Feline sporotrichosis due to Sporothrix globosa in the Metropolitan region of Buenos Aires: A case study

Abstract We describe here the first case of feline sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix globosa, occurring outside the epizootic area of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Unlike cases reported with Sporothrix brasiliensis, on this occasion there was no clinical or serological evidence of zoonotic transmission through scratches or bites from the sick cat to the attending veterinarian or the person responsible for its care. This report aimed to improve the knowledge about the pathogenic profile of S. globosa.

Resumen En este trabajo se describe el primer caso de esporotricosis felina causada por Sporothrix globosa fuera del área epizoótica de Buenos Aires. A diferencia de los casos documentados de Sporothrix brasiliensis, en este no hubo evidencia clínica ni serológica de transmisión zoonótica por arañazos o mordeduras del gato enfermo a su dueño ni al veterinario que lo atendió. Con este reporte se espera contribuir a un mejor conocimiento sobre el perfil patogénico de S. globosa.

Feline sporotrichosis due to Sporothrix globosa in the Metropolitan region of Buenos Aires: A case study.

We describe here the first case of feline sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix globosa, occurring outside the epizootic area of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Unlike cases reported with Sporothrix brasiliensis, on this occasion there was no clinical or serological evidence of zoonotic transmission through scratches or bites from the sick cat to the attending veterinarian or the person responsible for its care. This report aimed to improve the knowledge about the pathogenic profile of S. globosa.

Biological Characterization of Cleome felina L.f. Extracts for Phytochemical, Antimicrobial, and Hepatoprotective Activities in Wister Albino Rats.

The present study aims to explore the phytochemical constitution and biological activities of Cleome felina L.f. (Cleomaceae). C. felina (leaves, stem, and root) extracts (acetone, methanol, and water) were qualitatively assessed for phytochemical presence. Methanolic leaves extract revealed more positive phyto-compounds among all the extracts; further, methanolic leaves extract was evaluated for FTIR, EDX, GCMS, antimicrobial assay, acute toxicity, and paracetamol-induced hepatoprotective activity in Wister albino rats. FTIR and EDX analysis unveiled important functional groups and elements in the leaves. GCMS analysis of methanolic leaves extract exposed 12 active phyto-compounds: major constituents detected were 1-Butanol, 3-methyl-, formate-48.79%; 1-Decanol, 2-ethyl-13.40%; 1,6-Anhydro-ß-d-talopyranose-12.49%; Ethene, 1,2-bis(methylthio)-7.22%; Decane-4.02%; 3-Methylene-7, 11-dimethyl-1-dodecene-3.085%; Amlexanox-2.50%; 1,2,3,4-Cyclopentanetetrol, (1α,2ß,3ß,4α)-2.07%; L-Cysteine S-sulfate-1.84%; n-Hexadecanoic acid-1.70%; and Flucarbazone-1.55%. The antimicrobial assay showed a moderate zone of inhibition against S. aureus, B. cereus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans, and C. glabrata at 100 µL/mL concentration. Additionally, acute toxicity revealed no behavioral sign of the toxic effect. The significant results were obtained for methanolic leaves extract (low-50 and high-100 mg/kg b.wt. dose) for hepatoprotective activity, where it dramatically reduced serum blood biochemical markers (AST, ALT, ALP, Total bilirubin, and cholesterol) and exhibited elevated hepatic antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH) concentration with lipid peroxidation retardation. To conclude, C. felina methanolic leaves extract ameliorated important phytochemical compounds and showed significant antimicrobial and hepatoprotective efficacy; therefore, utilization of C. felina leaves suggested in pharmacological applications, and in numerous cosmetics, herbicides, and food industries, would be a great scope for future hepatoprotective drug designing.

Anti-inflammatory acetylenic meroterpenoids from the ascidian-derived fungus Amphichorda felina SYSU-MS7908.

A combination strategy of 13C NMR and bioinformatics was established to expedite the discovery of acetylenic meroterpenoids from the ascidian-derived fungus Amphichorda felina SYSU-MS7908. This approach led to the identification of 13 acetylenic meroterpenoids (1-13) and four biogenic analogs (14-17), including five new ones named felinoids A-E (1-4 and 15). Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated using extensive spectroscopy, ECD quantum chemical calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 possessed a rare cyclic carbonate in natural acetylenic meroterpenoids. The plausible shikimate-terpenoid biosynthetic pathways of 1-4 were also postulated. Five of these isolates exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells (IC50 = 11.6-19.5 µM). Moreover, oxirapentyn E diacetate showed a dose-dependent inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. Structural modification of oxirapentyn B yielded 29 new derivatives, among which seven showed improved activity (IC50 < 3 µM) and higher selectivity index (SI > 22). The structure-activity relationship study indicated that 7, 8-epoxy, and 6-acylation were crucial for the activity. These findings may provide a powerful tool to accelerate the discovery of new fungal acetylenic meroterpenoids for future anti-inflammatory drug development.

Integrating Genomics and Metabolomics for the Targeted Discovery of New Cyclopeptides with Antifungal Activity from a Marine-Derived Fungus Beauveria felina.

Sour rot, caused by Geotrichum citri-aurantii, is a major postharvest disease in citrus and results in significant economic losses. The genus Beauveria is recognized as a promising source of biocontrol agents for agricultural applications. Herein, we established a targeted strategy by integrating genomics and metabolomics to accelerate the discovery of new cyclopeptides from antagonistic metabolites produced by the marine-derived fungus Beauveria felina SYSU-MS7908. As a result, we isolated and characterized seven cyclopeptides, including six new molecules, isaridins I-N (1-6). Their chemical structures and conformational analysis were extensively elucidated using spectroscopic techniques (NMR, HRMS, and MS'MS data), modified Mosher's and Marfey's methods, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Notably, isaridin K (3) contains a peptide backbone with an N-methyl-2-aminobutyric acid residue rarely found in natural cyclopeptides. Bioassays showed that compound 2 could significantly inhibit the mycelial growth of G. citri-aurantii by destroying the cell membrane. These findings provide an effective strategy for searching for new fungal peptides for potential agrochemical fungicides and also pave the way for further exploration of applications in agriculture, food, and medicine.

Enrichment of Isaria felina Culture with Selenium Enhances its in vivo Antitumor Effects on H22 Hepatoma via Decreasing the Expression of VEGF.

BACKGROUND: The polysaccharide extract of C. sinensis, Isaria felina (IF), has antitumor effects. Selenium (Se) can improve disease prevention and reduce the toxicity of toxic elements, but the effect of Se-enriched IF on hepatoma remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the organic transformation of Se and compare the antitumor effects between Se-enriched IF (IF-Se) and IF on xenograft H22 hepatoma-bearing mice. METHODS: Se was added to the solid-state culture medium, and the organic Se content was detected by HPLC-ICP-MS. Forty-two Kunming mice were randomly divided into seven groups to test the antitumor effects of low- (300 mg/kg) and high- (600 mg/kg) doses of IF-Se and IF through xenograft. Huai'er granules were administered as the positive control. In addition, interleukin (IL)-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry method. RESULTS: The conversion rate in the IF-Se70, IF-Se140, and IF-Se280 groups were 91.5%, 93.4%, and 89.3%, respectively. Therefore, IF-Se140 was used to carry out the subsequent experiments. The tumor inhibition rates of IF-Se were significantly higher compared with IF (P < 0.05). Moreover, the spleen coefficient, IL-2, and VEGF expression levels significantly decreased (all Ps < 0.05), and the thymus coefficient significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the high-dose IF-Se group compared with the model control group. CONCLUSION: The inhibitory effects of IF on H22 hepatoma-bearing mice were enhanced after Se enrichment. Therefore, Se-enriched IF might be a new strategy for treating hepatoma.

Cytotoxic Drimane-Type Sesquiterpenes from Co-Culture of the Marine-Derived Fungi Aspergillus carneus KMM 4638 and Beauveria felina (=Isaria felina) KMM 4639.

Chemical investigation of a coculture of the marine-derived fungi Beauveria felina KMM 4639 and Aspergillus carneus KMM 4638 led to the identification of three new drimane-type sesquiterpenes, asperflavinoids B, D and E (2, 4, 5), and nine previously reported related compounds. The structures of these compounds were established using spectroscopic methods and by comparison with known analogues. We also investigated the cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds against several cancer and normal cell lines. Asperflavinoid C (3) and ustusolate E (9) exerted a significant effect on human breast cancer MCF-7 cell viability, with IC50 values of 10 µM, and induced in caspase-dependent apoptosis and arrest of the MCF-7 cell cycle in the G2/M phase in these cells.

Two New Picoline-Derived Meroterpenoids with Anti-Acetylcholinesterase Activity from Ascidian-Derived Fungus Amphichorda felina.

Amphichoterpenoids D (1) and E (2), two new picoline-derived meroterpenoids with a rare 6/6/6 tricyclic pyrano[3,2-c]pyridinyl-γ-pyranone scaffold, were isolated from the ascidian-derived fungus Amphichorda felina SYSU-MS7908. Their structures, including the absolute configurations, were established by extensive spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry) and ECD calculations. Compounds 1 and 2 showed anti-acetylcholinesterase (anti-AChE) activities with IC50 values of 12.5 µM and 11.6 µM, respectively. The binding interactions between 1, 2, and AChE were investigated using molecular docking analyses.

Clinical aspects, food management, and clinical evolution of a cat with hypertrophic muscular dystrophy / Aspectos clínicos, manejo alimentar e evolução clínica de um gato com distrofia muscular hipertrófica

Hypertrophic feline muscular dystrophy (HFMD), rarely reported in the literature, is a disease caused by a hereditary recessive dystrophin deficiency linked to the X chromosome, mainly affecting young male cats. Here, we presented the clinical aspects, food management, and clinical evolution of a seven-year-old mixed-breed cat diagnosed with HFMD, having a primary history of progressive tongue protrusion.

A distrofia muscular hipertrófica felina é uma doença causada por uma deficiência da distrofina com caráter hereditário recessivo ligado ao cromossomo X, com poucos registros de ocorrência na literatura, que acomete principalmente gatos machos jovens. Neste trabalho, são relatados os aspectos clínicos, manejo alimentar e evolução clínica de um gato, sem raça definida, de sete anos com histórico principal de protrusão progressiva da língua e diagnosticado com distrofia muscular hipertrófica felina.

Cordyceps sinensis-derived fungus Isaria felina ameliorates experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in mice.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of Cordyceps sinensis-derived fungus Isaria felina on experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT). METHODS: A NaI-induced EAT mouse model was established. The mice received oral administration of vehicle, low-dose Isaria felina (300 mg/kg), or high-dose Isaria felina (600 mg/kg) once a day for four weeks before euthanasia. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) was performed to measure serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, thyroid antibodies, and cytokines. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was conducted to assess histopathological changes in the thyroid tissue samples of mice. TUNEL and Bcl-2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to evaluate cell apoptosis, and cleaved caspase-3 IHC was performed to detect the relative expression in the thyroid tissue samples. RESULTS: Compared with KIO3 and KI water, NaI water consumption successfully induced EAT in mice, as evidenced by significantly increased circulating TSH and thyroid antibody levels, along with typical histopathological abnormalities of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) in the thyroid tissue samples. Compared with vehicle or low-dose Isaria felina, high-dose Isaria felina treatment resulted in significant reductions in white cell counts and circulating TSH, thyroid antibody, and cytokine levels of EAT mice. High-dose Isaria felina also alleviated histopathological abnormalities and attenuated TUNEL staining, Bcl-2 protein expression, and cleaved caspase-3 expression in the thyroid tissue samples. CONCLUSION: High-dose Isaria felina treatment alleviates thyroid inflammation and cell apoptosis in EAT, serving as a novel, promising therapeutic agent for AIT.

Intraocular pressure and pupil diameter in healthy cats anesthetized with isoflurane and pre-medicated with isolated acepromazine or in combination with tramadol / [Pressão intraocular e diâmetro pupilar em gatos saudáveis anestesiados com isoflurano e pré-medicados com acepromazina isolada ou em combinação com tramadol]

The objective of this study was to determine changes on intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil diameter (PD) in healthy cats anesthetized with isoflurane, and premedicated with acepromazine alone or in combination with tramadol. Thirty cats were allocated in two groups (n=15/each) and were treated with acepromazine (AG) or acepromazine/tramadol (ATG). PD and IOP were assessed before and following 30 (PM1), and 40 minutes (PM2) of treatments. Anesthesia was induced with propofol, and IOP and DP were recorded (A10) at 10 minute intervals until the end of anesthesia (A40). IOP decreased in AG and ATG, when comparing baseline with PM1. IOP decreased only in AG, in comparisons between baseline and PM2. During anesthesia, IOP did not change within and between groups. Comparisons between baseline with those recorded at PM1 and 2 showed that PD increased in the ATG. During anesthesia, PD decreased significantly in AG and ATG. Both protocols maintained the IOP within the reference range to perform corneal or intraocular surgery in healthy cats but did not sustain pre-anesthetic pupil dilation observed in ATG.(AU)

O objetivo do presente artigo é determinar possíveis alterações na pressão intraocular (PIO) e no diâmetro pupilar (DP) em gatos saudáveis anestesiados com isoflurano e pré-medicados com acepromazina isolada ou em combinação com acepromazina/tramadol. Trinta gatos saudáveis foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos (n=15/cada) e tratados com acepromazina (GA) ou acepromazina/tramadol (GAT). DP e PIO foram avaliadas antes (basal) e após 30 (PM1) e 40 minutos (PM2) dos tratamentos. A anestesia foi induzida com propofol, e a PIO e o DP foram registrados (A10) a cada 10 minutos até o final da anestesia com isoflurano (A40). Ao se compararem os valores obtidos no basal com PM1, a PIO diminuiu em GA e GAT; com PM2, a PIO reduziu apenas no GA. Durante a anestesia, a PIO não diferiu dentro e entre os grupos. Comparações entre os valores basais e os registrados em PM1 e em PM2 mostraram que a DP aumentou significativamente no GAT. Durante a anestesia, o DP diminuiu significativamente em GA e GAT. Ambos os protocolos mantêm a PIO dentro dos valores de referência para realizar cirurgias corneanas ou intraoculares em gatos saudáveis, mas não sustentam a dilatação pupilar pré-anestésica observada em GAT.(AU)

Secondary Metabolites with Agricultural Antagonistic Potentials from Beauveria felina, a Marine-Derived Entomopathogenic Fungus.

Soil-borne pathogens and weeds could synergistically affect vegetable growth and result in serious losses. The investigation of antagonistic metabolites from a marine-derived entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria felina, obtained polyhydroxy steroid (1), tricyclic diterpenoid (2), isaridin (3), and destruxin cyclodepsipeptides (4-6). The structures and absolute configurations of new 1-3 were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic analyses, as well as electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compounds 1 and 2 showed antifungal activities against carbendazim-resistant strains of Botrytis cinerea, with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 16 to 32 µg/mL, which were significantly better than those of carbendazim (MIC = 256 µg/mL). Compound 5 exhibited significant antagonistic activity against the radicle growth of Amaranthus retroflexus seedlings, which was almost identical to that of the positive control (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid). The structure-activity differences of 4-6 suggested that the Cl atom in HMPA1 and ß-Me in Pro2 should be the key factors to their herbicidal activities. Besides, compounds 3-6 showed moderate nematicidal activities against Meloidogyne incognita. These antagonistic effects of 1-6 were first reported and further revealed the synergistically antagonistic potential of B. felina to be developed into the biopesticide.

Caudal vena cava collapsibility index in healthy cats by ultrasonography / [Índice de colapsibilidade da veia cava caudal em gatos domésticos Saudáveis, obtido por meio de ultrassonografia]

The objective of this study was to calculate the collapsibility index (CI) in a group of 15 healthy adult mixed breed cats via right hepatic intercostal ultrasound view. The minimal and the maximal diameters of the caudal vena cava (CVC) were obtained during inspiration and expiration, respectively, then CI was calculated. The mean diameter of the CVC was 0.5cm. The mean CI was 28±3% and CI was not significantly associated with gender. As in human medicine, there is a growing need for less invasive monitoring in small animal practice. The CI enables the assessment of estimated volemia without the need for a central venous catheter. This is the first reported study investigating CI in cats.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi calcular o índice de colapsabilidade (IC) em um grupo de 15 gatos adultos, saudáveis e SRD, por meio da janela ultrassonográfica hepática intercostal direita. Os diâmetros mínimo e máximo da veia cava caudal (VCC) foram obtidos durante a inspiração e a expiração, respectivamente. O IC foi calculado, posteriormente. O diâmetro médio da VCC foi de 0,5cm. O diâmetro médio do IC foi de 28±3%, e o IC não foi significativamente associado ao gênero. Como na medicina humana, há uma necessidade crescente de monitoramento menos invasivo na prática de pequenos animais. O IC possibilita a avaliação da volemia estimada sem a necessidade de um cateter venoso central. Este é o primeiro estudo relatado sobre IC em gatos domésticos.(AU)

Prevalencia del virus de la leucemia felina (ViLeF) en el sur del Valle de Aburrá, Colombia / Prevalence of the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) in Southern Valle de Aburrá, Colombia

Resumen El virus de la leucemia felina (ViLeF) es una de las principales enfermedades retrovirales de la familia Felidae que causan la muerte de sus individuos; de ahí interés diagnóstico y preventivo para la salud animal. El propósito de este artículo es determinar la prevalencia de infección por el ViLeF por serodiagnóstico del antígeno p27, en cuatro municipios del sur del valle de Aburrá, Colombia, usando los registros de los centros de diagnóstico del área. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo, entre los años 2013-2015, que incluyó la revisión de 1718 pruebas diagnósticas de felinos domésticos del área urbana de Medellín, Envigado, Sabaneta y Caldas, procedentes de los centros de diagnóstico clínico del valle de Aburrá. El diagnóstico de ViLeF se realizó en muestras de suero por el inmunoensayo comercial Elisa (Idexx Laboratories©, Snap Combo Plus®, Maine, EUA). Los datos se procesaron en Statgraphics Centurión XVy se realizaron las pruebas estadísticas de Ji2 y Tukey. Del total de muestras, 376 (21,89 %) fueron positivas a la presencia del antígeno p27 de ViLeF. La edad de infectados osciló entre los 2 a 36 meses, hubo una mayor prevalencia en raza doméstica de pelo corto (DPC) y en machos. El porcentaje la prevalencia de ViLeF en el estudio fue de 21,88 %, siendo de importancia epidemiológica en el sur del Valle de Aburrá, Antioquia, Colombia.

Abstract Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is one of the main retrovirus diseases of the Felidae family causing the death to the subjects. Therefore, there is a diagnostic and preventive interest regarding the animal health. This article aims to determine the infection prevalence due to FeLV after a p27 antigen serodiagnostic test applied in four towns in the southern Valle del Aburrá, Colombia, using the records of the diagnostic centers in each area. A descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted for the period 2013-2015, in which 1718 diagnostic tests from home felines were reviewed. These cases were from the urban area of Medellín, Envigado, Sabaneta and Caldas making part in the clinical diagnostic centers of the Valle de Aburrá. The FeLV diagnosis was conducted in serum samples with commercial immunoessay ELISA (IDEXX Laboratories©, Snap Combo Plus®, Maine, EUA). Data were processed in Statgraphics Centurión XV and statistical tests Ji2 and Tukey were conducted. Out of the total samples, 376 (21.89 %) were positive to p27 antigen for FeLV. The infected animals were from 2 to 36 months old. There was a higher prevalence among home races with short hair (SHR) and males. The FeLV prevalence percentage in the study was 21.88%, a figure with epidemiological significance in the southern Valle de Aburrá, Antioquia Province, Colombia.

Epicarditis in a cat caused by feline infectious peritonitis virus: case report / Epicardite em um gato causada pelo vírus da peritonite infecciosa felina: relato de caso

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a progressive and fatal disease in domestic and wild cats, caused by Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV). The disease is characterized by an immunomediated reaction against the virus in various organs. This work described a case report of fibrinous epicarditis caused by FIPV. A male cat, three years old, died and was received to be necropsied. Grossly, soft, multifocal to coalescing, whitish fibrinous exudate, measuring up the 2 centimeters of thickness, was observed in the epicardium, mostly at the apex of the heart. Microscopically, severe, multifocal to coalescing inflammatory infiltrate was observed in the epicardium, composed mainly by macrophages, plasmocytes and lymphocytes, associated with fibrin deposition. Immunohistochemistry was performed for FIPV and was positive in the areas of inflammation in the epicardium. To the author´s knowledge, this is the second report of epicarditis due to FIPV in a cat. Therefore, epicarditis should be considered a differential diagnosis of cardiac diseases in Feline Medicine.(AU)

A Peritonite Infecciosa Felina (PIF) é uma doença progressiva e fatal de felinos domésticos e selvagens, causada pelo vírus da Peritonite Infecciosa Felina (FIPV). A doença é caracterizada por uma reação imunomediada contra o vírus em vários órgãos. Este trabalho descreveu um relato de caso de epicardite fibrinosa causada pelo FPIV. Um gato macho, com três anos de idade, veio a óbito e foi recebido para necropsia. Macroscopicamente, foi observado exsudato fibrinoso esbranquiçado, friável, multifocal, medindo até 2 centímetros de espessura, no epicárdio, principalmente no ápice cardíaco. Microscopicamente, foi observado no epicárdio um infiltrado inflamatório misto, multifocal, composto por macrófagos, plasmócitos e linfócitos, associado a deposição de fibrina. A imuno-histoquímica foi positiva para o FIPV nas áreas de inflamação no epicárdio. Os autores descrevem o segundo relato de caso na literatura científica de epicardite causada pelo FIPV em um gato. Portanto, a epicardite deve ser considerada como diagnóstico diferencial em doenças cardíacas em Medicina Felina.(AU)

Estandarización de PCR múltiple en tiempo real para el diagnóstico de sida y leucemia en Felis silvestris catus / Standardization of Multiplex Real-Time PCR for the diagnosis of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) in Felis silvestris catus / Padronização da PCR múltipla em tempo real para o diagnóstico de AIDS e leucemia em Felis silvestris catus

Resumen Las enfermedades producidas por virus como sida y leucemia son altamente prevalentes en felinos domésticos, debido a su facilidad de transmisión, presentan signos clínicos similares a otras infecciones que pueden generar dificultades en el diagnóstico, por lo tanto, se deben analizar mediante pruebas de laboratorio; los exámenes disponibles en la actualidad presentan algunas desventajas, por ello se estandarizó una PCR múltiple en tiempo real con sondas Taqman que fue diseñada para detección de infección con el virus de inmunodeficiencia felina (VIF), el virus de leucemia felina (VLFe) o mixtas. Se calculó la sensibilidad (0,53/0,26) y la especificidad (0,46/0,74) para leucemia y sida respectivamente con la metodología de Broemeling que considera que la prueba de referencia contra la cual se compara no es un referente verdadero (Gold standard), según estos resultados se concluye que es necesario aumentar el tamaño de muestra; sin embargo, la PCR múltiple es una metodología muy sensible, fue validada de forma In silico y presentó resultados congruentes al realizarla in vivo.

Abstract Diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (VIF) and Feline Leukemia Virus (VLFe) are highly prevalent in domestic cats, due to their ease of transmission. Clinical signs are similar to other infections causing difficulties in diagnosis, therefore, they should be analyzed by laboratory tests; Currently available tests have some disadvantages, a multiplex real-time PCR was standardized with Taqman probes, designed for detection of infection with VIF, VLFe or both. Sensitivity (0.53/0.26) and specificity (0.46/0.74) for VLFe and VIF respectively, were calculated with Broemeling's methodology, which considers that the reference test against which it is compared is not a Gold standard, according to these results it is necessary to increase the sample size; However, multiplex PCR is a very sensitive methodology, it was validated In silico form and presented congruent results when performed in vivo.

Resumo Doenças causadas por vírus como AIDS e leucemia são altamente prevalentes em gatos domésticos, devido a sua facilidade de transmissão com sinais clínicos semelhantes a outras infecções que podem causar dificuldades no diagnóstico, portanto devem ser analisados ​​por exames laboratoriais; Os testes atualmente disponíveis têm algumas desvantagens, portanto uma PCR em tempo real múltipla foi padronizada com sondas Taqman para a detecção de infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV), vírus da leucemia felina (VLFe) ou misto . A sensibilidade (0,53 /0,26) e a especificidade (0,46/0,74) para leucemia e AIDS foram calculadas, respectivamente, com a metodologia de Broemeling, que considera que o teste de referência com o qual é comparado não é um referência verdadeira (teste de ouro), de acordo com esses resultados, conclui-se que é necessário aumentar o tamanho da amostra, entretanto, a PCR múltipla é uma metodologia muito sensível, foi validada na forma silico e apresentou resultados congruentes quando realizada in vivo.

Unusual feline Dirofilaria immitis infection: a case report / Infecção incomum por Dirofilaria immitis em felino: relato de caso

Abstract Cats are less susceptible to Dirofilaria immitis infection than dogs. Although rare, the feline disease can be fatal even with low parasitic loads. The infection is often asymptomatic or has non-specific symptoms that are mainly associated with the death of immature worms. Microfilaremia is rare and transient. Normally, microfilaremia, when present, lasts for not more than 33 days. This study describes a feline case presenting with non-specific clinical signs and prolonged microfilaremia. Case: a random bred cat infected by feline leukemia virus (FeLV) that was found to be microfilaremic by chance. The infection was detected by the presence of microfilariae in a blood smear and was confirmed by antigen test (SNAP Feline Triple Test, Idexx®) and echocardiogram.

Resumo Gatos são menos susceptíveis à infecção por Dirofilaria immitis do que cães. Apesar de rara, a doença nos gatos pode ser fatal mesmo com baixas cargas parasitárias. Muitas vezes, a doença é assintomática ou apresenta sintomas inespecíficos, principalmente associados com a morte de formas parasitárias imaturas. Microfilaremia é rara e transitória. Normalmente, quando ocorre microfilaremia, ela permanece por, no máximo, 33 dias. Este estudo descreve o caso de um felino que apresentava sinais inespecíficos e microfilaremia prolongada: um gato sem raça definida, portador de infecção pelo vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV) que foi diagnosticado como microfilaremico ao acaso. A infecção foi detectada pela presença de microfilárias em esfregaço sanguíneo e, posteriormente, confirmada pelo teste de antígenos (SNAP Feline Triple Test, Idexx®) e por ecocardiograma.

Oral lesions and retroviruses in shelter cats / Afecções orais e retroviroses em gatos de abrigo

Oral lesions are common problems in feline medicine worldwide, and may be associated with different causes, such as infectious agents. There are only a few studies reporting the chief oral diseases and the results for retrovirus tests in shelter cats in Brazil, especially in the South region. This study aimed to identify the main inflammatory oral lesions in shelter cats and verify the test results for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infections. Forty-three felines from private shelters in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul state (RS) that presented clinically evident oral lesions, regardless of age, breed, sex, and neuter status, were used in this survey. Serological tests for FIV and FeLV were performed in all cats, and data regarding the rearing system were collected. Sixteen cats (37.2%) were reared in a free system, whereas 27 (62.8%) were kept under a restrict system. Of the 43 cats with oral lesions, 29 (67.44%) presented only one type of lesion, characterized as periodontitis (n=22, 51.16%), followed by gingivitis (n=6, 13.95%), and stomatitis (n=1, 2.32%). Concomitant stomatitis and periodontitis were found in the 14 remaining cats (100%). With respect to the test results for retrovirus infections, nine (20.93%) of the 43 felines were positive for FIV alone. Co-infection with both viruses was observed in seven cats (16.28%). No cat was seropositive for FeLV valone. None of the six cats that presented gingivitis was positive for FIV and FeLV; one cat with stomatitis was positive for FIV and FeLV; of the 22 cats with periodontitis, six (27.27%) were FIV positive and two (9.09%) were FIV/FeLV positive; and of the 14 cats that presented stomatitis and periodontitis, three (21.43%) were FIV positive and four (28.57%) were FIV/FeLV positive. As for diagnosis, 28 cats (65.1%) presented solely periodontal disease (PD), one cat (2.32%) had feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCG) alone, and 14 (32.5%) had both PD and FCG. The results obtained show that the main oral lesions found in shelter cats in the central region of RS were gingivitis, stomatitis, and periodontitis. Periodontitis, in association or not with stomatitis, was the most frequently observed oral cavity lesion in FIV- and/or FeLV-positive cats. Other factors may contribute to installation of inflammatory oral diseases in shelter cats because most cats with oral cavity lesions tested negative for retrovirus infections.(AU)

As afecções orais são problemas comuns em medicina felina em diferentes locais do mundo e podem estar relacionadas a diferentes causas, como agentes infecciosos. Poucos estudos foram encontrados no Brasil sobre o levantamento das principais doenças orais e dos resultados de testes para retrovírus em gatos de abrigos, principalmente na região Sul. Diante disso, o objetivo deste artigo foi identificar as principais afecções orais inflamatórias em gatos de abrigos e verificar os resultados dos testes para o vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) e o vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV). Foram incluídos 43 felinos provenientes de abrigos privados localizados na região central do Rio Grande do Sul (RS) que apresentavam lesões orais clinicamente evidentes, independente de idade, raça, gênero e estado reprodutivo. Em todos os gatos foram realizados testes sorológicos para FIV e FeLV e obtidas informações referentes ao sistema de criação. Em 16 gatos (37,2%), o sistema de criação era livre, enquanto em 27 (62,8%) era restrito. Dos 43 gatos com lesões orais, em 29 (67,44%) foi verificado somente um tipo de lesão, caracterizado como periodontite (n=22, 51,16%), seguido de gengivite (n=6, 13,95%) e estomatite (n=1, 2,32%). Lesões concomitantes de estomatite e periodontite foram encontradas nos 14 gatos (100%) restantes. Quanto aos resultados dos testes para retrovírus, nove (20,93%) dos 43 felinos testados, foram positivos somente para FIV. Em sete gatos (16,28%) foi observada coinfecção pelos dois vírus. Em nenhum gato foi observado soropositividade somente para FeLV. Dos seis gatos com gengivite, nenhum foi positivo para FIV e FeLV; um gato com estomatite foi positivo para FIV e FeLV; dos 22 gatos com periodontite, seis (27,27%) foram FIV positivos e dois (9,09%) FIV/FeLV positivos; e dos 14 com estomatite e periodontite, três (21,43%) foram FIV positivos e quatro (28,57%) FIV/FeLV positivos. Quanto ao diagnóstico, em 28 gatos (65,1%) foi observada somente doença periodontal (DP), em um (2,32%) somente gengivoestomatite crônica felina (GECF) e em 14 gatos (32,5%) DP e GECF. Diante dos resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que as principais lesões orais encontradas em gatos de abrigos da região central do RS foram gengivite, estomatite e periodontite; a periodontite associada ou não a estomatite foi a lesão oral mais frequente nos gatos positivos para FIV e/ou FeLV. Acredita-se que outros fatores possam contribuir na instalação de doenças orais em gatos de abrigos, já que houve predomínio de gatos com resultados negativos nos testes para os retrovírus.(AU)

Secondary Metabolites from a Fungus Beauveria felina SX-6-22 Sponge-Associated / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To study the secondary metabolites of sponge-associated fungus Beauveria feline SX-6-22. METHODS: The compounds were isolated and purified by silica gel, ODS reversed-phase column, preparative HPLC techniques. And their structures were identified by the physicochemical properties and NMR, MS data analysis. X-ray crystal diffraction was used to confirm the absolute configuration of compound1. RESULTS: Nine secondary metabolites were isolated from the extract of the solid fermentation culture of strain SX-6-22, including four new compounds beauverins A-D (1-4) and five known compounds 1, 9-dimethyl-3, 7-dibenzofurandiol (5), diorcinol(6), cordyol C(7), mixture of violaceol (8) and violaceol Ⅱ(9). Compounds 5, 7, 8 and 9 showed strong antioxidant activity with IC50 (9.62±0.12), (11.11±0.02), and (8.44±0.08) μg•mL-1 by DPPH assay. CONCLUSION: Four new compounds and three antioxidant known compounds are isolated from sponge-associated fungus SX-6-22.

Effect of Isaria felina on immune function of immunosuppressed mice / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the effects of Isaria felina (IF) on immune function in mice with immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide. Methods: The kunming mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, positive group (lentinan, 200 mg/kg), high, medium, and low dose groups of IF (400, 200, 100 mg/kg). Except for the control group, the other five groups were intraperitoneally injected with cyclophosphamide to establish an immunosuppression mouse model. The drug was administered once a day for a total of 10 d. Then the body mass growth, liver index, thymus index, spleen index and blood routine indexes were examined; The carbon profile method and the delayed immune response (DTH) was used to determine the non-specific immune function and the cellular immune function in mice; The content of TNF-α in serum of mice was determined by double antibody sandwich ELISA. Results: Compared with the control group, the growth value of body mass, spleen index, white blood cells, red blood cells and other blood routine indexes, phagocytic index, plantar thickness difference and TNF-α content of model group were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), which suggested that the establishmeng of immunocompromised mouse models induced by cyclophosphamide was successful. Compared with the model group, spleen index, white blood cells, red blood cells and other blood routine indexes, phagocytic index, plantar thickness difference and TNF-α content in each dose group of IF were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Conclusion: I. felina has immunoprotective effects on mice with immunodeficiency induced by cyclophosphamide.