PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Carvalho R.C., Oliveira S.C.R., Bombonato P.P., Oliveira A.S. & Sousa A.L. 2010. [Morphology of the male genital organs of the Scorpion Mud Turtle Kinosternon scorpioides (Chelonia: Kinosternidae).] Morfologia dos órgãos genitais masculinos do Jurará Kinosternon scorpioides (Chelonia: Kinosternidae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(4):289-294. Departamento das Clínicas do Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, Cidade Universitária Paulo VI, Tirirical, São Luís, MA 65050-150, Brazil. E-mail: alana@elo.com.br Kinosternon scorpioides is a small semi-aquatic turtle, typical of fresh-water, with wide geographic distribution. It is found in the state of Maranhão, where is called jurará or muçuã. Its meat is an excellent protein source and despite current legislation, it is commercialized at beaches and markets in the city of São Luis, consumed in restaurants as an appetizer in its own shell. The constitutive elements of the male genital organs were studied, aiming to provide morphological data of the species which could be used in reproductive biology aimed at actions towards its preservation in captivity. The sample was composed of 10 adult males, captured by IBAMA-MA (Proc. nº 020.12.002400/99-31, license nº 002/01), euthanized, following rules from the Ethics Committee of UEMA’s Veterinary Medicine School. The choelomic cavity was opened and the organs were fixed in formaldehyde 10% and subsequently dissected. The testis of K. scorpioides had ovoid shape and golden yellow coloration. The cylindrical epididymidis adhered dorsal-wise to the medial surface of the testis, ending in a small deferent duct. The deferent ducts did not form distinct blister and opened inside cloaca. The furrowed penis, located in the base of the cloaca, extending itself until the tail and it was composed by root, body and free part. The morphology data of the reproductive organs of these animals was similar to other turtles such as the sea turtle, suggesting a conservative morphological presentation among turtles.

• Jurará muçuã Kinosternon scorpioides órgãos genitais

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Carvalho R.C., Oliveira S.C.R., Bombonato P.P., Oliveira A.S. & Sousa A.L. 2010. [Morphology of the male genital organs of the Scorpion Mud Turtle Kinosternon scorpioides (Chelonia: Kinosternidae).] Morfologia dos órgãos genitais masculinos do Jurará Kinosternon scorpioides (Chelonia: Kinosternidae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(4):289-294. Departamento das Clínicas do Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, Cidade Universitária Paulo VI, Tirirical, São Luís, MA 65050-150, Brazil. E-mail: alana@elo.com.br Kinosternon scorpioides é uma pequena tartaruga semi-aquática, típica de água doce, de distribuição geográfica bastante diversificada, encontrada no estado do Maranhão, onde é denominada de jurará ou muçuã. Sua carne é uma excelente fonte de proteína e a despeito da legislação vigente, é comercializado nas praias e feiras da cidade de São Luís e consumido nos restaurantes sob a forma de farofa servida em casquinha. Os órgãos genitais do macho foram estudados visando fornecer dados morfológicos da própria espécie, que poderão ser utilizados na biologia reprodutiva voltada para ações de preservação em cativeiro. Compõe-se a amostra de 10 machos adultos, obtidos mediante apreensões do IBAMA-MA (Proc. no 020.12.002400/99-31, licença no 002/01), os quais foram eutanaziados conforme normas do Comitê de Ética do Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão. A cavidade celomática foi aberta e os órgãos fixados em solução aquosa de formaldeído 10%, e posteriormente dissecados. Os testículos possuem formato ovóide e coloração amarelo-ouro. Os epidídimos convolutos estavam aderidos dorsalmente à superfície medial dos testículos, terminando em um pequeno ducto deferente. Os ductos deferentes não formaram nenhuma ampola distinta, abrindo-se na cloaca. O pênis sulcado, localizado no assoalho da cloaca, estendeu-se até a cauda, composto de raíz, corpo e glande. A morfologia dos órgãos reprodutivos destes animais assemelha-se aos de outras tartarugas, sugerindo uma morfologia conservada entre as tartarugas.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Del Puerto H.L., Vasconcelos A.C., Moro L., Alves F., Braz G.F. & Martins A.S. 2010. Canine distemper virus detection in asymptomatic and non vaccinated dogs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(2):139-144. Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: helendelpuerto@hotmail.com A quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed canine distemper virus presence in peripheral blood samples from asymptomatic and non vaccinated dogs. Samples from eleven domestic dogs with no signs of canine distemper and not vaccinated at the month of collection were used. Canine distemper virus vaccine samples in VERO cells were used as positive controls. RNA was isolated with Trizol®, and treated with a TURBO DNA-free kit. Primers were designed for canine distemper virus nucleocapsid protein coding region fragment amplification (84 bp). Canine b-actin (93 bp) was utilized as the endogenous control for normalization. Quantitative results of real time PCR generated by ABI Prism 7000 SDS Software showed that 54.5% of dogs with asymptomatic canine distemper were positive for canine distemper virus. Dissociation curves confirmed the specificity of the real time PCR fragments. This technique could detect even a few copies of viral RNA and identificate subclinically infected dogs providing accurate diagnosis of this disease at an early stage.

• Cinomose cinomose canina

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Del Puerto H.L., Vasconcelos A.C., Moro L., Alves F., Braz G.F. & Martins A.S. 2010. Canine distemper virus detection in asymptomatic and non vaccinated dogs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(2):139-144. [Detecção do vírus da cinomose canina em cães assintomáticos e não vacinados.]Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: helendelpuerto@hotmail.com A reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) em tempo real revelou a presença do vírus da cinomose canina em amostra de sangue de cães assintomáticos e não vacinados. Amostra de onze cães domésticos sem nenhum sinal clínico de cinomose e que não foram vacinados no mês da coleta de sangue foram utilizados para análise. Amostra vacinal do vírus da cinomose canina em células VERO foi utilizada como controle positivo. O RNA total foi isolado utilizando-se Trizol®, e tratadas com o Kit TURBO DNA-free. Os iniciadores foram desenhados para amplificar a região do nucleocapsídeo viral com 319pb e 84pb para a PCR convencional e PCR em tempo real, respectivamente. O fragmento alvo da b-actina canina com 93pb foi utilizado como controle endógeno e normalizador. Resultados quantitativos da PCR em tempo real gerados pelo programa ABI Prism 7000 SDS demonstraram que 54,5% dos cães assintomáticos foram positivos para o vírus da cinomose canina. As curvas de dissociação confirmaram a especificidade dos fragmentos da PCR em tempo real. A detecção precoce do RNA viral é importante para a identificação de cães subclinicamente infectados e limitar a difusão da doença.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Ribeiro M.G., Fernandes M.C., Paes A.C., Siqueira A.K., Pinto J.P.A.N. & Borges A.S. 2010. [Serotype characterization of Salmonella strains isolated from different affections in domestic animals.] Caracterização de sorotipos em linhagens do gênero Salmonella isoladas de diferentes afecções em animais domésticos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(2):155-160. Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (Unesp), Distrito de Rubião Júnior, Botucatu, SP 18618-000, Brazil. E-mail: mgribeiro@fmvz.unesp.br The serotype characterization, antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and clinical-epidemiological findings were evaluated in 53 Salmonella spp. strains isolated from 41 dogs, nine horses and three cattle presenting different clinical manifestations between 1997 at 2007. Salmonella Typhimurium (45.3%), Salmonella enterica (22.6%), Salmonella Enteritidis (7.5%), Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica 4,5,12i (5.7%), Salmonella Newport (5.7%), Salmonella Dublin (3.8%), Salmonella Agona (3.8%), Salmonella Glostrup (3.8%), Salmonella Saintpaul (1.8%) were the more common serotypes. Ciprofloxacin (100.0%), norfloxacin (100.0%) and gentamicin (100.0%) were more effective drugs while resistance of isolates was observed to ceftiofur (28.5%) and florfenicol (7.0%). The strains were isolated from animals with enteritis, urinary tract infections, septicaemia, pyometra, pneumonia and conjuntivits. The results showed the high frequency of Salmonella Typhimurium serotype in different animals studied. The study highlighted also the presence of serotypes in our animals that also have been identified in humans with salmonellosis.

• Salmonella sorotipos sensibilidade microbiana

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Ribeiro M.G., Fernandes M.C., Paes A.C., Siqueira A.K., Pinto J.P.A.N. & Borges A.S. 2010. [Serotype characterization of Salmonella strains isolated from different affections in domestic animals.] Caracterização de sorotipos em linhagens do gênero Salmonella isoladas de diferentes afecções em animais domésticos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(2):155-160. Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (Unesp), Distrito de Rubião Júnior, Botucatu, SP 18618-000, Brazil. E-mail: mgribeiro@fmvz.unesp.br Foram caracterizados os sorotipos, o perfil de sensibilidade microbiana e os achados clínico-epidemiológicos em 53 linhagens do gênero Salmonella isoladas de 41 cães, nove equinos e três bovinos, acometidos por diferentes manifestações clínicas entre 1997 e 2007. Salmonella Typhimurium (45,3%), Salmonella enterica (22,6%), Salmonella Enteritidis (7,5%), Salmonella enterica subsp enterica 4,5,12i (5,7%), Salmonella Newport (5,7%), Salmonella Dublin (3,8%), Salmonella Agona (3,8%), Salmonella Glostrup (3,8%), Salmonella Saintpaul (1,8%) foram os sorotipos encontrados. Ciprofloxacina (100,0%), norfloxacina (100,0%) e gentamicina (100,0%) foram os antimicrobianos mais efetivos, enquanto a maior resistência das linhagens foi observada para ceftiofur (28,5%) e florfenicol (7,0%). As linhagens foram isoladas de animais com enterite, infecção do trato urinário, septicemia, piometra, pneumonia e conjuntivite. Ressalta-se para o predomínio do sorovar Typhimurium nas diferentes manifestações da salmonelose nos animais. Destaca-se, também, a identificação de sorotipos nos animais que também são observados em casos de salmonelose em humanos.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silveira J.A.S., Albernaz T.T., Oliveira C.M.C., Duarte M.D. & Barbosa J.D. 2009. [Foot disorders in cows from basin milk of Rondon do Pará.] Afecções podais em vacas da bacia leiteira de Rondon do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11):905-909. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Pirapora, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: jalcides@ufpa.br Foot diseases are some of the main causes of low performance in dairy cows. In order to determine the prevalence, clinical classification and to establish the epidemio-logical factors of foot diseases in cows from basin milk of Rondon do Pará, 1,236 cows were evaluated and 275 had at least one type of foot injury. A total of 655 lesions was showed which a prevalence of 22.25%. Most frequent lesions were interdigital hyperplasia (80.92%), claw overgrowth (6.42%), and interdigital necrobacillosis (6.11%). Hind limbs were most frequently affected (61.83%), and lesions affecting the interdigital space were the most common in both the thoracic (36.34%) and hind limbs (48.09%). Epidemiological study showed that the environmental characteristics such as mountainous areas, newly formed grassland (with trunks and branches of trees), irregular ground, and mud and gravel in the floor of the pens may promote the development of foot lesions. In 95.5% of the farms, no measures had been taken for the control and prophylaxis of foot diseases. The specific clinical examination of the feet was efficient for the diagnosis.

• Afecções podais

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Silveira J.A.S., Albernaz T.T., Oliveira C.M.C., Duarte M.D. & Barbosa J.D. 2009. [Foot disorders in cows from basin milk of Rondon do Pará.] Afecções podais em vacas da bacia leiteira de Rondon do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11):905-909. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Pirapora, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: jalcides@ufpa.br As doenças digitais estão entre as principais causas de performance reduzida de rebanhos leiteiros. Com o objetivo de determinar a prevalência, classificar clinicamente e estabelecer os fatores epidemiológicos das enfermidades podais em vacas da bacia leiteira de Rondon do Pará, foram avaliadas 1.236 vacas, das quais 275 apresentaram pelo menos um tipo de lesão podal. Identificou-se 655 lesões, o que resultou em uma prevalência de 22,25%. As enfermidades mais frequentes foram hiperplasia interdigital (80,92%), necrobacilose interdigital (6,11%) e cascos com crescimento excessivo (6,42%). Os membros pélvicos foram os mais acometidos (61,83%) e o espaço interdigital, tanto nos membros torácicos (36,34%), quanto nos pélvicos (48,09%), a região digital acometida com maior frequência. O estudo epidemiológico mostrou que características ambientais tais como relevo montanhoso, pastagem em formação com presença de troncos e galhos de árvores, irregularidades nos pisos dos currais, presença de piçarra e lama podem favorecer o aparecimento das lesões podais. Constatou-se a ausência de medidas de controle e profilaxia de afecções que acometem os cascos em 95,5% das propriedades estudadas. O exame clínico específico do casco foi eficiente no diagnóstico das enfermidades.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Assis T.S., Medeiros R.M.T., Araújo J.A.S., Dantas A.F.M. & Riet-Correa F. 2009. [Plant poisonings in ruminants and equidae in the Sertão of Paraiba, Brazil.] Intoxicações por plantas em ruminantes e equídeos no Sertão Paraibano. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11):919-924. Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: rmtmed@uol.com.br A survey of plant poisoning in ruminants and equidae was conducted in 20 municipalities of the semiarid region of the Sertão Paraibano. Fifty farmers and 11 veterinary practitioners were interviewed. Ipomoea asarifolia and Mascagnia rigida are the most important poisonous plants in the region. Indigofera suffruticosa, the cianogenic plants (Sorghum vulgare, Piptadenia macrocarpa, and Manihot spp.), Mimosa tenuiflora, Aspidosperma pyrifolium and Crotalaria retusa cause also important intoxications in the area. Sporadic outbreaks of poisonings by Ricinus communis, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Prosopis juliflora and Brachiaria decumbens were also mentioned. Some farmers mentioned that Ziziphus joazeiro, Passiflora foetida, Caesalpina ferrea and Crescentia cujete cause abortion. The fruits of Crescentia cujete were administered to two pregnant goats causing perinatal mortality and abortion. The peels of the beans Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna unguiculata, and the leaves of Licania rigida are associated with ruminal impactation in cattle. The fruits of Mangifera indica (mango) and Anacardium occidentale (cashew) are associated with ethanol poisoning in cattle. Dalechampia sp. and Croton sp. were also mentioned as possible toxic plants in the region.

• Plantas tóxica Intoxicação por planta Sorghum vulgare Piptadenia macrocarpa Manihot spp. Brachiaria decumbens. Ziziphus joazeiro Passiflora sp. Caesalpina ferrea Crescentia cujete Phaseolus vulgaris Vigna unguiculata Licania rigida Anacardium

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Assis T.S., Medeiros R.M.T., Araújo J.A.S., Dantas A.F.M. & Riet-Correa F. 2009. [Plant poisonings in ruminants and equidae in the Sertão of Paraiba, Brazil.] Intoxicações por plantas em ruminantes e equídeos no Sertão Paraibano. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11):919-924. Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: rmtmed@uol.com.br Foi realizado um levantamento das intoxicações por plantas em 20 municípios do Sertão Paraibano, onde foram entrevistados 50 produtores e 11 médicos veterinários. De acordo com o levantamento realizado, Ipomoea asarifolia e Mascagnia rigida são as intoxicações mais importantes. Indigofera suffruticosa, as plantas cianogênicas (Sorghum vulgare, Piptadenia macrocarpa e Manihot spp.), Mimosa tenuiflora, Aspidosperma pyrifolium e Crotalaria retusa são plantas importantes como causa de intoxicações na região. Os entrevistados relataram casos esporádicos de intoxicação por Ricinus communis, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Prosopis juliflora e Brachiaria decumbens. Ziziphus joazeiro, Passiflora sp., Caesalpina ferrea e Crescentia cujete foram mencionadas como causa de abortos em ruminantes. Frutos de Crescentia cujete foram administrados a duas cabras prenhes causando mortalidade perinatal e abortos. As cascas de feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris e Vigna unguiculata) e as folhas de Licania rigida (oiticica) são associadas à sobrecarga ruminal em bovinos. As frutas de Mangifera indica (manga) e Anacardium occidentale (cajú) são responsabilizadas por causarem intoxicação etílica. Dalechampia sp. e Croton sp. foram citadas pelos entrevistados como possíveis plantas tóxicas, que ainda não tiveram sua toxicidade comprovada.

Abstract in English:

RESUMO.- Costa F.B., Alves F.R., Costa A.P., Barros A.C.E., Guerra P.C., Sousa A.L. & Oliveira A.S. 2009. Ultrasonographic and radiographic determination of egg development of jurarás (Kinosternon scorpioides) in captivity. [Determinação ultrassonográfica e radiográfica do desenvolvimento de ovos de jurarás em cativeiro.] Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(10):841-846. Departamento das Clínicas, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, Cidade Universitária Paulo VI, Tirirical, Cx. Postal 9, São Luís, MA 65055-310, Brazil. E-mail: franc.borges@yahoo.com.br A tartaruga Kinosternon scorpioides (Linnaeus, 1766), com nome popular de jurará, é uma espécie bastante variável, e muitos nomes diferentes são atribuídos às suas populações, de acordo com sua localização geográfica. Atualmente, quatro subespécies foram validadas como K. scorpioides surgindo desde o extremo Sul do Panamá e norte da América do Sul, podendo ser encontradas ainda no Equador, no norte do Peru, sul da Bolívia, norte da Argentina, leste da Guiana e no Brasil. Desde modo, foi realizado um estudo ultrassonográfico e radiológico, a fim de descrever a morfologia e o desenvolvimento dos ovos de K. scorpioides em cativeiro, utilizando-se 20 fêmeas, no período de setembro de 2005 a agosto de 2006. No primeiro mês, o ciclo ovariano foi caracterizado pela ausência de folículos vitelogênicos, atrésicos ou presença de ovos em ovidutos. De outubro de 2005 a março de 2006 a varredura ultrassonográfica permitiu determinar o crescimento vitelogênico dos folículos, os quais foram observados com um formato que variou de ovóide a esférico, envolvidos por um conteúdo ecogênico, uma camada não-ecogência de albumina e uma casca de elevada ecogenicidade. Ovos presentes em ovidutos foram identificados por radiografias apenas 180 dias após início do experimento, quando a casca tornou-se suficientemente mineralizada para impressionar o filme radiográfico. Um transdutor linear de 7,5 MHz promoveu imagens com resolução e penetração adequada para visibilização de folículos. Exames ultrassonográficos sucessivos em fêmeas K. scorpioides permitiram determinar os estágios iniciais de desenvolvimento de folículos vitelogênicos e o exame radiográfico mostrou-se como técnica simples para avaliar a presença de ovos em ovidutos, permitindo fazer inferências sobre desenvolvimento de ovos em jurarás, a partir dos 6 meses de pós-observação por ultrassonografia.

• Kinosternon scorpioides jurará mud turtle wildlife conservation reproduction

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Costa F.B., Alves F.R., Costa A.P., Barros A.C.E, Guerra P.C., Sousa A.L. & Oliveira A.S. 2009. Ultrasonographic and radiographic determination of egg development of jurarás (Kinosternon scorpioides) in captivity. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(10):841-846. Departamento das Clínicas, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, Cidade Universitária Paulo VI, Tirirical, Cx. Postal 9, São Luís, MA 65055-310, Brazil. E-mail: franc.borges@yahoo.com.br Kinosternon scorpioides (Linnaeus, 1766), with its common name of jurará, is a quite variable species of turtles, and many different names have been applied to populations throughout its range. Currently, however, four subspecies are considered valid as K. scorpioides arises from southern Panama over most of northern South America and is found in Ecuador, northern Peru, southern Bolivia, northern Argentina, eastern Guyana and Brazil. Thus, an ultrasonographic and radiographic study was performed in order to describe the morphology and development of eggs of 20 female jurará mud turtles K. scorpioides, from September 2005 to August 2006. In the first month, the ovarian cycle was characterized by absence of vitellogenic follicles, atresic follicles or oviduct eggs. From October 2005 to March 2006 on, ultrasonographic scanning allowed to establish the growing vitellogenic follicles. Vitellogenic follicles were observed with spherical to ovoid shapes, with a surrounding echogenic yolk, a nonechogenic albumin layer, and a high echogenic shell. The oviduct eggs were identified by radiography just 180 days after beginning the experiment, when the shell became enough mineralized to impress the radiographic film. This experiment allowed to obtain by means of the 7.5 MHz linear probe images with adequate resolution and penetration for visualization of follicles. Successive ultrasonographic examinations of 20 K. scorpioides females allowed to access initial stages of vitellogenic follicles and oviduct eggs, and radiographic examination revealed to be an easy technique to assess oviduct eggs and to allow evaluation of egg development in jurarás, from 6 months on.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Cavallini Sanches E.M., Pacheco S.M., Cericatto A.S., Melo R.M., Colodel E.M., Hummel J., Bianchi S.P., Spanamberg A., Santurio J.M. & Ferreiro L. 2009. Detection of Pneumocystis in lungs of bats from Brazil by PCR amplification. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):469-473. Setor de Micologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 90540-000, Brazil. E-mail: cavallini.sanches@ufrgs.br Pneumocystis has been isolated from a wide range of unrelated mammalian hosts, including humans, domestic and wild animals. It has been demonstrated that the genome of Pneumocystis of one host differs markedly from that of other hosts. Also, variation in the chromosome and DNA sequence of Pneumocystis within a single host species has been observed. Since information about the occurrence and nature of infections in wild animals is still limited, the objective of this work was to detect the presence of Pneumocystis sp. in lungs of bats from two states from Brazil by Nested-PCR amplification. The bats, captured in caves and in urban areas, were obtained from the Program of Rabies Control of two States in Brazil, Mato Grosso and Rio Grande do Sul, located in the Mid-Western and Southern regions of the country, respectively. DNAs were extracted from 102 lung tissues and screened for Pneumocystis by nested PCR at the mtLSU rRNA gene and small subunit of mitochondrial ribosomal RNA (mtSSU rRNA). Gene amplification was performed using the mtLSU rRNA, the primer set pAZ102H - pAZ102E and pAZ102X - pAZY, and the mtSSU rRNA primer set pAZ102 10FRI - pAZ102 10R-RI and pAZ102 13RI - pAZ102 14RI. The most frequent bats were Tadarida brasiliensis (25), Desmodus rotundus (20), and Nyctinomops laticaudatus (19). Pneumocystis was more prevalent in the species Nyctinomops laticaudatus (26.3% = 5/19), Tadarida brasiliensis (24% = 6/25), and Desmodus rotundus (20% = 4/20). Besides these species, Pneumocystis also was detected in lungs from Molossus molossus (1/11, 9.1%), Artibeus fimbriatus (1/1, 100%), Sturnira lilium (1/3, 33.3%), Myotis levis (2/3, 66.7%) and Diphylla ecaudata (1/2, 50%). PCR products which could indicate the presence of Pneumocystis (21.56%) were identified in DNA samples obtained from 8 out of 16 classified species from both states (5 bats were not identified). This is the first report of detection of Pneumocystis in bats from Brazil.

• Pneumocystis sp. bats Nested-PCR

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Cavallini Sanches E.M., Pacheco S.M., Cericatto A.S., Melo R.M., Colodel E.M., Hummel J., Bianchi S.P., Spanamberg A., Santurio J.M. & Ferreiro L. 2009. Detection of Pneumocystis in lungs of bats from Brazil by PCR amplification. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(6):469-473. Setor de Micologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 90540-000, Brazil. E-mail: cavallini.sanches@ufrgs.br Pneumocystis has been isolated from a wide range of unrelated mammalian hosts, including humans, domestic and wild animals. It has been demonstrated that the genome of Pneumocystis of one host differs markedly from that of other hosts. Also, variation in the chromosome and DNA sequence of Pneumocystis within a single host species has been observed. Since information about the occurrence and nature of infections in wild animals is still limited, the objective of this work was to detect the presence of Pneumocystis sp. in lungs of bats from two states from Brazil by Nested-PCR amplification. The bats, captured in caves and in urban areas, were obtained from the Program of Rabies Control of two States in Brazil, Mato Grosso and Rio Grande do Sul, located in the Mid-Western and Southern regions of the country, respectively. DNAs were extracted from 102 lung tissues and screened for Pneumocystis by nested PCR at the mtLSU rRNA gene and small subunit of mitochondrial ribosomal RNA (mtSSU rRNA). Gene amplification was performed using the mtLSU rRNA, the primer set pAZ102H - pAZ102E and pAZ102X - pAZY, and the mtSSU rRNA primer set pAZ102 10FRI - pAZ102 10R-RI and pAZ102 13RI - pAZ102 14RI. The most frequent bats were Tadarida brasiliensis (25), Desmodus rotundus (20), and Nyctinomops laticaudatus (19). Pneumocystis was more prevalent in the species Nyctinomops laticaudatus (26.3% = 5/19), Tadarida brasiliensis (24% = 6/25), and Desmodus rotundus (20% = 4/20). Besides these species, Pneumocystis also was detected in lungs from Molossus molossus (1/11, 9.1%), Artibeus fimbriatus (1/1, 100%), Sturnira lilium (1/3, 33.3%), Myotis levis (2/3, 66.7%) and Diphylla ecaudata (1/2, 50%). PCR products which could indicate the presence of Pneumocystis (21.56%) were identified in DNA samples obtained from 8 out of 16 classified species from both states (5 bats were not identified). This is the first report of detection of Pneumocystis in bats from Brazil.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa J.D., Silveira J.A.S, Albernaz T.T., Silva N.S., Belo Reis A.S., Oliveira C.M.C., Riet- Correa G. & Duarte M.D. 2009 [Cutaneous lesions of the legs caused by the thorns of Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae) in cattle and sheep in the State of Pará.] Lesões de pele causadas por Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae) nos membros de bovinos e ovinos no Estado do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):435-438. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Pará, Campus Castanhal, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Castanhal, PA 68740-080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br A condition of cattle and sheep characterized by ulcerous and granulomatous skin lesions of the legs was studied. Epidemiological data and the nature of the lesions indicate that they are caused by the thorns of Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae). The disease was observed only in pastures largely infested by the plant, and animals recover quickly when moved from them.

• Mimosa pudica Leguminosae Mimosoideae traumatic lesions malícia lesões traumáticas

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa J.D., Silveira J.A.S, Albernaz T.T., Silva N.S., Belo Reis A.S., Oliveira C.M.C., Riet- Correa G. & Duarte M.D. 2009 [Cutaneous lesions of the legs caused by the thorns of Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae) in cattle and sheep in the State of Pará.] Lesões de pele causadas por Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae) nos membros de bovinos e ovinos no Estado do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):435-438. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Pará, Campus Castanhal, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Castanhal, PA 68740-080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br A condition of cattle and sheep characterized by ulcerous and granulomatous skin lesions of the legs was studied. Epidemiological data and the nature of the lesions indicate that they are caused by the thorns of Mimosa pudica (Leg. Mimosoideae). The disease was observed only in pastures largely infested by the plant, and animals recover quickly when moved from them.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Bezerra Jr P.S., Santos A.S., Bandarra P.M., Pedroso P.M.O., Pavarini, S.P., Spanamberg A., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Experimental poisoning by Aspergillus clavatus in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Aspergillus clavatus em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):205-210. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br This paper describes the experimental reproduction of a neurological condition in sheep by the administration of a beer by-product contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus. Samples of this by-product, in which pure cultures of A. clavatus grew, originated from two farms where outbreaks of A. clavatus poisoning in cattle had occurred. The onset of symptomatology was 2 to 6 days after dosage with the contaminated beer by-product or pure A. clavatus culture. The clinical course lasted from one and a half to 12 days. Clinical signs were predominantly of locomotor and respiratory nature and included muscle tremors, hyperesthesia, and progressive tachypnea, rigidity of the pelvic limbs, posterior weakness, and recumbency. One sheep also showed occasional knuckling of fetlocks of the hind limbs. Gait abnormalities and tremors were more pronounced after exercise. In 6 of 7 sheep, appetite and dypsia were maintained until close to death or euthanasia. The main histological findings consisted of chromatolytic neuronal degeneration and necrosis in selected nuclei of the brain stem, the ventral horn of the spinal cord and the spinal, trigeminal, stellate and celiac ganglions. Three sheep also presented slight degenerative and necrotic changes in muscles of the pelvic and thoracic limbs.

• Aspergillus clavatus sheep beer by-product poisoning neuronal chromatolysis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Bezerra Jr P.S., Santos A.S., Bandarra P.M., Pedroso P.M.O., Pavarini, S.P., Spanamberg A., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2009. [Experimental poisoning by Aspergillus clavatus in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Aspergillus clavatus em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):205-210. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br This paper describes the experimental reproduction of a neurological condition in sheep by the administration of a beer by-product contaminated with Aspergillus clavatus. Samples of this by-product, in which pure cultures of A. clavatus grew, originated from two farms where outbreaks of A. clavatus poisoning in cattle had occurred. The onset of symptomatology was 2 to 6 days after dosage with the contaminated beer by-product or pure A. clavatus culture. The clinical course lasted from one and a half to 12 days. Clinical signs were predominantly of locomotor and respiratory nature and included muscle tremors, hyperesthesia, and progressive tachypnea, rigidity of the pelvic limbs, posterior weakness, and recumbency. One sheep also showed occasional knuckling of fetlocks of the hind limbs. Gait abnormalities and tremors were more pronounced after exercise. In 6 of 7 sheep, appetite and dypsia were maintained until close to death or euthanasia. The main histological findings consisted of chromatolytic neuronal degeneration and necrosis in selected nuclei of the brain stem, the ventral horn of the spinal cord and the spinal, trigeminal, stellate and celiac ganglions. Three sheep also presented slight degenerative and necrotic changes in muscles of the pelvic and thoracic limbs.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa J.D., Dutra. M.D. Oliveira C.M.C., Silveira J.A.S., Albernaz. T.T. & Cerqueira V.D. 2009. [Outbreak of tetanus in bufalloes (Buballus bubalis) in Pará, Brazil.] Surto de tétano em búfalos (Buballus bubalis) no Estado do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):263-266. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Pirapora, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br An outbreak of tetanus in Murrah buffaloes in Belém, state of Pará, Brazil, is described. The outbreak was observed in a flock of 250 buffaloes, 80 of which were vaccinated intra-muscularly in the croup against rabies. Four buffaloes fell ill 15 to 19 days after vaccination, one died after a clinical course of 2 days, one was submitted to euthanasia in extremis on the 7th day after the onset of symptoms, and two others recovered within 2 weeks after treatment with penicillin for 4 days and anti-tetanic serum. The first symptoms observed were prolapse of the third eyelid, especially when the animal was stimulated, followed by a rigid walk, as difficulty in inflexing the members and lateral recumbence with the members extended, besides very open eyelids, sialorrhea, hyperexcitability, erect ears and slight lockjaw, and food accumulation in the oral cavity. At post-mortem examination was found a focus of yellowish pus in the croup muscles, where the vaccine had been applied. At histopathology no significant alterations in internal organs were observed. Based on the clinical picture, the epidemic data and absence of histological lesions, the diagnosis of tetanus was established. The infection was considered to be due to the use of dirty needles used during vaccination.

• Buffaloes tetanus Pará

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa J.D., Dutra. M.D. Oliveira C.M.C., Silveira J.A.S., Albernaz. T.T. & Cerqueira V.D. 2009. [Outbreak of tetanus in bufalloes (Buballus bubalis) in Pará, Brazil.] Surto de tétano em búfalos (Buballus bubalis) no Estado do Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(3):263-266. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Pirapora, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br An outbreak of tetanus in Murrah buffaloes in Belém, state of Pará, Brazil, is described. The outbreak was observed in a flock of 250 buffaloes, 80 of which were vaccinated intra-muscularly in the croup against rabies. Four buffaloes fell ill 15 to 19 days after vaccination, one died after a clinical course of 2 days, one was submitted to euthanasia in extremis on the 7th day after the onset of symptoms, and two others recovered within 2 weeks after treatment with penicillin for 4 days and anti-tetanic serum. The first symptoms observed were prolapse of the third eyelid, especially when the animal was stimulated, followed by a rigid walk, as difficulty in inflexing the members and lateral recumbence with the members extended, besides very open eyelids, sialorrhea, hyperexcitability, erect ears and slight lockjaw, and food accumulation in the oral cavity. At post-mortem examination was found a focus of yellowish pus in the croup muscles, where the vaccine had been applied. At histopathology no significant alterations in internal organs were observed. Based on the clinical picture, the epidemic data and absence of histological lesions, the diagnosis of tetanus was established. The infection was considered to be due to the use of dirty needles used during vaccination.