Probiotic effect of Pichia pastoris X-33 produced in parboiled rice effluent and YPD medium on broiler chickens.

In a previous paper we showed that the yeast Pichia pastoris X-33 grown in parboiled rice effluent supplemented with glycerol byproduct from the biodiesel industry improved the quality of the effluent. In this paper we show the validation of this yeast (PPE) as probiotic for broilers. Its effect on feed efficiency and immunomodulation was compared with the same yeast grown in yeast peptone dextrose medium (PPY), with Saccharomyces boulardii (SBY) and with the controls fed unsupplemented feed (CON). One-day-old female chicks were vaccinated against infectious bursal disease (IBD) and the titers of anti-IBD antibodies were measured by ELISA. PPE group had the highest mean titres on days 14 and 28 (p<0,05), and at 28 days, 64% of the animals showed seroconvertion. The PPE group also showed the best weight gains at 42 days of age, that, on days 7, 14 and 21 were 19%, 15%, and 8.7% higher, respectively, than the control group. The best feed conversion, 8.2% higher than the control group, was obtained by PPY at 42 days. Histopathological studies did not detect any undesirable effects in the supplemented animals. We concluded that Pichia pastoris X-33 when grown in effluents of the rice parboiling industry supplemented with glycerol byproduct from the biodiesel has probiotic properties for poultry.

Consensus for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of feline mammary tumors / Consenso para o diagnóstico, prognóstico e tratamento de tumores mamários em felinos

Mammary neoplasms are described as the third most common type of feline tumor, after haematopoietic and skin tumors, and present a challenge for clinicians because the prognosis for feline mammary tumors ranges from guarded to poor. Thus, it is necessary to define new therapeutic approaches and establish more in-depth knowledge about this disease in felines. The main aspects of the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of feline mammary neoplasia were discussed, aiming to standardize the criteria and to serve as a guide for pathologists and veterinary clinicians.

As neoplasias mamárias são descritas como o terceiro tipo mais frequente de tumor em felinos (após as neoplasias hematopoiéticas e cutâneas) e apresentam um desafio para os clínicos devido ao prognóstico, que varia de reservado a ruim. Assim, é necessário conhecer melhor essa doença em felinos e definir novas abordagens terapêuticas. Discutiu-se os principais aspectos de diagnóstico, prognóstico e tratamento da neoplasia mamária felina, com o objetivo de padronizar os critérios e servir de guia para patologistas e clínicos veterinários.

Anatomopathologic Study of Kidneys parasitized by Dioctophyme renale in Dogs

Background: Dioctophymiasis is a disease caused by the nematode Dioctophyme renale and is a relatively common condition in dogs. The parasite affects the kidney, especially the right, enters the kidney capsule and causes destruction and atrophy of the parenchyma. The lesion severity depends on the amount of parasites affecting the kidney, the duration of the infection, number of kidneys involved and concurrent occurrence of kidney disease. The diseases clinical presentation may be asymptomatic or with nonspecific clinical signs. The diagnosis is based on ultrasound examination and the detection of eggs in urine, however, diagnosis is often reached only through necropsy or histopathology. This study aimed to analyze the dog kidney anatomical and pathological changes when parasitized by Dioctophyme renale.Materials, Methods & Results: The kidneys of 21 dogs diagnosed with dioctophymiasis were nephrectomized, analyzed by ultrasound and forwarded to macro and microscopic analysis. Macroscopically, the kidney size was measured as well as its renal capsule thicknes. The presences of dilatation of the renal pelvis and ureter, as well as changes of the capsule, were also observed. These fragments were collected and submitted for routine analysis and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Histopathological examination was performed blindly by three evaluators. The intensity of fibrosi

Anatomopathologic Study of Kidneys parasitized by Dioctophyme renale in Dogs

Background: Dioctophymiasis is a disease caused by the nematode Dioctophyme renale and is a relatively common condition in dogs. The parasite affects the kidney, especially the right, enters the kidney capsule and causes destruction and atrophy of the parenchyma. The lesion severity depends on the amount of parasites affecting the kidney, the duration of the infection, number of kidneys involved and concurrent occurrence of kidney disease. The diseases clinical presentation may be asymptomatic or with nonspecific clinical signs. The diagnosis is based on ultrasound examination and the detection of eggs in urine, however, diagnosis is often reached only through necropsy or histopathology. This study aimed to analyze the dog kidney anatomical and pathological changes when parasitized by Dioctophyme renale.Materials, Methods & Results: The kidneys of 21 dogs diagnosed with dioctophymiasis were nephrectomized, analyzed by ultrasound and forwarded to macro and microscopic analysis. Macroscopically, the kidney size was measured as well as its renal capsule thicknes. The presences of dilatation of the renal pelvis and ureter, as well as changes of the capsule, were also observed. These fragments were collected and submitted for routine analysis and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Histopathological examination was performed blindly by three evaluators. The intensity of fibrosi

Anatomopathologic Study of Kidneys parasitized by Dioctophyme renale in Dogs

Background: Dioctophymiasis is a disease caused by the nematode Dioctophyme renale and is a relatively common condition in dogs. The parasite affects the kidney, especially the right, enters the kidney capsule and causes destruction and atrophy of the parenchyma. The lesion severity depends on the amount of parasites affecting the kidney, the duration of the infection, number of kidneys involved and concurrent occurrence of kidney disease. The diseases clinical presentation may be asymptomatic or with nonspecific clinical signs. The diagnosis is based on ultrasound examination and the detection of eggs in urine, however, diagnosis is often reached only through necropsy or histopathology. This study aimed to analyze the dog kidney anatomical and pathological changes when parasitized by Dioctophyme renale.Materials, Methods & Results: The kidneys of 21 dogs diagnosed with dioctophymiasis were nephrectomized, analyzed by ultrasound and forwarded to macro and microscopic analysis. Macroscopically, the kidney size was measured as well as its renal capsule thicknes. The presences of dilatation of the renal pelvis and ureter, as well as changes of the capsule, were also observed. These fragments were collected and submitted for routine analysis and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Histopathological examination was performed blindly by three evaluators. The intensity of fibrosi

Anatomopathologic Study of Kidneys parasitized by Dioctophyme renale in Dogs

Background: Dioctophymiasis is a disease caused by the nematode Dioctophyme renale and is a relatively common condition in dogs. The parasite affects the kidney, especially the right, enters the kidney capsule and causes destruction and atrophy of the parenchyma. The lesion severity depends on the amount of parasites affecting the kidney, the duration of the infection, number of kidneys involved and concurrent occurrence of kidney disease. The diseases clinical presentation may be asymptomatic or with nonspecific clinical signs. The diagnosis is based on ultrasound examination and the detection of eggs in urine, however, diagnosis is often reached only through necropsy or histopathology. This study aimed to analyze the dog kidney anatomical and pathological changes when parasitized by Dioctophyme renale.Materials, Methods & Results: The kidneys of 21 dogs diagnosed with dioctophymiasis were nephrectomized, analyzed by ultrasound and forwarded to macro and microscopic analysis. Macroscopically, the kidney size was measured as well as its renal capsule thicknes. The presences of dilatation of the renal pelvis and ureter, as well as changes of the capsule, were also observed. These fragments were collected and submitted for routine analysis and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Histopathological examination was performed blindly by three evaluators. The intensity of fibrosi

Anatomopathologic Study of Kidneys parasitized by Dioctophyme renale in Dogs

Background: Dioctophymiasis is a disease caused by the nematode Dioctophyme renale and is a relatively common condition in dogs. The parasite affects the kidney, especially the right, enters the kidney capsule and causes destruction and atrophy of the parenchyma. The lesion severity depends on the amount of parasites affecting the kidney, the duration of the infection, number of kidneys involved and concurrent occurrence of kidney disease. The diseases clinical presentation may be asymptomatic or with nonspecific clinical signs. The diagnosis is based on ultrasound examination and the detection of eggs in urine, however, diagnosis is often reached only through necropsy or histopathology. This study aimed to analyze the dog kidney anatomical and pathological changes when parasitized by Dioctophyme renale.Materials, Methods & Results: The kidneys of 21 dogs diagnosed with dioctophymiasis were nephrectomized, analyzed by ultrasound and forwarded to macro and microscopic analysis. Macroscopically, the kidney size was measured as well as its renal capsule thicknes. The presences of dilatation of the renal pelvis and ureter, as well as changes of the capsule, were also observed. These fragments were collected and submitted for routine analysis and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Histopathological examination was performed blindly by three evaluators. The intensity of fibrosi

Anatomopathologic Study of Kidneys parasitized by Dioctophyme renale in Dogs

Background: Dioctophymiasis is a disease caused by the nematode Dioctophyme renale and is a relatively common condition in dogs. The parasite affects the kidney, especially the right, enters the kidney capsule and causes destruction and atrophy of the parenchyma. The lesion severity depends on the amount of parasites affecting the kidney, the duration of the infection, number of kidneys involved and concurrent occurrence of kidney disease. The diseases clinical presentation may be asymptomatic or with nonspecific clinical signs. The diagnosis is based on ultrasound examination and the detection of eggs in urine, however, diagnosis is often reached only through necropsy or histopathology. This study aimed to analyze the dog kidney anatomical and pathological changes when parasitized by Dioctophyme renale.Materials, Methods & Results: The kidneys of 21 dogs diagnosed with dioctophymiasis were nephrectomized, analyzed by ultrasound and forwarded to macro and microscopic analysis. Macroscopically, the kidney size was measured as well as its renal capsule thicknes. The presences of dilatation of the renal pelvis and ureter, as well as changes of the capsule, were also observed. These fragments were collected and submitted for routine analysis and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Histopathological examination was performed blindly by three evaluators. The intensity of fibrosi

Axonal degeneration in sheep caused by the ingestion of Halimium brasiliense.

Nervous system disease is reported in sheep from 2 farms in southern Brazil and in 33 farms in Uruguay. The illness was seasonal, occurring from May to November, during the growing season of Halimium brasiliense, and primarily affected sheep older than 3 years of age. Clinical signs included transient seizures that occurred mainly when sheep were disturbed or frightened. Most affected sheep recovered when removed to other pastures. Feeding trials produced clinical signs in 1 sheep after the ingestion of 2,117 g/kg of body weight of H. brasiliense over 142 days. Two sheep that had previously recovered from spontaneous toxicosis developed clinical signs after the ingestion of 263 g and 565 g of H. brasiliense per kg body weight given over 36 and 31 days, respectively. The main histologic lesion was vacuolation of the brain and spinal cord, with rare axonal spheroid formation. Transmission electron microscopy revealed segmental axonal swelling with degeneration and disappearance of the axonal organelles and vacuolation of the axoplasm. A pigment identified as ceroid was also present in neurons, astrocytes, and macrophages. These lesions suggested a novel morphologic manifestation of a toxic axonopathy.

A case of a male pseudo-hermaphrodite in a swine / UM CASO DE PSEUDO-HERMAFRODITA MASCULINO EM UM SUÍNO

The terms hermaphrodite and intersex are used to refer to animals with ambiguous sexual traits. The diagnostic of pseudo-hermaphrodites must be based on survey of the gonads and in the phenotypic aspect of the reproductive trait. The male pseudo-hermaphrodites have only testicle. This report describes a case of a male pseudo-hermaphrodite in a pig, whose reproductive organs were collected in a slaughterhouse. The pig was 150 days old, weighed nearly 100 kg, and showed external genitalia compatible with a female. The organs were evaluated grossly and microscopically. Grossly, the vulva showed abnormal morphology, but the vagina and the uterus (cervix, body, and horns) showed normal topographic anatomy. The gonads were morphologically compatible with testes with epididymis and pampiniform plexuses present. Histological examination of the gonads confirmed the identification of testes showing degenerative changes. Based on the gross and microscopic findings, the animal was diagnosed as a male pseudo-hermaphrodite. Keywords: Pseudo-hermaphrodite, pig, reproductive system.

Os termos pseudo-hermafrodita e intersexo são utilizados para se referir a animais com traços sexuais ambíguos. O diagnostico de pseudo-hermafrodita é baseado nos vestígios de gônadas e aspecto fenotípico do trato reprodutivo. Os pseudo-hermafroditas masculinos são aqueles que possuem somente testículo. Este trabalho relata um caso de pseudo-hermafrodita masculino em um suíno, cujo aparelho reprodutor foi colhido na linha de abate de um frigorífico. O animal, com idade de 150 dias e peso aproximado de 100 kg, possuía órgãos genitais exteriores femininos. O material coletado foi analisado macro e microscopicamente. Na análise macroscópica, verificou-se a presença de uma vulva anormal, ainda que a vagina e o útero (cérvix, corpo e cornos) apresentassem anatomia topográfica normal. As gônadas eram morfologicamente compatíveis com testículos, havendo também a presença dos epidídimos e do plexo pampiniforme. No exame histopatológico, confirmou-se que as gônadas apresentavam morfologia compatível com a de testículos, apresentando alterações degenerativas. Com base nos achados macroscópicos e microscópicos, concluiu-se que o animal era um pseudo-hermafrodita masculino. Palavras-Chave: Pseudo-hermafrodita, sistema reprodutor, suíno.

Comparação entre os sistemas histomorfológico e de graduação histológica para classificação prognóstica de tumores mamários em cadelas

Este consiste da avaliação comparativa de dois métodos comumente empregados para a classificação de tumores de mama. Compara-se o sistema de classificação histológico-descritivo da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OSM) e o método de graduação histológica proposto por Elston & Ellis (1991). Carcinomas simples e complexos foram incluídos neste estudo. Todos os carcinomas complexos foram definidos como de grau I (75%; 24/32) ou II (25%; 8/32). Os carcinomas simples foram graduados em I (36,4%; 20/55), II (32,7%; 18/55) e III (30,9%; 17/55). Os subtipos também foram avaliados e os carcinomas tubulopapilares distribuíram-se nos graus I (54,1%; 20/37), II (37,8%; 14/32) e III (8,1%; 3/37). Os carcinomas sólidos foram graduados em grau II (33,3%; 3/9) e III (66,7%; 6/9). Nos carcinomas anaplásicos foram encontrados os graus II (11,1%; 1/9) e III (88,9%; 8/9). Conclui-se que o método de graduação de Elston & Ellis foi mais preciso para determinar o comportamento biológico do que o sistema histológico-descritivo.

Comparação entre os sistemas histomorfológico e de graduação histológica para classificação prognóstica de tumores mamários em cadelas

Este consiste da avaliação comparativa de dois métodos comumente empregados para a classificação de tumores de mama. Compara-se o sistema de classificação histológico-descritivo da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OSM) e o método de graduação histológica proposto por Elston & Ellis (1991). Carcinomas simples e complexos foram incluídos neste estudo. Todos os carcinomas complexos foram definidos como de grau I (75%; 24/32) ou II (25%; 8/32). Os carcinomas simples foram graduados em I (36,4%; 20/55), II (32,7%; 18/55) e III (30,9%; 17/55). Os subtipos também foram avaliados e os carcinomas tubulopapilares distribuíram-se nos graus I (54,1%; 20/37), II (37,8%; 14/32) e III (8,1%; 3/37). Os carcinomas sólidos foram graduados em grau II (33,3%; 3/9) e III (66,7%; 6/9). Nos carcinomas anaplásicos foram encontrados os graus II (11,1%; 1/9) e III (88,9%; 8/9). Conclui-se que o método de graduação de Elston & Ellis foi mais preciso para determinar o comportamento biológico do que o sistema histológico-descritivo.

Comparação entre os sistemas histomorfológico e de graduação histológica para classificação prognóstica de tumores mamários em cadelas

Este consiste da avaliação comparativa de dois métodos comumente empregados para a classificação de tumores de mama. Compara-se o sistema de classificação histológico-descritivo da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OSM) e o método de graduação histológica proposto por Elston & Ellis (1991). Carcinomas simples e complexos foram incluídos neste estudo. Todos os carcinomas complexos foram definidos como de grau I (75%; 24/32) ou II (25%; 8/32). Os carcinomas simples foram graduados em I (36,4%; 20/55), II (32,7%; 18/55) e III (30,9%; 17/55). Os subtipos também foram avaliados e os carcinomas tubulopapilares distribuíram-se nos graus I (54,1%; 20/37), II (37,8%; 14/32) e III (8,1%; 3/37). Os carcinomas sólidos foram graduados em grau II (33,3%; 3/9) e III (66,7%; 6/9). Nos carcinomas anaplásicos foram encontrados os graus II (11,1%; 1/9) e III (88,9%; 8/9). Conclui-se que o método de graduação de Elston & Ellis foi mais preciso para determinar o comportamento biológico do que o sistema histológico-descritivo.

Observações clínicas e bioquímicas em ovinos e bovinos intoxicados experimentalmente por Myoporum laetum

Myoporum laetum  (transparente) é planta hepatotóxica contendo óleos essenciais furanosesquiterpenóides (FSTs), dentre os quais cita-se o ngaione. A intoxicação causa marcada elevação dos níveis séricos de AST, GGT e bilirrubina total. Doses únicas de 20 e 30g/kg de Myoporum laetum foram administradas a sete ovinos e 6 bovinos. Amostras de sangue e biopsias hepáticas foram obtidas destes animais e de 4 ovinos e 3 bovinos controles, antes e 1, 3 e 7 dias após a administração da planta. A partir das amostras de sangue analisaram-se os níveis séricos de GGT, AST e bilirrubina total. As biopsias foram processadas e coradas conforme rotina para histologia. Nos ovinos, os níveis enzimáticos de AST, GGT e bilirrubina total elevaram-se 24 horas após a administração da planta, praticamente em todos os animais experimentais, mas não nos controles. Os principais achados histológicos, em ovinos, incluíram vacuolização de hepatócitos, fibrose portal, proliferação de ductos biliares e necrose de hepatócitos periportais. Em bovinos, tanto as alterações na bioquímica sérica como os achados histológicos foram menos evidentes. Os achados referentes à evolução da doença, avaliando-se os sinais clínicos, atividade enzimática e alterações histopatológicas foram compatíveis.

Observações clínicas e bioquímicas em ovinos e bovinos intoxicados experimentalmente por Myoporum laetum

Myoporum laetum  (transparente) é planta hepatotóxica contendo óleos essenciais furanosesquiterpenóides (FSTs), dentre os quais cita-se o ngaione. A intoxicação causa marcada elevação dos níveis séricos de AST, GGT e bilirrubina total. Doses únicas de 20 e 30g/kg de Myoporum laetum foram administradas a sete ovinos e 6 bovinos. Amostras de sangue e biopsias hepáticas foram obtidas destes animais e de 4 ovinos e 3 bovinos controles, antes e 1, 3 e 7 dias após a administração da planta. A partir das amostras de sangue analisaram-se os níveis séricos de GGT, AST e bilirrubina total. As biopsias foram processadas e coradas conforme rotina para histologia. Nos ovinos, os níveis enzimáticos de AST, GGT e bilirrubina total elevaram-se 24 horas após a administração da planta, praticamente em todos os animais experimentais, mas não nos controles. Os principais achados histológicos, em ovinos, incluíram vacuolização de hepatócitos, fibrose portal, proliferação de ductos biliares e necrose de hepatócitos periportais. Em bovinos, tanto as alterações na bioquímica sérica como os achados histológicos foram menos evidentes. Os achados referentes à evolução da doença, avaliando-se os sinais clínicos, atividade enzimática e alterações histopatológicas foram compatíveis.

Observações clínicas e bioquímicas em ovinos e bovinos intoxicados experimentalmente por Myoporum laetum

Myoporum laetum  (transparente) é planta hepatotóxica contendo óleos essenciais furanosesquiterpenóides (FSTs), dentre os quais cita-se o ngaione. A intoxicação causa marcada elevação dos níveis séricos de AST, GGT e bilirrubina total. Doses únicas de 20 e 30g/kg de Myoporum laetum foram administradas a sete ovinos e 6 bovinos. Amostras de sangue e biopsias hepáticas foram obtidas destes animais e de 4 ovinos e 3 bovinos controles, antes e 1, 3 e 7 dias após a administração da planta. A partir das amostras de sangue analisaram-se os níveis séricos de GGT, AST e bilirrubina total. As biopsias foram processadas e coradas conforme rotina para histologia. Nos ovinos, os níveis enzimáticos de AST, GGT e bilirrubina total elevaram-se 24 horas após a administração da planta, praticamente em todos os animais experimentais, mas não nos controles. Os principais achados histológicos, em ovinos, incluíram vacuolização de hepatócitos, fibrose portal, proliferação de ductos biliares e necrose de hepatócitos periportais. Em bovinos, tanto as alterações na bioquímica sérica como os achados histológicos foram menos evidentes. Os achados referentes à evolução da doença, avaliando-se os sinais clínicos, atividade enzimática e alterações histopatológicas foram compatíveis.

Evolução das lesões histológicas e ultra-estruturais no fígado de ovinos e bovinos experimentalmente intoxicados por Myoporum laetum / Histological and ultrastructural evolution of liver lesions in experimental Myoporum laetum poisoning of sheep and cattle

Amostras de Myoporum laetum foram colhidas durante a primavera e verão e administradas a cinco ovinos e seis bovinos em doses únicas de 20 e 30 g/kg. Biópsias hepáticas foram colhidas antes (controles) e 1, 3 e 7 dias após a dosagem da planta. Estas biópsias foram analisadas histológica e ultra-estruturalmente. Os sinais clínicos, em ovinos, caracterizaram-se, especialmente, por depressão, diminuição dos movimentos ruminais, fezes ressequidas, tenesmo, ranger de dentes, dispnéia e lesões típicas de fotossensibilização. Em bovinos, o quadro clínico foi discreto. Os principais achados histológicos, em ovinos, incluíram vacuolização de hepatócitos, fibrose portal, proliferação de ductos biliares e necrose de hepatócitos periportais. Os estudos ultra-estruturais, em ovinos, revelaram hiperplasia do retículo endoplasmático liso, tumefação de hepatócitos, degranulação e vesiculação do retículo endoplasmático rugoso, presença de cristais aciculares, retenção biliar, tumefação de mitocôndrias e várias outras alterações degenerativas. Em bovinos, tanto os achados histológicos, quanto os ultra-estruturais foram menos evidentes

Evolução das lesões histológicas e ultra-estruturais no fígado de ovinos e bovinos experimentalmente intoxicados por Myoporum laetum / Histological and ultrastructural evolution of liver lesions in experimental Myoporum laetum poisoning of sheep and cattle

Amostras de Myoporum laetum foram colhidas durante a primavera e verão e administradas a cinco ovinos e seis bovinos em doses únicas de 20 e 30 g/kg. Biópsias hepáticas foram colhidas antes (controles) e 1, 3 e 7 dias após a dosagem da planta. Estas biópsias foram analisadas histológica e ultra-estruturalmente. Os sinais clínicos, em ovinos, caracterizaram-se, especialmente, por depressão, diminuição dos movimentos ruminais, fezes ressequidas, tenesmo, ranger de dentes, dispnéia e lesões típicas de fotossensibilização. Em bovinos, o quadro clínico foi discreto. Os principais achados histológicos, em ovinos, incluíram vacuolização de hepatócitos, fibrose portal, proliferação de ductos biliares e necrose de hepatócitos periportais. Os estudos ultra-estruturais, em ovinos, revelaram hiperplasia do retículo endoplasmático liso, tumefação de hepatócitos, degranulação e vesiculação do retículo endoplasmático rugoso, presença de cristais aciculares, retenção biliar, tumefação de mitocôndrias e várias outras alterações degenerativas. Em bovinos, tanto os achados histológicos, quanto os ultra-estruturais foram menos evidentes (AU)

Development of experimental sporothrichosis in a murine model with yeast and mycelial forms of Sporothrix schenkii

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous disease that affects both men and a variety of animals caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. The aims of this study were to observe differences in virulence between inocula containing the yeast (Y) or mycelial (M) forms, to compare the reactions induced by the two inocula injected in different anatomical sites, and to verify the possibility of horizontal transmission of the disease by contact between infected and healthy animals. All animals were observed during a period of nine weeks. Mice were inoculated subcutaneously in the paw pads and in the regions of the hip and shoulder joints. Another group of non-inoculated healthy mice was kept in direct contact with mice developing the subcutaneous lesions. Animals of groups Y and M developed lesions due to infections and clinical symptoms very characteristic of sporothrichosis. Lesions were more prominent and with longer duration when occurring in the pads than in any other site of inoculation. Non-inoculated mice remained healthy as it occurred to animals in the control group. The development of typical clinical symptoms for sporothrichosis in all inoculated groups suggests that no difference exists in virulence between the yeast and mycelial forms of the same isolated of S. schenckii. Moreover, the paw pads appear to be the site of choice for the inoculation for experimental sporot

Development of experimental sporothrichosis in a murine model with yeast and mycelial forms of Sporothrix schenkii

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous disease that affects both men and a variety of animals caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. The aims of this study were to observe differences in virulence between inocula containing the yeast (Y) or mycelial (M) forms, to compare the reactions induced by the two inocula injected in different anatomical sites, and to verify the possibility of horizontal transmission of the disease by contact between infected and healthy animals. All animals were observed during a period of nine weeks. Mice were inoculated subcutaneously in the paw pads and in the regions of the hip and shoulder joints. Another group of non-inoculated healthy mice was kept in direct contact with mice developing the subcutaneous lesions. Animals of groups Y and M developed lesions due to infections and clinical symptoms very characteristic of sporothrichosis. Lesions were more prominent and with longer duration when occurring in the pads than in any other site of inoculation. Non-inoculated mice remained healthy as it occurred to animals in the control group. The development of typical clinical symptoms for sporothrichosis in all inoculated groups suggests that no difference exists in virulence between the yeast and mycelial forms of the same isolated of S. schenckii. Moreover, the paw pads appear to be the site of choice for the inoculation for experimental sporot