Detection of Leptospira interrogans in Wild Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor), Brazil.

Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Wild animals may present acute disease or become chronic hosts. The present study aimed to identify Leptospira spp. infection and determine circulating serogroups in free-ranging sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) in a fragment of peri-urban tropical forest in northeastern Brazil. Blood samples were collected and subjected to microscopic agglutination testing (MAT) and PCR analysis (genes lipL32 and secY). Anti-Leptospira antibodies were detected in 60% of the animals tested, with serogroups Cynopteri (33.4%), Hebdomadis (22.2%) and Grippotyphosa (22.2%) identified as most prevalent. DNA corresponding to the pathogenic species Leptospira interrogans was detected in 2/15 (13.3%) of the samples tested. Sambar deer experience a high level of exposure to Leptospira spp. in our epidemiological setting. It is important to emphasize the implementation of effective measures (i.e., maintaining habitats and reducing human contact) for the conservation of endangered species.

Multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis of acute leptospirosis in dogs naturally infected by Leptospira interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae: A prospective study.

Leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution, is caused by spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. In dogs, this disease is frequently misdiagnosed. Few studies have attempted to associate the detection of Leptospira spp. infection with clinicopathological and renal histopathological findings using a multidisciplinary approach. The present study isolated and characterized Leptospira spp. obtained from naturally infected dogs and described relevant clinical and histopathological findings. Blood and urine were collected from 57 dogs with clinical symptomatology suggestive of leptospirosis; 38 cases were confirmed by PCR in urine or by culture or microscopic agglutination testing (titers ≥800). A total of 12 strains of pathogenic Leptospira were isolated from the studied dogs (seven in blood, four in urine and one in both blood and urine samples). All isolates were characterized as Leptospira interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae. Of the confirmed cases, almost one-third of the animals had been vaccinated. Our analysis of laboratory testing revealed that azotemia and proteinuria were statistically significant predictors of infection. The main histopathological findings seen in kidney tissues were necrosis, degeneration, tubular regeneration, mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate and congestion. A multidisciplinary approach involving clinicopathological and histopathological characterization of renal involvement can aid in the identification of acute leptospirosis infection.

Unusual case of polyarthritis and hepatorenal syndrome associated with Leptospira interrogans infection in a dog: A case report.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by spirochetal bacterial of the genus Leptospira affecting virtually all mammals. The infection has a broad range of effects, from mild clinical manifestation to multiple organ failure, and ultimately death. A 5-months-old male unvaccinated dog was admitted to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital presenting dullness, dehydration, jaundiced mucous, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and hyporexia. Microscopic agglutination test (MAT) detected serological titers of 1:1.600 for serogroup Canicola. After five days of monitoring by the medical team he developed fever and swelling of carpal and tarsal joints, accompanied by functional limitation. Initial antimicrobial treatment was instituted for leptospirosis. Polyarthritis responsiveness to glucocorticoid therapy was observed through decreasing signs of inflammation of the affected joints. The diagnosis of leptospirosis was further confirmed by molecular investigation for Leptospira spp. on blood and synovial fluid samples. Amplification and sequencing of the secY partial gene characterized the infective bacterial as Leptospira interrogans. From the 7th day the respiratory condition worsened and on Day 14 the patient evolved to death, when necropsy and histological evaluation were performed. Prominent anatomopathological findings included: fibrinous polyarthritis, bronchointerstitial pneumonia, intense hepatocyte dissociation, cholestasis, and periportal multifocal hepatitis, diffuse acute tubular necrosis, and significant dystrophic mineralization in the renal parenchyma, lungs, and atrial endocardium. Here, we present a case report of systemic clinical manifestations polyarthritis associated with the presence of leptospiras in the synovial fluid. We highlight the need for richer knowledge about the different clinical manifestations of leptospirosis.

Serological survey of leptospirosis, brucellosis, and lentivirus in herds of small ruminants in Recôncavo Baiano, Bahia, Brazil / Inquérito sorológico de leptospirose, brucelose e lentiviroses em rebanhos de pequenos ruminantes no Recôncavo Baiano, Bahia, Brasil

A serological survey was carried out to assess the frequency of leptospirosis, small ruminants lentivirus (SRLV), and brucellosis in small ruminant herds in the Recôncavo Baiano, State of Bahia, Brazil, from February to December 2017. In four goat herds, 125 animals were tested for SRLV and leptospirosis, while in five sheep herds, 378 animals were tested for leptospirosis, brucellosis, and SRLV. Regarding leptospirosis, MAT detected 80% of goats and 15.34% of sheep seroreactive. Reactivity was most frequent to serogroups Autumnalis and Grippotyphosa in goats and sheep, respectively. Regarding SRLV, 8.8% of goats and 0.79% of sheep were reactive. Search for anti-B. ovis antibodies revealed 0.52% reactivity. In sheep, three animals showed simultaneous seroreactivity for SRLV and leptospirosis, while one animal had a serological response for brucellosis and leptospirosis. In goats, simultaneous seroreactivity for SRLV and leptospirosis was observed in only one animal. Leptospirosis was the most frequent of the three infectious diseases in investigated herds.(AU)

Foi realizado um inquérito sorológico para avaliar a frequência de ocorrência de leptospirose, lentiviroses de pequenos ruminantes (LVPR) e brucelose em rebanhos de pequenos ruminantes no Recôncavo Baiano, estado da Bahia, Brasil, no período de fevereiro a dezembro de 2017. Em quatro rebanhos de caprinos, foram testados 125 animais para LVPR e leptospirose, enquanto em cinco rebanhos de ovinos, foram testados 378 animais para leptospirose, brucelose e LVPR. Em relação à leptospirose, 80% das cabras e 15,34% das ovelhas foram sororreativas. Os sorogrupos de Leptospira spp. predominantes foram Autumnalis e Grippotyphosa para caprinos e ovinos, respectivamente. Em relação as LVPR, 8,8% dos caprinos e 0,79% dos ovinos foram reativos. Adicionalmente, a pesquisa de anticorpos Anti-B. ovis revelou 0,52% de ovinos reativos. Em ovinos, três animais apresentaram sororreatividade simultânea para LVPR e leptospirose, enquanto um animal teve resposta sorológica para brucelose e leptospirose. Em caprinos, sororreatividade simultânea para LVPR e leptospirose foi observada em apenas um animal. A leptospirose foi a doença infecciosa mais frequente nos rebanhos investigados.(AU)

Detection of Leptospira spp. in Captive Broad-Snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris).

Leptospira sp. is an important waterborne zoonotic bacterium, known to cause infection in animals and humans worldwide. The role of reptiles in the transmission of this microorganism is poorly understood and historically neglected. This study aimed to investigate the presence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies and leptospiral DNA in captive Caiman latirostris (broad-snouted caiman). Of the 23 reptiles studied by microscopic agglutination test (MAT), 22/23 (95.65%) were considered reactive (titers ≥ 100) and 1/23 (4.35%) non-reactive (titer < 100). The serogroup with highest occurrence was Grippotyphosa (68.18%, n = 15/22) followed by serogroup Djasiman (18.18%, n = 4/22). Specific amplification of Leptospira spp. gene lipL32 was observed in six (26.09%, n = 6/23) blood samples. Five of six samples, previously detected as pathogenic leptospira by PCR, were amplified and sequenced. All the samples corresponded to the pathogenic species Leptospira interrogans (presented 100% of identity) using the PCR targeting to secY gene. We demonstrated high detection of DNA of L. interrogans in crocodilians, and the authors suggest that further research is needed to elucidate the impact of Leptospira spp. infection in health broad-snouted caimans as well as the pathophysiology of leptospirosis in crocodilians.

Investigation of chronic infection by Leptospira spp. in asymptomatic sheep slaughtered in slaughterhouse.

The study aimed to evaluate the histopathological characteristics of renal lesions in chronically infected sheep and with low titers of anti-Leptospira antibodies from a slaughterhouse. In the serological analysis, 24.74% (48/194) presented seroreactivity with a titer equal to or greater than 100. Among these seroreactive sheep, titers of 100 were predominant (58.33%, 28/48), with the highest titer being 1,600 (2.08%, 1/48). Serogroup Sejroe (sv. Hardjo) was the most frequent at 35.42% (17/48). Leptospiral DNA was verified in 4.12% (8/194) of the kidney samples tested, and no urine sample was positive. All the samples corresponded to the pathogenic species L. interrogans. The eight amplicons with 202-nucleotides were identical with two mismatches (presented 100% of identity) using the PCR targeting to secY gene. Histological sections of PCR-positive kidneys were submitted to direct detection by the anti-LipL32 immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique. The Leptospira spp. antigen was evident in 62.5% (5/8) of the kidneys. Positive staining was observed in the cytoplasm of tubular cells and in the form of brownish aggregates that adhered to tubular epithelial cells and projected into the lumen. Inflammatory lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, ranging from mild to moderate, with multifocal distribution, was the predominant finding in seroreactive animals (33.33%, 16/48). The demonstration of the leptospiral antigen lining the renal tubules through IHC of naturally infected sheep confirmed by PCR characterizes renal colonization in a species with the presence of histological changes compatible with leptospirosis.

CONJUNCTIVAL BACTERIAL FLORA, ANTIBIOGRAM, AND LACRIMAL PRODUCTION TESTS OF COLLARED ANTEATER (TAMANDUA TETRADACTYLA).

The collared anteater ( Tamandua tetradactyla ) is adapted to a variety of habitats. It is a solitary species for which no reference values for ophthalmic tests have been established. Eight animals ranging from 1 to 4 yr of age, two males and six females, were manually restrained for assessment. Ophthalmic tests included evaluation of tear production by Schirmer tear test 1 (STT1), endodontic absorbent paper point tear test (EAPPTT), palpebral fissure length (PFL), culture of the conjunctival bacterial flora, and antimicrobial susceptibility test. Median ± semi-interquartile range (S-IQR) STT1, EAPPTT, and PFL were 8.50 ± 4.13 mm/min, 14.13 ± 3.24 mm/min, and 15.91 ± 2.51 mm, respectively. Bacterial growth was present in 100% of the samples, with predominance of Gram-positive bacteria (70.27%). Staphylococcus spp. was the most frequently isolated genus. Antimicrobial susceptibility test showed sensitivity of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus spp. to neomycin, tobramycin, and gentamicin. The results in this study can benefit the determination of reference values for different diagnostic techniques, and may be used as a guide for diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases in collared anteaters.

Aplicação de um programa integrado de controle da leptospiroseem eqüinos no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Application of an integrated program of leptospirosis control in horsesfrom Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Um plantel localizado na região serrana do Rio de Janeiro com 140 éguas e oito garanhões foi estudado em março de 2006.Realizou-se sorodiagnóstico para leptospirose de todos os animais do plantel e 82 (55,4%) foram soropositivos.O serovar.Bratislava foi o mais freqüente e identificado em 72 (87,8%) amostras reativas. Diante dos achados, um amplo programa decontrole da infecção foi elaborado, incluindo abordagens vacinais, medicamentosas e epidemiológicas. Doze meses após aimplementação do programa de controle (maio de 2007) constatou-se redução no índice de abortamento de 12% para 4%,morte embrionária de 10% para 2% e morte neonatal de 8% para 1%, totalizando 7% de prejuízos reprodutivos, perante 30%observados antes da implementação do programa de controle. Nesta ocasião, selecionaram-se randomicamente 31 fêmeaspara testagem sorológica. Onze animais (35,48%) apresentaram sororreatividade, a maioria com baixos títulos. Em relação àdistribuição do serovar infectante, sv. Bratislava foi ainda o mais freqüente. Desta forma, conclui-se que a ampla abordagem,incluindo simultaneamente a vacinação, antibioticoterapia e a administração de alguns aspectos ambientais foi imprescindívelpara o sucesso no controle da enfermidade neste rebanho.

A flock from Rio de Janeiro with 140 mares and eight stallions was studied in March, 2006. Serodiagnosis for leptospirosis wasperformed in all the animals and 82 (55.4%) were seroreactive. The serovar Bratislava was the most frequent, in 72 (87.8%) ofthe reactive samples. Considering those findings a broad control program of the disease was applied, including vaccines,antibiotics and epidemiological measures. Twelve months after the beginning of the program (May, 2007) abortion reduced from12% to 4%, embryonic death from 10% to 2% and neonatal death from 8% to 1%, with total reproductive losses decreasing from30% to 7%. In this moment, 31 mares were randomly tested and eleven (35.48%) were seroreactive, most of them with low titres.Bratislava was still the most frequent serovar. Therefore, we conclude that the broad approach of the control program, whichincluded vaccines, antibiotics and correction of some environmental aspects was mandatory for the efficacy of the diseasecontrol.

Freqüência de diarréia em bezerros mestiços sob diferentes condições de manejo na região do médio Paraíba - Rio de Janeiro e Minas Gerais / Frequency of diarrhea in dairy calves submitted to different breeding conditions in the border of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais states, Brazil

As principais doenças que acometem bezerros e acarretam maiores gastos com medicação e perdas por mortalidade, são diarréia, tristeza parasitária e pneumonia. Em geral, estas enfermidades estão relacionadas ao manejo inadequado e precárias condições de higiene alimentar e ambiental. O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido visando verificar a freqüência de diarréia em bezerros mestiços submetidos a diferentes condições de manejo. O levantamento foi efetuado de agosto de 1998 a julho de 1999, envolvendo 1974 bezerros em 20 Unidades de Produção de Leite C, localizadas no Vale do Rio Preto, entre Valença (RJ), Rio das Flores (RJ) e Rio Preto (MG). A freqüência de casos de diarréia em relação a diferentes aspectos de manejo evidenciou menor ocorrência de diarréia entre os bezerros que permaneceram com a mãe após o parto por pelo menos 24 horas, nas unidades de produção que utilizaram o sistema de aleitamento natural e naquelas propriedades em que os bezerros receberam alimentação suplementar na forma de volumoso picado e concentrado fornecidos no cocho. Em geral, estas propriedades apresentaram em relação às demais, menos vacas em lactação, menor produção de leite e mão de obra do tipo familiar, que podem ter resultado em maior controle das medidas de higiene além de mais atenção e cuidados por parte dos criadores

The main diseases affecting calves, and consequently, representing economic losses with treatment and mortality losses are diarrhea, tick borne diseases and pneumonia. In general, these diseases are related to poor environmental conditions and food hygiene, plus inadequate management. The present work aimed at estimate the frequency of diarrhea in dairy milk calves submitted to different breeding conditions. Twenty dairy milk type C farms, located at the cities of Valença, Rio das Flores (RJ) and Rio Preto (MG), were visited from August of 1998 to July of 1999 and 1974 calves were examined. Statistical analysis of diarrhea frequency showed that the lowest occurrence of diarrhea was achieved in the following situations: to let the calves stayed with their mothers after born for at least 24 hours after delivery, use of natural milk feeding and also, to allow the calves to receive supplemental feeding. In general, these farms presented lower cows in lactation, lower milk production and familiar management, which contribute to higher levels of care