Demodiciose canina por Demodex injai: relato de caso / Canine demodicosis by Demodex injai: case report

A demodiciose é uma doença parasitária comum em cães, sendo, até o momento, reconhecidas três formas de Demodex que parasitam os cães. O D. injai foi descrito como potencial causador da enfermidade canina, porém ainda há poucos casos relatados em literatura. Dessa forma, este trabalho tem como objetivo acrescentar novos aspectos clínicos da enfermidade no cão. Para tanto, descreve-se o caso de canino da raça Chow Chow com 10 anos de idade, fêmea, com demodiciose cutânea e presença de prurido intenso e seborreia. Diversos ácaros com tamanho médio superior a 370 μm, proporção opistossoma e comprimento total médio superior a 60% foram observados e caracterizados como da espécie D. injai. Nesse sentido, a raça Chow Chow passa a ser incluída dentre aquelas passíveis de apresentarem a demodiciose causada por D. injai.(AU)

Demodicosis is a common parasitic skin disease in dogs, and to date three forms of Demodex are recognized as parasitizing dogs. D. injai has been described as a potential cause of the canine disease, however there are few cases reported in literature in the specie, so this work aims to add new clinical aspects of the disease in the dog. Therefore, is described a clinical case of a Chow Chow dog, female, 10 years old that presented cutaneous demodicosis, very itchy and with a dorsal oily dyskeratosis. Mites were observed in optical microscopy with middle larger than 370 μm and opistossoma ratio and total middle lenght over 60%, characterized as D. injai mites. Thus, the Chow Chow breed is included among those able to present the demodicosis caused by D. injai.(AU)

Demodiciose canina por Demodex injai: relato de caso / Canine demodicosis by Demodex injai: case report

A demodiciose é uma doença parasitária comum em cães, sendo, até o momento, reconhecidas três formas de Demodex que parasitam os cães. O D. injai foi descrito como potencial causador da enfermidade canina, porém ainda há poucos casos relatados em literatura. Dessa forma, este trabalho tem como objetivo acrescentar novos aspectos clínicos da enfermidade no cão. Para tanto, descreve-se o caso de canino da raça Chow Chow com 10 anos de idade, fêmea, com demodiciose cutânea e presença de prurido intenso e seborreia. Diversos ácaros com tamanho médio superior a 370 µm, proporção opistossoma e comprimento total médio superior a 60% foram observados e caracterizados como da espécie D. injai. Nesse sentido, a raça Chow Chow passa a ser incluída dentre aquelas passíveis de apresentarem a demodiciose causada por D. injai.

Demodicosis is a common parasitic skin disease in dogs, and to date three forms of Demodex are recognized as parasitizing dogs. D. injai has been described as a potential cause of the canine disease, however there are few cases reported in literature in the specie, so this work aims to add new clinical aspects of the disease in the dog. Therefore, is described a clinical case of a Chow Chow dog, female, 10 years old that presented cutaneous demodicosis, very itchy and with a dorsal oily dyskeratosis. Mites were observed in optical microscopy with middle larger than 370 µm and opistossoma ratio and total middle lenght over 60%, characterized as D. injai mites. Thus, the Chow Chow breed is included among those able to present the demodicosis caused by D. injai.

Avaliação da repelência de um medicamento à base de dinotefuran, permetrina e piriproxifen em cães expostos a infestações experimentais com flebotomíneos (Lutzomyia longipalpis) / Evaluation of a dinotefuran-permethrin-pyriproxyfen insect repellent in dogs exposed to experimental infestations of sand flies (Lutzomyia longipalpis) / Evaluación de la repelencia de un medicamento con dinotefuran, permetrina y piriproxifen en perros expuestos a infestaciones experimentales con flebótomos (Lutzomyia longipalpis)

A leishmaniose visceral é uma zoonose grave de alta incidência no Brasil devido à presença de flebotomíneos em áreas urbanas. A prevenção e o controle da leishmaniose canina são importantes e realizados por meio de produtos tópicos de ação antiparasitária, repelente e inseticida. O estudo avaliou a eficácia de repelência de um produto tópico de aplicação line-on, à base de permetrina, dinotefurane piriproxifen. Seis cães foram tratados com o produto e seis não receberam tratamento. Todos foram sedados e expostos a flebotomíneos da espécie Lutzomyia longipalpis semanalmente, por 28 dias. Os resultados mostraram eficácia média de 90,4%. Houve diferença significativa na média de fêmeas ingurgitadas vivas entre os grupos (p ≤ 0,05) em todas as avaliações. O produto apresentou repelência contra Lutzomyia longipalpis durante 28 dias.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a serious zoonosis, and has a high incidence in Brazil. The ubiquitous presence of sand flies is a major player in the high incidence of leishmaniasis in urban areas of Brazil. Prevention and control of canine leishmaniasis is important to decrease the incidence of the zoonosis. Control is dane with topical use of products with antiparasitic, repellent and insecticide action. This study evaluated the repellent efficacy of line-on application of a topical permethrin-dinotefuran·pyriproxyfen formulation in dogs. Six dogs were treated with the product and six did not receive treatment. All dogs were sedated and exposed to sand flies of the species Lutzomyia longipalpis weekly for 28 days. The results showed that the product had an efficacy of 90,4% in repelling sand flies. There was statistical significance (p ≤ 0,05)difference in the number (mean) of live engorged sand fly females between the two groups in all evaluations. The product showed repellent efficacy against Lutzomyia longipalpis for 28 days.

La leishmaniasis visceral es una zoonosis grave de alta incidencia en Brasil debido a la gran presencia de flebótomos en áreas urbanas. La prevención y el control de la leishmaniasis en perros son importantes y suelen ser realizadas con productos tópicos de acción antiparasitaria, repelente e insecticida. Este estudio analizó la capacidad repelente de un producto tópico de administración line-on a base de permetrina, dinotefuran y piriproxifen. Seis perros fueron tratados con el producto y seis no recibieron tratamiento. Todos los animales fueron sedados y expuestos a las flebótomos de la especie Lutzomyia longipalpis, una vez por semana durante 28 días. Los resultados mostraron una eficacia media del 90,4%. Hubo una diferencia estadisticamente significativa en la media de hembras ingurgitadas vivas entre los grupos (p ≤ 0,05) en todas las evaluaciones. El producto presentó repelencia contra Lutzomyia longipalpis durante 28 días.

Avaliação da repelência de um medicamento à base de dinotefuran, permetrina e piriproxifen em cães expostos a infestações experimentais com flebotomíneos (Lutzomyia longipalpis) / Evaluation of a dinotefuran-permethrin-pyriproxyfen insect repellent in dogs exposed to experimental infestations of sand flies (Lutzomyia longipalpis) / Evaluación de la repelencia de un medicamento con dinotefuran, permetrina y piriproxifen en perros expuestos a infestaciones experimentales con flebótomos (Lutzomyia longipalpis)

A leishmaniose visceral é uma zoonose grave de alta incidência no Brasil devido à presença de flebotomíneos em áreas urbanas. A prevenção e o controle da leishmaniose canina são importantes e realizados por meio de produtos tópicos de ação antiparasitária, repelente e inseticida. O estudo avaliou a eficácia de repelência de um produto tópico de aplicação line-on, à base de permetrina, dinotefurane piriproxifen. Seis cães foram tratados com o produto e seis não receberam tratamento. Todos foram sedados e expostos a flebotomíneos da espécie Lutzomyia longipalpis semanalmente, por 28 dias. Os resultados mostraram eficácia média de 90,4%. Houve diferença significativa na média de fêmeas ingurgitadas vivas entre os grupos (p ≤ 0,05) em todas as avaliações. O produto apresentou repelência contra Lutzomyia longipalpis durante 28 dias.(AU)

Visceral leishmaniasis is a serious zoonosis, and has a high incidence in Brazil. The ubiquitous presence of sand flies is a major player in the high incidence of leishmaniasis in urban areas of Brazil. Prevention and control of canine leishmaniasis is important to decrease the incidence of the zoonosis. Control is dane with topical use of products with antiparasitic, repellent and insecticide action. This study evaluated the repellent efficacy of line-on application of a topical permethrin-dinotefuran·pyriproxyfen formulation in dogs. Six dogs were treated with the product and six did not receive treatment. All dogs were sedated and exposed to sand flies of the species Lutzomyia longipalpis weekly for 28 days. The results showed that the product had an efficacy of 90,4% in repelling sand flies. There was statistical significance (p ≤ 0,05)difference in the number (mean) of live engorged sand fly females between the two groups in all evaluations. The product showed repellent efficacy against Lutzomyia longipalpis for 28 days.(AU)

La leishmaniasis visceral es una zoonosis grave de alta incidencia en Brasil debido a la gran presencia de flebótomos en áreas urbanas. La prevención y el control de la leishmaniasis en perros son importantes y suelen ser realizadas con productos tópicos de acción antiparasitaria, repelente e insecticida. Este estudio analizó la capacidad repelente de un producto tópico de administración line-on a base de permetrina, dinotefuran y piriproxifen. Seis perros fueron tratados con el producto y seis no recibieron tratamiento. Todos los animales fueron sedados y expuestos a las flebótomos de la especie Lutzomyia longipalpis, una vez por semana durante 28 días. Los resultados mostraron una eficacia media del 90,4%. Hubo una diferencia estadisticamente significativa en la media de hembras ingurgitadas vivas entre los grupos (p ≤ 0,05) en todas las evaluaciones. El producto presentó repelencia contra Lutzomyia longipalpis durante 28 días.(AU)

Nutrigenômica e nutrigenética em pequenos animais: revisão de literatura / Nutrigenomics and nutrigenetic in small animais: literatura review / Nutrigenômica y Nutrigenética en pequenos animales: revision de literatura

A nutrição genômica é ciência que estuda as influências dos fatores dietéticos sobre o genoma, ou seja, investiga como os nutrientes modificam a expressão gênica nas células e tecidos de interesse para melhor compreender como os componentes alimentares podem afetar as rotas metabólicas e o controle homeostático. A possibilidade de adequar a alimentação às características do código genético de cada indivíduo e, assim, melhorar a sua qualidade de vida, otimizar a saúde e prevenir importantes doenças, têm estimulado pesquisadores de todo o mundo a aprofundar conhecimentos nesse segmento de pesquisa. Porém, na medicinaveterinária, trata-se de área ainda em expansão, e por serem escassas as informações relacionadas a ela na bibliografia mundial, o objetivo do presente estudo é trazer uma revisão de literatura sobre essa nova ferramenta da nutrição animal com o intuito de disseminar conhecimentos acerca da mesma.

The genomic nutrition is a science that studies the influence of dietary factors on the genome and investigates how nutrients alter gene expression in cells and tissues of interest, enabling a better understanding of how food components affect metabolic pathways and homeostatic control. The possibility of adapting the feeding to the characteristics of the genetic code of each individual and thus improve the quality of life, optimize health and prevent major diseases such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes, has stimulated researchers around the world to deepen their knowledge in this research segment. However, in veterinary medicine, is still an expanding area, and because are still scarce the information related to it in the world bibliography, so the purpose of this study is to bring more information about this new pet nutrition tool in order to disseminate knowledge about it.

La nutrición genómica es la ciencia que estudia las influencias de los factores dietéticos sobre el genoma, o sea, investiga como los nutrientes modifican la expresión génica en las células y tejidos de interés para mejor comprensión como los componentes alimenticios pueden afectar las rutas metabólicas y el control homeostático. La posibilidad de adecuar la alimentación a la característica del código genético de cada individuo y, así, mejorar su calidad de vida, optimizar la salud y prevenir importantes enfermedades, hay estipulado controladores de todo el mundo a profundizar conocimientos en este segmento de control. Por lo tanto, en la medicina veterinaria, se trata de un área aún en expansión, y por ser escasas las informaciones relacionadas a ellas en la bibliografia mundial, el objetivo del presente estudio es una revisión de la literatura sobre esta nueva herramienta de la nutrición animal con la intención de diseminar conocimientos sobre la misma.

Nutrigenômica e nutrigenética em pequenos animais: revisão de literatura / Nutrigenomics and nutrigenetic in small animais: literatura review / Nutrigenômica y Nutrigenética en pequenos animales: revision de literatura

A nutrição genômica é ciência que estuda as influências dos fatores dietéticos sobre o genoma, ou seja, investiga como os nutrientes modificam a expressão gênica nas células e tecidos de interesse para melhor compreender como os componentes alimentares podem afetar as rotas metabólicas e o controle homeostático. A possibilidade de adequar a alimentação às características do código genético de cada indivíduo e, assim, melhorar a sua qualidade de vida, otimizar a saúde e prevenir importantes doenças, têm estimulado pesquisadores de todo o mundo a aprofundar conhecimentos nesse segmento de pesquisa. Porém, na medicinaveterinária, trata-se de área ainda em expansão, e por serem escassas as informações relacionadas a ela na bibliografia mundial, o objetivo do presente estudo é trazer uma revisão de literatura sobre essa nova ferramenta da nutrição animal com o intuito de disseminar conhecimentos acerca da mesma.(AU)

The genomic nutrition is a science that studies the influence of dietary factors on the genome and investigates how nutrients alter gene expression in cells and tissues of interest, enabling a better understanding of how food components affect metabolic pathways and homeostatic control. The possibility of adapting the feeding to the characteristics of the genetic code of each individual and thus improve the quality of life, optimize health and prevent major diseases such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes, has stimulated researchers around the world to deepen their knowledge in this research segment. However, in veterinary medicine, is still an expanding area, and because are still scarce the information related to it in the world bibliography, so the purpose of this study is to bring more information about this new pet nutrition tool in order to disseminate knowledge about it.(AU)

La nutrición genómica es la ciencia que estudia las influencias de los factores dietéticos sobre el genoma, o sea, investiga como los nutrientes modifican la expresión génica en las células y tejidos de interés para mejor comprensión como los componentes alimenticios pueden afectar las rutas metabólicas y el control homeostático. La posibilidad de adecuar la alimentación a la característica del código genético de cada individuo y, así, mejorar su calidad de vida, optimizar la salud y prevenir importantes enfermedades, hay estipulado controladores de todo el mundo a profundizar conocimientos en este segmento de control. Por lo tanto, en la medicina veterinaria, se trata de un área aún en expansión, y por ser escasas las informaciones relacionadas a ellas en la bibliografia mundial, el objetivo del presente estudio es una revisión de la literatura sobre esta nueva herramienta de la nutrición animal con la intención de diseminar conocimientos sobre la misma.(AU)

Esporotricose felina: revisão bibliográfica / Feline sporotrichosis: bibliographic review / Esporotricosis felina: revisións bibliográfica

A esporotricose é uma enfermidade zoonótica causada pelo fungo Sporothrix schenckii, e que pode acometer outras espécies domésticas além dos humanos, particularmente os felinos, nos quais a enfermidade pode se manifestar na forma cutânea localizada, linfática ou disseminada, sendo os gatos os maiores envolvidos na transmissão aos humanos por meio da arranhadura, mordedura ou contato com animais doentes. O diagnóstico da doença pode ser realizado por exame citológico,histopatológico ou por cultivo fúngico a partir, na maioria dos casos, de lesões dermatológicas. Uma grande variedade de fármacos antifúngicos vem sendo empregada no tratamento da esporotricose animal e humana, sendo que comumente se utilizam, para tal, drogas halogenadas e/ou derivados imidazólicos e triazólicos. Assim, tendo em vista a importância do gato no que tange o caráter zoonótico da enfermidade, é que foi realizada a presente revisão bibliográfica.

Sporotrichosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii, which can affect other domestic species than humans, particularly felines, in which the disease can manifest in the localized, lymphatic or disseminated cutaneous form, with the largest cats involved in the transmission to humans through scratching, biting or contact with sick animals. The diagnosis of the disease can be made by cytological or histopathological exam or fungal culture, based, in most cases,on dermatological lesions. A wide variety of antifungal drugs have been used in the treatment of animal and human sporotrichosis, being commonly used halogenated drugs and/or imidazole and triazole derivatives. Thus, considering the importance of the cat in relation to the zoonotic nature of the disease,the present bibliographic review was carried out.

La esporotricosis es una enfermedad zoonótica causada por el hongo Sporothrix schenckii,que puede afectar a otras especies domésticas además de los humanos, particularmente a los felinos,en los cuales la enfermedad puede manifestarse en la forma cutânea localizada, linfática o diseminada,siendo los gatos lós mayores responsables en la transmisión a los humanos por medio través de los arañazos, mordeduras o contacto con animales enfermos. El diagnóstico de la enfermidad puede ser realizado por medio de um exame mediante un examen citológico, histopatológico o por cultivo fungico a partir, em la mayoría de lós casos, de lesiones dermatologicas. Una gran variedad de fármacos antifúngicos vienen siendo empleados en el tratamiento de La esporotricosis animal y humana, siendo que comúnmente se utilizan para tal drogas fármacos halogenadas y/o derivados de imidazólicos y triazólicos. Así, teniendo en cuenta la importancia del gato en ló que atañe El carácter zoonótico de La enfermedad, es que fue realizada la presente revisión bibliográfica.

Esporotricose felina: revisão bibliográfica / Feline sporotrichosis: bibliographic review / Esporotricosis felina: revisións bibliográfica

A esporotricose é uma enfermidade zoonótica causada pelo fungo Sporothrix schenckii, e que pode acometer outras espécies domésticas além dos humanos, particularmente os felinos, nos quais a enfermidade pode se manifestar na forma cutânea localizada, linfática ou disseminada, sendo os gatos os maiores envolvidos na transmissão aos humanos por meio da arranhadura, mordedura ou contato com animais doentes. O diagnóstico da doença pode ser realizado por exame citológico,histopatológico ou por cultivo fúngico a partir, na maioria dos casos, de lesões dermatológicas. Uma grande variedade de fármacos antifúngicos vem sendo empregada no tratamento da esporotricose animal e humana, sendo que comumente se utilizam, para tal, drogas halogenadas e/ou derivados imidazólicos e triazólicos. Assim, tendo em vista a importância do gato no que tange o caráter zoonótico da enfermidade, é que foi realizada a presente revisão bibliográfica.(AU)

Sporotrichosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii, which can affect other domestic species than humans, particularly felines, in which the disease can manifest in the localized, lymphatic or disseminated cutaneous form, with the largest cats involved in the transmission to humans through scratching, biting or contact with sick animals. The diagnosis of the disease can be made by cytological or histopathological exam or fungal culture, based, in most cases,on dermatological lesions. A wide variety of antifungal drugs have been used in the treatment of animal and human sporotrichosis, being commonly used halogenated drugs and/or imidazole and triazole derivatives. Thus, considering the importance of the cat in relation to the zoonotic nature of the disease,the present bibliographic review was carried out.(AU)

La esporotricosis es una enfermedad zoonótica causada por el hongo Sporothrix schenckii,que puede afectar a otras especies domésticas además de los humanos, particularmente a los felinos,en los cuales la enfermedad puede manifestarse en la forma cutânea localizada, linfática o diseminada,siendo los gatos lós mayores responsables en la transmisión a los humanos por medio través de los arañazos, mordeduras o contacto con animales enfermos. El diagnóstico de la enfermidad puede ser realizado por medio de um exame mediante un examen citológico, histopatológico o por cultivo fungico a partir, em la mayoría de lós casos, de lesiones dermatologicas. Una gran variedad de fármacos antifúngicos vienen siendo empleados en el tratamiento de La esporotricosis animal y humana, siendo que comúnmente se utilizan para tal drogas fármacos halogenadas y/o derivados de imidazólicos y triazólicos. Así, teniendo en cuenta la importancia del gato en ló que atañe El carácter zoonótico de La enfermedad, es que fue realizada la presente revisión bibliográfica.(AU)

Canine antibody response to Lutzomyia longipalpis saliva in endemic area of visceral leishmaniasis.

INTRODUCTION: Canine exposure to Lutzomyia longipalpis bites and the potential of Leishmania infantum transmissibility for the vector were evaluated. METHODS: Immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-Lu longipalpis saliva and -L. infantum, and blood parasite load were determined in dogs from endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis. RESULTS: Blood parasitism was similar between symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs. IgG anti-L. infantum was higher in symptomatic dogs, but IgG anti-Lu. longipalpis saliva was mostly observed in higher titers in asymptomatic dogs, indicating vector preference for feeding on asymptomatic dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest a pivotal role of asymptomatic dogs in L. infantum transmission in endemic areas.

In situ CUTANEOUS CELLULAR IMMUNE RESPONSE IN DOGS NATURALLY AFFECTED BY VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS.

Thirty-eight dogs naturally affected by visceral leishmaniasis were recruited in Araçatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil - an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis. The animals were distributed into one of two groups, according to their clinical and laboratory features, as either symptomatic or asymptomatic dogs. Correlations between clinical features and inflammatory patterns, cellular immune responses, and parasitism in the macroscopically uninjured skin of the ear were investigated. Histological skin patterns were similar in both groups, and were generally characterized by a mild to intense inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis, mainly consisting of mononuclear cells. There was no difference in the number of parasites in the skin (amastigotes/mm²) between the two groups. Concerning the characterization of the cellular immune response, the number of positive inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS+) cells was higher in the dermis of symptomatic than in asymptomatic dogs (p = 0.0368). A positive correlation between parasite density and macrophages density (p = 0.031), CD4+ T-cells (p = 0.015), and CD8+ T-cells (p = 0.023) was observed. Furthermore, a positive correlation between density of iNOS+ cells and CD3+ T-cells (p = 0.005), CD4+ T-cells (p = 0.001), and CD8+ T-cells (p = 0.0001) was also found. The results showed the existence of a non-specific chronic inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis of dogs affected by visceral leishmaniasis, characterized by the presence of activated macrophages and T-lymphocytes, associated to cutaneous parasitism, independent of clinical status.

Serological cross-reactivity of Trypanosoma cruzi, Ehrlichia canis, Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Babesia canis to Leishmania infantum chagasi tests in dogs.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serological cross-reactivity between Leishmania sp. and other canine pathogens. METHODS: Positive serum samples for Ehrlichia canis, Babesia canis, Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Trypanosoma cruzi were tested using three serological methods enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and Kalazar Detect™, for canine visceral leishmaniasis. RESULTS: Of the 57 dog samples tested, 24 (42.1%) tested positive using one of the three serological methods: 10/57 (17.5%) for ELISA, 11/57 (19.3%) for IFAT and 3/57 (5.3%) for Kalazar Detect™. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that the presence of other infectious agents may lead to cross-reactivity on leishmaniasis serological tests.

Serological cross-reactivity of Trypanosoma cruzi, Ehrlichia canis, Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Babesia canis to Leishmania infantum chagasi tests in dogs

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serological cross-reactivity between Leishmania sp. and other canine pathogens. Methods: Positive serum samples for Ehrlichia canis, Babesia canis, Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Trypanosoma cruzi were tested using three serological methods enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and Kalazar Detect™, for canine visceral leishmaniasis. Results: Of the 57 dog samples tested, 24 (42.1%) tested positive using one of the three serological methods: 10/57 (17.5%) for ELISA, 11/57 (19.3%) for IFAT and 3/57 (5.3%) for Kalazar Detect™. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that the presence of other infectious agents may lead to cross-reactivity on leishmaniasis serological tests. .

Avaliação da imunidade celular na pele de cães naturalmente infectados com Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi e sua correlação com transmissibilidade ao vetor / Evaluation of cellular immunity in the skin of naturally infected dogs with Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi and its relationship with the vector transmissibility

Foram selecionados aleatoriamente 38 cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi oriundos de Araçatuba, São Paulo, área endêmica para leishmaniose visceral, e os quais foram distribuídos em dois grupos: o primeiro com 24 cães sintomáticos e, o outro, composto por 14 animais assintomáticos. Correlacionou-se a caracterização clínica (assintomáticos ou sintomáticos) com os: potencial em infectar o inseto vetor, padrão inflamatório da pele, perfil de imunidade celular e parasitismo tegumentar desses cães. Quanto ao número de formas amastigotas/mm2 no tegumento, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos (p = 0,1584), sendo que a densidade de parasitos na pele mostrou uma correlação positiva moderada com os títulos de anticorpos anti-Leishmania (p = 0,042). Quanto à infectividade ao vetor, evidenciada pelo xenodiagnóstico, 16 (66,7%) cães sintomáticos e 13 (93%) assintomáticos foram capazes em transmitir Leishmania aos flebotomíneos, dentre estes, respectivamente, seis (37,5%) e oito (61,5%) animais não apresentavam parasitismo cutâneo, embora todos, de ambos os grupos, tenham sido positivos quando da pesquisa de parasitos no linfonodo poplíteo. Observou-se um maior percentual de transmissibilidade para o vetor a partir de cães assintomáticos (p = 0,0494). As alterações histológicas cutâneas foram similares em ambos os grupos e se caracterizaram, de modo geral, por um infiltrado inflamatório, ora focal ora difuso, na derme, constituído, principalmente, por células mononucleares (macrófagos, linfócitos e plasmócitos), variando de discreto a intenso. Quanto à caracterização da resposta imune celular no tegumento dos animais, somente a densidade (células/mm2) de células iNOS+ foi significantemente maior na derme dos cães sintomáticos quando comparado aos assintomáticos (p = 0,0368). Observou-se correlação positiva moderada entre a densidade de parasitos na pele e a densidade de macrófagos (p = 0,031), de células T CD4+ (p = 0,015) e CD8+ (p = 0,023), e, também, naquela de células iNOS+ relativamente a de células T CD3+ (p = 0,005), CD4+ (p = 0,001) e CD8+ (p = 0,0001). Verificou-se, ainda, correlação negativa moderada com o número de manifestações clínicas e/ou gravidade da enfermidade (p = 0,028), confirmando, assim, maior transmissibilidade de parasitos ao vetor, a partir de animais assintomáticos, demonstrando-se, dessa forma, que tais cães são fontes de infecção em potencial para insetos vetores em áreas endêmicas para leishmaniose visceral canina.

Thirty-eight dogs naturally infected by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi were randomly selected from Araçatuba of São Paulo state (Brazil), an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis. The subjects were distributed into two groups: the first comprising 24 symptomatic dogs and the second consisting of 14 asymptomatic dogs. Possible correlations of clinical characterization (in both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects) with potential to infect the insect vector, skin inflammatory pattern, cutaneous cellular immunity profile and cutaneous parasitism were investigated. Regarding to the number of cutaneous leishmania amastigotes/mm2, there was not a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.1584); density of skin parasites showed a moderate positive correlation with anti-Leishmania antibody titers (p = 0.042). Concerning to the infectivity to the insect vector, as evidenced by xenodiagnosis, 16 (66.7%) symptomatic and 13 (93%) asymptomatic dogs were able to transmit Leishmania to phlebotomines. Among these, six (37.5%) and eight (61.5%) dogs, respectivelly, did not show cutaneous parasitism, although all participant dogs were found positive when searching for parasites in the popliteal lymph nodes. Asymptomatic dogs showed higher transmissibility to the vector than symptomatic ones (p = 0.0494). Histological features in the skin were similar in both groups and were generally characterized by an inflammatory infiltrate, either diffuse or focal, in the dermis, mainly consisted of mononuclear cells (macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells), varying from mild to intense. Concerning characterization of the cutaneous cellular immune response, only iNOS+ cells density (cells/mm2) was significantly higher in the dermis of the symptomatic dogs compared to the asymptomatic ones (p = 0.0368). Moderate positive correlation between the cutaneous parasites density and the macrophages density (p = 0.031), the CD4+ T cells (p = 0.015) and CD8+ T cells (p = 0.023) were observed. Furthermore, density of iNOS+ cells in relation to CD3+ T cells (p = 0.005), CD4+ T cells (p = 0.001) and CD8+ T cells (p = 0.0001) were found positively correlated at a moderate level. It was also found a moderate negative correlation between cutaneous parasites density and the number of clinical signs and/or disease severity (p = 0.028), confirming grater parasites transmission to the vector from asymptomatic animals. It was therefore demonstrated that these dogs are potential sources of infection to insect vectors in endemic areas for canine visceral leishmaniasis.

Isolation of Sporothrix schenckii from the claws of domestic cats (indoor and outdoor) and in captivity in São Paulo (Brazil).

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis and is also a zoonosis (sapro- and anthropozoonosis). The objective of the present study was to determine the occurrence of sporotrichosis in domestic cats and in wild or exotic felines in captivity through the isolation of Sporothrix spp. from claw impressions in a culture medium. The samples included 132 felines, of which 120 (91.0 %) were domestic cats, 11 (8.3 %) were wild felines, and one (0.7 %) was an exotic felid. Twenty-one (17.5 %) were outdoor cats. Of the total, 89 (67.4 %) had contact with other animals of the same species. It was possible to isolate Sporothrix schenckii from the claws of one (0.7 %) of the felids probed; this animal exhibited generalised sporotrichosis and had infected a female veterinarian. The potential pathogenic agents Microsporum canis and Malassezia pachydermatis were isolated in 12.1 and 5.3 % of the animals, respectively. The following anemophilous fungi, which were considered to be contaminants, were also isolated: Penicillium sp. (28 or 21.2 %), Aspergillus sp. (13 or 9.8 %), Rhodotorula sp. (5 or 3.8 %), Candida sp. (5 or 3.8 %), Trichoderma sp. (1 or 0.7 %), and Acremonium sp. (1 or 0.7 %). Due to the low magnitude of occurrence (0.7 %) of Sporothrix in feline claws, the potential of the cats evaluated in this study to be sources of infection in the city of São Paulo is considerably low.

Asymptomatic dogs are highly competent to transmit Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi to the natural vector.

We evaluated the ability of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi to transfer the parasite to the vector and the factors associated with transmission. Thirty-eight infected dogs were confirmed to be infected by direct observation of Leishmania in lymph node smears. Dogs were grouped according to external clinical signs and laboratory data into symptomatic (n=24) and asymptomatic (n=14) animals. All dogs were sedated and submitted to xenodiagnosis with F1-laboratory-reared Lutzomyia longipalpis. After blood digestion, sand flies were dissected and examined for the presence of promastigotes. Following canine euthanasia, fragments of skin, lymph nodes, and spleen were collected and processed using immunohistochemistry to evaluate tissue parasitism. Specific antibodies were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibody levels were found to be higher in symptomatic dogs compared to asymptomatic dogs (p=0.0396). Both groups presented amastigotes in lymph nodes, while skin parasitism was observed in only 58.3% of symptomatic and in 35.7% of asymptomatic dogs. Parasites were visualized in the spleens of 66.7% and 71.4% of symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs, respectively. Parasite load varied from mild to intense, and was not significantly different between groups. All asymptomatic dogs except for one (93%) were competent to transmit Leishmania to the vector, including eight (61.5%) without skin parasitism. Sixteen symptomatic animals (67%) infected sand flies; six (37.5%) showed no amastigotes in the skin. Skin parasitism was not crucial for the ability to infect Lutzomyia longipalpis but the presence of Leishmania in lymph nodes was significantly related to a positive xenodiagnosis. Additionally, a higher proportion of infected vectors that fed on asymptomatic dogs was observed (p=0.0494). Clinical severity was inversely correlated with the infection rate of sand flies (p=0.027) and was directly correlated with antibody levels (p=0.0379). Age and gender did not influence the transmissibility. Our data show that asymptomatic dogs are highly infective and competent for establishing sand fly infection, indicating their role in maintaining L. (L.) infantum chagasi cycle as well as their involvement in VL spreading in endemic areas.

Visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil / Leishmaniose visceral no Brasil

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is among the most important vector-borne diseases that occur in Brazil, mainly due to its zoonotic nature. It is currently present in almost all Brazilian territory, and its control is a challenge both for veterinarians and for public health officials. The etiologic agent is Leishmania infantum (syn chagasi), and the main vector in Brazil is Lutzomyia longipalpis. Of all animals identified as reservoirs of VL, the dog is considered the most important domestic reservoir. Although the disease has already been identified in cats, the epidemiological role of this animal species is still unclear. This article presents a brief review of the epidemiological situation of the disease, its mode of transmission, clinical features in dogs and cats as well as possible risk factors associated with the occurrence of the disease in Brazil.

A leishmaniose visceral (LV) está entre as mais importantes doenças transmitidas por vetores que ocorrem no Brasil, principalmente devido ao seu caráter zoonótico. Atualmente, está presente em quase todo o território brasileiro, e seu controle é um desafio tanto para médicos veterinários como para agentes de saúde pública. O agente etiológico da doença é a Leishmania infantum (syn chagasi), e o principal vetor no Brasil é a Lutzomyia longipalpis. De todos os animais identificados como reservatórios da LV, o cão é considerado o reservatório doméstico mais importante. Apesar da doença já ter sido identificada em gatos, o papel epidemiológico desta espécie animal ainda é incerto. O presente artigo apresenta uma breve revisão sobre a situação epidemiológica da doença, a sua forma de transmissão, os aspectos clínicos nos cães e gatos, bem como possíveis fatores de risco associados à ocorrência da doença no Brasil.

Retrospective assessment of the treatment of sporotrichosis in cats and dogs using itraconazole

Background: Cases of sporotrichosis in male and female cats and dogs of different ages with cutaneous sporotrichosis that were treated at the dermatology service of a teaching veterinary hospital and orally administered itraconazole (ITC) were retrospectively characterized by reviewing the clinical records corresponding to a 19-year period (1993-2011). The aim of the present study was to analyze regarding clinical cure, side effects, length of treatment and relapse using ITC in the treatment of cutaneous sporotrichosis in cats and dogs. Materials, Methods & Results: From the assessed case series, 20 animals were selected, of which 17 (85.0%) were cats and three (15.0%) were dogs; the animals were mostly males (80.0%) and of ill-defined breeds (75.0%). Cases of sporotrichosis in male and female cats and dogs of different ages that were treated at the dermatology service of a teaching veterinary hospital and orally administered ITC (10 mg/kg) once a day. The percentage of full remission of the treated cases, regardless of their clinical form, was 100%, and no systemic or tegumentary side effects were found in the assessed animals. The average duration of treatment was 3.4 months in cats and 11.3 months in dogs, whereas the maximum duration of treatment required to resolve the clinical condition in the assessed case series of cats and dogs was 16 months, regardless of the animal species. Relapses occurred in 15.0% (one cat and two dogs) of the cases treated with the investigated antifungal agent. Discussion: The remarkable difference in the average duration of therapy required to achieve clinical cure between cats and dogs might be related to the fact that most of the cases of feline sporotrichosis were of the localized cutaneous form (82.3%). Conversely, the three cases of canine sporotrichosis were of the disseminated cutaneous form, which may have delayed the success of treatment. Clinically manifested systemic or tegumentary side effects were not reported by the pet owners or were detected by clinical examination of the animals that were subjected to treatment with ITC in the present study, which agrees with previous reports. However, given the retrospective character of this research complementary laboratory exams are lacking and thus it cannot be asserted that alterations do not exist. Therapeutic failure was not observed with the use of ITC in the investigated cases of canine and feline sporotrichosis. Clinical relapse occurred in two dogs and one cat, all of which exhibited the disseminated cutaneous form, which might have predisposed them to clinical recrudescence. In addition, the evident difference in the percentage of relapse between the two species might be correlated with the higher prevalence of the disseminated cutaneous form among the investigated dogs (100%) compared with the cats (40%). Of the animals that exhibited relapse, one dog had been treated with topical corticoids for the previous three months. According to the literature, glucocorticoids and other immunosuppressants are contraindicated in dogs and cats with sporotrichosis. The cat, in turn, exhibited respiratory disease complex in addition to sporotrichosis, which might be related to the clinical relapse. In conclusion, ITC is efficacious in the treatment of sporotrichosis in cats and dogs and does not induce apparent side effects.

Caracterização clínica e epidemiológica das leishmanioses em cães no Estado de São Paulo / Clinical and epidemiological characterization of leishmaniasis in dogs in São Paulo State

Caracterizou-se retrospectivamente, a partir do ano de 1997 até março de 2008, a ocorrência de casos de leishmaniose, visceral ou tegumentar, dentre os cães dermatopatas atendidos em serviço especializado de hospital-escola veterinário de Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo. Para o diagnóstico em 427 animais, foram utilizados testes sorológicos (Ensaio Imunoenzimático Indireto, Imunofluorescência Indireta e/ou Fixação de Complemento), parasitológicos diretos e moleculares (Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase), que resultaram na confirmação de 117 (27,4%) casos positivos. Da amostragem, 96 (82,1%) eram cães de raça definida, os demais 21 (17,9%) não dispunham de plena definição racial, sendo 57 (48,7%) fêmeas e 60 (51,3%) machos. Quanto à faixa etária, 26 (22,2%) apresentavam idade inferior a 36 meses, 48 (41%) entre 36 e 84 meses e 43 (36,8%) ultrapassavam o sétimo ano de vida. Considerou-se 64 (54,7%) cães como oligossintomáticos, 44 (37,6%) sintomáticos e os nove (7,7%) remanescentes como assintomáticos. As principais alterações clínicas observadas foram, em ordem decrescente, lesões tegumentares, linfonodomegalia, anemia, disorexia, prostração e esplenomegalia. Quanto às alterações hematológicas, a mais importante foi a linfopenia relativa e absoluta. Dos animais positivos para a enfermidade, 96 (82,1%) correspondeu a casuística alóctone ao Município de São Paulo.

The occurrence of visceral or cutaneous canine leishmaniasis cases among dermatophatic dogs admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry - University of São Paulo from 1997 to 2008 was retrospectively characterized. For the diagnosis of 427 animals, serological (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Indirect Immunofluorescence and/or Complement Fixation), parasitological and molecular (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests were performed, which resulted in 117 (27.4%) confirmed positive cases. Of these, 96 (82.1%) were pure breed dogs and the others 21 (17.9%) were cross breed, being 57 (48.7%) females and 60 (51.3%) males. In terms of age, 26 (22.2%) were younger than 36 months, 48 (41%) were between 36 and 84 months, and 43 (36.8%) were older than seven years old. Sixty-four (54.7%) dogs were considered oligosymptomatic, 44 (37.6%) symptomatic, and the remaining nine (7.7%) asymptomatic. The main clinical findings were, in descending order, dermal lesions, lymphadenopathy, anemia, dysorexia, prostration and splenomegaly. As for hematological disorders, relative and absolute lymphopenia was the most important findings. Ninety-six (82.1%) of the positive animals correspond to allochthonus cases from São Paulo municipality.

Visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil / Leishmaniose visceral no Brasil

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is among the most important vector-borne diseases that occur in Brazil, mainly due to its zoonotic nature. It is currently present in almost all Brazilian territory, and its control is a challenge both for veterinarians and for public health officials. The etiologic agent is Leishmania infantum (syn chagasi), and the main vector in Brazil is Lutzomyia longipalpis. Of all animals identified as reservoirs of VL, the dog is considered the most important domestic reservoir. Although the disease has already been identified in cats, the epidemiological role of this animal species is still unclear. This article presents a brief review of the epidemiological situation of the disease, its mode of transmission, clinical features in dogs and cats as well as possible risk factors associated with the occurrence of the disease in Brazil(AU)

A leishmaniose visceral (LV) está entre as mais importantes doenças transmitidas por vetores que ocorrem no Brasil, principalmente devido ao seu caráter zoonótico. Atualmente, está presente em quase todo o território brasileiro, e seu controle é um desafio tanto para médicos veterinários como para agentes de saúde pública. O agente etiológico da doença é a Leishmania infantum (syn chagasi), e o principal vetor no Brasil é a Lutzomyia longipalpis. De todos os animais identificados como reservatórios da LV, o cão é considerado o reservatório doméstico mais importante. Apesar da doença já ter sido identificada em gatos, o papel epidemiológico desta espécie animal ainda é incerto. O presente artigo apresenta uma breve revisão sobre a situação epidemiológica da doença, a sua forma de transmissão, os aspectos clínicos nos cães e gatos, bem como possíveis fatores de risco associados à ocorrência da doença no Brasil(AU)

Caracterização clínica e epidemiológica das leishmanioses em cães no Estado de São Paulo / Clinical and epidemiological characterization of leishmaniasis in dogs in São Paulo State

Caracterizou-se retrospectivamente, a partir do ano de 1997 até março de 2008, a ocorrência de casos de leishmaniose, visceral ou tegumentar, dentre os cães dermatopatas atendidos em serviço especializado de hospital-escola veterinário de Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo. Para o diagnóstico em 427 animais, foram utilizados testes sorológicos (Ensaio Imunoenzimático Indireto, Imunofluorescência Indireta e/ou Fixação de Complemento), parasitológicos diretos e moleculares (Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase), que resultaram na confirmação de 117 (27,4%) casos positivos. Da amostragem, 96 (82,1%) eram cães de raça definida, os demais 21 (17,9%) não dispunham de plena definição racial, sendo 57 (48,7%) fêmeas e 60 (51,3%) machos. Quanto à faixa etária, 26 (22,2%) apresentavam idade inferior a 36 meses, 48 (41%) entre 36 e 84 meses e 43 (36,8%) ultrapassavam o sétimo ano de vida. Considerou-se 64 (54,7%) cães como oligossintomáticos, 44 (37,6%) sintomáticos e os nove (7,7%) remanescentes como assintomáticos. As principais alterações clínicas observadas foram, em ordem decrescente, lesões tegumentares, linfonodomegalia, anemia, disorexia, prostração e esplenomegalia. Quanto às alterações hematológicas, a mais importante foi a linfopenia relativa e absoluta. Dos animais positivos para a enfermidade, 96 (82,1%) correspondeu a casuística alóctone ao Município de São Paulo.(AU)

The occurrence of visceral or cutaneous canine leishmaniasis cases among dermatophatic dogs admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry - University of São Paulo from 1997 to 2008 was retrospectively characterized. For the diagnosis of 427 animals, serological (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Indirect Immunofluorescence and/or Complement Fixation), parasitological and molecular (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests were performed, which resulted in 117 (27.4%) confirmed positive cases. Of these, 96 (82.1%) were pure breed dogs and the others 21 (17.9%) were cross breed, being 57 (48.7%) females and 60 (51.3%) males. In terms of age, 26 (22.2%) were younger than 36 months, 48 (41%) were between 36 and 84 months, and 43 (36.8%) were older than seven years old. Sixty-four (54.7%) dogs were considered oligosymptomatic, 44 (37.6%) symptomatic, and the remaining nine (7.7%) asymptomatic. The main clinical findings were, in descending order, dermal lesions, lymphadenopathy, anemia, dysorexia, prostration and splenomegaly. As for hematological disorders, relative and absolute lymphopenia was the most important findings. Ninety-six (82.1%) of the positive animals correspond to allochthonus cases from São Paulo municipality.(AU)