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Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinaria

ISSN: 0103-846X eISSN: 1984-2961
Subject: veterinary science
Published by SciELO

No Issue Number

A new laboratorial method for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs
In this study, we aimed to introduce a new technique called TF-Test Modified∕Dog for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs. Fecal samples from 106 dogs were processed by the technique TF-Test Modified∕Dog and the techniques of centrifugation-flotation in zinc sulfate, simple-flotation by saturated solution of sodium chloride, direct microscopy exam and TF-Test Conventional. Sensitivity was higher in the TF-Test Modified∕Dog (98.41%), followed by flotation in saturated zinc sulfate (77.78%), TF-Test Conventional (73.02%), flotation by saturated sodium chloride (55.55%), and direct microscopy exam (30.16%). The diagnostic efficiency varied from 58.49% to 99.06%, with the highest value also obtained by the new proposed technique. Efficiency level of 99.06% with kappa index 0.979 (almost perfect) was obtained with the TF-Test Modified∕Dog. These results represent significant statistical gains (P < 0.05) of 20.63% in sensitivity and 12.27% in efficiency over the best among the other techniques – flotation by saturated zinc sulfate, whose kappa index was 0.738, much lower than that of the TF-Test Modified∕Dog. All techniques presented 100% specificity. In this sense, the high sensitivity of the TF-Test Modified∕Dog makes it suitable for epidemiological surveys of gastrointestinal parasitosis in dogs, zoonoses control and preventive surveillance programs.
O objetivo deste estudo foi introduzir a nova t�cnica TF-Test Modified∕Dog para diagn�stico de parasitos gastrointestinais em c�es. Amostras fecais de 106 c�es foram processadas pela t�cnica de TF-Test Modified∕Dog e tamb�m por t�cnicas de centrifuga��o-flutua��o em sulfato de zinco, flutua��o simples em solu��o saturada de cloreto de s�dio, exame microsc�pico direto e TF-Test Convencional. A sensibilidade foi maior no TF-Test Modified∕Dog (98,41%), seguido por centr�fugo-flutua��o em solu��o de sulfato de zinco (77,78%), TF-Test Convencional (73,02%), flutua��o em solu��o saturada de cloreto de s�dio (55,55%), e exame microsc�pico direto (30,16%). A efici�ncia diagn�stica variou de 58,49% a 99,06%, com maior valor obtido pela nova t�cnica. Foi obtido com o TF-Test Modified∕Dog efici�ncia de 99,06%, com �ndice kappa de 0,979 (Quase perfeito). Estes resultados representam ganhos estatisticamente significativos (P < 0,05) de 20,63% de sensibilidade e 12,27% de efici�ncia sobre a melhor entre as outras t�cnicas empregadas, centr�fugo-flutua��o em solu��o de sulfato de zinco, cujo �ndice kappa foi 0,738, bem menor do que o TF-Test Modified∕Dog. Todas as t�cnicas apresentaram especificidade de 100%. Nesse sentido, a sua alta sensibilidade o torna adequado para levantamentos epidemiol�gicos das parasitoses gastrointestinais em c�es, bem como para programas de controle de zoonoses e de vigil�ncia preventiva.
Ticks infesting birds in Atlantic Forest fragments in Rio Claro, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil
In the present study, we report tick infestations on wild birds in plots of the Atlantic Forest reforested fragments with native species and plots reforested with Eucalyptus tereticornis in the municipality of Rio Claro, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. A total of 256 birds were captured: 137 individuals of 33 species, in planted native forest; and 128 individuals of 37 species, in planted Eucalyptus tereticornis forest. Nymphs of two tick species were found on the birds: Amblyomma calcaratum and Amblyomma longirostre, the former was more abundant in the fragments reforested with Atlantic forest native species, and the latter in the fragment reforested with E. tereticornis. New host records were presented for A. calcaratum.
O presente estudo apresenta infesta��es de carrapatos em aves silvestres em fragmentos de reflorestamento com esp�cies nativas e fragmentos de reflorestamento com Eucalyptus tereticornis no munic�pio de Rio Claro, S�o Paulo. No total foram capturadas 265 aves, sendo 137 indiv�duos de 33 esp�cies nas �reas de reflorestamento com esp�cies nativas e 128 indiv�duos de 37 esp�cies nas �reas reflorestadas com Eucalyptus tereticornis. Ninfas de duas esp�cies de carrapatos foram registradas: Amblyomma calcaratum e Amblyomma longirostre, sendo a primeira mais abundante na �rea nativa e a segunda na �rea de Eucalyptus tereticornis. Novos registros de hospedeiros para A. calcaratum s�o apresentados.
<italic>Neospora caninum:</italic> evaluation of vertical transmission in slaughtered dairy cows (<italic>Bos taurus</italic>)
Neospora caninum is a worldwide parasite recognized as one of the main parasites responsible for abortion in cattle. The objective of this study was to evaluate vertical transmission of N. caninum in dairy cows (Bos taurus) that were slaughtered at an abattoir in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Blood samples (with and without EDTA) from 60 pregnant dairy cows and blood and tissue samples (brain, lung, heart and liver) from their fetuses were collected and used for PCR and serological evaluation. Blood samples from 60 non-pregnant cows were collected and used to detect antibodies. Anti-N. caninum antibodies were detected by indirect ELISA. Antibodies against N. caninum were observed in 41.6% (25∕60) of the pregnant cows and in 43.3% (26∕60) of the non-pregnant cows. Antibodies against the parasite were detected in sera from three fetuses (5.5%). PCR analysis revealed that 3.3% (2∕60) of the cows and 6.6% (4∕60) of the fetuses evaluated were positive for specific N. caninum primers. These positive fetuses were between 4-6 months of age. Therefore, considering PCR and serological tests to be indicative of vertical transmission in fetuses, 11.6% (7∕60) of the fetuses were infected by N. caninum during gestation.
Neospora caninum � um parasita de distribui��o mundial reconhecido como um dentre os principais parasitas, respons�vel por abortamento em bovinos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a transmiss�o vertical de N. caninum em vacas leiteiras (Bos taurus) que foram submetidas ao abate em matadouro no Estado de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil. Sangue (com e sem EDTA) de 60 vacas leiteiras prenhas e amostras de sangue e tecidos (c�rebro, pulm�o, cora��o e f�gado) de seus fetos foram coletados e utilizados para PCR e avalia��o sorol�gica. Amostras de sangue de 60 vacas n�o-gestantes foram obtidas e utilizadas para detec��o de anticorpos. A detec��o de anticorpos s�ricos anti-N. caninum foi avaliada pelo ELISA-teste indireto. Anticorpos anti-N. caninum foram observados em 41,6% (25∕60) das vacas prenhas e em 43,3% (26∕60) das vacas n�o-gestantes. Tr�s fetos (5,5%) foram soros positivos para N. caninum. An�lise pela PCR revelou que 3,3% (2∕60) das vacas e 6,6% (4∕60) dos fetos avaliados foram positivos para N. caninum. As idades dos fetos positivos eram de 4 a 6 meses. Portanto, considerando a PCR e a sorologia como indicativo de transmiss�o vertical em fetos, 11,6% (7∕60) dos fetos foram infectados por N. caninum durante a gesta��o.
Prevalence of <italic>Oestrus ovis</italic> (Diptera: Oestridae) in sheep from the São Paulo Central region, Brazil
The heads of 139 slaughtered sheep were examined with the aim of determining Oestrus ovis prevalence and infestation intensity in the central region of the State of S�o Paulo, Brazil. Heads from slaughtered sheep were examined and the first (L1), second (L2) and third (L3) O. ovis larval instars were recovered from the nasal and sinus cavities. O. ovis larvae were detected in 13.7% of the sheep analyzed. The monthly mean intensity of infestation ranged from 1 to 10.2 larvae per infested head, with general mean intensity of 4.5 larvae/infested head. Of the total of 85 larvae, 21.2% were L1, 37.6% L2 and 41.2% L3. In conclusion, all different O. ovis larvae instars were recovered from slaughtered animals, which demonstrates the existence of favorable climatic conditions for the fly activity and larval development of O. ovis in sheep raised in the Central region of the State of S�o Paulo.
Com o objetivo de determinar a preval�ncia e intensidade de infesta��o por larvas de Oestrus ovis na regi�o Central do Estado de S�o Paulo, 139 cabe�as de ovinos obtidas de um abatedouro foram examinadas. As larvas O. ovis foram recuperadas da cavidade nasal e seios frontais, identificadas de acordo com o est�dio larval e quantificadas. As larvas de O. ovis foram detectadas em 13,7% das cabe�as examinadas e a intensidade m�dia mensal de infesta��o variou entre 1 a 10,2 larvas/cabe�a infestada, com m�dia geral de 4,5 larvas/cabe�a infestada. Do total de 85 larvas recuperadas, 21,2% eram larvas de primeiro est�dio (L1), 37,6% de segundo (L2) e 41,2% de terceiro (L3). Em conclus�o, todos os diferentes instares larvais de O. ovis foram recuperados de animais abatidos, o que demonstra a exist�ncia de condi��es clim�ticas favor�veis para a atividade da mosca bem como o desenvolvimento larval em ovinos criados na regi�o Central do Estado de S�o Paulo.
Identification of <italic>Cryptosporidium</italic> species and genotypes in dairy cattle in Brazil
In this study, we identified Cryptosporidium species and genotypes present in dairy cattle in the central region of S�o Paulo state, Brazil. Fecal specimens were collected from 200 animals (100 calves and 100 cows) in ten dairy farms. Fecal samples were examined using microscopic examination (ME), enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Cryptosporidium species and genotypes were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) or DNA sequencing analysis of the SSU-rRNA and GP60 genes. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection was 14% (28/200). The occurrence in calves (26%) was significantly higher than in cows (2%). Of the 27 Cryptosporidium-positive specimens submitted to genotyping, C. andersoni was identified in 23 (85.1%), C. bovis in three (11.1%), and the zoonotic C. parvum subtype IIaA15G2R1 in one (3.7%). The study demonstrates that Cryptosporidium spp. infection was common and widespread in dairy cattle in this region and that calves have a high prevalence of C. andersoni. Furthermore, the presence of C. parvum subtype IIaA15G2R1 indicates that dairy calves from this region should be considered a potential source of zoonotic Cryptosporidium oocysts.
No presente estudo foram identificadas esp�cies e gen�tipos de Cryptosporidium originadas de bovinos leiteiros na regi�o central do estado de S�o Paulo, Brasil. Amostras fecais foram coletadas de 200 animais (100 bezerros e 100 vacas) em 10 propriedades leiteiras. As amostras foram examinadas utilizando os m�todos de microscopia �ptica (MO), ensaio imunoenzim�tico (EI) e rea��o em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). As esp�cies e gen�tipos de Cryptosporidium foram determinados pelo m�todo de polimorfismo no tamanho dos fragmentos de restri��o (RFLP) ou sequenciamento dos genes SSU-rRNA e GP60. A infec��o por Cryptosporidium spp. teve ocorr�ncia de 14% (28/200). A ocorr�ncia em bezerros (26%) foi significativamente maior do que em vacas (2%). Do total de 27 amostras positivas submetidas � caracteriza��o gen�tica, C. andersoni foi identificado em 23 (85.1%), C. bovis em tr�s (11.1%) e C. parvum subtipo IIaA15G2R1 em uma (3.7%). O presente estudo demonstrou que a infec��o por Cyptosporidium � comum e difundida em bovinos leiteiros nessa regi�o e que bezerros possuem uma alta preval�ncia de C. andersoni. A presen�a de C. parvum subtipo IIaA15G2R1 indica que bezerros leiteiros dessa regi�o devem ser considerados uma fonte de oocistos de Cryptosporidium com potencial zoon�tico.
Anatomopathological study of parrot pufferfish <italic>Colomesus psittacus</italic> parasitized by the aspidogastrean <italic>Rohdella</italic> sp.
Aspidogastrea are globally-distributed parasites of the class Trematoda, which have been described as pathogens of a range of aquatic organisms, in marine and freshwater environments. The principal morphological characteristic of the group is an adhesive ventral disc, which is responsible for fixing the parasite to the host organism. In this study, 112 specimens of Colomesus psittacus from the municipality of Camet�, in the state of Par� (Brazil), were necropsied. Platyhelminthes of the genus Rohdella attached to the mucous membrane of the fish's intestine by the adhesive disc were observed. Fragments of parasitized tissue were fixed in Davidson solution and then processed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Other fragments were fixed in glutaraldehyde, processed and observed under a scanning electron microscope. The prevalence of the parasite was 76.4%, mean intensity of infection was 8.0 and mean abundance was 6.2. The parasitism provoked chronic enteritis with diffused inflammatory infiltration. The adherence of the parasite to the mucous membrane of the intestine resulted in strangulation and hyperplasia of the region, as well as causing hypertrophy of the muscle of the mucous membrane. The present study describes the anatomopathological and ultrastructural aspects of the parasitism of the intestine of C. psittacus by Rohdella sp.
Os Aspidogastreas s�o parasitos da classe Trematoda, distribu�dos globalmente e t�m sido descritos como pat�genos em uma gama de organismos aqu�ticos de ambientes marinhos e de �gua doce. A principal caracter�stica morfol�gica do grupo � um disco adesivo na regi�o ventral respons�vel pela fixa��o do parasito no organismo hospedeiro. Neste estudo, 112 esp�cimes de Colomesus psittacus provenientes do munic�pio de Camet�, no estado do Par� (Brasil), foram necropsiados. Foram observados platelmintos do g�nero Rohdella aderidos � mucosa intestinal atrav�s do disco adesivo. Fragmentos de tecido com parasito foram fixados em solu��o de Davidson e processados e corados em Hematoxilina-Eosina. Outros fragmentos foram fixados em glutaralde�do, processados e observados em microscopia eletr�nica de varredura. A preval�ncia parasit�ria foi de 76, 4%, intensidade m�dia de infec��o de 8,0 e abund�ncia m�dia de 6,2. O parasitismo ocasionou uma enterite cr�nica com difuso infiltrado inflamat�rio. A fixa��o do parasito na mucosa intestinal provocou estrangulamento e hiperplasia da regi�o, bem como hipertrofia da muscular da mucosa. O presente trabalho descreve os aspectos anatomopatol�gicos e ultra-estruturais da a��o parasit�ria por Rohdella sp. no trato intestinal de C. psittacus.
Parasites of four ornamental fish from the Chumucuí River (Bragança, Pará, Brazil)
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the parasite fauna of four species of ornamental fish collected in the Chumucu� River, municipality of Bragan�a, Par�, Brazil. From June 2006 to December 2007. Fishes (n=307) belonging to four species were collected, including 23 specimens of Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae (redeye tetra), 37 Carnegiella strigata (marbled hatchetfish), 7 Chilodus punctatus (spotted headstander), and 240 Astyanax bimaculatus (twospot astyanax). The parasites found belonged to three taxa: monogeneans in the gills, nematodes (larvae of Capillaria sp. and Contracaecum sp.) in the digestive tract and liver and acanthocephalans (Quadrigyrus torquatus, Q. brasiliensis and Q. nickoli) in the stomach and intestine. Astyanax bimaculatus presented higher prevalence of acanthocephalans in the wet season, and lower prevalence of nematodes in the dry season. The possible importance of these parasites in the exportation of ornamental fish is discussed.
O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a fauna parasit�ria de quatro esp�cies de peixes ornamentais capturados no rio Chumucu�, no munic�pio de Bragan�a-PA. Foram coletados um total de 307 peixes pertencentes a 4 esp�cies, sendo elas: Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae (olho de fogo, n = 23), Carnegiella strigata (borboleta, n = 37), Chilodus punctatus (cabe�a-para-baixo, n = 7) e Astyanax bimaculatus (lambari, n = 240) coletados de junho de 2006 a dezembro de 2007. Foram observados 3 taxa parasitando os peixes: monogen�ticos nas br�nquias, nemat�ides (larvas de Capillaria sp. e Contracaecum sp.) no trato digest�rio e f�gado e acantoc�falos (Quadrigyrus torquatus, Q. brasiliensis e Q. nickoli) no est�mago e intestino. Astyanax bimaculatus apresentou maior preval�ncia de acantoc�falos na esta��o chuvosa, menor preval�ncia de nemat�ides na esta��o seca. Discute-se a eventual import�ncia destes parasitas na exporta��o de peixes ornamentais.
Seroepidemiological aspects of <italic>Leishmania</italic> spp. in dogs in the Itaguai micro-region, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This study evaluated factors associated with the frequency of Leishmania spp. antibodies in dogs residing in the Itaguai micro-region, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 524 dogs. The serum samples were submitted to indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Leishmania spp. The frequency of seropositive dogs was 28.24% (n = 148) in the micro-region, and among the three municipalities within that region, the highest frequency (p < 0.05) was observed in Seropedica (59.46%), followed by Itaguai (29.05%) and Mangaratiba (11.49%). Regarding factors associated with the host, mongrel dogs and those over the age of two presented higher frequency of antibodies to Leishmania spp. (p < 0.05). Concerning factors related to the environment and habits of the animal, dogs residing in rural areas (FR = 1.67, p = 0.0002), living outside the residence (FR = 1.42, p = 0.0197), with access to forest, streams and pastures (FR = 2.81, p = 0.0007), remaining loose (FR = 1.66, p = 0.0073), and those that had no shelter (FR = 2.16, p < 0.0001) were more likely to be seropositive. Canine leishmaniasis is a disease with high occurrence in the Itaguai micro-region, and aspects such as the definition of breed, age, habits and care by owners showed significant association in this micro-region.
Este estudo avaliou os fatores associados � frequ�ncia de anticorpos espec�ficos para Leishmania spp. em c�es domiciliados na microrregi�o de Itagua�, Rio de Janeiro. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue de 524 c�es. As amostras de soro foram submetidas a rea��o de imunofluoresc�ncia indireta (RIFI) e ensaio imunoenzim�tico indireto (ELISA-teste) para Leishmania spp. A frequ�ncia de c�es soropositivos foi de 28,24% (n = 148) na microrregi�o e, entre os tr�s munic�pios avaliados, a maior frequ�ncia (p < 0,05) foi observada em Serop�dica (59,46%), seguida de Itagua� (29,05%) e Mangaratiba (11,49%). Em rela��o aos fatores associados ao hospedeiro, observou-se que c�es sem ra�a definida e aqueles com idade acima de dois anos apresentaram maior frequ�ncia de anticorpos para Leishmania spp. (p < 0,05). Em rela��o aos fatores relacionados ao ambiente e ao h�bito do animal, os c�es residentes em �reas rurais (RF = 1,67, p = 0,0002), animais que vivem fora da resid�ncia (RF = 1,42, p = 0,0197), com acesso � mata, c�rregos e pastagens (FR = 2,81, p = 0,0007), que permanecem soltos (RF = 1,66, p = 0,0073), e aqueles que n�o possuem abrigo (RF = 2,16, p < 0,0001) apresentaram maior chance de serem soropositivos. A leishmaniose canina � uma enfermidade com elevada ocorr�ncia na microrregi�o de Itaguai, e aspectos como defini��o racial, idade, h�bitos e cuidados estabelecidos pelo propriet�rio mostraram associa��o significativa nessa microrregi�o.
Ticks on birds in a savanna (Cerrado) reserve on the outskirts of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
We report tick infestations on birds, in the environment and on domestic animals in a non-forested phytophysiognomy, the savanna-like Cerrado sensu stricto, in a natural reserve on the outskirts of the urban area of Uberl�ndia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Overall, 238 birds within 50 species, 15 families and six orders were caught. Passeriformes were the most numerous, with 216 birds (90.75%), among which 22 had ticks (n = 31). Within this order, the prevalence of tick infestation was 10.2%, and the abundance and mean intensity were 0.14 and 1.41, respectively. Only immature ticks of the species Amblyomma nodosum were found on the birds. The tick species found both on animals (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Amblyomma cajennense and Dermacentor nitens) and in the environment (Amblyomma dubitatum, Rhipicephalus (B.) microplus and Amblyomma cajennense) were as expected. This difference in tick species between the environment and birds possibly occurred because the sampling of the environment was limited to the ground. This study also highlights the importance of the diverse microenvironments used by ticks and hosts in the same area and the complex ecology of bird-tick relationships. Ecological and epidemiological aspects of the findings are discussed.
Nesse trabalho relatam-se infesta��es de carrapatos em aves, meio ambiente e em animais dom�sticos em uma fitofisionomia n�o florestal, o Cerrado stricto sensu, de uma reserva natural na periferia da �rea urbana de Uberl�ndia, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Para tal, 238 aves de 50 esp�cies foram capturadas, pertencentes a 15 fam�lias e seis ordens. Passeriforme foi a mais numerosa, com 216 indiv�duos (90,75%), dos quais 22 estavam parasitados com 31 carrapatos. Nos Passeriformes a preval�ncia de infesta��o de carrapatos foi de 10,2%, a abund�ncia e intensidade m�dia foi de 0,14 e 1,41, respectivamente. Apenas carrapatos imaturos da esp�cie Amblyomma nodosum foram encontrados em aves. As esp�cies de carrapatos encontradas tanto em animais (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Amblyomma cajennense, Dermacentor nitens) como no ambiente (Amblyomma dubitatum, Rhipicephalus (B.) microplus, Amblyomma cajennense) foram aquelas j� esperadas. Esta diferen�a de esp�cies de carrapatos entre ambiente e de aves possivelmente ocorreu porque a amostragem do ambiente se restringiu ao solo. Esse estudo tamb�m destaca a import�ncia dos diversos microambientes usados por carrapatos e hospedeiros em uma mesma �rea e a complexa ecologia das rela��es ave-carrapato. Aspectos ecol�gicos e epidemiol�gicos dos achados s�o discutidos.
<italic>Fasciola hepatica</italic> infection and association with gastrointestinal parasites in Creole goats from western Argentina
Goats, called “the cow of the poor”, are the livestock species with the most significant population growth worldwide in recent years. Gastrointestinal parasitism constitutes one of the main constraints to its outdoor and extensive breeding in temperate and tropical countries. Despite a Creole goat population of nearly 4 million heads, local reports on parasitological prevalence are scarce, and while Fasciola hepatica infection is spread all over Argentina, the goat is usually neglected as a reservoir and economic losses are not considered. To evaluate gastrointestinal parasitism prevalence and associations between parasite genera and species, with emphasis on fascioliasis, Creole goats from the plateau and Andean regions from western Argentina were investigated by coprological techniques, and associations were statistically assessed. Eighty-five percent (85%) of the animals harbored one or more parasite types, while 46% showed mixed infections. Significant positive associations between F. hepatica + Strongyle eggs, Eimeria sp. + Nematodirus sp. and Nematodirus sp. + Trichuris ovis were detected. Further studies are required to define the causality of these associations and their relevance in epidemiology. F. hepatica is rarely considered as goat parasite in the country, but a 33% prevalence poses an interrogation on the role goats play on the transmission and dissemination of this zoonotic trematode.
As cabras, nomeadas como “a vaca dos pobres”, s�o as esp�cies de gado com o crescimento populacional mais significativo nos �ltimos anos em todo o mundo. O parasitismo gastrintestinal constitui uma das principais limita��es � sua cria��o extensiva em clima temperado e tropical. Na Argentina, apesar de uma popula��o de caprinos crioulos de cerca de quatro milh�es de cabe�as, s�o escassos os relat�rios locais de preval�ncias parasitol�gicas. Embora a infec��o por Fasciola hepatica esteja espalhada em todo o pa�s, as cabras s�o geralmente negligenciadas como um reservat�rio, e as perdas econ�micas n�o s�o consideradas. Para avaliar a preval�ncia do parasitismo gastrintestinal e associa��es entre os g�neros e esp�cies de parasitos, com �nfase na fasciolose, caprinos crioulos da regi�o andina e do planalto do oeste de Argentina foram avaliados por meio de t�cnicas coprol�gicas. Oitenta e cinco por cento dos animais hospedaram um ou mais tipos de parasitos, enquanto 46% hospedaram infec��es mistas. Foram encontradas associa��es significativas entre F. hepatica + ovos de estrongil�deos, Eimeria sp. + Nematodirus sp. e Nematodirus sp. + Trichuris ovis. Mais estudos s�o necess�rios para definir a causalidade dessas associa��es e sua relev�ncia na epidemiologia. Raramente F. hepatica � considerada como um parasito de cabra no pa�s, mas uma preval�ncia de 33% suscita uma interroga��o sobre o papel dos caprinos na transmiss�o e dissemina��o desse tremat�deo zoon�tico.
Diagnosis and isolation of <italic>Toxoplasma gondii</italic> in horses from Brazilian slaughterhouses
This study aimed to investigate anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and to isolate the parasite from the brains of horses processed at slaughterhouses in Brazil. We collected brain and blood samples from 398 horses of various ages, from six Brazilian states. Serum samples were evaluated by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT cut-off titre ≥ 1:64), and brains were submitted to mouse bioassay. Among the 398 horses, positivity for T. gondii was identified in 46 (11.6%) by IFAT and in 14 (3.5%) by mouse bioassay. In 12 of those 14 bioassays, mice were positive only by IFAT (cut-off titre ≥ 1:16), T. gondii being isolated in the remaining two. Using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of 18S rDNA to differentiate among T. gondii, Neospora caninum, and Sarcocystis neurona, we found that two of the 14 brains were positive for T. gondii only. For genotyping of the two isolates and the PCR-positive brain, we performed PCR-RFLP based on 13 markers, and SAG2 all samples were Toxoplasma gondii type I. Collectively, IFAT of horse sera and mouse bioassay identified positivity in 60 (15%) of the samples. Our results show that some horses sent to slaughter in Brazil have been exposed to T. gondii.
O objetivo do estudo foi investigar anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii e isolar o parasita do c�rebro de equ�deos abatidos em matadouros-frigor�ficos no Brasil. Colheram-se amostras de 398 c�rebros e sangue de equ�deos machos e f�meas de idades variadas, provenientes de seis estados brasileiros. As amostras de soro foram avaliadas pelo teste de imunofluoresc�ncia indireta (IFI) para T. gondii (ponto de corte ≥ 64), e os fragmentos de c�rebros foram submetidos ao bioensaio em camundongos. Por meio da IFI, 46 (11,6%) equ�deos foram soropositivos. Pelo bioensaio em camundongos, 14 (3,5%) c�rebros de equ�deos testados foram positivos. Em doze dos bioensaios, os camundongos foram positivos somente pela IFI (ponto de corte ≥ 16) e T. gondii foi isolado nos outros dois bioensaios. A PCR-RFLP com base em 18S rDNA para diferenciar entre T. gondii, Neospora caninum, e Sarcocystis neurona foram feitas em todos os 14 c�rebros e dois foram positivos apenas para T. gondii. De dois isolados positivos para T. gondii e do c�rebro positivo � PCR em que realizou-se a PCR-RFLP, com base em 13 marcadores e SAG2, a genotipagem mostrou ser o T. gondii tipo I para todas as amostras. A IFI de soros de equ�deos e do bioensaio em camundongos identificaram positividade em 60 (15%) amostras testadas. Os resultados mostram que alguns cavalos enviados para abate foram expostos ao T. gondii.
Oocyst shedding by green-winged-saltator (<italic>Saltator similis</italic>) in the diagnostic of coccidiosis and <italic>Isospora similisi</italic> n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae)
Diurnal periodicity is a phenomenon that has been observed in coccidian of Isospora parasites of passerines, which have been eliminated great number of oocysts at dusk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of periodicity of oocysts presence in the green-winged-saltator Saltator similis, and its use in the diagnosis of coccidiosis in wild birds in captivity. A total of 220 fecal samples were collected from birds, apprehended from illegal trading and kept in quarantine in CETAS∕IBAMA, in the morning and late afternoon, from May to November 2010. It was observed that 1.82% of the samples collected in the morning were positive, while 31.36% of samples were positive in the late afternoon. In addition, the number of oocysts shed was greater in the afternoon. Therefore, it was concluded that the sampling in the late afternoon provided greater reliability for the diagnosis of coccidiosis in green-winged-saltators. Moreover, in this study a new isosporoid coccidian parasite from the green-winged-saltator S. similis was observed and is herein described. Isospora similisi n. sp. oocysts are spheroidal to sub-spheroidal, 27.5 � 25.9 �m, with a smooth and bi-layered wall, ∼1.2 mm. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but splinter-like or comma-like granules are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal or slightly ovoidal, 17.4 � 12.2 mm. A stieda body and substieda body are present. The sporocyst residuum is composed of granules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform with a single refractile body and a nucleus. This is the fourth description of an isosporoid coccidium infecting S. similis and the sixth description from Cardinalidae.
A periodicidade diurna � um fen�meno que tem sido observado em cocc�dios do g�nero Isospora parasitas de p�ssaros, os quais eliminam uma maior quantidade de oocistos ao entardecer. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a periodicidade de elimina��o de oocistos pelas fezes no trinca-ferro-verdadeiro Saltator similis, e sua utiliza��o no diagn�stico da coccidiose. Foram colhidas 220 amostras fecais de aves oriundas de apreens�es do tr�fico de animais silvestres e mantidas na quarentena do CETAS∕IBAMA, nos per�odos da manh� e ao entardecer, de maio a novembro de 2010. Observou-se que 1,82% das amostras colhidas no per�odo da manh� foram positivas, enquanto que 31,36% das amostras colhidas foram positivas ao entardecer, onde o maior n�mero de oocistos foi observado no per�odo da tarde. Portanto, concluiu-se que a colheita de amostras ao entardecer oferece maior confiabilidade para o diagn�stico da coccidiose. Al�m disso, descreve-se um novo cocc�dio do trinca-ferro-verdadeiro S. similis. Isospora similisi n. sp. possui oocistos esf�ricos a subesf�ricos, 27,5 � 25,9 �m, com parede dupla e lisa, ∼1,2 �m. A micr�pila e o res�duo do oocisto est�o ausentes, por�m pequenos gr�nulos est�o presentes. Os esporocistos s�o elips�ides ou levemente ov�ides, 17,4 � 12,2 �m. Os corpos de Stieda e substieda est�o presentes. O res�duo do esporocisto est� presente e os esporozo�tos possuem um corpo refr�til posterior e um n�cleo. Esta � a quarta esp�cie isospor�ide descrita de S. similis e a sexta descri��o na fam�lia Cardinalidae.
Acaricides efficiency on <italic>Rhipicephalus</italic> (<italic>Boophilus</italic>) <italic>microplus</italic> from Bahia state North-Central region
The cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is responsible for major losses in the Brazilian livestock, mainly due to reduction in cattle productive performance. Resistance development to major classes of acaricide widely used nowadays has been extensively reported, as well as the occurrence of residues from these compounds in animal products and the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of acaricides on R. (B.) microplus collected from rural properties in the North-Central region of Bahia State. Ticks were collected in several cattle farms in the cited region, and an in vitro acaricide efficiency assay was performed based on the immersion of ticks in acaricide solutions made according to manufacturers' recommendations. The results obtained in the experiments indicated varying degrees of efficiency of the several bases studied, with the products benzofenilurea, macrocyclic lactone and fipronil showing the highest levels of efficiency, 100%, 100% and 97.34%, respectively. It was possible to conclude that, for the region studied, there are different degrees of commercial acaricides efficiency, and many present less than 95% effectiveness, value determined as acceptable by the Brazilian legislation.
O carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus � respons�vel por grandes perdas na pecu�ria brasileira, principalmente devido � redu��o no desempenho produtivo dos animais. A resist�ncia do parasita a diferentes classes de acaricidas tem sido amplamente relatada, bem como os problemas de ocorr�ncia de res�duos desses compostos em produtos de origem animal e no ambiente. Esse estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a efici�ncia de diversos acaricidas sobre popula��es de R. (B.) microplus provenientes de propriedades rurais da Regi�o Centro-Norte do Estado da Bahia, Brasil. Tele�ginas ingurgitadas foram colhidas em diferentes propriedades da regi�o e submetidas a ensaio in vitro de efici�ncia de acaricidas, baseado na imers�o dos carrapatos em solu��es de acaricidas feitas seguindo as recomenda��es dos fabricantes. Os resultados obtidos indicam n�veis variados de efici�ncia das bases estudadas, com os acaricidas benzofenilureia, lactona macroc�clica e fipronil apresentando os �ndices mais altos de efici�ncia, 100%, 100% e 97.34%, respectivamente. Pode-se concluir que, para a regi�o estudada, os acaricidas apresentam n�veis diversos de efici�ncia, e muitos deles possuem efic�cia de menos de 95%, como recomendado pela legisla��o brasileira.
Health assessment of the oyster <italic>Crassostrea rhizophorae</italic> on the southern coast of Bahia, northeastern Brazil
This study investigated the health of natural stocks of the oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae on the southern coast of Bahia in northeastern Brazil, during summer and winter 2010, at three localities (sampling points) in the estuaries of the Mara� (Camamu Bay) and Graciosa rivers. A total of 180 oysters (30/sampling point/season) were examined macroscopically for the presence of pathogens and anatomical changes. The specimens were subsequently fixed in Davidson solution, processed for paraffin embedding, sectioned and stained with Harris' hematoxylin and eosin. Histological analysis revealed the presence of Rickettsia-like organisms (RLOs), Ancistrocoma, Trichodina, Sphenophrya, Nematopsis, Urastoma, Bucephalus in the sporocyst phase, a nonspecific metacercaria, and a metacestode of genus Tylocephalum. The prevalence of infection was low except for parasitism by Nematopsis sp. which also caused histopathological changes. The presence of Bucephalus sp. caused parasitic castration. These two pathogens significantly affect the health of C. rhizophorae.
Este estudo investigou a sa�de de ostras da esp�cie Crassostrea rhizophorae de estoques naturais do Litoral Sul do Estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil, durante o ver�o e o inverno de 2010, em tr�s pontos amostrais distribu�dos nos estu�rios dos rios Mara� (Ba�a de Camamu) e Graciosa. Um total de 180 ostras (30/ponto amostral/per�odo) foram examinadas macroscopicamente para a presen�a de pat�genos e altera��es anat�micas e posteriormente fixadas em solu��o de Davidson, processadas para inclus�o em parafina, seccionadas e coradas com hematoxilina de Harris e eosina. A an�lise histol�gica evidenciou a presen�a de organismos com caracter�sticas similares a Rickettsia (RLOs), Ancistrocoma, Trichodina, Sphenophrya, Nematopsis, Urastoma, Bucephalus em fase esporoc�stica, metacerc�ria inespec�fica e metacest�ide de Tylocephalum. As preval�ncias de infec��o foram baixas, com exce��o do parasitismo por Nematopsis sp., o qual tamb�m causou altera��es histopatol�gicas. A presen�a de Bucephalus sp. causou castra��o parasit�ria. Esses dois pat�genos t�m interfer�ncia significativa na sa�de de C. rhizophorae.
Endoparasitic infections in dogs from rural areas in the Lobos District, Buenos Aires province, Argentina
Dogs are definite hosts for several zoonotic helminthes and protozoan. Rural areas from the Lobos District in the northeast of Buenos Aires province, Argentina, are mainly used for livestock activity, increasing in this way the number of dogs on farms as well as the human risk of parasitic infections. The aims of this research were to evaluate the endoparasitic infections in dogs from farms in the Lobos District and analyze their zoonotic importance as well as several risk practices and habits of the rural population. Forty-two dog fecal samples obtained in 21 farms were analyzed through coproparasitological methods and coproantigen tests, which resulted in an overall parasite prevalence of 69.05% and 80.95% of the parasitized farms. The most frequent parasites were Trichuris vulpis and Eucoleus aerophila (26.19%), Echinococcus granulosus (19.05%), Uncinaria stenocephala and coccids (14.29%). The analysis of epidemiological files showed several habits of the rural population considered as risk factors associated with the presence of fecal samples parasitized and the presence of E. granulosus on the farms. It is clear that people involved with the farms studied were exposed to several helminthes that could cause serious diseases like cystic echinococcosis, which can become an important public health issue and affect the economy worldwide.
Os c�es s�o hospedeiros definitivos de v�rios helmintos e protozo�rios zoon�ticos. As �reas rurais do distrito de Lobos, no nordeste da prov�ncia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, destinam-se principalmente � atividade pecu�ria aumentando desta forma o n�mero de c�es em fazendas, bem como o risco humano de infec��es parasit�rias. Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram avaliar as infec��es endoparasitas em c�es de fazendas do distrito de Lobos e analisar a sua import�ncia zoon�tica, bem como as pr�ticas de risco e h�bitos da popula��o rural. Quarenta e duas amostras de fezes de c�es obtidos em 21 fazendas foram analisadas pelos m�todos coproparasitol�gicos e testes de coproant�genos, resultando numa preval�ncia de parasitas de 69,05% e 80,95% das propriedades parasitados. Os parasitas mais frequentes foram Trichuris vulpis e Eucoleus aerophila (26,19%), Echinococcus granulosus (19,05%), Uncinaria stenocephala e cocc�deos (14,29%). A an�lise dos arquivos epidemiol�gicos mostraram v�rios h�bitos da popula��o rural como fatores de risco associados com a presen�a de amostras fecais parasitadas e a presen�a de E. granulosus em propriedades rurais. � evidente que as pessoas das fazendas estudadas foram expostas a v�rios helmintos que podem causar doen�as graves como equinococose c�stica, que constitui importante problema de sa�de p�blica e econ�mico a n�vel mundial.
<italic>Sphincterodiplostomum musculosum</italic> (Digenea, Diplostomidae) infecting <italic>Steindachnerina insculpta</italic> (Characiformes, Curimatidae) in the Chavantes Reservoir, Southeastern Brazil
This study aimed to report the infection by Sphincterodiplostomum musculosum metacercariae in Steindachnerina insculpta from the Chavantes Reservoir, medium Paranapanema River, municipality of Ipaussu, State of S�o Paulo, Brazil. Thirty specimens of S. insculpta were collected and 29 were infected with S. musculosum metacercariae (prevalence = 96.67%) in the eyes and visceral cavity. The mean intensity of infection and abundance were 96.6 � 29.41 (7-846) and 93.3 � 28.6 (0-846), respectively. Positive correlation was observed between parasite abundance in the eyes and standard length (rs = 0.5, p = 0.005), total weight (rs = 0.649, p = 0.0001), and condition factor (rs = 0.439, p = 0.0154). The high parasitism rates by S. musculosum metacercariae in S. insculpta can be an indicative that this fish species is highly susceptible to infection by this diplostomid, and even reflect the presence of a large abundance of the intermediate host. Moreover, S. musculosum metacercariae are reported for the first time in S. insculpta.
O presente estudo tem como objetivo relatar a infec��o por metacerc�rias de Sphincterodiplostomum musculosum em Steindachnerina insculpta provenientes do Reservat�rio de Chavantes, m�dio Paranapanema, munic�pio de Ipaussu, Estado de S�o Paulo, Brasil. Foram coletados 30 esp�cimes de S. insculpta, sendo que 29 estavam infectados por metacerc�rias de S. musculosum (preval�ncia = 96,67%) nos olhos e na cavidade visceral. A intensidade m�dia de infec��o e abund�ncia apresentaram valores de 96,6 � 29,41 (7-846) e 93,3 � 28,6 (0-846), respectivamente. Foi observada correla��o positiva entre a abund�ncia dos parasitas presentes nos olhos com rela��o ao comprimento padr�o (rs = 0.5, p = 0.005), peso (rs = 0.649, p = 0.0001) e fator de condi��o (rs = 0.439, p = 0.0154). As altas taxas de parasitismo de metacerc�rias de S. musculosum em S. insculpta podem ser um indicativo de que esta esp�cie de peixe � altamente suscept�vel � infec��o por este diplostom�deo, e at� mesmo refletir a presen�a de grande oferta do hospedeiro intermedi�rio. Al�m disso, este � o primeiro relato de parasitismo por metacerc�rias de S. musculosum em S. insculpta.
Serosurvey of tick-borne pathogens in dogs from urban and rural areas from Parana State, Brazil
Considering the zoonotic potential of tick-borne disease (TBD) agents and the fact that dogs may act as sentinels for human infection, the aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of TBD agents and risk factors for exposure in two different canine populations from Parana State, Southern Brazil. A total of 138 dog serum samples from urban (UA) (n=68) and rural (RA) (n=70) areas were tested with commercial ELISA rapid test for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis and Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFAT) for Babesia vogeli. An overall of 92∕138 (66.7%) dogs, being 62∕68 (91.2%) from UA and 30∕70 (42.9%) from RA, were seropositive for at least one TBD agent. From the total number of dogs, sixty-two were positive for E. canis (44.9%), 19 (13.8%) for A. phagocytophilum, and 64 (46.4%) for B. vogeli. Anti-B. burgdorferi antibodies were not detected. Dogs from UA showed a higher percentage of tick infestation (p = 0.0135) and were highly associated with seropositivity to E. canis (p = 0.000005), A. phagocytophilum (p = 0.0001), and B. vogeli (p = 0.0012). In summary, the findings indicate that dogs from urban areas present higher potential risk exposure to TBD pathogens than those from rural areas.
Considerando o potencial zoon�tico das doen�as transmitidas por carrapatos (DTCs) e que os c�es podem atuar como sentinelas para infec��es em humanos, os objetivos deste estudo foram determinar a soropreval�ncia de agentes das DTCs e fatores de risco para a exposi��o em duas diferentes popula��es caninas do Estado do Paran�, regi�o Sul do Brasil. Um total de 138 amostras de soro de c�es de �rea urbana (AU) (n = 68) e rural (AR) (n = 70) foram testadas utilizando um teste de ELISA comercial r�pido para detec��o de anticorpos contra Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis e Borrelia burgdorferi e imunofluoresc�ncia indireta (IFI) para Babesia vogeli. Um total de 92∕138 (66,7%) c�es, sendo 62∕68 (91,2%) da AU e 30∕70 (42,9%) da AR, foram soropositivos para pelo menos um agente. Do n�mero total de amostras, sessenta e duas (44,9%) foram positivas para E. canis, 19 (13,8%) para A. phagocytophilum e 64 (46,4%) para B. canis vogeli. Anticorpos anti-B. burgdorferi n�o foram detectados. Os c�es da AU apresentaram o maior percentual de infesta��o por carrapatos (p = 0,0135) e foram altamente associados com a positividade para E. canis (p = 0,000005), A. phagocytophilum (p = 0,0001) e B. vogeli (p = 0,0012). Em resumo, nossos achados indicam que c�es de �reas urbanas t�m um maior risco potencial de exposi��o a agentes patog�nicos das DTCs comparados aos das �reas rurais.
First occurrence of <italic>Quadrigyrus nickoli</italic> (Acanthocephala) in the ornamental fish <italic>Hyphessobrycon eques</italic>
The objective of this work was to report the first seasonal occurrence of the acanthocephalan Quadrigyrus nickoli Schmidt & Hugghins, 1973 (Quadrigyridae), in the “Mato Grosso” Hyphessobrycon eques (Characidae) (Steindachner, 1882), collected from the Chumucu� River, state of Par�, Brazil. The fish were collected between July 2006 (rainy season) and June 2007 (dry season) and were examined for parasites using pattern techniques. A total of 75 parasites were found in the stomach and intestine. Among 83 fish examined (50 in the dry season and 33 in the rainy season), 22 were parasitized by cystacanths of Q. nickoli. The importance of H. eques as a paratenic host for Q. nickoli is discussed. This is the first study on the biology of and infection by Q. nickoli occurring in the eastern Amazon region.
O objetivo desse trabalho foi registrar a primeira ocorr�ncia sazonal do acantocefala Quadrigyrus nickoli Schmidt & Hugghins, 1973 (Quadrigyridae) no peixe “Mato Grosso”, Hyphessobrycon eques Steindachner, 1882 (Characidae), capturados no Rio Chumucu�, regi�o Bragantina, Par�, Brasil. Os peixes foram coletados no per�odo de julho∕2006 a junho∕2007 e examinados com t�cnica padr�o para detec��o de parasitas. Um total de 75 parasitas foram encontrados no est�mago e intestino. Dos 83 peixes capturados (50 na esta��o seca e 33 na chuvosa), 22 estavam parasitados por cistacantos de Quadrigyrus nickoli. No presente trabalho discute-se a import�ncia do H. eques como hospedeiro parat�nico para Quadrigyrus nickoli. Os presentes dados constituem o primeiro estudo sobre a biologia e a infec��o de Q. nickoli na Amaz�nia oriental.
Molecular detection of <italic>Ehrlichia canis</italic> in dogs from the Pantanal of Mato Grosso State, Brazil
The present study evaluated the presence of Ehrlichia DNA in the blood samples of 320 dogs from the urban and rural areas of the municipality of Pocon�, Pantanal region, Mato Grosso state, by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), targeting the ehrlichial dsb gene. Risk factors for infection in dogs were also evaluated. Forty-eight (15%, 95% CI: 11.4-19.5%) dogs were positive: 25 (15.6%, 95% CI: 10.4-22.2%) from the urban area and 23 (14.4%, 95% CI: 9.3-20.8%) from the rural area (P > 0.05). Partial DNA sequence obtained from PCR products of 18 samples from the urban area and 16 samples from the rural area were 100% identical to E. canis from Brazil and the USA. This study reports the first E. canis molecular detection in dogs from the northern Pantanal region.
O presente estudo avaliou a presen�a de DNA de Ehrlichia spp. em 320 c�es das �reas urbana e rural do munic�pio de Pocon�, regi�o do Pantanal de Mato Grosso, pela PCR visando o gene dsb. Os fatores de risco para a infec��o em c�es tamb�m foram avaliados. Quarenta e oito (15%, IC 95%: 11,4-19,5%) c�es foram positivos, 25 (15,6%, IC 95%: 10,4-22,2%) da �rea urbana e 23 (14,37%, 95% CI: 9,3-20,8%) da �rea rural (P > 0,05). Sequ�ncias parciais de DNAs obtidos a partir de produtos da PCR de 18 amostras da �rea urbana e 16 da �rea rural foram 100% id�nticas a E. canis do Brasil e EUA. Este estudo relata a primeira detec��o molecular de E. canis em c�es da regi�o norte do Pantanal.
Endogenous recipes for controlling arthropod ectoparasites of domestic poultry
This study is a contribution to the inventory of medicinal plants and other methods used in controlling external parasitic diseases of backyard poultry in the localities of Djougou and Ouak� (department of Donga, Benin). It consists of a survey undertaken from December 2010 to March 2011 through visits and interviews with 210 poultry famers. The results indicate that 13 species of medicinal plants are used in controlling ectoparasites. Annona senegalensis, Tectona grandis, Securidaca longepedunculata, Indigofera hirsuta, Lophira lanceolata, Hyptis spicigera, Steganotaenia araliacea, Oxytenanthera abyssinica, Nicotiana tabacum, Jatropha curcas, Ficus exasperata, Azadirachta indica and Parkia biglobosa are believed to treat external parasitic diseases in the area of this study. Annona senegalensis was the most frequently cited plant (18%, p < 0.05) used in remedies against external parasites in poultry. Other traditional recipes such as palm oil and ash have been reported.
Este estudo � uma contribui��o ao invent�rio de plantas curativas e outros m�todos end�genos usados no combate aos ectoparasitos de p�ssaros de currais nas aldeias de Djougou e Ouak� (departamento do Donga, em Benin). A pesquisa foi conduzida entre dezembro de 2010 e mar�o de 2011, durante visitas e entrevistas com 210 criadores de aves. Os resultados indicam que 13 esp�cies de plantas curativas s�o utilizadas no combate aos ectoparasitos. Annona senegalensis, Tectona grandis, Securidaca longepedunculata, Indigofera hirsuta, Lophira lanceolata, Hyptis spicigera, Steganotaenia araliacea, Oxytenanthera abyssinica, Nicotiana tabacum, Jatropha curcas, Ficus exasperata, Azadirachta indica e Parkia biglobosa, s�o usadas para tratar uma doen�a parasit�ria externa na �rea de estudo. Annona senegalensis foi a planta mais frequentemente usada (18%, p < 0.05) como medica��o contra os parasitas externos das aves. Outras receitas tradicionais como o �leo de palma e a cinza tem sido comunicadas.
Environmentally associated ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Herein, we report tick species found on wild and domestic animals and in the environment during a one-year sampling period at the Brazilian Farming Research Company beef cattle unit (Embrapa Beef Cattle), which is located within the urban area of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. From 55 wild hosts including six different species (Nasua nasua, Cebus spp., Cerdocyon thous, Myrmecophaga tridactyla, Tamandua tetradactyla and Dasyprocta aguti), 323 ticks were collected. Amblyomma ovale ticks were found solely on coatis, and Amblyomma nodosum was identified solely on anteaters. No ticks were found on capuchin monkeys. However, Amblyomma cajennense was found on all parasitized host species with the exception of capuchin monkeys. Giant anteaters displayed the highest infestation abundance, with a mean of 53 ticks∕animal. Environmental sampling yielded 166 adult A. cajennense ticks. The tick species found on domestic animals (Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, R. sanguineus, Dermacentor nitens and A. cajennense) were those typically found on these hosts in Brazil. The most prevalent tick species, A. cajennense, was found on both wild and domestic animals and was also prevalent in the environment. Thus, this tick species is the primary vector that allows pathogens to bridge wild and domestic animals in the Cerrado.
Neste trabalho s�o descritas as esp�cies de carrapatos de animais selvagens e dom�sticos e do ambiente coletados por um ano na EMBRAPA Gado de Corte localizado na �rea urbana de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Dos 55 hospedeiros selvagens de seis esp�cies diferentes (Nasua nasua, Cebus spp., Cerdocyon thous, Myrmecophaga tridactyla, Tamandua tetradactyla e Dasyprocta aguti) foram coletados 323 carrapatos. Amblyomma ovale foi encontrado apenas em quatis e Amblyomma nodosum apenas sobre tamandu�s. Nenhum carrapato foi encontrado sobre macacos-prego. Por outro lado, Amblyomma cajennense foi encontrado em todos os hospedeiros com exce��o dos macacos-pregos. A maior abundancia de infesta��o foi aquela em tamandu�s-bandeira com m�dia de 53 carrapatos∕animal. No ambiente foram capturados 166 carrapatos, todos da esp�cie A. cajennense. As esp�cies de carrapatos em animais dom�sticos (Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor nitens e A. cajennense) foram aquelas caracter�sticas nestes hospedeiros no Brasil. De forma geral a esp�cie de carrapato A. cajennense foi a mais prevalente sendo encontrada em animais dom�sticos e selvagens bem como no ambiente. Portanto, esta � a principal esp�cie de vetor a estabelecer uma ponte para bioagentes patog�nicos entre animais dom�sticos e selvagens.
Detection of genetic diversity of <italic>Anaplasma marginale</italic> isolates in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Bovine anaplasmosis, caused by the tick-borne rickettsia Anaplasma marginale, is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and results in economic losses in the cattle industry. Major surface proteins (MSPs) have been used as markers for the genetic characterization of A. marginale strains and demonstrate that many isolates may occur in a given geographic area. However, in Brazil, little is known about the genetic diversity of A. marginale isolates within individual herds. This study was designed to examine the genetic variation among A. marginale infecting calves in a farm in the south of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Blood samples collected from 100 calves were used to prepare Giemsastained smears that were microscopically examined for the presence of A. marginale. From each blood sample, DNA was extracted and analyzed by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by sequencing to determine diversity among the isolates. Examination of blood smears showed that 48% of the calves were infected with A. marginale, while the real-time PCR detected 70.2% positivity. Congenital infections were found in four calves. The microsatellite and tandem repeat analyses showed high genetic diversity among the isolates.
A anaplasmose bovina, causada pela rickettsia Anaplasma marginale e transmitida por carrapatos, � end�mica em regi�es tropicais e subtropicais no mundo e causa grandes perdas econ�micas na industria de bovinos. Prote�nas principais de superf�cie (MSPs) foram usados como marcadores para a caracteriza��o gen�tica de amostras de A. marginale, demonstrando que diferentes isolados podem ocorrer numa certa regi�o geogr�fica. Por�m, no Brasil pouco se sabe sobre a variedade gen�tica de isolados de A. marginale em rebanhos individuais. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a ocorr�ncia de varia��o gen�tica entre bezerros infectados com A. marginale numa fazenda do sul de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Amostras de sangue coletadas de 100 bezerros foram utilizadas para o preparo de esfrega�os sangu�neos, corados pelo Giemsa, para detec��o da infec��o por A. marginale. Amostras de DNA extra�das de cada amostra foram analisadas atrav�s de PCR seguido de sequenciamento. O exame dos esfrega�os demonstrou que 48% dos bezerros estavam infectados com A. marginale, enquanto que o PCR detectou 70,2% de positividade. Infec��o cong�nita foi detectada em quatro bezerros. As an�lises de microsat�lites e ‘tandem repeats' comprovaram uma grande diversidade gen�tica entre os isolados.
Mechanisms of pyrethroid resistance in <italic>Haematobia irritans</italic> (Muscidae) from Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil
Horn fly resistance to pyrethroid insecticides occurs throughout Brazil, but knowledge about the involved mechanisms is still in an incipient stage. This survey was aimed to identify the mechanisms of horn fly resistance to cypermethrin in Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. Impregnated filter paper bioassays using cypermethrin, synergized or not with piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and triphenyl phosphate (TPP), were conducted from March 2004 to June 2005 in horn fly populations (n = 33) from all over the state. All populations were highly resistant to cypermethrin, with resistance factors (RF) ranging from 89.4 to 1,020.6. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to detect the knockdown resistance (kdr) mutation also were performed in 16 samples. The kdr mutation was found in 75% of the tested populations, mostly with relatively low frequencies (<20%), and was absent in some highly resistant populations. Addition of TPP did not significantly reduce the LC50 in any population. However, PBO reduced LC50s above 40-fold in all tested populations, resulting in RFs ≤ 10 in most cases. Horn fly resistance to cypermethrin is widespread in the state, being primarily caused by an enhanced activity of P450 mono-oxygenases and secondarily by reduced target site sensitivity.
Resist�ncia da mosca-dos-chifres a inseticidas piretr�ides ocorre em todo o pa�s, entretanto, o conhecimento sobre os mecanismos envolvidos � ainda incipiente. Este estudo objetivou identificar os mecanismos de resist�ncia desta mosca � cipermetrina em Mato Grosso do Sul. Bioensaios utilizando pap�is impregnados com cipermetrina, isoladamente ou sinergizada por but�xido de piperonila (PBO) ou trifenil fosfato (TPP), foram realizados de mar�o∕2004 a junho∕2005 em 33 popula��es. Todas as popula��es apresentaram elevada resist�ncia � cipermetrina, com fatores de resist�ncia (FR) variando de 89,4 a 1.020,6. Ensaios de rea��o em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) visando a detec��o de kdr (“knockdown resistance”) foram realizados em 16 amostras. A muta��o kdr foi detectada em 75% das popula��es, geralmente em baixas frequ�ncias (<20%) e ausente em algumas popula��es resistentes. A adi��o de TPP n�o reduziu significativamente a CL50 em nenhuma popula��o. Entretanto, o PBO reduziu em mais de 40 vezes a CL50 de todas as popula��es testadas, resultando em FR ≤ 10 na maioria dos casos. Resist�ncia da mosca-dos-chifres � cipermetrina encontra-se disseminada no estado, sendo causada primariamente por um aumento da atividade de P450 mono-oxigenases e secundariamente pela redu��o da sensibilidade do s�tio de a��o do inseticida.
Proteolytic action of the crude extract of <italic>Duddingtonia flagrans</italic> on cyathostomins (Nematoda: Cyathostominae) in coprocultures
The objective of this study was to examine the action of the crude extract of Duddingtonia flagrans (isolates AC001 and CG722) on infective larvae (L3) of cyathostomins in coprocultures and to confirm its proteolytic activity by means of a zymogram. The following groups were formed in coprocultures: Group 1: 10 mL of crude extract of D. flagrans (AC001); group 2: 10 mL of crude extract of AC001 with 10 mM of Ca2+; group 3: 10 mL of crude extract of D. flagrans (CG722); group 4: 10 mL of crude extract of CG722 with 10 mM of Ca2+; and group 5: control group (distilled water). The third-stage larvae (L3) were obtained after eight days. The crude extract of D. flagrans was effective in reducing the number of L3, with the following percentage reductions: group 1, 49.5%; group 2, 52.5%; group 3, 36.8%; and group 4, 57.7%; in relation to the control group (p > 0.05). The proteolytic activity of the crude extract was confirmed through the zymogram. The results from this study confirmed that the crude extract of the fungus D. flagrans could be used for controlling cyathostomin L3, and suggested that at least one protease of approximately 38 kDa was present.
O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a a��o do extrato bruto de Duddingtonia flagrans (isolados AC001 e CG722) sobre larvas infectantes (L3) de ciatostom�neos em coproculturas e confirmar a sua atividade proteol�tica por meio de um zimograma. Foram formados os seguintes grupos em coproculturas: grupo 1: 10 mL de extrato bruto de D. flagrans (AC001); grupo 2: 10 mL de extrato bruto de AC001 com �ons Ca2+ 10 Mm; grupo 3: 10 mL de extrato bruto de D. flagrans (CG722); grupo 4: 10 mL de extrato bruto de CG722 com �ons Ca2+ 10 Mm; e grupo 5 como controle (�gua destilada), obtendo-se as L3 ao final de 8 dias. O extrato bruto de D. flagrans foi eficiente na redu��o do n�mero de L3 com os seguintes percentuais de redu��o: grupo 1 (49,5%); grupo 2 (52,5%); grupo 3 (36,8%) e grupo 4 (57,7%) em rela��o ao grupo controle (p > 0,05). Confirmou-se a atividade proteol�tica por meio do zimograma. Os resultados do presente trabalho confirmam a utiliza��o do extrato bruto do fungo D. flagrans no controle de L3 de ciatostom�neos e sugere a presen�a de pelo menos uma protease de aproximadamente 38 kDa.
First report of interaction of nematophagous fungi on <italic>Libyostrongylus douglassii</italic> (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae)
Libyostrongylus douglassii is a gastrointestinal nematode parasite of ostriches that can cause up to 50% mortality in young birds. The objective of this study was to compare the predatory capacity of two isolates of the predatory fungi Duddingtonia flagrans (AC001 and CG722 isolates) and one of Arthrobotrys cladodes (CG719) on infective larvae (L3) of L. douglassii under laboratory conditions, in 2% water-agar medium. The results showed that the fungi tested were effective in preying upon the L3 of L. douglassii (P < 0.05), compared with the control group. However, there was no difference in predatory capacity between the fungi tested (P > 0.05) during the seven days of experimental testing. In comparison with the control, without fungus, there were significant decreases (P < 0.05) of 85.2% (AC001), 81.2% (CG722) and 89.2% (CG719) in the average numbers of L3 of L. douglassii recovered from treatments with the isolates tested. In the present study, the three isolates of the predatory fungi D. flagrans (AC001 and CG722) and A. cladodes (CG719) were efficient at in vitro destruction of the L3 of L. douglassii.
Libyostrongylus douglassii � um nemat�ide parasito gastrintestinal de avestruzes que pode causar at� 50% de mortalidade em aves jovens. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a capacidade predat�ria de dois isolados de fungos predadores Duddingtonia flagrans (isolados AC001 e CG722) e um Arthrobotrys cladodes (CG719) sobre larvas infectantes (L3) de L. douglassii em condi��es laboratoriais, em meio �gar–�gua 2%. Os resultados demonstraram que os fungos testados foram eficientes em predar as L3 de L. douglassii (P < 0,05) em rela��o ao grupo controle. Contudo, n�o foi observada nenhuma diferen�a na capacidade predat�ria entre os fungos testados (P > 0,05) durante os sete dias do ensaio experimental. Em compara��o ao controle, sem fungo, houve uma redu��o significativa (P < 0,05) de 85,2% (AC001); 81,2% (CG722) e 89,2% (C719) na m�dia de L3 recuperadas nas placas do grupo tratado com os isolados testados. No presente trabalho, os tr�s isolados de fungos predadores D. flagrans (AC001 e CG722) e A. cladodes (CG719) foram eficientes na destrui��o in vitro das L3 de L. douglassii.
New host records of <italic>Ixodes luciae</italic> (Acari: Ixodidae) in the State of Para, Brazil
The aim of this paper is to record new hosts for Ixodes luciae S�nevet in the State of Para, Brazil, and present a case of malformation (teratogeny) in a nymph of this species. The new host records are Marmosa murina (parasitized by females) and Philander opossum (parasitized by nymphs). One of these nymphs showed malformation in the posterior margin of the opisthosoma resulting in a heart shaped posterior end.
O objetivo deste trabalho foi registrar novos hospedeiros para Ixodes luciae S�nevet no estado do Par�, Brasil, e um caso de malforma��o em uma ninfa dessa esp�cie de carrapato. Os novos hospedeiros s�o Marmosa murina (parasitado por f�meas) e Philander opossum (parasitado por ninfas). Uma dessas ninfas apresentou uma malforma��o na parte posterior do opistossoma em forma de cora��o.
First report of acariasis by <italic>Caparinia tripilis</italic> in African hedgehogs, (<italic>Atelerix albiventris</italic>), in Costa Rica
The African hedgehog is one of the newly imported exotic pets which have been observed with increasing regularity in veterinary clinics in Costa Rica. Despite their popularity, information about their diseases is scarce. Within skin diseases of hedgehogs, mange caused by Caparinia spp. is a common diagnosis in other countries. Two adult African hedgehogs, one male and one female, were brought to a private clinic in Heredia, Costa Rica, with chronic pruritic dermatitis, scabs, nearly complete loss of spines, lethargy, dehydration, and weight loss. During physical exam, deposits of dry seborrhea were taken and processed for diagnosis. Microscopic examination revealed psoroptid mites identified as Caparinia tripilis. This is the first report of the presence of Caparinia tripilis in Costa Rica and, to the authors' knowledge, the rest of Central America. O ouri�o africano � um dos animais de estima��o ex�tico, rec�m-importado que tem sido observado com maior regularidade nas cl�nicas veterin�rias da Costa Rica. Apesar da sua popularidade, informa��es sobre suas doen�as s�o escassas. Dentre as doen�as de pele de ouri�os, a sarna causada por Caparinia spp. � um diagn�stico comum nos outros pa�ses. Dois adultos ouri�os africanos, um macho e uma f�mea, foram levados para uma cl�nica particular, em Heredia, Costa Rica, com a dermatite pruriginosa cr�nica, crostas, perda quase completa de espinhos, letargia, desidrata��o e perda de peso. Ao exame f�sico, os dep�sitos de seborreia seca foram retirados e processados para o diagn�stico. O exame microsc�pico revelou �caros (psoroptidae) identificados como Caparinia tripilis. Esse � o primeiro relato da presen�a de Caparinia tripilis na Costa Rica e, para conhecimento dos autores, o resto da Am�rica Central.
Noteworthy records of <italic>Ixodes schulzei</italic> (Acari: Ixodidae) on rodents from the State of Parana, southern Brazil
Ixodes schulzei Arag�o & Fonseca is an endemic tick to Brazil and has already been reported in the northern (State of Rondonia), southeastern (States of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo) and southern (State of Santa Catarina) regions, always found in association with the water rat Nectomys squamipes (Brandt). This communication records the first occurrence of this tick species in the State of Parana, southern region of Brazil, and it constitutes its first report on Akodon montensis (Thomas) and Oryzomys russatus (Wagner) hosts.
Ixodes schulzei Arag�o & Fonseca � um carrapato end�mico do Brasil e j� foi relatado nas regi�es Norte (estado de Rond�nia), Sudeste (estados de Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro e S�o Paulo) e Sul (estado de Santa Catarina), tendo sido encontrado sempre em associa��o com o rato d'�gua Nectomys squamipes (Brandt). Esta comunica��o registra a primeira ocorr�ncia dessa esp�cie de carrapato no estado do Paran�, regi�o Sul do Brasil e constitui o primeiro relato de Akodon montensis (Thomas) e Oryzomys russatus (Wagner) como hospedeiros.
Seroprevalence rates of antibodies against <italic>Leishmania infantum</italic> and other protozoan and rickettsial parasites in dogs
Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, which infects dogs and humans in many regions of Brazil. The present study involved an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to analyze L. infantum, Ehrlichia spp., Babesia canis, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection rates in serum samples from 93 dogs in a rural settlement in Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil. The seroprevalence rates of anti-L. infantum, anti-Ehrlichia, anti-B. canis, anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies were 37.6%, 75.3%, 72%, 47.3% and 6.4%, respectively. In addition to IFAT, direct microscopic examination of popliteal lymph node aspirates revealed 26.9% of CVL positive dogs. Serological tests revealed that 17.2% of the dogs were seropositive for a single parasite, 29% for two parasites, 33% for three, 16.1% for four, and 1.1% for five parasites, while 3.2% were seronegative for five parasites. The presence of antibodies against these parasites in serum samples from dogs confirmed their exposure to these parasites in this rural area. Because of the potential zoonotic risk of these diseases, mainly leishmaniasis, ehrlichiosis and toxoplasmosis, special attention should focus on programs for the improvement of diagnostic assays and control measures against these parasites.
Leishmaniose Visceral Canina (LVC) � causada pelo protozo�rio Leishmania infantum, podendo infectar c�es e humanos em v�rias regi�es do Brasil. O presente estudo teve por objetivo realizar a rea��o de imunofluoresc�ncia indireta (RIFI) para analisar os �ndices de infec��o parasit�ria para L. infantum, Ehrlichia spp., Babesia canis, Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum, em 93 amostras de soro de c�es de um assentamento rural no munic�pio de Ilha Solteira, SP, Brasil. A taxa de soropreval�ncia de c�es com anticorpos anti-L. infantum, anti-Ehrlichia, anti-B. canis, anti-T. gondii e anti-N. caninum foi de 37,6%, 75,3%, 72%, 47,3% e 6,4%, respectivamente. Pelo exame microsc�pico direto dos parasitas nos esfrega�os de aspirados de linfonodos popl�teos dos c�es, a positividade para LVC foi de 26,9%. Pelos exames sorol�gicos, 17,2% dos c�es estavam positivos com um �nico parasita, 29% com dois, 33% com tr�s, 16,1% com quatro e 1,1% com cinco parasitas. Al�m disso, 3,2% eram soronegativos para todos os cinco agentes parasit�rios. A presen�a de anticorpos aos parasitos em amostras sorol�gicas confirmam a exposi��o dos c�es �s doen�as parasit�rias nesse assentamento rural. Devido ao potencial risco zoon�tico destas doen�as, principalmente leishmaniose, erliquiose e toxoplasmose, aten��o especial deve ser dada aos programas que objetivam o aprimoramento de testes diagn�sticos e de medidas de controle dessas parasitoses.
First occurrence of <italic>Amblyomma ovale</italic> in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
This study aims to report the occurrence of parasitism by Amblyomma ovale (Koch, 1844) in dogs in the municipality of Apodi, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Specimens were identified as being one female and two males of A. ovale, besides; the animal was infested by five females of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and seven females and three males of R. sanguineus. The finding of A. ovale confirms results in the literature that these ticks, reported in several species of wild carnivores, can also infect dogs in Brazil. The distribution of this tick species in several Brazilian states has already been confirmed, but this is the first report in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. This finding highlights the risk of the carrying of emerging and re-emerging pathogens to peridomestic hosts are as, either because of the frequency of these ticks in wild environments or the presence of infected wild animals near peridomestic environments, exposing domestic dogs to parasitism by A. ovale ticks and, therefore, to agents potentially carried by this ectoparasite.
O presente estudo objetiva comunicar a ocorr�ncia do parasitismo por Amblyomma ovale (Koch, 1844) em c�o, no munic�pio de Apodi, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Os exemplares foram identificados como sendo uma f�mea e dois machos de A. ovale, al�m destes, o animal estava parasitado por cinco f�meas de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, sete f�meas e tr�s machos de R. sanguineus. O encontro de A. ovale confirma os resultados da literatura de que esses carrapatos, relatados em v�rias esp�cies de carn�voros silvestres, tamb�m podem infestar c�es no Brasil. Este carrapato tem sua distribui��o confirmada em v�rios estados brasileiros, sendo este o primeiro relato no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Este achado alerta para o risco do carreamento de pat�genos emergentes e re-emergentes para regi�es peridomiciliares, seja devido a frequ�ncia destes carrapatos em ambientes silvestres ou da presen�a de animais silvestres parasitados pr�ximos a ambientes peridomiciliares, expondo c�es dom�sticos ao parasitismo por carrapatos A. ovale e, consequentemente, a agentes potencialmente veiculados por este ectoparasito.
Predatory activity of chlamydospores of the fungus <italic>Pochonia chlamydosporia</italic> on <italic>Toxocara canis</italic> eggs under laboratory conditions
The objective of this study was to use chlamydospores of the fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia (isolates VC1 and VC4) against Toxocara canis eggs in a 15-day in vitro assay. One thousand T. canis eggs were placed in Petri dishes containing 2% water agar medium with different concentrations of chlamydospores (1,000, 10,000 or 100,000) of each fungal isolate of P. chlamydosporia (treated groups) and 1,000 eggs in Petri dishes without fungus (control group). Egg counts were performed to determine the ovicidal activity, which was classified as three effect levels: type 1, type 2 and type 3. Significant differences (P < 0.01) in egg destruction were found in comparison with the control group. The highest percentage of egg destruction was found in plates containing 100,000 chlamydospores (68.5% for VC1 and 70.5% for VC4). Chlamydospores of P. chlamydosporia were effective in destroying T. canis eggs and may contribute in the future towards combating the eggs of this parasite.
O objetivo do trabalho foi utilizar clamid�sporos do fungo Pochonia chlamydosporia (isolados VC1 e VC4) na destrui��o de ovos de Toxocara canis, num ensaio in vitro, realizado no intervalo de 15 dias. Em cada placa de Petri com �gar-�gua 2% foram vertidos 1.000 ovos de T. canis em 1.000, 10.000 ou 100.000 clamid�sporos de cada isolado do fungo (grupos tratados). Foram realizadas as contagens para verificar a atividade ovicida, classificada em tr�s n�veis de efeito: tipo 1, tipo 2 e tipo 3. Os resultados demonstraram que houve diferen�a significativa (P < 0,01) na destrui��o dos ovos em rela��o aos ovos observados nas placas do grupo controle. O maior percentual de ovos destru�dos foi observado nas placas contendo 100.000 clamid�sporos (68,5% para VC1 e 70,5% para VC4). Clamid�sporos do fungo P. chlamydosporia foram efetivos na destrui��o dos ovos de T. canis podendo contribuir no futuro para o combate aos ovos deste parasito.
Frequency of geohelminths in public squares in Pelotas, RS, Brazil
The frequency of parasitic contamination of public areas in the municipality of Pelotas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, was studied between June 2010 and May 2011, when soil samples were collected from eight city squares. Out of 400 samples submitted to centrifugal floatation technique in solution of sodium dichromate with density of 1.35, 176 (44%) proved positive for at least one parasite; 29 (16.5%) samples were multi-infested. The results showed that there was a significant soil contamination rate in all the parks included in the study. The positivity rate was higher for hookworms eggs (13.5%) and Toxocara eggs (8.8%); Trichuris, Ascaris and Capillaria eggs were also detected. This study shows the risks to which the population is exposed in relation to zoonotic geohelminths, and suggests that sanitation and health education measures should be implemented in the municipality.
A frequ�ncia de contamina��o parasit�ria de �reas p�blicas de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, foi avaliada entre junho de 2010 e maio de 2011, com coletas mensais de amostras de solo de oito pra�as. Das 400 amostras submetidas � t�cnica de centr�fugo-flutua��o em solu��o de dicromato de s�dio com densidade de 1,35, 176 (44%) apresentaram pelo menos uma forma parasit�ria e, das amostras positivas, 29 (16,5%) estavam poliparasitadas. Os resultados demonstraram relevante �ndice de contamina��o do solo em todas as pra�as avaliadas, com maiores �ndices de positividade para ovos de ancilostom�deos (13,5%) e ovos de Toxocara (8,8%), sendo tamb�m identificados ovos de Trichuris, Ascaris e Capillaria. O estudo demonstrou a contamina��o ambiental de pra�as p�blicas e os riscos a que a popula��o est� exposta em rela��o a doen�as causadas por geoparasitos zoon�ticos e sugere que medidas de saneamento e educa��o em sa�de devem ser implementadas no munic�pio.
Detection of anti-<italic>Toxoplasma gondii</italic> antibodies in carthorses in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
Toxoplasma gondii, the agent for toxoplasmosis, has worldwide distribution. Horses normally play a secondary role in its life cycle, but movement around urban areas, feeding on grass and the increasing use of carthorses for gathering recyclable material in some urban areas of Brazil may increase their exposure to T. gondii infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of anti-T. gondii antibodies in carthorses in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, PR. IgG antibodies against T. gondii were detected using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) (titers ≥ 64). Seventeen (17.0%) of the 100 horses sampled were seropositive. There were no statistical differences in relation to sex (p = 0.28) or age (p = 0.15). Our findings suggest that carthorses are exposed to T. gondii infections and that no associations with age or sex exist.
Toxoplasma gondii, agente da toxoplasmose, tem distribui��o mundial. Geralmente cavalos desempenham papel secund�rio no ciclo de vida do T. gondii. Entretanto, a circula��o em meio urbano, a alimenta��o com gram�neas e o aumento no uso de cavalos carroceiros para recolhimento de material recicl�vel em algumas �reas urbanas do Brasil podem aumentar a exposi��o desses cavalos ao T. gondii. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a frequ�ncia de anticorpos anti-T. gondii em cavalos carroceiros da regi�o metropolitana de Curitiba, PR. Os anticorpos da classe IgG contra T. gondii foram detectados pela rea��o de imunofluoresc�ncia indireta (RIFI) (t�tulos ≥ 64). Dezessete (17%) dos 100 cavalos avaliados foram positivos e n�o houve diferen�a entre sexos (p = 0,28) ou idade (p = 0,15). Esses achados sugerem que cavalos carroceiros est�o expostos a infec��es por T. gondii, n�o existindo associa��o com a idade ou o sexo dos animais.
First report of <italic>Trypanosoma cruzi</italic> infection in naturally infected dogs from southern Bahia, Brazil
In order to verify the Trypanosoma cruzi infection in domestic domiciled dogs in a rural endemic area from the south region of the State of Bahia, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were performed using S35 and S36 primers in 272 dogs living in the district of Vila Operaria, in the municipality of Buerarema. All animals were clinically evaluated; 2.5 mL of blood were collected through venipuncture for the performance of molecular tests. None of these animals showed clinical signs of the illness and only two were identified with the DNA parasite. This result is the first report of natural infection by T. cruzi in domestic dogs in southern Bahia.
Com o objetivo de verificar a infec��o por Trypanosoma cruzi em c�es dom�sticos domiciliados em �rea rural e end�mica do sul da Bahia, foi realizada a Rea��o em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR), utilizando-se os iniciadores S35 e S36 em 272 c�es domiciliados no distrito da Vila Oper�ria, cidade de Buerarema. Todos os animais foram avaliados clinicamente e, posteriormente, foram coletados 2,5 mL de sangue por pun��o venosa para realiza��o do diagn�stico molecular. Nenhum dos animais apresentou manifesta��o cl�nica da doen�a e, em apenas dois foram identificados DNA do parasito. Esse resultado � o primeiro relato de infec��o natural por T. cruzi em c�es dom�sticos no sul baiano.
Acaricidal efficacy of topical formulation of fipronil in naturally infested dogs in Amazonic region, Brazil
This study was conducted to show the effectiveness of a novel formulation of fipronil in a spot-on formulation for the therapeutic and preventive control of Rhipicephalus sanguineus in naturally infested dogs. Ticks on all dogs were counted at the moment of treatment and weekly after treatment (therapeutic efficacy) or infestation (preventive efficacy). The profile of the therapeutic efficacy for Rhipicephalus sanguineus suggested that the formulation was able to control the Ixodid species for at least 42 days after the treatment.
Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a efic�cia de uma nova formula��o “spot-on” � base de fipronil na terap�utica e preven��o do parasitismo por Rhipicephalus sanguineus em c�es naturalmente infestados. Foi realizada contagem dos carrapatos no momento da aplica��o do produto e semanalmente ap�s o tratamento (efic�cia terap�utica), bem como avaliando sua reinfesta��o (efic�cia preventiva). Perfis terap�uticos e preventivos sugerem que a formula��o controla o parasitismo por R. sanguineus em c�es por pelo menos 42 dias ap�s o tratamento.
First record of Parakosa flexipes (Acari: Chirodiscidae) parasitizing a free-tailed bat (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Brazil
The present study reports the occurrence of Parakosa flexipes (Pinichpongse) (Chirodiscidae) for the first time in Brazil, along with its infection sites on Molossus rufus E. Geoffroy. Thirty-eight bats were caught using mist nets that were placed near a house at the Mars Center for Cocoa Science in the state of Bahia, of which 14 (37%) were parasitized by P. flexipes. Parakosa flexipes was observed parasitizing M. rufus on hairs that were evidently longer than others distributed over the bat's body, where up to three parasites could be spotted on a single hair.
O presente estudo registra a ocorr�ncia de Parakosa flexipes (Pinichpongse) pela primeira vez no Brasil, bem como seus s�tios de infec��o em Molossus rufus E. Geoffroy. Foram capturados 38 morcegos com redes-de-neblina, dispostas pr�ximas a uma resid�ncia da "Mars Center for Cocoa Science" no Sul da Bahia, dos quais 14 (37%) estavam parasitados por P. flexipes. Parakosa flexipes foi observada parasitando M. rufus em pelos evidentemente maiores que os demais distribu�dos pelo corpo do morcego, onde se p�de observar at� tr�s parasitos em um �nico pelo.
 Amblyomma nodosum (Acari: Ixodidae) parasitizing a domestic dog in Colatina, Espírito Santo, Brazil
On 27 Jan 2011 an adult Amblyomma nodosum tick was found attached to a domestic dog from the municipality of Colatina, state of Esp�rito Santo, Brazil. This is the first report of this tick species in this state and the second time it has been reported parasitizing a domestic dog in the country. For the time being, this finding should be regarded as incidental. However, more in-depth research into the hosts and ecology of A. nodosum is needed, since it has been associated to infectious agents that are potentially pathogenic for humans.
Em 17 de janeiro de 2011 um carrapato adulto de Amblyomma nodosum foi encontrado parasitando um c�o dom�stico no munic�pio de Colatina, Esp�rito Santo, Brasil. Esta � a primeira vez que esta esp�cie de carrapato foi descrita no Estado e pela segunda vez no pa�s parasitando um c�o dom�stico. Este achado por ora deve ser considerado fortuito. Entretanto, a busca por informa��es adicionais sobre hospedeiros e ecologia do A. nodosum � recomendada uma vez que este parasito j� foi associado a agente infeccioso potencialmente patog�nico para seres humanos.
First record of Tuxophorus caligodes (Siphonostomatoida, Tuxophoridae) in sea-farmed cobia, Rachycentron canadum, in Brazil
The cobia is the only representative of the Rachycentridae family and, because of its zootechnical qualities, production of this fish has been implemented in several countries, such as the United States, Mexico and Brazil. Tuxophorus caligodes is a widespread parasite of marine fish worldwide. For the present report, 15 juvenile cobias were collected from net cages on a fish farm in Ilhabela, state of S�o Paulo, Brazil, in the winter of 2011. The fish were sacrificed by means of cerebral concussion, and then weighed (280 � 70.5 g) and measured (27 � 1.97 cm). After external examination under a stereomicroscope, ectoparasites present on the body surface were collected, fixed and processed for identification. Out of the 15 fish examined, two were parasitized with Tuxophorus caligodes, thus indicating a prevalence of 13.3%. This is the first report of Tuxophorus caligodes in cobias in Brazil.
O cobia � o �nico representante da fam�lia Rachycentridae e, devido �s suas qualidades zoot�cnicas, a produ��o desse peixe tem sido implementada em v�rios pa�ses, tais como os Estados Unidos, M�xico e Brasil. Tuxophorus caligodes � um parasito de peixes marinhos amplamente distribu�do no mundo. Para o presente relato, 15 juvenis de cobias foram coletados de tanques-rede, em uma fazenda marinha em Ilhabela, Estado de S�o Paulo, Brasil, no inverno de 2011. Os peixes foram sujeitos � eutan�sia por meio de concuss�o cerebral, pesados (280 � 70,5 g) e medidos (27 � 1,97 cm). Ap�s exame externo sob um estereomicrosc�pio, os ectoparasitos presentes na superf�cie do corpo foram coletados, fixados e processados para identifica��o. Dos 15 peixes examinados, dois apresentavam-se parasitados indicando a preval�ncia de 13,3%. Esse � o primeiro relato de Tuxophorus caligodes em cobias no Brasil.
Serological survey on Ehrlichia sp. among dogs in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul
A serological survey on Ehrlichia canis was conducted among dogs in the central area of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus is a common parasite of dogs. Out of a total of 316 dogs attended at the veterinary teaching hospital in the municipality of Santa Maria, only 14 (4.43%) reacted positively to E. canis antigens in the indirect immunofluorescence assay, with the following endpoint titers: 80 (three dogs), 160 (five), 320 (four), 640 (one) and 1280 (one). Like in previous studies in other regions of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, only a very small portion of the dogs in Santa Maria presented antibodies reactive to E. canis, even though canine infestations due to R. sanguineus are very common in this study region. These results contrast with other regions of Brazil, where E. canis is endemic among canine populations, with seropositivity values generally higher than 30%. Genetic differences among the R. sanguineus populations in South America might be implicated in these contrasting results.
Foi realizada uma pesquisa sorol�gica para Ehrlichia canis, em c�es, na regi�o central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, onde o carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus � um parasita comum em c�es. De um total de 316 c�es atendidos no Hospital Veterin�rio Universit�rio no Munic�pio de Santa Maria, somente 14 (4,43%) reagiram positivamente para o ant�geno de E. canis pela rea��o de imunofluoresc�ncia indireta, com os seguintes t�tulos finais: 80 (3 c�es), 160 (5), 320 (4), 640 (1) e 1.280 (1). Semelhante aos estudos anteriores em outras regi�es do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, apenas uma pequena parcela dos c�es de Santa Maria apresentaram anticorpos reativos para E. canis, mesmo que as infesta��es caninas por R. sanguineus sejam muito comuns na regi�o de estudo. Esses resultados contrastam com outras regi�es do Brasil, nas quais E. canis � end�mica entre a popula��o canina, com valores de soropositividade geralmente superiores a 30%. Diferen�as gen�ticas entre as popula��es de R. sanguineus, na Am�rica do Sul, poderiam estar envolvidas nesses resultados contrastantes.
Clinical and hematological findings in Leishmania braziliensis-infected dogs from Pernambuco, Brazil
Canine cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania braziliensis is a neglected, but widespread disease of dogs in South America. This paper describes clinical and hematological alterations in 17 L. braziliensis-infected dogs from Brazil. The most common hematological findings were thrombocytopenia (82.4%), anemia (70.6%), low packed cell volume (52.9%) and eosinophilia (41.2%). Twelve (70.6%) dogs displayed at least one evident physical alteration; 11 dogs (64.7%) presented skin lesions, four (23.5%) had weight loss and two (11.8%) onychogryphosis. L. braziliensis-infected dogs present clinical and hematological signs often observed in dogs infected by other pathogens. This indicates that veterinarians and public health workers should not consider the presence of non-specific clinical signs as diagnostic criteria for visceral leishmaniasis in dogs living endemic areas to avoid misdiagnosis and subsequent elimination of dogs infected by L. braziliensis.
A leishmaniose cut�nea canina causada por Leishmania braziliensis � uma doen�a negligenciada, mas disseminada entre c�es na America do Sul. Este artigo descreve altera��es cl�nicas e hematol�gicas em 17 c�es infectados por L. braziliensis do Brasil. As altera��es hematol�gicas mais comuns foram trombocitopenia (82,4%), anemia (70,6%), baixo valor de hemat�crito (52,9%) e eosinofilia (41,2%). Doze (70,6%) c�es apresentaram pelo menos uma altera��o f�sica; 11 (64,7%) apresentaram les�es cut�neas, quatro (23,5%) perda de peso e dois (11,8%) onicogrifose. C�es infectados por L. braziliensis apresentaram altera��es cl�nicas e hematol�gicas inespec�ficas que s�o comumente observadas em c�es infectados por outros pat�genos. Isso indica que veterin�rios e profissionais de sa�de p�blica n�o deveriam considerar a presen�a de tais sinais cl�nicos como crit�rio de diagn�stico para leishmaniose visceral em c�es, em �reas end�micas, no intuito de evitar um diagn�stico equivocado e a subsequente elimina��o de c�es infectados por L. braziliensis.
New records of Muscidae (Diptera) in Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
Synanthropic flies outstanding beside other flies due their relative abundance close to domestic animals and human population, to which they are able to cause myiasis or transmit pathogenic agents. As they're necrophagous they act as corpse decomposers and are useful in the forensic entomology in the post mortem interval determination. This study aimed to know flies diversity and abundance in Campo Grande, State of Mato Grosso do Sul. Captures were made weekly, utilizing three traps baited with decaying fish meat, from June of 2008 to May of 2009 in a remainder ciliary forest of the Embrapa's Cattle Beef Experimental Farm. The dipterans families that were considered and respectively number of collected specimens were: Calliphoridae (105,334); Muscidae (27,999); Sarcophagidae (21,083); Fanniidae (17,759) and Mesembrinellidae (305), totalizing 172,480 dipterous. To the local known species some Muscidae were increased as follows: Neomuscina atincticosta, Pseudoptilolepis elbida, Polietina orbitalis, Polietina flavithorax, Scutellomusca scutellaris, Graphomya analis and Morellia couriae.
As moscas sinantr�picas se destacam pelo fato de serem relativamente abundantes junto � popula��o humana e animais dom�sticos, podendo causar a estes mi�ases ou transmitir agentes patog�nicos. Por serem necr�fagas, atuam na decomposi��o de cad�veres e s�o �teis para a entomologia forense como indicadores na determina��o do intervalo post mortem - IPM. Este trabalho visou conhecer a diversidade e a abund�ncia das esp�cies em Campo Grande, Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. As capturas foram realizadas semanalmente, com tr�s armadilhas, utilizando isca de peixe deteriorado, durante o per�odo de junho de 2008 a maio de 2009 em mata ciliar remanescente na fazenda experimental da Embrapa Gado de Corte. Foram consideradas as seguintes fam�lias de d�pteros, seguidas pelo n�mero de exemplares obtidos: Calliphoridae (105.334); Muscidae (27.999); Sarcophagidae (21.083); Fanniidae (17.759) e Mesembrinellidae (305), totalizando 172.480 d�pteros. Foram acrescentadas �s esp�cies de Muscidae j� notificadas para o local deste estudo: Neomuscina atincticosta, Pseudoptilolepis elbida, Polietina orbitalis, Polietina flavithorax, Scutellomusca scutellaris, Graphomya analis e Morellia couriae.
Chemical identification of Tagetes minuta Linnaeus (Asteraceae) essential oil and its acaricidal effect on ticks
The control of tick species that affect animal production is vital for the economic welfare of the cattle industry. This study focused on testing the acaricidal activity of the essential oil from the leaves and stems of Tagetes minuta against several Brazilian tick species, including Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Amblyomma cajennense and Argas miniatus. The chemical composition of the essential oil was determined by chromatography and spectroscopy analyses, which revealed the presence of monoterpenes. The adult immersion test (AIT) and the larval packet test (LPT) were used to evaluate the efficacy of T. minuta essential oil in tick management at concentrations of 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40%. The results demonstrated that the T. minuta essential oil had over 95% efficacy against four species of ticks at a concentration of 20%. These results suggest that the essential oil of T. minuta could be used as an environmentally friendly acaricide.
O controle de carrapatos que causa impacto na produ��o de bovinos possui import�ncia econ�mica para a cadeia produtiva. Neste trabalho objetivou-se testar a atividade acaricida do �leo essencial das folhas e caules de Tagetes minuta contra v�rias esp�cies de carrapatos brasileiros, incluindo Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Amblyomma cajennense e Argas miniatus. A composi��o qu�mica do �leo foi determinada por GC-MS e an�lises de espectroscopia de RMN, que revelaram a presen�a de monoterpenos. Na avalia��o destas subst�ncias no controle do carrapato foram empregados os testes de imers�o de adulto (TIA) e o de pacote de larvas (TPL) para o extrato de �leo de T. minuta nas concentra��es de 2,5%; 5%; 10%; 20% e 40%. Os resultados do TPL e TIA demonstraram que o �leo essencial na concentra��o de 20% de T. minuta apresenta efic�cia superior a 95% nas quatro esp�cies de carrapato. Estes resultados sugerem que o �leo essencial de T. minuta pode ser usado como um acaricida eficaz e com baixo impacto ambiental.
Risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in goats in the State of Paraíba, Brazil
A cross-sectional study based on planned sampling was carried out to determine flock-level risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii antibody prevalence in dairy goat flocks in a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 975 adult dairy goats from 110 flocks were examined by indirect immonufluorescent antibody test (IFAT), using cut-off point at 1:64 dilution. From the 110 flocks, 77 presented at least one seropositive animal, corresponding to a prevalence of 70% (95% CI: 60.5-78.4%). Out of the 975 animals, 177 (18.1%; 95% CI = 15.8-20.7%) tested positive. The presence of toxic plants (OR = 5.11; P = 0.045) and the fact that goat breeding is not the main activity on the farm (OR = 3.34; P = 0.014) were identified as risk factors. The results of the present study showed evidence of the presence of T. gondii infection in dairy goats from a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil using planned sampling. Further studies are needed to elucidate the importance of the identified risk factors in the epidemiology of the infection.
Foi conduzido um estudo transversal baseado em amostragem planejada com o objetivo de determinar fatores de risco associados com a preval�ncia de anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii, em rebanhos de caprinos leiteiros, em uma regi�o semi�rida do Nordeste do Brasil. Amostras de soro de 975 caprinos leiteiros adultos, procedentes de 110 propriedades, foram examinadas pela rea��o de imunofluoresc�ncia indireta (RIFI), utilizando-se como ponto de corte a dilui��o 1:64. Das 110 propriedades, 77 apresentaram pelo menos um animal soropositivo, correspondendo a uma preval�ncia de 70% (IC 95%: 60,5-78,4%). Dos 975 animais, 177 (18,1%; IC 95% = 15,8-20,7%) foram positivos. Apesar da presen�a de plantas t�xicas (OR = 5,11; P = 0,045) e da caprinocultura n�o ser a principal atividade na propriedade (OR = 3,34; P = 0,014), foram identificados como fatores de risco. Os resultados do presente estudo mostraram uma evid�ncia da presen�a da infec��o por T. gondii, em caprinos leiteiros, em uma regi�o semi�rida do Nordeste do Brasil, utilizando-se uma amostragem planejada. H� necessidade de condu��o de estudos posteriores para elucidar a import�ncia epidemiol�gica dos fatores de risco identificados.
Epidemiology of Oestrus ovis (Diptera: Oestridae) in sheep in Botucatu, State of São Paulo
The seasonal factors that influence Oestrus ovis infestation in sheep were determined in Botucatu, State of S�o Paulo, Southwestern Brazil, from April 2008 to March 2011. Two tracer lambs were monthly exposed to natural infestation by O. ovis larvae for 28 consecutive days, by grazing with a sheep flock. Tracer animals were then euthanized and the larvae of O. ovis recovered from nasal and sinus cavities. Of the 72 tracer lambs, 50% were infested with O. ovis larvae and the mean intensity of infestation per head infested was 16.8 larvae, with an average of 7.8 L1, 5.3 L2 and 3.7 L3. O. ovis larvae were present during the four seasons of the year, but the mean larval burden was significantly higher during the spring and summer months, compared to winter (P < 0.05). The highest rate of larvae recovery coincided with mean temperatures between 20 �C and 25 �C and air relative humidity around 70%. Results suggest that evolution and development of O. ovis practically occurs throughout the entire year, with larval infestation especially frequent during the spring and summer months.
Os fatores sazonais que influenciam a infesta��o por larvas de Oestrus ovis, foram determinados no per�odo de abril de 2008 a mar�o de 2011, em ovinos criados em Botucatu, S�o Paulo, regi�o Sudeste do Brasil. Mensalmente, dois cordeiros tra�adores permaneceram em pastejo com um rebanho ovino durante 28 dias consecutivos, expostos � infesta��o natural por larvas de O. ovis. Em seguida, os cordeiros foram sacrificados, e as larvas de O. ovis recuperadas da cavidade nasal e seios frontais. Dos 72 cordeiros tra�adores, 50% estavam infestados por larvas de O. ovis, com intensidade m�dia de infesta��o de 16,8 larvas/cabe�a infestada, com m�dia de 7,8 L1, 5,3 L2 e 3,7 L3. As larvas de O. ovis foram recuperadas durante as quatro esta��es do ano, mas o n�mero m�dio de larvas foi significativamente superior durante os meses de primavera e ver�o comparado aos meses de inverno (P < 0,05). A maior taxa de recupera��o larval coincidiu com temperaturas m�dias entre 20 �C e 25 �C e umidade relativa do ar por volta de 70%. Os resultados sugerem que a evolu��o e desenvolvimento de O. ovis ocorre praticamente durante o ano inteiro, mas a infesta��o � mais frequente nos meses de primavera e ver�o.
Parasites of economically important bivalves from the southern coast of Bahia State, Brazil
This study investigated the parasites of three commercially important bivalve species (Crassostrea rhizophorae, Mytella guyanensis and Lucina pectinata) from the southern coast of Bahia, Brazil. A total of 540 specimens were collected in August 2009 and February 2010, at three localities. The bivalve specimens were measured on their longest axis, opened, and macroscopically examined for the presence of parasites or signs of disease. They were then fixed in Davidson' solution and subjected to routine histological processing, with paraffin embedding and H&E staining; next, the specimens were examined under a light microscope. No parasites were observed associated with L. pectinata. Rickettsia-like organisms (RLOs), Sphenophrya sp. (Ciliophora), Nematopsis sp. (Apicomplexa), Urastoma sp. (Turbellaria) and Bucephalus sp. (Digenea) were observed in both C. rhizophorae and M. guyanensis, as well as Ancistrocoma sp. (Ciliophora) and Tylocephalum sp. (Cestoda) in the former. A high prevalence of Nematopsis sp. was seen, but caused no apparent damage to the host. Bucephalus sp. caused the destruction of tissues, with castration, but showed low prevalence. The other parasites occurred in low prevalence and intensity, without causing significant damage.
Neste estudo foram investigados os parasitos de tr�s esp�cies de bivalves de interesse econ�mico (Crassostrea rhizophorae, Mytella guyanensis e Lucina pectinata) da Bahia. Foram analisados 540 exemplares, obtidos em duas coletas (agosto-2009 e fevereiro-2010), em tr�s localidades. Os bivalves foram medidos quanto ao seu maior eixo, abertos e examinados macroscopicamente quanto � presen�a de parasitos ou sinais de enfermidades. Depois disso, foram fixados em solu��o de Davidson e processados por rotina de histologia, com inclus�o em parafina e colora��o com H&E. O material foi examinado ao microsc�pio de luz. Nenhum parasito esteve associado a L. pectinata. Bact�rias do tipo RLOs (organismos assemelhados a Rickettsia), Sphenophrya sp. (Ciliophora), Nematopsis sp. (Apicomplexa), Urastoma sp. (Turbellaria) e Bucephalus sp. (Digenea) foram observados tanto em C. rhizophorae quanto em M. guyanensis, sendo que a primeira apresentou ainda Ancistrocoma sp. (Ciliophora) e Tylocephalum sp. (Cestoda). Nematopsis sp. ocorreu em alta preval�ncia, por�m, aparentemente, n�o causou danos aos bivalves. Bucephalus sp. causou destrui��o de tecidos, com castra��o, mas foi pouco prevalente. Os demais parasitos ocorreram em baixa preval�ncia e intensidade de infec��o e sem causar danos.
Occurrence of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in household dogs from northern Parana
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis caused primarily by Ehrlichia canis and canine thrombocytic anaplasmosis induced by Anaplasma platys are important emerging zoonotic tick-borne diseases of dogs. There is evidence that these pathogens can also affect humans. This study evaluated the presence of E. canis and A. platys in blood samples collected from 256 domiciled dogs in the municipality of Jataizinho, located in north region of the State of Parana, Brazil, by PCR assay. The occurrence of E. canis and A. platys was 16.4% (42/256) and 19.4% (49/256), respectively; while 5.47% (14/256) of the dogs evaluated were co-infected by these two organisms. The presence of E. canis and A. platys was not significantly associated with the variables evaluated (sex, age, outdoor access, and presence of ticks during blood collection). Infection of dogs by E. canis was associated with anemia and thrombocytopenia, while infection induced by A. platys was related only to thrombocytopenia. Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis and canine thrombocytic anaplasmosis should be included in the differential diagnoses when these hematological alterations are observed during routine laboratory evaluation of dogs.
Erliquiose monoc�tica canina, causada principalmente por Ehrlichia canis, e anaplasmose tromboc�tica canina, devida a infec��o com Anaplasma platys, s�o importantes doen�as transmitidas por carrapatos que acometem os c�es, com evid�ncias que podem tamb�m acometer o homem. O presente estudo avaliou a ocorr�ncia desses agentes em amostras de sangue de 256 c�es domiciliados na cidade de Jataizinho, na regi�o Norte do Paran�, Brasil, utilizando a t�cnica da Rea��o em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR). A ocorr�ncia de E. canis e A. platys foi de 16,4% (42/256) e 19,4% (49/256), respectivamente, com 5,47% (14/256) dos animais apresentando coinfec��o. N�o foi observada associa��o significativa com as vari�veis sexo, idade, acesso � rua e presen�a de carrapatos no momento da coleta de sangue. A infec��o por E. canis teve rela��o com anemia e com trombocitopenia, enquanto a infec��o por A. platys apresentou rela��o apenas com trombocitopenia. Com base nos resultados obtidos, refor�ou-se a necessidade de que erliquiose e anaplasmose canina devem estar entre os diagn�sticos diferenciais, quando da detec��o de anemia e trombocitopenia em exames laboratoriais.
Recovery of Trichostrongylus colubriformis infective larvae from three grass species contaminated in the autumn
This experiment aimed to assess the recovery of infective larvae (L3) of Trichostrongylus colubriformis from Brachiaria decumbens cv. Australiana, Cynodon dactylon cv. Coast-cross and Panicum maximum cv. Aruana. The experimental module comprised six plots, with two plots per herbage species. Larval survival was assessed from autumn to winter, under the effect of two herbage-paring heights (5 and 30 cm). TThe paring was carried out immediately before contamination with faces containing T. colubriformis eggs. The feces and herbage were collected at one, two, four, eight, 12 and 16 weeks after feces had been deposited in the experimental plots. In general, larvae were recovered from both herbage and feces until the 16th week. The longer persistence of these larvae in the environment was probably due to warmer temperatures. The number of L3 recovered from the pasture was not influenced by the height of plants, except for Brachiaria and Aruana herbage in the fourth week. Regarding the concentrations of larvae per kg of dry matter (L3/kg DM), recovery was higher from low pasture in all three herbage species. During the autumn, the development and survival of the T. colubriformis free-living stages were not affected by the different herbage species.
O experimento teve como objetivo avaliar a recupera��o de larvas infectantes (L3) de Trichostrongylus colubriformis em Brachiaria decumbens cv. Australiana, Cynodon dactylon cv. Coast-cross e Panicum maximum cv. Aruana. Foram utilizados m�dulos experimentais constitu�dos por seis canteiros, perfazendo dois canteiros por esp�cie forrageira. A sobreviv�ncia larval foi avaliada do outono at� o inverno, sob o efeito de duas alturas de poda (5 e 30 cm). A poda foi realizada imediatamente antes da deposi��o das fezes contaminadas com ovos de T. colubriformis. A colheita das fezes e da forragem foi realizada uma, duas, quatro, oito, 12 e 16 semanas ap�s a deposi��o das fezes nos canteiros experimentais. De modo geral, foram recuperadas larvas das forragens e das fezes at� a 16� semana. Essas larvas persistiram por mais tempo no ambiente, provavelmente em raz�o das temperaturas mais amenas. O n�mero de L3 recuperadas nas pastagens n�o foi influenciado pela altura das plantas, exceto nos capins braqui�ria e aruana na quarta semana. J� em rela��o �s concentra��es de larvas (L3/kg MS) recuperadas das tr�s forrageiras, houve maior concentra��o nas pastagens baixas. Durante o outono, o desenvolvimento e a sobreviv�ncia de est�dios de vida livre de T. colubriformis n�o foram afetados pelos diferentes tipos de esp�cies de forrageiras.
 Trichodina colisae (Ciliophora: Trichodinidae): new parasite records for two freshwater fish species farmed in Brazil
Family Trichodinidae comprises ciliate protozoa distributed worldwide; they are considered some of the main parasitological agents infecting cultivated fish. However, the trichodinidae parasitizing important fish species cultured in Brazil are unknown, and more taxonomic studies on this group of parasites are required. This research morphologically characterizes Trichodina colisae Asmat & Sultana, (2005) of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) and patinga hybrid (P. mesopotamicus � P. brachypomus) cultivated in the central and southeast regions of the country. Fresh assemblies were made from mucus scraped from the skin, fins and gills, fixed with methanol and, subsequently, impregnated with silver nitrate and stained with Giemsa for assessment under light microscopy. This research reports not only the second occurrence of T. colisae in the world, but also its first occurrence in South America.
Tricodin�deos s�o protozo�rios ciliados m�veis com ampla distribui��o mundial; s�o considerados um dos agentes parasit�rios que mais acometem peixes cultivados. No Brasil, a maioria dos tricodin�deos que parasitam importantes esp�cies de peixes cultivados s�o desconhecidos, o que requer mais estudos taxon�micos com esse grupo de parasitos. Este estudo caracteriza morfologicamente Trichodina colisae Asmat & Sultana, 2005 de pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) e do h�brido patinga (P. mesopotamicus � P. brachypomus) cultivados, respectivamente, no Centro-Oeste e Sudeste do Brasil. Foram feitas montagens a fresco do raspado de muco da pele, nadadeiras e br�nquias, fixados com metanol e, posteriormente, impregnados com nitrato de prata e coradas com Giemsa para avalia��o em microscopia �ptica. O presente estudo relata n�o s� a segunda ocorr�ncia de T. colisae no mundo, mas tamb�m a primeira ocorr�ncia na Am�rica do Sul.
Canine visceral leishmaniasis: seroprevalence and risk factors in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
In Brazil, canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is endemic and the number of cases in humans and dogs has increased in the Midwest region. A transversal study was carried out in endemic areas from Cuiab�, State of Mato Grosso, to assess data on seroprevalence and risk factors associated to canine infection. Four hundred and thirty (430) dogs were randomly evaluated through indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) considering variables related to the animals, the environment and the knowledge by owners on CVL aspects and control. From 430 dogs, 95 (22.1%) were seroreagent for leishmaniasis and animals living in rural environments present risk 1.9 times higher for acquiring the disease than those in urban environments (p = 0.01; OR 1.9). Factors related to animals' habits, such as free access to the street and guard function were considered indicators to predict infection by Leishmania sp. (p < 0.05) by statistical univariate analysis. The presence of agricultural activities was also a fact that contributed for the insurgence of the infection (p = 0.02; OR 1.68). The results contributed to the knowledge on the aspects of CVL in Cuiab� and point to an urgent need to include educational and sanitary programs in the city, since the region presents favorable characteristics for spreading the infection of CVL as already observed in other Brazilian cities.
No Brasil, a leishmaniose visceral canina (CLV) � end�mica e, na regi�o Centro-Oeste, o n�mero de casos em humanos e c�es tem aumentado. Um estudo transversal foi realizado em �reas end�micas de Cuiab� (MT) com objetivo de avaliar dados sobre a soropreval�ncia e determinar os fatores de risco associados � infec��o canina. Quatrocentos e trinta (430) c�es foram aleatoriamente avaliados pelo teste de imunofluoresc�ncia indireta, considerando-se vari�veis relacionadas aos animais, o ambiente e o conhecimento por parte dos propriet�rios sobre aspectos da CLV e seu controle. Dos 430 c�es, 95 (22,1%) apresentaram-se soros reagentes para leishmaniose, e os animais que viviam em ambiente rural apresentaram risco 1,9 vezes maior de adquirir a infec��o dos que aqueles em ambiente urbano (p = 0,01; OR 1,9). Fatores relacionados aos h�bitos dos animais, tais como o livre acesso � rua e fun��o de guarda, foram considerados indicadores para prever a infec��o por Leishmania sp. (p. < 0,05) em an�lise estat�stica univariada. A presen�a de atividade agr�cola foi tamb�m um fato que contribuiu para a ocorr�ncia da infec��o (p = 0,02; OR 1,68). Os resultados contribuem para o conhecimento sobre os aspectos da CVL em Cuiab� e apontam para uma necessidade urgente de incluir a��es educativas e sanit�rias na cidade, j� que a regi�o possui caracter�sticas favor�veis para a dispers�o da doen�a como j� observado em outras cidades.
Ctenocephalides felis felis vs. Ctenocephalides canis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae): some issues in correctly identify these species
Ctenocephalides felis felis is one of the most important ectoparasites of dogs and cats throughout the world, because of its geographical distribution, dual parasitological action as an infesting agent and a vector of diseases, the economic losses and the acquired resistance against common insecticides. In Brazil, it surpasses Ctenocephalides canis in distribution, number of host species infested, prevalence and epidemiological importance. However, in some studies the species have been misidentified on the basis of their morphological characters included in taxonomic keys. The morphological variations of chaetotaxy, especially those on the dorsal margin of the hind tibia and lateral metanotal area (LMA), found in certain specimens, have sometimes been erroneously treated as hybrids, in spite of the nonexistence of the two species of Ctenocephalides in the same municipality or region. This review focuses on the characteristics used for interspecific diagnosis and intraspecific variations found between the species. Data on distribution, hosts, prevalence and parasitological action are also presented as an auxiliary means for recognizing the species.
Ctenocephalides felis felis � um dos mais importantes ectoparasitos de c�es e gatos no mundo inteiro, em virtude de sua distribui��o geogr�fica, dupla a��o parasitol�gica como agente infestante e vetor de doen�as, perdas econ�micas e resist�ncia adquirida contra inseticidas comuns. No Brasil, ela sobrepuja Ctenocephalides canis em distribui��o, n�mero de esp�cies de hospedeiros infestadas, preval�ncia e import�ncia epidemiol�gica. Todavia, em alguns estudos, as esp�cies t�m sido incorretamente identificadas pelos caracteres morfol�gicos inclu�dos em chaves taxon�micas. As varia��es morfol�gicas de quetotaxia, especialmente aquelas da margem dorsal da tibia posterior e �rea metanotal lateral (LMA) encontradas em certos exemplares, algumas vezes t�m sido erroneamente consideradas como h�bridas, a despeito da inexist�ncia das duas esp�cies em um mesmo munic�pio ou regi�o. Esta revis�o aborda as caracter�sticas utilizadas para o diagn�stico interespec�fico e varia��es intra-espec�ficas encontradas entre as esp�cies. Dados sobre distribui��o, hospedeiros, preval�ncia e atua��o parasitol�gica s�o tamb�m apresentados como um meio auxiliar para o reconhecimento das esp�cies.
 Cryptosporidium spp. infection in mares and foals of the northwest region of São Paulo State, Brazil
The present study aimed to analyze the occurrence of infection by Cryptosporidium spp. in mares and their respective foals. This study was carried out in 11 farms located in the municipalities of Ara�atuba, Birigui, Guararapes and Santo Ant�nio do Aracangua, in the northwest region of the State of Sao Paulo, from November 2010 to March 2011. A total of 98 mares and 98 foals of several breeds were analyzed; among foals, 59 were males and 39 females, aged from three to 330 days. Feces were collected directly from the rectal ampulla, purified and processed according to modified Kinyoun stain. Occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 21.4% (21/98) for foals and 18.4% (18/98) for mares. Occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. had significant association with breeds and age of animals. Results obtained led to the conclusion that foals older than two months and Mangalarga animals are less susceptible to the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp.
O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a ocorr�ncia da infec��o por Cryptosporidium spp. em �guas e seus respectivos potros. Este estudo foi realizado em 11 fazendas localizadas nos munic�pios de Ara�atuba, Birigui, Guararapes e Santo Ant�nio do Aracangua, na regi�o Noroeste do Estado de S�o Paulo, de novembro de 2010 a mar�o de 2011. Um total de 98 �guas e 98 potros de diversas ra�as foram analisados, sendo que, entre os filhotes, 59 eram machos e 39 f�meas, cujas idades variavam de tr�s at� 330 dias. Fezes foram colhidas diretamente da ampola retal, purificadas e processadas pela t�cnica de Kinyoun modificada. A ocorr�ncia de Cryptosporidium spp. observada foi de 21,4% (21/98) para potros e 18,4% (18/98) para �guas. A ocorr�ncia de Cryptosporidium spp. teve uma associa��o significativa com a ra�a e a idade dos animais. A partir dos resultados obtidos, conclui-se neste estudo que potros com idade superior a dois meses e animais da ra�a Mangalarga foram menos suscept�veis � ocorr�ncia de Cryptosporidium spp.
Editorial
Editorial
Serologic evidence of equine granulocytic anaplasmosis in horses from central West Brazil
Ehrlichiosis is a zoonotic disease caused by gram-negative and intracellular obligatory bacterial organisms. Equine Granulocytic Anaplasmosis - EGA (formerly Equine Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis, EGE) is a seasonal disease, normally self-limited in horses. There are few reports in Brazil about this ehrlichial agent, as well as its natural vectors. Nowadays, veterinarians are considering the suspicion of EGA in horses with suggestive symptoms of ehrlichiosis and which do not respond to piroplasmosis treatment. The aim of the present study was to identify horses exposed to the agent A. phagocytophilum by serological and molecular techniques. Twenty equine blood and serum samples from the central West region of Brazil were evaluated by microscopic examination of buffy coat smear, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). Additionally, the serodiagnosis of Theileria equi by IFA and ELISA were carried out, as well as molecular diagnosis by nPCR. Thirteen (65%) serum samples were positive for A. phagocytophilum by ELISA, but none of them were positive by buffy-coat smear examination or nPCR. Antibodies IgG anti-T. equi were detected in 18 (90%) and 17 (85%) horses by IFA and ELISA, respectively and the agent was detected in 9 (45%) animals by nPCR. Our data may be considered as important information to understanding the occurrence of EGA and equine piroplasmosis in central West Brazil.
A Erliquiose � uma doen�a zoon�tica causada por bact�rias gram-negativas e intracelulares obrigat�rias. A Anaplasmose Granuloc�tica Equina - AGE (anteriormente denominada Erliquiose Granuloc�tica Equina, EGE) � uma enfermidade sazonal, normalmente auto-limitante em equinos. No Brasil, existem poucos relatos deste agente erliquial, bem como de seus vetores naturais. Atualmente, veterin�rios t�m levantado a suspeita de casos de AGE em equinos com sinais cl�nicos sugestivos de erliquiose e n�o responsivos ao tratamento para a piroplasmose equina. O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar equinos expostos a A. phagocytophilum por meio de t�cnicas sorol�gicas e moleculares. Vinte amostras de sangue e soro de equinos da regi�o Centro-oeste do Brasil foram avaliados por meio do exame microsc�pico de capa leucocit�ria, ensaio imunoenzim�tico indireto (ELISA), rea��o de imunofluoresc�ncia indireta (RIFI) e rea��o em cadeia da polimerase (nested PCR). Adicionalmente, o diagn�stico sorol�gico de Theileria equi pela RIFI e ELISA foram realizados, assim como o diagn�stico molecular pelo nPCR. Treze (65%) amostras de soro foram positivas para A. phagocytophilum pelo teste de ELISA, entretanto nenhum equino foi positivo pelo exame microsc�pico da capa leucocit�ria ou nPCR. Anticorpos IgG anti-T. equi foram detectados em 18 (90%) e 17 (85%) equinos pela RIFI e ELISA, respectivamente e o agente foi detectado em 9 (45%) animais pelo nPCR. Estes dados sugerem importante informa��o para o entendimento da ocorr�ncia da AGE e piroplasmose equina no Centro-oeste do Brasil.
Occurrence of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) on human hosts, in three municipalities in the State of Pará, Brazil
Assuming the existence of tick parasitism in humans in the State of Par�, an aggregate observational study was developed along a transversal line in three cities of the State, during two years. Interviews and examinations of 2,160 townspeople and tourists were carried out, without discrimination of ethnic, sex, age, or social status, and classified for effects analyzed for four bands of age, six types of activities in the society, and two sexes. Larvae, nymphs, and adults of ticks had been identified with cases of parasitism involving six species, of the genus Amblyomma, the genus Ixodes, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Anocentor nitens, and Ornithodorus talaje (the first case registered in Par�), infecting human beings. Adults and agricultural workers were most frequently attacked, followed by students. A. cajennense and R. sanguineus are the species most frequent in the parasitism affecting humans, and A. cajennense is the dominant species. The statistical prevalence was largest in Cachoeira do Arari, Ilha do Maraj�. In Santar�m the greatest average intensity of parasitism was for R. sanguineus, and in the other locations it wasfor A. cajennense. Agricultural workers faced the greatest risk from parasitism, and to place in practice elementary measures of prevention would reduce by 25% the number of cases.
Com a hip�tese de parasitismo por carrapatos em humanos no Estado do Par�, foi desenvolvido estudo observacional, agregado, transversal em tr�s mesoregi�es do Estado, durante dois anos. Foram entrevistados e examinados 2.160 mun�cipes, e turistas, sem discrimina��o �tnica, de sexo, idade, e social, classificados para efeito de an�lises em quatro faixas de idade, seis tipos de atividades na sociedade, e dois sexos. Houve casos de parasitismo por larvas, ninfas, e adultos de carrapatos, envolvendo seis esp�cies do g�nero Amblyomma, o g�nero Ixodes, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Anocentor nitens e Ornithodorus talaje (primeiro registo para o Estado). Adultos e os trabalhadores rurais s�o os mais atacados, seguidos dos estudantes. A. cajennense e R. sanguineus s�o as esp�cies mais freq�entes no parasitismo de humano, e A. cajennense � a esp�cie dominante. A preval�ncia foi superior a 40% nos tr�s munic�pios, e estatisticamente maior em Cachoeira do Arari, Ilha de Maraj�. Em Santar�m R. sanguineus teve a maior intensidade m�dia de parasitismo, nos outros munic�pios foi por A. cajennense. Estar em atividade rural dobra o risco do parasitismo, e o esclarecimento da popula��o, para colocar em pr�tica medidas elementares de preven��o reduziria em 25% o n�mero de casos.
Prevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep flocks of Uberlândia county, MG
Neosporosis is a parasitic disease that occurs in sheep and is associated with reproductive failure. The aim of this study was to verify seroprevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in 12 sheep flocks in Uberl�ndia county, Minas Gerais, Brazil, using Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA). A total of 334 sheep blood samples were analyzed and an epidemiologic questionnaire was applied for each farm in order to correlate with risk factors of neosporosis: gender, age, breed, abortion problems, contact with cattle and dogs, and presence of wild canids. The prevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep was 8.1%, with titers ranging from 50 to 3200 and 83.3% of farms detected at least one ovine reactive. There was statistically significant difference in flocks with abortion problems associated with the presence of Neospora caninum antibodies (p < 0.05).
A neosporose � uma doen�a parasit�ria que acomete os ovinos e est� associada a perdas reprodutivas. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a preval�ncia de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum em 12 rebanhos de ovinos do munic�pio de Uberl�ndia, MG, utilizando a T�cnica de Imunofluoresc�ncia Indireta (RIFI). Foram analisadas 334 amostras de sangue e, em cada propriedade, aplicou-se um question�rio epidemiol�gico para avaliar os fatores de risco envolvidos na transmiss�o desse protozo�rio: sexo, idade, ra�a, problemas de aborto, contato com bovinos e caninos e presen�a de can�deos silvestres. A preval�ncia de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum em ovinos foi de 8,1%, com t�tulos variando de 50 a 3200 e 83,3% das propriedades apresentaram pelo menos um ovino reagente. Houve diferen�a estat�stica significativa para rebanhos com problemas de aborto associados � presen�a de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum (p < 0,05).
Prevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in certified and non-certified pig breeding farms in the Toledo microregion, PR, Brazil
Toxoplasma gondii infection has been diagnosed in pigs all over the world. Economical losses are generally related to reproductive disorders. Toxoplasma infection is also a matter of public health because tissue cysts of the parasite may remain in pork and pork products, and become sources of human infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma infection in certified and non-certified pig breeding farms in the Toledo microregion, in the State of Paran�, Brazil which includes the cities of Toledo, Nova Santa Rosa, Sao Jos� das Palmeiras and Sao Pedro do Igua�u. Relative frequency of infection was 13.4%, independently of the type of farm. Logistic regression analysis showed that the following factors were associated with infection: absence of workers exclusive for each area of the farm, access of other animals to feeders and drinkers, lack of lids in drinkers, lack of rodent control measures, mean piglet number and weight at weaning per female.
A infec��o pelo Toxoplasma gondii tem sido diagnosticada em su�nos em todo o mundo. Perdas econ�micas geralmente est�o relacionadas a dist�rbios reprodutivos. A infec��o pelo Toxoplasma tem tamb�m import�ncia em sa�de p�blica, j� que cistos teciduais do parasito podem persistir na carne e subprodutos oriundos de su�nos, que servir�o de fontes de infec��o para o ser humano. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a frequ�ncia e os fatores de risco associados � infec��o pelo Toxoplasma em granjas de reprodutores su�deos certificados ou n�o da microrregi�o de Toledo, no Paran�, que inclui os munic�pios de Toledo, Nova Santa Rosa, S�o Jos� das Palmeiras e S�o Pedro do Igua��. A frequ�ncia relativa de infec��o foi 13,4%, sem diferen�a com o tipo de granja. A an�lise de regress�o log�stica demonstrou os seguintes fatores associados � infec��o: n�o utiliza��o de funcion�rios separados por �rea da granja, o acesso de animais ao cocho de ra��o e ao reservat�rio de �gua, a n�o utiliza��o de tampa neste reservat�rio, a n�o preven��o de roedores, o n�mero e peso m�dio de leit�es ao desmame por porca.
Metazoan parasites of Mandi-amarelo Pimelodus maculatus and of Jundiá Rhamdia quelen (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes) of Paraíba do Sul River, Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro
Forty-one specimens of mandi-amarelo Pimelodus maculatus Lac�p�de, 1803 (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) and 54 specimens of jundi� Rhamdia quelen (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) were collected from the Para�ba do Sul River, Volta Redonda, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil between November 2007 and October 2008. These fish underwent necropsy so their infracommunities of metazoan parasites could be studied. The same three species of parasites were collected in the two fish species studied. These were one monogenean, one nematode, and one hirudinean. Cucullanus pinnai (Travassos, Artiga, and Pereira, 1928) (Nematoda: Cucullanidae) and Aphanoblastella sp. (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) were the dominant species with the highest prevalence in P. maculatus and R. quelen. The parasite species of P. maculatus and R. quelen showed an atypical over-dispersed pattern of distribution. No parasite species showed significant correlation between the body total length of the siluriform hosts and their prevalence and abundance. The parasite species richness showed a mean value of 0.87 � 0.67 (0 -2) and 0.57 � 0.56 (0 -2) in P. maculatus and R. quelen, respectively, and no correlation with the body total length.
Quarenta e um esp�cimes do mandi-amarelo Pimelodus maculatus Lac�p�de, 1803 (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) e 54 esp�cimes do jundi� Rhamdia quelen (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)(Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) foram coletados no Rio Para�ba do Sul, Volta Redonda, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, entre novembro de 2007 e outubro de 2008. Os peixes foram necropsiados para o estudo das suas infracomunidade de metazo�rios parasitos. Foram coletadas as mesmas tr�s esp�cies de metazo�rios parasitos nas duas esp�cies de peixes estudadas. Estes foram um monogen�tico, um nemat�ide e um hirud�neo. Cucullanus pinnai (Travassos, Artiga e Pereira, 1928) (Nematoda: Cucullanidae) e Aphanoblastella sp. (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) foram as esp�cies dominantes com os maiores valores de preval�ncia em P. maculatus e R. quelen, respectivamente. As esp�cies de parasitos de P. maculatus e R. quelen apresentaram t�pico padr�o de distribui��o superdispersa. Nenhum parasito apresentou correla��o significativa entre o comprimento total dos siluriformes estudados e a preval�ncia e abund�ncia parasit�ria. A riqueza parasit�ria apresentou m�dia de 0,87 � 0,67 (0 - 2) e 0,57 � 0,56 (0 - 2) em P. maculatus e R. quelen, respectivamente, e sem correla��o com o comprimento total dos hospedeiros.
The influence of the fasting period on the number of nymphal instars and on the sex ratio of Argas (Persicargas) miniatus (Acari: Argasidae)
The current study investigated the biology of nymphs of the first and second instars of Argas (Persicargas) miniatus. Nymphs were deprived of food for 15, 30 or 60 days and held at 27 � 1 �C and 80 � 10% relative humidity (controlled conditions) or at room conditions of temperature and relative humidity. Nymphs of first instar deprived of food for 15 or 30 days molted to second and third instars in both controlled and room conditions. Nymphs of the first instar deprived of food for 60 days had 28 and 37% mortality in controlled and room conditions, respectively; and survivors did not attach to the host. Nymphs of the second instar, deprived of food for 60 days, molted either to the third instar or to males after feeding on Gallus gallus, and the nymphs of the third instar developed to adults (42.42% males and 36.36% females when nymphs were held in controlled temperature and humidity conditions, and 40.54% males and 48.65% females when nymphs were held in room conditions). The remainder of the nymphs molted to the fourth instar and then molted to females. In conclusion, the nymphal starvation period of 60 days determined the number of nymph instars in the life cycle of A. miniatus under the experimental conditions studied.
Os aspectos biol�gicos de ninfas de primeiro e segundo instares de Argas (Persicargas) miniatus quando submetidas a diferentes per�odos de jejum (15, 30 e 60 dias), foram estudados em estufa climatizada (27 � 1 �C e 80 � 10% de umidade relativa) e em ambiente de laborat�rio. Ninfas de primeiro instar que foram submetidas a um per�odo de jejum de 15 e 30 dias mudaram para ninfas de segundo e terceiro instar, em ambas as condi��es estudadas. No per�odo de 60 dias de jejum verificou-se mortalidade de 28 e 37% das ninfas de primeiro instar, em estufa climatizada e em ambiente de laborat�rio, respectivamente. As ninfas sobreviventes n�o se fixaram sobre os hospedeiros. As ninfas de segundo instar, ap�s 60 dias de jejum, desenvolveram-se em ninfas de terceiro instar ou machos, quando alimentadas em Gallus gallus. Ainda neste grupo, as ninfas de terceiro instar mudaram para adultos (42,42 e 40,54% machos; 36,36 e 48,65% f�meas, nas condi��es ambiente de laborat�rio e estufa climatizada, respectivamente) e o restante desenvolveu-se em ninfas de quarto instar que por sua vez mudaram para f�meas. Ent�o, a situa��o de jejum (60 dias) em que as ninfas foram submetidas determinou o n�mero de ninfas no ciclo biol�gico de A. miniatus, sob as condi��es experimentais estudadas.
Detection of antibodies against Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in calves from the region of Araguaína, State of Tocantins, Brazil
The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against B. bovis and B. bigemina in calves from the region of Aragua�na, State of Tocantins, Brazil. In this research we used sera obtained from 506 calves, from both genders and of 8 to 24 months old, to detect antibodies by indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA-test). Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the Chi-square (χ2) test with Yates correction. The seroprevalence obtained was 90.5 and 91.7% for B. bigemina and B. bovis, respectively, characterizing the region as an area of enzootic stability for the species analyzed. The seroprevalence to B. bovis showed higher positivity among calves 19-24 months old.
O objetivo desse estudo foi determinar a soropreval�ncia de anticorpos anti-B. bovis e anti-B. bigemina em bezerros da regi�o de Aragua�na, Estado do Tocantins, Brasil. Nesta pesquisa foram coletadas 506 amostras de soros de bezerros com faixa et�ria entre 8 e 24 meses, f�meas e machos, as quais foram processadas pelo ensaio imunoenzim�tico indireto (ELISA-teste). Como an�lise estat�stica utilizou-se o Qui-Quadrado (χ2) com corre��o de Yates. As preval�ncias obtidas em bezerros foram de 90,5 e 91,7% para B. bigemina e B. bovis, respectivamente, caracterizando esta regi�o como de estabilidade enzo�tica para as esp�cies analisadas. A soropreval�ncia para B. bovis apresentou maior positividade entre os bezerros com faixa et�ria de 19-24 meses.
 Amblyomma rotundatum (Koch, 1844) (Acari: Ixodidae) two-host life-cycle on Viperidae snakes
Amblyomma rotundatum is an ixodid tick that infests ectothermic animals and reproduces exclusively by parthenogenesis. This tick has been frequently reported to infest reptiles and amphibians, under natural conditions and sometimes in captivity. It was described in Brazil and several other countries of South, Central and North America. Although many studies have reported aspects of its biology, none of them has used regularly either ophidian as hosts, or controlled temperature, humidity and luminosity for parasitic stages. The objective of this experiment was to study the life cycle of A. rotundatum feeding on Viperidae snakes under room controlled conditions at 27 � 1 �C temperature, 85 � 10% relative humidity and 12:12 hours photoperiod for parasitic stages, and under B.O.D incubator conditions at 27 � 1 �C temperature, 85 � 10% relative humidity and scotophase for non-parasitic stages. The total duration of the life cycle ranged from 56 to 163 days (mean of 105 days). Two-host life cycle was observed for most of the ixodid population studied.
Amblyomma rotundatum � um carrapato da fam�lia Ixodidae, parasito de animais pecilot�rmicos, e que se reproduz exclusivamente por partenog�nese. Este carrapato � frequentemente relatado infestando r�pteis e anf�bios em condi��es naturais e, �s vezes, em animais de cativeiro. Ele j� foi relatado no Brasil e em v�rios outros pa�ses das Am�ricas do Sul, Central e do Norte. Embora muitos estudos sobre sua biologia tenham sido publicados, nunca foram utilizados of�dios como hospedeiros e, t�o pouco, foram realizados ensaios com os est�dios parasit�rios sob condi��es controladas de temperatura, umidade e ilumina��o. O objetivo deste experimento foi estudar o ciclo biol�gico de A. rotundatum se alimentando em serpentes da fam�lia Viperidae sob condi��es ambientais controladas a 27 � 1 �C de temperatura, 85 � 10% de umidade relativa do ar e 12:12 horas de fotoper�odo para est�gios parasit�rios; assim como sob condi��es iguais a 27 � 1 �C de temperatura, 85 � 10% de umidade relativa do ar e escotofase em estufas de germina��o para est�dios n�o parasit�rios. A dura��o total do ciclo de vida variou de 56 a 163 dias (m�dia de 105 dias). Observou-se ciclo diox�nico para a a maior parte da popula��o dos ixod�deos em estudo.
Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in the reproductive system of male goats
Male goats of mating age serologically negative for Toxoplasma gondii were divided into three groups: GI - controls (placebo) (n = 2); GII - infected with 1 � 10(6) tachyzoites (RH strains) (n = 2); and GIII - infected with 2 � 10(5) oocysts (P strains) (n = 2). Clinical, hematology, parasite and serology tests and studies of parasites in the semen through bioassay and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and in reproductive organs (bioassay) were performed to assess toxoplasma infection. Serological titers peaked at 4096 in two animal groups infected with the protozoan. The bioassays allowed an early detection of protozoa in semen samples of tachyzoite-inoculated animals. T. gondii DNA was identified through PCR in the semen in five (Days 5, 7, 28, 49, and 70) and two (both at day 56) different days post-inoculation in GII and GIII animals, respectively. It was also possible to detect T. gondii DNA in reproductive organs (prostate pool, testicles, seminal vesicle and epididymis) of goats inoculated with either tachyzoites or oocysts. The present study suggests the possibility of venereal transmission of T. gondii among goats and it should be further assessed.
Caprinos machos, em idade reprodutiva, sorologicamente negativos para Toxoplasma gondii foram distribu�dos em tr�s grupos de animais: GI (n = 2) controle (placebo), GII (n = 2) - infectado com 1 � 10(6) taquizo�tos (cepa RH) e GIII (n = 2) infectado com 2 � 10(5) oocistos (cepa P). Exames cl�nicos, hematol�gicos, parasit�micos, sorol�gicos, pesquisa no s�men e em tecidos do sistema reprodutor, por meio da bioprova, e da Rea��o em Cadeia pela Polimerase (PCR), foram conduzidas para avaliar a infec��o toxopl�smica. Os t�tulos sorol�gicos alcan�aram valores m�ximos de 4096 nos dois grupos de animais infectados. Pela t�cnica da bioprova, foi poss�vel revelar precocemente a presen�a do cocc�dio nas amostras seminais dos animais inoculados com taquizo�tos. Pela PCR, foi poss�vel identificar, no s�men, material gen�tico de T. gondii, em cinco (5�, 7�, 28�, 49� e 70�) e em duas (ambos ao 56�) datas experimentais p�s-inocula��o dos animais pertencentes aos grupos GII e GIII, respectivamente.Por esta mesma t�cnica, foi poss�vel ainda isolar material gen�tico deste protozo�rio, tamb�m em amostras teciduais (pool de pr�stata, test�culo, ves�cula seminal e epid�dimo) dos caprinos inoculados com taquizo�tos e oocistos. A presente pesquisa sugere a possibilidade da ocorr�ncia da transmiss�o sexual do T. gondii na esp�cie caprina.
Evaluation of reduction in egg shedding of gastrointestinal nematodes in cattle following administration of anthelmintics
To evaluate the necessary time and to identify the differences among anthelmintics for the reduction of parasite eggs shed in feces, five groups of cattle were treated with moxidectin, ivermectin, levamisole phosphate, and albendazole sulphoxide. Levamisole promoted a reduction in egg count per gram (EPG-R) of 97.4% after 24 hours, moxidectin 98.3% after 36 hours, and albendazole sulphoxide 95.9% after 36 hours post- treatment. Cooperia spp. and Haemonchus spp. showed resistance to ivermectin. The results demonstrated that the diagnosis of parasite resistance in cattle can be based on a count of eggs per gram (EPG) carried out as soon as seven days after the treatment.
No intuito de avaliar o tempo necess�rio para redu��o dos valores de OPG visando identificar o in�cio de atua��o dos anti-helm�nticos, cinco grupos de novilhos, naturalmente infectados por nemat�deos gastrintestinais foram tratados com moxidectina, ivermectina, fosfato de levamisol e sulf�xido de albendazol. O levamisol promoveu redu��o no n�mero de ovos de nemat�deos eliminados nas fezes (R-OPG) de 97,4% 24 horas ap�s a aplica��o, a moxidectina de 98,3% ap�s 36 horas, e o sulf�xido de albendazol de 95,9% ap�s 36 horas. Foi registrada a presen�a de Cooperia spp. e Haemonchus spp. com resist�ncia a ivermectina. A contagem de OPG realizada aos sete dias p�s-tratamento apresentou resultados similares aos obtidos nas contagens realizadas 10 e 14 dias ap�s a aplica��o dos anti-helm�nticos avaliados, demonstrando que o intervalo adequado entre o tratamento anti-helm�ntico e o exame para verificar a redu��o do OPG pode ser de 7 dias.
Real time polymerase chain reaction to diagnose Anaplasma marginale in cattle and deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus leucogaster) of the Brazilian Pantanal
Epizootiological study of Anaplasma marginale in regions that contain various reservoir hosts, co-existence of rickettsia pathogens, and common vectors is a complicated task. To achieve diagnosis of this rickettsia in cattle and campeiro deer of Brazilian Pantanal, a comparison was made between a real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with intercalating Sybr Green fluorochrome and primers based on msp5 gene of A. marginale; a conventional PCR (C-PCR); and parasitological examination using thin blood smear stained with Giemsa-MayGrunwald. Both PCRs showed good performance in the diagnosis of A. marginale in cattle, and were superior to the parasitological exam. The RT-PCR detected seven positive campeiro deer (16.3%). This rate was significantly higher compared to C-PCR, which identified one animal as positive (2.3%), and also compared to parasitological diagnosis, which did not find any positive animals. The dissociation temperature average of positive reactions in cattle (81.72 �C � 0.20) was identical to dissociation temperature found in the cervids (81.72 �C � 0.12), suggesting that both animal species were infected with A. marginale. We concluded that RT-PCR can be used for A. marginale diagnosis and in epizootiological studies of cattle and cervids; in spite of the small number of campeiro deer samples, the results indicated that this wildlife species has importance in the Anaplasma epizootiology in the Brazilian Pantanal.
O estudo epizootiol�gico de Anaplasma marginale em regi�es que existem v�rios reservat�rios, co-exist�ncia de esp�cies de riqu�tsias pat�genas e vetores comuns � uma tarefa complicada. Com o objetivo de obter o diagn�stico dessa riqu�tsia em bovinos e veado campeiro do Pantanal brasileiro foi avaliada uma rea��o da polimerase em cadeia em tempo real (PCR-TR) com o fluor�foro intercalante de fita dupla de DNA Sybr Green e iniciadores baseados na seq��ncia do gene msp5 de A. marginale comparando-a a uma PCR convencional (PCR-C) e ao exame parasitol�gico de esfrega�o fino de sangue corado com Giemsa-MayGrunwald. Ambas PCRs apresentaram bom desempenho no diagn�stico de A. marginale nos bovinos, o qual foi superior ao exame parasitol�gico. O PCR-TR detectou sete veados campeiros positivos (16,3%), o que foi significativamente maior comparado ao PCR-C identificando um animal como positivo (2,3%), e ao exame parasitol�gico n�o encontrou nenhum animal positivo. A m�dia da temperatura de dissocia��o das rea��es positivas para amostras de bovinos (81,72 �C � 0,20) foi id�ntica �quelas dos cerv�deos ( 81,72 �C � 0,12), o que sugere que ambas esp�cies animais foram infectadas por A. marginale. Conclu�mos que PCR-TR pode ser utilizada para diagn�stico e estudos epizootiol�gicos de A. marginale em bovinos e cerv�deos. Apesar da pequena amostragem de veado campeiro os resultados indicam que essa esp�cie de animal selvagem tem import�ncia na epizootiologia do Anaplasma no Pantanal brasileiro.
 Amblyomma aureolatum (Acari: Ixodidae) parasitizing margay (Leopardus wiedii) in Rio Grande do Sul
We report the finding of Amblyomma aureolatum (Acari: Ixodidae) parasitizing margay (Leopardus wiedii) in the locality of Gravata� (29� 47' 12.9'' S and 50� 53' 44.1'' W; 241 m alt.), State of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. This is the first report of this species of Ixodidae on margay in Southern Brazil. This finding indicates an increased number of hosts for this tick species.
Foi registrado o encontro de Amblyomma aureolatum (Acari: Ixodidae) em gato-maracaj� (Leopardus wiedii), na localidade de Gravata� (29� 47' 12,9'' S and 50� 53' 44,1'' O; 241 m alt.), regi�o metropolitana de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Esse � o primeiro registro desse ixod�deo parasitando essa esp�cie de fel�deo e amplia a distribui��o de hospedeiros no estado.
New tick records in Rondônia, Western Brazilian Amazon
In the present study, we provide new tick records from Vilhena Municipality, in the Southeast of the State of Rond�nia, Northern Brazil. Ticks collected from a capybara, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (Linnaeus), were identified as Amblyomma romitii Tonelli-Rondelli (1 female), and Amblyomma sp. (1 larva). Ticks collected from a harpy eagle, Harpia harpyja (Linnaeus), were identified as Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius) (16 nymphs) and Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley (1 nymph). Ticks collected from a yellow-footed tortoise, Chelonoidis denticulada (Linnaeus), were identified as Amblyomma rotundatum Koch (10 females, 2 nymphs), and Amblyomma sp. (2 larvae). The present record of A. romitii is the first in the State of Rond�nia, and represents the southernmost record for this tick species, indicating that its distribution area is much larger than currently recognized. Although both A. cajennense and H. juxtakochi have been reported parasitizing various bird species, we provide the first tick records on a harpy eagle. A. rotundatum is widespread in the State of Rond�nia, and has been previously reported on the yellow-footed tortoise. The present records increase the tick fauna of Rond�nia to 26 species.
O presente estudo relata novos achados de carrapatos provenientes do Munic�pio de Vilhena, Sudeste do Estado de Rond�nia, na regi�o Norte do Brasil. Carrapatos colhidos de uma capivara, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (Linnaeus), foram identificados como Amblyomma romitii Tonelli-Rondelli (1 f�mea) e Amblyomma sp. (1 larva). Carrapatos colhidos de uma �guia harpia, Harpia harpyja (Linnaeus), foram identificados como Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius) (16 ninfas) e Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley (1 ninfa). Carrapatos colhidos de um jabuti, Chelonoidis denticulada (Linnaeus), foram identificados como Amblyomma rotundatum Koch (10 f�meas, 2 ninfas) e Amblyomma sp. (2 larvas). O presente achado de A. romitii � o primeiro no Estado de Rond�nia, representando o achado mais meridional desta esp�cie de carrapato, indicando que sua distribui��o geogr�fica � mais ampla do que se supunha. Embora A. cajennense e H. juxtakochi t�m sido relatados parasitando v�rias esp�cies de aves, o presente relato em harpia � o primeiro registro de carrapatos nesta esp�cie de hospedeiro. A. rotundatum ocorre amplamente no Estado de Rond�nia e tem sido previamente relatado parasitando jabutis. Estes registros ampliam a fauna de carrapatos de Rond�nia para 26 esp�cies.
 Toxoplasma gondii antibodies on domiciled cats from Lages municipality, Santa Catarina State, Brazil
Sera were collected from 300 domiciled cats from the municipality of Lages, Southern Brazil, to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and risk factors associated. Tests for T. gondii antibodies were performed using indirect immunoﬂuorescent antibody test (IFAT). Positive reactions with titers >1:64 were found in 43 (14.33%) cats. A significant number of seropositive cats were >6 month old (p = 0.03758) and had access to the streets or/and rural areas (p = 0.04185). The results indicate that T. gondii is widespread in cats in Lages with a prevalence of 14.33%.
Amostras de sangue foram obtidas de 300 gatos domiciliados para determinar a preval�ncia de anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii e poss�veis fatores de risco. A detec��o de anticorpos da classe IgG foi realizada por meio da Rea��o de Imunofluoresc�ncia Indireta (RIFI). Rea��es positivas com t�tulos >1:64 foram encontradas em 43 (14,33%) gatos. Os t�tulos encontrados variaram de 1:64 a 1:4096, sendo que 19 animais (44,19%) tiveram titula��o de 1:64, 18 animais (41,86%) com 1:256, cinco animais (11,63%) com 1:1024 e um animal (2,32%) teve titula��o de 1:4096. Foi verificada correla��o entre soropositividade dos felinos ao T. gondii e idade (p = 0,03758) e com o acesso � rua e/ou zona rural (p = 0,04185). Os resultados indicam que T. gondii est� disseminado entre os gatos domiciliados de Lages, Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil, com uma preval�ncia de 14,33%.
Evaluation of anthelmintic activity of liquid waste of Agave sisalana (sisal) in goats
It was evaluated the anthelmintic activity of Agave sisalana (sisal) juice against gastrointestinal nematodes and its potential toxic effects in goats. In vitro tests showed more than 95% reduction in larval counts of the genus Haemonchus spp. at concentrations between 86.5 and 146.3 mg.mL-1. In vivo the percent reduction of larvae of the fourth (L4) and fifth (L5) stages of Haemonchus, Oesophagostomum and Trichostrongylus was less than 95% in groups GI and GII, and between 80 and 90% in group GIII. A. sisalana juice at the concentrations tested in vitro was effective against gastrointestinal nematodes in goats; however, its anthelmintic efficacy was reduced when administered to animals.
Foi avaliada a atividade anti-helm�ntica do suco de Agave sisalana (sisal) contra nemat�deos gastrintestinais e poss�veis efeitos t�xicos em caprinos. Nos testes in vitro, encontrou-se redu��o superior a 95% na contagem de larvas do g�nero Haemonchus spp. nas concentra��es entre 86,5 e 146,3 mg.mL-1. In vivo, o percentual de redu��o de larvas de quarto (L4) e quinto (L5) est�gios de Haemonchus, Oesophagostomum e Trichostrongylus foi inferior a 95% para o GI e GII, e entre 80 e 90% para o GIII. O suco de A. sisalana nas concentra��es testadas in vitro foi efetivo contra nemat�deos gastrintestinais de caprinos, apresentando, no entanto, reduzida efic�cia anti-helm�ntica quando administrado nos animais.
Occurrence of Theileria equi in horses raised in the Jaboticabal microregion, São Paulo State, Brazil
Blood and serum samples from 170 horses raised in the Jaboticabal microregion, S�o Paulo State, Brazil, were collected and tested by microscopic examination of blood smears, indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) for Theileria equi infections. The association among the test results was verified by the McNemar test. During the examination of thin blood smears, parasites were detected in six (3.52%) horses. Anti-T. equi antibodies were detected in 100% sera samples, with titers ranging between 1:80 and 1:5120. The nPCR based on the T. equi merozoite antigen gene (EMA-1) allowed the visualization of specie-specific amplified product in 108 (63.53%) horses. All six samples judged positive microscopically were also positive for nPCR. Statistical analysis indicated general disagreement (p < 0.0001) between IFAT and nPCR; IFAT and blood smear; and nPCR and blood smear on the detection of parasite carriers. The results of the present study indicate that T. equi is widely spread among horses in the Jaboticabal microregion, Northeast region of S�o Paulo State, Brazil.
Amostras de sangue e soro de 170 equinos criados na microrregi�o de Jaboticabal, Estado de S�o Paulo, Brasil, foram coletadas e avaliadas pelo exame direto em esfrega�o sangu�neo, rea��o de imunofluoresc�ncia indireta (RIFI) e nested rea��o em cadeia da polimerase (nPCR) para a detec��o de infec��es por Theileria equi. A concord�ncia dos resultados entre os testes de diagn�stico foi verificada pelo teste de McNemar. Durante o exame dos esfrega�os sangu�neos, parasitos foram detectados em seis (3,52%) equinos. Anticorpos anti-T. equi foram detectados em 100% das amostras de soros, com t�tulos variando entre 1:80 e 1:5120. O nPCR, baseado na sequ�ncia do gene do ant�geno de merozo�to de T. equi (EMA-1), permitiu a visualiza��o de produtos de amplifica��o esp�cie-espec�fico em 108 (63,53%) equinos. Houve diferen�a altamente significativa (p < 0,0001) entre RIFI e nPCR; RIFI e esfrega�o sangu�neo; e nPCR e esfrega�o na detec��o do parasito. O resultado do presente estudo indica que a infec��o por T. equi est� amplamente distribu�da entre os equinos na microrregi�o de Jaboticabal, regi�o Nordeste do Estado de S�o Paulo, Brasil.
Seroprevalence of Rickettsia bellii and Rickettsia felis in dogs, São José dos Pinhais, State of Paraná, Brazil
Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is a vector-borne zoonosis caused by Rickettsia rickettsii bacteria. Dogs can be host sentinels for this bacterium. The aim of the study was to determine the presence of antibodies against Rickettsia spp. in dogs from the city of S�o Jos� dos Pinhais, State of Paran�, Southern Brazil, where a human case of BSF was first reported in the state. Between February 2006 and July 2007, serum samples from 364 dogs were collected and tested at 1:64 dilutions by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) against R. rickettsii and R. parkeri. All sera that reacted at least to one of Rickettsia species were tested against the six main Rickettsia species identified in Brazil: R. rickettsii, R. parkeri, R. bellii, R. rhipicephali, R. amblyommii and R. felis. Sixteen samples (4.4%) reacted to at least one Rickettsia species. Among positive animals, two dogs (15.5%) showed suggestive titers for R. bellii exposure. One sample had a homologous reaction to R. felis, a confirmed human pathogen. Although Rickettsia spp. circulation in dogs in the area studied may be considered at low prevalence, suggesting low risk of human infection, the present data demonstrate for the first time the exposure of dogs to R. bellii and R. felis in Southern Brazil.
A febre maculosa brasileira (FMB) � uma zoonose veiculada por carrapatos e causada pela bact�ria Rickettsia rickettsii, podendo os c�es ser hospedeiros sentinelas para essa bact�ria. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a presen�a de anticorpos contra Rickettsia spp. em c�es de S�o Jos� dos Pinhais, estado do Paran�, Sul do Brasil. Entre fevereiro de 2006 e julho de 2007, amostras s�ricas de 364 c�es foram coletadas e testadas na dilui��o de 1:64 por Rea��o de Imunofluoresc�ncia Indireta (RIFI) contra R. rickettsii e R. parkeri. Todos os soros reagentes para pelo menos uma esp�cie de Rickettsia foram testados contra as seis principais esp�cies de Rickettsia identificadas no Brasil: R. rickettsii, R. parkeri, R. bellii, R. rhipicephali, R. amblyommii e R. felis. Dezesseis amostras (4,4%) reagiram para pelo menos uma esp�cie de Rickettsia. Dos animais positivos, dois c�es (15,5%) apresentaram t�tulos sugestivos de exposi��o a R. bellii. Uma amostra apresentou rea��o hom�loga frente � R. felis, um agente patog�nico confirmado para seres humanos. Muito embora os resultados demonstrem uma baixa preval�ncia de Rickettsia spp. em c�es, sugerindo um baixo risco de infec��o humana, este estudo relatou pela primeira vez a evid�ncia de exposi��o a R. bellii e R. felis em c�es no Sul do Brasil.
Efficacy evaluation of a commercial neem cake for control of Haematobia irritans on Nelore cattle
Much attention has been given to the development of botanical insecticides to provide effective natural control of cattle ectoparasites without harming animals, consumers, and environment. This study evaluated the efficacy of a commercial neem cake in controlling Haematobia irritans infestation on cattle. The study was conducted at the Embrapa Southeast Cattle Research Center (CPPSE), in S�o Carlos, SP, Brazil, from April to July 2008. The neem cake mixed in mineral salt in a 2% concentration was provided to 20 Nelore cows during nine weeks and had its efficacy evaluated by comparison of the infestation level against a control group. Fly infestations were recorded weekly by digital photographs of each animal from both groups and the number of flies was later counted in a computer-assisted image analyzer. Quantification of neem cake components by high-performance liquid chromatography revealed the presence of azadirachtin (421 mg.kg-1) and 3-tigloyl-azadirachtol (151 mg.kg-1) in the tested neem cake. Addition of the 2% neem cake reduced mineral salt intake in about 22%. The 2% neem cake treatment failed to reduce horn fly infestations on cattle during the 9-week study period.
Muita aten��o tem sido dada ao desenvolvimento de inseticidas vegetais buscando-se um efetivo controle de ectoparasitas de bovinos, sem prejudicar animais, consumidores e meio ambiente. Este estudo, realizado de abril a julho de 2008, na Embrapa Pecu�ria Sudeste, em S�o Carlos, SP, Brasil, avaliou a efic�cia de uma torta comercial de nim (Azadirachta indica) no controle da mosca-dos-chifres (Haematobia irritans) em bovinos. A torta de nim, misturada ao sal mineral na concentra��o de 2%, foi fornecida a 20 vacas Nelore, durante nove semanas, e sua efic�cia foi monitorada atrav�s de contagens semanais nos grupos tratado e controle. Infesta��es individuais foram registradas por meio de fotos digitais em todos os animais de ambos os grupos, e o n�mero de moscas foi, posteriormente, quantificado com o aux�lio de um sistema de an�lise de imagem computadorizado. A quantifica��o dos componentes da torta de nim, por cromatografia l�quida, revelou a presen�a de azadiractina (421 mg.kg-1) e 3-tigloyl-azadirachtol (151 mg.kg-1). A adi��o da torta de nim a 2% reduziu o consumo de sal mineral em cerca de 22%. O tratamento com torta de nim a 2% n�o reduziu as infesta��es por mosca-dos-chifres em bovinos durante as nove semanas do estudo.
 Toxoplasma gondii : humoral and cellular immune response of BALB/c mice immunized via intranasal route with rTgROP2
TgROP2 is an intracellular protein associated with rhoptries of Toxoplama gondii and an antigen component of a candidate vaccine for toxoplasmosis. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of rTgROP2 to stimulate humoral and cellular immune responses in BALB/c mice via intranasal injection. TgROP2 partial coding sequence was (196-561) amplified by PCR from genomic T. gondii RH strain DNA and cloned into the pTrcHis expression vector. Escherichia coli Rosetta 2 cells transformed with pTrcHis-TgROP2 showed high levels (~1 mg.mL-1) of recombinant protein after 4 hours of IPTG induction. Recombinant TgROP2 exhibited an apparent Mr equal to 54 kDa. In order to test immunogenicity of the recombinant protein, 10 BALB/c mice received 10 �g of rROP2 protein + 10 �g of Quil-A via intranasal injection. Doses were administered at days 0, 21, and 42. Three animals were euthanized and used to evaluate cell-ular immune response on day 62. Five (50%) and two (20%) out of ten animals produced IgG (DO mean = 0.307; cut-off = 0.240) and IgA (DO mean = 0.133, cut-off = 0.101), respectively, by ELISA on day 62. The proliferation of splenocytes revealed high stimulation index (SI) when co-cultured with 5, 10 and 15 �g.mL-1 of rTgROP2. These results indicate that intranasal immunization with recombinant protein ROP2 plus Quil-A can elicit both cellular and humoral immune responses in BALB/c mice.
TgROP2 � uma prote�na localizada nas roptrias do Toxoplasma gondii, sendo um ant�geno candidato a componente de uma vacina contra a toxoplasmose. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a efic�cia da TgROP2 recombinante em estimular a resposta imune celular e humoral de camundongos BALB/c ap�s est�mulo intranasal. A sequ�ncia da TgROP2 foi amplificada pela PCR a partir da cepa RH e clonada em vetor de express�o pTrc-His. Ap�s a transforma��o em Escherichia coli- Rosetta 2, a pTrcHis-TgROP2 exibiu alto n�vel de express�o ap�s 4 horas de indu��o com IPTG. A prote�na recombinante apresentou uma massa molecular aparente de aproximadamente 54 kDa. Para avaliar a imunogenicidade dessa prote�na recombinante, 10 camundongos receberam, pela via intranasal, 10 �g da rROP2 associado a 10 �g de Quil-A. Tr�s doses foram realizadas nos dias 0, 21 e 42. No dia 62 do experimento, tr�s animais foram eutanasiados para avaliar as respostas imune celular e humoral. Cinco (50%) e dois (20%) dos 10 animais apresentaram n�veis de IgG (DO m�dia = 0,307; ponto de corte = 0,240) e IgA (DO m�dia = 0,133; ponto de corte = 0,101) acima do ponto de corte no ELISA no dia 62. A prolifera��o de esplen�citos revelou altos �ndices de Estimula��o (SI), quando as c�lulas foram cultivadas com 5, 10 e 15 �g.mL-1 de rTgROP2. Os resultados obtidos indicam que a via nasal pode estimular tanto a resposta imune celular como a humoral.
Serological survey of Rickettsia sp. in horses and dogs in an non-endemic area in Brazil
Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF) is a lethal rickettsiosis in humans caused by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii, and is endemic in some areas of Brazil. Horses and dogs are part of the disease's life cycle and they may also serve as sentinel animals in epidemiological studies. The first human BSF case in the State of Paran� was reported in 2005. The present study was conducted in the municipality of Almirante Tamandar�, where no previous case of BSF was reported. Serum samples were collected from 71 horses and 20 dogs from nine properties in the area. Ticks were also collected from these animals. All farmers completed a questionnaire about their knowledge of BSF and animal health management. Serum samples were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescent-antibody assay (IFA) using R. rickettsii and R. parkeri as antigens. Ticks were analyzed by PCR for Rickettsia sp., and all of them were PCR-negative. Six horses (8.45%) and 4 dogs (20%) were identified as seropositive. Farmers were not aware of the correlation between the presence of ticks and risk of BSF. Although a non-endemic area, Almirante Tamandar� is a vulnerable environment for BSF and effective tick control measures are required.
A Febre Maculosa Brasileira (FMB) � uma riquetsiose letal para humanos, causada pela bact�ria Rickettsia rickettsii, e � end�mica em algumas regi�es brasileiras. Equinos e c�es podem participar do ciclo da doen�a e podem tamb�m servir como sentinelas em estudos epidemiol�gicos. O primeiro caso humano relatado no Estado do Paran� ocorreu em 2005. O presente estudo foi realizado no munic�pio de Almirante Tamandar�, regi�o onde n�o h� relatos de casos de FMB. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 71 cavalos e 20 c�es em nove propriedades rurais na regi�o. Carrapatos tamb�m foram colhidos dos animais. Todos os propriet�rios responderam a um question�rio sobre o manejo sanit�rio dos animais e o conhecimento a respeito da FMB. As amostras de soro foram processadas pela t�cnica de Rea��o de Imunofluoresc�ncia Indireta (RIFI), utilizando-se os ant�genos de R. rickettsii e R. parkeri. Os carrapatos foram analisados por PCR para Rickettsia sp. e todos foram negativos. Seis cavalos (8,45%) e 4 c�es (20%) foram identificados como soropositivos. Todos os propriet�rios desconheciam a rela��o de carrapatos com a FMB. Embora considerada uma �rea n�o end�mica, Almirante Tamandar� � um ambiente vulner�vel � FMB e um controle eficiente de carrapatos deve ser implementado.
Dedication to Manoel Pimentel Neto - 1928*-2010† 
 Cryptosporidium infection in Brazil: implications for veterinary medicine and public health
The aim of this review paper is to report the results of cryptosporidiosis research in Brazil, mainly its occurrence in animals and implications for veterinary medicine and public health. An increasing number of papers related to Cryptosporidium spp. infection in Brazil are available at national and international literature. The main focus described in these papers is the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in food, environmental samples, in humans and several animal species, particularly birds, cattle, dogs and cats. Using molecular biology techniques, most Cryptosporidium species and genotypes identified in other countries have been described in Brazil. In mammals, there are descriptions of infection by C. bovis, C. canis, C. felis, C. meleagridis, C. parvum, and the cervine genotype; in birds, the following species and genotypes have been described: C. baileyi, C. galli, C. meleagridis, C. parvum and the avian genotypes I, II and III. Several species have been described in humans, such as C. parvum, C. hominis, and some species adapted to animal hosts such as C. canis, C. felis and C. meleagridis.
O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar, por meio de revis�o de literatura, os resultados de pesquisas sobre a criptosporidiose no Brasil, com �nfase em sua ocorr�ncia em animais e suas implica��es em medicina veterin�ria e em sa�de p�blica. Um n�mero crescente de trabalhos sobre a infec��o por Cryptosporidium spp. no Brasil est� dispon�vel na literatura nacional e internacional. Nestes trabalhos, s�o abordados principalmente aspectos relacionados � ocorr�ncia de Cryptosporidium spp. em alimentos, amostras ambientais, no homem e em diversas esp�cies animais, particularmente em aves, bovinos, c�es e gatos. Por meio de t�cnicas de biologia molecular, a maioria das esp�cies e alguns gen�tipos identificados em outros pa�ses foram descritos no Brasil. Em mam�feros, houve identifica��o de C. bovis, C. canis, C. felis, C. meleagridis, C. parvum e o gen�tipo cerv�deo; em diversas esp�cies de aves, foi descrita infec��o por C. baileyi, C. galli, C. meleagridis, C. parvum e pelos gen�tipos I, II e III de aves. V�rias esp�cies foram descritas no homem, como C. parvum e C. hominis, al�m de algumas esp�cies adaptadas a hospedeiros animais, como C. canis, C. felis e C. meleagridis.
A first record of Amblyomma dissimile (Acari: Ixodidae) parasitizing the lizard Ameiva ameiva (Teiidae) in Brazil
A non-engorged adult female Amblyomma dissimile and two Amblyomma sp. larvae were found parasitizing the lizard Ameiva ameiva in the municipality of Chapadinha, State of Maranh�o. This is the first record in the state of Maranh�o and fills a gap in the distribution of A. dissimile in Brazil. The lizard A. ameiva represents a new host for A. dissimile, and also the first record of this tick species infesting lizards of the family Teiidae in Brazil.
Uma f�mea adulta n�o ingurgitada de Amblyomma dissimile e duas larvas de Amblyomma sp. foram encontradas parasitando o lagarto Ameiva ameiva no munic�pio de Chapadinha, Estado do Maranh�o. Al�m de representar um novo registro para o Estado do Maranh�o, esse trabalho preenche uma lacuna de distribui��o geogr�fica de A. dissimile no pa�s. O lagarto A. ameiva representa um novo hospedeiro para A. dissimile, sendo tamb�m o primeiro registro dessa esp�cie de carrapato infestando lagartos da fam�lia Teiidae no Brasil.
First report of coenurosis in sheep in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
This paper reports the first case of coenurosis in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. This disease is caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia multiceps (Leske, 1780). The animal in which the disease was diagnosed was an 18-month-old ewe from an endemic area of Southern Brazil as an imported animal among a group of 30 sheep. The clinic-pathological condition was that commonly found in herbivores affected by the disease, especially sheep. Apathy, nystagmus, intermittent blindness, circling and pressing head against obstacles were the neurological signs reported. The necropsy showed that a brain lesion in the subcortex of the right hemisphere was a bladder-like cyst measuring 4 cm in diameter filled with a translucent fluid with a large number of white spherules (protoscolices) floating. In addition to the identification of the Coenurus cerebralis protoscolices, the brain tissue lesion was histopathologically described.
Este trabalho relata o primeiro caso de cenurose no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Essa doen�a � causada por est�gios larvais de Taenia multiceps (Leske, 1780). O animal no qual foi diagnosticado, tinha cerca de 18 meses de idade, oriundo de uma �rea end�mica no Sul do Brasil, integrante de um grupo de 30 ovinos importados para o Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. O quadro cl�nico-patol�gico apresentado � aquele comumente descrito para herb�voros, infectados com o agente, especialmente ovinos. Os sinais cl�nicos relatados foram: apatia, nistagmo, cegueira intermitente, andar em c�rculos e press�o da cabe�a contra obst�culos. Na necropsia foi observada uma les�o, no subc�rtex do hemisf�rio cerebral direito, caracterizada por um cisto em forma de ves�cula, medindo 4 cm de di�metro, e seu interior preenchido por l�quido transl�cido com grande n�mero de pequenas esferas brancas, identificadas como protoscolices. Os protoscolices foram identificados como Coenurus cerebralis, e os tecidos do c�rebro submetidos complementarmente a exames histopatol�gicos para descri��o da les�o.
Serosurvey of antibodies against spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. in horse farms in Northern Paraná, Brazil
Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is an emerging disease most likely caused by Rickettsia rickettsii. The objective of the present study was to estimate the seroprevalence of BSF rickettsia infections in equines from six horse farms located in Londrina County, Paran�, Southern Brazil. Six owners of horse farms situated in Camb�, Santa F�, Guaraci and Londrina municipalities participated in the study. All farms were located in areas where BSF has not been reported. A total of 273 horses were sampled and their sera were tested by indirect Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using R. rickettsii and R. parkeri antigens. Titers equal to and greater than 64 were considered positive. Of 273 sera tested, 15 (5.5%) reacted to R. rickettsii and 5 (1.8%) to R. parkeri. Five out of the six farms studied revealed seropositive animals and seropositivity rate ranged from 0 to 13%. The titers ranged from 64 to 512, and four samples had a titer of 512. Nine animals reacted to R. rickettsii with titers four-fold higher than those for R. parkeri. These results suggest that horses in Northern Paran� may have been exposed to rickettsiae identical or closely related to R. rickettsii.
Febre Maculosa Brasileira (FMB) � uma doen�a emergente, sendo Rickettsia rickettsii o seu principal agente etiol�gico. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a soropreval�ncia de rickettsia do grupo da febre maculosa em equinos de seis haras localizados nos munic�pios de Camb�, Santa F�, Guaraci e Londrina. As propriedades eram localizadas na regi�o Norte do Paran� onde casos de FMB ainda n�o foram diagnosticados. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue de 273 equinos, e os soros foram testados pela RIFI, usando R. rickettsii e R. parkeri como ant�genos, considerando-se como positivos t�tulos >64. Entre 273 soros, 15 (5,5%) reagiram contra R. rickettsii e 5 (1,8%) para R. parkeri. Cinco de seis haras estudados tinham animais reativos, e a taxa de sororreatividade variou de 0 a 13%. Os t�tulos variaram de 64 para 512, e tr�s amostras apresentaram t�tulo de 512. Nove animais reagiram para R. rickettsii com t�tulos quatro vezes maiores que para R. parkeri. Esses resultados sugerem que equinos no Norte do Estado do Paran�, Brasil, podem ter sido expostos a uma rickettsia id�ntica ou muito pr�xima a R. rickettsii.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in swine matrices in Nova Mutum and Diamantino, Mato Grosso, Brazil
This report aimed to assess the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in 708 swine matrices in Nova Mutum and Diamantino in the state of Mato Grosso, Central-West Brazil. Serum samples were examined by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). It was found a seroprevalence of 12.8%, considering titers >64. Therefore, the data reinforce the need for appropriate management of swine raising to minimize the risk of infection of pigs with T. gondii.
No presente trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar a soropreval�ncia da infec��o por Toxoplasma gondii, em 708 matrizes su�nas dos munic�pios de Nova Mutum e Diamantino do Estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil. As amostras de soro foram examinadas por meio da rea��o de imunofluoresc�ncia indireta (RIFI). Foi encontrada a frequ�ncia de 12,8% de soros positivos, com dilui��es iguais ou superiores a 64. Portanto, os dados obtidos refor�am a necessidade de um manejo de cria��o adequado, visando � minimiza��o do risco de infec��o de su�nos por T. gondii.
Occurrence of Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi in a domestic cat (Felis catus) in Andradina, São Paulo, Brazil: case report
This work describes natural infection by Leishmania in a domestic cat where amastigote forms of the parasite were observed in the popliteal lymph node imprint. Positive and negative serological reactions were observed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), respectively. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed that the nucleotide sequence of the sample was identical to Leishmania (L.) chagasi. This is the first report of the disease in felines of the city of Andradina, SP, an area considered endemic for canine and human visceral leishmaniasis.
Neste trabalho, � relatada a infec��o natural por Leishmania em um gato dom�stico no qual, formas amastigotas do parasito foram observadas em imprint de linfonodo popl�teo. Rea��es sorol�gicas positivas e negativas foram observadas pelo teste de imunoadsor��o enzim�tica (ELISA) e rea��o de imunofluoresc�ncia indireta (RIFI), respectivamente. A rea��o em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) revelou que a sequ�ncia de nucleot�deos foi id�ntica � Leishmania (L.) chagasi. Este � o primeiro relato da doen�a em felino da cidade de Andradina, Estado de S�o Paulo, Brasil, �rea considerada end�mica para leishmaniose visceral canina e humana.
Ticks on birds in a forest fragment of Brazilian cerrado (savanna) in the municipality of Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
This is a report of ticks species, parasite prevalence and infestation intensity of birds in a forest fragment (18� 56' 57" S and 48� 12' 14" W) within the Brazilian cerrado (savanna), in the municipality of Uberl�ndia, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total of 162 birds from 26 species were captured. One adult tick, 296 larvae and 67 nymphs were found on passerine birds. Of these, it was identified 31 larvae and 27 nymphs of Amblyomma longirostre, 17 nymphs of A. nodosum, one A. cajennense larvae and one male of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. All other ticks were identified as Amblyomma sp. larvae (n = 264) or nymphs (n = 26). Overall tick infestation intensity and prevalence were 4.32 ticks/infested bird and 52%, respectively. Sampling of host-seeking ticks on the ground within the forest during a two-year period showed only five Amblyomma sp. nymphs and one adult male of A. nodosum whereas a search for ticks on domestic animals (cattle, horses and dogs) found Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks. Although identification was possible in only 27% of bird ticks there seemed to be no correlation between environmental and domestic animal and bird infestation. It can be assumed that bird infestation may occur above the ground or at specific sites not sampled.
Neste trabalho, s�o apresentadas as esp�cies de carrapatos em aves silvestres, sua preval�ncia e a intensidade de infesta��o em um fragmento florestal (18� 56' 57" S e 48� 12' 14" W) do Cerrado, no munic�pio de Uberl�ndia, Estado de Minas Gerais. Foram capturadas 162 aves de 26 esp�cies, mas apenas as aves Passeriformes estavam infestadas. Nestas, foram encontrados um carrapato adulto, 67 ninfas e 296 larvas. Dentre os carrapatos foi poss�vel a identifica��o de 31 larvas e 27 ninfas de Amblyomma longirostre, 17 ninfas de A. nodosum, uma larva de A. cajennense e um Rhipicephalus sanguineus macho. Todos os outros carrapatos foram classificados como larvas (n = 264) ou ninfas (n = 26) de Amblyomma sp. A intensidade de infesta��o e a preval�ncia de carrapatos foram de 4,32 carrapatos/ave infestada e 52%, respectivamente. Na pesquisa de carrapatos em vida livre sobre a vegeta��o do fragmento florestal, foram capturados apenas cinco ninfas de Amblyomma sp. e um macho adulto de A. nodosum, por um per�odo de dois anos. Carrapatos da esp�cie Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus foram encontrados parasitando bovinos, cavalos e c�es dom�sticos da regi�o. Mesmo considerando a identifica��o de apenas 27% dos carrapatos das aves, parece n�o haver correla��o entre infesta��o ambiental, nos animais dom�sticos, com a infesta��o das aves. Pode-se supor que a infesta��o das aves ocorra acima do solo ou em locais espec�ficos n�o pesquisados neste trabalho.
Occurrence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. isolated from domestic animals in a rural area surrounding Atlantic dry forest fragments in Teodoro Sampaio municipality, State of São Paulo, Brazil
The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of Cryptosporidium in domestic animals in rural properties surrounding rain forest fragments within the municipality of Teodoro Sampaio, southeastern Brazil. Conventional sucrose flotation method followed by molecular characterization of the parasites by sequencing PCR products amplified from SSU rRNA gene were used. Stool samples were collected from domestic animals raised as pets and livestock in all rural properties surrounding three forest fragments. Samples from cattle (197), equine (63), pigs (25), sheep (11), and dogs (28) were collected from 98 rural properties. The frequency of occurrence of Cryptosporidium within each animal species was 3.0% (6/197) among cattle and 10.7% (3/28) among dogs. Cryptosporidium was not detected in stool samples from equine, sheep, and pigs. All sequences obtained from the six samples of calves showed molecular identity with Cryptosporidium andersoni while all sequences from dog samples were similar to C. canis. The frequency of occurrence of Cryptosporidium in these domestic animal species was low. The absence of C. parvum in the present study suggests that the zoonotic cycle of cryptosporidiosis may not be relevant in the region studied. The presence of Cryptosporidium species seldom described in humans may be, otherwise, important for the wild fauna as these animals are a source of infection and dissemination of this protozoan to other animal species. The impact and magnitude of infection by C. andersoni in wild ruminants and C. canis in wild canids have to be assessed in future studies to better understand the actual importance of these species in this region.
O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorr�ncia de Cryptosporidium, em animais dom�sticos de propriedades rurais ao redor de fragmentos de mata Atl�ntica de interior no munic�pio de Teodoro Sampaio, por exame convencional de flutua��o em solu��o de sacarose, seguido de caracteriza��o molecular dos parasitas atrav�s do sequenciamento dos produtos amplificados na PCR do gene SSU rRNA. Foram coletadas amostras fecais de animais dom�sticos criados para subsist�ncia e estima��o nas propriedades rurais do entorno de tr�s fragmentos florestais. Amostras de bovinos (197), equinos (63), su�nos (25), ovinos (11) e c�es (28) foram coletadas de 98 propriedades rurais. A ocorr�ncia de Cryptosporidium para a esp�cie bovina foi de 3,0% (6/197); para os c�es, de 10,7% (3/28); e para os demais animais os resultados foram negativos. Todas as sequ�ncias obtidas das seis amostras de bovinos apresentaram identidade molecular com Cryptosporidium andersoni, enquanto as sequ�ncias oriundas de amostras de fezes de c�es revelaram-se similares ao C. canis. A ocorr�ncia do Cryptosporidium entre os animais estudados foi baixa. Diante dos resultados do presente estudo, o ciclo zoon�tico da criptosporidiose parece ter menos import�ncia nesta regi�o. A presen�a de esp�cies de Cryptosporidium ainda pouco relatadas em humanos pode ser, por outro lado, importante para a fauna silvestre, uma vez que estes animais podem ser considerados como uma fonte de infec��o e dissemina��o deste protozo�rio. O impacto e a magnitude da infec��o de C. andersoni, em ruminantes selvagens, e de C. canis, em c�es silvestres, deve ser avaliado em estudos futuros, com intuito de verificar a real import�ncia dessas esp�cies nesta regi�o.
 Toxoplasma gondii : diagnosis of experimental and natural infection in pigeons (Columba livia) by serological, biological and molecular techniques
This study aimed to diagnose experimental and natural Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigeons (Columba livia) by serological, biological and molecular techniques. Twelve pigeons, free of infection, were inoculated with 50 sporulated oocysts of T. gondii (VEG sample) and four remained uninfected controls. Four birds (three infected and one control) were euthanized at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days post-infection (dpi), and their tissues were used to perform a bioassay in mice and nested-PCR using B1 gene as target. Blood was obtained weekly and it was tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and modified agglutination test (MAT). Seven (58.3%) out of 12 inoculated pigeons were positive by serological techniques and titers ranged between 1:40 and 1:5120 by MAT and between 1:512 and 1:4096 by IFAT. Complete agreement was seen between the results obtained by serological techniques and nested-PCR in seven positive birds. In the bioassay in mice, five (41.7%) out of 12 pigeons inoculated were positive to T. gondii. Only one pigeon died at 23 dpi due to toxoplasmosis. A second study with free-living pigeons was performed for detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies. Birds were captured in the municipalities of S�o Paulo, Ibi�na and Sorocaba, S�o Paulo State, Southeastern Brazil. All 126 free-living birds were negative to anti-T. gondii antibodies by MAT (titer < 1:5). Bioassays were performed in mice with tissues from all captured birds and T. gondii was not isolated in any pigeon.
O presente estudo teve por objetivo diagnosticar a infec��o experimental e natural pelo Toxoplasma gondii em pombos (Columba livia) por t�cnicas sorol�gicas, biol�gicas e moleculares. Doze pombos, livres de infec��o, foram inoculados com 50 oocistos esporulados de T. gondii (amostra VEG), e quatro permaneceram como controles n�o infectados. Aos 15, 30, 45 e 60 dias p�s-infec��o (dpi), quatro aves (tr�s infectadas e uma controle) foram sacrificadas e com seus tecidos realizou-se bioensaio em camundongos e nested-PCR, utilizando-se B1 como gene alvo. Sangue, para a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-T. gondii, foi obtido semanalmente, e a presen�a de anticorpos foi determinada pela rea��o de imunofluoresc�ncia indireta (RIFI) e pela t�cnica de aglutina��o modificada (MAT). Dos 12 pombos inoculados, sete (58,3%) foram positivos pelas t�cnicas sorol�gicas, apresentando t�tulos que variaram de 40 a 5.120 no MAT e de 512 a 4.096 na RIFI. Concord�ncia total foi observada entre os resultados obtidos pelas t�cnicas sorol�gicas e pela nested-PCR com sete animais positivos. No bioensaio em camundongos, dos 12 pombos inoculados, cinco (41,7%) foram positivos ao T. gondii. Apenas um pombo veio a �bito no 23� dpi, devido � toxoplasmose. Um segundo estudo, com pombos de vida livre, foi realizado para a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-T. gondii. As aves foram capturadas nos munic�pios de S�o Paulo, Ibi�na e Sorocaba, Estado de S�o Paulo. Todos os 126 pombos de vida livre foram negativos a anticorpos anti-T. gondii, testados pelo MAT (t�tulo < 5). Foram realizados bioensaios em camundongos com tecidos de todas as aves capturadas e tamb�m, por esta t�cnica, T. gondii n�o foi isolado em nenhuma ave.
Sandflies (Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) survey in an urban transmission area of visceral leishmaniasis, Northeastern Brazil
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a major public health challenge in Brazil, especially in states where it is endemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of sand fly population density with environmental variables (temperature, rainfall and relative humidity) in urban areas of the city of Mossor�, Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil. Sand flies were captured with Center Disease Control (CDC) traps installed monthly in the intra and peridomicile of three houses. Data analysis was based on the chi-square test and linear regression. A total of 7,347 sand flies were captured, being 93.85% Lutzomyia longipalpis and 6.15% Lutzomyia evandroi. Sand flies were more commonly found in the peridomicile and there was no difference between the number of males and females. The variables rainy season as well as relative humidity and rainfall, alone or together, did not have an effect on sand fly population density. However, high temperatures had a negative effect. The study of the behavior of sand flies in specific units of endemic areas can provide input to public health authorities for planning appropriate VL vector control measures.
A leishmaniose visceral (LV) � um grande desafio para a sa�de p�blica no Brasil, particularmente nos estados onde � end�mica. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a rela��o da densidade populacional de flebotom�neos com as vari�veis ambientais (temperatura, precipita��o de chuva e umidade relativa do ar) em bairros urbanos de Mossor�, Rio Grande do Norte. Os flebotom�neos foram capturados com armadilhas CDC instaladas mensalmente no intra e peridomic�lio de tr�s casas. A an�lise dos dados foi baseada no teste Qui-quadrado e na regress�o linear. Foram capturados 7.347 flebotom�neos, sendo 93,85% Lutzomyia longipalpis e 6,15% Lutzomyia evandroi. Os flebotom�neos foram encontrados mais comumente no peridomic�lio e nenhuma diferen�a significativa entre o n�mero de machos e f�meas foi observada. As vari�veis esta��o chuvosa, bem como a umidade relativa e precipita��o de chuva, associadas ou isoladas, n�o influenciou a densidade populacional dos flebotom�neos. No entanto, a alta temperatura afetou essa densidade de forma negativa. Portanto, este estudo espec�fico em �reas end�micas � importante, porque as ag�ncias de Sa�de P�blica podem usar essas informa��es para um planejamento adequado das medidas de controle de vetores LV.
Editorial
Ehrlichiosis in Brazil
Ehrlichiosis is a disease caused by rickettsial organisms belonging to the genus Ehrlichia. In Brazil, molecular and serological studies have evaluated the occurrence of Ehrlichia species in dogs, cats, wild animals and humans. Ehrlichia canis is the main species found in dogs in Brazil, although E. ewingii infection has been recently suspected in five dogs. Ehrlichia chaffeensis DNA has been detected and characterized in mash deer, whereas E. muris and E. ruminantium have not yet been identified in Brazil. Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis caused by E. canis appears to be highly endemic in several regions of Brazil, however prevalence data are not available for several regions. Ehrlichia canis DNA also has been detected and molecularly characterized in three domestic cats, and antibodies against E. canis were detected in free-ranging Neotropical felids. There is serological evidence suggesting the occurrence of human ehrlichiosis in Brazil but its etiologic agent has not yet been established. Improved molecular diagnostic resources for laboratory testing will allow better identification and characterization of ehrlichial organisms associated with human ehrlichiosis in Brazil.
Erliquiose � uma doen�a causada por rickettsias pertencentes ao g�nero Ehrlichia. No Brasil, estudos sorol�gicos e moleculares t�m avaliado a ocorr�ncia de esp�cies de Ehrlichia em c�es, gatos, animais selvagens e seres humanos. Ehrlichia canis � a principal esp�cie em c�es no Brasil, embora a infec��o por E. ewingii tenha, recentemente, despertado suspeita em cinco c�es. O DNA de E. chaffeensis foi detectado e caracterizado em cervo-do-pantanal, enquanto que E. muris e E. ruminantium ainda n�o foram identificadas no Brasil. A erliquiose monoc�tica canina causada pela E. canis parece ser altamente end�mica em muitas regi�es do Brasil, embora dados de preval�ncia n�o estejam dispon�veis em muitas delas. O DNA de E. canis tamb�m foi detectado e caracterizado em tr�s gatos dom�sticos, enquanto anticorpos contra E. canis foram detectados em fel�deos neotropicais de vida livre. Evid�ncias sorol�gicas sugerem a ocorr�ncia de erliquiose humana no Brasil, entretanto, o agente etiol�gico ainda n�o foi identificado. A melhoria do diagn�stico molecular promover� a identifica��o e caracteriza��o de esp�cies associadas � erliquiose humana no Brasil.
Phthiraptera (Arthropoda, Insecta) in Gallus gallus from isolated and mixed backyard rearing systems
The objectives were to identify the species of chewing lice (Mallophaga) at different body sites in chickens (Gallus gallus), in isolated and mixed rearing systems, and to determine the dynamics and structure of the louse populations collected. The prevalences were 100 and 35% for chickens in the isolated and mixed systems, respectively. The species recorded were: Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus stramineus, Goniodes gigas, Goniocotes gallinae and Lipeurus caponis. The chickens in the isolated system presented more lice than did the ones in the mixed system. The most prevalent species were M. gallinae (30.58 and 62.31%) and L. caponis (29.12 and 14.49%), in the isolated and mixed systems, respectively. The preferential sites of parasitism were the dorsum, venter and wings among the chickens in the isolated system, while among the ones in the mixed system, the preferential sites were the dorsum and venter. The mean intensity of infestation in the isolated system was 111.4 for males and 19.1 for females, while in the mixed system it was 80 for males and 6.75 for females. The amplitudes of the infestation were 1-226 for males and 1-22 for females in the isolated system, while in the mixed system, the amplitudes were 1-111 and 1-8, respectively. It can be concluded that chickens reared in the isolated system harbor a greater number of lice than do chickens in the mixed system. However, the kind of rearing system does not prevent louse infestations.
Objetivou-se identificar as esp�cies de mal�fagos em diferentes regi�es do corpo de Gallus gallus, sob os sistemas de cria��o isolado e misto e determinar a din�mica e estrutura da popula��o. A preval�ncia de parasitismo foi de 100 e 35% para as aves no sistema de cria��o isolado e misto, respectivamente. As esp�cies identificadas foram: Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus stramineus, Goniodes gigas, Goniocotes gallinae e Lipeurus caponis. As aves mantidas isoladas apresentaram maior parasitismo do que aquelas sob o sistema misto de cria��o. As esp�cies mais prevalentes foram M. gallinae (30,58 e 62,31%) e L. caponis (29,12 e 14,49%), nos sistemas isolado e misto, respectivamente. As regi�es do corpo preferenciais dos mal�fagos foram dorso, ventre e asa para as aves do sistema isolado; e o dorso e ventre para as do sistema misto. Para as aves do sistema isolado, a intensidade m�dia de infesta��o para os machos foi de 111,4 e para as f�meas foi de 19,1. E, para o sistema misto foi de 80 e 6,75 para machos e f�meas, respectivamente. A amplitude de infesta��o variou de 1-226 e 1-22 para machos e f�meas, respectivamente (sistema isolado); enquanto para o sistema misto foi de 1-111 e 1-8, para machos e f�meas, respectivamente. Conclui-se que as aves de fundo de quintal, criadas sob o sistema isolado de cria��o, apresentam maior infesta��o por mal�fagos do que aquelas criadas com outras esp�cies de aves, embora o sistema de cria��o n�o isente as aves do parasitismo.
Selective control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in fipronil-treated cattle raised on natural pastures in Lages, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil
An examination of a selective control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and consequent cost reduction was carried out in two areas of native pasture in the municipality of Lages, State of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, from May 2007 to April 2009. Forty cattle were divided into two groups of 20 animals each (conventional and selective control groups). At 14-day intervals female ticks larger than 4.5 mm found on the right flank of cattle bodies were counted, and these results multiplied by two. Fipronil 1 mg.kg-1 pour on was then administered for tick control. In the conventional group all the cattle were treated when tick count averaged more than 40 female ticks per animal while in the selective group only animals parasitized by more than 40 ticks were treated with acaricide. Every 28 days the cattle's weight was checked for cost-effective analysis. The conventional group required an additional 20 doses of fipronil compared with the selective one. There was no statistically significant differences regarding weight gain in both groups.
Com o objetivo de avaliar o m�todo de controle seletivo do Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus e reduzir os custos para o controle, de maio de 2007 a abril de 2009, em duas invernadas de campo nativo no munic�pio de Lages, SC, utilizaram-se 40 bovinos que foram divididos em dois grupos (convencional e seletivo), de 20 animais cada. A cada 14 dias foi realizada a contagem das f�meas maiores ou igual a 4,5 mm, no lado direito do corpo dos animais, e o valor obtido, multiplicado por dois. Foi utilizado fipronil 1 mg.kg-1 pour on para o controle de carrapatos. No grupo convencional, foram tratados todos os bovinos quando a m�dia do grupo foi igual ou superior a 40 f�meas e no grupo seletivo, foram tratados apenas os animais que apresentaram uma infesta��o igual ou superior a 40. A cada 28 dias foi realizada a pesagem dos animais para an�lise da rela��o custo/benef�cio. Foram realizadas 20 aplica��es a mais do carrapaticida no grupo convencional em rela��o ao seletivo. N�o houve diferen�a estat�stica entre o ganho de peso do grupo convencional em rela��o ao grupo seletivo.
 Isospora coerebae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the bananaquit Coereba flaveola (Passeriformes: Coerebidae) in South America
The present study describes a new isosporoid coccidian parasite from the bananaquit Coereba flaveola, in Brazil. This new species is similar to I. cagasebi, but it can be distinguished by the size and shape of Stieda and susbstieda bodies. Isospora coerebae n. sp. oocysts are spheroidal to sub-spheroidal, 24.8 � 23.3 �m, with a smooth and bi-layered wall, ~1.2 �m. Micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are elongate ovoidal, 17.9 � 10.9 �m. Stieda and substieda bodies are present. Sporocyst residuum is present and sporozoites have a posterior refractile body.
Um novo parasito cocc�dio isospor�ide do caga-sebo Coereba flaveola, do Brasil, � relatado no estudo atual. Essa nova esp�cie � semelhante � Isospora cagasebi, no entanto, pode ser distinguida pelos tamanho e forma dos corpos de Stieda e substieda. Os oocistos de I. coerebae n. sp. s�o esf�ricos a subesf�ricos, 24,8 � 23,3 �m, com parede dupla e lisa, ~ 1,2 �m. A micr�pila, res�duo e gr�nulo polar do oocisto est�o ausentes. Os esporocistos s�o ov�ides alongados, 17,9 � 10,9 �m. Os corpos de Stieda e substieda est�o presentes. O res�duo do esporocisto est� presente e os esporozo�tos possuem um corpo refr�til posterior.
Abundance and seasonality of Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Southern Pantanal, Brazil
Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae), known as the secondary screwworm, occurs in the Americas and has medical-veterinary and forensic importance. This study aimed to describe the seasonal fluctuation of this species in the Pantanal region, Central-Western Brazil. From December 2004 to November 2007 fly catches using four windoriented traps baited with decaying bovine liver were carried out at the Nhumirim ranch, Nhecol�ndia subregion, Southern Pantanal. Traps remained active throughout the study period and collections were carried out on a weekly basis. A total of 159,397 Calliphoridae were caught and C. macellaria (57.33%) was the most abundant species. C. macellaria occurred all over the year showing a bimodal behavior with peaks in May-July (late autumn/early winter) and October-December (spring).
Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae), conhecida como mosca-varejeira, ocorre no continente americano e apresenta import�ncia m�dico-veterin�ria e forense. O presente estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a flutua��o sazonal dessa esp�cie na regi�o do Pantanal. De dezembro/2004 a novembro/2007 foram realizadas coletas de d�pteros na fazenda Nhumirim, sub-regi�o da Nhecol�ndia, Pantanal sul-mato-grossense. Foram utilizadas quatro armadilhas orientadas pelo vento, iscadas com f�gado bovino deteriorado. As armadilhas permaneceram ativas durante todo o per�odo de estudo, e coletas foram realizadas semanalmente. Foram capturados 159.397 califor�deos, sendo C. macellaria (57,33%) a esp�cie mais abundante. C. macellaria foi observada em todos os meses do ano, apresentando comportamento bimodal com picos populacionais em maio/julho (final de outono/in�cio de inverno) e outubro/dezembro (primavera).
 In vitro activity of Artemisia annua L (Asteraceae) extracts against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus 
The activity of plant extracts on parasites may indicate groups of substances that are potentially useful for controlling Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro action of Artemisia annua extracts on this tick. The concentrations of the sesquiterpene lactones artemisinin and deoxyartemisinin present in plant extracts were quantified via high-performance liquid chromatography. Four extracts produced from the concentrated crude extract (CCE) were evaluated on larvae using the impregnated paper method, with readings after 24 hours of incubation. The engorged females were immersed in the CCE and in its four derived extracts for five minutes, with incubation for subsequent analysis of biological parameters. The extracts were not effective on the larvae at the concentrations tested (3.1 to 50 mg.mL-1). The CCE showed greater efficacy on engorged females (EC50 of 130.6 mg.mL-1 and EC90 of 302.9 mg.mL-1) than did the derived extracts. These results tend to confirm that the action of artemisinin on engorged females of R.(B.) microplus is conditional to their blood intake. In this case, in vitro methods would be inadequate for effective evaluation of the action of A. annua on R. (B.) microplus.
A atividade de extratos vegetais sobre parasitas pode indicar grupos de subst�ncias de uso potencial no controle de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a a��o in vitro de extratos de Artemisia annua sobre esta esp�cie. A concentra��o das lactonas sesquiterp�nicas artemisinina e deoxiartemisinina presentes nos extratos vegetais, foi quantificada via cromatografia l�quida de alta efici�ncia. Quatro extratos produzidos a partir do extrato bruto concentrado (EBC) foram avaliados sobre larvas pela metodologia do papel impregnado, com leitura ap�s 24 horas de incuba��o. As f�meas ingurgitadas foram imersas por cinco minutos no EBC e nos seus quatro extratos derivados, e incubadas para posterior an�lise dos par�metros biol�gicos. Os extratos n�o tiveram efic�cia sobre as larvas nas concentra��es avaliadas (de 3,1 a 50 mg.mL-1). O EBC apresentou melhor efic�cia sobre as f�meas ingurgitadas (CE 50 de 130,6 mg.mL-1 e CE 90 de 302,9 mg.mL-1) que os extratos derivados. Esses resultados tendem a confirmar que a a��o da artemisinina sobre as f�meas ingurgitadas de R. (B.) microplus estaria condicionada � sua ingest�o atrav�s do sangue. Nesse caso, os m�todos in vitro seriam inadequados para a efetiva avalia��o da a��o de A. annua R.(B.) microplus.
The use of conjunctival swab samples for PCR screening for visceral leishmaniasis in vaccinated dogs
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been shown to provide a rapid and sensitive technique for Leishmania detection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technique of noninvasive conjunctival swabs (CS) as a sampling method for molecular screening for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in a group of 42 police dogs, all of them vaccinated against VL, and to compare the results with those obtained by serological tests. The serological assays were performed independently by three laboratories. Laboratories 1 and 2 were private laboratories and laboratory 3 was the National Reference Laboratory. The first serological screening performed by laboratory 1 showed 15 reactive dogs and 4 indeterminate. Laboratory 2 confirmed only 3 reactive dogs and 2 indeterminate. Laboratory 3 confirmed 7 reactive dogs and 3 indeterminate. The PCR diagnosis using the CS procedure was performed on all 42 animals and was able to detect Leishmania DNA in 17 dogs. The PCR assay confirmed all the cases that were simultaneously reactive in the serological tests by two laboratories. The results showed that the CS technique was a sensitive and practical method for sample collection, thus allowing reliable diagnostic tests through PCR.
A PCR (do ingl�s Polymerase Chain Reaction) tem demonstrado ser uma t�cnica r�pida e sens�vel para detec��o de Leishmania. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a t�cnica n�o invasiva do swab conjuntival na identifica��o por PCR de animais infectados em um grupo de 42 c�es policiais, todos vacinados contra a Leishmaniose Visceral (VL), e comparar os resultados com aqueles obtidos pelos testes sorol�gicos. Os ensaios sorol�gicos foram realizados independentemente por tr�s laborat�rios. Os laborat�rios 1 e 2 eram privados. O laborat�rio 3 era o Laborat�rio de Refer�ncia Nacional. A primeira triagem sorol�gica realizada pelo laborat�rio 1 apresentou 15 c�es reativos e 4 indeterminados. O laborat�rio 2 confirmou apenas 3 c�es reativos e 2 animais indeterminados. O laborat�rio 3 confirmou 7 c�es reativos e 3 c�es foram classificados como indeterminados. O diagn�stico pela PCR, utilizando o procedimento do swab conjuntival, foi realizado em todos os 42 animais e foi capaz de detectar DNA de Leishmania em 17 c�es. A PCR confirmou todos os casos simultaneamente reativos nos testes sorol�gicos de dois laborat�rios. Os resultados demonstraram que o swab conjuntival � um m�todo sens�vel e pr�tico para coleta de amostra, permitindo um diagn�stico consistente atrav�s da PCR.
A novel A2 allele found in Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi 
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a widely spread zoonotic disease. In Brazil the disease is caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi. Peridomestic sandflies acquire the etiological agent by feeding on blood of infected reservoir animals, such as dogs or wildlife. The disease is endemic in Brazil and epidemic foci have been reported in densely populated cities all over the country. Many clinical features of Leishmania infection are related to the host-parasite relationship, and many candidate virulence factors in parasites that cause VL have been studied such as A2 genes. The A2 gene was first isolated in 1994 and then in 2005 three new alleles were described in Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. In the present study we amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced the A2 gene from the genome of a clonal population of L. (L.) infantum chagasi VL parasites. The L. (L.) infantum chagasi A2 gene was amplified, cloned, and sequenced in. The amplified fragment showed approximately 90% similarity with another A2 allele amplified in Leishmania (Leishmania) donovani and in L.(L.) infantum described in literature. However, nucleotide translation shows differences in protein amino acid sequence, which may be essential to determine the variability of A2 genes in the species of the L. (L.) donovani complex and represents an additional tool to help understanding the role this gene family may have in establishing virulence and immunity in visceral leishmaniasis. This knowledge is important for the development of more accurate diagnostic tests and effective tools for disease control.
A leishmaniose visceral (LV) � uma zoonose amplamente disseminada, causada no Brasil pela Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi. Flebotom�neos vetores adquirem o agente etiol�gico, alimentando-se do sangue de animais contaminados, como cachorros ou animais selvagens. A doen�a � end�mica no Brasil, e focos de epidemia s�o relatados em cidades densamente povoadas por todo o pa�s. Muitas manifesta��es cl�nicas relacionadas � infec��o por Leishmania est�o ligadas � rela��o parasito-hospedeiro, e v�rios poss�veis fatores de virul�ncia dos parasitas, que causam a LV, s�o alvos de estudo, tais como os genes A2. O gene A2 foi isolado pela primeira vez em 1994 e, em seguida, em 2005, tr�s novos alelos foram descritos em Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. No presente estudo, um fragmento do gene A2 de uma popula��o clonal de L.(L.) infantum chagasi foi amplificado por PCR e sua sequ�ncia de nucleot�deos determinada. O fragmento mostrou 90% de similaridade com alelos do gene A2 de Leishmania (Leishmania) donovani e de L. (L.) infantum, descritos na literatura. Entretanto, a tradu��o da sequ�ncia de nucleot�deos mostra diferen�as na sequ�ncia de amino�cidos da prote�na, que podem ser essenciais em determinar a variabilidade do gene A2 em esp�cies do complexo L. (L.) donovani e representa uma ferramenta adicional na compreenss�o do papel dessa fam�lia de genes na virul�ncia e imunidade da leishmaniose visceral. O conhecimento dessa varia��o � importante para o desenvolvimento de testes diagn�sticos mais precisos e ferramentas mais eficazes no controle da doen�a.
Prevalence of liver condemnation due to bovine fasciolosis in Southern Espírito Santo: temporal distribution and economic losses
The present study was conducted to evaluate the economic losses and temporal distribution of the prevalence of liver condemnation due to bovine fasciolosis. The abattoir in At�lio Viv�cqua, in the South of the State of Esp�rito Santo, which is under state inspection by the veterinary service of the Livestock and Forest Protection Institute of Esp�rito Santo, was used as the data source. The prevalence of liver condemnation due to fasciolosis over the period 2006-2009 was calculated. The χ2 test, simple linear regression analysis and χ2 for trend were used, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Over the period analyzed, 110,956 cattle were slaughtered and the prevalence of liver condemnation due to Fasciola hepatica was 15.24% in 2006, 23.93% in 2007, 28.57% in 2008 and 28.24% in 2009. The historical trend of liver condemnation is an increasing trend, thus indicating that this parasitism has become established in the herd as a problem in this region, with prevalence similar to that of traditionally endemic regions. Condemnations occurred throughout the year, with the highest prevalence in April and May and with significant differences between the dry and wet seasons. The economic losses from liver condemnation can be considered high.
O presente trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar as perdas econ�micas e a distribui��o temporal da preval�ncia de condena��o de f�gados bovinos devido a fasciolose. O matadouro frigor�fico de At�lio Viv�cqua, no sul do Estado do Esp�rito Santo, com inspe��o estadual, realizada por m�dico veterin�rio vinculado ao Instituto de Defesa Agropecu�ria e Florestal do Esp�rito Santo, foi utilizado como fonte de dados. A preval�ncia de condena��o de f�gados por fasciolose no per�odo de 2006-2009 foi calculada. O teste do χ2, a an�lise de regress�o linear simples e o χ2 para tend�ncia foram utilizados, considerando-se o n�vel de signific�ncia p < 0,05. No per�odo analisado foram abatidos 110.956 bovinos, observando-se preval�ncias de condena��o de f�gados por Fasciola hepatica, de 15,24% em 2006, 23,93% em 2007, 28,57% em 2008 e de 28,24% em 2009. A tend�ncia hist�rica da condena��o de f�gados � crescente, indicando que este parasitismo estabeleceu-se no rebanho como um problema na regi�o com preval�ncia similar a de regi�es tradicionalmente end�micas. As condena��es ocorreram o ano todo com maior preval�ncia nos meses de abril e maio e com diferen�as significativas entre os per�odos seco e chuvoso. As perdas econ�micas devido a condena��o de f�gados podem ser consideradas altas.
Production of recombinant EMA-1 protein and its application for the diagnosis of Theileria equi using an enzyme immunoassay in horses from São Paulo State, Brazil
The erythrocytic-stage surface protein, Equi Merozoite Antigen 1 (EMA-1), is a major candidate for the development of a diagnostic antigen for equine piroplasmosis. In order to establish an effective diagnostic method for practical use, the gene encoding the entire EMA-1 of Theileria equi Jaboticabal strain was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli as a histidine-tagged protein (His6-EMA1). The expressed EMA-1 reacted with specific antibodies in Western blot and had an apparent molecular mass of 34 kDa which was largely consistent with its theoretical value. The nucleotide sequence of the EMA-1 gene of Jaboticabal strain was comparatively analyzed with other published sequences. The results indicated a high degree of homology with EMA-1 genes of all other strains isolated from various countries. The recombinant purified His6-EMA1 protein was tested in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of antibodies anti-T. equi in horses. The ELISA clearly differentiated T. equi-infected from Babesia caballi-infected horse sera or normal horse sera. Field serum samples collected from horses in the State of S�o Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, were examined for the diagnosis of T. equi infection by ELISA. Of 170 samples analyzed, 95.88% (163/170) were positive for T. equi infection. These results suggest that the His6-EMA1 protein expressed in E. coli could be a reliable immunodiagnostic antigen for ELISA test and that T. equi infection is a serious concern in the State of S�o Paulo, Brazil.
A prote�na de superf�cie eritrocit�ria, Ant�geno 1 do Merozo�ta de Theileria equi (EMA-1), � um potencial candidato para o desenvolvimento de ant�genos de valor diagn�stico para a piroplasmose equina. Com o objetivo de estabelecer um m�todo de diagn�stico efetivo e pr�tico, o gene EMA-1 da amostra Jaboticabal - SP de T. equi foi clonado e expresso em Escherichia coli contendo uma cauda de poli-histidina (His6-EMA1). O EMA-1 expresso reagiu com anticorpos espec�ficos no Western blot e apresentou peso molecular aparente de 34 kDa, sendo altamente consistente com seu valor te�rico. A sequ�ncia nucleot�dica do gene EMA-1 da amostra Jaboticabal foi analisado comparativamente com outras sequ�ncias p�blicas, e os resultados indicam elevado grau de homologia com amostras de diversos pa�ses. A prote�na recombinante purificada His6-EMA1 foi testada no ensaio imunoenzim�tico (ELISA) para a detec��o de anticorpos anti-T. equi em equinos. O teste de ELISA diferenciou-se claramente entre soros de equinos infectados por T. equi, soros de animais infectados por Babesia caballi e soro normal de equino. Amostras de soros coletadas de equinos do Estado de S�o Paulo, sudeste do Brasil, foram examinadas para o diagn�stico da infec��o por T. equi pelo ELISA. Das 170 amostras analisadas, 95,88% (163/170) foram positivas para T. equi. Os resultados sugerem que a prote�na His6-EMA1 expressa em E. coli pode ser um ant�geno confi�vel para diagn�stico imunol�gico pelo teste de ELISA, e que T. equi merece grande aten��o no Estado de S�o Paulo.
Metazoan endoparasites of Serrasalmus marginatus (Characiformes: Serrasalminae) in the Negro River, Pantanal, Brazil
In order to inventory the metazoan endoparasites of Serrasalmus marginatus, 91 specimens were examined. They were captured in the Negro River in Pantanal wetland, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Central-Western Brazil, from October 2007 to August 2008. Parasites of six taxa were recovered: Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda), metacercarial type Diplostomulum (Digenea), Brevimulticaecum sp. (Nematoda) and Sebekia oxycephala, Subtriquetra sp. 1 and Subtriquetra sp. 2 (Pentastomida). The latter five species are reported for the first time in S. marginatus.
Com o objetivo de inventariar os metazo�rios endoparasitos em Serrasalmus marginatus, no Rio Negro, Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, foram examinados 91 esp�cimes capturados no per�odo de outubro de 2007 a agosto de 2008. Foram registrados seis t�xons parasitos: Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda), metacerc�ria do tipo Diplostomulum (Digenea); Brevimulticaecum sp. (Nematoda); e Sebekia oxycephala, Subtriquetra sp. 1 e Subtriquetra sp. 2 (Pentastomida). As �ltimas cinco esp�cies citadas s�o registradas pela primeira vez em S. marginatus.
Active surveillance of canine visceral leishmaniasis and american trypanossomiasis in rural dogs from non endemic area
The canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) and american trypanosomiasis are important zoonoses in public health and dogs are the main domestic reservoir of the parasite for humans. The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of circulating antibodies anti-Trypanosoma cruzi and anti-Leishmania sp. in sera of dogs from the rural area of Botucatu, SP, Brazil. During the annual vaccination campaign against canine rabies in rural area, 689 blood samples were taken and processed by indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. The serological tests revealed the absence of antibodies anti-Leishmania spp., but anti-T. cruzi antibodies were detected in 3 (0.4%) dogs.
A leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC) e a tripanossom�ase americana s�o importantes zoonoses para a sa�de p�blica que encontram no c�o o principal reservat�rio dom�stico para o homem. O trabalho procurou estimar a preval�ncia de anticorpos circulantes anti-Trypanosoma cruzi e anti-Leishmania spp., em amostras de c�es provenientes da zona rural do munic�pio de Botucatu, SP. Durante a campanha de vacina��o antirr�bica canina da zona rural do munic�pio, foram coletadas 689 amostras de soro e processadas pela t�cnica de imunofluoresc�ncia indireta. Os testes sorol�gicos revelaram a aus�ncia de anticorpos anti-Leishmania spp. e, na pesquisa dos anticorpos anti-T. cruzi, foram detectados 3 (0,4%) c�es.
Histopathology of gills of Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887) and Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836) infested by monogenean and myxosporea, caugth in Aquidauana River, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
A histological analysis was conducted on the gills of 15 Piaractus mesopotamicus and 19 Prochilodus lineatus specimens collected between April and November 2004 from the Aquidauana River, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Central-West Brazil, to describe the anatomopathological characteristics of the gills of these freshwater fish. Gill samples were fixated in 10% buffered formalin and processed following histological routine procedures. The histological examination of the gills of P. mesopotamicus revealed intralamellar monogenean and mixosporean cysts of Henneguya piaractus at several developmental stages over the entire (basal, median and distal) lamella. Intraepithelial cysts caused lamella dilation and deformity of adjacent lamellae. In P. lineatus gills, monogenean cysts were detected. In both host species, hyperplasia of the gill epithelium and structural disorganization of secondary lamellae was seen diffusely in the gills, leading to fused lamellae in the gills. In few cases, there was found mononuclear inflammatory cells and hemorrhagic focal points distally in the lamellae.
Realizou-se an�lise histol�gica de br�nquias de 15 esp�cimes de Piaractus mesopotamicus e 19 Prochilodus lineatus coletados de abril a novembro de 2004, no Rio Aquidauana, MS, com intuito de contribuir com achados anatomopatol�gicos em br�nquias dessas esp�cies de peixes de �gua doce. Amostras de br�nquias foram fixadas em formalina 10%, tamponadas e processadas conforme rotina histol�gica. Em P. mesopotamicus observou-se presen�a de monog�nea e cistos de mixospor�dio da esp�cie Henneguya piaractus, com localiza��o intralamelar em v�rios est�gios de desenvolvimento, localizados em todas as regi�es (basal, mediana ou distal) das lamelas. Cistos intraepiteliais causaram dilata��o e deforma��o das lamelas vizinhas. Em br�nquias de P. lineatus, observou-se presen�a de monog�nea. Nas duas esp�cies de hospedeiro foram registradas hiperplasia do epit�lio branquial e desorganiza��o estrutural das lamelas em extensas regi�es, altera��es que causaram a fus�o lamelar. Em poucos casos registrou-se presen�a de c�lulas inflamat�rias mononucleares e focos hemorr�gicos na regi�o distal das lamelas.
 Ehrlichia canis (Jaboticabal strain) induces the expression of TNF-α in leukocytes and splenocytes of experimentally infected dogs
Canine ehrlichiosis is caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis and is characterized by a systemic febrile disease of unknown pathogenesis. This study evaluated the expression of cytokines TNF-α, IL-10, IFN-γ, in splenic cells and blood leukocytes during the acute phase of ehrlichiosis and after treatment with doxycycline hyclate in dogs experimentally infected with the E. canis Jaboticabal strain. The study results showed a significant expression of TNF-α 18 days post-inoculation, reducing by approximately 70% after treatment. There was a unique peak of expression of IL-10 and IFN-γ 18 and 30 days post-inoculation, respectively. This study suggests that TNF-α plays a role in the pathogenesis of the acute phase of canine ehrlichiosis and that treatment with doxycycline hyclate reduces the systemic effects of this cytokine, possibly by reducing or eliminating parasitemia.
A erliquiose canina � causada pela bact�ria Ehrlichia canis, que desencadeia no hospedeiro uma doen�a febril e sist�mica, de patog�nese pouco conhecida. O presente estudo avaliou a express�o das citocinas TNF-α, IL-10, IFN-γ, em c�lulas espl�nicas e em leuc�citos sangu�neos, durante a fase aguda da erliquiose e ap�s o tratamento com hiclato de doxiciclina, em c�es experimentalmente infectados com a amostra E. canis Jaboticabal. Os resultados mostraram express�o significativa de TNF-α 18 dias ap�s a inocula��o, reduzindo aproximadante 70% ap�s o tratamento. Houve um �nico pico de express�o de IL-10 e de IFN-γ entre 18 e 30 dias ap�s a inocula��o, respectivamente. Este estudo sugere que o TNF-α participa da patogenia da fase aguda da erliquiose canina, e que o tratamento com hiclato de doxiciclina reduz os efeitos sist�micos dessa citocina, possivelmente por reduzir ou eliminar a parasitemia.
Use of a Mycoplasma suis-PCR protocol for screening a population of captive peccaries (Tayassu tajacu and Tayassu pecari)
Mycoplasma suis is a hemotropic bacteria of red blood cells and the causative agent of swine eperythrozoonosis. Diagnosis of infection may be reached by direct examination of blood smears; however, the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the 16S RNA gene of M. suis improves the sensitivity and specificity of detection. The aim of this study was to screen peccaries (Tayassu tajacu and T. pecari) for M. suis infection using a specific conventional PCR. A total of 28 blood samples from captive collared and white-lipped peccaries were collected, DNA extracted and a specific M. suis PCR assay performed. All samples were negatives by both blood smear examination and PCR testing. To verify the presence of amplifiable DNA, PCR for beta-actin gene was performed in all samples. This study was part of an active surveillance program, which is crucial for monitoring animal health status, particularly in wildlife species.
Mycoplasma suis � uma bact�ria hemotr�pica dos eritr�citos e � o agente causador da eperitrozoonose su�na. O diagn�stico da infec��o pode ser realizado pelo exame direto de esfrega�os sangu�neos; entretanto, o uso da rea��o em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) baseada no gene 16S RNA de M. suis aumenta a sensibilidade e especificidade da detec��o. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar catetos e queixadas (Tayassu tajacu e T. pecari) para a infec��o por M. suis, utilizando PCR convencional espec�fico. Um total de 28 amostras de sangue de catetos e queixadas de cativeiro foram coletadas, o DNA foi extra�do e a PCR espec�fica para a detec��o de M. suis realizada. Todas as amostras foram negativas pelo esfrega�o sangu�neo e PCR. Para verificar a presen�a de DNA amplific�vel, PCR para o gene da beta actina foi realizada em todas as amostras. Este estudo foi parte de um programa de vigil�ncia ativa, o qual � crucial para o monitoramento do estado de sa�de animal, particularmente em esp�cies selvagens.