Ecology and spatial distribution of sand fly species in low endemic areas for American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in the municipality of Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Due to the fundamental role that sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) have in Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) transmission, the objective of this study was to evaluate the ecology and spatial distribution of species circulating in the municipality of Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 17 371 specimens were collected between August 2016 and July 2017, and five species were identified: Nyssomyia intermedia (Lutz & Neiva, 1912), Migonemyia migonei (França, 1920), Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939), Pintomyia pessoai (Coutinho & Barretto, 1940), and Pintomyia fischeri (Pinto, 1926). In relation to the number of sand flies collected, we observed a significant difference between rural and periurban areas and between the neighbourhoods. We observed that N. intermedia has a relatively greater adaptation to the peridomiciliary environment. This is the first report of Pi. pessoai and Pi. fischeri (only females) in Seropédica as well as the first record of the frequency of phlebotomine species focusing on some ecological indices and the spatial distribution of sand flies. The results presented here aimed to provide an insight into the spatial population dynamics of phlebotomine species in low endemic areas of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) in Seropédica, highlighting important areas for entomological surveillance.

Prevalence of Endoparasites in Urban Stray Dogs from Brazil Diagnosed with Leishmania, with Potential for Human Zoonoses.

BACKGROUND: In tropical environments, abandoned animals can be an important source for human zoonotic infections, such as human visceral leishmaniasis and other vector-borne diseases. Here, we report the frequency of protozoan and helminth intestinal parasites in stray dogs, which might have an implication for human health in urban Brazilian settings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed necropsies on 93 animals, euthanized due to canine visceral leishmaniasis control program, and examined their intestines looking for the presence of helminths; we determined the parasite load, and the elimination of eggs and cysts of protozoan parasites in fecal samples. Further, we performed serology tests for the detection of specific antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. RESULTS: Overall, a high prevalence of intestinal parasites with potential for human zoonoses resulted and only 8.6% of examined intestines remained negative. The most prevalent helminths were Ancylostoma caninum and Dipylidium caninum. For nematodes, high worm burdens were detected for A. caninum and Trichuris vulpis. Additionally, we analyzed worm burdens and quantitative stool examinations, but found no significant association between positive serology for Leishmania infection and intestinal parasite burden. Interestingly, serology for T. gondii infection revealed a prevalence of 33.3% and a positive result was significantly associated with a higher A. caninum adult worm recovery (p = 0.0087). CONCLUSION: Our results showed stray dogs living in urban areas are heavily parasitized, which presents a potential risk for humans. Beyond the control of canine visceral leishmaniasis, we propose an improvement of the control program to reduce the risk for other parasitic diseases in dogs and humans.

An Outbreak of Intestinal Obstruction by Ascaridia Galli in Broilers in Minas Gerais

Industrial broilers raised on helminthic medication-free feed were diagnosed with a severe disease caused by Ascaridia galli, characterized by intestinal hemorrhage and obstruction. A. galli was identified based on the morphological features of the nematode. Broilers were raised for a longer period (63 days) for weight recovery, grouped as stunted (n=500), had low body score and had fetid diarrhea. The duodenum-jejunum segment was the most severely affected with obstruction and had localized accumulation of gas. The intestinal mucosa was severely congested with petechial and suffusive hemorrhages. The outbreak resulted in morbidity of about 10% and mortality of up to 4% and was associated to the absence of preventive medication on feed and slack biosecurity. The reemergence of A. galli is discussed in view of the alternative poultry management and raising conditions for drug free and welfare.(AU)

An Outbreak of Intestinal Obstruction by Ascaridia Galli in Broilers in Minas Gerais

Industrial broilers raised on helminthic medication-free feed were diagnosed with a severe disease caused by Ascaridia galli, characterized by intestinal hemorrhage and obstruction. A. galli was identified based on the morphological features of the nematode. Broilers were raised for a longer period (63 days) for weight recovery, grouped as stunted (n=500), had low body score and had fetid diarrhea. The duodenum-jejunum segment was the most severely affected with obstruction and had localized accumulation of gas. The intestinal mucosa was severely congested with petechial and suffusive hemorrhages. The outbreak resulted in morbidity of about 10% and mortality of up to 4% and was associated to the absence of preventive medication on feed and slack biosecurity. The reemergence of A. galli is discussed in view of the alternative poultry management and raising conditions for drug free and welfare.

Nitric oxide and immune response in infection control of Caseous Lymphadenitis / Óxido nítrico e resposta imune no controle de infecção da Linfadenite Caseosa

This study aimed to evaluate aspects of host immune response using an experimental infection model of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (CP) in C57/Black6 wild-type and knockout for nitric oxide (KO-NO) mice. 28 mice were evaluated: 4 wild-type controls; 10 wild-type infected with CP; 4 KO-NO controls; 10 KO-NO infected with CP. Infection procedures were carried out by intraperitoneal inoculation using 107. Infected C57/Black6 KO-NO mice began to die after the 5° day post-inoculation, up until the 14º day. Neutrophils were found in increased numbers in the infiltrate of KO-NO murine peritoneal cavities. Examination of splenic tissue revealed an accumulation of lymphocytes, predominantly CD8 T-cells, in experimental animal groups. KO-NO animals were found to have a predominance of granulomas 7 days post-inoculation, primarily in the lymph nodes. In addition, greater amounts of bacteria were recovered from the mesenteric lymph nodes of KO-NO mice. There was no statistically significant difference in the levels of total IgG and its subclasses 14 days post-inoculation between KO-NO and wild groups. The results suggest the importance of nitric oxide in the process of controlling CP infection, as KO-NO animals were observed to be markedly more affected by infection with this bacterium.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os aspectos da resposta imune do hospedeiro, mediante o uso de um modelo experimental de infecção de Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (CP) em camundongos C57/Black6 do tipo selvagem e em C57/Black6 knockout para o óxido nítrico (KO-NO). Foram avaliados 28 camundongos: quatro controles de tipo selvagem; 10 do tipo selvagem infectados com CP; quatro controles KO-NO; e 10 KO-NO infectados com CP. A infecção foi realizada via intraperitoneal, usando-se 107. Os animais C57/Black6 KO-NO infectados começaram a vir a óbito no quinto dia pós-inoculação, o que aconteceu até o 14º dia. Um número maior de neutrófilos foi encontrado na sua cavidade peritoneal. O exame do baço revelou um acúmulo de linfócitos, predominantemente células T CD8, nos grupos de animais experimentais. Nos animais KO-NO, foi observada a presença de granulomas, sete dias pós-inoculação, principalmente nos gânglios linfáticos. Além disso, uma maior quantidade de bactérias foi detectada dos linfonodos mesentéricos desses animais. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante nos níveis séricos IgG total e em suas subclasses aos 14 dias pós-inoculação nos grupos KO-NO e selvagem. Os resultados obtidos sugerem a importância do óxido nítrico no processo de controle da infecção por CP.(AU)

Nitric oxide and immune response in infection control of Caseous Lymphadenitis / Óxido nítrico e resposta imune no controle de infecção da Linfadenite Caseosa

This study aimed to evaluate aspects of host immune response using an experimental infection model of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (CP) in C57/Black6 wild-type and knockout for nitric oxide (KO-NO) mice. 28 mice were evaluated: 4 wild-type controls; 10 wild-type infected with CP; 4 KO-NO controls; 10 KO-NO infected with CP. Infection procedures were carried out by intraperitoneal inoculation using 107. Infected C57/Black6 KO-NO mice began to die after the 5° day post-inoculation, up until the 14º day. Neutrophils were found in increased numbers in the infiltrate of KO-NO murine peritoneal cavities. Examination of splenic tissue revealed an accumulation of lymphocytes, predominantly CD8 T-cells, in experimental animal groups. KO-NO animals were found to have a predominance of granulomas 7 days post-inoculation, primarily in the lymph nodes. In addition, greater amounts of bacteria were recovered from the mesenteric lymph nodes of KO-NO mice. There was no statistically significant difference in the levels of total IgG and its subclasses 14 days post-inoculation between KO-NO and wild groups. The results suggest the importance of nitric oxide in the process of controlling CP infection, as KO-NO animals were observed to be markedly more affected by infection with this bacterium.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os aspectos da resposta imune do hospedeiro, mediante o uso de um modelo experimental de infecção de Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (CP) em camundongos C57/Black6 do tipo selvagem e em C57/Black6 knockout para o óxido nítrico (KO-NO). Foram avaliados 28 camundongos: quatro controles de tipo selvagem; 10 do tipo selvagem infectados com CP; quatro controles KO-NO; e 10 KO-NO infectados com CP. A infecção foi realizada via intraperitoneal, usando-se 107. Os animais C57/Black6 KO-NO infectados começaram a vir a óbito no quinto dia pós-inoculação, o que aconteceu até o 14º dia. Um número maior de neutrófilos foi encontrado na sua cavidade peritoneal. O exame do baço revelou um acúmulo de linfócitos, predominantemente células T CD8, nos grupos de animais experimentais. Nos animais KO-NO, foi observada a presença de granulomas, sete dias pós-inoculação, principalmente nos gânglios linfáticos. Além disso, uma maior quantidade de bactérias foi detectada dos linfonodos mesentéricos desses animais. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante nos níveis séricos IgG total e em suas subclasses aos 14 dias pós-inoculação nos grupos KO-NO e selvagem. Os resultados obtidos sugerem a importância do óxido nítrico no processo de controle da infecção por CP.(AU)

Risk factors for gastrointestinal parasite infections of dogs living around protected areas of the Atlantic Forest: implications for human and wildlife health / Fatores de risco para infecções parasitárias gastrointestinais em cães do entorno de áreas protegidas da Mata Atlântica: implicações para a saúde humana e da vida selvagem

Despite the ubiquity of domestic dogs, their role as zoonotic reservoirs and the large number of studies concerning parasites in urban dogs, rural areas in Brazil, especially those at the wildlife-domestic animal-human interface, have received little attention from scientists and public health managers. This paper reports a cross-sectional epidemiological survey of gastrointestinal parasites of rural dogs living in farms around Atlantic Forest fragments. Through standard parasitological methods (flotation and sedimentation), 13 parasite taxa (11 helminths and two protozoans) were found in feces samples from dogs. The most prevalent were the nematode Ancylostoma (47%) followed by Toxocara (18%) and Trichuris (8%). Other less prevalent ( < 2%) parasites found were Capillaria, Ascaridia, Spirocerca, Taeniidae, Acantocephala, Ascaris, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris, and the protozoans Cystoisospora and Eimeria. Mixed infections were found in 36% of samples, mostly by Ancylostoma and Toxocara. Previous deworming had no association with infections, meaning that this preventive measure is being incorrectly performed by owners. Regarding risk factors, dogs younger than one year were more likely to be infected with Toxocara, and purebred dogs with Trichuris. The number of cats in the households was positively associated with Trichuris infection, while male dogs and low body scores were associated with mixed infections. The lack of associations with dog free-ranging behavior and access to forest or villages indicates that infections are mostly acquired around the households. The results highlight the risk of zoonotic and wildlife parasite infections from dogs and the need for monitoring and controlling parasites of domestic animals in human-wildlife interface areas.(AU)

Apesar da ubiquidade dos cães domésticos, de seu papel como reservatório de doenças, e do grande número de estudos sobre parasitas de cães urbanos, as áreas rurais no Brasil, especialmente aquelas na interface entre animais silvestres - animais domésticos - humanos, tem recebido pouca atenção de cientistas e gestores de saúde pública. Este artigo relata um estudo epidemiológico seccional de parasitas gastrointestinais de cães rurais em propriedades no entorno de fragmentos de Mata Atlântica. Através de métodos parasitológicos como flutuação e sedimentação, 13 táxons de parasitas (11 helmintos e dois protozoários) foram encontrados em amostras de fezes dos cães. O mais prevalente foi o nematóide Ancylostoma (47%), seguido por Toxocara (18%) e Trichuris (8%). Outros parasitas menos prevalentes (<2%) encontrados foram Capillaria, Ascaridia, Spirocerca, Taeniidae, Acantocephala, Ascaris, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris, e os protozoários Cystoisospora and Eimeria. Infecções mistas foram detectadas em 36% das amostras, a maioria por Ancylostoma e Toxocara. Vermifugações prévias não foram associadas a infecções, indicando que esta medida preventiva está sendo realizada incorretamente pelos proprietários. Com relação aos fatores de risco, cães com menos de um ano tiveram maior probabilidade de infecção por Toxocara, e os cães de raça pura por Trichuris. O número de gatos na propriedade foi associado positivamente com a infecção por Trichuris, enquanto cães machos e baixos escores corporais foram associados a infecções mistas. A ausência de associações com comportamento de vida livre e acesso a florestas ou vilas pelos cães indica que as infecções estão sendo predominantemente adquiridas nas propriedades. Os resultados destacam o risco de infecções parasitárias zoonóticas e para animais silvestres a partir dos cães, e a necessidade de monitorar e controlar os parasitas de animais domésticos em áreas de interface entre humanos e a vida selvagem.(AU)

Risk factors for gastrointestinal parasite infections of dogs living around protected areas of the Atlantic Forest: implications for human and wildlife health / Fatores de risco para infecções parasitárias gastrointestinais em cães do entorno de áreas protegidas da Mata Atlântica: implicações para a saúde humana e da vida selvagem

Abstract Despite the ubiquity of domestic dogs, their role as zoonotic reservoirs and the large number of studies concerning parasites in urban dogs, rural areas in Brazil, especially those at the wildlife-domestic animal-human interface, have received little attention from scientists and public health managers. This paper reports a cross-sectional epidemiological survey of gastrointestinal parasites of rural dogs living in farms around Atlantic Forest fragments. Through standard parasitological methods (flotation and sedimentation), 13 parasite taxa (11 helminths and two protozoans) were found in feces samples from dogs. The most prevalent were the nematode Ancylostoma (47%) followed by Toxocara (18%) and Trichuris (8%). Other less prevalent (<2%) parasites found were Capillaria, Ascaridia, Spirocerca, Taeniidae, Acantocephala, Ascaris, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris, and the protozoans Cystoisospora and Eimeria. Mixed infections were found in 36% of samples, mostly by Ancylostoma and Toxocara. Previous deworming had no association with infections, meaning that this preventive measure is being incorrectly performed by owners. Regarding risk factors, dogs younger than one year were more likely to be infected with Toxocara, and purebred dogs with Trichuris. The number of cats in the households was positively associated with Trichuris infection, while male dogs and low body scores were associated with mixed infections. The lack of associations with dog free-ranging behavior and access to forest or villages indicates that infections are mostly acquired around the households. The results highlight the risk of zoonotic and wildlife parasite infections from dogs and the need for monitoring and controlling parasites of domestic animals in human-wildlife interface areas.

Resumo Apesar da ubiquidade dos cães domésticos, de seu papel como reservatório de doenças, e do grande número de estudos sobre parasitas de cães urbanos, as áreas rurais no Brasil, especialmente aquelas na interface entre animais silvestres - animais domésticos - humanos, tem recebido pouca atenção de cientistas e gestores de saúde pública. Este artigo relata um estudo epidemiológico seccional de parasitas gastrointestinais de cães rurais em propriedades no entorno de fragmentos de Mata Atlântica. Através de métodos parasitológicos como flutuação e sedimentação, 13 táxons de parasitas (11 helmintos e dois protozoários) foram encontrados em amostras de fezes dos cães. O mais prevalente foi o nematóide Ancylostoma (47%), seguido por Toxocara (18%) e Trichuris (8%). Outros parasitas menos prevalentes (<2%) encontrados foram Capillaria, Ascaridia, Spirocerca, Taeniidae, Acantocephala, Ascaris, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris, e os protozoários Cystoisospora and Eimeria. Infecções mistas foram detectadas em 36% das amostras, a maioria por Ancylostoma e Toxocara. Vermifugações prévias não foram associadas a infecções, indicando que esta medida preventiva está sendo realizada incorretamente pelos proprietários. Com relação aos fatores de risco, cães com menos de um ano tiveram maior probabilidade de infecção por Toxocara, e os cães de raça pura por Trichuris. O número de gatos na propriedade foi associado positivamente com a infecção por Trichuris, enquanto cães machos e baixos escores corporais foram associados a infecções mistas. A ausência de associações com comportamento de vida livre e acesso a florestas ou vilas pelos cães indica que as infecções estão sendo predominantemente adquiridas nas propriedades. Os resultados destacam o risco de infecções parasitárias zoonóticas e para animais silvestres a partir dos cães, e a necessidade de monitorar e controlar os parasitas de animais domésticos em áreas de interface entre humanos e a vida selvagem.

Risk factors for gastrointestinal parasite infections of dogs living around protected areas of the Atlantic Forest: implications for human and wildlife health.

Despite the ubiquity of domestic dogs, their role as zoonotic reservoirs and the large number of studies concerning parasites in urban dogs, rural areas in Brazil, especially those at the wildlife-domestic animal-human interface, have received little attention from scientists and public health managers. This paper reports a cross-sectional epidemiological survey of gastrointestinal parasites of rural dogs living in farms around Atlantic Forest fragments. Through standard parasitological methods (flotation and sedimentation), 13 parasite taxa (11 helminths and two protozoans) were found in feces samples from dogs. The most prevalent were the nematode Ancylostoma (47%) followed by Toxocara (18%) and Trichuris (8%). Other less prevalent (<2%) parasites found were Capillaria, Ascaridia, Spirocerca, Taeniidae, Acantocephala, Ascaris, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris, and the protozoans Cystoisospora and Eimeria. Mixed infections were found in 36% of samples, mostly by Ancylostoma and Toxocara. Previous deworming had no association with infections, meaning that this preventive measure is being incorrectly performed by owners. Regarding risk factors, dogs younger than one year were more likely to be infected with Toxocara, and purebred dogs with Trichuris. The number of cats in the households was positively associated with Trichuris infection, while male dogs and low body scores were associated with mixed infections. The lack of associations with dog free-ranging behavior and access to forest or villages indicates that infections are mostly acquired around the households. The results highlight the risk of zoonotic and wildlife parasite infections from dogs and the need for monitoring and controlling parasites of domestic animals in human-wildlife interface areas.

Nitric oxide and immune response in infection control of Caseous Lymphadenitis

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate aspects of host immune response using an experimental infection model of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (CP) in C57/Black6 wild-type and knockout for nitric oxide (KO-NO) mice. 28 mice were evaluated: 4 wild-type controls; 10 wild-type infected with CP; 4 KO-NO controls; 10 KO-NO infected with CP. Infection procedures were carried out by intraperitoneal inoculation using 107. Infected C57/Black6 KO-NO mice began to die after the 5° day post-inoculation, up until the 14º day. Neutrophils were found in increased numbers in the infiltrate of KO-NO murine peritoneal cavities. Examination of splenic tissue revealed an accumulation of lymphocytes, predominantly CD8 T-cells, in experimental animal groups. KO-NO animals were found to have a predominance of granulomas 7 days post-inoculation, primarily in the lymph nodes. In addition, greater amounts of bacteria were recovered from the mesenteric lymph nodes of KO-NO mice. There was no statistically significant difference in the levels of total IgG and its subclasses 14 days post-inoculation between KO-NO and wild groups. The results suggest the importance of nitric oxide in the process of controlling CP infection, as KO-NO animals were observed to be markedly more affected by infection with this bacterium.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os aspectos da resposta imune do hospedeiro, mediante o uso de um modelo experimental de infecção de Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (CP) em camundongos C57/Black6 do tipo selvagem e em C57/Black6 knockout para o óxido nítrico (KO-NO). Foram avaliados 28 camundongos: quatro controles de tipo selvagem; 10 do tipo selvagem infectados com CP; quatro controles KO-NO; e 10 KO-NO infectados com CP. A infecção foi realizada via intraperitoneal, usando-se 107. Os animais C57/Black6 KO-NO infectados começaram a vir a óbito no quinto dia pós-inoculação, o que aconteceu até o 14º dia. Um número maior de neutrófilos foi encontrado na sua cavidade peritoneal. O exame do baço revelou um acúmulo de linfócitos, predominantemente células T CD8, nos grupos de animais experimentais. Nos animais KO-NO, foi observada a presença de granulomas, sete dias pós-inoculação, principalmente nos gânglios linfáticos. Além disso, uma maior quantidade de bactérias foi detectada dos linfonodos mesentéricos desses animais. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante nos níveis séricos IgG total e em suas subclasses aos 14 dias pós-inoculação nos grupos KO-NO e selvagem. Os resultados obtidos sugerem a importância do óxido nítrico no processo de controle da infecção por CP.

Molecular investigation of Neorickettsia risticii in trematodes and snails in a region with serological evidence of this agent in horses, state of Rio de Janeiro / Pesquisa molecular de Neorickettsia risticii em trematódeos e moluscos em região com evidência sorológica do agente em equinos, estado do Rio de Janeiro

In Brazil, some studies have indicated that Neorickettsia risticii circulates in horses, but it is unclear which are the possible intermediate vectors of this bacterium in the country. The aim of this study was to use molecular techniques in order to analyze the presence of N. risticii in snails and larval stages of trematodes in farms in a region with a history of seroreactive horses towards this bacterium, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Convenience sampling was used in the studied region. The collected snails were exposed to incandescent light (60W) for 2-4 hours in order to investigate trematodes in larval forms. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from snail tissue and trematode. Real-time PCR (qPCR) technique was used to investigate the presence of a 16S rRNA gene fragment of N. risticii. Snail specimens (n=410) were collected from 11 horse-breeding farms, and the following species were identified: Melanoides tuberculata, Pomacea sp., Biomphalaria tenagophila, Physa acuta, Drepanotrema anatinum and Biomphalaria straminea. Only 3.17% (n=13/410) of the collected snails were infected by trematodes. The cercariae obtained from these snails were classified as Megalourous cercariae, Pleurolophocercus cercariae and Furcocercous cercariae. There was no amplification of the target DNA of N. risticii in the snail and trematode samples tested by qPCR. Based on these data, the transmission of N. risticii by trematodes using these snail species in this region does not appear to occur or occurs at very low rates. Thus, further studies are needed in order to clarify which species of invertebrate hosts are infected by this bacterium and potentially participate in the transmission chain of equine neorickettsiosis in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.(AU)

No Brasil, estudos apontam a circulação de Neorickettsia risticii em equinos, contudo não estão claros quais os possíveis vetores intermediários dessa bactéria no país. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a presença de N. risticii, utilizando-se técnicas moleculares, em caramujos e estágios larvais de trematódeos em propriedades rurais de uma região com histórico de equinos sororreativos para essa bactéria, no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Uma amostragem por conveniência foi utilizada na região de estudo. Os caramujos coletados foram expostos à luz incandescente (60W) durante duas-quatro horas para a investigação de trematódeos nas formas larvais. A extração de ácido desoxirribonucleico (DNA) foi realizada em tecidos de caramujos e trematódeos. A técnica de PCR em tempo real (qPCR) foi utilizada para investigar a presença de um fragmento do gene 16S rRNA de N. risticii. Foram coletados 410 espécimes de caramujos de 11 propriedades com criações de equinos, sendo identificadas as seguintes espécies: Melanoides tuberculata, Pomacea sp., Biomphalaria tenagophila, Physa acuta, Drepanotrema anatinum e Biomphalaria straminea. Apenas 3,17% (n=13/410) dos caramujos identificados estavam infectados por trematódeos. As cercárias obtidas desses caramujos foram classificadas em Megalourous cercariae, Pleurolophocercus cercariae e Furcocercous cercariae. Não foi observada a amplificação do DNA-alvo de N. risticii, por meio da qPCR, em nenhuma das amostras de caramujos e trematódeos testadas. Com base nesses dados, a transmissão de N. risticii por trematódeos que utilizam as espécies de caramujos nessa região parece não ocorrer ou ocorre a taxas muito reduzidas. Portanto, novos estudos são necessários para elucidar quais espécies de hospedeiros invertebrados se infectam por essa bactéria e potencialmente participam da cadeia de transmissão da neorickettsiose equina no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.(AU)

Molecular investigation of Neorickettsia risticii in trematodes and snails in a region with serological evidence of this agent in horses, state of Rio de Janeiro / Pesquisa molecular de Neorickettsia risticii em trematódeos e moluscos em região com evidência sorológica do agente em equinos, estado do Rio de Janeiro

In Brazil, some studies have indicated that Neorickettsia risticii circulates in horses, but it is unclear which are the possible intermediate vectors of this bacterium in the country. The aim of this study was to use molecular techniques in order to analyze the presence of N. risticii in snails and larval stages of trematodes in farms in a region with a history of seroreactive horses towards this bacterium, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Convenience sampling was used in the studied region. The collected snails were exposed to incandescent light (60W) for 2-4 hours in order to investigate trematodes in larval forms. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from snail tissue and trematode. Real-time PCR (qPCR) technique was used to investigate the presence of a 16S rRNA gene fragment of N. risticii. Snail specimens (n=410) were collected from 11 horse-breeding farms, and the following species were identified: Melanoides tuberculata, Pomacea sp., Biomphalaria tenagophila, Physa acuta, Drepanotrema anatinum and Biomphalaria straminea. Only 3.17% (n=13/410) of the collected snails were infected by trematodes. The cercariae obtained from these snails were classified as Megalourous cercariae, Pleurolophocercus cercariae and Furcocercous cercariae. There was no amplification of the target DNA of N. risticii in the snail and trematode samples tested by qPCR. Based on these data, the transmission of N. risticii by trematodes using these snail species in this region does not appear to occur or occurs at very low rates. Thus, further studies are needed in order to clarify which species of invertebrate hosts are infected by this bacterium and potentially participate in the transmission chain of equine neorickettsiosis in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.(AU)

No Brasil, estudos apontam a circulação de Neorickettsia risticii em equinos, contudo não estão claros quais os possíveis vetores intermediários dessa bactéria no país. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a presença de N. risticii, utilizando-se técnicas moleculares, em caramujos e estágios larvais de trematódeos em propriedades rurais de uma região com histórico de equinos sororreativos para essa bactéria, no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Uma amostragem por conveniência foi utilizada na região de estudo. Os caramujos coletados foram expostos à luz incandescente (60W) durante duas-quatro horas para a investigação de trematódeos nas formas larvais. A extração de ácido desoxirribonucleico (DNA) foi realizada em tecidos de caramujos e trematódeos. A técnica de PCR em tempo real (qPCR) foi utilizada para investigar a presença de um fragmento do gene 16S rRNA de N. risticii. Foram coletados 410 espécimes de caramujos de 11 propriedades com criações de equinos, sendo identificadas as seguintes espécies: Melanoides tuberculata, Pomacea sp., Biomphalaria tenagophila, Physa acuta, Drepanotrema anatinum e Biomphalaria straminea. Apenas 3,17% (n=13/410) dos caramujos identificados estavam infectados por trematódeos. As cercárias obtidas desses caramujos foram classificadas em Megalourous cercariae, Pleurolophocercus cercariae e Furcocercous cercariae. Não foi observada a amplificação do DNA-alvo de N. risticii, por meio da qPCR, em nenhuma das amostras de caramujos e trematódeos testadas. Com base nesses dados, a transmissão de N. risticii por trematódeos que utilizam as espécies de caramujos nessa região parece não ocorrer ou ocorre a taxas muito reduzidas. Portanto, novos estudos são necessários para elucidar quais espécies de hospedeiros invertebrados se infectam por essa bactéria e potencialmente participam da cadeia de transmissão da neorickettsiose equina no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.(AU)

Toxocara canis: anthelmintic activity of quinone derivatives in murine toxocarosis.

Human toxocarosis is a chronic tissue parasitosis most often caused by Toxocara canis. The seroprevalence can reach up to 50%, especially among children and adolescents. The anthelmintics used in the treatment have moderate efficacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity of quinones and their derivatives against T. canis larvae and the cytotoxicity of the larvicidal compounds. The compounds were evaluated at 1 mg mL(-1) concentration in microculture plates containing third stage larvae in an Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 environment, incubated at 37 °C in 5% CO2 tension for 48 h. Five naphthoxiranes were selected for the cytotoxicity analysis. The cell viability evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase assays using murine peritoneal macrophages isolated from C57BL/6 mice revealed that the naphthoxiranes (1 and 3) were less cytotoxic at a concentration of 0.05 mg mL(-1). The efficacy of naphthoxiranes (1 and 3) was examined in murine toxocarosis also. The anthelmintic activity was examined by evaluating the number of larvae in the brain, carcass, liver, lungs, heart, kidneys and eyes. Compound (3) demonstrated anthelmintic activity similar to that of albendazole by decreasing the number of larvae in the organs of mice and thus could form the basis of the development of a new anthelmintic drug.

Swimming performance of the freshwater neotropical fish: Pimelodus maculatus Lacepède, 1803.

The present study used fixed and increasing velocity tests in an experimental apparatus based on Brett's respirometer to examine prolonged and sustained speeds of the "mandi-amarelo", Pimelodus maculatus. When comparing the curves of critical speed versus total length between the mandi and the sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka, it is observed that for an equal total length, the mandi presents a greater speed, probably due to water temperature differences. The sustained speed for the species was estimated in 5 lengths per second and the percentage of fatigued fish within time in a certain velocity was established. The data raised for the mandi represents an important contribution to the improvement of the handling of the species, providing guidance and criteria for designing several structures, such as fishways, fish screens and guidance systems.

Swimming performance of the freshwater neotropical fish: Pimelodus maculatus Lacepède, 1803 / Capacidade natatória da espécie neotropical de água doce: Pimelodus maculatus Lacepède, 1803

The present study used fixed and increasing velocity tests in an experimental apparatus based on Brett's respirometer to examine prolonged and sustained speeds of the "mandi-amarelo", Pimelodus maculatus. When comparing the curves of critical speed versus total length between the mandi and the sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka, it is observed that for an equal total length, the mandi presents a greater speed, probably due to water temperature differences. The sustained speed for the species was estimated in 5 lengths per second and the percentage of fatigued fish within time in a certain velocity was established. The data raised for the mandi represents an important contribution to the improvement of the handling of the species, providing guidance and criteria for designing several structures, such as fishways, fish screens and guidance systems.

No presente estudo, foram utilizados testes de velocidade fixa e progressiva em um aparato experimental baseado no respirômetro de Brett, para examinar as velocidades prolongada e sustentável do mandi-amarelo, Pimelodus maculatus. Quando comparadas as curvas de velocidade crítica versus o comprimento do corpo entre o mandi e o salmão Oncorhynchus nerka, é observado que, para um mesmo comprimento, o mandi apresenta velocidades superiores, provavelmente devido a diferenças na temperatura da água. Foram estimadas a velocidade sustentável da espécie em cinco comprimentos por segundo e a porcentagem de peixes fatigados ao longo do tempo em uma dada velocidade estimada. Os dados obtidos para o mandi representam uma importante contribuição para o manejo da espécie, provendo critérios de projeto para a construção de estruturas como mecanismos de transposição e sistemas de proteção e orientação.

Low level laser therapy modulates kinin receptors mRNA expression in the subplantar muscle of rat paw subjected to carrageenan-induced inflammation.

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used clinically in order to treat inflammatory processes. In this work, we evaluated if LLLT alters kinin receptors mRNA expression in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. Experimental groups were designed as followed: A1 (Control-saline), A2 (Carrageenan-only), A3 (Carrageenan+laser 660 nm) and A4 (Carrageenan+laser 684 nm). Edema was measured by a plethysmometer. Subplantar tissue was collected for kinin receptors mRNA quantification by Real time-PCR. LLLT of both 660 and 684 nm wavelengths administrated 1 h after carrageenan injection was able to promote the reduction of edema produced by carrageenan. In the A2 group, B1 receptor expression presented a significantly increase when compared to control group. Kinin B1 receptor mRNA expression significantly decreased after LLLT's 660 or 684 nm wavelength. Kinin B2 receptor mRNA expression also diminished after both laser irradiations. Our results suggest that expression of both kinin receptors is modulated by LLLT, possibly contributing to its anti-inflammatory effect.

Confirmation of sex-specific transcripts from Ancylostoma caninum adult worms by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.

In a previous work Ancylostoma caninum sex-specific genes had being identified, however without confirmation, by using an non specific RT-PCR comparing male and female cDNA. In this work more fragments had been identified and a semi-quantitative RT-PCR carried out in order to confirm the sex-specific character of the transcripts obtained. Four fragments were confirmed as sex-specific or as being expressed more in one sex than the other.

Cyathostominae (Nematoda) parasites of Equus caballus in some Brazilian states.

Thirty six horses from nine Brazilian states (Goiás, Minas Gerais, Pará, Maranhão, Piauí, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, and Ceará) were examined for infections by small strongyles. The following species were identified: Cylicocyclus nassatus, C. insigne, C. brevicapsulatus, C. leptostomum, C. radiatus, C. ultrajectinus, C. ashworthi, Cylicostephanus goldi, C. calicatus, C. minutus, C. longibursatus, Petrovinema poculatum, Coronocyclus coronatus, C. labiatus, C. labratus, Cyathostomum catinatum, C. pateratum, C. alveatum, Parapoteriostomum euproctus, Cylicodontophorus bicoronatus, Poteriostomum ratzii, P. imparidentatum and Gyalocephalus capitatus. The most prevalent were C. longibursatus (100%), C. nassatus (97.22%) and C. catinatum (94.44%). They were also the most abundant species, comprising 31.84, 23.71 and 14.14%, respectively, of the Cyathostominae parasites found. Infections were found to include 2-17 species in a single horse, with variable associations.

[Perianal manifestations in Crohn's disease]. / Manifestações perianais na doença de Crohn.

UNLABELLED: A total of 114 of 195 patients with Crohn's disease had perianal involvement. The average age at the beginning of symptomatology was 30.3 years. The interval between symptoms and diagnosis was 3.1 years. PAC was associated with colonic disease and in these patients, was multiple. PAC preceded intestinal disease in 11 percent, was coincident in 66 percent and appeared later in 23 percent. Sixty one patients (53.5%) were operated on 104 times (1.7 operations per patient). None of these patients developed faecal incontinence. Two patients were treated with hyperbaric oxygenation. The association of perianal disease and extra-intestinal manifestation occurred in 76 patients. There was no association in 38 patients. Forty patients had extra-intestinal manifestation without perianal disease. Twenty two patients had panproctocolectomy because of perianal disease. Twenty one had a stoma, with or without intestinal resection. The stoma improved perianal symptoms, but all remain defunctioned. After mean follow-up of 8.8 years, 45 patients present some kind of perianal complication. CONCLUSION: the surgical treatment of perianal disease well indicated and performed don't result in incontinence; PAC combined with colonic or rectal disease is associated with higher need of performing a proctocolectomy or a defunctioning stoma. Only 22.8 percent presented resolution of perianal disease maintaining anal sphincter function.