PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Moura Junior P.C., Vieira T.H.M., Vieira S.R.C., Leão J.P.N., Leão C.E.S.,Lopes A.K.M.S., Ruiz C.R., Wafae G.C., Silva N.C. & Wafae N. 2009. [Anatomic study of coronary arteries in goats.] Estudo anatômico das artérias coronárias em caprinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):358-362. Laboratório de Anatomia da União Educacional do Planalto Central (Uniplac), SIGA, Área especial nº 2 Setor Leste Gama, Brasília, DF 72460-000, Brazil. E-mail: crisruiz@scamilo.edu.br The coronary arteries of the goats have been used to researches about to pharmacological actions, heart failure after connection of coronary arteries and others. Twenty-seven goat hearts, both sexes, fixed in formalin at 10% has been used in this study that analyzed the coronary arteries pattern in goats and if the same is similar to the human coronary arteries pattern. The left coronary artery is dominant and in relation to the length demonstrated average 1.15cm emitting two branches: interventricular paraconalis and circumflex. The interventricular paraconalis branch with average length 10.5cm issued branches to the both ventricles fairly, ending more frequently in the interventricular subsinuosis sulcus. The circumflex branch with average length 8.5cm issued branches to left ventricle and right atrium fairly. The left marginal branch is not constant. The right coronary artery, with average length 6.1cm issued branches to right ventricle and right atrium fairly, but the interventricular subsinuosis branch with average length 3.1cm is variable and can present one long branch, one short branch or one double branch, with the huge part for the right ventricle.

• Coronary dominance interventricular paraconalis branch interventricular subsinuosis branch

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Moura Junior P.C., Vieira T.H.M., Vieira S.R.C., Leão J.P.N., Leão C.E.S.,Lopes A.K.M.S., Ruiz C.R., Wafae G.C., Silva N.C. & Wafae N. 2009. [Anatomic study of coronary arteries in goats.] Estudo anatômico das artérias coronárias em caprinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):358-362. Laboratório de Anatomia da União Educacional do Planalto Central (Uniplac), SIGA, Área especial nº 2 Setor Leste Gama, Brasília, DF 72460-000, Brazil. E-mail: crisruiz@scamilo.edu.br The coronary arteries of the goats have been used to researches about to pharmacological actions, heart failure after connection of coronary arteries and others. Twenty-seven goat hearts, both sexes, fixed in formalin at 10% has been used in this study that analyzed the coronary arteries pattern in goats and if the same is similar to the human coronary arteries pattern. The left coronary artery is dominant and in relation to the length demonstrated average 1.15cm emitting two branches: interventricular paraconalis and circumflex. The interventricular paraconalis branch with average length 10.5cm issued branches to the both ventricles fairly, ending more frequently in the interventricular subsinuosis sulcus. The circumflex branch with average length 8.5cm issued branches to left ventricle and right atrium fairly. The left marginal branch is not constant. The right coronary artery, with average length 6.1cm issued branches to right ventricle and right atrium fairly, but the interventricular subsinuosis branch with average length 3.1cm is variable and can present one long branch, one short branch or one double branch, with the huge part for the right ventricle.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva-Zacarias F.G., Spohr K.A.H., Lima B.A.C., Dias J.A., Müller E.E., Ferreira Neto J.S., Turilli C. & Freitas J.C. 2009. [Prevalence of antibodies against Chlamydophila spp. in herds with bovine abortion of Paraná state, Brazil.] Prevalência de anticorpos anti-Chlamydophila spp. em propriedades rurais com histórico de aborto bovino no estado do Paraná. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):215-219. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid 380, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: freitasj@uel.br Chlamydophila abortus is a recognized cause of bovine epizootic abortion. Abortion, premature birth and weak lamb/calf, stillbirth and repeat breeding in irregular intervals are the most frequent disease manifestations. The complement fixation test is the recommended by the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) for Chlamydophila spp. serologic diagnosis. The aim of this study was estimate the prevalence of antibodies against Chlamydophila spp. in cattle herds with abortion, selected inside the sampling design of National Program of Control and Erradication of Brucellosis in Paraná state. Serum samples of 3,102 cows (age ³ 24 months) from 373 herds were analyzed by complement fixation test. Totally, 44 (1.42%) animal were positive with titers ³ 32. The seroprevalence of Chlamydophila spp. in the herds was 8.82% (6.15%-12.17%). Four variables were associated with seroprevalence for Chlamydophila spp. in the final model of logistic regression: confined or semi-confined breeding (OR=3.339, P=0.004), farms with less than 35 cows (OR=3.339, P=0.017), abortion in the pasture (OR=2.372, P=0.037) and pasture rent (OR=3.398, P=0.006) were risk factors for Chlamydophila spp. This bacterium infected a small number of cattle from herds with abortion in Paraná state. Chlamydophila spp impact as abortion cause is reduced in this state.

• Chlamydophila abortus bovine epizootic abortion serology bacteria

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva-Zacarias F.G., Spohr K.A.H., Lima B.A.C., Dias J.A., Müller E.E., Ferreira Neto J.S., Turilli C. & Freitas J.C. 2009. [Prevalence of antibodies against Chlamydophila spp. in herds with bovine abortion of Paraná state, Brazil.] Prevalência de anticorpos anti-Chlamydophila spp. em propriedades rurais com histórico de aborto bovino no estado do Paraná. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):215-219. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid 380, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: freitasj@uel.br Chlamydophila abortus is a recognized cause of bovine epizootic abortion. Abortion, premature birth and weak lamb/calf, stillbirth and repeat breeding in irregular intervals are the most frequent disease manifestations. The complement fixation test is the recommended by the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) for Chlamydophila spp. serologic diagnosis. The aim of this study was estimate the prevalence of antibodies against Chlamydophila spp. in cattle herds with abortion, selected inside the sampling design of National Program of Control and Erradication of Brucellosis in Paraná state. Serum samples of 3,102 cows (age ³ 24 months) from 373 herds were analyzed by complement fixation test. Totally, 44 (1.42%) animal were positive with titers ³ 32. The seroprevalence of Chlamydophila spp. in the herds was 8.82% (6.15%-12.17%). Four variables were associated with seroprevalence for Chlamydophila spp. in the final model of logistic regression: confined or semi-confined breeding (OR=3.339, P=0.004), farms with less than 35 cows (OR=3.339, P=0.017), abortion in the pasture (OR=2.372, P=0.037) and pasture rent (OR=3.398, P=0.006) were risk factors for Chlamydophila spp. This bacterium infected a small number of cattle from herds with abortion in Paraná state. Chlamydophila spp impact as abortion cause is reduced in this state.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Maia L., Souza M.V., Alves G.E.S., Júnior J.I.R., Oliveira A.C., Silva Y.F.R.S. & Zandim B.M. 2009. [Platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of induced tendinitis in equines: Ultrasonographic evaluation.] Plasma rico em plaquetas no tratamento de tendinite induzida em eqüinos: avaliação ultra-sonográfica. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):241-245. Setor de Clínica e Cirurgia de Grandes Animais, Departamento de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil. E-mail: msouza@ufv.br The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of induced tendinitis in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of horses through ultrasonographic evaluation. Thus, six 8 to15-year-old healthy gelding horses (=12 years) were used. Tendinitis of the SDFT was provoked in both forelimbs via intratendineous administration of 2.5mg of collagenase (2.5mg.mL-1), what was considered as beginning of the experimental phase. Twelve days after induced tendinitis, the horses were submitted to two treatments: (1) in the lesion caused in the right SDFT (treated group, TG), 2.5mL of PRP activated with calcium chloride at 0.0125mol.L-1, at concentrations from 320,000 to 500,000 platelets.µL-1, were administered; (2) in the tendinitis of the left SDFT (control group, CG), 2.5mL of 0.9% saline solution was administered. After 5 days, the animals were submitted to controlled and progressive physical activity during 30 days. Ultrasonographic examinations were carried out before and after tendinitis induction (48 hours after and on experimental days 7, 12, 14, 21 28, 35 and 42), with tendon cross-sectional area (CSA), lesion cross-sectional area (L-CSA), L-CSA percentage, severity and echogenicity of the lesion, as well as collagen fiber alignment being evaluated. The result revealed reduction (P<0.05) in the L-CSA and in the degree of lesion echogenicity in function of time, but with difference (P<0.05) between groups only for L-CSA, with smaller values in TG. The treatment with PRP promotes greater reduction in the area of the lesion measured by ultrasound.

• Horses tendon ultrasound growth factors healing

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Maia L., Souza M.V., Alves G.E.S., Júnior J.I.R., Oliveira A.C., Silva Y.F.R.S. & Zandim B.M. 2009. [Platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of induced tendinitis in equines: Ultrasonographic evaluation.] Plasma rico em plaquetas no tratamento de tendinite induzida em eqüinos: avaliação ultra-sonográfica. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):241-245. Setor de Clínica e Cirurgia de Grandes Animais, Departamento de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil. E-mail: msouza@ufv.br The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of induced tendinitis in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of horses through ultrasonographic evaluation. Thus, six 8 to15-year-old healthy gelding horses (=12 years) were used. Tendinitis of the SDFT was provoked in both forelimbs via intratendineous administration of 2.5mg of collagenase (2.5mg.mL-1), what was considered as beginning of the experimental phase. Twelve days after induced tendinitis, the horses were submitted to two treatments: (1) in the lesion caused in the right SDFT (treated group, TG), 2.5mL of PRP activated with calcium chloride at 0.0125mol.L-1, at concentrations from 320,000 to 500,000 platelets.µL-1, were administered; (2) in the tendinitis of the left SDFT (control group, CG), 2.5mL of 0.9% saline solution was administered. After 5 days, the animals were submitted to controlled and progressive physical activity during 30 days. Ultrasonographic examinations were carried out before and after tendinitis induction (48 hours after and on experimental days 7, 12, 14, 21 28, 35 and 42), with tendon cross-sectional area (CSA), lesion cross-sectional area (L-CSA), L-CSA percentage, severity and echogenicity of the lesion, as well as collagen fiber alignment being evaluated. The result revealed reduction (P<0.05) in the L-CSA and in the degree of lesion echogenicity in function of time, but with difference (P<0.05) between groups only for L-CSA, with smaller values in TG. The treatment with PRP promotes greater reduction in the area of the lesion measured by ultrasound.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Eurides D., Silva L.A.F., Daleck C.R., Fioravanti M.C., Gonçalves G.F., Silva O.F. & Nadri A.B. 2009. [Implantation of the autologous auricular cartilagem in the repair of penile deviation in cattle.] Implante de cartilagem auricular autóloga no reparo de desvio de pênis de bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):258-262. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, Campus Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil. E-mail: duvaldo@ufu.br Eighteen 18 to 24-month-old mixed breed bullocks were submitted to removal of the apical ligament of the penis to induce penile deviation. After 60 days from the surgery the steers were put together with cows in heat. A ventral and right lateral penis deviation leading to incapacity to copulate was observed. The bullocks were then submitted to an autolgous transplant of a cartilage segment from the ear pinna placed on top of the tunica albuginea, replacing the penile ligament apical tha had been removed. The implanted material was well tolerated; histologically with only infiltration few mononuclear cells, polymorpho nucleated cells and giant cells, and fibrosis, which caused strong adherence and provided ability to sustain the free penile extremity. The bullocks that were cows in heat did not show any degree of penile deviation nor any change in sexual behavior. The surgical method described here was shown to be satisfactory as to be indicated for correction of ventral and right lateral penile deviation in bullocks.

• Cattle surgery penile deviation repair implant

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Eurides D., Silva L.A.F., Daleck C.R., Fioravanti M.C., Gonçalves G.F., Silva O.F. & Nadri A.B. 2009. [Implantation of the autologous auricular cartilagem in the repair of penile deviation in cattle.] Implante de cartilagem auricular autóloga no reparo de desvio de pênis de bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):258-262. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, Campus Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil. E-mail: duvaldo@ufu.br Eighteen 18 to 24-month-old mixed breed bullocks were submitted to removal of the apical ligament of the penis to induce penile deviation. After 60 days from the surgery the steers were put together with cows in heat. A ventral and right lateral penis deviation leading to incapacity to copulate was observed. The bullocks were then submitted to an autolgous transplant of a cartilage segment from the ear pinna placed on top of the tunica albuginea, replacing the penile ligament apical tha had been removed. The implanted material was well tolerated; histologically with only infiltration few mononuclear cells, polymorpho nucleated cells and giant cells, and fibrosis, which caused strong adherence and provided ability to sustain the free penile extremity. The bullocks that were cows in heat did not show any degree of penile deviation nor any change in sexual behavior. The surgical method described here was shown to be satisfactory as to be indicated for correction of ventral and right lateral penile deviation in bullocks.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva E.F., Seyffert N., Jouglard S.D.D., Athanazio D.A., Dellagostin O.A. & Brod C.S. 2009. [Seroprevalence of leptospiral infection in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in a slaughterhouse of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Soroprevalência da infecção leptospiral em capivaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) abatidas em um frigorífico do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(8):174-176. Laboratório do Centro de Controle de Zoonoses, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil. E-mail: efsilva@ufpel.edu.br Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are wild rodents from the American Continent with increasing importance as a commercial alternative source of meat for human consumption. Studies on seroprevalence for leptospiral infection are scarce and restricted to free living capybaras. We report detection of agglutinating antibodies against leptospires in 27% (6/22) of all animals in a slaughterhouse from Rio Grande do Sul. The highest antibody titers predicted Australis as the infecting serogroup due to reactions against a reference strain of serovar Bratislava and a canine local isolate of serovar Australis, characterized as Leptospira noguchii. The data presented in this report highlight that a considerable fraction of capybaras in captivity may behave as reservoir for pathogenic leptospires emphasizing the occupational risk of those who deal with animal farming and slaughter.

• Leptospirosis capybara serology agglutinins

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva E.F., Seyffert N., Jouglard S.D.D., Athanazio D.A., Dellagostin O.A. & Brod C.S. 2009. [Seroprevalence of leptospiral infection in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in a slaughterhouse of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Soroprevalência da infecção leptospiral em capivaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) abatidas em um frigorífico do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(8):174-176. Laboratório do Centro de Controle de Zoonoses, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil. E-mail: efsilva@ufpel.edu.br Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are wild rodents from the American Continent with increasing importance as a commercial alternative source of meat for human consumption. Studies on seroprevalence for leptospiral infection are scarce and restricted to free living capybaras. We report detection of agglutinating antibodies against leptospires in 27% (6/22) of all animals in a slaughterhouse from Rio Grande do Sul. The highest antibody titers predicted Australis as the infecting serogroup due to reactions against a reference strain of serovar Bratislava and a canine local isolate of serovar Australis, characterized as Leptospira noguchii. The data presented in this report highlight that a considerable fraction of capybaras in captivity may behave as reservoir for pathogenic leptospires emphasizing the occupational risk of those who deal with animal farming and slaughter.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Batista M.C.S, Castro R.S., Rego E.W., Carvalho A.A., Silva S.M.S., Carvalho C.D.D. & Riet-Correa F. 2009. [Hematology and blood biochemistry in sheep with conidiobolomycosis in northeastern Brazil.] Hemograma, proteinograma, ionograma e dosagens bioquímicas e enzimáticas de ovinos acometidos de conidiobolomicose no Nordeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):17-24 Departamento de Morfofisiologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Piauí, Campus Universitário Ministro Petrônio Portella, s/n, Bairro Ininga, Teresina, PI 64049-450, Brazil. Email: cbatista@ufpi.br Hematologic values, serum levels of albumin, globulins, total proteins, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chloride, urea nitrogen, creatinine, total, direct and indirect bilirrubin, and serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkalin phosphatase (AF) and gama-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were determined in 56 hair sheep with conidiobolomycosis and 371 healthy hair sheep from the same flocks. Sheep with conidiobolomycosis had nonregenerative, normocytic and normochromic anemia, leucocytosis with neutrophilia and increased nutrophil:lymphocyte rate, moderate monocytosis, moderate thrombocytosis, hypoproteinemia (hypoglobulinemia), hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia and increased values of phosphorus. Serum activities of AST and GGT were increased and serum activity of FA decreased. Serum values of urea and creatinine were within normal values. Hypoglycemia and hyperbilirrubinemia were also observed. These results can be used for experimental studies with the disease, for treatments trials, and to detect early cases of the disease without clinical signs. Otherwise the hematologic and blood biochemistry values of healthy sheep can be used as reference values for hair sheep in the semi-arid region of Brazil.

• Serum biochemistry hematology liver function renal function conidiobolomycosis healthy hair sheep

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Batista M.C.S, Castro R.S., Rego E.W., Carvalho A.A., Silva S.M.S., Carvalho C.D.D. & Riet-Correa F. 2009. [Hematology and blood biochemistry in sheep with conidiobolomycosis in northeastern Brazil.] Hemograma, proteinograma, ionograma e dosagens bioquímicas e enzimáticas de ovinos acometidos de conidiobolomicose no Nordeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):17-24 Departamento de Morfofisiologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Piauí, Campus Universitário Ministro Petrônio Portella, s/n, Bairro Ininga, Teresina, PI 64049-450, Brazil. Email: cbatista@ufpi.br Hematologic values, serum levels of albumin, globulins, total proteins, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chloride, urea nitrogen, creatinine, total, direct and indirect bilirrubin, and serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkalin phosphatase (AF) and gama-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were determined in 56 hair sheep with conidiobolomycosis and 371 healthy hair sheep from the same flocks. Sheep with conidiobolomycosis had nonregenerative, normocytic and normochromic anemia, leucocytosis with neutrophilia and increased nutrophil:lymphocyte rate, moderate monocytosis, moderate thrombocytosis, hypoproteinemia (hypoglobulinemia), hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia and increased values of phosphorus. Serum activities of AST and GGT were increased and serum activity of FA decreased. Serum values of urea and creatinine were within normal values. Hypoglycemia and hyperbilirrubinemia were also observed. These results can be used for experimental studies with the disease, for treatments trials, and to detect early cases of the disease without clinical signs. Otherwise the hematologic and blood biochemistry values of healthy sheep can be used as reference values for hair sheep in the semi-arid region of Brazil.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva Júnior A., Castro L.A., Chiarelli Neto O., Silva F.M.F., Vidigal P.M.P., Moraes M.P. & Almeida M.R. 2009. Development and evaluation of a recombinant DNA vaccine candidate expressing porcine circovirus 2 structural protein. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):76-82. Laboratório de Infectologia Molecular Animal, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs s/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, MG 36570-000, Brazil. E-mail: marcia@ufv.br Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) is generally associated with the porcine circovirosis syndrome, which is considered an important disease of swine and has potentially serious economic impact on the swine industry worldwide. This article describes the construction of a recombinant plasmid expressing the PCV2 structural protein and the evaluation of cellular and humoral immune responses produced by this recombinant vaccine in BALB/c mice. The vaccine candidate was obtained and analyzed in vivo, in an effort to determine the ability to induce a specific immune response in mice. DNA was extracted from a Brazilian PCV2 isolate and the gene coding for Cap protein was amplified by PCR and inserted into an expression plasmid. Groups of BALB/c mice were inoculated intra-muscularly and intradermally in a 15-day interval, with 100 µg and 50 µg of the vaccine construct, respectively. Another group was inoculated intramuscularly with 100 µg of empty plasmid, corresponding to the control group. Seroconversion and cellular response in BALB/c mice were compared and used for vaccine evaluation. Seroconversion was analyzed by ELISA. After a series of 3 immunizations the spleen cells of the immunized animals were used to perform lymphocyte proliferation assays. Seroconversion to PCV2 was detected by ELISA in the animals inoculated with the vaccine construct when compared with control groups. Lymphocyte proliferation assays showed a stronger cell proliferation in the inoculated animals compared with the control group. Thus, the vaccine candidate construct demonstrated to be able to induce both humoral and cellular responses in inoculated mice.

• PCV2 DNA vaccine porcine circovirosis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva Júnior A., Castro L.A., Chiarelli Neto O., Silva F.M.F., Vidigal P.M.P., Moraes M.P. & Almeida M.R. 2009. Development and evaluation of a recombinant DNA vaccine candidate expressing porcine circovirus 2 structural protein. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):76-82. Laboratório de Infectologia Molecular Animal, Instituto de Biotecnologia Aplicada à Agropecuária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs s/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, MG 36570-000, Brazil. E-mail: marcia@ufv.br Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) is generally associated with the porcine circovirosis syndrome, which is considered an important disease of swine and has potentially serious economic impact on the swine industry worldwide. This article describes the construction of a recombinant plasmid expressing the PCV2 structural protein and the evaluation of cellular and humoral immune responses produced by this recombinant vaccine in BALB/c mice. The vaccine candidate was obtained and analyzed in vivo, in an effort to determine the ability to induce a specific immune response in mice. DNA was extracted from a Brazilian PCV2 isolate and the gene coding for Cap protein was amplified by PCR and inserted into an expression plasmid. Groups of BALB/c mice were inoculated intra-muscularly and intradermally in a 15-day interval, with 100 µg and 50 µg of the vaccine construct, respectively. Another group was inoculated intramuscularly with 100 µg of empty plasmid, corresponding to the control group. Seroconversion and cellular response in BALB/c mice were compared and used for vaccine evaluation. Seroconversion was analyzed by ELISA. After a series of 3 immunizations the spleen cells of the immunized animals were used to perform lymphocyte proliferation assays. Seroconversion to PCV2 was detected by ELISA in the animals inoculated with the vaccine construct when compared with control groups. Lymphocyte proliferation assays showed a stronger cell proliferation in the inoculated animals compared with the control group. Thus, the vaccine candidate construct demonstrated to be able to induce both humoral and cellular responses in inoculated mice.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Coutinho A.S., Oliveira Filho J.P., Silva D.P.G.S., Oliveira A.P., Marcondes J.S., Chiacchio S.B., Paes A.C., Amorim R.M. & Gonçalves R.C. 2009. [Experimental pneumonic mannheimiosis in calves: Nasal and nasopharingeal swabs for diagnostic.] Mannheimiose pulmonar experimental em bezerros: swab nasal e nasofaringeano como auxílio diagnóstico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):83-88. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu, Distrito de Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com An experimental model of bovine pneumonic mannheimiosis (BPM) was used to evaluate the nasal and nasopharynx bacterial species of calves during the course of the disease and for checking the diagnostic efficiency of nasal swab (NS) and nasopharingeal swab (NPS) microbiological exams. A total of 28 calves were randomized into four experimental groups (G1-G4). NS and NPS were obtained 7 days before and 12 (G1), 24 (G2), 48 (G3) e 72 (G4) hours after intrabronchial inoculation of Mannheimia haemolytica. After the induction of BPM, M. haemolytica biotype A was the predominant isolated bacterium in NS and NPS in all evaluated sampling times, except for one NS (harvested 24 hours). There were no significant statistical differences for the rates of Pasteurella multocida isolation in NS and NPS, harvested before and after the induction of BPM. However, this bacterium was isolated more frequently after the induction of BPM, mainly in NPS. Therefore, the microbiological NS and NPS exams were important auxiliary tests for diagnosing BPM.

• Bacterial flora upper airway respiratory diseases bovine Mannheimia haemolytica

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Coutinho A.S., Oliveira Filho J.P., Silva D.P.G.S., Oliveira A.P., Marcondes J.S., Chiacchio S.B., Paes A.C., Amorim R.M. & Gonçalves R.C. 2009. [Experimental pneumonic mannheimiosis in calves: Nasal and nasopharingeal swabs for diagnostic.] Mannheimiose pulmonar experimental em bezerros: swab nasal e nasofaringeano como auxílio diagnóstico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):83-88. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu, Distrito de Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com An experimental model of bovine pneumonic mannheimiosis (BPM) was used to evaluate the nasal and nasopharynx bacterial species of calves during the course of the disease and for checking the diagnostic efficiency of nasal swab (NS) and nasopharingeal swab (NPS) microbiological exams. A total of 28 calves were randomized into four experimental groups (G1-G4). NS and NPS were obtained 7 days before and 12 (G1), 24 (G2), 48 (G3) e 72 (G4) hours after intrabronchial inoculation of Mannheimia haemolytica. After the induction of BPM, M. haemolytica biotype A was the predominant isolated bacterium in NS and NPS in all evaluated sampling times, except for one NS (harvested 24 hours). There were no significant statistical differences for the rates of Pasteurella multocida isolation in NS and NPS, harvested before and after the induction of BPM. However, this bacterium was isolated more frequently after the induction of BPM, mainly in NPS. Therefore, the microbiological NS and NPS exams were important auxiliary tests for diagnosing BPM.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa R.R., Pacífico da Silva I. & Benito Soto-Blanco B. 2008. Development of conditioned taste aversion to Mascagnia rigida in goats. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):571-574. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, BR 110 Km 47, Mossoró, RN 59625-900, Brazil. E-mail: benito.blanco@pq.cnpq.br The aim of this study was to determine whether goats could be averted from consuming Mascagnia rigida, a toxic plant found in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Fourteen male goats not previously familiarized to M. rigida were randomly allocated to two treatment groups: control (treated with 5.5mL water orally by a drenching gun) and lithium group (treated with 100mg LiCl/kg body weight orally by a drenching gun). For conditioning, goats were allowed to feed on M. rigida leaves for 15 min, followed by LiCl or water administration. The time spent on eating M. rigida leaves was measured. The conditioning was repeated daily until the LiCl-treated goats stopped eating M. rigida. On the 10th, 17th, and 24th day after conditioning, extinction trials of the M. rigida aversion were performed in goats by using single-choice tests. There was no difference between the two treatment groups with respect to the consumption of M. rigida on the first day of aversion conditioning, however, controls ingested increasing amounts of the plant on consecutive conditioning days. On the second day, five out of the seven goats in the lithium group did not eat the leaves, but on the third day, all the goats in the lithium group did not ingest M. rigida. This aversion persisted throughout all evaluated days. This indicates that goats can be easily conditioned by using lithium chloride to avoid eating M. rigida temporarily

• Poisonous plants Mascagnia rigida Malpighiaceae conditioned food aversion taste aversion diet selection plant poisoning goats

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa R.R., Pacífico da Silva I. & Benito Soto-Blanco B. 2008. Development of conditioned taste aversion to Mascagnia rigida in goats. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):571-574. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, BR 110 Km 47, Mossoró, RN 59625-900, Brazil. E-mail: benito.blanco@pq.cnpq.br The aim of this study was to determine whether goats could be averted from consuming Mascagnia rigida, a toxic plant found in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Fourteen male goats not previously familiarized to M. rigida were randomly allocated to two treatment groups: control (treated with 5.5mL water orally by a drenching gun) and lithium group (treated with 100mg LiCl/kg body weight orally by a drenching gun). For conditioning, goats were allowed to feed on M. rigida leaves for 15 min, followed by LiCl or water administration. The time spent on eating M. rigida leaves was measured. The conditioning was repeated daily until the LiCl-treated goats stopped eating M. rigida. On the 10th, 17th, and 24th day after conditioning, extinction trials of the M. rigida aversion were performed in goats by using single-choice tests. There was no difference between the two treatment groups with respect to the consumption of M. rigida on the first day of aversion conditioning, however, controls ingested increasing amounts of the plant on consecutive conditioning days. On the second day, five out of the seven goats in the lithium group did not eat the leaves, but on the third day, all the goats in the lithium group did not ingest M. rigida. This aversion persisted throughout all evaluated days. This indicates that goats can be easily conditioned by using lithium chloride to avoid eating M. rigida temporarily

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.