Effect of rumen-protected choline on dairy cow metabolism, immunity, lactation performance, and vaginal discharge microbiome.

Rumen-protected choline (RPC) promotes benefits in milk production, immunity, and health in dairy cows by optimizing lipid metabolism during transition period management and early lactation. However, the RPC success in dairy cows depends on choline bioavailability, which is affected by the type of protection used in rumen-protected choline. Therefore, our objectives were to determine the effects of a novel RPC on dry matter intake (DMI), identify markers of metabolism and immunity, and evaluate lactation performance. Dry Holstein (n = 48) cows at 245 ± 3 d of gestation were blocked by parity and assigned to control or RPC treatment within each block. Cows enrolled in the RPC treatment received 15 g/d of CholiGEM (Kemin Industries, Cavriago RE, Italy) from 21 d prepartum and 30 g/d of CholiGEM from calving to 21 d postpartum. During the transition period, DMI was measured daily, and blood was sampled weekly for energy-related metabolites such as ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), as well as immune function markers such as haptoglobin (Hp) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LPB). Vaginal discharge samples were collected at the calving and 7 d postpartum and stored in microcentrifuge tubes at -80°C until 16S rRNA sequencing. The main responses of body condition score, body weight, DMI, milk yield, milk components, and immune function markers were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with the effects of treatment, time, parity, and relevant covariates added to the models. The relative abundance of microbiome α-diversity was evaluated by 3 indexes (Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson) and ß-diversity by principal coordinate analysis and permutational multivariate ANOVA. We found no differences in DMI in the pre- and postpartum periods. Cows fed RPC increased the yields of energy- and 3.5% fat-corrected milk and fat yield in primiparous and multiparous cows, with an interaction between treatment and parity for these lactation variables. However, we found no differences in milk protein and lactose up to 150 DIM between treatments. Glucose, NEFA, and BHB had no differences between the treatments. However, RPC decreased BHB numerically (control = 1.07 ± 0.13 vs. RPC = 0.63 ± 0.13) in multiparous on the third week postpartum and tended to reduce the incidence of subclinical ketosis (12.7% vs. 4.2%). No effects for Hp and LPB were found in cows fed RPC. Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indexes were lower at calving in the RPC treatment than in the Control. However, no differences were found 7 d later for Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indexes. The vaginal discharge microbiome was altered in cows fed RPC at 7 d postpartum. Fusobacterium, a common pathogen associated with metritis, was reduced in cows fed RPC. Rumen-protected choline enhanced lactation performance and health and altered the vaginal discharge microbiome which is a potential proxy for uterine healthy in dairy cows. The current study's findings corroborate that RPC is a tool to support adaptation to lactation and shed light on opportunities for further research in reproductive health.

Endoparasite fauna of freshwater fish from the upper Juruá River in the Western Amazon, Brazil.

The Amazon region may present a high diversity of endoparasites with a high degree of endemism. In this sense, this study describes the endoparasite fauna in freshwater fish from the Upper Juruá, in the Western Amazon. The study was carried out around the municipalities of Cruzeiro do Sul, state of Acre, and Guajará, state of Amazonas, Brazil. Fish were caught between periods of droughts and floods, using passive and active sampling methods. In the laboratory, specimens were biometrically analysed and necropsied. As a result, a total of 23,740 endoparasites were recorded, belonging to 62 species, with 91 new host reports and 91 new occurrences for the Western Amazon. Nematoda and Digenea were the most diverse and abundant groups, and the increase in host fish richness and diversity influenced the diversity and richness of endoparasites in the environments. In this sense, the present study expands the number of new reports, and contributes data on the distribution and richness of endoparasites for South America.

Molecular epidemiology of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) isolated from milk of cows with subclinical mastitis.

Bovine mastitis has been a concern for dairy herd for decades. The adaptation capacity of one of the main species responsible for this disease, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), plays a pivotal role in this issue. The aim of this study was to establish a molecular and phenotypic profile of 285 S. aureus strains isolated from milk of subclinical mastitis cows from 18 different farms in São Paulo State using spa typing, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), agr cluster (I, II, III and IV) typing, PCR for genes including enterotoxins (sea, seb, sec, sed, see, seg, seh, sei), toxic shock syndrome toxin (tsst-1), and Panton-Valentine leucocidin (pvl), as well as in vitro resistance assays for 12 antibiotics. The results showed a wide variety of strains with a high toxigenic potential; concomitantly, sec, seg and seh were prevalent. In addition, we observed a predominance of the spa types t605 (ST 126, CC126) and t127 (ST1, CC1) and the unusual presence of t321 causing bovine mastitis, which has been previously reported only in swine. The most frequent ST were ST126 (70.5%) and ST1 (10.5%). Regarding PFGE, we observed four major groups and six profile patterns. The highest resistance was observed for streptomycin (9.5%), followed by tetracycline (3.5%), clindamycin (9.3%), and erythromycin (2.8%). The tsst-1 gene was detected in 36.8% of isolates and pvl was not observed. One hundred and thirty-six (47.7%) isolates possessed agr type II, followed by types III (20%) and I (8.1%), with type IV not being detected. We observed that the same spa type could result in different PFGE profiles, so the exclusive use of spa type sequences can lead to incorrect interpretations regarding the spread of clones in an epidemiological context.

Evaluation of the potential of Pistia stratiotes L. (water lettuce) for bioindication and phytoremediation of aquatic environments contaminated with arsenic / Avaliação do potencial de Pistia stratiotes L. (alface d'água) para a bioindicação e fitorremediação de ambientes aquáticos contaminados com arsênio

Specimens of Pistia stratiotes were subjected to five concentrations of arsenic (As) for seven days. Growth, As absorption, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, photosynthetic pigments, enzymatic activities, amino acids content and anatomical changes were assessed. Plant arsenic accumulation increased with increasing metalloid in the solution, while growth rate and photosynthetic pigment content decreased. The MDA content increased, indicating oxidative stress. Enzymatic activity and amino acids content increased at the lower doses of As, subsequently declining in the higher concentrations. Chlorosis and necrosis were observed in the leaves. Leaves showed starch accumulation and increased thickness of the mesophyll. In the root system, there was a loss and darkening of roots. Cell layers formed at the insertion points on the root stems may have been responsible for the loss of roots. These results indicate that water lettuce shows potential for bioindication and phytoremediation of As-contaminated aquatic environments.(AU)

Espécimes de Pistia stratiotes foram submetidos a cinco concentrações de arsênio (As), durante sete dias. Crescimento, absorção de As, concentração de malondialdeído (MDA), pigmentos fotossintéticos, atividades enzimáticas, concentração de aminoácidos e alterações anatômicas foram avaliadas. O acúmulo de As pelas plantas aumentou com o incremento do metaloide na solução, enquanto que a taxa de crescimento e o teor de pigmentos fotossintéticos diminuiu. O conteúdo MDA aumentou, indicando estresse oxidativo. A atividade de enzimas antioxidantes e os teores de aminoácidos aumentaram nas doses mais baixas de As, declinando nas concentrações mais elevadas. Nas folhas foram observados clorose e necrose. As folhas apresentaram acumulação de amido e aumento da espessura do mesofilo. No sistema radicular houve perda e escurecimento das raízes. Camadas de células formadas nos pontos de inserção da raiz podem ter sido responsáveis pela queda das raízes. Estes resultados indicam que a alface da água apresenta potencial para bioindicação e fitorremediação de ambientes aquáticos contaminados com As.(AU)

Evaluation of the potential of Pistia stratiotes L. (water lettuce) for bioindication and phytoremediation of aquatic environments contaminated with arsenic.

Specimens of Pistia stratiotes were subjected to five concentrations of arsenic (As) for seven days. Growth, As absorption, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, photosynthetic pigments, enzymatic activities, amino acids content and anatomical changes were assessed. Plant arsenic accumulation increased with increasing metalloid in the solution, while growth rate and photosynthetic pigment content decreased. The MDA content increased, indicating oxidative stress. Enzymatic activity and amino acids content increased at the lower doses of As, subsequently declining in the higher concentrations. Chlorosis and necrosis were observed in the leaves. Leaves showed starch accumulation and increased thickness of the mesophyll. In the root system, there was a loss and darkening of roots. Cell layers formed at the insertion points on the root stems may have been responsible for the loss of roots. These results indicate that water lettuce shows potential for bioindication and phytoremediation of As-contaminated aquatic environments.

Influences of nutrition and metabo lism on fertility of dairy cows

During early postpartum, high-producing dairy cows undergo a period of extensive tissue catabolism because of negative nutrien t balance. Homeorrhetic controls assure that nutrients are partitioned to favor lactation at the same time that homeostasis secures survival. However, unrestrained metabolic disturbances often lead to diseases which, in turn, dramatically decrease both productive and reproductive performance. Negative nutrient balance ha s been associated with compromised immune and reproductive functions in dairy cows. Low circulating concentrations of glucose and insulin associated with elevated concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and ketone bodies postpartum have disruptive and detrimental effects on the oocyte, granulosa and immune cells. Negative nutrient balance is associated with changes in the pattern of ovarian follicle growth which can indirectly affect oocyte quality. Some of this disruption seems to be the result of endocrine and biochemical changes that alter the micro- environment of the growing and maturing oocyte. In addition, cows under negative nutrient balance have extended periods of anovulation. Postpartum anestrus, as well as infertility, is magnified by losses of body condition during the early postpartum period. The underlying mechanism for resumption of ovulatory cycles seems to be associated with metabolic signals and regulatory hormones primarily insulin and insulin- like growth factor (IGF)-1, which link nutritional status with gonadotropin secretion, recoupling of the growth hormone-IGF system, and follicle maturation and ovulation. Feeding diets th at promote increases in plasma glucose and insulin may improve the metabolic and endocrine status of cows in early lactation. Furthermore, fertility in postpartum cows is also determined by uterine health. Reductions in circulating concentrations of Ca and antioxidant vitamins around parturition are also linked with impaired immune competence and result in greater risk of uterine diseases that impair reproduction. Specific nutrients and dietary ingredients have been implicated to affect reproduction in cattle. Excess intake of dietary protein has been suggested as detrimental to fertility, although feeding excess of dietary protein can no longer be justified. Addition of moderate amounts of supplemental fat to the diet improves caloric intake, modulates prostaglandin F2  secretion by the uterus, affects ovarian dynamics, enhances luteal function and embryo quality, and has moderate positive effects on fertility. More specifically, some fatty acids might impact fertilization rate and embryo quality in dairy cows. On the contrary, some dietary ingredients, such as gossypol, when ingested in large quantities decrease fertility of dairy cows because of its negative effects on embryo quality and pregnancy maintenance.

Influences of nutrition and metabo lism on fertility of dairy cows

During early postpartum, high-producing dairy cows undergo a period of extensive tissue catabolism because of negative nutrien t balance. Homeorrhetic controls assure that nutrients are partitioned to favor lactation at the same time that homeostasis secures survival. However, unrestrained metabolic disturbances often lead to diseases which, in turn, dramatically decrease both productive and reproductive performance. Negative nutrient balance ha s been associated with compromised immune and reproductive functions in dairy cows. Low circulating concentrations of glucose and insulin associated with elevated concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and ketone bodies postpartum have disruptive and detrimental effects on the oocyte, granulosa and immune cells. Negative nutrient balance is associated with changes in the pattern of ovarian follicle growth which can indirectly affect oocyte quality. Some of this disruption seems to be the result of endocrine and biochemical changes that alter the micro- environment of the growing and maturing oocyte. In addition, cows under negative nutrient balance have extended periods of anovulation. Postpartum anestrus, as well as infertility, is magnified by losses of body condition during the early postpartum period. The underlying mechanism for resumption of ovulatory cycles seems to be associated with metabolic signals and regulatory hormones primarily insulin and insulin- like growth factor (IGF)-1, which link nutritional status with gonadotropin secretion, recoupling of the growth hormone-IGF system, and follicle maturation and ovulation. Feeding diets th at promote increases in plasma glucose and insulin may improve the metabolic and endocrine status of cows in early lactation. Furthermore, fertility in postpartum cows is also determined by uterine health. Reductions in circulating concentrations of Ca and antioxidant vitamins around parturition are also linked with impaired immune competence and result in greater risk of uterine diseases that impair reproduction. Specific nutrients and dietary ingredients have been implicated to affect reproduction in cattle. Excess intake of dietary protein has been suggested as detrimental to fertility, although feeding excess of dietary protein can no longer be justified. Addition of moderate amounts of supplemental fat to the diet improves caloric intake, modulates prostaglandin F2  secretion by the uterus, affects ovarian dynamics, enhances luteal function and embryo quality, and has moderate positive effects on fertility. More specifically, some fatty acids might impact fertilization rate and embryo quality in dairy cows. On the contrary, some dietary ingredients, such as gossypol, when ingested in large quantities decrease fertility of dairy cows because of its negative effects on embryo quality and pregnancy maintenance.(AU)

Surface activity of the triflate ion at the air/water interface and properties of N,N,N-trimethyl-N-dodecylammonium triflate aqueous solutions.

The surface activity of salts added to water is orders of magnitude lower than that of surfactants. Sodium trifluoromethanesulfonate (NaTf) produced a change in surface tension with concentration, Δγ/Δc, of -13.2 mN·L/m·mol. This value is ca. 4-fold larger than those of simple salts and that of methanesulfonate. This unexpected surface effect suggested that positively charged micelles containing Tf could exhibit interesting properties. Dodecyltrimethylammonium triflate (DTATf) had a higher Kraft temperature (37 °C) and a lower cmc (5 × 10(-3) M) and degree of dissociation (0.11) than the chloride and bromide salts of DTA. Above the Kraft temperature, at a characteristic temperature t(1), the addition of NaTf above 0.05 M to a DTATf solution induced phase separation. By increasing the temperature of the two-phase system to above t(1), a homogeneous, transparent solution was obtained at a characteristic temperature t(2). These results, together with well-known triflate properties, led us to suggest that the Tf ion pairs with DTA and that the -CF(3) group may be dehydrated in the interfacial region, resulting in new and interesting self-aggregated structures.

Simultaneous mode A and mode B echobiometry of senile cataractous eyes in dogs / Ecobiometria simultânea em modos A e B de olhos acometidos por catarata senil, em cães

The evaluation of lens by ultrasonography, previously to phacoemulsification, can offer relevant information, markedly such as aspects and dimensions, allowing design safer surgical strategies with enhanced outcomes. Within the contents of this research, the biometry was performed in lens of dogs with senile immature, mature, and diabetic cataracts, previously to phacoemulsification, using mode A and mode B ultrasonography, simultaneously. The values obtained for axial diameter of the eyes, anterior chamber, lens, and vitreous chamber were, respectively, 19.22mm, 2.35mm, 7.94mm, and 8.94mm. Diabetic cataractous lens were larger (8.90mm), compared to mature cataract (8.12mm). Lens with immature cataract were smaller in dimension than those with mature and diabetic cataracts.(AU)

A avaliação da lente pela ultrassonografia, previamente à facoemulsificação, pode fornecer informações relevantes, notadamente, quanto ao seu aspecto e dimensões, que permitem delinear estratégias cirúrgicas mais seguras e com melhores resultados. Nesta pesquisa, realizou-se a biometria da lente de cães acometidos por catarata senil imatura, madura ou diabética, previamente à facoemulsificação, valendo-se da ultrassonografia em modo A e B, simultaneamente. Os valores obtidos para o diâmetro axial do bulbo do olho, câmara anterior, lente e câmara vítrea foram, respectivamente, 19,22mm, 2,35mm, 7,94mm e 8,94mm. Lentes cataratogênicas pertencentes a animais diabéticos apresentaram dimensões maiores (8,90mm), comparativamente àquelas que apresentavam catarata madura (8,12mm). Lentes acometidas por catarata imatura apresentaram menor dimensão (7,06mm), comparativamente às demais.(AU)

Simultaneous mode A and mode B echobiometry of senile cataractous eyes in dogs / Ecobiometria simultânea em modos A e B de olhos acometidos por catarata senil, em cães

The evaluation of lens by ultrasonography, previously to phacoemulsification, can offer relevant information, markedly such as aspects and dimensions, allowing design safer surgical strategies with enhanced outcomes. Within the contents of this research, the biometry was performed in lens of dogs with senile immature, mature, and diabetic cataracts, previously to phacoemulsification, using mode A and mode B ultrasonography, simultaneously. The values obtained for axial diameter of the eyes, anterior chamber, lens, and vitreous chamber were, respectively, 19.22mm, 2.35mm, 7.94mm, and 8.94mm. Diabetic cataractous lens were larger (8.90mm), compared to mature cataract (8.12mm). Lens with immature cataract were smaller in dimension than those with mature and diabetic cataracts.

A avaliação da lente pela ultrassonografia, previamente à facoemulsificação, pode fornecer informações relevantes, notadamente, quanto ao seu aspecto e dimensões, que permitem delinear estratégias cirúrgicas mais seguras e com melhores resultados. Nesta pesquisa, realizou-se a biometria da lente de cães acometidos por catarata senil imatura, madura ou diabética, previamente à facoemulsificação, valendo-se da ultrassonografia em modo A e B, simultaneamente. Os valores obtidos para o diâmetro axial do bulbo do olho, câmara anterior, lente e câmara vítrea foram, respectivamente, 19,22mm, 2,35mm, 7,94mm e 8,94mm. Lentes cataratogênicas pertencentes a animais diabéticos apresentaram dimensões maiores (8,90mm), comparativamente àquelas que apresentavam catarata madura (8,12mm). Lentes acometidas por catarata imatura apresentaram menor dimensão (7,06mm), comparativamente às demais.

Monogenoidea (Dactylogyridae) em tilápias-do-nilo cultivadas sob diferentes densidades de estocagem em tanques-rede / Monogenoidea (Dactylogyridae) in Nile tilapia cultured under different stocking densities in cages

Avaliaram-se a prevalência e a intensidade de infecção por Monogenoidea em tilápias-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivadas sob diferentes densidades de estocagem em tanques-rede de 4m³. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos - densidades (D) de D1=250, D2=300, D3=350 e D4=400 peixes/m³, três repetições por tratamento, utilizando-se 360 peixes capturados e analisados no período de fevereiro a junho de 2003. Os parâmetros físico-químicos da água foram mensalmente monitorados. Observaram-se prevalências de 52,8; 62,5; 69,4; 83,3; 58,3 por cento e intensidade média parasitária de 112,8; 65,7; 274,0; 97,8; 100,2 de Dactylogyrus sp. (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae). Não houve relação da prevalência e intensidade de infecção com a densidade de cultivo, porém foi verificado efeito quadrático (P<0,05) da intensidade parasitária em função do mês. Verificaram-se maior intensidade média de infecção (274) e elevada prevalência (83,3 por cento) nos meses em que a temperatura e a transparência da água oscilaram abaixo dos limites recomendados para o conforto térmico e bem-estar das tilápias.(AU)

The prevalence and infection intensity of Monogenoidea in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivated under different stocking densities in 4m³ cages were evaluated. The experiment was designed in sample random sampling with four treatments - densities (D) of D1=250, D2=300, D3=350, and D4=400 fish/m³- and three repetitions, using 360 fish captured and analyzed during the period from February to June 2003. Physiochemical parameters of the water were monthly monitored. Prevalences of 52.8; 62.5; 69.4; 83.3; and 58.3 percent and parasitic mean intensities of 112.8; 65.7; 274.0; 97.8; and 100.2 Dactylogyrus sp. (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) were observed. No relationship between the prevalence and infection intensity with the cultivation density was found. However, quadratic effect was verified (P<0.05) related to the parasitic intensity in function of the month. High mean intensity of infection (274) and high prevalence (83.3 percent) were verified in the months in that the temperature and the transparency of the water oscillated below the recommended limits for the thermal comfort and well-being of tilapia.(AU)

Monogenoidea (Dactylogyridae) em tilápias-do-nilo cultivadas sob diferentes densidades de estocagem em tanques-rede / Monogenoidea (Dactylogyridae) in Nile tilapia cultured under different stocking densities in cages

Avaliaram-se a prevalência e a intensidade de infecção por Monogenoidea em tilápias-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivadas sob diferentes densidades de estocagem em tanques-rede de 4m³. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos - densidades (D) de D1=250, D2=300, D3=350 e D4=400 peixes/m³, três repetições por tratamento, utilizando-se 360 peixes capturados e analisados no período de fevereiro a junho de 2003. Os parâmetros físico-químicos da água foram mensalmente monitorados. Observaram-se prevalências de 52,8; 62,5; 69,4; 83,3; 58,3 por cento e intensidade média parasitária de 112,8; 65,7; 274,0; 97,8; 100,2 de Dactylogyrus sp. (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae). Não houve relação da prevalência e intensidade de infecção com a densidade de cultivo, porém foi verificado efeito quadrático (P<0,05) da intensidade parasitária em função do mês. Verificaram-se maior intensidade média de infecção (274) e elevada prevalência (83,3 por cento) nos meses em que a temperatura e a transparência da água oscilaram abaixo dos limites recomendados para o conforto térmico e bem-estar das tilápias.

The prevalence and infection intensity of Monogenoidea in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivated under different stocking densities in 4m³ cages were evaluated. The experiment was designed in sample random sampling with four treatments - densities (D) of D1=250, D2=300, D3=350, and D4=400 fish/m³- and three repetitions, using 360 fish captured and analyzed during the period from February to June 2003. Physiochemical parameters of the water were monthly monitored. Prevalences of 52.8; 62.5; 69.4; 83.3; and 58.3 percent and parasitic mean intensities of 112.8; 65.7; 274.0; 97.8; and 100.2 Dactylogyrus sp. (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) were observed. No relationship between the prevalence and infection intensity with the cultivation density was found. However, quadratic effect was verified (P<0.05) related to the parasitic intensity in function of the month. High mean intensity of infection (274) and high prevalence (83.3 percent) were verified in the months in that the temperature and the transparency of the water oscillated below the recommended limits for the thermal comfort and well-being of tilapia.

Evaluation of experimental vaccination of white pekin ducks (anas platyrhynchos) against newcastle disease

ABSTRACT This study aimed the characterization of the importance of vaccination against Newcastle disease of white Pekin duck (Anas platyrhynchos). There were used 120 Pekin ducks, distributed at random into 4 groups, vaccinated or not. At 60 days of age, all groups were challenged with a pathogenic virus (NDV) suspension, EID50 = 108.15/0.1 mL and a group of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) chicks were used as control of the virus. Cloacal and tracheal swabs from each bird were collected after 6, 14, 20 and 30 days post-challenge for viral isolation in SPF embryonated eggs. White Pekin ducks of all groups did not demonstrate symptoms of the Newcastle Disease (ND). They were refractory to the ND clinical disease. In Pekin ducks from control group, the viral isolation was obtained from 20 up to 30 days after challenge. The NDV isolation was possible in 100% of SPF chicks that died after challenge with ND clinical signs, suggesting the possible state of carrier of NDV by Pekin ducks. In vaccinated groups, the viral isolation was null. It was also demonstrated therefore the relevance of the vaccination to control the virus dissemination by white Pekin ducks infected with NDV.

RESUMO O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar a importância da vacinação de marrecos de Pequim (Anas platyrhynchos) contra a Doença de Newcastle (DN). Foram utilizados 120 marrecos, distribuídos aleatoriamente em 4 grupos, vacinados ou não. Aos 60 dias de idade, todos os grupos foram desafiados com uma suspensão de vírus patogênico (VDN), EID50 = 108,15/0,1 mL e um grupo de aves livres de patógenos específicos (SPF) foi utilizado como controle do vírus . Suabes cloacais e traqueais foram colhidos após 6, 14, 20 e 30 dias após o desafio para isolamento viral, realizado em ovos embrionados SPF. Os marrecos de Pequim de nenhum dos grupos demonstraram sinais clínicos da DN, mostrando-se refratários à doença clínica. Nos marrecos do grupo controle, o isolamento viral foi positivo de 20 até 30 dias após o desafio, sugerindo o possível estado de portador do VDN pelos marrecos de Pequim. Foi realizado o isolamento viral em 100% das aves SPF, que apresentaram sinais clínicos e vieram a óbito após o desafio com o VDN. Nos grupos vacinados, o isolamento do VDN foi nulo. Tais dados demonstraram a importância da vacinação para o controle da disseminação do vírus pelos marrecos de Pequim infectados pelo VDN.

Antigenic and genetic characterization of rabies viruses isolated from domestic and wild animals of Brazil identifies the hoary fox as a rabies reservoir.

Fifty Brazilian rabies viruses, collected from many different animal species and several regions of the country, were characterized by partial sequencing of the central, variable region of the P gene, a locus useful for sensitive molecular epidemiological studies. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences, which included comparison with other rabies strains recovered from throughout the Americas, identified three main groups of Brazilian viruses, arbitrarily designated BRL-1 to BRL-3. BRL-1 was found in terrestrial carnivores and clusters with other American strains of the cosmopolitan lineage. BRL-2 comprised two distinct isolates, recovered from two species of non-haematophagous bats, that had evolutionary links to insectivorous-bat-derived strains of North America. BRL-3 consisted of isolates from vampire bats and from livestock species probably infected via contact with vampire bats. The terrestrial group was further subdivided into three subtypes: BRL-1a was associated exclusively with dogs and cats, while BRL-1b and BRL-1c were found exclusively in hoary foxes. These observations strongly support the role of the Brazilian hoary fox as a rabies reservoir. Screening of representative Brazilian rabies viruses against a collection of anti-rabies monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) identified a small panel of mAbs that could be used to discriminate between all Brazilian subgroups as defined by genetic classification in this study.

Soroprevalência e fatores de risco para a leptospirose em cães de Campina Grande, Paraíba / Soroprevalence and risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs from Campina Grande, State of Paraíba, Brazil

Investigou-se a prevalência de leptospirose em cães da cidade de Campina Grande, PB, e realizou-se um estudo de fatores de risco para a infecção. Foram examinadas 285 amostras de soro sangüíneo de cães colhidas durante a campanha de vacinação anti-rábica animal, conduzida em setembro de 2003. O diagnóstico da leptospirose foi realizado pela técnica de soroaglutinação microscópica, utilizando-se uma coleção de 22 sorovares. Para a caracterização do sorovar mais provável, levou-se em conta a titulação e a freqüência. A prevalência encontrada foi de 21,4 (IC 95 = 16,8-26,6), com maior freqüência dos sorovares autumnalis (7,4), copenhageni (6) e canicola (2,1). A análise de regressão logística multivariada mostrou que os fatores de risco para a leptospirose foram: idade superior a um ano (odds ratio = 3,00; P = 0,006), raça não definida (odds ratio = 4,02; P = 0,011) e ocorrência de enchentes (odds ratio = 2,32; P = 0,039).

Soroprevalência e fatores de risco para a leptospirose em cães de Campina Grande, Paraíba / Soroprevalence and risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs from Campina Grande, State of Paraíba, Brazil

Investigou-se a prevalência de leptospirose em cães da cidade de Campina Grande, PB, e realizou-se um estudo de fatores de risco para a infecção. Foram examinadas 285 amostras de soro sangüíneo de cães colhidas durante a campanha de vacinação anti-rábica animal, conduzida em setembro de 2003. O diagnóstico da leptospirose foi realizado pela técnica de soroaglutinação microscópica, utilizando-se uma coleção de 22 sorovares. Para a caracterização do sorovar mais provável, levou-se em conta a titulação e a freqüência. A prevalência encontrada foi de 21,4% (IC 95% = 16,8%-26,6%), com maior freqüência dos sorovares autumnalis (7,4%), copenhageni (6%) e canicola (2,1%). A análise de regressão logística multivariada mostrou que os fatores de risco para a leptospirose foram: idade superior a um ano (odds ratio = 3,00; P = 0,006), raça não definida (odds ratio = 4,02; P = 0,011) e ocorrência de enchentes (odds ratio = 2,32; P = 0,039).

The prevalence of leptospirosis was investigated in dogs from Campina Grande city, State of Paraíba, Brazil, and the risk factors for infection were analyzed. Two hundred and eighty five blood samples were collected from dogs during the rabies vaccination campaign, in September 2003. The diagnostic method run for leptospirosis was the microscopic agglutination test, using a batch of 22 leptospiral serovars. The most prevalent serovar was found crossing the results of frequency and titer of agglutinins. The prevalence was 21.4% (95% CI = 16.8%-26.6%) and most frequent reactant serovars were autumnalis (7.4%), copenhageni (6%) and canicola (2.1%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for leptospirosis were: age older than one year (odds ratio = 3.00; P = 0.006), mixed breed (odds ratio = 4.02; P = 0.011) and occurrence of floods in the area (odds ratio = 2.32; P = 0.039).

Soroprevalência e fatores de risco para a leptospirose em cães de Campina Grande, Paraíba / Soroprevalence and risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs from Campina Grande, State of Paraíba, Brazil

Investigou-se a prevalência de leptospirose em cães da cidade de Campina Grande, PB, e realizou-se um estudo de fatores de risco para a infecção. Foram examinadas 285 amostras de soro sangüíneo de cães colhidas durante a campanha de vacinação anti-rábica animal, conduzida em setembro de 2003. O diagnóstico da leptospirose foi realizado pela técnica de soroaglutinação microscópica, utilizando-se uma coleção de 22 sorovares. Para a caracterização do sorovar mais provável, levou-se em conta a titulação e a freqüência. A prevalência encontrada foi de 21,4% (IC 95% = 16,8%-26,6%), com maior freqüência dos sorovares autumnalis (7,4%), copenhageni (6%) e canicola (2,1%). A análise de regressão logística multivariada mostrou que os fatores de risco para a leptospirose foram: idade superior a um ano (odds ratio = 3,00; P = 0,006), raça não definida (odds ratio = 4,02; P = 0,011) e ocorrência de enchentes (odds ratio = 2,32; P = 0,039).(AU)

The prevalence of leptospirosis was investigated in dogs from Campina Grande city, State of Paraíba, Brazil, and the risk factors for infection were analyzed. Two hundred and eighty five blood samples were collected from dogs during the rabies vaccination campaign, in September 2003. The diagnostic method run for leptospirosis was the microscopic agglutination test, using a batch of 22 leptospiral serovars. The most prevalent serovar was found crossing the results of frequency and titer of agglutinins. The prevalence was 21.4% (95% CI = 16.8%-26.6%) and most frequent reactant serovars were autumnalis (7.4%), copenhageni (6%) and canicola (2.1%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for leptospirosis were: age older than one year (odds ratio = 3.00; P = 0.006), mixed breed (odds ratio = 4.02; P = 0.011) and occurrence of floods in the area (odds ratio = 2.32; P = 0.039).(AU)

Tuberculose endobrónquica / Endobronchial tuberculosis. Case report

É apresentado um caso de tuberculose endobrônquica exuberante em paciente do sexo masculino, 29 anos, HIV negativo, sob os aspectos endoscópicos, após a instituiçäo de terapêutica específica. Tendo em vista a alta prevalência da tuberculose infecçäo/doença em nosso meio e as seqüelas em potencial desta forma de tuberculose, os autores enfatizam a importância do exame endoscópico do aparelho respiratório no diagnóstico, tratamento e acompanhamento das lesöes endobrônquicas