Ehrlichia canis DNA in domestic cats parasitized by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) ticks in Brazil - case report

Ectoparasites can transmit pathogens, including bacteria such as Ehrlichia sp., which trigger infectious diseases in domestic animals. Little is known about the epidemiology of feline ehrlichiosis, although several studies have focused on elucidating the pathogenesis and transmission of this disease. This paper presents the first mutual infection by Ehrlichia sp. between a domestic cat and a Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) tick removed from the animal. The cat and tick were tested by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to detect the dsb gene, and the analyzed sequences revealed samples 100% identical to E. canis. Based on this report, we discussed the importance of cats as E. canis reservoirs s and their position in the cycle of transmission between dogs and cats in Brazil.Os ectoparasitos são capazes de transmitir patógenos incluindo algumas bactérias, como a Ehrlichia sp., causando doenças em animais domésticos. Pouco se conhece sobre a epidemiologia da erliquiose felina, embora alguns estudos já tenham sido realizados para elucidar a sua patogenia e transmissão. Este trabalho relata a primeira infecção mútua por Ehrlichia sp. entre um felino doméstico e o carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) removido deste animal. Ambos foram testados pela Reação em Cadeia pela Polimerase (PCR) para detectar o gene dsb, e as sequências analisadas confirmaram amostras 100% idênticas à E. canis. Baseado neste relato é discutida a importância dos gatos como vetores de E. canis e sua posição no ciclo de transmissão de carrapatos entre cães e gatos no Brasil

Dehydration and Hemodynamic Changes as Causa Mortis Associated with Trichuris vulpis in a Dog

Background: Trichuris vulpis, a species that belongs to Trichuris and shows a cosmopolitan distribution, parasitizes the gastrointestinal system of dogs causing trichuriasis. The infection occurs owing to ingestion of larval eggs and subsequent fixation of their adult form in the large intestine of the host. The objective of this paper is to report the case of a Border Collie dog that arrived at the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory (LPV) of the Federal University of Jataí (UFJ) after exhibiting signs of intense dehydration and sudden death caused by severe T. vulpis infection, and to elucidate the macroscopic and microscopic histopathological correlations observed during necropsy.Case: A 7-year-old male Border Collie dog was referred for routine necroscopic examination on suspicion of death from intoxication. In the history, there were reports of bone ingestion, restlessness, and polydipsia for three days, followed by sudden death. Although the animal presented an adequate body state during the necroscopic procedure, enophthalmia and pale oral and ocular mucosa were observed, which are characteristic signs of severe dehydration and anemia. On opening the abdominal cavity, the visceral serosa were found to be stained and severely dry. Greenish mucous content was observed throughout the intestine, and in the large intestine, a moderate amount of mucus associated with high parasitic infestation by elongated parasites attached to the mucosa was identified. The parasites were harvested, stored in airtight vials containing 70% alcohol, processed, and subsequently identified as T. vulpis.Discussion: The necroscopic findings associated with the histopathology were compatible with T. vulpis infestation at high parasite intensity, with severe destruction of the intestinal mucosa and inability of water absorption, resulting in severe dehydration. In cases of parasitism, villous atrophy with crypt hypertrophy occurs, a fact observed in the present case. Possibly crypt hypertrophy occurs prior to villous atrophy, and occurs independently of previous lesions of the absorptive compartment. This results in poor absorption. Advanced loss of gastrointestinal tract fluids can usually be extensive and lead to progressive dehydration with loss of isotonic and hypertonic fluids, which can also be observed in the observation of blood components, severely accelerating changes such as hypovolemia and posterior hemoconcentration. Hypovolemia from severe dehydration also decreases renal perfusion and reduces the rate of glomerular filtration. Hypovolemia also leads to decreased blood pumping capacity, which may lead to heart failure and pulmonary circulatory disorders with notable effects on gas exchange, which may cause hypoxemia and possibly lethal metabolic acidosis. The necropsy performed on the animal found a severe dehydration that could be sustained mainly owing to signs of hypovolemia, associated with a series of pathophysiological events with the massive presence of parasites identified as T. vulpis. The damage caused to the intestinal mucosa by the oral stylet, the movement, and toxins of the parasites led to a severe condition of villosities destruction and tissue necrosis, leading to a large loss of the absorption function of nutrients in the intestines and especially of water, resulting in a condition of severe dehydration. This imbalance of system functioning also alters cardiac function because of increased blood viscosity generating possible lardaceous clots, which in turn are indicative of anemia. This cycle of deleterious changes can result in hypovolemic shock and consequent sudden death

Misdiagnosis of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis: why do we still risk animal lives?

Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) is a tick-borne disease caused by Ehrlichia canis that manifests as acute, chronic, or subclinical forms without specific clinical symptoms. This disease is diagnosed using clinical and laboratory findings (blood smears, molecular techniques, and serology). This study aimed to demonstrate the occurrence of false-positive results for Ehrlichia spp. in veterinary clinical practice. Seventy dogs with positive blood smears before treatment for Ehrlichia spp. subjected to doxycycline and imidazole treatment were analyzed using hematological examination, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and indirect immunofluorescence assay. PCR analysis identified no samples positive for E. canis according to PCR analysis, while serological techniques showed a frequency of 51.4% in dogs with antibodies (IgG) against Ehrlichia spp. There was a correlation between hyperproteinemia and titers > 10,240. Nonspecific changes occurred in 24.3% (17/70) of the patients with CME, such as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. The results indicated that the blood count and blood smear analysis were insufficient for diagnosis and that positive serological results associated with hematological changes suggestive of ehrlichiosis in dogs can be incorrectly assigned by a veterinarian, putting animals at risk.A Erliquiose Monocítica Canina (EMC) é uma doença transmitida por carrapatos causada pela Ehrlichia canis, apresentando formas aguda, crônica ou subclínica, sem sintomatologia clínica específica. O diagnóstico da doença é baseado na associação entre achados clínicos e laboratoriais (esfregaços de sangue, técnicas moleculares e sorologia). O objetivo deste estudo foi demonstrar a ocorrência de resultados falso-positivos para Ehrlichia spp. na prática clínica veterinária. Neste contexto, 70 cães com esfregaços sanguíneos positivos, antes do tratamento, para Ehrlichia spp. submetidos ao tratamento com doxiciclina e/ou imizol foram analisados por exame hematológico, testados por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) e por ensaio de imunofluorescência indireta. Não houve a detecção de amostras positivas para E. canis pela análise de PCR, enquanto as técnicas sorológicas mostraram uma frequência de 51,4% de cães com anticorpos (IgG) contra Ehrlichia spp. Houve correlação entre hiperproteinemia e títulos > 10.240. 24,3% (17/70) apresentaram alterações inespecíficas que ocorreram na EMC, como anemia, leucopenia e trombocitopenia. Os resultados indicaram que o hemograma e a análise do esfregaço sanguíneo não foram suficientes para completar o diagnóstico em cães. No entanto, resultados sorológicos positivos associados a alterações hematológicas sugestivas de erliquiose em cães podem ser erroneamente atribuídos pelo veterinário, o que pode colocar em risco a vida dos animais

Comparação de tratamentos quimioterápicos em felino com vírus da leucemia felina(FELV) / Comparison of chemotherapy treatments in feline with feline leukaemia virus(FELV)

O linfoma é a neoplasia de maior prevalência em felinos, correspondendo a 90% das formações neoplásicas, sendo uma neoplasia maligna hematopoiética que tem origem em células linfóides desencadeada por inúmeros fatores, entre os quais está o vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV). O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar dois protocolos quimioterápicos antineoplásicos (ciclofosfamida + vincristina + prednisolona e clorambucila + prednisolona), utilizados em um felino FeLV positivo,com alterações físicas compatíveis com quadro de linfoma. Um felino, portador do vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV),dois anos após a infecção apresentou os sinais clínicos como perda de peso, inapetência, diarreias e vômitos, com desidratação de grau três e mucosas normocoradas. No exame ultrassonográfico, observou-se aumento acentuado na espessura da parede intestinal na porção do íleo e da parede da vesícula urinária, além do aumento nos linfonodos mesentéricos e presença de nódulo nos rins direito e esquerdo. Mediante o quadro clínico e exame ultrassonográfico, estabeleceu-se o tratamento quimioterápico. O tratamento foi realizado duas vezes com associações das drogas ciclofosfamida, vincristina e prednisolona, chamado protocolo COP. Após a segunda dose de COP o protocolo foi mudado para clorambucila em associação com prednisolona, que apresentou menos efeitos adversos, embora, menor resposta celular comparado ao protocolo anterior.A resposta celular do COP apresentou uma remissão dos nódulos renais, dos linfonodos mesentéricos e da espessura da parede da vesícula urinária, além de reduzir o espessamento da parede intestinal acentuadamente após a primeira dose, mas com muitos efeitos colaterais inviabilizando a continuidade do tratamento. 

Helminths parasites of stray dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) from Cuiabá, Midwestern of Brazil

Helmintos causam infecções respiratórias e gastrointestinais em animais, especialmente em neonatos e animais jovens. Algumas espécies de helmintos de animais domésticos possuem potencial zoonótico, se tornando um problema de saúde pública, especialmente quando adicionados a falta de informação da população sobre estas zoonoses e a falta de controle da população de hospedeiros. Este estudo objetivou identificar e quantificar as espécies de helmintos de cães não domiciliados na região de Cuiabá, Centro-Oeste do Brasil. Um total de 100 animais do Centro de Controle de Zoonoses de Cuiabá foram eutanasiados e necropsiados para a procura de helmintos. Ao todo 8.217 helmintos foram encontrados em 85 animais e identificados em seis espécies: Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma. braziliense, Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara canis, Dirofilaria immitis e Dipylidium caninum. Ficou evidente a alta distribuição de helmintos patogênicos para cães e especialmente com potencial zoonótico como A. caninum, T. canis, D. caninum e D. immitis. A presença de D. immitis é um achado importante, considerando o potencial zoonótico do agente, entretanto, o achado é considerado esporádico.Helminths cause respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in animals, especially in neonates and young animals. Some species of helminth parasites of domestic animals have zoonotic potential, becoming a public health problem, especially when combined with lack of information about the population of these zoonosis and lack of control over of their hosts. This study aimed to identify and quantify the species of helminths from dogs that are not domiciled in the region of Cuiabá, in the Midwest region of Brazil. A total of 100 animals, from the Center for Zoonosis Control of Cuiabá were euthanized and necropsied for helminth searching. Overall 8,217 helminths were found in 85 animals identified in six species: Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma. braziliense, Trichuris vulpis, Toxocara canis, Dirofilaria immitis and Dipylidium caninum. It was evidenced the wide distribution of helminths pathogenic to domestic dogs and especially with zoonotic potential as A. caninum, T. canis, D. caninum and D. immitis. The presence of D. immitis is an important finding, since it is a potentially zoonotic agent, however, this finding is considered sporadic

Exposure of Domestic Cats to Distinct <em>Ehrlichia canis</em> TRP Genotypes

Cats naturally exposed to Ehrlichia canis have been described in different regions of the world, but little is known about the genotypes associated with infection in these animals. To detect E. canis-specific antibodies and investigate the E. canis TRP genotypes in cats, serum samples from 76 domestic cats reactive to crude E. canis antigens by the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) were analyzed by ELISA, using E. canis-specific peptides (i.e., TRP19 and TRP36 /BR/US/CR). Of these, 25 (32.9%) cats reacted to at least one TRP peptide, confirming their specific exposure to E. canis. Eighteen (23.7%) cats reacted to TRP19, 15 (19.8%) to BRTRP36, and 11 (14.5%) to USTRP36, but none of them reacted to CRTRP36. Eight (10.5%) cats reacted to TRP19 but not to any TRP36 genotype, demonstrating the possible existence of a new E. canis genotype infecting felines. Nevertheless, this study provides the first report of anti-E. canis-specific antibodies in domestic cats

PREVALENCE OF ANTIBODIES AGAINST INFLUENZA VIRUS IN NON-VACCINATED EQUINES FROM THE BRAZILIAN PANTANAL

The prevalence of antibodies against Equine Influenza Virus (EIV) was determined in 529 equines living on ranches in the municipality of Poconé, Pantanal area of Brazil, by means of the hemagglutination inhibition test, using subtype H3N8 as antigen. The distribution and possible association among positive animal and ranches were evaluated by the chi-square test, spatial autoregressive and multiple linear regression models. The prevalence of antibodies against EIV was estimated at 45.2% (95% CI 30.2 - 61.1%) with titers ranging from 20 to 1,280 HAU. Seropositive equines were found on 92.0% of the surveyed ranches. Equine from non-flooded ranches (66.5%) and negativity in equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) (61.7%) were associated with antibodies against EIV. No spatial correlation was found among the ranches, but the ones located in non-flooded areas were associated with antibodies against EIV. A negative correlation was found between the prevalence of antibodies against EIV and the presence of EIAV positive animals on the ranches. The high prevalence of antibodies against EIV detected in this study suggests that the virus is circulating among the animals, and this statistical analysis indicates that the movement and aggregation of animals are factors associated to the transmission of the virus in the region.A prevalência de anticorpos para o vírus da Influenza Equina (VIE) no município de Poconé, MT. foi determinada em 529 equídeos pela técnica de Inibição da hemaglutinação utilizando como antígeno a variante H3N8 (SP/1/85). A distribuição da positividade e possíveis associações entre os animais e as propriedades foram avaliadas pelo teste do Qui-quadrado e pelos modelos espacial autoregressivo misto e de regressão linear múltipla. A prevalência de anticorpos para o VIE no município de Poconé foi estimada em 45,2% (IC 95% 30,2 - 61,1%) com títulos variando entre 20 e 1280UIH. Das fazendas analisadas 23 (92,0%) apresentaram animais soropositivos. Animais de fazendas não alagadas (66,5%) e negativos para Anemia Infecciosa Equina (AIE) (61,7%) foram associados a soropositividade. Não houve correlação espacial entre as fazendas estudadas, entretanto aquelas localizadas nas áreas não alagadas foram associadas à infecção. Observou-se correlação negativa entre a prevalência de anticorpos para o VIE e a presença de animais positivos para AIE nas propriedades. A elevada prevalência de anticorpos para o VIE detectada neste estudo sugere circulação viral ativa entre os animais, e as análises estatísticas indicam que o trânsito e aglomeração animal são fatores associados à transmissão do vírus na região