerable amount of emphasis had to be placed on selection for low WEC in order to reach the threshold below which the administration of anthelmintics is not required. High emphasis on reducing WEC lead to a reduction in genetic gain in wool and meat traits, or to their deterioration in the extreme case of 100 per cent emphasis on WEC. Given this finding, coupled with the difficulties encountered in accurately recording and selecting for WEC, we concluded that in addition to embarking upon a programme of within flock selection, sheep breeders interested in improving genetic resistance to GIN should also consider using breeding stock identified as superior for both resistance and production traits in across flock genetic evaluations.

A simple method for purification of Strongyloides venezuelensis eggs from rat faeces.

The aim of this study was to develop a simple method to purify Strongyloides eggs from rat faeces using a sucrose gradient centrifugal-flotation technique. This procedure is simple, rapid and possesses a high efficiency in recovering Strongyloides eggs without faecal detritus in less than one hour, thus eliminating the use of complex apparatus and different chemical substances. The possibility of working with pure and live Strongyloides eggs opens up a wide range of future studies on the biology of this parasite. This study constitutes the first report in the scientific literature on purifying Strongyloides eggs using a sucrose density gradient.

Presença de RNA do SARS-CoV-2 em fezes de pacientes com COVID-19 / Presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in faeces of COVID-19 patients

A COVID-19, doença causada pelo novo Coronavírus, alastrou-se rapidamente por todos os continentes promovendo uma pandemia. Estudos relacionados à fisiopatologia da COVID-19 demonstraram que o vírus SARS-CoV-2 invade células da mucosa intestinal, sendo eliminado nas fezes, alertando para possibilidade da transmissão da doença por via fecal-oral. A presença do vírus nas fezes aventou também a expectativa de utilizar essa amostra biológica para fins diagnósticos. Nesta revisão, resumimos os estudos recentes relacionados à investigação da presença do RNA do SARS-CoV-2 nas fezes de pacientes com COVID-19.

A comparison of two methods to assess apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients in dogs.

The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients can be assessed by total collection of faeces (TC), which is the reference method, or by the indicator method (IM). Little information is available on proper faecal sampling methodologies for IM in canines to obtain results comparable to TC. The objective of this study was to determine the minimum number of sub-samples required for the IM to make it comparable with TC. A total of 11 adult male dogs were individually housed in metabolism cages. Dogs had access to a grass yard to facilitate defaecation. Faecal sub-samples (1/day) were taken from the daily faecal output to prepare the pooled samples for IM, obtaining cumulative sample combinations of 3 (IM3), 4 (IM4), 5 (IM5), 6 (IM6) and 7 d (IM7). Digestibility of dry matter, gross energy, crude protein and crude fibre was similar between TC and IM5, IM6 and IM7 (p > 0.05). The IM7 presented the greatest statistical similarity with TC. Nevertheless, IM was not a good predictor of crude fibre digestibility. In conclusion, IM can replace the TC method in dogs to evaluate ATTD of several nutritional fractions as long as the composite sample is collected during seven consecutive days. For estimation of fibre digestibility by IM, longer collection periods are probably required.

A suitable enzymatic method for starch quantification in different organic matrices.

Starch can represent 70-80% of the cereals grains (on a dry matter basis) used for livestock feeding. Several methods have been developed to estimate the feed starch contents of energy feed sources. However, the efficiency of these methods to evaluate the starch content in other feed sources, as well as other types of samples used to evaluate starch availability in the gastrointestinal tract, such as digesta and faeces, remains unclear. Furthermore, most of the currently used starch analysis methods have not been effectively evaluated, being only applied to samples of sporadic experiments, without a wide-ranging validation of the procedures and results. Here, we propose a modification of a method for analysing the starch content in different organic matrices normally evaluated in ruminant nutrition studies. The evaluated organic matrices were: soybean meal, soybean hull, Tifton 85 Bermuda grass hay, abomasal digesta, and faeces. •The modified method is more feasible than the original procedures.•The modified method estimates the starch contents in different organic matrices with accuracy and precision.

Intragastric and intracoelomic injection challenge models of tilapia lake virus infection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) fingerlings.

To gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of tilapia lake virus (TiLV) infections in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), fingerlings were challenged with a single dose of 1 × 104  TCID50 /fish of TiLV utilizing intracoelomic/intraperitoneal (ICch ) or intragastric (IGch ) routes. Acute mortalities were present in both groups, reaching 70 and 40% in ICch and IGch after 10 days, respectively. Challenged fish presented erratic swimming, lethargy, anorexia, exophthalmia and cutaneous petechiae and ecchymoses. Histological changes in challenged groups included syncytial formation, intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies and multifocal hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis. In addition, multifocal areas of mild proliferation of glial cells and lymphocytic perivascular cuffing were observed in the brain of exposed challenged groups. TiLV RNA was detected in gills and faeces of challenged fish using quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR, as well as in the tank water holding challenged fish. Moreover, TiLV RNA was detected in scrolls obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from challenged fish. Results from this study suggest that IG methods represent an additional method to study the pathogenesis of the disease in this species, as it results in infection and diseases as in naturally occurring cases and does not bypass important mucosal immune responses as injectable routes do.

Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from canine faeces in a public park in Quito, Ecuador.

OBJECTIVES: This study focused on estimating the prevalence of extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs), plasmid-mediated AmpC ß-lactamases, carbapenemases and MCR-1-producing Escherichia coli in canine faeces from a public park in Quito, Ecuador. METHODS: Phenotypic and genotypic characterisation of E. coli isolated from 50 canine faecal samples recovered from a city park in Quito was performed. In addition, a multiple choice survey was conducted among 50 dog owners. RESULTS: Of the 50 faecal samples, 20 (40.0%) presented E. coli resistant to ceftriaxone. Moreover, 23 E. coli isolates were recovered for further analysis. All of the isolates showed as multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype (resistant to three or more antibiotic families). Resistance to carbapenems, tigecycline and amikacin was not observed. No major clonal relatedness was observed among the resistant isolates. The ESBL genes blaCTX-M-15, blaCTX-M-55 and blaCTX-M-65 were the most common. Two isolates harboured the blaCMY-2 gene and one isolate harboured both mcr-1 and blaCTX-M-65. Statistical analysis showed that older people were more conscious of collecting and disposing of dog faeces than subjects aged <35 years (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The finding of MDR E. coli in dog faeces in a city park in Ecuador illustrates the importance of analysing canine faeces in public settings (e.g. parks, playgrounds) as part of surveillance programmes for MDR E. coli. In addition, this research might be a sentinel sampling method to gain a better understanding of community sources of antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae at human-animal-environment interfaces.

Porphyrins are increased in the faeces of patients with prostate cancer: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Experimental models of prostate cancer have demonstrated increased levels of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in the blood and faeces of mice. Hence, the quantification of these autofluorescent molecules could be hypothesized to be a potential marker for this type of tumour. In this case-control study, the autofluorescence of porphyrins in human faeces from patients with prostate cancer and control subjects was analysed using fluorescence spectroscopy. METHODS: First, 3 mL of analytical-grade acetone was added to 0.3 g of faeces, and the mixture was macerated and centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 15 min. The supernatant was analysed spectroscopically. The emission spectra from 550 to 750 nm were obtained by exciting the samples at 405 nm. RESULTS: A significant difference between the samples from control and cancer subjects was established in the spectral region of 670-675 nm (p = 0.000127), which corresponds to a significant increase in faecal porphyrins in patients with cancer. There was no statistically significant correlation between PSA levels and faecal porphyrins. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary study conducted in humans, the results show a simple and non-invasive method to assess faecal porphyrins, which have the potential to function as a tumour biomarker in patients with prostate cancer. This approach has improved sensitivity and specificity over PSA testing. Additional prospective studies with larger sample sizes are required to validate these findings.

Colecistectomizados, litiasis vesicular y ácidos biliares totales elevados en heces como factores de riesgo para lesiones colónicas / Cholecystectomized patients, vesicular lithiasis and elevated total bile acids in faces as risk factors for colon lesions

Introducción: Evidencias científicas avalan que niveles elevados de ácidos biliares en la luz intestinal se asocian con lesiones inflamatorias, premalignas y malignas de colon. Objetivo: Argumentar científicamente la condición de niveles elevados de ácidos biliares totales en heces, litiasis vesicular y colecistectomizado como factores de riesgo para lesiones de colon. Método: Se realizó una investigación analítica en el Instituto de Gastroenterología y el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso desde 2002 hasta 2015. En el estudio se incluyeron adultos con sintomas digestivos bajos. Se desarrollaron dos momentos: la determinación del riesgo relativo de la presencia de lesiones colónicas diagnosticadas por endoscopía y la identificación por histología. Se utilizaron métodos estadísticos como la prueba chi cuadrado de Pearson, determinación del riesgo relativo, regresión logística, entre otros. Resultados: Se observó mayor probabilidad de presentar algún diagnóstico endoscópico e histológico positivo para todas las edades y sexo, en pacientes con niveles elevados de ácidos biliares totales en heces y los colecistectomizados. Los riesgos relativos comunes y más altos se relacionaron con adenomas tubulares de alto grado de displasia y tubulovellosos. Los diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron pólipos y adenomas. Conclusiones: Los resultados avalan que los niveles elevados de ácidos biliares totales en heces, la litiasis vesicular y estar colecistectomizado, constituyen factores de riesgo para lesiones de colon. Se recomienda incluir estas tres condiciones de riesgo en los programas de pesquisa para el cáncer colorrectal(AU)

Introduction: Scientific evidence supports that elevated levels of bile acids in the intestinal lumen are associated with inflammatory, premalignant and malignant lesions of the colon. Objective: To scientifically support the condition of elevated levels of total bile acids in faeces, vesicular and cholecystectomized lithiasis as risk factors for colonic lesions. Method: An analytical research was carried out in the Gastroenterology Institute and the National Center for Minimally-Invasive Surgery, from 2002 to 2015. The study included adults with low digestive symptoms. Two moments were developed: the determination of the relative risk for the presence of colonic lesions diagnosed by endoscopy and the identification by histologic study. Statistical methods were used, such as the Pearson chi-square test, the relative risk determination, logistic regression, among others. Results: Higher probability was observed for all ages and sexes to present a positive endoscopic and histological diagnosis, in patients with high levels of total bile acids in feces and in cholecystectomized patients. The common and higher relative risks were related to tubular adenomas of high degree of dysplasia and tubulovillous. The most frequent diagnoses were polyps and adenomas. Conclusions: The results support that high levels of total bile acids in faeces, vesicular lithiasis and being cholecystectomized constitute risk factors for colonic lesions. These three risk conditions are recommended to be included in screening programs for colorectal cancer(AU)

Experimental Neospora caninum infection in chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) with oocysts and tachyzoites of two recent isolates reveals resistance to infection.

The importance of birds in the biological cycle of Neospora caninum is not clear. We report unsuccessful Neospora infection in chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) using two isolates of N. caninum. In experiment #1, 30 White Leghorn chickens were orally inoculated with viable N. caninum oocysts (NC-SP1 isolate, 200 oocysts per bird) via the crop at 21days of age. Groups of three birds were euthanised at intervals of 7days (a total of 9weeks) and one group was challenged with the same oocyst dose at 37daysp.i. and observed for 11weeks. Blood samples were collected weekly, and sera were tested using IFAT. Chicken tissues were collected for PCR, quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. Two dogs approximately 45days of age were fed with tissues from chickens euthanised at 138 and 159daysp.i. The results indicated that the chickens were resistant to neosporosis as revealed by failure to seroconvert, to detect parasite DNA or N. caninum antigen by immunohistochemistry in inoculated bird tissues, and by no oocyst excretion by the dogs fed avian tissues. Similar results were obtained in experiment #2, in which 34 1-week-old chickens were each s.c. inoculated with 100,000 tachyzoites of the NcWTDMn1 isolate of N. caninum. The chickens were euthanised on days 7, 15, 22, 28, 36 and 60p.i. At necropsy, all tissues and serum from each bird were collected. All chickens remained asymptomatic, and N. caninum antigen was not detected by immunohistochemistry. Seven chickens euthanised at day 60p.i. demonstrated low (1:25 dilution) levels of antibodies by using the Neospora agglutination test. Two 12-week-old dogs fed tissues pooled from 10 inoculated chickens euthanised at day 60p.i. did not excrete N. caninum oocysts. This investigation indicates that chickens are resistant to experimental infection by N. caninum.

Ocorrência de pombos (Columba livia) e excretas em locais considerados potencialmente de risco para criptococose / Occurrence of pigeons (Columba livia) and excretas in places considered potentially of risk for cryptococosis

Pigeons have become increasingly adapted to life in the city and to the fellowship of man, however these synanthropic birds are responsible for transporting several microorganisms pathogenic to human health. The present work had as objective to carry out the survey of the presence of pigeons in places of agglomeration of people in the city of Ituiutaba, Minas Gerais. Visits were made to 51 previously defined places, analyzing the presence and absence of pigeons and droppings. In this study, it was demonstrated a high occurrence of pigeons and droppings in places with human agglomerations. The presence of pigeons was found in 60.7% (31/51) and excreta in 43.13% (22/51). Among the places visited are: educational units, health units, recreation units and other places such as the homes of the elderly and churches. The high occurrence of pigeons and droppings requires the adoption of sanitary measures and public policies in order to control the presence of pigeons and to prevent the spread of diseases transmitted by them.

Os pombos tornaram-se cada vez mais adaptados à vida na cidade e à comunidade do homem, no entanto, essas aves sinantrópicas são responsáveis pelo transporte de vários microrganismos patogênicos para a saúde humana. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar o levantamento da presença de pombos em locais de aglomeração de pessoas na cidade de Ituiutaba, Minas Gerais. Foram realizadas visitas em 51 locais previamente definidos, analisando a presença e ausência de pombos e das excretas. Neste estudo, foi demonstrada elevada ocorrência de pombos e excretas em locais com aglomerações de humanos. A presença de pombos foi constatada em 60,7% (31/51) e a de excretas em 43,13% (22/51). Entre os locais visitados estão: unidades educacionais, unidades de saúde, unidades de recreação e outros locais como asilos e igrejas. Com a elevada ocorrência de pombos e excretas, faz-se necessária a adoção de medidas sanitárias e políticas públicas a fim de controlar a presença de pombos e prevenir a disseminação de doenças por eles veiculadas.

Ocorrência de pombos (Columba livia) e excretas em locais considerados potencialmente de risco para criptococose / Occurrence of pigeons (Columba livia) and excretas in places considered potentially of risk for cryptococosis

Pigeons have become increasingly adapted to life in the city and to the fellowship of man, however these synanthropic birds are responsible for transporting several microorganisms pathogenic to human health. The present work had as objective to carry out the survey of the presence of pigeons in places of agglomeration of people in the city of Ituiutaba, Minas Gerais. Visits were made to 51 previously defined places, analyzing the presence and absence of pigeons and droppings. In this study, it was demonstrated a high occurrence of pigeons and droppings in places with human agglomerations. The presence of pigeons was found in 60.7% (31/51) and excreta in 43.13% (22/51). Among the places visited are: educational units, health units, recreation units and other places such as the homes of the elderly and churches. The high occurrence of pigeons and droppings requires the adoption of sanitary measures and public policies in order to control the presence of pigeons and to prevent the spread of diseases transmitted by them.(AU)

Os pombos tornaram-se cada vez mais adaptados à vida na cidade e à comunidade do homem, no entanto, essas aves sinantrópicas são responsáveis pelo transporte de vários microrganismos patogênicos para a saúde humana. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar o levantamento da presença de pombos em locais de aglomeração de pessoas na cidade de Ituiutaba, Minas Gerais. Foram realizadas visitas em 51 locais previamente definidos, analisando a presença e ausência de pombos e das excretas. Neste estudo, foi demonstrada elevada ocorrência de pombos e excretas em locais com aglomerações de humanos. A presença de pombos foi constatada em 60,7% (31/51) e a de excretas em 43,13% (22/51). Entre os locais visitados estão: unidades educacionais, unidades de saúde, unidades de recreação e outros locais como asilos e igrejas. Com a elevada ocorrência de pombos e excretas, faz-se necessária a adoção de medidas sanitárias e políticas públicas a fim de controlar a presença de pombos e prevenir a disseminação de doenças por eles veiculadas.(AU)

Spatial distribution and risk factors associated with Salmonella enterica in pigs.

The importance of pork in the transmission of Salmonella spp. to humans has led to the development of control programmes worldwide. For this, knowledge on the epidemiology of the infection in the production system is fundamental to the efficacy of the regulations. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and spatial distribution of Salmonella-infected farms in the central region of Argentina, and to identify the predominant serotypes and epidemiological factors associated with an increased risk of infection. Salmonella was isolated from 22 of 52 sampled farms, for a farm prevalence of 42·3% (95% confidence interval 28·4-56·1). The most frequent serotypes isolated were S. Typhimurium and S. Derby, which have often been considered of public health concern in the region. Limited evidences of global and local clustering in the region under study were found, and the type of feed and presence of diarrhoeic pigs were significantly associated with having Salmonella shedders in the farm. This highlights the need to evaluate microbiological controls at the farm level, and demonstrates the usefulness of the spatial tools to identify areas of greatest risk when processing pork at slaughterhouse, which could contribute to increasing the food safety of pork products.

Diagnosis of intestinal parasites in a rural community of Venezuela: Advantages and disadvantages of using microscopy or RT-PCR.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and diagnostic performance of microscopy and real time PCR (RT-PCR) for 14 intestinal parasites in a Venezuelan rural community with a long history of persistent intestinal parasitic infections despite the implementation of regular anthelminthic treatments. A total of 228 participants were included in this study. A multiplex RT-PCR was used for the detection of Dientamoeba fragilis, Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium sp. and a monoplex RT-PCR for Entamoeba histolytica. Furthermore, a multiplex PCR was performed for detection of Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale. Combined microscopy-PCR revealed prevalences of 49.3% for A. lumbricoides, 10.1% for N. americanus (no A. duodenale was detected), 2.0% for S. stercoralis, 40.4% for D. fragilis, 35.1% for G. intestinalis, and 7.9% for E. histolytica/dispar. Significant increases in prevalence at PCR vs. microscopy were found for A. lumbricoides, G. intestinalis and D. fragilis. Other parasites detected by microscopy alone were Trichuris trichiura (25.7%), Enterobius vermicularis (3.4%), Blastocystis sp. (65.8%), and the non-pathogenic Entamoeba coli (28.9%), Entamoeba hartmanni (12.3%), Endolimax nana (19.7%) and Iodamoeba bütschlii (7.5%). Age- but no gender-related differences in prevalences were found for A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, G. intestinalis, and E. histolytica/dispar. The persistently high prevalences of intestinal helminths are probably related to the high faecal pollution as also evidenced by the high prevalences of non-pathogenic intestinal protozoans. These results highlight the importance of using sensitive diagnostic techniques in combination with microscopy to better estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites, especially in the case of D. fragilis trophozoites, which deteriorate very rapidly and would be missed by microscopy. In addition, the differentiation between the pathogenic E. histolytica and the non-pathogenic E. dispar can be attained. However, microscopy remains an important diagnostic tool since it can detect other intestinal parasites for which no PCR is available.