No Evidence of Rabies Exposure in Wild Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) of Northeast Brazil.

Rabies transmitted by wildlife is the main source of human rabies mortality in Latin America and considered an emerging disease. The common marmoset Callithrix jacchus of Brazil is the only known primate reservoir of rabies worldwide. We tested whether alive free-ranging C. jacchus were exposed to rabies in four northeast states that have previously reported rabies-positive dead C. jacchus (Pernambuco and Bahia) or not (Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte). Our results show no evidence of rabies antibodies or infection in the sampled C. jacchus, suggesting that apparently healthy marmosets are not widely exposed to rabies over their natural range.

Efficiency of Matricaria chamomilla CH12 and number of doses of rabies vaccine on the humoral immune response in cattle.

This study evaluated the effect of Matricaria chamomilla and vaccination frequency on cattle immunization against rabies. Four groups (n = 15 /group) were treated with or without Matricaria chamomilla CH12 and vaccinated with one or two doses of rabies vaccine (30 day interval). No effect of chamomile was found on cattle immunization against rabies; however, antibody titers were protective in cattle vaccinated twice, while 93.3% of cattle vaccinated only once had titers under 0.5 UI/ml after 60 days. In conclusion, the use of chamomile did not alter the humoral immune response in cattle, and two vaccine doses are suggested for achieving protective antibody titers.

Matricaria chamomilla CH12 decreases handling stress in Nelore calves.

Matricaria chamomilla CH12 is a phytotherapeutic or homeopathic product, which has been used to reduce stress. Here, we examined its effect on preventing handling stress in bovines. Sixty Nelore calves were randomly distributed into two equal groups. One group was administered Matricaria chamomilla CH12 in diet and the other the 'control' was not. Animals in both groups were maintained unstressed for 30 days to adjust to the feeding system and pasture, and were then stressed by constraint on the 31th, 38th, 45th and 60th experimental days. Blood samples were taken on these days after animals had been immobilization in a trunk contention for 5 min. Stress was followed by analyzing serum cortisol levels. These peaked on the 45th day and then decreased, but not to baseline, on the 60th day. On the 45th day cortisol levels were significantly lower in animals fed Matricaria chamomilla CH12, suggesting that this product reduces stress. These effects may be a consequence of its inhibiting cortisol production and its calming and anxiolytic effects.

Solucoes de sorbitol-gelatina e de acido glutamico-lactose na estabilizacao de preparacoes referencia do virus do sarampo / Sorbitol-gelatin and glutamic acid-lactose solutions as stabilizers of reference measles virus preparations

The study described in this article was carried out for the purpose of evaluating the protective effects of two stabilizing solutions- sorbitol-gelatin and glutamic acid-lactose- on freeze-dried measles virus (Schwartz strain) with a view to the production of reference preparations in working lots. The effect of storage at -20 C and -70 C on the potency of stabilized virus suspensions, whether or not freeze-dried, was evaluated over a period of 21 months; the samples were concurrently titered for potency with a standard virus obtained from a laboratory authorized by the World Health Organization. After comparing and commenting on the different phases of the study, the types of cells and stabilizing media used, how the suspensions were stored, the titering of the stabilized viruses, etc., the authors conclude that they have demostrated a more satisfactory stabilization (r= -0.01) of freeze-dried virus suspensions stored at -20 C by sorbitol-gelatin, which is therefore regarded as an effective stabilizer for the preparation of freeze-dried reference measles virus in working lots

Solucoes de sorbitol-gelatina e de acido glutamico-lactose na estabilizacao de preparacoes referencia do virus do sarampo / Sorbitol-gelatin and glutamic acid-lactose solutions as stabilizers of reference measles virus preparations

The study described in this article was carried out for the purpose of evaluating the protective effects of two stabilizing solutions- sorbitol-gelatin and glutamic acid-lactose- on freeze-dried measles virus (Schwartz strain) with a view to the production of reference preparations in working lots. The effect of storage at -20 C and -70 C on the potency of stabilized virus suspensions, whether or not freeze-dried, was evaluated over a period of 21 months; the samples were concurrently titered for potency with a standard virus obtained from a laboratory authorized by the World Health Organization. After comparing and commenting on the different phases of the study, the types of cells and stabilizing media used, how the suspensions were stored, the titering of the stabilized viruses, etc., the authors conclude that they have demostrated a more satisfactory stabilization (r= -0.01) of freeze-dried virus suspensions stored at -20 C by sorbitol-gelatin, which is therefore regarded as an effective stabilizer for the preparation of freeze-dried reference measles virus in working lots