Neospora caninum: seroepidemiology of cows and dogs from milk farms of Cunha, São Paulo, Brazil / Neospora caninum: soroepidemiologia de vacas e cães de propriedades leiteiras de Cunha, São Paulo, Brasil

Neosporosis, a parasitic disease prevalent worldwide, is caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum, an obligatory intracellular parasite that can cause abortions and infertility in females, resulting in high economic losses. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against N. caninum in dairy cattle, and the occurrence of antibodies in dogs from farms in the municipality of Cunha, São Paulo, Brazil. Additionally, eighteen months after the primary study, an analysis to determine the incidence, seroconversion, and occurrence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was conducted in cows. Sampling was carried out in two phases: during the first one, 400 dairy cattle and 50 dog blood samples from 40 farms were collected. During the second phase, blood samples were collected from 119 cows belonging to 16 farms visited 18 months before. Serum samples were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) with titers ≥ 100 for cattle and ≥ 50 for dogs considered as positives. The occurrence of antibodies against N. caninum was 15.0% (60/400) and 14.0% (7/50) for cattle and dogs, respectively. After 18 months, the observed incidence of antibodies was 7.4% (4/54), the conversion detected was 71.4% (seropositive to seronegative) and 7.4% (seronegative to seropositive animals), and the observed occurrence was 7.56% (9/119). The calculated odds ratio (OR) was significant (p < 0.05) for abortions, presence of dogs, and parturition stalls. However, protection factors were identified in 2- to 4-year-old dairy cattle and in the number of lactating cows ≤ 10 animals. Thus, the presence of antibodies against N. caninum in the studied suggested both vertical and horizontal transmission are occurring in cattle.(AU)

A neosporose é uma doença parasitária de distribuição mundial, cujo agente etiológico é o protozoário intracelular obrigatório Neospora caninum, o qual pode causar abortamentos e infertilidade em fêmeas, promovendo elevados prejuízos econômicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a soroprevalência de anticorpos contra N. caninum em bovinos de leite e a ocorrência de anticorpos em cães destas propriedades do município de Cunha, São Paulo, Brasil. Como segunda etapa, 18 meses após o primeiro estudo, foi conduzido outro estudo em vacas para determinar da incidência, soroconversão e ocorrência de anti-N. caninum. As colheitas foram realizadas em duas fases. Na primeira, participaram do estudo 400 bovinos de leite e 50 cães pertencentes a 40 propriedades rurais. Na segunda fase, foram efetuadas novas colheitas em 119 vacas de 16 propriedades já anteriormente visitadas na fase 1. Amostras de soro foram analisadas por imunofluorescência indireta (IFI) com títulos ≥100 para bovinos e ≥50 para cães foram considerados positivos. A ocorrência de anticorpos contra N. caninum foi de 15,0% (60/400) e 14,0% (7/50) para bovinos e cães respectivamente. Após 18 meses a incidência de anticorpos observada foi de 7,4% (4/54), a conversão detectada foi de 71,4% (animais soropositivos para soronegativos) e 7,4% (animais soronegativos para soropositivos) e a ocorrência observada foi de 7,56% (9/119). O “odds ratio” (OR) calculado revelou significância estatística (p < 0,05) para os seguintes fatores; abortamentos, propriedades com cães, e piquetes de parição. No entanto, fatores associados a proteção da positividade foram identificados entre; vacas entre 2 a 4 anos de idade, e o número de vacas em lactação ≤10 animais. Neste trabalho foi revelada a presença do N. caninum circulando na região estudada, sugerindo o papel de fêmeas bovinas e cães como transmissores do agente etiológico...(AU)

Neospora caninum: seroepidemiology of cows and dogs from milk farms of Cunha, São Paulo, Brazil / Neospora caninum: soroepidemiologia de vacas e cães de propriedades leiteiras de Cunha, São Paulo, Brasil

Neosporosis, a parasitic disease prevalent worldwide, is caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum, an obligatory intracellular parasite that can cause abortions and infertility in females, resulting in high economic losses. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against N. caninum in dairy cattle, and the occurrence of antibodies in dogs from farms in the municipality of Cunha, São Paulo, Brazil. Additionally, eighteen months after the primary study, an analysis to determine the incidence, seroconversion, and occurrence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was conducted in cows. Sampling was carried out in two phases: during the first one, 400 dairy cattle and 50 dog blood samples from 40 farms were collected. During the second phase, blood samples were collected from 119 cows belonging to 16 farms visited 18 months before. Serum samples were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) with titers ≥ 100 for cattle and ≥ 50 for dogs considered as positives. The occurrence of antibodies against N. caninum was 15.0% (60/400) and 14.0% (7/50) for cattle and dogs, respectively. After 18 months, the observed incidence of antibodies was 7.4% (4/54), the conversion detected was 71.4% (seropositive to seronegative) and 7.4% (seronegative to seropositive animals), and the observed occurrence was 7.56% (9/119). The calculated odds ratio (OR) was significant (p < 0.05) for abortions, presence of dogs, and parturition stalls. However, protection factors were identified in 2- to 4-year-old dairy cattle and in the number of lactating cows ≤ 10 animals. Thus, the presence of antibodies against N. caninum in the studied suggested both vertical and horizontal transmission are occurring in cattle.

A neosporose é uma doença parasitária de distribuição mundial, cujo agente etiológico é o protozoário intracelular obrigatório Neospora caninum, o qual pode causar abortamentos e infertilidade em fêmeas, promovendo elevados prejuízos econômicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a soroprevalência de anticorpos contra N. caninum em bovinos de leite e a ocorrência de anticorpos em cães destas propriedades do município de Cunha, São Paulo, Brasil. Como segunda etapa, 18 meses após o primeiro estudo, foi conduzido outro estudo em vacas para determinar da incidência, soroconversão e ocorrência de anti-N. caninum. As colheitas foram realizadas em duas fases. Na primeira, participaram do estudo 400 bovinos de leite e 50 cães pertencentes a 40 propriedades rurais. Na segunda fase, foram efetuadas novas colheitas em 119 vacas de 16 propriedades já anteriormente visitadas na fase 1. Amostras de soro foram analisadas por imunofluorescência indireta (IFI) com títulos ≥100 para bovinos e ≥50 para cães foram considerados positivos. A ocorrência de anticorpos contra N. caninum foi de 15,0% (60/400) e 14,0% (7/50) para bovinos e cães respectivamente. Após 18 meses a incidência de anticorpos observada foi de 7,4% (4/54), a conversão detectada foi de 71,4% (animais soropositivos para soronegativos) e 7,4% (animais soronegativos para soropositivos) e a ocorrência observada foi de 7,56% (9/119). O “odds ratio” (OR) calculado revelou significância estatística (p < 0,05) para os seguintes fatores; abortamentos, propriedades com cães, e piquetes de parição. No entanto, fatores associados a proteção da positividade foram identificados entre; vacas entre 2 a 4 anos de idade, e o número de vacas em lactação ≤10 animais. Neste trabalho foi revelada a presença do N. caninum circulando na região estudada, sugerindo o papel de fêmeas bovinas e cães como transmissores do agente etiológico...

Toxoplasma gondii: A study of oocyst re-shedding in domestic cats.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the re-shedding of T. gondii oocysts in cats fed tissue cysts of homologous and heterologous strains 12, 24 and 36 months after the first infection. Thirteen cats were used in the present study and were divided into four groups: G1 (n=2), G2 (n=3), G3 (n=5), and G4 (n=3). G1, G3 and G4 cats were infected with brain cysts of ME49 and G2 with TgDoveBr8, both genotype II strains of T. gondii. The G1 and G2 cats were re-infected after twelve months with brain cysts of VEG strain (genotype III), and G3 cats were re-infected with TgDoveBr1 (genotype II). The G3 cats were re-infected a third time after 24 months from the second infection, and the G4 cats were re-infected 36 months after the initial infection with cysts of the VEG strain. The cats' feces were evaluated using fecal flotation and genotyped with PCR-RFLP. The serological responses for IgM, IgA and IgG were determined by ELISA. All cats shed oocysts after the initial infection. Only one G1 cat shed oocysts when re-infected after twelve months with the VEG strain. No G2 cats excreted oocysts after the second infection with VEG. G3 cats, when re-infected after twelve months with the TgDoveBr1 strain, did not shed oocysts. However, when challenged after a third time with the VEG strain, three out of four cats shed oocysts. In the G4 group, when re-infected after thirty-six months with the VEG strain, two out of three cats shed oocysts. All oocyst samples were genotyped and characterized as the same genotype from the inoculum. Protection against oocyst re-excretion occurred in 90%, 25%, and 33.4% of cats after 12, 24, and 36 months from the initial infection, respectively. Therefore, the environmental contamination by oocysts from re-infected adult cats is only 30% lower than from kittens. In conclusion, the excretion of T. gondii oocysts was higher in experimentally re-infected cats throughout the years, especially when a heterologous strain was used.

Survey of Neospora caninum in eared doves (Zenaida auriculata) in Southern Brazil.

Neosporosis is an infectious disease caused by Neospora caninum, a protozoan parasite that has worldwide distribution and is responsible for enormous economic losses in cattle. Birds are considered a good bioindicator of environmental contamination, since they feed on the ground, being exposed to N. caninum oocysts. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of antibodies against N. caninum and to verify the presence of parasite DNA in brain from free-ranging eared doves (Zenaida auriculata) from Southern Brazil. For this purpose, blood and brain samples were collected from 249 doves for ELISA and PCR analysis respectively. The prevalence of N. caninum antibodies in doves was 31.72% (79/249) and detection of parasite DNA was not observed in none of birds. This is the first report of antibodies against N. caninum in doves Z. auriculata, what show us that these birds had previously contact with the parasite but since no N. caninum DNA was detected, more studies should be performed to elucidate the real importance of doves in the epidemiologic cycle of the N. caninum.

rROP2 from Toxoplasma gondii as a potential vaccine against oocyst shedding in domestic cats.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate oocyst shedding in cats immunized by nasal route with T. gondii proteins ROP2. Twelve short hair cats (Felis catus) were divided in three groups G1, G2 and G3 (n=4). Animals from G1 received 100 µg of rROP2 proteins plus 20 µg of Quil-A, G2 received 100 µg of BSA plus 20 µg of Quil-A, and the G3 only saline solution (control group). All treatments were done by intranasal route at days 0, 21, 42, and 63. The challenge was performed in all groups on day 70 with ≅ 800 tissue cysts of ME-49 strain by oral route. Animals from G1 shed less oocysts (86.7%) than control groups. ELISA was used to detect anti-rROP2 IgG and IgA, however, there were no correlation between number of oocyst shedding by either IgG or IgA antibody levels. In the present work, in spite of lesser oocysts production in immunized group than control groups, it was not possible to associate the use of rROP2 via nostrils with protection against oocyst shedding. For the future, the use of either other recombinant proteins or DNA vaccine, in combination with rROP2 could be tested to try improving the efficacy of this kind of vaccine.

rROP2 from Toxoplasma gondii as a potential vaccine against oocyst shedding in domestic cats / rROP2 de Toxoplasma gondii como potencial vacina contra a eliminação de oocistos em gatos domésticos

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate oocyst shedding in cats immunized by nasal route with T. gondii proteins ROP2. Twelve short hair cats (Felis catus) were divided in three groups G1, G2 and G3 (n=4). Animals from G1 received 100 μg of rROP2 proteins plus 20 μg of Quil-A, G2 received 100 μg of BSA plus 20 μg of Quil-A, and the G3 only saline solution (control group). All treatments were done by intranasal route at days 0, 21, 42, and 63. The challenge was performed in all groups on day 70 with ≅ 800 tissue cysts of ME-49 strain by oral route. Animals from G1 shed less oocysts (86.7%) than control groups. ELISA was used to detect anti-rROP2 IgG and IgA, however, there were no correlation between number of oocyst shedding by either IgG or IgA antibody levels. In the present work, in spite of lesser oocysts production in immunized group than control groups, it was not possible to associate the use of rROP2 via nostrils with protection against oocyst shedding. For the future, the use of either other recombinant proteins or DNA vaccine, in combination with rROP2 could be tested to try improving the efficacy of this kind of vaccine.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eliminação de oocistos de Toxoplasma gondii em gatos imunizados pela via nasal com proteínas ROP2 de T. gondii. Doze gatos sem raça definida (Felis catus) foram divididos em três grupos experimentais G1, G2 e G3 (n = 4). Os animais do G1 receberam 100 μg de proteínas de rROP2 mais 20 μg de Quil-A, G2 recebeu 100 μg de albumina de soro bovino (BSA) junto com 20 μg de Quil-A, e o G3 recebeu apenas solução salina (grupo de controle). Todos os tratamentos foram realizados pela via intranasal nos dias 0, 21, 42 e 63. O desafio foi realizado em todos os grupos no dia 70 com aproximadamente 800 cistos de tecido da cepa ME-49 por via oral. Os animais de todos os grupos tiveram as suas fezes examinadas e o número de oocistos foi determinado durante 20 dias após o desafio. Os animais de G1 eliminaram menos oocistos (86,7%) do que os grupos controles. O ELISA foi utilizado para detectar IgG e IgA anti-rROP2, no entanto, não houve correlação entre o número de eliminhação de oocistos com os níveis de anticorpos IgG ou IgA. No presente trabalho, apesar da menor produção de oocistos no grupo imunizado (G1) em relação aos grupos controles (G2 e G3), não foi possível associar o uso de rROP2 pela via nasal com proteção contra eliminação de oocistos de T. gondii. Para o futuro, a utilização de outras proteínas recombinantes, ou mesmo vacina de DNA, em combinação com rROP2 poderia ser utilizada para tentar melhorar a eficácia deste tipo de vacina.

rROP2 from Toxoplasma gondii as a potential vaccine against oocyst shedding in domestic cats / rROP2 de Toxoplasma gondii como potencial vacina contra a eliminação de oocistos em gatos domésticos

The aim of the present study was to evaluate oocyst shedding in cats immunized by nasal route with T. gondiiproteins ROP2. Twelve short hair cats (Felis catus) were divided in three groups G1, G2 and G3 (n=4). Animals from G1 received 100 μg of rROP2 proteins plus 20 μg of Quil-A, G2 received 100 μg of BSA plus 20 μg of Quil-A, and the G3 only saline solution (control group). All treatments were done by intranasal route at days 0, 21, 42, and 63. The challenge was performed in all groups on day 70 with ≅ 800 tissue cysts of ME-49 strain by oral route. Animals from G1 shed less oocysts (86.7%) than control groups. ELISA was used to detect anti-rROP2 IgG and IgA, however, there were no correlation between number of oocyst shedding by either IgG or IgA antibody levels. In the present work, in spite of lesser oocysts production in immunized group than control groups, it was not possible to associate the use of rROP2 via nostrils with protection against oocyst shedding. For the future, the use of either other recombinant proteins or DNA vaccine, in combination with rROP2 could be tested to try improving the efficacy of this kind of vaccine. (AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eliminação de oocistos de Toxoplasma gondii em gatos imunizados pela via nasal com proteínas ROP2 de T. gondii. Doze gatos sem raça definida (Felis catus) foram divididos em três grupos experimentais G1, G2 e G3 (n = 4). Os animais do G1 receberam 100 μg de proteínas de rROP2 mais 20 μg de Quil-A, G2 recebeu 100 μg de albumina de soro bovino (BSA) junto com 20 μg de Quil-A, e o G3 recebeu apenas solução salina (grupo de controle). Todos os tratamentos foram realizados pela via intranasal nos dias 0, 21, 42 e 63. O desafio foi realizado em todos os grupos no dia 70 com aproximadamente 800 cistos de tecido da cepa ME-49 por via oral. Os animais de todos os grupos tiveram as suas fezes examinadas e o número de oocistos foi determinado durante 20 dias após o desafio. Os animais de G1 eliminaram menos oocistos (86,7%) do que os grupos controles. O ELISA foi utilizado para detectar IgG e IgA anti-rROP2, no entanto, não houve correlação entre o número de eliminhação de oocistos com os níveis de anticorpos IgG ou IgA. No presente trabalho, apesar da menor produção de oocistos no grupo imunizado (G1) em relação aos grupos controles (G2 e G3), não foi possível associar o uso de rROP2 pela via nasal com proteção contra eliminação de oocistos de T. gondii. Para o futuro, a utilização de outras proteínas recombinantes, ou mesmo vacina de DNA, em combinação com rROP2 poderia ser utilizada para tentar melhorar a eficácia deste tipo de vacina.(AU)

Anti-Neospora caninum antibodies among dairy cattle in a rural settlement, Paraná, Brazil / Prevalência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum em bovinos leiteiros de um assentamento rural, Paraná, Brazil

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of antibodies against Neospora caninum, obtained two years apart, among dairy cattle in a rural settlement in southern Brazil. Blood samples from 734 dairy cattle on 41 farms were collected at two different times: in 2012, 406 animals on 30 farms were used; and in 2014, 329 animals on 31 farms. Serum samples were obtained and were used to detect antibodies against N. caninum, by means of the indirect fluorescence assay (IFA). Animals with titers ≥ 100 were considered positive. The total serum prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was 19.7% (145/736) among all the dairy cattle, comprising 23.1% (94/406) in 2012 and 15.5% (51/329) in 2014. Serum from 91 animals was tested in both trials: 11(12.1%) showed positivity in 2012 and 10 (11%) in 2014. The variables of age, sex and breed did not show any associations with seropositivity. Thus, we showed that the cattle in this settlement presented high levels of antibodies against N. caninum, and that IFA showed good efficacy for epidemiological studies.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a soroprevalência de anticorpos contra Neospora caninum em bovinos de leite de um assentamento rural, região sul do Brasil. Participaram do estudo um total de 734 bovinos de leite, 406 animais de 30 propriedades coletados em 2012, e 329 animais de 31 propriedades em 2014. Amostras de soro foram analisadas por meio da Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI), animais com títulos ≥100 foram considerados positivos. A soroprevalência total para anticorpos contra N. caninum foi 19,7% (145/736), 23,1 % (94/406) e 15,5% (51/329) em 2012 e 2014, respectivamente. Noventa e um animais tiveram amostras analisadas em ambos estudos, 11(12,1%) evidenciaram positividade em 2012 e 10 (11%) em 2014. Não houveram associações entre as variáveis estudadas (idade, sexo e raças) com a soropositividade para neosporose. Evidenciou-se com o presente estudo um alto nível de anticorpos contra N. caninum nos bovinos desse assentamento rural, bem como, a RIFI utilizada mostrou boa eficácia para estudos epidemiológicos.(AU)

Anti-Neospora caninum antibodies among dairy cattle in a rural settlement, Paraná, Brazil / Prevalência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum em bovinos leiteiros de um assentamento rural, Paraná, Brazil

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of antibodies against Neospora caninum, obtained two years apart, among dairy cattle in a rural settlement in southern Brazil. Blood samples from 734 dairy cattle on 41 farms were collected at two different times: in 2012, 406 animals on 30 farms were used; and in 2014, 329 animals on 31 farms. Serum samples were obtained and were used to detect antibodies against N. caninum, by means of the indirect fluorescence assay (IFA). Animals with titers ? 100 were considered positive. The total serum prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was 19.7% (145/736) among all the dairy cattle, comprising 23.1% (94/406) in 2012 and 15.5% (51/329) in 2014. Serum from 91 animals was tested in both trials: 11(12.1%) showed positivity in 2012 and 10 (11%) in 2014. The variables of age, sex and breed did not show any associations with seropositivity. Thus, we showed that the cattle in this settlement presented high levels of antibodies against N. caninum, and that IFA showed good efficacy for epidemiological studies.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a soroprevalência de anticorpos contra Neospora caninum em bovinos de leite de um assentamento rural, região sul do Brasil. Participaram do estudo um total de 734 bovinos de leite, 406 animais de 30 propriedades coletados em 2012, e 329 animais de 31 propriedades em 2014. Amostras de soro foram analisadas por meio da Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI), animais com títulos ?100 foram considerados positivos. A soroprevalência total para anticorpos contra N. caninum foi 19,7% (145/736), 23,1 % (94/406) e 15,5% (51/329) em 2012 e 2014, respectivamente. Noventa e um animais tiveram amostras analisadas em ambos estudos, 11(12,1%) evidenciaram positividade em 2012 e 10 (11%) em 2014. Não houveram associações entre as variáveis estudadas (idade, sexo e raças) com a soropositividade para neosporose. Evidenciou-se com o presente estudo um alto nível de anticorpos contra N. caninum nos bovinos desse assentamento rural, bem como, a RIFI utilizada mostrou boa eficácia para estudos epidemiológicos.

Anti-Neospora caninum antibodies among dairy cattle in a rural settlement, Paraná, Brazil / Prevalência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum em bovinos leiteiros de um assentamento rural, Paraná, Brazil

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of antibodies against Neospora caninum, obtained two years apart, among dairy cattle in a rural settlement in southern Brazil. Blood samples from 734 dairy cattle on 41 farms were collected at two different times: in 2012, 406 animals on 30 farms were used; and in 2014, 329 animals on 31 farms. Serum samples were obtained and were used to detect antibodies against N. caninum, by means of the indirect fluorescence assay (IFA). Animals with titers ≥ 100 were considered positive. The total serum prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was 19.7% (145/736) among all the dairy cattle, comprising 23.1% (94/406) in 2012 and 15.5% (51/329) in 2014. Serum from 91 animals was tested in both trials: 11(12.1%) showed positivity in 2012 and 10 (11%) in 2014. The variables of age, sex and breed did not show any associations with seropositivity. Thus, we showed that the cattle in this settlement presented high levels of antibodies against N. caninum, and that IFA showed good efficacy for epidemiological studies.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a soroprevalência de anticorpos contra Neospora caninum em bovinos de leite de um assentamento rural, região sul do Brasil. Participaram do estudo um total de 734 bovinos de leite, 406 animais de 30 propriedades coletados em 2012, e 329 animais de 31 propriedades em 2014. Amostras de soro foram analisadas por meio da Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI), animais com títulos ≥100 foram considerados positivos. A soroprevalência total para anticorpos contra N. caninum foi 19,7% (145/736), 23,1 % (94/406) e 15,5% (51/329) em 2012 e 2014, respectivamente. Noventa e um animais tiveram amostras analisadas em ambos estudos, 11(12,1%) evidenciaram positividade em 2012 e 10 (11%) em 2014. Não houveram associações entre as variáveis estudadas (idade, sexo e raças) com a soropositividade para neosporose. Evidenciou-se com o presente estudo um alto nível de anticorpos contra N. caninum nos bovinos desse assentamento rural, bem como, a RIFI utilizada mostrou boa eficácia para estudos epidemiológicos.

Presence of antibodies against Leishmania spp. in domestic dogs from Toledo, Paraná, Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Leishmania spp. em cães domiciliados da região de Toledo, Paraná, Brasil

Leishmaniases are a group of diseases caused by Leishmania protozoa affecting various vertebrate hosts, including humans and dogs. Dogs represent the most important domestic reservoir of leishmaniasis. For this reason, the aim of this study was to detect the presence of antibodies against Leishmania spp. in dogs being treated at the veterinary hospital of our institution. Samples were obtained from 175 animals by jugular or cephalic venipuncture, and serum was subsequently separated. Anti-Leishmania spp. IgG antibodies were detected in these specimens using indirect immunofluorescence. This revealed that of the 175 serum samples, those of four (2.28%) animals reacted positively and the antibodies title was 40. These data are consistent with the transmission of Leishmania spp. in the region, suggesting that dogs represent a reservoir of American cutaneous leishmaniasis. This is the first description of circulating antibodies against Leishmania spp. in the West region of Paraná State.(AU)

As leishmanioses são doenças causadas pelo protozoário Leishmania e acometem vários hospedeiros vertebrados, incluindo humanos e cães. Cães representam o reservatório doméstico mais importante da leishmaniose. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi detectar a presença de anticorpos contra Leishmania spp. em cães atendidos na rotina de animais de companhia do Hospital Veterinário desta instituição de ensino. Amostras de sangue de 175 animais foram obtidas por venopunção jugular ou cefálica com posterior obtenção dos soros. Estas amostras foram submetidas à reação de imunofluorescência indireta para detecção de anticorpos da classe IgG anti-Leishmania. A reação sorológica dos 175 soros realizados revelou quatro (2,28%) animais reagentes com título 40. Estes dados revelam a presença de espécies de Leishmania spp. circulando na região, sugerindo o papel de cães como reservatórios para leishmaniose cutânea americana. Esta é a primeira descrição da circulação de anticorpos contra Leishmania spp. na região Oeste do Paraná.(AU)

Presence of antibodies against Leishmania spp. in domestic dogs from Toledo, Paraná, Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Leishmania spp. em cães domiciliados da região de Toledo, Paraná, Brasil

Leishmaniases are a group of diseases caused by Leishmania protozoa affecting various vertebrate hosts, including humans and dogs. Dogs represent the most important domestic reservoir of leishmaniasis. For this reason, the aim of this study was to detect the presence of antibodies against Leishmania spp. in dogs being treated at the veterinary hospital of our institution. Samples were obtained from 175 animals by jugular or cephalic venipuncture, and serum was subsequently separated. Anti-Leishmania spp. IgG antibodies were detected in these specimens using indirect immunofluorescence. This revealed that of the 175 serum samples, those of four (2.28%) animals reacted positively and the antibodies title was 40. These data are consistent with the transmission of Leishmania spp. in the region, suggesting that dogs represent a reservoir of American cutaneous leishmaniasis. This is the first description of circulating antibodies against Leishmania spp. in the West region of Paraná State.

As leishmanioses são doenças causadas pelo protozoário Leishmania e acometem vários hospedeiros vertebrados, incluindo humanos e cães. Cães representam o reservatório doméstico mais importante da leishmaniose. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi detectar a presença de anticorpos contra Leishmania spp. em cães atendidos na rotina de animais de companhia do Hospital Veterinário desta instituição de ensino. Amostras de sangue de 175 animais foram obtidas por venopunção jugular ou cefálica com posterior obtenção dos soros. Estas amostras foram submetidas à reação de imunofluorescência indireta para detecção de anticorpos da classe IgG anti-Leishmania. A reação sorológica dos 175 soros realizados revelou quatro (2,28%) animais reagentes com título 40. Estes dados revelam a presença de espécies de Leishmania spp. circulando na região, sugerindo o papel de cães como reservatórios para leishmaniose cutânea americana. Esta é a primeira descrição da circulação de anticorpos contra Leishmania spp. na região Oeste do Paraná.

Genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from eared doves (Zenaida auriculata) in Brazil.

Eared doves (Zenaida auriculata), which are common in urban, rural and wild areas in many regions of Brazil, are frequently prey for domestic cats. Therefore Toxoplasma gondii isolates obtained from doves may reflect greater environmental diversity than those from other hosts. The aim of the present study was to evaluate T. gondii seroprevalence, isolate and genotype strains from Z. auriculata. Serum and tissue samples were collected from 206 doves for use in the modified agglutination test (MAT) and mouse bioassay. The prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in the doves was 22.3% (46/206), with titers ranging from 16 to 4096, and T. gondii strains were isolated from 12 of these doves. Five genotypes were detected by means of PCR-RFLP, including ToxoDB genotypes #1, #6, #17 and #65, and one genotype that had not previously been described (ToxoDB#182). This was the first report on isolation of T. gondii from Z. auriculata. This study confirmed the genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates and the existence of clonal type II (ToxoDB genotype #1) in Brazil.

Genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from eared doves (Zenaida auriculata) in Brazil / Caracterização genética de isolados de Toxoplasma gondii de pombos (Zenaida auriculata) no Brasil

Eared doves (Zenaida auriculata), which are common in urban, rural and wild areas in many regions of Brazil, are frequently prey for domestic cats. Therefore Toxoplasma gondii isolates obtained from doves may reflect greater environmental diversity than those from other hosts. The aim of the present study was to evaluate T. gondii seroprevalence, isolate and genotype strains from Z. auriculata. Serum and tissue samples were collected from 206 doves for use in the modified agglutination test (MAT) and mouse bioassay. The prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in the doves was 22.3% (46/206), with titers ranging from 16 to 4096, and T. gondii strains were isolated from 12 of these doves. Five genotypes were detected by means of PCR-RFLP, including ToxoDB genotypes #1, #6, #17 and #65, and one genotype that had not previously been described (ToxoDB#182). This was the first report on isolation of T. gondii from Z. auriculata. This study confirmed the genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates and the existence of clonal type II (ToxoDB genotype #1) in Brazil.

Pombos silvestres (Zenaida auriculata), comuns em áreas urbanas, rurais e selvagens em muitas regiões do Brasil, são frequentemente predados por gatos domésticos. Sendo assim, os isolados de T. gondii obtidos de pombos podem refletir uma maior diversidade ambiental do que os outros hospedeiros. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a soroprevalência, isolar e genotipar T. gondii de Z. auriculata. Amostras de soro e tecido foram coletadas de 206 pombos para o teste de aglutinação modificado (MAT) e o bioensaio em camundongos. A prevalência de anticorpos contra T. gondii em pombos foi 22,3% (46/206), com títulos variando de 16 a 4096, e T. gondii foi isolado de 12 pombos. Cinco genótipos foram detectados por PCR-RFLP, incluindo os genótipos ToxoDB #1, #6, #17, #65 e um genótipo não descrito anteriormente (ToxoDB#182). Esse é o primeiro relato de isolamento de T. gondii de Z. auriculata. Este estudo também confirmou a diversidade dos isolados de T. gondii e a presença de tipo clonal II (ToxoDB #1) no Brasil.

Genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from eared doves (Zenaida auriculata) in Brazil / Caracterização genética de isolados de Toxoplasma gondii de pombos (Zenaida auriculata) no Brasil

Eared doves (Zenaida auriculata), which are common in urban, rural and wild areas in many regions of Brazil, are frequently prey for domestic cats. Therefore Toxoplasma gondii isolates obtained from doves may reflect greater environmental diversity than those from other hosts. The aim of the present study was to evaluate T. gondii seroprevalence, isolate and genotype strains from Z. auriculata. Serum and tissue samples were collected from 206 doves for use in the modified agglutination test (MAT) and mouse bioassay. The prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in the doves was 22.3% (46/206), with titers ranging from 16 to 4096, and T. gondii strains were isolated from 12 of these doves. Five genotypes were detected by means of PCR-RFLP, including ToxoDB genotypes #1, #6, #17 and #65, and one genotype that had not previously been described (ToxoDB#182). This was the first report on isolation of T. gondii from Z. auriculata. This study confirmed the genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates and the existence of clonal type II (ToxoDB genotype #1) in Brazil.

Pombos silvestres (Zenaida auriculata), comuns em áreas urbanas, rurais e selvagens em muitas regiões do Brasil, são frequentemente predados por gatos domésticos. Sendo assim, os isolados de T. gondii obtidos de pombos podem refletir uma maior diversidade ambiental do que os outros hospedeiros. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a soroprevalência, isolar e genotipar T. gondii de Z. auriculata. Amostras de soro e tecido foram coletadas de 206 pombos para o teste de aglutinação modificado (MAT) e o bioensaio em camundongos. A prevalência de anticorpos contra T. gondii em pombos foi 22,3% (46/206), com títulos variando de 16 a 4096, e T. gondii foi isolado de 12 pombos. Cinco genótipos foram detectados por PCR-RFLP, incluindo os genótipos ToxoDB #1, #6, #17, #65 e um genótipo não descrito anteriormente (ToxoDB#182). Esse é o primeiro relato de isolamento de T. gondii de Z. auriculata. Este estudo também confirmou a diversidade dos isolados de T. gondii e a presença de tipo clonal II (ToxoDB #1) no Brasil.

Anti-Neospora caninum antibody detection and vertical transmission rate in pregnant zebu beef cows (Bos indicus): Neospora caninum in pregnant beef cows (Bos indicus).

The aim of the present study was to evaluate anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and the vertical transmission rate in naturally infected pregnant zebu beef cows (Bos indicus) reared on pasture. The present study began with 200 cows from four farms (50 cows from each farm), and these animals were submitted to timed artificial insemination (TAI). After ultrasonography, 76 pregnant cows were selected, 22, 15, 22, and 17, respectively, from farms 1, 2, 3, and 4. Blood samples were taken from cows thrice during the first, second, and third trimester of gestation, and a blood sample was collected from 31 calves before colostrum milking. From 76 cows 23 (30.3%) had anti-N. caninum antibodies detected by indirect ELISA (Idexx), and 53 (69.7%) did not. Sixty-four cows that initiated the experiment were negative to N. caninum and 11 became positive either during the second or third trimester of gestation, this mean an infection incidence of 17.2% (11/64). OD for ELISA was higher (OD=2.08) during the second and third (OD=2.10) trimesters of pregnancy when compared with the first (OD=1.81), however, there were no statistical differences (P=0.45). The vertical transmission was calculated to be 29.0% (9/31), and the risk of vertical transmission of N. caninum in seropositive dams was 26.25 times higher than seronegative animals (OR=26.25, 2.38

Occurrence of gastrointestinal and renal helminths in Zenaida auriculata (Des Murs, 1847) trap-captured from Brazil.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal and renal helminths from naturally infected Zenaida auriculata captured in Londrina, Paraná State. Two hundred and one Eared doves were trapped and the gastrointestinal and renal helminths were collected and identified according to morphological structures. One hundred and sixteen (57.71%) doves were parasitized by helminths with specific prevalences for Ornithostrongylus quadriradiatus in 50 doves (24.88%), Ascaridia columbae in 47 (23.38%), Paratanaisia bragai and P. confusa in 34 (16.92%), Tetrameres fissispina in 17 (8.46%), Synhimantus nasuta in 14 (6.47%), Brachylaima mazzantii in 4 (1.99%) and Raillietina allomyodes in 2 doves (1.00%). Seventy four/201 (37.00%) birds were infected with only one species, and 96/201 (48.00%) pigeons were infected with nematodes. The association between different classes of helminths occurred in 40/201 (20.00%) animals. The results showed statistically differences between the presence of nematode (p = 0.00001) and trematode species (p ≤ 0.05) in the doves, and there was an association between the local of capture and the presence of trematodes and A. columbae (p ≤ 0.05). This study is the first to report the infection of Z. auriculata from Brazil with O. quadriradiatus, A. columbae, T. fissispina, S. nasuta, R. allomyodes, P. bragai and P. confusa.

Occurrence of gastrointestinal and renal helminths in Zenaida auriculata (Des Murs, 1847) trap-captured from Brazil / Ocorrência de helmintos gastrintestinais e renais em Zenaida auriculata (Des Murs, 1847) capturados no Brasil

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal and renal helminths from naturally infected Zenaida auriculata captured in Londrina, Paraná State. Two hundred and one Eared doves were trapped and the gastrointestinal and renal helminths were collected and identified according to morphological structures. One hundred and sixteen (57.71%) doves were parasitized by helminths with specific prevalences for Ornithostrongylus quadriradiatus in 50 doves (24.88%), Ascaridia columbae in 47 (23.38%), Paratanaisia bragai and P. confusa in 34 (16.92%),Tetrameres fissispina in 17 (8.46%), Synhimantus nasuta in 14 (6.47%), Brachylaima mazzantii in 4 (1.99%) and Raillietina allomyodes in 2 doves (1.00%). Seventy four/201 (37.00%) birds were infected with only one species, and 96/201 (48.00%) pigeons were infected with nematodes. The association between different classes of helminths occurred in 40/201 (20.00%) animals. The results showed statistically differences between the presence of nematode (p = 0.00001) and trematode species (p ≤ 0.05) in the doves, and there was an association between the local of capture and the presence of trematodes and A. columbae (p ≤ 0.05). This study is the first to report the infection of Z. auriculata from Brazil with O. quadriradiatus, A. columbae, T. fissispina, S. nasuta, R. allomyodes, P. bragai and P. confusa.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência de helmintos gastrintestinais e renais de Zenaida auriculata naturalmente infectados capturados em Londrina, Paraná. Duzentos e um pombos-de-bando foram capturados e os helmintos gastrintestinais e renais foram coletados e identificados de acordo com as estruturas morfológicas. Cento e dezesseis (57,71%) pombos estavam parasitados por helmintos com as seguintes prevalências: Ornithostrongylus quadriradiatus em 50 pombos (24,88%), seguido por Ascaridia columbae em 47 (23,38%), Paratanaisia bragai e P. confusa em 34 (16,92%), Tetrameres fissispina em 17 (8,46%), Synhimantus nasuta em 14 (6,47%), Brachylaima mazzantii em 4 (1,99%) e Raillietina allomyodes em 2 pombos (1,00%). Setenta e quatro/201 (37,00%) aves apresentaram-se infectadas por apenas uma espécie, e 96/201 (48,00%) pombos com nematodas. A associação entre diferentes classes de helmintos ocorreu em 40/201 (20,00%) animais. Os resultados mostraram diferenças estatísticas entre a presença de nematodas (p = 0,00001) e trematodas (p ≤ 0,05) em pombos, e houve associação entre o local de captura e a presença de trematodas e A. columbae (p ≤ 0,05). Este trabalho é o primeiro a relatar a infecção de Z. auriculata no Brasil com O. quadriradiatus, A. columbae, T. fissispina, S. nasuta, R. allomyodes, P. bragaie P. confusa.