PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Trost M.E., Gabriel A.L., Masuda E.K., Fighera R.A., Irigoyen L.F. & Kommers G.D. 2009. [Clinical, morphologic and immunohistochemical aspects of canine gastrintestinal pythiosis.] Aspectos clínicos, morfológicos e imuno-histoquímicos da pitiose gastrintestinal canina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(8):673-679. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com Four suspect and two confirmed cases of gastrointestinal pythiosis were found in a retrospective study of biopsy and necropsy cases of dogs received in the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária at the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. The two diagnosed and published cases have had the etiology confirmed by culture and zoosporogenesis induction or by nested-PCR. On this study, the etiologic diagnosis of four suspect cases was confirmed by immunohistochemistry using anti-Pythium insidiosum policlonal antibody. Epidemiology, clinical signs, gross and microscopic lesions, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and differential diagnoses are reported and discussed.

• Pythiosis Pythium insidiosum

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Trost M.E., Gabriel A.L., Masuda E.K., Fighera R.A., Irigoyen L.F. & Kommers G.D. 2009. [Clinical, morphologic and immunohistochemical aspects of canine gastrintestinal pythiosis.] Aspectos clínicos, morfológicos e imuno-histoquímicos da pitiose gastrintestinal canina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(8):673-679. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com Através de um estudo retrospectivo dos casos de biópsias e necropsias de cães recebidos no Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, constatou-se a ocorrência de dois casos confirmados e de quatro casos suspeitos de pitiose gastrintestinal canina. Os dois casos diagnosticados e publicados tiveram a etiologia confirmada através da cultura e indução de zoosporogênese ou por nested-PCR. Neste estudo utilizou-se a técnica de imuno-histoquímica com anticorpo policlonal anti-Pythium insidiosum para confirmação da etiologia dos quatro casos suspeitos. A epidemiologia, sinais clínicos, lesões macroscópicas e microscópicas, características histoquímicas e imuno-histoquímicas e diagnósticos diferenciais são relatados e discutidos.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Schatzmayr H.G., Simonetti B.R., Abreu D.C., Simonetti J.P., Simonetti S.R., Costa R.V.V., Gonçalves M.C.R., Gerhardt M.., Silva M.E.V., Farias-Filho J.C. & Barth O.M. 2009. Animal infections by vaccinia-like virus in the state of Rio de Janeiro: An expanding disease. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):509-514. Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Avenida Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil. E-mail: hermann@ioc.fiocruz.br In the present study we investigated the presence of infections by vaccinia-like viruses in dairy cattle from 12 counties in the state of Rio de Janeiro in the last 9 years. Clinical specimens were collected from adult animals with vesicular/pustular lesions mainly in the udder and teats, and from calves with lesions around the nose and mouth. A plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) was applied to search for antibodies to Orthopoxvirus; the vesicular/pustular fluids and scabs were examined by PCR, electron microscopy (EM) and by inoculation in VERO cells for virus isolation. Antibodies to Orthopoxvirus were detected in most cases. The PCR test indicated a high nucleotide homology among the isolates and the vaccinia viruses (VACV) used as controls. By EM, typical orthopoxvirus particles were observed in some specimens. The agents isolated in tissue culture were confirmed as vaccinia-like viruses by EM and PCR. The HA gene of the vaccinia-like Cantagalo/IOC virus isolated in our laboratory was sequenced and compared with other vaccinia-like isolates, showing high homology with the original Cantagalo strain, both strains isolated in 1999 from dairy cattle. Antibodies to Orthopoxvirus were detected in one wild rodent (genus Akodon sp.) collected in the northwestern region of the state, indicating the circulation of poxvirus in this area. Nonetheless, PCR applied to tissue samples collected from the wild rodents were negative. Vesicular/pustular lesions in people in close contact with animals have been also recorded. Thus, the vaccinia-like virus infections in cattle and humans in the state seem to be an expanding condition, resulting in economic losses to dairy herds and leading to transient incapacitating human disease. Therefore, a possible immunization of the dairy cattle in the state should be carefully evaluated.

• Orthopoxvirus infections PCR neutralization test electron microscopy state of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Schatzmayr H.G., Simonetti B.R., Abreu D.C., Simonetti J.P., Simonetti S.R., Costa R.V.V., Gonçalves M.C.R., Gerhardt M.., Silva M.E.V., Farias-Filho J.C. & Barth O.M. 2009. Animal infections by vaccinia-like virus in the state of Rio de Janeiro: An expanding disease. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):509-514. Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Avenida Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil. E-mail: hermann@ioc.fiocruz.br In the present study we investigated the presence of infections by vaccinia-like viruses in dairy cattle from 12 counties in the state of Rio de Janeiro in the last 9 years. Clinical specimens were collected from adult animals with vesicular/pustular lesions mainly in the udder and teats, and from calves with lesions around the nose and mouth. A plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) was applied to search for antibodies to Orthopoxvirus; the vesicular/pustular fluids and scabs were examined by PCR, electron microscopy (EM) and by inoculation in VERO cells for virus isolation. Antibodies to Orthopoxvirus were detected in most cases. The PCR test indicated a high nucleotide homology among the isolates and the vaccinia viruses (VACV) used as controls. By EM, typical orthopoxvirus particles were observed in some specimens. The agents isolated in tissue culture were confirmed as vaccinia-like viruses by EM and PCR. The HA gene of the vaccinia-like Cantagalo/IOC virus isolated in our laboratory was sequenced and compared with other vaccinia-like isolates, showing high homology with the original Cantagalo strain, both strains isolated in 1999 from dairy cattle. Antibodies to Orthopoxvirus were detected in one wild rodent (genus Akodon sp.) collected in the northwestern region of the state, indicating the circulation of poxvirus in this area. Nonetheless, PCR applied to tissue samples collected from the wild rodents were negative. Vesicular/pustular lesions in people in close contact with animals have been also recorded. Thus, the vaccinia-like virus infections in cattle and humans in the state seem to be an expanding condition, resulting in economic losses to dairy herds and leading to transient incapacitating human disease. Therefore, a possible immunization of the dairy cattle in the state should be carefully evaluated.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Gabriel A.L., Kommers G.D., Masuda E.K, Fighera R.A., Piazer J.V.M., Barros C.S.L., Martins T.B. & Rosa F.B. 2009. [Clinical and hematological aspects and urinary bladder lesions in chronic spontaneous poisoning by Pteridium aquilinum in cattle.] Aspectos clínicos-hematológicos e lesões vesicais nas formas crônicas de intoxicação espontânea por Pteridium aquilinum em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):515-525. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com Spontaneous cases of chronic poisoning by Pteridium aquilinum in cattle were studied. The clinical forms of the disease were squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs) of the upper digestive tract (UDT) and bovine enzootic hematuria (BEH). The cases were from the midland Region of the Midwest of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and were submitted to the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Clinical signs and blood work were evaluated at terminal phase of disease. Cattle with UDT SCCs had progressive weigth loss, ruminal atony, cough, dysphagia, bloating, and regurgitation. In cattle with BEH, hematuria was observed in all cases, followed by progressive weight loss. Non-regenerative anemia was detected in 33.33% of the cattle with UDT SCCs form and in 66.66% of the cattle with BEH form. Changes in white blood count occurred in some cases but drop in lymphocyte numbers was uncommon in both forms of disease. For the morphological study, urinary bladders from 46 cattle with UDT SCCs and 11 cattle with BEH were analyzed. Grossly, 16/46 bladders from the UDT SCCs form had gross lesions (red or pale vesical nodules, hemorrhages, and papilomas; red urine was detected at necropsy of only three cases). In BEH form, the bladder had nodules, large neoplastic masses, red urine, papilomas, and hemorrhages. Pyelonephritis and hydronephrosis were seen in a few cases. Microscopically, in the UDT SCCs form, 44/46 (95.65%) bladders had 22 different types of morphological changes, characterized by neoplastic lesions (5/22) and non-neoplastic lesions (17/22); the latter were subdivided in non-neoplastic epithelial changes (6/17), general changes of the lamina propria (6/17), and inflammatory changes (5/17). The bladder changes in BEH form were of 19 different types, characterized by neoplastic lesions (5/19) and non-neoplastic lesions (14/19), which were subdivided in non-neoplastic epitelial changes (9/14), general changes of the lamina propria (3/14), and inflammatory changes (2/14). In BEH, mesenchymal neoplasms were more observed than epithelial ones, and most of them were malignant. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to characterize the histogenesis of poorly differentiated neoplasms. In conclusion, the morphological study demonstrated that urinary bladder lesions identical to the those seen in cattle with BEH, are very often present in cattle with the UDT SCCs form.

• Diseases of cattle poisonous plants; Pteridium aquilinum bovine enzootic hematuria squamous cell carcinomas of the digestive system veterinary pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Gabriel A.L., Kommers G.D., Masuda E.K, Fighera R.A., Piazer J.V.M., Barros C.S.L., Martins T.B. & Rosa F.B. 2009. [Clinical and hematological aspects and urinary bladder lesions in chronic spontaneous poisoning by Pteridium aquilinum in cattle.] Aspectos clínicos-hematológicos e lesões vesicais nas formas crônicas de intoxicação espontânea por Pteridium aquilinum em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):515-525. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com Spontaneous cases of chronic poisoning by Pteridium aquilinum in cattle were studied. The clinical forms of the disease were squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs) of the upper digestive tract (UDT) and bovine enzootic hematuria (BEH). The cases were from the midland Region of the Midwest of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and were submitted to the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Clinical signs and blood work were evaluated at terminal phase of disease. Cattle with UDT SCCs had progressive weigth loss, ruminal atony, cough, dysphagia, bloating, and regurgitation. In cattle with BEH, hematuria was observed in all cases, followed by progressive weight loss. Non-regenerative anemia was detected in 33.33% of the cattle with UDT SCCs form and in 66.66% of the cattle with BEH form. Changes in white blood count occurred in some cases but drop in lymphocyte numbers was uncommon in both forms of disease. For the morphological study, urinary bladders from 46 cattle with UDT SCCs and 11 cattle with BEH were analyzed. Grossly, 16/46 bladders from the UDT SCCs form had gross lesions (red or pale vesical nodules, hemorrhages, and papilomas; red urine was detected at necropsy of only three cases). In BEH form, the bladder had nodules, large neoplastic masses, red urine, papilomas, and hemorrhages. Pyelonephritis and hydronephrosis were seen in a few cases. Microscopically, in the UDT SCCs form, 44/46 (95.65%) bladders had 22 different types of morphological changes, characterized by neoplastic lesions (5/22) and non-neoplastic lesions (17/22); the latter were subdivided in non-neoplastic epithelial changes (6/17), general changes of the lamina propria (6/17), and inflammatory changes (5/17). The bladder changes in BEH form were of 19 different types, characterized by neoplastic lesions (5/19) and non-neoplastic lesions (14/19), which were subdivided in non-neoplastic epitelial changes (9/14), general changes of the lamina propria (3/14), and inflammatory changes (2/14). In BEH, mesenchymal neoplasms were more observed than epithelial ones, and most of them were malignant. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to characterize the histogenesis of poorly differentiated neoplasms. In conclusion, the morphological study demonstrated that urinary bladder lesions identical to the those seen in cattle with BEH, are very often present in cattle with the UDT SCCs form.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Trost M.E., Kommers G.D., Barros C.S.L & Schild A.L. 2009. [Patogenesis of lesions associated with poisoning by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens in cattle.] Patogênese das lesões associadas à intoxicação por Ramaria flavo-brunnescens em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):533-544. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com The pathogenesis of the lesions of Ramaria flavo-brunnescens poisoning in cattle was studied throughout the retrospective evaluation of selected tissues from nine spontaneous and four experimental cases of the disease. The pathogenesis of lesions observed in the tongue, esophagus, hoof, and tail was investigated analyzing microscopic lesions, histochemical and histochemical-ultrastructural changes. Histochemical techniques utilized were Masson’s Trichrome and Selective Oxidation of Keratin (SOK). The histochemical-ultrastructural study was acomplished throughout the Swift method under transmission electron microscopy. Hair shafts of the tip of the tail were analyzed under polarized light. Lesions of varying degrees of severity were observed. All changes observed in the keratinized structures studied, mostly in the hard keratin, showed defective keratinization. The morphologic study and the results obtained with SOK and Swift techniques showed that the defective keratinization results of low amounts of sulphur containing amino acids (cystine) in hard keratin structures. This is probably the main pathogenetic mechanism of the lesions observed in R. flavo brunnescens poisoning in cattle.

• Poisonous plants mushroom poisoning Ramaria flavo-brunnescens cattle keratinization veterinary pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Trost M.E., Kommers G.D., Barros C.S.L & Schild A.L. 2009. [Patogenesis of lesions associated with poisoning by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens in cattle.] Patogênese das lesões associadas à intoxicação por Ramaria flavo-brunnescens em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):533-544. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com The pathogenesis of the lesions of Ramaria flavo-brunnescens poisoning in cattle was studied throughout the retrospective evaluation of selected tissues from nine spontaneous and four experimental cases of the disease. The pathogenesis of lesions observed in the tongue, esophagus, hoof, and tail was investigated analyzing microscopic lesions, histochemical and histochemical-ultrastructural changes. Histochemical techniques utilized were Masson’s Trichrome and Selective Oxidation of Keratin (SOK). The histochemical-ultrastructural study was acomplished throughout the Swift method under transmission electron microscopy. Hair shafts of the tip of the tail were analyzed under polarized light. Lesions of varying degrees of severity were observed. All changes observed in the keratinized structures studied, mostly in the hard keratin, showed defective keratinization. The morphologic study and the results obtained with SOK and Swift techniques showed that the defective keratinization results of low amounts of sulphur containing amino acids (cystine) in hard keratin structures. This is probably the main pathogenetic mechanism of the lesions observed in R. flavo brunnescens poisoning in cattle.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Nakazato G., Campos T.A., Stehling E.G., Brocchi M. & Silveira W.D. 2009. Virulence factors of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):479-486. Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz s/n, Cx. Postal 6109, Barão Geraldo, Campinas, SP 13081-862, Brazil. E-mail: wds@unicamp.br Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) strains cause a great diversity of diseases in birds and are responsible for great economic losses in the avian industry. To date, several studies have been carried out to better understand the APEC pathogenesis for a possible development of tools which could prevent the economics losses caused by these strains. This review discusses the virulence factors described do date to be expressed by these strains and the advances made to understand and identify virulence determinants present in APEC.

• APEC avian Escherichia coli virulence factors

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Nakazato G., Campos T.A., Stehling E.G., Brocchi M. & Silveira W.D. 2009. Virulence factors of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). [Fatores de virulência de Escherichia coli aviária patogênica (APEC).] Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):479-486. Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz s/n, Cx. Postal 6109, Barão Geraldo, Campinas, SP 13081-862, Brazil. E-mail: wds@unicamp.br Linhagens de Escherichia coli patogênicas para aves (APEC) causam uma grande diversidade de doenças em aves e são responsáveis por grandes prejuízos na indústria aviária. Nos últimos anos, vários estudos foram realizados para melhor entender a patogênese de linhagens APEC e para desenvolver ferramentas que podem prevenir as perdas econômicas causadas por estas linhagens. Esta revisão discute os fatores de virulência descritos nestas linhagens e os avanços realizados para entender e identificar os determinantes de virulência presentes em APEC.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Mendes H.M.F., Escobar A., Vasconcelos A.C., Zucoloto S., Alves G.E.S. & Faleiros R.R. 2009. [Morphometrical alterations in myoenteric plexus of experimentally distended equine small colon.] Alterações morfométricas no plexo mioentérico do cólon menor equino distendido experimentalmente. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):557-562. Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 30161-970, Brazil. E-mail: faleiros@ufmg.br The equine small colon is frequently affected by obstruction, and intestinal motility dysfunction is a common complication after its surgical treatment. This fact may be related to myoenteric plexus lesion caused by distention; however, little is known about the pathophysiology of this condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological alterations in the myoenteric inervation of segments of small colon of horses subjected to intraluminal distension with reduction of the microvascular perfusion (partial ischemia) of the intestinal wall. Nine horses were used to promote distension of on segment of small colon for 4 hours. Samples of intestinal wall were collected before and at the end of the distension, after 1.5 and 12 hours of reperfusion in the experimental segment and at the end of the procedure in a different distant segment. Samples were processed and histological sections were stained with cresyl violet for the morphometric studies. An image analyzer software was used to measure perimeter, diameter, and area of the neuronal body, nucleus and nucleolus of the neurons and the areas of the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. Significant reductions (P<0.05) in the areas of the neuronal body and cytoplasm were detected at the end of intestinal distension, returning to the basal values during the reperfusion. In conclusion, intraluminal distension promoted changes in the morphology of the neurons of myoenteric plexus. These morphological modifications may be associated to the motility dysfunction frequently observed in clinical cases.

• Small colon distension myoenteric plexus horse

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Mendes H.M.F., Escobar A., Vasconcelos A.C., Zucoloto S., Alves G.E.S. & Faleiros R.R. 2009. [Morphometrical alterations in myoenteric plexus of experimentally distended equine small colon.] Alterações morfométricas no plexo mioentérico do cólon menor equino distendido experimentalmente. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):557-562. Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 30161-970, Brazil. E-mail: faleiros@ufmg.br The equine small colon is frequently affected by obstruction, and intestinal motility dysfunction is a common complication after its surgical treatment. This fact may be related to myoenteric plexus lesion caused by distention; however, little is known about the pathophysiology of this condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological alterations in the myoenteric inervation of segments of small colon of horses subjected to intraluminal distension with reduction of the microvascular perfusion (partial ischemia) of the intestinal wall. Nine horses were used to promote distension of on segment of small colon for 4 hours. Samples of intestinal wall were collected before and at the end of the distension, after 1.5 and 12 hours of reperfusion in the experimental segment and at the end of the procedure in a different distant segment. Samples were processed and histological sections were stained with cresyl violet for the morphometric studies. An image analyzer software was used to measure perimeter, diameter, and area of the neuronal body, nucleus and nucleolus of the neurons and the areas of the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. Significant reductions (P<0.05) in the areas of the neuronal body and cytoplasm were detected at the end of intestinal distension, returning to the basal values during the reperfusion. In conclusion, intraluminal distension promoted changes in the morphology of the neurons of myoenteric plexus. These morphological modifications may be associated to the motility dysfunction frequently observed in clinical cases.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pimentel L.A., Oliveira D.M., Galiza G.J.N., Rego R.O., Dantas A.F.M. & Riet-Correa F. 2009. [Diseases of the central nervous system in equidae in the Brazilian semiarid.] Doenças do sistema nervoso central de equídeos no semi-árido. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):589-597. Hospital Veterinário, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) in equidae are important in these species, and their knowledge in the different Brazilian regions is necessary to determine efficient control and preventive measures. This paper reports epidemiologic aspects, clinical signs and pathology of diseases of the CNS in equidae diagnosed by the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory at the Federal University of Campina Grande in the city of Patos, state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil, during 2002-2008. During the period, 159 cases or outbreaks of those diseases were studied, 49 (30.8%) affecting the CNS. Hepatic encephalopathy caused by Crotalaria retusa poisoning, with 14 cases (28.5%), was the main disease observed. Tetanus was diagnosed in 13 (26.5%) cases and rabies in 11 (22.4%). In seven (14.2%) cases the death or euthanasia was due to traumatic lesions of the CNS. Also were diagnosed 1 case of leucoencephalomalacia, 1 case of encephalitis by equine herpesvirus-1, 1 case of intracarotid artery injection, 1 outbreak of Eastern equine encephalitis, 1 of Turbina cordata poisoning, and 1 of a tremogenic disease of unknown cause. In 5 cases the diagnosis was inconclusive. This paper indicates the importance of diagnostic veterinary laboratories, in the different Brazilian regions, for the knowledge of livestock diseases.

• Eastern equine encephalitis equine herpesvirus-1 hepatic encephalopaty intracarotid artery injection equine leucoencephalomalacia rabies tetanus

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pimentel L.A., Oliveira D.M., Galiza G.J.N., Rego R.O., Dantas A.F.M. & Riet-Correa F. 2009. [Diseases of the central nervous system in equidae in the Brazilian semiarid.] Doenças do sistema nervoso central de equídeos no semi-árido. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):589-597. Hospital Veterinário, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) in equidae are important in these species, and their knowledge in the different Brazilian regions is necessary to determine efficient control and preventive measures. This paper reports epidemiologic aspects, clinical signs and pathology of diseases of the CNS in equidae diagnosed by the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory at the Federal University of Campina Grande in the city of Patos, state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil, during 2002-2008. During the period, 159 cases or outbreaks of those diseases were studied, 49 (30.8%) affecting the CNS. Hepatic encephalopathy caused by Crotalaria retusa poisoning, with 14 cases (28.5%), was the main disease observed. Tetanus was diagnosed in 13 (26.5%) cases and rabies in 11 (22.4%). In seven (14.2%) cases the death or euthanasia was due to traumatic lesions of the CNS. Also were diagnosed 1 case of leucoencephalomalacia, 1 case of encephalitis by equine herpesvirus-1, 1 case of intracarotid artery injection, 1 outbreak of Eastern equine encephalitis, 1 of Turbina cordata poisoning, and 1 of a tremogenic disease of unknown cause. In 5 cases the diagnosis was inconclusive. This paper indicates the importance of diagnostic veterinary laboratories, in the different Brazilian regions, for the knowledge of livestock diseases.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira C.A., Barbosa J.D., Duarte M.D., Cerqueira V.D., Riet-Correa F. & Riet-Correa G. 2009. [Poisoning by Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa in goats in Island of Marajó, Pará.] Intoxicação por Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (Convolvulaceae) em caprinos na Ilha do Marajó, Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):583-588. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Campus de Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Pirapora, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: griet@ufpa.br Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa is a swainsonine-containing plant causing a glycoprotein storage diseases in ruminants, mainly in goats in northeastern Brazil. Seven farms were visited on the Marajo Island, state of Pará, northern Brazil, six in the municipality of Cachoeira do Arari and one in the municipality of Soure. In all farms native pastures had shortage of forage and were largely invaded by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa. On the three farms goats presented difficulties in standing, ataxia, hypermetria, wide-based stance, lateral gait, intention tremors, spastic paresis or weakness, abnormal postural reactions, nystagmus, loss of equilibrium and falling to the side or backward. On two farms the prevalence was of 32% (23/71) and 100% (32/32). On another farm one goat out of 19 had severe clinical signs, but the others of the flock were not examined clinically. Cattle, sheep and buffaloes were not affected. Six goats were euthanized and necropsied. No gross lesions were observed. Upon histological examination the main lesion was the vacuolization of the perikaryon of neurons and cytoplasm of epithelial cells of thyroid, liver, kidney, pancreas and macrophages of different organs. In the central nervous system the vacuolization of the perikaria was more sever in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and in nuclei of the brain stem, mainly the cerebellar nuclei. Wallerian degeneration of axons and gliosis was also observed. The high frequency of the disease on the three farms suggests that poisoning by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa is very important for goats on Marajó Island where there are large amounts of the plant in the pastures.

• Poisonous plants Ipomoea carnea plant poisoning goats swaisonine diseases of nervous system

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira C.A., Barbosa J.D., Duarte M.D., Cerqueira V.D., Riet-Correa F. & Riet-Correa G. 2009. [Poisoning by Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa in goats in Island of Marajó, Pará.] Intoxicação por Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (Convolvulaceae) em caprinos na Ilha do Marajó, Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):583-588. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Campus de Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Pirapora, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: griet@ufpa.br Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa is a swainsonine-containing plant causing a glycoprotein storage diseases in ruminants, mainly in goats in northeastern Brazil. Seven farms were visited on the Marajo Island, state of Pará, northern Brazil, six in the municipality of Cachoeira do Arari and one in the municipality of Soure. In all farms native pastures had shortage of forage and were largely invaded by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa. On the three farms goats presented difficulties in standing, ataxia, hypermetria, wide-based stance, lateral gait, intention tremors, spastic paresis or weakness, abnormal postural reactions, nystagmus, loss of equilibrium and falling to the side or backward. On two farms the prevalence was of 32% (23/71) and 100% (32/32). On another farm one goat out of 19 had severe clinical signs, but the others of the flock were not examined clinically. Cattle, sheep and buffaloes were not affected. Six goats were euthanized and necropsied. No gross lesions were observed. Upon histological examination the main lesion was the vacuolization of the perikaryon of neurons and cytoplasm of epithelial cells of thyroid, liver, kidney, pancreas and macrophages of different organs. In the central nervous system the vacuolization of the perikaria was more sever in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and in nuclei of the brain stem, mainly the cerebellar nuclei. Wallerian degeneration of axons and gliosis was also observed. The high frequency of the disease on the three farms suggests that poisoning by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa is very important for goats on Marajó Island where there are large amounts of the plant in the pastures.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Arduino G.G.C., Girio R.J.S., Magajevski F.S. & Pereira G.T. 2009. [Agglutinating antibody titers induced by commercial vaccines against bovine leptospirosis.] Títulos de anticorpos aglutinantes induzidos por vacinas comerciais contra leptospirose bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):575-582. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de Acesso Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: cocaarduino@yahoo.com.br In the investigation 100 heifers were used, divided into 5 groups of 20 animals each. The four experimental groups were vaccinated using distinct commercial polyvalent bacterines: A, B, C and D, and a group was the control. Samples were collected at days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 42, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84, 91, 120, 150 and 180 from the first injection of the vaccine. The selection of the animals for the experimental groups was done based on a serological screening with 6 antigens of Leptospira sp. constituted by non-reagent animals. The vaccine titers were monitored using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pomona and Wolffi serovars. All vaccines used were capable to product agglutinins for the Hardjo and Wolffi serovars observed at 3 days after vaccination, remaining until the 150th day; those serovars induced the highest titres of agglutinins. Vaccine D, in spite of not containing the Wolffi serovar, induced the production of agglutinins to this serovar. Agglutinins to the Canicola serovar were only observed in the animals vaccinated with the D bacterine. Vaccine D induced the highest average titers of antibodies to all tested serovars.

• Leptospirosis cattle vaccine agglutinins

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Arduino G.G.C., Girio R.J.S., Magajevski F.S. & Pereira G.T. 2009. [Agglutinating antibody titers induced by commercial vaccines against bovine leptospirosis.] Títulos de anticorpos aglutinantes induzidos por vacinas comerciais contra leptospirose bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):575-582. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de Acesso Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: cocaarduino@yahoo.com.br In the investigation 100 heifers were used, divided into 5 groups of 20 animals each. The four experimental groups were vaccinated using distinct commercial polyvalent bacterines: A, B, C and D, and a group was the control. Samples were collected at days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 42, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84, 91, 120, 150 and 180 from the first injection of the vaccine. The selection of the animals for the experimental groups was done based on a serological screening with 6 antigens of Leptospira sp. constituted by non-reagent animals. The vaccine titers were monitored using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pomona and Wolffi serovars. All vaccines used were capable to product agglutinins for the Hardjo and Wolffi serovars observed at 3 days after vaccination, remaining until the 150th day; those serovars induced the highest titres of agglutinins. Vaccine D, in spite of not containing the Wolffi serovar, induced the production of agglutinins to this serovar. Agglutinins to the Canicola serovar were only observed in the animals vaccinated with the D bacterine. Vaccine D induced the highest average titers of antibodies to all tested serovars.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Renata G. Vieira R.G. & Acqua Coutinho S.D. 2009. Phenotypical characterization of Candida spp. isolated from crop of parrots (Amazona spp.). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):452-456. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Imunopatologia Veterinária da Universidade Paulista, Rua Agariba 48, São Paulo, SP 05053-010, Brazil. E-mail: selene@uol.com.br The purpose of this study was to characterize Candida isolates from crop of parrots. Forty baby parrots of genus Amazona, species aestiva and amazonica that were apprehended from wild animal traffic were used: 18 presented ingluvitis and 22 other alterations, but showing general debilitation. Samples were seeded on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol after be obtained by the introduction of urethral probe through the esophagus. Based on morphology and biochemical reactions (API 20C) Candida was confirmed; it was still searched the production of proteinase and phospholipase, virulence factors for Candida species. Candida spp. were isolated from 57.5% parrots, being 72.2% from birds with ingluvitis and 45.5% from without ones. Twenty-five strains of Candida were isolated, 60% and 40%, respectively from parrots with and without ingluvitis, and were speciated: 28% C. humicola, 24% C. parapsilosis, 20% C. guilliermondii, 20% C. famata, and 8% C. albicans. These results demonstrate that C. albicans is not the most frequent species isolated, and it is the first report that shows C. guilliermondii, C. famata, and C. humicola causing infection in parrots. Many isolates presented filamentation (76%), 100% produced proteinase and 68% phospholipase. The observation of Candida spp. producing virulence factors reinforce the pathogenic role of these yeasts in the cases studied.

• Candida spp. candidiasis crop ingluvitis parrots Amazona spp.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Renata G. Vieira R.G. & Acqua Coutinho S.D. 2009. Phenotypical characterization of Candida spp. isolated from crop of parrots (Amazona spp.). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):452-456. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Imunopatologia Veterinária da Universidade Paulista, Rua Agariba 48, São Paulo, SP 05053-010, Brazil. E-mail: selene@uol.com.br The purpose of this study was to characterize Candida isolates from crop of parrots. Forty baby parrots of genus Amazona, species aestiva and amazonica that were apprehended from wild animal traffic were used: 18 presented ingluvitis and 22 other alterations, but showing general debilitation. Samples were seeded on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol after be obtained by the introduction of urethral probe through the esophagus. Based on morphology and biochemical reactions (API 20C) Candida was confirmed; it was still searched the production of proteinase and phospholipase, virulence factors for Candida species. Candida spp. were isolated from 57.5% parrots, being 72.2% from birds with ingluvitis and 45.5% from without ones. Twenty-five strains of Candida were isolated, 60% and 40%, respectively from parrots with and without ingluvitis, and were speciated: 28% C. humicola, 24% C. parapsilosis, 20% C. guilliermondii, 20% C. famata, and 8% C. albicans. These results demonstrate that C. albicans is not the most frequent species isolated, and it is the first report that shows C. guilliermondii, C. famata, and C. humicola causing infection in parrots. Many isolates presented filamentation (76%), 100% produced proteinase and 68% phospholipase. The observation of Candida spp. producing virulence factors reinforce the pathogenic role of these yeasts in the cases studied.