PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

Santurio J.M., Leal A.T., Leal A.B.M., Alves S.H., Lübeck I., Griebeler J. & Copetti M.V. 2006. [Indirect ELISA for the serodiagnostic of pythiosis.] Teste de ELISA indireto para o diagnóstico sorológico de pitiose. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):47-50. Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, prédio 20, sala 4139, Lapemi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: santurio@smail.ufsm.br Pythiosis is a granulomatous disease caused by the oomycete Pythium insidiosum that affects humans and animals, especially horses. Deaths are very often the consequence of incorrect or late diagnosis when animals no longer respond to treatment. This study aimed standardization of the ELISA assay for the serodiagnostic of pythiosis in horses and rabbits, in order to minimize errors and delays in the diagnosis of the disease. Sera of 72 healthy and 44 of by pythiosis affected horses were used for development and evaluation of the test. The ELISA for equine diagnostic showed 97.72% sensitivity, 90.27% specificity, 86% positive predictive value, 98.4% negative predictive value, and 93.1% efficiency. The rabbit test was standardized with 48 sera of healthy rabbits and 24 sera of rabbits immunized with P. insidiosum antigens. The results were 91.66 % sensitivity, 95.83% specificity, 91.66% positive predictive value, 95.83% negative predictive value, and 94.44% efficiency. It can be concluded that ELISA is a reliable test for diagnostic and serological monitoring of pythiosis.

• Pythium insidiosum pythiosis ELISA horses rabbits.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Santurio J.M., Leal A.T., Leal A.B.M., Alves S.H., Lübeck I., Griebeler J. & Copetti M.V. 2006. [Indirect ELISA for the serodiagnostic of pythiosis.] Teste de ELISA indireto para o diagnóstico sorológico de pitiose. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):47-50. Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, prédio 20, sala 4139, Lapemi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: santurio@smail.ufsm.br Pythiosis is a granulomatous disease caused by the oomycete Pythium insidiosum that affects humans and animals, especially horses. Deaths are very often the consequence of incorrect or late diagnosis when animals no longer respond to treatment. This study aimed standardization of the ELISA assay for the serodiagnostic of pythiosis in horses and rabbits, in order to minimize errors and delays in the diagnosis of the disease. Sera of 72 healthy and 44 of by pythiosis affected horses were used for development and evaluation of the test. The ELISA for equine diagnostic showed 97.72% sensitivity, 90.27% specificity, 86% positive predictive value, 98.4% negative predictive value, and 93.1% efficiency. The rabbit test was standardized with 48 sera of healthy rabbits and 24 sera of rabbits immunized with P. insidiosum antigens. The results were 91.66 % sensitivity, 95.83% specificity, 91.66% positive predictive value, 95.83% negative predictive value, and 94.44% efficiency. It can be concluded that ELISA is a reliable test for diagnostic and serological monitoring of pythiosis.

Abstract in English:

Veschi J.L.A., Dutra I.S., Miyakawa M.E.F., Perri S.H.V. & Uzal F.A. 2006. Immunophrophylactic strategies against enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens type D in goats. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):51-54. Departamento de Produção e Saúde Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: isdutra@fmva.unesp.br The serological response to an experimental vaccine against Clostridium perfringens type D enterotoxemia was evaluated in four groups of goats. Group 1 received colostrum from unvaccinated cows and no vaccine. Groups 2, 3 and 4 received colostrum from vaccinated cows. In addition, Groups 3 and 4 received a vaccine dose at 80 days of age, and Group 4 received a second vaccine dose at 120 days of age. Serum antibody levels were determined by ELISA in cows before and after calving, and in goats at 3, 80, 120 and 160 days of age. No significant difference in serum antibody levels was observed between vaccinated and unvaccinated cows, or between the four groups of goats evaluated at 3 days of life. Groups 3 and 4 presented mean antibody titers of 0.6 and 1.1 IU/ml, respectively, 40 days after first vaccination. The vaccine response of Group 4 was 1.8 IU/ml 40 days after the booster dose and was higher than that observed for Group 3 (0.2 IU/ml). Thus, in the proposed regimen the use of heterologous colostrum did not induce passive immunization in goat kids. However, first vaccination and a booster dose after 40 days triggered satisfactory antibody levels.

• Clostridium perfringens type D goat enterotoxemia immunoprophylactic strategies colostrum vaccine.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Veschi J.L.A., Dutra I.S., Miyakawa M.E.F., Perri S.H.V. & Uzal F.A. 2006. Immunophrophylactic strategies against enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens type D in goats. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):51-54. Departamento de Produção e Saúde Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: isdutra@fmva.unesp.br The serological response to an experimental vaccine against Clostridium perfringens type D enterotoxemia was evaluated in four groups of goats. Group 1 received colostrum from unvaccinated cows and no vaccine. Groups 2, 3 and 4 received colostrum from vaccinated cows. In addition, Groups 3 and 4 received a vaccine dose at 80 days of age, and Group 4 received a second vaccine dose at 120 days of age. Serum antibody levels were determined by ELISA in cows before and after calving, and in goats at 3, 80, 120 and 160 days of age. No significant difference in serum antibody levels was observed between vaccinated and unvaccinated cows, or between the four groups of goats evaluated at 3 days of life. Groups 3 and 4 presented mean antibody titers of 0.6 and 1.1 IU/ml, respectively, 40 days after first vaccination. The vaccine response of Group 4 was 1.8 IU/ml 40 days after the booster dose and was higher than that observed for Group 3 (0.2 IU/ml). Thus, in the proposed regimen the use of heterologous colostrum did not induce passive immunization in goat kids. However, first vaccination and a booster dose after 40 days triggered satisfactory antibody levels.

Abstract in English:

Lima V.M.F., Biazzono L., Silva A.C., Correa A.P.F.L. & Luvizotto M.C.R. 2005. Serological diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis by an enzyme immunoassay using protein A in naturally infected dogs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):215-218. Departamento de Clínica, Cirurgia e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: vmflima@fmva.unesp.br A rapid indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for measuring antibodies against Leishmania chagasi using total antigen from lysed promastigotes. Fifty symptomatic mixed breed dogs from a region of high incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil were examined. The results showed that in the positive animals, diagnosed by cytological examination, the ELISA using protein A assay system (mean optical density ± SD / 2.078 ± 0.631) detected more antibodies than the anti-IgG assay (mean optical density ± SD / 1.008 ± 0.437), while in the negative animals, the results by both systems were similar. These results suggest that the ELISA assay using protein A peroxidase conjugated could be useful to detect early infected animals in endemic areas, and thus help to control the spread of the infection.

• Leishmania chagasi visceral leishmaniasis protein A dogs.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Lima V.M.F., Biazzono L., Silva A.C., Correa A.P.F.L. & Luvizotto M.C.R. 2005. Serological diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis by an enzyme immunoassay using protein A in naturally infected dogs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):215-218. Departamento de Clínica, Cirurgia e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: vmflima@fmva.unesp.br A rapid indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for measuring antibodies against Leishmania chagasi using total antigen from lysed promastigotes. Fifty symptomatic mixed breed dogs from a region of high incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil were examined. The results showed that in the positive animals, diagnosed by cytological examination, the ELISA using protein A assay system (mean optical density ± SD / 2.078 ± 0.631) detected more antibodies than the anti-IgG assay (mean optical density ± SD / 1.008 ± 0.437), while in the negative animals, the results by both systems were similar. These results suggest that the ELISA assay using protein A peroxidase conjugated could be useful to detect early infected animals in endemic areas, and thus help to control the spread of the infection.

Abstract in English:

Rodrigues A., Fighera R.A., Souza T.M., Schild A.L., Soares M.P., Milano J. & Barros C.S.L. 2005. [Outbreaks of trypanosomiasis in horses by Trypanosoma evansi in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects.] Surtos de tripanossomíase por Trypanosoma evansi em eqüinos no Rio Grande do Sul: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, hematológicos e patológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):239-249. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Cases of trypanosomiasis by Trypanosoma evansi were diagnosed in horses in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 2003 and 2004. In one stud farm (Farm A) with 125 horses, 52 died. Additionally, around 80 mares were sent to Farm A to be bred. Of those, 66 became ill and 56 died after being returned to their farms of origin. Twenty one horses clinically affected by the disease were observed. Clinical signs included loss of weight (despite voracious appetite), lethargy, incoordination and instability of hindlimbs, atrophy of the large muscles of the hindlimbs, muscle weakness and paleness of mucosae. Specimens of T. evansi were detected in the blood drawn from four affected horses. Normocytic normochromic anemia with PCVs ranging from 15 to 31%, leucocytosis due to lymphocytosis associated to large atypical lymphocytes was observed in several affected horses. High levels of antibodies against T. evansi were detected in the serum of six horses from Farm A. Eight horses presented encephalic neurological signs such as circling, ataxia, blindness, excitation, falls, listlessness, proprioception deficits and head tilt. One horse assumed a “dog-seating position”. Necropsy findings included muscle atrophy, enlargement and lymphoid hyperplasia of the spleen and lymphnodes, edema and softening of the white and grey matter of the brain. Histologically, an overwhelming necrotizing panencephalitis was observed in the seven horses with encephalic signs. This panencephalitis was characterized by marked edema, demyelination and necrosis and perivascular infiltrates of 6-10 layers of lymphocytes and plasm cells affecting both the white and gray matter. Several plasm cells in the inflammatory infiltrate contained numerous eosinophilic globules in their cytoplasm (Mott cells). Similar histological lesions were observed in the spinal cord of the horse with the “dog-seating position”. The brains of five horses with the encephalic signs were submitted to immunohistochemistry stain by the streptavidin-biotin technique. In all of those five brains moderate to abundant specimens of T. evansi in the perivascular spaces and neuropile were marked by the specific antibody. Epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects of equine trypanosomiasis caused by T. evansi are discussed.

• Trypanosomiasis Trypanosoma evansi infectious diseases encephalitis hematology pathology diseases of horses.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Rodrigues A., Fighera R.A., Souza T.M., Schild A.L., Soares M.P., Milano J. & Barros C.S.L. 2005. [Outbreaks of trypanosomiasis in horses by Trypanosoma evansi in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects.] Surtos de tripanossomíase por Trypanosoma evansi em eqüinos no Rio Grande do Sul: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, hematológicos e patológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):239-249. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Cases of trypanosomiasis by Trypanosoma evansi were diagnosed in horses in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 2003 and 2004. In one stud farm (Farm A) with 125 horses, 52 died. Additionally, around 80 mares were sent to Farm A to be bred. Of those, 66 became ill and 56 died after being returned to their farms of origin. Twenty one horses clinically affected by the disease were observed. Clinical signs included loss of weight (despite voracious appetite), lethargy, incoordination and instability of hindlimbs, atrophy of the large muscles of the hindlimbs, muscle weakness and paleness of mucosae. Specimens of T. evansi were detected in the blood drawn from four affected horses. Normocytic normochromic anemia with PCVs ranging from 15 to 31%, leucocytosis due to lymphocytosis associated to large atypical lymphocytes was observed in several affected horses. High levels of antibodies against T. evansi were detected in the serum of six horses from Farm A. Eight horses presented encephalic neurological signs such as circling, ataxia, blindness, excitation, falls, listlessness, proprioception deficits and head tilt. One horse assumed a “dog-seating position”. Necropsy findings included muscle atrophy, enlargement and lymphoid hyperplasia of the spleen and lymphnodes, edema and softening of the white and grey matter of the brain. Histologically, an overwhelming necrotizing panencephalitis was observed in the seven horses with encephalic signs. This panencephalitis was characterized by marked edema, demyelination and necrosis and perivascular infiltrates of 6-10 layers of lymphocytes and plasm cells affecting both the white and gray matter. Several plasm cells in the inflammatory infiltrate contained numerous eosinophilic globules in their cytoplasm (Mott cells). Similar histological lesions were observed in the spinal cord of the horse with the “dog-seating position”. The brains of five horses with the encephalic signs were submitted to immunohistochemistry stain by the streptavidin-biotin technique. In all of those five brains moderate to abundant specimens of T. evansi in the perivascular spaces and neuropile were marked by the specific antibody. Epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects of equine trypanosomiasis caused by T. evansi are discussed.

Abstract in English:

Tancredi M.G.F., Faccini J.L.H., Tancredi I.P., Martins I.V.F. & Scott F.B. 2005. [The host-relationship between Psoroptes equi and horses.] Relação parasito-hospedeiro entre Psoroptes equi e eqüinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):207-209. Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: faccini@ufrrj.br Horses, abandoned by their owners (stray horses) along the main roads in the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, and brought by the Federal Police to a quarantine station at the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, were included in the study. A total of 1,121 horses were examined from November 1998 to November 2000. Skin scrapings from 107 (9.5%) horses with signs of psoroptic mange resulted in 37 (34.6%) positive animals for Psoroptes equi. There was no statistical correlation between prevalence and host age or sex (c2, p>0,05). P. equi was diagnosed in animals with different hair color. The dorsal region (withers to hip) was the most affected area of the body.

• Psoroptes equi Acari Psoroptidae mange horses Brazil.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Tancredi M.G.F., Faccini J.L.H., Tancredi I.P., Martins I.V.F. & Scott F.B. 2005. [The host-relationship between Psoroptes equi and horses.] Relação parasito-hospedeiro entre Psoroptes equi e eqüinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):207-209. Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: faccini@ufrrj.br Horses, abandoned by their owners (stray horses) along the main roads in the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, and brought by the Federal Police to a quarantine station at the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, were included in the study. A total of 1,121 horses were examined from November 1998 to November 2000. Skin scrapings from 107 (9.5%) horses with signs of psoroptic mange resulted in 37 (34.6%) positive animals for Psoroptes equi. There was no statistical correlation between prevalence and host age or sex (c2, p>0,05). P. equi was diagnosed in animals with different hair color. The dorsal region (withers to hip) was the most affected area of the body.

Abstract in English:

Soto P., Echevarría H.M., Monteavaro C.E. & Catena M.C. 2005. Experimentally induced intravaginal Tritrichomonas foetus infection in a mouse model. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):225-230. Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNCPBA, Pinto 399, Tandil (7000), Buenos Aires, Argentina. E-mail: psoto@vet.unicen.ar The interest to develop research on the host-parasite relationship in bovine tritrichomonosis has accomplished the use of experimental models alternative to cattle. The BALB/c mouse became the most appropriate species susceptible to vaginal Tritrichomonas foetus infection requiring previous estrogenization. For the need of an experimental model without persistent estrogenization and with normal estrous cycles, the establishment and persistence of vaginal infection on BALB/c mouse with different concentrations of T. foetus in two experimental groups was evaluated. Group A was treated with 5mg of b-estradiol 3-benzoate to synchronize the estrous, 48 hours before the T. foetus vaginal inoculation, and Group B was inoculated in natural estrus. At 5-7 days after treatment, estrogenic effect decreased allowing all animals to cycle regularly during the experiment. From the first week post-infection, samples of vaginal mucus were taken from all animals during 34 weeks, in order to evaluate the course of infection and the stage of the estrus cycle. Group A showed 93.6% of infected animals, and Group B showed 38%. Different doses of T. foetus were assayed to establish the vaginal infection, with a persistence of 34 weeks. Although different behavior was observed in each subgroup belonging to either Group A or Group B, there were no significant differences among the infecting doses used. The b-estradiol 3-benzoate treatment had a favorable effect on the establishment of the infection (P<0.0001), but it did not influence its persistence (P=0.1097). According to the results, an experimental mouse model is presented, appropriate for further studies on mechanisms of pathogenicity, immune response, protective evaluation of immunogen and therapeutic effect of drugs.

• Tritrichomonas foetus mouse model experimental tritrichomonosis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Soto P., Echevarría H.M., Monteavaro C.E. & Catena M.C. 2005. Experimentally induced intravaginal Tritrichomonas foetus infection in a mouse model. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):225-230. Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNCPBA, Pinto 399, Tandil (7000), Buenos Aires, Argentina. E-mail: psoto@vet.unicen.ar The interest to develop research on the host-parasite relationship in bovine tritrichomonosis has accomplished the use of experimental models alternative to cattle. The BALB/c mouse became the most appropriate species susceptible to vaginal Tritrichomonas foetus infection requiring previous estrogenization. For the need of an experimental model without persistent estrogenization and with normal estrous cycles, the establishment and persistence of vaginal infection on BALB/c mouse with different concentrations of T. foetus in two experimental groups was evaluated. Group A was treated with 5mg of b-estradiol 3-benzoate to synchronize the estrous, 48 hours before the T. foetus vaginal inoculation, and Group B was inoculated in natural estrus. At 5-7 days after treatment, estrogenic effect decreased allowing all animals to cycle regularly during the experiment. From the first week post-infection, samples of vaginal mucus were taken from all animals during 34 weeks, in order to evaluate the course of infection and the stage of the estrus cycle. Group A showed 93.6% of infected animals, and Group B showed 38%. Different doses of T. foetus were assayed to establish the vaginal infection, with a persistence of 34 weeks. Although different behavior was observed in each subgroup belonging to either Group A or Group B, there were no significant differences among the infecting doses used. The b-estradiol 3-benzoate treatment had a favorable effect on the establishment of the infection (P<0.0001), but it did not influence its persistence (P=0.1097). According to the results, an experimental mouse model is presented, appropriate for further studies on mechanisms of pathogenicity, immune response, protective evaluation of immunogen and therapeutic effect of drugs.

Abstract in English:

Flores E.F., Weiblen R., Vogel F.S.F., Roehe P.M., Alfieri A.A. & Pituco E.M. 2005. [Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection in Brazil: history, current situation and perspectives.] A infecção pelo vírus da Diarréia Viral Bovina (BVDV) no Brasil - histórico, situação atual e perspectivas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):125-134. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is one of the most important pathogens of cattle worldwide. BVDV infection and associated diseases have been reported in Brazil since the late 1960ties. Several serological, virological, clinical and pathological reports demonstrate the widespread distribution of BVDV infection among Brazilian cattle. In addition to variable levels of positive serology in beef and dairy cattle, BVDV antibodies have been occasionally detected in swine, wild boars, goats, cervids and water buffaloes. BVDV infection has been diagnosed in aborted fetuses, buffy coats of persistently infected (PI) animals, clinical specimens from animals suffering from different clinical syndromes, semen of bulls of artificial insemination (AI) centers, in healthy fetuses and in commercial fetal bovine serum and/or cultured cells. About 50 isolates have been genetically and/or antigenically characterized up to date, whilst roughly an equivalent number of isolates awaits characterization. Most of the characterized isolates belong to BVDV-1 genotype, non-cytopathic (NCP) biotype, yet some BVDV-2 (and some CP BVDV) have been identified as well. Brazilian BVDV isolates display a high antigenic variability and are markedly different from North American vaccine strains. A few inactivated, polyvalent vaccines are currently licensed in the country, yet vaccination is still incipient in many regions: only about 2.5 million doses were marketed in 2003. The low serological cross-reactivity between vaccine strains and field isolates has recently stimulated national industries to develop vaccines containing Brazilian BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 strains. The overall knowledge about BVDV infection in Brazil has grown considerably in the last years, due to an increasing number of laboratories performing diagnosis and research. Studies on the pathogenesis, serological and molecular epidemiology and production of reagents for diagnosis have contributed decisively for the recent growing knowledge on BVDV infections in the country.

• Bovine viral diarrhea virus BVDV epidemiology diagnostic.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Flores E.F., Weiblen R., Vogel F.S.F., Roehe P.M., Alfieri A.A. & Pituco E.M. 2005. [Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection in Brazil: history, current situation and perspectives.] A infecção pelo vírus da Diarréia Viral Bovina (BVDV) no Brasil - histórico, situação atual e perspectivas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):125-134. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is one of the most important pathogens of cattle worldwide. BVDV infection and associated diseases have been reported in Brazil since the late 1960ties. Several serological, virological, clinical and pathological reports demonstrate the widespread distribution of BVDV infection among Brazilian cattle. In addition to variable levels of positive serology in beef and dairy cattle, BVDV antibodies have been occasionally detected in swine, wild boars, goats, cervids and water buffaloes. BVDV infection has been diagnosed in aborted fetuses, buffy coats of persistently infected (PI) animals, clinical specimens from animals suffering from different clinical syndromes, semen of bulls of artificial insemination (AI) centers, in healthy fetuses and in commercial fetal bovine serum and/or cultured cells. About 50 isolates have been genetically and/or antigenically characterized up to date, whilst roughly an equivalent number of isolates awaits characterization. Most of the characterized isolates belong to BVDV-1 genotype, non-cytopathic (NCP) biotype, yet some BVDV-2 (and some CP BVDV) have been identified as well. Brazilian BVDV isolates display a high antigenic variability and are markedly different from North American vaccine strains. A few inactivated, polyvalent vaccines are currently licensed in the country, yet vaccination is still incipient in many regions: only about 2.5 million doses were marketed in 2003. The low serological cross-reactivity between vaccine strains and field isolates has recently stimulated national industries to develop vaccines containing Brazilian BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 strains. The overall knowledge about BVDV infection in Brazil has grown considerably in the last years, due to an increasing number of laboratories performing diagnosis and research. Studies on the pathogenesis, serological and molecular epidemiology and production of reagents for diagnosis have contributed decisively for the recent growing knowledge on BVDV infections in the country.

Abstract in English:

Zafalon L.F., Nader Filho A., Oliveira J.V. & Resende F.D. 2005. [Electrical conductivity and chloride concentration of milk as auxiliary diagnostic methods in bovine subclinical mastitis.] Comportamento da condutividade elétrica e do conteúdo de cloretos do leite como métodos auxiliares de diagnóstico na mastite subclínica bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):159-163. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, FACVJ, Unesp - Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/no, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: zafalon@iz.sp.gov.br Electrical conductivity measured by a hand-held meter and chloride concentration of milk were studied as auxiliary methods for diagnosis of bovine subclinical mastitis in the identification of affected mammary quarters where Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium sp were later isolated. Tests were made during 2 years in Holstein cows of a dairy farm producing type C milk, where milking was performed once a day. Sensitivities of electrical conductivity and chloride concentration tests from mammary quarters, where Corynebacterium sp was isolated (65.3% and 78.3%, respectively), were superior to the found in mammary quarters where S. aureus was identified (55.4% and 68.2%, respectively). The efficacies of the two diagnostic tests were similar. Statistical significance was demonstrated with regression analysis of both tests of healthy mammary quarters and subclinical mastitis quarters infected with Staphylococcus aureus.

• Bovine subclinical mastitis electric conductivity chloride level Staphylococcus aureus Corynebacterium sp.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Zafalon L.F., Nader Filho A., Oliveira J.V. & Resende F.D. 2005. [Electrical conductivity and chloride concentration of milk as auxiliary diagnostic methods in bovine subclinical mastitis.] Comportamento da condutividade elétrica e do conteúdo de cloretos do leite como métodos auxiliares de diagnóstico na mastite subclínica bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):159-163. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, FACVJ, Unesp - Campus de Jaboticabal, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/no, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: zafalon@iz.sp.gov.br Electrical conductivity measured by a hand-held meter and chloride concentration of milk were studied as auxiliary methods for diagnosis of bovine subclinical mastitis in the identification of affected mammary quarters where Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium sp were later isolated. Tests were made during 2 years in Holstein cows of a dairy farm producing type C milk, where milking was performed once a day. Sensitivities of electrical conductivity and chloride concentration tests from mammary quarters, where Corynebacterium sp was isolated (65.3% and 78.3%, respectively), were superior to the found in mammary quarters where S. aureus was identified (55.4% and 68.2%, respectively). The efficacies of the two diagnostic tests were similar. Statistical significance was demonstrated with regression analysis of both tests of healthy mammary quarters and subclinical mastitis quarters infected with Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract in English:

Catto J.B., Bianchin I., Torres Junior R.A.A. 2005. [Effects of deworming of cow-calf beef herds in brazilian savannas.] Efeitos da everminação de matrizes e de bezerros lactentes em sistema de produção de bovinos de corte na região de Cerrado. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):188-194. Embrapa Gado de Corte, Rodov. 162, Km 4, Campo Grande, MS 79002-950, Brazil. E-mail: catto@cnpgc.embrapa.br The effect of deworming with ivermectin of cows before calving and of suckling calves on fecal egg counts (EPG) and productive performance of two beef cattle herds in Central Brazil was studied. Four groups of pregnant cows received the following treatments: T1- cows and calves not treated, T2- only calves treated, T3- only cows treated, and T4- cows and calves treated. The calves of T2 and T4 were distributed in the following treatments: A- calves treated at 3 to 5 months of age with long action ivermectin, B- treated with ivermectin, and C- control. For the cows, the deworming did not diminish the EPG during lactation and also did not have significant effect on the conception rate, live weight gain and the body weight of their calves at 3 to 5 months of age. The calves of treatment A gained, from the time of treatment to weaning (84 to 108 days), an average of 4.2kg (P=0.0003) and 7.1kg (P<0.0001) more than those of treatment B and C, respectively. The average difference in live weight gain of 2.9kg between the animals of treatment B and C was not significant. The EPG before treatment was not significantly different from the treatments (P=0.8665); but at weaning, the average EPG of the calves from treatment A was lower than for treatment B (P=0.0004) and C (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the mean EPG for the calves from treatment B and C.

• Beef cattle cows suckling calves nematodes treatment Brazilian savannas.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Catto J.B., Bianchin I., Torres Junior R.A.A. 2005. [Effects of deworming of cow-calf beef herds in brazilian savannas.] Efeitos da everminação de matrizes e de bezerros lactentes em sistema de produção de bovinos de corte na região de Cerrado. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):188-194. Embrapa Gado de Corte, Rodov. 162, Km 4, Campo Grande, MS 79002-950, Brazil. E-mail: catto@cnpgc.embrapa.br The effect of deworming with ivermectin of cows before calving and of suckling calves on fecal egg counts (EPG) and productive performance of two beef cattle herds in Central Brazil was studied. Four groups of pregnant cows received the following treatments: T1- cows and calves not treated, T2- only calves treated, T3- only cows treated, and T4- cows and calves treated. The calves of T2 and T4 were distributed in the following treatments: A- calves treated at 3 to 5 months of age with long action ivermectin, B- treated with ivermectin, and C- control. For the cows, the deworming did not diminish the EPG during lactation and also did not have significant effect on the conception rate, live weight gain and the body weight of their calves at 3 to 5 months of age. The calves of treatment A gained, from the time of treatment to weaning (84 to 108 days), an average of 4.2kg (P=0.0003) and 7.1kg (P<0.0001) more than those of treatment B and C, respectively. The average difference in live weight gain of 2.9kg between the animals of treatment B and C was not significant. The EPG before treatment was not significantly different from the treatments (P=0.8665); but at weaning, the average EPG of the calves from treatment A was lower than for treatment B (P=0.0004) and C (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the mean EPG for the calves from treatment B and C.

Abstract in English:

Miranda Neto E.G., Afonso J.A.B., Mendonça C.L. & Almeida M.Z.P.R.B. 2005. [Clinical study and characteristics of the ruminal fluid of goats in experimentally induced lactic acidosis.] Estudo clínico e características do suco ruminal de caprinos com acidose láctica induzida experimentalmente. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):73-78. Clinica de Bovinos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Cx. Postal 152, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: eldinemneto@hotmail.com The objective was to study the effects of ruminal lactic acidosis in goats, induced experimentally, on the clinical manifestations, the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of the ruminal fluid. Ten 1 to 2 year old male goats, cross bred (SRD), with 25 kg body weight, in good health condition and housed in a stall, were rumen-fistulated. After establishing normal pattern for the variables studied, the acidosis was induced with the administration of 15g sucrose/kg body weight. Clinical and laboratorial observations were accomplished at intervals of 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 hours, after the induction (PI). Already 4 hours PI the animals showed clinical signs of apathy, anorexia, increased heart frequency, ruminal atony, abdominal distention and diarrhea. The characteristics of the ruminal fluid suffered alterations, as reduction of the pH (below 5.0), and its color became a milky aspect, acid smell and aqueous consistency. The time of sedimentation activity (TAS) was reduced and the dynamics of the fauna and flora were committed, with the prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria. At the end of the observation period the analyzed variables were not yet fully re-established in some animals.

• Ruminal lactic acidosis goats ruminants.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Miranda Neto E.G., Afonso J.A.B., Mendonça C.L. & Almeida M.Z.P.R.B. 2005. [Clinical study and characteristics of the ruminal fluid of goats in experimentally induced lactic acidosis.] Estudo clínico e características do suco ruminal de caprinos com acidose láctica induzida experimentalmente. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):73-78. Clinica de Bovinos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Cx. Postal 152, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: eldinemneto@hotmail.com The objective was to study the effects of ruminal lactic acidosis in goats, induced experimentally, on the clinical manifestations, the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of the ruminal fluid. Ten 1 to 2 year old male goats, cross bred (SRD), with 25 kg body weight, in good health condition and housed in a stall, were rumen-fistulated. After establishing normal pattern for the variables studied, the acidosis was induced with the administration of 15g sucrose/kg body weight. Clinical and laboratorial observations were accomplished at intervals of 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 hours, after the induction (PI). Already 4 hours PI the animals showed clinical signs of apathy, anorexia, increased heart frequency, ruminal atony, abdominal distention and diarrhea. The characteristics of the ruminal fluid suffered alterations, as reduction of the pH (below 5.0), and its color became a milky aspect, acid smell and aqueous consistency. The time of sedimentation activity (TAS) was reduced and the dynamics of the fauna and flora were committed, with the prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria. At the end of the observation period the analyzed variables were not yet fully re-established in some animals.