Effect of a preventive strategic control program, with imidocarb dipropionate, against tick fever agents in dairy calves.

Chemoprophylaxis with dipropionate imidocarb (IMD) is a method adopted to prevent cattle tick fever (TF). Sixty weaned dairy heifers (±60 days old), without previous exposure to Rhipicephalus microplus ticks, were housed in Tifton paddocks and were subsequently exposed to R. microplus ticks and monitored up to 315 days old. Thirty animals were kept as controls (T01) and 30 received five preventive strategic treatments with IMD at 21-day intervals (T02). The heifers were monitored weekly by means of packed cell volume (PCV) and blood smears to evaluate the presence of TF agents. Salvage treatments (ST) with diminazene and enrofloxacin were administered when animals showed PCV ≤ 24%. The A. marginale prevalence was 39.3% and 37.7%, B. bovis 6.0%, and 7.3%, and B. bigemina 16.3% and 13.7% for T01 and T02, respectively. Regarding PCV values, group T01 showed lower PCV than group T02, between 119 and 161 days of life, but when animals were 196, 210, 217, and between 252 to 301 days old, an inversion occurred. The IMD treatment protocol was effective in group T02 from day 91 to 175 while treatment was being administered, but from day 182 to 315 after the IMD treatment protocol was completed, the number of salvage treatments against TF agents performed in T02 group increased significantly. The sequential application of IMD treatments with intervals less than 21 days is not recommended.

An atypical case of Babesia bigemina parasitising a dog from a rural area of eastern Mexico / Um caso atípico de Babesia bigemina parasitando um cão de uma área rural do leste do México

A dog that shared habitat with domestic animals in a cattle farm and that was exposed to wildlife was taken to a private practitioner for clinical examination. The analyses conducted on the patient revealed the presence of Babesia bigemina by a molecular test. Clinical signs such as lethargy, anorexia and hyperthermia > 39 °C, pale mucous membranes and blood urine were observed in the patient. The animal was treated with imidocarb dipropionate (two doses each 0.5 ml/10 kg b.w. at an interval of 14 days). On treatment day 7, the clinical signs were mostly reduced. On day 30, PCR was carried out to assess the efficacy of the treatment, with a negative result. This case represents the first report of babesiosis due to B. bigemina in a dog living on a cattle farm in Mexico. It indicates the lower host specify of these pathogens and that dogs can play a role as sentinels of vector-borne parasites in livestock animals.(AU)

Um cão que compartilhava hábitat com animais domésticos em uma fazenda de gado e que foi exposto à vida selvagem foi levado a um clínico particular para que fosse examinado. As análises realizadas no paciente revelaram a presença de Babesia bigemina por um teste molecular. Sinais clínicos, como letargia, anorexia e hipertermia > 39°C, mucosas pálidas e sangue na urina foram observados no paciente. O animal foi tratado com dipropionato de imidocarb (duas doses cada 0,5 ml/10 kg de peso corporal em um intervalo de 14 dias). No dia de tratamento 7, os sinais clínicos foram reduzidos. No dia 30, foi realizada PCR para avaliar a eficácia do tratamento, com resultado negativo. Esse caso representa o primeiro relato de babesiose por B. bigemina em um cão que vive em uma fazenda de gado no México. Isso indica que o hospedeiro inferior especifica esses patógenos, e que os cães podem desempenhar um papel como sentinelas de parasitas transmitidos por vetores em animais de criação.(AU)

Efficacy of long-acting oxytetracycline and imidocarb dipropionate for the chemosterilization of Anaplasma marginale in experimentally infected carrier cattle in Argentina.

The expansion of anaplasmosis to non-endemic areas in Argentina has created the need for specific treatments to eliminate Anaplasma marginale from carriers. The most recent studies have failed to chemosterilize A. marginale infections. In this work, we compare the efficacy of long-acting oxytetracycline (OTC) and imidocarb dipropionate (IMD) to chemosterilize the A. marginale infection. For this purpose, twenty steers were randomly clustered into two groups of ten animals each 78 days after A. marginale experimental infection (day 0). Cattle from group 1 (G1) were treated with three doses of 20 mg kg-1 of OTC (Terramycin® LA, 200 mg/ml) 7 days apart by intramuscular injection. Cattle from G2 were treated with two doses of 5 mg kg-1 of IMD (Imizol®, 120 mg/ml) 14 days apart by intramuscular injection. The efficacy of sterilizing treatments was evaluated by detection of DNA by nested PCR, anti-MSP5 antibodies by ELISA and by inoculation of splenectomized calves with blood from the steers 104 days post-treatment (dpt). The results showed 50% efficacy of the OTC treatment to chemosterilize persistent A. marginale infections in cattle and the failure of the IMD treatment under the evaluated conditions. The persistence of specific antibody levels in the sterilized animals (56 dpt) was shorter than the period of DNA detection. The ELISA was the test of choice to confirm the sterilizing outcome after 60 dpt. In spite of its limitations, the sterilization of A. marginale carrier status using OTC, could be useful for high-value bovines in non-endemic areas.

Leishmaniose visceral em cães / Visceral leishmaniasis in dogs

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a zoonosis of variable clinical presentation, either in systemic orcutaneous form. Clinical signs include anorexia, ophthalmopathies, and chronic kidney disease. In the state of Santa Catarina, the foci are concentrated in the capital and its adjacencies, in the east side of the state. The objective of this studyis to outline the first three reported cases of CVL in the municipality of Curitibanos, since there are no reports to date inthe region of the mountainous plateau, in the middle west of Santa Catarina.Cases: All dogs were treated at the Veterinary Clinic School of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Curitibanos. The animals, two males and one female, belonged to the same tutor, resided in Curitibanos, and were attendedbetween 2016 and 2020. In the first case, attended in 2016, the complaint was of eye and skin changes about three monthsago. The animal lived in an urban environment and came from Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul. On physical examination,the animal presented skin peeling, wet and crusty lesions, bloody discharge in the ears and nasal hyperkeratosis, as wellas signs suggestive of uveitis. In this case, euthanasia was carried out. The second case had complaints of respiratory, eyechanges, hyporexia, and polydipsia. The dog was prostrate, dehydrated, with lymphadenomegaly and respiratory disorders, compatible with bacterial pneumonia. Bilateral corneal edema confirmed uveitis. Upon return, the animal remaineddehydrated with enlarged lymph nodes. In the aspiration of the lymph nodes, suggestive forms of Leishmania sp. wereobserved. The recommended confirmatory tests were performed, leading to a definitive diagnosis of CVL. The patientwas treated with miltefosine, but later died. The third case was attended for general evaluation after a positive diagnosisfor CVL during an epidemiological survey of the second case. The animal was alert, tachycardic, and tachypneic with...(AU)

Leishmaniose visceral em cães / Visceral leishmaniasis in dogs

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a zoonosis of variable clinical presentation, either in systemic orcutaneous form. Clinical signs include anorexia, ophthalmopathies, and chronic kidney disease. In the state of Santa Catarina, the foci are concentrated in the capital and its adjacencies, in the east side of the state. The objective of this studyis to outline the first three reported cases of CVL in the municipality of Curitibanos, since there are no reports to date inthe region of the mountainous plateau, in the middle west of Santa Catarina.Cases: All dogs were treated at the Veterinary Clinic School of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Curitibanos. The animals, two males and one female, belonged to the same tutor, resided in Curitibanos, and were attendedbetween 2016 and 2020. In the first case, attended in 2016, the complaint was of eye and skin changes about three monthsago. The animal lived in an urban environment and came from Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul. On physical examination,the animal presented skin peeling, wet and crusty lesions, bloody discharge in the ears and nasal hyperkeratosis, as wellas signs suggestive of uveitis. In this case, euthanasia was carried out. The second case had complaints of respiratory, eyechanges, hyporexia, and polydipsia. The dog was prostrate, dehydrated, with lymphadenomegaly and respiratory disorders, compatible with bacterial pneumonia. Bilateral corneal edema confirmed uveitis. Upon return, the animal remaineddehydrated with enlarged lymph nodes. In the aspiration of the lymph nodes, suggestive forms of Leishmania sp. wereobserved. The recommended confirmatory tests were performed, leading to a definitive diagnosis of CVL. The patientwas treated with miltefosine, but later died. The third case was attended for general evaluation after a positive diagnosisfor CVL during an epidemiological survey of the second case. The animal was alert, tachycardic, and tachypneic with...

A tick cell line as a powerful tool to screen the antimicrobial susceptibility of the tick-borne pathogen Anaplasma marginale.

Anaplasma marginale is the causative agent of the severe bovine anaplasmosis. The tick Rhipicephalus microplus is one of the main vectors of A. marginale in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. After the tick bite, the bacterium invades and proliferates within the bovine erythrocytes leading to anemia, impairment of milk production and weight loss. In addition, infection can cause abortion and high mortality in areas of enzootic instability. Immunization with live and inactivated vaccines are employed to control acute bovine anaplasmosis. However, they do not prevent persistent infection. Consequently, infected animals, even if immunized, are still reservoirs of the bacterium and contribute to its dissemination. Antimicrobials are largely employed for the prophylaxis of bovine anaplasmosis. However, they are often used in sublethal doses which may select pre-existing resistant bacteria and induce genetic or phenotypic variations. Therefore, we propose a new standardized in vitro assay to evaluate the susceptibility of A. marginale strains to different antimicrobials. This tool will help health professionals to choose the more adequate treatment for each herd which will prevent the selection and spread of resistant strains. For that, we initially evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility of two field isolates of A. marginale (Jaboticabal and Palmeira) infecting bovines. The least susceptible strain (Jaboticabal) was used for the standardization of an antimicrobial assay using a culture of Ixodes scapularis-derived tick cell line, ISE6. Results showed that enrofloxacin (ENRO) at 0.25, 1 or 4 µg/mL and oxytetracycline (OTC) at 4 or 16 µg/mL are the most efficient treatments, followed by OTC at 1 µg/mL and imidocarb dipropionate (IMD) at 1 or 4 µg/mL. In addition, this proposed tool has technical advantages compared to the previously established bovine erythrocyte culture. Thereby, it may be used to guide cattle farmers to the correct use of antimicrobials. The choice of the most suitable antimicrobial is essential to eliminate persistent infections, prevent the spread of resistant strains and help controlling of bovine anaplasmosis.

Comparison of therapeutic efficacy of different drugs against Trypanosoma vivax on experimentally infected cattle.

In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of diminazene diaceturate at a dose of 7 mg/kg (DA), imidocarb dipropionate at 4.8 mg/kg (IMD), isometamidium chloride at 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg (ISM 0.5 and ISM 1.0) and combinations applied through different methods to treat Trypanosoma vivax in experimentally infected calves. Thirty male Girolando calves were kept indoors and infected intravenously with T. vivax trypomastigotes (approximately 1 × 106). On D-1, the calves were randomized based on the quantity of infecting parasites per animal, yielding six groups of five animals each: G1: positive control group without treatment; G2 animals treated with DA on Day 0 intramuscularly (IM); G3 animals treated with IMD on Day 0 and D + 14 subcutaneously; G4 animals treated with ISM 0.5 on Day 0 IM; G5 animals treated with ISM 1.0 on Day 0 IM; G6 animals received DA on Day 0 and ISM 1.0 on D + 14, both IM. Throughout 180 days, blood samples were collected for the evaluation of T. vivax using the Woo, Brener and PCR methods. The results indicated that the treatment protocols with DA and/or ISM 0.5 and ISM 1.0 had high efficacy (100 %) against T. vivax. Interestingly, cattle that received ISM remained free of parasites until D + 180. In contrast, animals treated with IMD had relapsed T. vivax detected on the 10th and 14th days post-treatment (DPT). Cattle that received ISM 1.0 did not exhibit relapsed T. vivax in the blood, even after reinfection performed on the 50th DPT. However, treatment with DA on Day 0 failed to prevent a new infection of T. vivax on the 50th DPT. The animals that received ISM 1.0 had a transient decrease in packed cell volume similar to that found in the control group. The reappearance of T. vivax in herds in Brazil treated with DA likely occurred due to the short half-life of the drug and not necessarily due to T. vivax resistance to DA.

Presentation of hemolytic and hemorrhagic rangeliosis in Cerdocyon thous.

Rangeliosis, caused by protozoan Rangelia vitalii, is transmitted by the tick Amblyomma aureolatum. The disease is characterized by hemolytic and hemorrhagic disorder and has been described in dogs and other wild canids. The aim of this study was to compare clinicopathological findings and laboratory results of a Rangelia infection in a crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) with those of canine rangeliosis. The zoo of Universidade de Caxias do Sul, received a crab-eating fox with marked jaundice in mucous membranes, dark-colored stools and neurological signs. The animal underwent an ear tip smear examination and blood collection for complete blood counts, serum biochemistry and PCR. Free-living and intraerythrocytic pyriform structures consistent with R. vitalii were found in the blood smear of the ear tip. The erythrogram revealed normocytic normochromic anemia, moderate macrocytosis, polychromasia and metarubricytosis. The leukogram revealed leukocytosis with neutrophilia and monocytosis, as well as severe thrombocytopenia. Serum biochemistry showed hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and elevated levels of urea and creatinine. The treatment was performed with imidocarb hydrochloride and dexamethasone, however 24 h after initiation of treatment the animal died. Macroscopic examination revealed jaundice, subcutaneous edema, enlarged superficial lymph nodes, splenomegaly, and hemorrhage of internal organs. Histological sections of the cerebellum, lung, pancreas, intestine and heart were consistent with R. vitalii infection of the vascular endothelium. Pathological and hematological findings were similar to those found in infected dogs, with clinical presentation characterized by hemolytic anemia and hemorrhage. The description of this case showed that C. thous does not only serve as reservoir of R. vitalii but may also develop disease.

Ocorrência de infecção concomitante natural por Ehrlichia sp., Anaplasma sp. e Babesia sp. em cão assistido no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia / Occurrence of concomitant natural infection by Ehrlichia sp., Anaplasma sp. and Babesia sp. in a dog assisted at the Hospital of the Veterinary University of Uberlândia

Foi atendido no ambulatório do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia um canino sem raça definida de quatro anos de idade, domiciliado. Na anamnese o proprietário relatou que o cão estava apático, inapetente, com prurido e dificuldade respiratória. Durante o exame clínico específico observou-se hipertrofia dos linfonodos poplíteos, esplenomegalia, além de uma discreta hipertermia. O hemograma revelou trombocitopenia e leucopenia com eosinopenia e monocitopenia. No esfregaço sanguíneo periférico foram encontradas mórulas de Ehrlichiasp. em monócitos, mórulas de Anaplasma sp. em plaquetas e inclusões intraeritrocitárias de Babesia sp. O animal foi tratado com doxiciclina e imizol, tendo seu retorno após quinze dias do início do tratamento, e ao realizar novos exames hematológicos os resultados se mostraram normais sem nenhum achado na pesquisa de hemoparasitos, o que indica o sucesso do tratamento proposto.

It was treated at the Hospital of the Veterinary University of Uberlândia a mixed breed dog with four years old, domiciled. In the interview the owner reported that the canine was lethargic, inapetente with itching and difficulty breathing. During the specific clinical examination there was hypertrophy of popliteal lymph nodes, splenomegaly, and a slight hyperthermia. The blood count revealed a thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and with eosinopeniamonocytopenia. In peripheral blood smear was found morulae of Ehrlichia sp. into monocytes, morulaof Anaplasma sp. into platelets and inclusions intraerytrocytic Babesia sp. The animal was treated with doxycycline and imizol and hashis return after fifteen days of starting treatment, and after making new blood tests the results were normal with no finding in hemoparasite research, which indicates the success of the proposed treatment.

Ocorrência de infecção concomitante natural por Ehrlichia sp., Anaplasma sp. e Babesia sp. em cão assistido no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia / Occurrence of concomitant natural infection by Ehrlichia sp., Anaplasma sp. and Babesia sp. in a dog assisted at the Hospital of the Veterinary University of Uberlândia

Foi atendido no ambulatório do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia um canino sem raça definida de quatro anos de idade, domiciliado. Na anamnese o proprietário relatou que o cão estava apático, inapetente, com prurido e dificuldade respiratória. Durante o exame clínico específico observou-se hipertrofia dos linfonodos poplíteos, esplenomegalia, além de uma discreta hipertermia. O hemograma revelou trombocitopenia e leucopenia com eosinopenia e monocitopenia. No esfregaço sanguíneo periférico foram encontradas mórulas de Ehrlichiasp. em monócitos, mórulas de Anaplasma sp. em plaquetas e inclusões intraeritrocitárias de Babesia sp. O animal foi tratado com doxiciclina e imizol, tendo seu retorno após quinze dias do início do tratamento, e ao realizar novos exames hematológicos os resultados se mostraram normais sem nenhum achado na pesquisa de hemoparasitos, o que indica o sucesso do tratamento proposto. (AU)

It was treated at the Hospital of the Veterinary University of Uberlândia a mixed breed dog with four years old, domiciled. In the interview the owner reported that the canine was lethargic, inapetente with itching and difficulty breathing. During the specific clinical examination there was hypertrophy of popliteal lymph nodes, splenomegaly, and a slight hyperthermia. The blood count revealed a thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and with eosinopeniamonocytopenia. In peripheral blood smear was found morulae of Ehrlichia sp. into monocytes, morulaof Anaplasma sp. into platelets and inclusions intraerytrocytic Babesia sp. The animal was treated with doxycycline and imizol and hashis return after fifteen days of starting treatment, and after making new blood tests the results were normal with no finding in hemoparasite research, which indicates the success of the proposed treatment. (AU)

Eficácia do dipropionato de imidocarb, da enrofloxacina e do cloridrato de oxitetraciclina no tratamento de bovinos naturalmente infectados por Anaplasma marginale / Efficacy of imidocarb dipropionate, enrofloxacin and oxytetracycline chlorydrate on the treatment of cattle naturally infected by Anaplasma marginale

O agente de maior importância, em relação à anaplasmose bovina, é o Anaplasma marginale. Os principais sinais clínicos dessa enfermidade são anemia hemolítica, icterícia, dispneia, taquicardia, febre, fadiga, lacrimejamento, sialorreia, micção frequente, anorexia, perda de peso, aborto e morte. A terapia antimicrobiana é o principal protocolo terapêutico. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia do dipropionato de imidocarb, da enrofloxacina e do cloridrato de oxitetraciclina no tratamento de bovinos leiteiros naturalmente infectados por Anaplasma marginale. Para isso, foram avaliados 48 zebuínos mestiços que apresentavam os sinais clínicos sugestivos da doença. Os animais foram submetidos à coleta de sangue para a realização de hemograma e à extração de DNA para a confirmação da presença de A. marginale, por meio da reação em cadeia pela polimerase (PCR). Os animais foram divididos em três grupos experimentais, para realização dos protocolos terapêuticos, utilizando-se dipropionato de imidocarb, oxitetraciclina e enrofloxacina. Trinta e seis animais (75%) apresentaram reação positiva ao PCR. Os animais positivos não apresentaram diferenças significativas quanto ao hemograma e ao leucograma quando comparados com os negativos, no entanto os níveis de proteínas séricas foram inferiores nos animais positivos (P<0,05). Os três protocolos terapêuticos foram capazes de reduzir a infecção ao longo do tratamento (P<0,01), porém, após cinco dias de tratamento, a enrofloxacina apresentou maior efetividade em relação aos demais (P<0,01). Após o final do tratamento, nenhum protocolo foi capaz de eliminar totalmente a infecção pelo A. marginale em bovinos naturalmente infectados e manejados a campo.(AU)

Anaplasma marginale is the most important agent regarding cattle anaplasmosis. The main clinical signs of this disease are hemolitic anemia, jaundice, dyspnea, tachycardia, fever, fatigue, lacrimation, salivation, frequent urination, anorexia, weight loss, abortion and death. Antimicrobial therapy is the main therapeutic protocol. The aim of this paper was to assess the efficacy of this therapy frequently used in field conditions. In order to do so, 48 crossbred zebu cattle presenting suggestive clinical signs of the disease were assessed. The animals were submitted to blood sample collection to perform a CBC and DNA extraction to confirm the presence of A. marginale by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. The animals were divided into three experimental groups to perform the therapeutic protocols, using imidocarb dipropionate, enrofloxacin and oxytetracycline. Thirty-six animals (75%) presented positive reaction to PCR. The positive animals do not present significant differences in the CBC and WBC when compared to the negative ones. However, the serum protein levels were lower in positive animals (P<0.05). All the treatments were able to reduce the infection throughout the treatment (P<0.01). However, in time 1, enrofloxacin presented greater effectiveness in relation to the other ones (P<0.01). After the end of the treatment no protocol was able to totally eliminate the infection by A. marginale in cattle naturaly infected and handled on the field.(AU)

Eficácia do dipropionato de imidocarb, da enrofloxacina e do cloridrato de oxitetraciclina no tratamento de bovinos naturalmente infectados por Anaplasma marginale / Efficacy of imidocarb dipropionate, enrofloxacin and oxytetracycline chlorydrate on the treatment of cattle naturally infected by Anaplasma marginale

O agente de maior importância, em relação à anaplasmose bovina, é o Anaplasma marginale. Os principais sinais clínicos dessa enfermidade são anemia hemolítica, icterícia, dispneia, taquicardia, febre, fadiga, lacrimejamento, sialorreia, micção frequente, anorexia, perda de peso, aborto e morte. A terapia antimicrobiana é o principal protocolo terapêutico. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia do dipropionato de imidocarb, da enrofloxacina e do cloridrato de oxitetraciclina no tratamento de bovinos leiteiros naturalmente infectados por Anaplasma marginale. Para isso, foram avaliados 48 zebuínos mestiços que apresentavam os sinais clínicos sugestivos da doença. Os animais foram submetidos à coleta de sangue para a realização de hemograma e à extração de DNA para a confirmação da presença de A. marginale, por meio da reação em cadeia pela polimerase (PCR). Os animais foram divididos em três grupos experimentais, para realização dos protocolos terapêuticos, utilizando-se dipropionato de imidocarb, oxitetraciclina e enrofloxacina. Trinta e seis animais (75%) apresentaram reação positiva ao PCR. Os animais positivos não apresentaram diferenças significativas quanto ao hemograma e ao leucograma quando comparados com os negativos, no entanto os níveis de proteínas séricas foram inferiores nos animais positivos (P<0,05). Os três protocolos terapêuticos foram capazes de reduzir a infecção ao longo do tratamento (P<0,01), porém, após cinco dias de tratamento, a enrofloxacina apresentou maior efetividade em relação aos demais (P<0,01). Após o final do tratamento, nenhum protocolo foi capaz de eliminar totalmente a infecção pelo A. marginale em bovinos naturalmente infectados e manejados a campo.

Anaplasma marginale is the most important agent regarding cattle anaplasmosis. The main clinical signs of this disease are hemolitic anemia, jaundice, dyspnea, tachycardia, fever, fatigue, lacrimation, salivation, frequent urination, anorexia, weight loss, abortion and death. Antimicrobial therapy is the main therapeutic protocol. The aim of this paper was to assess the efficacy of this therapy frequently used in field conditions. In order to do so, 48 crossbred zebu cattle presenting suggestive clinical signs of the disease were assessed. The animals were submitted to blood sample collection to perform a CBC and DNA extraction to confirm the presence of A. marginale by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. The animals were divided into three experimental groups to perform the therapeutic protocols, using imidocarb dipropionate, enrofloxacin and oxytetracycline. Thirty-six animals (75%) presented positive reaction to PCR. The positive animals do not present significant differences in the CBC and WBC when compared to the negative ones. However, the serum protein levels were lower in positive animals (P<0.05). All the treatments were able to reduce the infection throughout the treatment (P<0.01). However, in time 1, enrofloxacin presented greater effectiveness in relation to the other ones (P<0.01). After the end of the treatment no protocol was able to totally eliminate the infection by A. marginale in cattle naturaly infected and handled on the field.

Reproductive efficiency of asymptomatic Theileria equi carriers mares submitted to an embryo transfer program / Eficiência reprodutiva de éguas portadoras assintomáticas de Theileira equi submetidas a um programa de transferência de embriões

This study aimed to assess and evaluate the effects of Theileria equi infection on embryonic recovery, gestation and early embryonic loss. Thirteen Mangalarga Marchador Theileria equi positive donors (diagnosed through nested-PCR) and 40 embryos receptors were used. Donors were submitted to two embryo collections in two consecutive estrous cycles (GId); after, the same mares were treated with imidocarb dipropionate (1.2mg/kg IM.) in order to collect more embryos in two more estrous cycles (GIId). Receptors were divided into two groups (control and with treated) with 20 animals each, where one group was the control (GIr) and the other one (GIIr) treated with 1.2mg/kg IM of imidocarb dipropionate assessing the gestation rate at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. After 52 embryo collections, the embryonic recovery rates were 53.84% (14/26) and 65.38% (17/26) (p> 0.05) for GId and GIId, respectively. The gestation rate was 70% (14/20) (p>0.05) at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days in group GIr and for GIIr was 85% (17/20) (p>0.05) at 15 days, 80% (16/20) (p>0.05) at 30, 45 and 60 days. The treatment with imidocarb dipropionate did not cause significant improvement in the reproductive efficiency at an ET program.(AU)

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a influência da infecção por Theileria equi nas taxas de recuperação embrionária, gestação e perda embrionária precoce. Foram utilizadas 13 doadoras e 40 receptoras de embrião da raça Mangalarga Marchador, positivas para Theileria equi através da técnica de nested-PCR. Nas doadoras foram realizados duas coletas de embriões em dois ciclos estrais consecutivos (GId), em sequência, esses mesmos animais foram tratados com dipropionato de imidocarb (1,2mg/kg IM.) para realização de mais duas coletas de embriões em dois ciclos estrais (GIId). As receptoras foram divididas em dois grupos de 20 animais cada, onde um grupo foi o controle (GIr) e, o outro grupo, foi tratado (GIIr) com 1,2mg/ Kg IM de dipropionato de imidocarb, com intuito de avaliar a taxa de gestação aos 15, 30, 45 e 60 dias. Após a realização de 52 coletas de embrião, as taxas de recuperação embrionária foram de 53,84% (14/26) e 65,38% (17/26) (p> 0,05) para GId e GIId, respectivamente. A taxa de gestação foi de 70% (14/20) (p>0,05) aos 15, 30, 45 e 60 dias no grupo GIr e para o GIIr foi 85% (17/20) (p>0,05) aos 15 dias, 80% (16/20) (p>0,05) aos 30, 45 e 60 dias. O tratamento com dipropionato de imidocarb não promoveu melhora significativa na eficiência reprodutiva em um programa de TE.(AU)

Reproductive efficiency of asymptomatic Theileria equi carriers mares submitted to an embryo transfer program / Eficiência reprodutiva de éguas portadoras assintomáticas de Theileira equi submetidas a um programa de transferência de embriões

This study aimed to assess and evaluate the effects of Theileria equi infection on embryonic recovery, gestation and early embryonic loss. Thirteen Mangalarga Marchador Theileria equi positive donors (diagnosed through nested-PCR) and 40 embryos receptors were used. Donors were submitted to two embryo collections in two consecutive estrous cycles (GId); after, the same mares were treated with imidocarb dipropionate (1.2mg/kg IM.) in order to collect more embryos in two more estrous cycles (GIId). Receptors were divided into two groups (control and with treated) with 20 animals each, where one group was the control (GIr) and the other one (GIIr) treated with 1.2mg/kg IM of imidocarb dipropionate assessing the gestation rate at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. After 52 embryo collections, the embryonic recovery rates were 53.84% (14/26) and 65.38% (17/26) (p> 0.05) for GId and GIId, respectively. The gestation rate was 70% (14/20) (p>0.05) at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days in group GIr and for GIIr was 85% (17/20) (p>0.05) at 15 days, 80% (16/20) (p>0.05) at 30, 45 and 60 days. The treatment with imidocarb dipropionate did not cause significant improvement in the reproductive efficiency at an ET program.

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a influência da infecção por Theileria equi nas taxas de recuperação embrionária, gestação e perda embrionária precoce. Foram utilizadas 13 doadoras e 40 receptoras de embrião da raça Mangalarga Marchador, positivas para Theileria equi através da técnica de nested-PCR. Nas doadoras foram realizados duas coletas de embriões em dois ciclos estrais consecutivos (GId), em sequência, esses mesmos animais foram tratados com dipropionato de imidocarb (1,2mg/kg IM.) para realização de mais duas coletas de embriões em dois ciclos estrais (GIId). As receptoras foram divididas em dois grupos de 20 animais cada, onde um grupo foi o controle (GIr) e, o outro grupo, foi tratado (GIIr) com 1,2mg/ Kg IM de dipropionato de imidocarb, com intuito de avaliar a taxa de gestação aos 15, 30, 45 e 60 dias. Após a realização de 52 coletas de embrião, as taxas de recuperação embrionária foram de 53,84% (14/26) e 65,38% (17/26) (p> 0,05) para GId e GIId, respectivamente. A taxa de gestação foi de 70% (14/20) (p>0,05) aos 15, 30, 45 e 60 dias no grupo GIr e para o GIIr foi 85% (17/20) (p>0,05) aos 15 dias, 80% (16/20) (p>0,05) aos 30, 45 e 60 dias. O tratamento com dipropionato de imidocarb não promoveu melhora significativa na eficiência reprodutiva em um programa de TE.

Induced mitotic homologous recombination by the babesicide imidocarb dipropionate in Aspergillus nidulans diploid cells.

Imidocarb dipropionate (IMD) is a chemotherapeutic agent prescribed for the treatment and control of babesiosis; it is known to be a nucleic acid synthesis inhibitor. Although it is an effective babesicide, there are reports of persistent IMD residues retained at high levels in edible tissues of cattle, swine and sheep, raising concerns about potential effects on humans. Since the carcinogenic potential of a chemical compound can be assessed through its effect on the homologous recombination, we investigated whether IMD is recombinogenic in Aspergillus nidulans diploid cells and whether it is capable of inducing homozygosis in genes that were previously heterozygous. This analysis was done with a homozygotization assay applied to a heterozygous diploid strain of A. nidulans. IMD used at non-toxic concentrations (2.5 to 10.0 µM) was recombinogenic, demonstrated by homozygotization indices higher than 2.0 for diploid markers. A diploid homozygous for genetic markers from chromosomes I and II was also produced. Since DNA replication blockers that induce DNA strand breaks have been classified as potent inducers of homologous recombination, the recombinogenic potential of IMD may be due to induction of recombinational repair.

Effect of imidocarb and levamisole on the experimental infection of BALB/c mice by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis.

The adverse effects from using currently available drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis have motivated the search for new therapeutical agents. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of imidocarb and levamisole on the treatment of BALB/c mice experimentally infected by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. BALB/c mice were infected with 10(6) promastigotes of L. (L.) amazonensis (IFLA/BR/67/PH8) and, starting on day 51, mice were treated subcutaneously with imidocarb (IMD, 34 mg/kg), imidocarb plus levamisole (IMD+LVS, 34 and 12 mg/kg, respectively), only levamisole (LVS, 12 mg/kg) or without treatment (control). Lesion size and swelling were weekly monitored for 10 weeks after the beginning of the treatment. On day 121 post-infection, serum levels of specific IgG from infected mice were evaluated, as well as histopathological and morphometric alterations in the footpad, lymph nodes and spleen of these animals. The data obtained in this study demonstrated that, when compared to controls, mice treated with IMD had lower levels of IgG anti-L. (L.) amazonensis (34.45%), smaller vacuolar area in macrophages (3.75%), lower number of megakaryocytes in spleen (63.19%) and lower parasite burden in the footpad (30.2%). Thus, the evaluated parameters suggest the use of imidocarb as a potential drug in the treatment of tegumentary leishmaniasis.

Humoral immunity and reinfection resistance in dogs experimentally inoculated with Babesia canis and either treated or untreated with imidocarb dipropionate.

It is proposed that the chronic asymptomatic carrier state produced by Babesia canis infection could make dogs more resistant against subsequent infections. This suggests that treatment with imidocarb dipropionate, which removes the organism, can make dogs more susceptible to reinfection in a short period of time. Ten male and female dogs of approximately 4-5 months of age were inoculated with B. canis. Half of them received treatment with imidocarb dipropionate (7 mg/kg) on days 15 and 27 post-infection and the other half were untreated. All the animals were examined using clinical and laboratory methods (CBC, platelet counts and serological study by indirect immunofluorescence test) for a 6-month period. Antibodies were first detected on day 7 post-injection and remained at high levels (1:2560) over the period in the non-treated group. This result was significantly different (P<0.001) from the treated group in which antibodies titers declined after day 34 post-infection. Six months later, after a homologous challenge infection only the dogs of treated group showed parasitaemia, thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly, which was significantly different (P<0.05) from the non-treated group. The sterilizing treatment with imidocarb dipropionate was effective in clearing the infection, but inhibited the maintenance of protective antibodies, making the animals more susceptible to reinfection.

A preliminary investigation on the use of imidocarb dipropionate in the prophylaxis of anaplasmosis and babesiosis [abstract]

The prophylactic effect of imidocarb dipropionate on anaplasmosis and babesiosis was studied using twenty-seven heifers at the university field station. Fifteen animals were administered imidocarb dipropionate intramuscularly at a dose of 2mg-kg 1 while twelve were left as controls. All animals were subsequently turned out to pasture from a feedlot environment which was tick-free. Over a period of seven months, the heifers were monitored for tick infestation, weight gain, body temperature, haematological para-meters such as packed cell volume, haemoglobin, white blood cell count, total plasma protein, the differences in other parameters between treated and untreated control heifers were not significantly different. It is concluded that the administration of imidocarb dipropionate for the purpose of prophylaxis of babesiosis and/or anaplasmosis in this situation was of no significant value. (AU)

Tolerance to imidocarb induced experimentally in tick-transmitted Babesia argentina.

Babesia argentina was repeatedly exposed to imidocarb by transmitting parasites from infected ticks in a series of 4 groups of nonsplenectomised calves that had been treated prophylactically at 2 mg/kg. As the number of exposures to imidocarb increased, the parasites more readily infected the treated calves, indicating increased tolerance to the drug. Tests comparing parasites not previously exposed to imidocarb with those exposed 4 times showed that a dose of 3 mg/kg imidocarb completely cured subclinical infections with non-exposed, but not exposed, parasites; a dose of 1 mg/kg controlled acute infections with either nonexposed or exposed parasites; and the virulence of the parasite was apparently unaffected by the exposures.