Molecular identification of hookworm species infecting free-roaming and owned dogs from an urban area in inner São Paulo State, Brazil.

Dogs are the most popular pet animals worldwide, but on the other hand, they are main hosts of pathogens potentially transmissible to humans. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of intestinal parasites in free- roaming and owned dogs in an urban area in southeastern Brazil and to identify the hookworm species infecting them. Faecal samples (80 from free-roaming and 53 from owned dogs) were examined for intestinal parasites using concentration methods. DNA extracted from hookworm microscopy-positive samples were tested by PCR targeting the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and the amplicons retrieved were sequenced. Intestinal parasites were detected in 43.60% (58/133) of the dogs and hookworm infection was found at the highest prevalence rate (38.30%), followed by Toxocara canis (10.50%), Trichuris vulpis (2.25%), Giardia spp. (0.75%) and Cystoisospora spp. (0.75%). Out of the 51 samples positive for hookworm eggs, 26 (50.90%) were successfully amplified and sequenced. Single infections with Ancylostoma caninum and Ancylostoma braziliense were recorded in 18 (69.20%) and two (7.70%) isolates, respectively, and mixed infections were found in the remaining six samples (23.10%). Both species were found infecting free-roaming and owned animals, but A. caninum was more common. These findings highlight the public health relevance of dogs as reservoirs of zoonotic parasites, with emphasis on hookworm species commonly implicated in cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) in poor and deprived areas.

Cumulative incidence and spatial distribution of dogs exposed to Toxoplasma gondii.

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most important protozoa parasites worldwide. Although many seroprevalence studies have been performed in domestic and wild species, data on the cumulative incidence and the spatial distribution of T. gondii in animals are extremely scarce. In the present study, dogs from Botucatu municipality, São Paulo state, were followed for one year and their blood samples were collected on three moments: days 1, 180, and 360. The sera were submitted to the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) to detect IgG antibodies to T. gondii. Age and sex were compared with IFAT results through statistical tests. Spatial analysis was used to detect clusters of seropositive dogs. Among the 350 dogs that were seronegative on day 1, 53 became seropositive in subsequent samplings; thus, cumulative incidence was 15.1% exposed dogs/year. Age and sex were not associated with serological results. The spatial analysis revealed that seropositive dogs were distributed in all the studied areas, with a significant cluster in a zone with poor sanitary conditions and low socioeconomic status. T. gondii is frequent and widely distributed in the urban area of Botucatu, and impoverished areas are possibly associated with high levels of environmental contamination by this parasite.

First Microbiological and Molecular Identification of Rhodococcus equi in Feces of Nondiarrheic Cats.

Rhodococcus equi is responsible for infections in multiple-host animals. In humans, the prevalence of rhodococcus has increased worldwide and represents an emergent risk. R. equi is a soil-borne opportunistic bacterium isolated from feces of a wide variety of domestic species, except cats; thus, there is no known potential risk of its transmission from humans. Here, the mono- and cooccurrence of Rhodococcus equi and other bacteria and selected virulence markers were investigated in feces of nondiarrheic cats from urban (n=100) and rural (n=100) areas. Seven (7/200=3.5%) R. equi isolates were recovered in ceftazidime, novobiocin, and cycloheximide (CAZ-NB) selective media, exclusively of cats from three distinct farms (p=0.01), and these cats had a history of contact with horses and their environment (p=0.0002). None of the R. equi isolates harbored hosted-adapted plasmid types associated with virulence (pVAPA, pVAPB, and pVAPN). One hundred seventy-five E. coli isolates were identified, and 23 atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC), 1 STEC (Shiga-toxin producing E. coli), and 1 EAEC (enteroaggregative E. coli) were detected. Eighty-six C. perfringens type A isolates were identified, and beta-2 and enterotoxin were detected in 21 and 1 isolates, respectively. Five C. difficile isolates were identified, one of which was toxigenic and ribotype 106. The main cooccurring isolates in cats from urban areas were E. coli and C. perfringens A (26/100=26%), E. coli and C. perfringens type A cpb2+ (8/100=8%), and aEPEC (eae+/escN+) and C. perfringens type A (5/100=5%). In cats from farms, the main cooccurring isolates were E. coli and C. perfringens type A (21/100=21%), E. coli and C. perfringens type A cpb 2 + 8/100=8%), and E. coli and R. equi (4/100=4%). We identified, for the first time, R. equi in nondiarrheic cats, a finding that represents a public health issue because rhodococcus has been reported in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent humans, particularly people living with HIV/AIDS.

Serological and molecular detection of Leptospira spp in dogs.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to detect anti-Leptospira spp antibodies and Leptospira DNA in domestic dogs. METHODS: Blood and urine from 106 dogs were evaluated by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. RESULTS: Six (5.7%) and one (1%) animals were positive by MAT and PCR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results show a low prevalence of infection by Leptospira spp. The absence of positive results for the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup indicates the small relevance of these dogs as sources of human leptospirosis.

Serological and molecular detection of leptospira spp in dogs

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to detect anti-Leptospira spp antibodies and Leptospira DNA in domestic dogs. METHODS: Blood and urine from 106 dogs were evaluated by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. RESULTS: Six (5.7%) and one (1%) animals were positive by MAT and PCR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results show a low prevalence of infection by Leptospira spp. The absence of positive results for the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup indicates the small relevance of these dogs as sources of human leptospirosis.

Kinetics of rabies antibodies as a strategy for canine active immunization

Rabies, a zoonosis found throughout the globe, is caused by a virus of the Lyssavirus genus. The disease is transmitted to humans through the inoculation of the virus present in the saliva of infected mammals. Since its prognosis is usually fatal for humans, nationwide public campaigns to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies aim to break the epidemiological link between the virus and its reservoirs in Brazil. During 12 months we evaluated the active immunity of dogs first vaccinated (booster shot at 30 days after first vaccination) against rabies using the Fuenzalida-Palácios modified vaccine in the urban area of Botucatu city, São Pauto state, Brazil. Of the analyzed dogs, 54.7% maintained protective titers (≥0.5 IU/mL) for 360 days after the first vaccination whereas 51.5% during all the study period. The present results suggest a new vaccination schedule for dogs that have never been vaccinated. In addition to the first dose of vaccine, two others are recommended: the second at 30 days after the first and the third dose at 180 days after the first for the maintenance of protective titers during 12 months.

Kinetics of rabies antibodies as a strategy for canine active immunization

Background Rabies, a zoonosis found throughout the globe, is caused by a virus of theLyssavirus genus. The disease is transmitted to humans through the inoculation of the virus present in the saliva of infected mammals. Since its prognosis is usually fatal for humans, nationwide public campaigns to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies aim to break the epidemiological link between the virus and its reservoirs in Brazil.Findings During 12 months we evaluated the active immunity of dogs first vaccinated (booster shot at 30 days after first vaccination) against rabies using the Fuenzalida-Palácios modified vaccine in the urban area of Botucatu city, São Pauto state, Brazil. Of the analyzed dogs, 54.7% maintained protective titers (≥0.5 IU/mL) for 360 days after the first vaccination whereas 51.5% during all the study period.Conclusions The present results suggest a new vaccination schedule for dogs that have never been vaccinated. In addition to the first dose of vaccine, two others are recommended: the second at 30 days after the first and the third dose at 180 days after the first for the maintenance of protective titers during 12 months.(AU)

Kinetics of rabies antibodies as a strategy for canine active immunization.

BACKGROUND: Rabies, a zoonosis found throughout the globe, is caused by a virus of the Lyssavirus genus. The disease is transmitted to humans through the inoculation of the virus present in the saliva of infected mammals. Since its prognosis is usually fatal for humans, nationwide public campaigns to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies aim to break the epidemiological link between the virus and its reservoirs in Brazil. FINDINGS: During 12 months we evaluated the active immunity of dogs first vaccinated (booster shot at 30 days after first vaccination) against rabies using the Fuenzalida-Palácios modified vaccine in the urban area of Botucatu city, São Pauto state, Brazil. Of the analyzed dogs, 54.7% maintained protective titers (≥0.5 IU/mL) for 360 days after the first vaccination whereas 51.5% during all the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest a new vaccination schedule for dogs that have never been vaccinated. In addition to the first dose of vaccine, two others are recommended: the second at 30 days after the first and the third dose at 180 days after the first for the maintenance of protective titers during 12 months.

Estudo do destino dos cães no canil municipal de Botucatu antes e após a Lei nº 12916 que dispõe sobre o controle da reprodução de cães / Study of the destination of dogs in the municipal kennel of Botucatu before and after the Law n° 12916 which establishes the control of dog reproduction / Estudio del destino de los perros en la perrera municipal de Botucatu antes y después de la Ley n° 12916 que establece el control de reproducción canina

Apesar do recolhimento de cães em via pública, domicílios ou do acolhimento pelos Centros de Controle de Zoonoses ser uma prática adotada que não controla a população canina, é uma atividade considerada medida primária e complementar de controle de zoonoses. O excedente populacional canino, além de sua importância na cadeia de transmissão de diversas doenças, representa também problemas em decorrência das agressões, acidentes de trânsito e impactos ambientais. Considerando a falta de informações sobre a dinâmica do destino de cães em canis após a Lei Estadual número 12.916/08 (dispõe sobre o controle da reprodução de cães e dá providências correlatas), o presente trabalho objetivou analisar o destino dos cães recolhidos pela Prefeitura Municipal de Botucatu e transportados ao Canil Municipal e também os doados pela população, comparativamente antes e depois da implementação da Lei. Foram analisadas 4038 fichas de entrada de cães do Canil, as quais foram armazenadas no banco de dados gerados pela planilha EXCEL e analisados por meio de Censo. Antes da Lei, eram eutanasiados 2193 (70%) cães e após, 639 (69%), percentualmente os valores são similares, entretanto, há uma diferença de 1557 cães eutanasiados. Esta diferença pode ser explicada pelos cuidados médicos veterinários oferecidos aos cães recolhidos, após a Lei, para posterior adoção, uma vez que antes a única medida adotada era a eutanásia. Os resultados permitiram concluir que a Lei impôs mudanças nos procedimentos no Canil, principalmente a diminuição do número de eutanásias realizadas, consequentemente aumentou a permanência desses animais. Também os motivos predominantes para o recolhimento dos cães.

Despite the gathering of dogs on public streets, homes and by the Centers for Zoonoses Control is a practice adopted that does not control the dog population, it is an activity considered as primary and supplementary of the zoonoses control. The canine surplus population, besides the important role in the chain of transmission of various diseases, is also due to problems of aggressions, traffic accidents and environmental impacts. Considering the lack of information on the dynamics destination of dogs in kennels after the State Law number 12.916/08 (provides for the control of dog reproduction and gives related provisions), the present study aimed to analyze the destination of dogs gathered by the Municipality Botucatu and transported to the Municipal Kennel and also donated by the population comparison before and after the implementation of the Law. Were analyzed 4038 input records of the dogs of the kennel, which were stored in the database generated by EXCEL spreadsheet and analyzed through Census. Before the Law, were euthanized 2193 (70%) and after 639 dogs (69%), percentage terms values are similar, however, there is a difference of 1557 dogs euthanized. This difference can be explained by the veterinary medical care offered to dogs gathered after the Law, for subsequent adoption. Since before the only measure taken was euthanasia. The results concluded that the law imposes considerable changes in behaviors and procedures performed in the kennel, especially the decrease in the number of euthanized dogs and the adoption of more selective criteria for the gathering of dogs on public roads.

A pesar de la recogida de perros en las calles, domicilios y la acogida por el Centro de Control de Zoonosis no ser una práctica adoptada para controlar la población de perros, es una actividad que se considera medida primaria y complementaria para controlar las zoonosis. El exceso de población canina, y su importancia en la cadena transmisión de diversas enfermedades también representa problemas como consecuencia de las agresiones, accidentes de tránsito e impactos ambientales. Teniendo en cuenta la falta de información sobre la dinámica del destino de los perros en las perreras después de la Ley del Estado número 12.916/08 (que dispone sobre control de reproducción canina y disposiciones conexas), el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar el destino de los perros de la Intendencia Municipal de Botucatu y transportados a la perrera Municipal, y también los donados por la población en comparación anterior y posterior a la implementación de la ley. Fueron analizadas 4038 fichas de entrada de perros en la perrera, las cuales se almacenaron en la base de datos generada en EXCEL y analizadas mediante Censo. Antes de la ley, fueron sacrificados 2193 (70%) perros y después de la ley, 639 (69%); los valores porcentuales son similares, sin embargo, hay una diferencia de 1.557 perros eutanasiados. Esta diferencia se explica por la atención médica veterinaria que se ofrece a los perros recogidos después de la ley para su posterior adopción, una vez que antes la única medida tomada era la eutanasia. Los resultados concluyeron que la ley impuso cambios en los procedimientos en la perrera, principalmente para reducir el número de perros eutanasiados, como consecuencia, se incrementó la permanencia de estos animales. También las razones predominantes para la recogida de los perros de las calles son los que tenían algún tipo de riesgo para la población.

Raiva: origem, importância e aspectos históricos / Rabies: origin, importance and historical aspects

A raiva foi descrita pelo menos há 4 milênios e é uma das zoonoses mais antigas que se tem conhecimento. Todos os mamíferos possuem células competentes para a replicação viral, sendo estes os únicos suscetíveis ao vírus e os únicos capazes de transmiti-lo. Devido a sua evolução letal, ao elevado número de casos em humanos bem como de pessoas submetidas anualmente a tratamentos rábicos pós-exposição, a raiva continua sendo um problema mundial de saúde pública. A falta de sistemas adequados de informação e vigilância epidemiológica, na maioria dos países, não permite o conhecimento da real magnitude do problema. O período histórico da raiva é longo, pois desde Aristóteles essa doença já era considerada como enfermidade contagiosa e, devido à mordedura de cães, era temida e conhecida como uma doença letal. Louis Pasteur proporcionou enorme progresso, que alcançou seu ponto culminante com a primeira vacinação de um ser humano em 1885, bem como a criação do Instituto Pasteur de Paris, em 1888. A cronologia da história natural da raiva nessa revisão demonstra os avanços nos descobrimentos sobre a doença desde sua origem.

Rabies was described at least 4 millennia ago and is one of the oldest zoonosis. All mammals have cells which are responsible for viral replication, and they are the only ones susceptible to the virus and capable of transmitting it. Due to its lethal evolution, high number of human cases, as well as individuals yearly submitted to post-exposure rabies treatment, rabies remains a worldwide public health problem. The lack of adequate information systems and epidemiological surveillance in most countries does not allow us to know the true magnitude of the problem. The historical period of rabies is extended, because since Aristóteles, it was already considered a contagious disease and because of the bite of dogs, it was feared and known as a lethal disease. Louis Pasteur has provided a major breakthrough, which reached its climax with the first vaccination of a human being in 1885, as well as the creation of the Pasteur Institute in Paris in 1888. The chronology of reabies natural history in this review demonstrates the development in discoveries about the disease since its origin.