PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT. Riet-Correa F., Haraguchi M., Dantas A.F., Burakovas R.G., Yokosuka A., Mimaki Y., Medeiros R.M.T. & Matos P.F. 2009. Sheep poisoning by Panicum dichotomiflorum in northeastern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):94-98. Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidades Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Different species of Panicum, including P. dichotomiflorum, have been reported as a cause of photosensitization in sheep, horses, cattle and goats. An outbreak of hepatogenous photosensitization occurred in 3 flocks of hair sheep in the Brazilian semiarid region. Eighty one out of 365 sheep were affected and 39 died. The main affected animals were nursing lambs and sheep younger than one year old. Donkeys, goats and cattle grazing in the same pasture were not affected. Clinical signs were edema of the head, followed by dermatitis, mainly in the face, ears, and croup, ocular discharge, corneal opacity with blindness, and redness of the coronary band and hoof. At necropsy of one affected lamb the liver was yellowish. Upon histologic examination scattered necrotic hepatocytes were observed in the liver and focal areas of necrosis of myocytes appeared in the heart. Samples of P. dicotomiflorum were analyzed by TLC and those containing saponins were isolated by HPLC using RP-C18 column and eluted with a mixture of MeOH and H2O. The isolated compounds were submitted to 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Reactions were positive to furostanol saponins with the same Rf of the standard protodioscin (0.21) and methylprotodioscin (0.32). The spectroscopic results indicated a mixture of (25R)- and (25S)-protodioscin isomers in a proportion of 3:1, and methylprotodioscin.

• Lithogenic steroidal saponins Panicum dichotomiflorum photosensitization protodioscin

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT. Riet-Correa F., Haraguchi M., Dantas A.F., Burakovas R.G., Yokosuka A., Mimaki Y., Medeiros R.M.T. & Matos P.F. 2009. Sheep poisoning by Panicum dichotomiflorum in northeastern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):94-98. Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidades Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Different species of Panicum, including P. dichotomiflorum, have been reported as a cause of photosensitization in sheep, horses, cattle and goats. An outbreak of hepatogenous photosensitization occurred in 3 flocks of hair sheep in the Brazilian semiarid region. Eighty one out of 365 sheep were affected and 39 died. The main affected animals were nursing lambs and sheep younger than one year old. Donkeys, goats and cattle grazing in the same pasture were not affected. Clinical signs were edema of the head, followed by dermatitis, mainly in the face, ears, and croup, ocular discharge, corneal opacity with blindness, and redness of the coronary band and hoof. At necropsy of one affected lamb the liver was yellowish. Upon histologic examination scattered necrotic hepatocytes were observed in the liver and focal areas of necrosis of myocytes appeared in the heart. Samples of P. dicotomiflorum were analyzed by TLC and those containing saponins were isolated by HPLC using RP-C18 column and eluted with a mixture of MeOH and H2O. The isolated compounds were submitted to 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Reactions were positive to furostanol saponins with the same Rf of the standard protodioscin (0.21) and methylprotodioscin (0.32). The spectroscopic results indicated a mixture of (25R)- and (25S)-protodioscin isomers in a proportion of 3:1, and methylprotodioscin.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Bezerra F.S.B., Garcia H.A., Alves H.M., Oliveira I.R.S., Silva A.E., Teixeira M.M.G. & Batista J.S. 2008. [Trypanosoma vivax in testicular and epidydimal tissues of experimentally infected sheep.] Trypanosoma vivax nos tecidos testicular e epididimário de ovinos experimentalmente infectados. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):575-582. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-árido, BR 110 Km 47, Cx. Postal 147, Mossoró, RN 59625-900, Brazil. E-mail: jaelsbatista@hotmail.com Four adult sheep (number 1, 2, 3 and 4), all males, were inoculated intravenously with 1ml of blood containing 1.25x105 trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma vivax, and Sheep 5, 6, 7 and 8 were used as control. After infection, clinical exams considering rectal temperature, respiratory and cardiac frequencies, and parasitaemia were recorded daily for a 30-day experiment period. Blood samples were obtained for 5-day intervals to hematocrit analysis. At the end of the experimental period, the sheep were orquiectomized. Testes and epididymides from these animals were studied anatomopathologically. Samples from these tissues of Sheep 1, 4 and 5 were taken to polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Clinical parameters remained for the infected group above the values observed in the control group during the experimental period. Parasitaemia was observed on day 3 post-infection, and the highest values occurred between day 6 and 10, and day 15 and 18 post-infection. Sheep 1 and 4 showed severe anemia on day 25 post-infection. All sheep of the infected group showed flabby and palid testes. Histologically, moderate to severe testicular degeneration, multifocal epididymitis and hyperplasia of epididymal epithelium were observed. The result of T. vivax PCR analysis in the testes and epididymal tissues was positive in 100% of the samples of the experimentally infected sheep. Epididymal and testicular lesions associated with the presence of the parasite in these tissues, shown by PCR, suggest the participation of T. vivax in the pathophysiological mechanism of reproductive damage.

• rypanosomosis small ruminant PCR anatomopathology testicular degene-ration epididymitis extravascular foci

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Bezerra F.S.B., Garcia H.A., Alves H.M., Oliveira I.R.S., Silva A.E., Teixeira M.M.G. & Batista J.S. 2008. [Trypanosoma vivax in testicular and epidydimal tissues of experimentally infected sheep.] Trypanosoma vivax nos tecidos testicular e epididimário de ovinos experimentalmente infectados. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):575-582. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-árido, BR 110 Km 47, Cx. Postal 147, Mossoró, RN 59625-900, Brazil. E-mail: jaelsbatista@hotmail.com Four adult sheep (number 1, 2, 3 and 4), all males, were inoculated intravenously with 1ml of blood containing 1.25x105 trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma vivax, and Sheep 5, 6, 7 and 8 were used as control. After infection, clinical exams considering rectal temperature, respiratory and cardiac frequencies, and parasitaemia were recorded daily for a 30-day experiment period. Blood samples were obtained for 5-day intervals to hematocrit analysis. At the end of the experimental period, the sheep were orquiectomized. Testes and epididymides from these animals were studied anatomopathologically. Samples from these tissues of Sheep 1, 4 and 5 were taken to polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Clinical parameters remained for the infected group above the values observed in the control group during the experimental period. Parasitaemia was observed on day 3 post-infection, and the highest values occurred between day 6 and 10, and day 15 and 18 post-infection. Sheep 1 and 4 showed severe anemia on day 25 post-infection. All sheep of the infected group showed flabby and palid testes. Histologically, moderate to severe testicular degeneration, multifocal epididymitis and hyperplasia of epididymal epithelium were observed. The result of T. vivax PCR analysis in the testes and epididymal tissues was positive in 100% of the samples of the experimentally infected sheep. Epididymal and testicular lesions associated with the presence of the parasite in these tissues, shown by PCR, suggest the participation of T. vivax in the pathophysiological mechanism of reproductive damage.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Gabriel A.L., Kommers G.D., Trost M.E., Barros C.S.L., Pereira D.B., Schwendler S.E. & Santurio J.M. 2008. [Outbreak of cutaneous pythiosis in cattle.] Surto de pitiose cutânea em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):583-587. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com Seventy-six young mixed breed cattle of both sexes, presented multifocal ulcerated nodular cutaneous lesions localized in the medial and lateral aspects of fore and hindlimbs, ventral neck, sternum, and tail. The disease occurred during summer and lesions were observed on areas of the body which were in contact with water of irrigation channels for long periods. Histologically, there were multiple granulomas and pyogranulomas with few negative profiles of hyphae, which were better visualized throughout Grocott methenamine silver stain. Definitive etiologic diagnosis was based on immuno-histochemistry with anti-Pythium insidiosum polyclonal antibody. Additionally, an indirect ELISA test was performed. Bovine cutaneous pythiosis outbreaks are uncommon and, particularly as occurred in the cattle of this report, all affected animals had spontaneous healing within two to three weeks.

• Pythiosis Pythium insidiosum diseases of cattle immunohistochemistry ELISA test pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Gabriel A.L., Kommers G.D., Trost M.E., Barros C.S.L., Pereira D.B., Schwendler S.E. & Santurio J.M. 2008. [Outbreak of cutaneous pythiosis in cattle.] Surto de pitiose cutânea em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):583-587. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com Seventy-six young mixed breed cattle of both sexes, presented multifocal ulcerated nodular cutaneous lesions localized in the medial and lateral aspects of fore and hindlimbs, ventral neck, sternum, and tail. The disease occurred during summer and lesions were observed on areas of the body which were in contact with water of irrigation channels for long periods. Histologically, there were multiple granulomas and pyogranulomas with few negative profiles of hyphae, which were better visualized throughout Grocott methenamine silver stain. Definitive etiologic diagnosis was based on immuno-histochemistry with anti-Pythium insidiosum polyclonal antibody. Additionally, an indirect ELISA test was performed. Bovine cutaneous pythiosis outbreaks are uncommon and, particularly as occurred in the cattle of this report, all affected animals had spontaneous healing within two to three weeks.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Diéguez F.J., Yus E., Sanjuán M.L., Vilar M.J. & Arnaiz I. 2008. Monitoring bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection status in dairy herds. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):588-592. Unidad de Epidemiología y Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Investigación y Análisis Alimentarios, Facultad de Veterinaria s/n, Lugo 27002, Spain. E-mail: franciscojavier.dieguez@usc.es This study was designed to assess the relationship between antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) determined in the bulk tank milk (BTM) and the within-herd seroprevalence. We also assessed the efficiency of measuring antibody levels in BTM samples to monitor BVDV infection status in a herd. In the 81 farms included in the study, BTM samples were obtained and blood samples withdrawn from all cattle older than one year. The infection status was then determined in serum and milk using a commercial blocking ELISA based on the detection of anti-p80 antibodies. Apart from these baseline serum and milk samples, another BTM sample was collected from each herd 9 months later, and a third BTM sample obtained 9 months after this. In these second and third milk samples, anti-BVDV antibodies were determined using the same ELISA kit. Statistical tests revealed good agreement between herd seroprevalences (% seropositive animals in the herd) and the antibody levels detected in the BTM samples. During the 18 months of follow-up, the farms with persistently infected cattle at the study outset (14.8% of the herds) showed a significant decrease in BTM antibody titers after virus clearance. Conversely, a significant increase in BTM antibody levels was observed in the herds infected with BVDV during the follow-up period. Our findings indicate that monitoring antibody levels in the BTM is a useful method of identifying changes in the BVDV infection status of a herd.

• Bovine viral diarrhea vírus BVDV antibodies diagnostic milk

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Diéguez F.J., Yus E., Sanjuán M.L., Vilar M.J. & Arnaiz I. 2008. Monitoring bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection status in dairy herds. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):588-592. Unidad de Epidemiología y Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Investigación y Análisis Alimentarios, Facultad de Veterinaria s/n, Lugo 27002, Spain. E-mail: franciscojavier.dieguez@usc.es This study was designed to assess the relationship between antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) determined in the bulk tank milk (BTM) and the within-herd seroprevalence. We also assessed the efficiency of measuring antibody levels in BTM samples to monitor BVDV infection status in a herd. In the 81 farms included in the study, BTM samples were obtained and blood samples withdrawn from all cattle older than one year. The infection status was then determined in serum and milk using a commercial blocking ELISA based on the detection of anti-p80 antibodies. Apart from these baseline serum and milk samples, another BTM sample was collected from each herd 9 months later, and a third BTM sample obtained 9 months after this. In these second and third milk samples, anti-BVDV antibodies were determined using the same ELISA kit. Statistical tests revealed good agreement between herd seroprevalences (% seropositive animals in the herd) and the antibody levels detected in the BTM samples. During the 18 months of follow-up, the farms with persistently infected cattle at the study outset (14.8% of the herds) showed a significant decrease in BTM antibody titers after virus clearance. Conversely, a significant increase in BTM antibody levels was observed in the herds infected with BVDV during the follow-up period. Our findings indicate that monitoring antibody levels in the BTM is a useful method of identifying changes in the BVDV infection status of a herd.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Bonel-Raposo J., Riet-Correa F., Guim T.N., Schuch I.D., Grecco F.G. & Fernandes C.G. 2007. [Acute poisoning and abortions in guinea pigs by the pods of Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Leg. Mimosoideae).] Intoxicação aguda e abortos em cobaias pelas favas de Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Leg. Mimosoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):593-596. Departamento de Patologia Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: bonel-raposo@brturbo.com.br The objective was to study the acute toxicity and the abortive properties of Enterolobium contortisiliquum pods in guinea pigs. Pods of E. contortisiliquum were administered orally to 4 groups of 3 guinea pigs each. Another group of 3 guinea-pigs was used as control. Group 1 and 2 were fed with one dose of 5 and 10g of pods for kg body weight, respectively. The guinea pigs of Group 3 and 4 received 10 and 15g/kg, respectively, divided into daily doses of 5g/kg. One guinea pig from Group 2 and one from Group 4 died 12 and 18 hours after the end of the administration. Gross lesions were hemorrhages of the stomach and of the large and small gut, enlarged liver, and dilated gall bladder. Histologically, the liver had severe vacuolation and necrosis of periportal hepatocytes. In another experiment a ration containing 4% of pods of E. contortisiliquum was fed to 2 groups of 4 guinea-pigs, 35 days after mating. Four of the 8 guinea pigs aborted 6-15 days after the beginning of ingestion. The other 4 guinea pigs were not pregnant. All guinea pigs were euthanized after abortion or at the end of the experiment. Histologically all animals had mild to severe periportal hemorrhagic necrosis. All fetuses had variable degree of autolysis. In 4 fetuses studied no significant histologic lesions were observed. The acute lesions observed in guinea-pigs are similar than those observed in the spontaneous poisoning by Enterolobium spp. in cattle. Similar lesions are observed in guinea-pigs poisoned experimentally with saponins from E. gummiferum. The results of the experiments in pregnant guinea pigs suggest that E. contortisiliquum can be used to study the abortive effect of its pods or its toxic compounds.

• Poisonous plants hepatotoxic plants abortion Enterolobium contortisiliquum Legumiosae Mimosoideae guinea pigs

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Bonel-Raposo J., Riet-Correa F., Guim T.N., Schuch I.D., Grecco F.G. & Fernandes C.G. 2007. [Acute poisoning and abortions in guinea pigs by the pods of Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Leg. Mimosoideae).] Intoxicação aguda e abortos em cobaias pelas favas de Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Leg. Mimosoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):593-596. Departamento de Patologia Animal, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: bonel-raposo@brturbo.com.br The objective was to study the acute toxicity and the abortive properties of Enterolobium contortisiliquum pods in guinea pigs. Pods of E. contortisiliquum were administered orally to 4 groups of 3 guinea pigs each. Another group of 3 guinea-pigs was used as control. Group 1 and 2 were fed with one dose of 5 and 10g of pods for kg body weight, respectively. The guinea pigs of Group 3 and 4 received 10 and 15g/kg, respectively, divided into daily doses of 5g/kg. One guinea pig from Group 2 and one from Group 4 died 12 and 18 hours after the end of the administration. Gross lesions were hemorrhages of the stomach and of the large and small gut, enlarged liver, and dilated gall bladder. Histologically, the liver had severe vacuolation and necrosis of periportal hepatocytes. In another experiment a ration containing 4% of pods of E. contortisiliquum was fed to 2 groups of 4 guinea-pigs, 35 days after mating. Four of the 8 guinea pigs aborted 6-15 days after the beginning of ingestion. The other 4 guinea pigs were not pregnant. All guinea pigs were euthanized after abortion or at the end of the experiment. Histologically all animals had mild to severe periportal hemorrhagic necrosis. All fetuses had variable degree of autolysis. In 4 fetuses studied no significant histologic lesions were observed. The acute lesions observed in guinea-pigs are similar than those observed in the spontaneous poisoning by Enterolobium spp. in cattle. Similar lesions are observed in guinea-pigs poisoned experimentally with saponins from E. gummiferum. The results of the experiments in pregnant guinea pigs suggest that E. contortisiliquum can be used to study the abortive effect of its pods or its toxic compounds.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Modolo J.R., Stachissini A.V.M., Gennari S.M., Dubey J.P., Langoni H., Padovani C.R., Barroso L. & Leite B.L.S. 2008. [Frequency of antibodies anti-Neospora caninum in sera of goats of the State São Paulo and its relationship with flock management.] Freqüência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum em soros de caprinos do estado de São Paulo e sua relação com o manejo dos animais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):597-600. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Cx. Postal 524, Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618-000, Brazil. E-mail: jrmodolo@fmvz.unesp.br In order to assess the frequency of dairy goats seropositive for Neospora caninum in the state of São Paulo, and its relationship with age, sex, presence of dogs and reproductive problems in goat pens, serum samples were obtained from 923 goats of both sexes older than 3 months of age. Samples were collected in 17 properties located in different municipalities. Neospora agglutination test (NATe”25) was used to determine the presence of Neospora caninum in all animals. Epidemiological and reproductive data were obtained through a questionnaire which was administered in all goat pens. Significance level was set at 5% for all statistical tests. N. caninum positivity rate was 19.77%. Only one of the properties had no seropositive animal revealing N. caninum diffusion in the state. Seropositivity frequency did not correlate with sex, age, or reproductive problems. However, the presence of dogs was associated with a higher frequency of N. caninum seropositivity. A choroplethic map with hatch patterns showing the geographical distribution of goats seropositive for Neospora caninum may considerably contribute to geographic epidemiological studies and the development of disease control strategies.

• Neospora caninum occurrence; goats dogs epidemiological variables reproductive problems geographic distribution

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Modolo J.R., Stachissini A.V.M., Gennari S.M., Dubey J.P., Langoni H., Padovani C.R., Barroso L. & Leite B.L.S. 2008. [Frequency of antibodies anti-Neospora caninum in sera of goats of the State São Paulo and its relationship with flock management.] Freqüência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum em soros de caprinos do estado de São Paulo e sua relação com o manejo dos animais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):597-600. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Cx. Postal 524, Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618-000, Brazil. E-mail: jrmodolo@fmvz.unesp.br In order to assess the frequency of dairy goats seropositive for Neospora caninum in the state of São Paulo, and its relationship with age, sex, presence of dogs and reproductive problems in goat pens, serum samples were obtained from 923 goats of both sexes older than 3 months of age. Samples were collected in 17 properties located in different municipalities. Neospora agglutination test (NATe”25) was used to determine the presence of Neospora caninum in all animals. Epidemiological and reproductive data were obtained through a questionnaire which was administered in all goat pens. Significance level was set at 5% for all statistical tests. N. caninum positivity rate was 19.77%. Only one of the properties had no seropositive animal revealing N. caninum diffusion in the state. Seropositivity frequency did not correlate with sex, age, or reproductive problems. However, the presence of dogs was associated with a higher frequency of N. caninum seropositivity. A choroplethic map with hatch patterns showing the geographical distribution of goats seropositive for Neospora caninum may considerably contribute to geographic epidemiological studies and the development of disease control strategies.

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Pavarini S.P., Bezerra Junior P.S., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Clinic pathological features during a winter dysentery outbreak in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul.] Achados clínico patológicos durante um surto de disenteria de inverno em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):611- 616. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br The report describes a winter dysentery outbreak that affected 10 dairy cows from a ranch located in the county of Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul. The most significant clinical sign was profuse and watery diarrhea, which ranged from a greenish to a brownish coloration and from occasional blood streaks with mucus to a bloody diarrhea. Most cases persisted for 5 days and also included depression, drastic decrease in milk production and in food consumption. Only one of the affected animals died. The necropsy revealed pale mucosa and sanguineous content with high quantity of blood clots, particularly within the spiral colon, and petechiae on the colonic mucosa. Histopathological lesions were predominant in the spiral colon, and consisted of a high number of dilated crypts without epithelium or with the replacement of a pavement epithelium with occasional immature cuboidal cells, which sometimes showed enlarged nucleus and proeminent nucleolus. Some crypts were filled with epithelial desquamation and polymorphnuclear cells. Bovine coronavirus (8F2) monoclonal antibody was used for immunohistochemistry on sections of the spiral colon that showed positive reactions in the cytoplasm of the infected crypt epithelium, sloughed necrotic cells, and within macrophages in the lamina propria of both.

• Winter dysentery diarrhea spiral colon bovine coronavirus

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Pavarini S.P., Bezerra Junior P.S., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Clinic pathological features during a winter dysentery outbreak in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul.] Achados clínico patológicos durante um surto de disenteria de inverno em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):611- 616. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br The report describes a winter dysentery outbreak that affected 10 dairy cows from a ranch located in the county of Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul. The most significant clinical sign was profuse and watery diarrhea, which ranged from a greenish to a brownish coloration and from occasional blood streaks with mucus to a bloody diarrhea. Most cases persisted for 5 days and also included depression, drastic decrease in milk production and in food consumption. Only one of the affected animals died. The necropsy revealed pale mucosa and sanguineous content with high quantity of blood clots, particularly within the spiral colon, and petechiae on the colonic mucosa. Histopathological lesions were predominant in the spiral colon, and consisted of a high number of dilated crypts without epithelium or with the replacement of a pavement epithelium with occasional immature cuboidal cells, which sometimes showed enlarged nucleus and proeminent nucleolus. Some crypts were filled with epithelial desquamation and polymorphnuclear cells. Bovine coronavirus (8F2) monoclonal antibody was used for immunohistochemistry on sections of the spiral colon that showed positive reactions in the cytoplasm of the infected crypt epithelium, sloughed necrotic cells, and within macrophages in the lamina propria of both.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Freitas M.F.L., Luz I.S., Silveira-Filho V.M., Júnior J.W.P., Stamford T.L.M., Mota R.A., Sena M.J., Almeida A.M.P., Balbino V.Q. & Leal-Balbino T.C. 2008. Staphylococcal toxin genes in milk samples from cows diagnosed with subclinical mastitis. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):617-621. Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Campus da Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50670-420, Brazil. E-mail: cristina@cpqam.fiocruz.br The present study was carried out in 11 dairy herds in four municipal districts of the rural area of the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. Out of 984 quarter milk (246 cows), 10 (1.0%) were positive for clinical mastitis, 562 (57.1%) for subclinical mastitis and 412 (41.9%) were negative. A total of 81 Staphylococcus spp. isolates were obtained from milk samples from the cows diagnosed with subclinical mastitis. From these, 53 (65.0%) were S. aureus, 16 (20.0%) coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS) and 12 (15.0%) coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS). The isolates were further investigated for the presence of toxin genes by multiplex and uniplex PCR. The main gene observed was seg followed by seh, sei and sej. The distribution of these observed genes among the isolates obtained from different areas showed a regional pattern for the SEs. The presence of toxin genes in the strains isolated from bovine milk demonstrates a potential problem for public health.

• Staphylococcal toxins toxin genes milk dairy cows

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Freitas M.F.L., Luz I.S., Silveira-Filho V.M., Júnior J.W.P., Stamford T.L.M., Mota R.A., Sena M.J., Almeida A.M.P., Balbino V.Q. & Leal-Balbino T.C. 2008. Staphylococcal toxin genes in milk samples from cows diagnosed with subclinical mastitis. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):617-621. Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego s/n, Campus da Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50670-420, Brazil. E-mail: cristina@cpqam.fiocruz.br The present study was carried out in 11 dairy herds in four municipal districts of the rural area of the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. Out of 984 quarter milk (246 cows), 10 (1.0%) were positive for clinical mastitis, 562 (57.1%) for subclinical mastitis and 412 (41.9%) were negative. A total of 81 Staphylococcus spp. isolates were obtained from milk samples from the cows diagnosed with subclinical mastitis. From these, 53 (65.0%) were S. aureus, 16 (20.0%) coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS) and 12 (15.0%) coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS). The isolates were further investigated for the presence of toxin genes by multiplex and uniplex PCR. The main gene observed was seg followed by seh, sei and sej. The distribution of these observed genes among the isolates obtained from different areas showed a regional pattern for the SEs. The presence of toxin genes in the strains isolated from bovine milk demonstrates a potential problem for public health.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Tortelli P.F., Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Dutra M.D., Cerqueira V.D., Oliveira C.A., Riet-Correa F. & Riet-Correa G. 2008. [Poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia in cattle and sheep in the Marajó Island, Northern Brazil.] Intoxicação por Ipomoea asarifolia em bovinos e ovinos na Ilha de Marajó. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):622-626. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Campus de Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Pirapora, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: griet@ufpa.br To determine plant poisonings occurring on Marajo Island, state of Pará, northern Brazil, 7 farms were visited. All farms had native pastures with low forage availability severely infected by Ipomoea asarifolia. In 5 farms poisoning in sheep by the plant was reported. The disease occurs mainly during the dry period and lambs are more frequently affected than adult sheep. Sheep with clinical signs were observed in 2 farms. In 4 establishments farmers reported the occurrence of I. asarifolia poisoning in cattle. In one farm affected cattle were observed during two visits, one during the dry season and another at the start of the raining season. Deaths are observed mainly in calves. In both species the poisoning occurs every year with variable morbidity and low mortality. One bovine and one sheep with severe clinical signs were euthanized and post-mortem examination was performed. No gross or histologic significant lesions were observed. In all farms buffaloes were raised together with cattle and sheep, and in 3 farms goats were also raised. None of the farmers reported the intoxication in these species.

• Cattle Ipomoea asarifolia sheep toxic plants tremogenic toxins

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Tortelli P.F., Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Dutra M.D., Cerqueira V.D., Oliveira C.A., Riet-Correa F. & Riet-Correa G. 2008. [Poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia in cattle and sheep in the Marajó Island, Northern Brazil.] Intoxicação por Ipomoea asarifolia em bovinos e ovinos na Ilha de Marajó. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):622-626. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Campus de Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Pirapora, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: griet@ufpa.br To determine plant poisonings occurring on Marajo Island, state of Pará, northern Brazil, 7 farms were visited. All farms had native pastures with low forage availability severely infected by Ipomoea asarifolia. In 5 farms poisoning in sheep by the plant was reported. The disease occurs mainly during the dry period and lambs are more frequently affected than adult sheep. Sheep with clinical signs were observed in 2 farms. In 4 establishments farmers reported the occurrence of I. asarifolia poisoning in cattle. In one farm affected cattle were observed during two visits, one during the dry season and another at the start of the raining season. Deaths are observed mainly in calves. In both species the poisoning occurs every year with variable morbidity and low mortality. One bovine and one sheep with severe clinical signs were euthanized and post-mortem examination was performed. No gross or histologic significant lesions were observed. In all farms buffaloes were raised together with cattle and sheep, and in 3 farms goats were also raised. None of the farmers reported the intoxication in these species.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pedroso P.M.O., Pescador C.A., Bandarra P.M., Raymundo D.L., Borba M.R., Wouters F., Bezerra Jr P.S. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Standardization of immunohistochemistry technique for detection of rabies virus in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples from central nervous system of cattle.] Padronização da técnica de imuno-histoquímica para raiva em amostras de tecido do sistema nervoso central de bovinos fixadas em formol e emblocadas em parafina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):627-632. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br For standardization of the rabies immunohistochemistry technique, five samples of central nervous system (CNS) of cattle naturally infected with rabies virus were examined. One polyclonal antibody and two monoclonal antibodies were used. The following reagents were evaluated for antigen retrieval: XIV protease, proteinase K and citrate buffer (pH 6.0) boiling at 100°C during 15 minutes in bain-marie. Detection of rabic antigen was possible with the three antibodies tested. The polyclonal antibody was superior to the monoclonal antibodies, demonstrating good results with the three antigen retrieval protocols. The highest intensity staining was obtained with the citrate buffer and heat. The immunohistochemistry technique demonstrated the presence of viral antigens in the cytoplasm of neurons, in form of aggregates or with round or oval shape. The antigens were found as single or multiples inclusion bodies in the neurons. Immunohistochemistry is a fast method that can be used in routine procedures in cases where rabies is suspected, especially when the brain is submitted to the laboratory as formalin-fixed fragments or when samples could not be immediately shipped. The technique is also useful for retrospective studies.

• Diseases of cattle infectious diseases diseases of the central nervous system rabies immunohistochemistry standardization

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pedroso P.M.O., Pescador C.A., Bandarra P.M., Raymundo D.L., Borba M.R., Wouters F., Bezerra Jr P.S. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Standardization of immunohistochemistry technique for detection of rabies virus in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples from central nervous system of cattle.] Padronização da técnica de imuno-histoquímica para raiva em amostras de tecido do sistema nervoso central de bovinos fixadas em formol e emblocadas em parafina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):627-632. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br For standardization of the rabies immunohistochemistry technique, five samples of central nervous system (CNS) of cattle naturally infected with rabies virus were examined. One polyclonal antibody and two monoclonal antibodies were used. The following reagents were evaluated for antigen retrieval: XIV protease, proteinase K and citrate buffer (pH 6.0) boiling at 100°C during 15 minutes in bain-marie. Detection of rabic antigen was possible with the three antibodies tested. The polyclonal antibody was superior to the monoclonal antibodies, demonstrating good results with the three antigen retrieval protocols. The highest intensity staining was obtained with the citrate buffer and heat. The immunohistochemistry technique demonstrated the presence of viral antigens in the cytoplasm of neurons, in form of aggregates or with round or oval shape. The antigens were found as single or multiples inclusion bodies in the neurons. Immunohistochemistry is a fast method that can be used in routine procedures in cases where rabies is suspected, especially when the brain is submitted to the laboratory as formalin-fixed fragments or when samples could not be immediately shipped. The technique is also useful for retrospective studies.