Novel bovine-associated pVAPN plasmid type in Rhodococcus equi identified from lymph nodes of slaughtered cattle and lungs of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Rhodococcus equi is a well-recognized Gram-positive intracellular facultative bacterium that is opportunistic in nature, which causes pyogranulomatous infections in humans and multiple host animals. The pathogenicity of the microorganism has been attributed to the presence of plasmid-encoded virulence-associated proteins (Vap). To date, three host-associated virulence plasmid types of R. equi have been identified as follows: the circular pVAPA and pVAPB, related, respectively, to equine and porcine isolates, and a recently described linear pVAPN plasmid associated with bovine strains, although these three types are found in human isolates. Recent phylogenomic studies support the evidence that human R. equi infection is zoonotically acquired. Nevertheless, data regarding distribution and prevalence of the host-adapted virulence plasmid types of R. equi isolated from meat animals are scarce or unnoticed. Here, the three host-associated virulence plasmid types (pVAPA, pVAPB, and pVAPN) were investigated in 154 R. equi isolates recovered from lymph nodes of cattle with lymphadenitis (n = 31), faeces of cattle without enteric signs (n = 49), as well as different clinical specimens from human patients (n = 74). The analysis of virulence profile of 74 R. equi from humans revealed six (8.1%) isolates pVAPB (type 8), two (2.7%) pVAPN, and one (1.3%) pVAPB (type 11), all of which were from lung samples from people living with HIV/AIDS. From the lymph node samples of cattle, 41.9% (13 of 31) isolates revealed pVAPN type, whereas all isolates from faecal samples were negative for three host-associated types. Here, recently described bovine-associated pVAPN type was detected in R. equi isolates recovered from the lungs of people living with HIV/AIDS and lymph nodes from slaughtered cattle intended for human consumption; a finding that represents a public health concern, mainly in countries where undercooked or raw meat are traditionally consumed.

Performance of microbiological, serological, molecular, and modified seminal plasma methods in the diagnosis of Brucella abortus in semen and serum of bovine bulls.

Brucellosis remains as a major infectious disease of domestic animals and is considered a re-emerging zoonosis in several countries. B. abortus infections in bulls are related to reproductive tract infections, although infected animals show transient serological titers or nonreactor status. Thus, diagnosis of bovine brucellosis based exclusively on serological tests probably underestimates B. abortus infections in bulls. In this scenario, three hundred thirty-five serum samples from reproductively mature bovine bulls were subjected simultaneously to standard serodiagnosis using the rose Bengal test (RBT), 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME), complement fixation (CFT), and fluorescence polarization assay (FPA). Furthermore, conventional semen plasma agglutination (SPA) and modified 2-ME, FC and, FPA were carried out in all bulls replaing serum by seminal plasma. Semen from all bulls was also analyzed for sperm viability, microbiological culture in Farrell media, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Only eight (2.38%) semen samples were considered improper for reproduction services (necrospermia and azoospermia), although none of these animals was positive in any of the diagnosis methods used. Five bulls (1.49%) were simultaneously positive in conventional RBT, 2-ME, SPA, modified 2-ME, microbiological culture in Farrell media, and in PCR for B. abortus strain 19. Two (1.67%) bulls were positive in PCR for B. abortus field strains and negative in all other tests, although semen was considered viable to reproduction service. The identification of B. abortus B19 strain in serum and semen of bulls occurred probably due to improper vaccination of males or infection by B19 strain shedding by vaccinated females that could to contaminated environment of farms. In addition, detection of B. abortus field strains only using PCR in bulls without sperm viability abnormalities indicate the need for including molecular methods to improve diagnosis of the disease in bovine bulls.

Molecular identification and thermoresistance to boiling of Nocardia farcinica and Nocardia cyriacigeorgica from bovine bulk tank milk

Two strains of Nocardia spp. were isolated from bovine milk of two individual bulk tank. Molecular identification classified the strains as Nocardia farcinica and Nocardia cyriacigeorgica. The thermorresistance to boiling of the isolates was carried out and was observed bacterial growth after boiling. Our findings indicate the potential risk of pathogen transmission to humans through contaminated milk with Nocardia spp.

Molecular identification and thermoresistance to boiling of Nocardia farcinica and Nocardia cyriacigeorgica from bovine bulk tank milk.

Two strains of Nocardia spp. were isolated from bovine milk of two individual bulk tank. Molecular identification classified the strains as Nocardia farcinica and Nocardia cyriacigeorgica. The thermorresistance to boiling of the isolates was carried out and was observed bacterial growth after boiling. Our findings indicate the potential risk of pathogen transmission to humans through contaminated milk with Nocardia spp.

Estudo dos métodos de rotina diagnóstica de mastite no leite de éguas / Study of routine diagnosis methods of mastitis in mares

Routine diagnosis methods used in bovine mastitis were studied in 55 mares in lactation. The findings of strip cup test, California Mastitis Test-CMT, electronic somatic cell count-CCS, microbiological culture, and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility profile of isolates were discussed. Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp, and enterobacteria were the most common microorganisms isolated in health and CMT-positive mammary glands. Staphylococcus aureus and Arcanobacterium pyogenes were identified in two mares presenting clinical mastitis. Mean somatic cell count of eight mares without presence of microorganisms in milk was 247.57x10³/mL and 1.621,86x10³/mL in 47 mares with positive microbiological culture. Moderate concordance (63.8 percent) between positive reactions in CMT (1 to 3+) and microbiological culture was observed. Amicacin (78.9 percent), ceftiofur (74.7 percent), sulpha-trimetoprim (69,0 percent) and norfloxacin (69.0 percent), were the most effective drugs, while resistance of isolates was mainly observed against penicillin (64.8 percent), gentamycin (35.2 percent), azithromycin (35.2 percent), enrofloxacin (28.2 percent), and florfenicol (28.2 percent).

Surto de mastite bovina causada por Arcanobacterium pyogenes / Outbreak of bovine mastitis caused by Arcanobacterium pyogenes

An uncommon outbreak of mastitis caused by Arcanobacterium pyogenes in 26 cows is reported. The epidemiological findings, clinical signs, microbiological exams, somatic cell count, in vitro susceptibility profile of strains, efficacy of intramammary treatment and control measures were discussed. Florfenicol (96.2 percent), cefoperazona (92.3 percent), cefaloxin (84.6 percent) and ceftiofur (84.6 percent) were the most effective antimicrobials, and neomicin (27.0 percent) and enrofloxacin (17.4 percent) the least effective antimicrobials.

Mastite bovina por Pasteurella multocida: estudo de nove casos / Bovine mastitis by Pasteurella multocida: a study of nine cases

The uncommon occurrence of bovine mastitis by Pasteurella multocida is reported in nine cows. Mammary pasteurellosis was predominantly diagnosed predominantly in clinical cases, in dairy cows milked in the presence of calves. Low interference of immunosuppressive or predispose factors and absence of pulmonary signs were observed in animals. In vitro multiple drug resistance of isolates was observed to three or more conventional antimicrobials, especially with use of tetracycline and gentamicin. Epidemiologic findings, clinical signs, and antimicrobial profile were discussed in nine cases of bovine mastitis caused by P. multocida.

Peracute bovine mastitis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae / Mastite bovina hiperaguda causada por Klebsiella pneumoniae

Relata-se a ocorrência de graves sintomas de mastite hiperaguda em vaca, causada por Klebsiella pneumoniae, na terceira semana de lactação. Descrevem-se aspectos epidemiológicos, sintomas clínicos, procedimentos de diagnóstico microbiológico, conduta terapêutica e medidas de controle.

Diprosopia em bovino / Bovine diprosopus

This work describes a malformation in one newborn female bovine, with two faces and two skull fused, showing one single head. Duplications of the nasal and oral structures, tetraofthalmy, two brains, one single cerebellum, and pons were observed. The right thyroid was hypertrophic and the other organs had normal morphology. Every change observed in this case was compatibles with diprosopus.

Achievement of spermatogenesis and genital tract maturation in hypogonadotropic hypogonadic subjects during long term treatment with gonadotropins or LHRH.

15 subjects with Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (HH) were treated with either gonadotropins (13 cases) or pulsatile subcutaneous Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) (2 cases) for up to 42 months, to study the effects of therapy step by step. The following results were obtained: (A) In postpubertal HH (5 cases = Group A), therapy brought about onset of spermatogenesis within 3 months and its normalization within 6 months. In HH of prepubertal onset (10 cases = Group B), spermatogenesis started within 9 to 21 months and became normal in only 3 cases after at least 18 months. The best sperm counts were obtained in Group A in the third month of treatment (41.75 +/- 43.68 mil./ml) and in Group B in the 36th month (14.87 +/- 17.06 mil./ml). Sperm motility was normal in the majority of the cases in Group A from the beginning but did not become normal in Group B. (B) Seminal fructose and zinc were normal from the beginning of therapy in 66% of the cases in both groups. Zinc became normal in 100% within 3 months in Group A, in Group B within 18. Carnitine was normal in 50% of cases in both groups, contemporaneous with sperm appearance. Transferrin was normal in Group A after appearance of spermatozoa, but in Group B never became normal. (C) We hypothesize that the recovery of fertility passes through the following stages: (1) Functional recovery of Leydig cells, followed by seminal vesicles and prostate. (2) Recovery of epididymal function, which probably implies beginning of the tubular function. Recovery of Sertoli cell function occurs with more difficulty.

[Pulsatile treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)]. / La terapia pulsatile con Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

The different ways of administration condition the frequency of the pulsatile GnRH, because of the different rate of depot. High frequencies (60-90/min) can be reached only with the intravenous route which is suitable for ovulation induction: ovulation is reached in 73-92% of women affected by hypothalamic amenorrhoea and in 41-51% of women affected by polycystic ovarian syndrome (previously suppressed with buserelin); overstimulation risk is lesser than during therapy with gonadotropins. Subcutaneous route is suitable for puberty induction which needs long-term treatment (18-24 months); the results are generally good, except in hypopituitaric patients. Intranasally route needs frequencies greater than 150-180 min: low frequencies administration (3 times/day) is sufficient to treat cryptorchidism and to reach good results (30-70%); moreover intranasally route can be useful to maintain the results reached with long term therapy with LHRH or gonadotropins.

[Treatment of male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism]. / La terapia dell'ipogonadismo ipogonadotropo maschile.

Males affected by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism can be treated with androgen replacement therapy, if they do not wish fertility. In order to limit or avoid androgen toxicity on the liver, it is possible to use testosterone undecanoate (which is absorbed in the gut by lymphatic system) at the dose of 160-240 mg/die or testosterone esters administered intramuscolarly at the dose of 250 mg/month. Estradiol and DHT derived from testosterone catabolism can be in excess therefore they can be provoke toxic phenomena, even if slight, such as gynecomastia or prostatic diseases. If patients wish fertility, they must be treated with gonadotropins or pulsatile LHRH. Therapeutic effects are very different depending on the different origin of the hypogonadism. In postpubertal onset hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, the response is constant and rapid; sperm count normalization can be reached within 6 months with the only hCG. Prepubertal onset hypogonadotropic hypogonadal men need hu-FSH too and longer treatment (18-24 months); sperm count normalization can be reached in less than half case. Nevertheless fertility can be reached even in oligozoospermic stage. Negative prognostic factors are: pan-hypopituitarism, cryptorchidism, how old are the patients at the beginning of the treatment and small testis volume. It is not yet clear if pulsatile LHRH therapy is profitable in terms of therapeutic results.