SEROPREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED OF Toxoplasma gondii INFECTION IN GOATS FROM THE PARÁ AND MARANHÃO STATES, BRAZIL

The epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in goats in the Amazon and pre-Amazon regions has been scarcely investigated, indicating that further studies are necessary to avoid losses in the production of small ruminants (due to factors such as: weight loss, low carcass yield and reproductive losses in the face of abortion cases), especially in the family context, as goat farming is the major income of small producers. Serum from 412 goats in Pará and Maranhão states were subjected to the Toxoplasma immunofluorescence antibody test for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. Of the total sample tested, 97 (23.5%) sera were positive for T. gondii. No statistical difference was found between the seroprevalence in Pará and Maranhão. The age of the animals showed a direct relationship with the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection. In Pará, farms where cats are fed placental remains and have access to the stable are 2.5 times more likely to be seropositive to T. gondii. In Maranhão, farms with more than six cats and those with goats older than 24 months of age are 4.5 and 2.0 times, respectively, more likely to be seropositive for T. gondii. Our results demonstrate that the sanitary handling of animals must consider the amount and access of cats to goats, and how to properly prevent the access and feeding of cats with placenta of goats. Animals older than 24 months were also considered an important risk factor associated with infection by T. gondii in goats.A epidemiologia da toxoplasmose em caprinos na região amazônica e pré-amazônica tem sido pouco estudada, havendo necessidade de mais estudos para evitar perdas na produção de pequenos ruminantes (queda de peso, baixo rendimento de carcaças e perdas reprodutivas face aos casos de abortamento), principalmente no âmbito familiar, pois a caprinocultura é a principal renda dos pequenos produtores. Soro de 412 caprinos nos estados do Pará e Maranhão foram submetidos a reação de imunofluorescência indireta para anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii. Do total de amostras testadas, 97 (23,5%) dos soros foram positivos para T. gondii. Não foi observada diferença estatística entre a soroprevalência no Estado do Pará e Maranhão. A idade dos animais apresentou uma relação direta com a soroprevalência de Toxoplasma. No Pará, propriedades onde gatos se alimentavam de restos de placenta dos caprinos e acessavam ao aprisco tinham 2,5 vezes mais chances de serem soropositivos para T. gondii. No Maranhão, propriedades com mais de seis gatos e caprinos com idade superior a 24 meses tinham 4,5 e 2,0 vezes, respectivamente, mais chances de serem soropositivo para T. gondii. Nossos resultados demonstram que o manejo sanitário dos animais deve levar em conta a quantidade e acesso de gatos aos caprinos, e impedir o acesso e alimentação de gatos com placenta de cabras. Animais com idade superior a 24 meses também foram considerados um importante fator de risco associado à infecção pelo T. gondii em caprinos

Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus in a Sow in El Oro Province - Ecuador

Background: Macracantorhincosis is a zoonotic disease resulting from inadequate sanitary conditions, which occurs in pigs infected by acanthocephalic helminths called Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus. The eggs of these parasites are resistant to cold, high temperatures and can survive up to three years in the soil. They are consumed by dung beetles of the Scarabeidae family causing the parasite to evolve into its infective form, the cystacanth. The pig becomes infected after ingestion of either larvae or adult forms of these coleoptera. This paper describes a case report of macracantorhincosis found in a pig from the canton of Zaruma located in the province of El Oro, Ecuador. Case: A female pig, approximately 24 months old, weighing 30 kg, presented cachexia, muscle weakness, pale oral and ocular mucosa and a body temperature (rectal) above 39.4°C. The animal had a bulge on the ventral side of the neck, which evolved causing progressive discomfort to the point that the animal stopped eating. The pig was dewormed for three consecutive days. Fifteen days later, the animal had convulsions and muscle tremors, and died some hours after the symptoms started. During necropsy procedure, pale digestive tract membranes and nodules with fibrin were observed in the small intestine (jejunum), which was incised and the presence of parasites adhered to the granulomas detected. Two granulomas for morphological and histological studies and stool samples for coproparasitic test were collected. The collected parasites were fixed in a 10% buffered formalin solution, cross-sections were made and routinely processed for histological studies. The 5-μm-thick sections were stained using the hematoxylin and eosin (HE) technique. The parasite’s action involves perforation of the intestinal wall though its proboscis causing peritonitis and enteritis. Other conditions in intestinal dissection such as necrotic areas, inflammation of the submucosa and adult parasites adhered to the intestinal mucosa were also observed. The coproparasitic examination was performed using the flotation and sedimentation techniques. The coproparasitic test detected dark colored feces, semi-solid consistency and the presence of Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceu eggs. In the histological evaluation of the cross section of the parasite, the presence of circular and longitudinal muscle fibers and lemniscus with their constrictor muscles was observed. Cuticle, hypodermis with tapered fibers and a large number of developing mature eggs were also reported.   Discussion: There is no pathognomonic symptomatology about this parasitosis, peritonitis can be generated by intestinal perforations. The findings at necropsy were ulcerations, inflammation in the small intestine and the presence of numerous nodules in the serous layer, where there was penetration of the parasite's proboscis. When fixed to the mucosa, these parasites cause ulcerations, inflammation and necrosis in the wall of the small intestine. The hypodermic layer is thicker than the muscular layer and the presence of leminis with their constricting muscles are typical features of acanthocephalus. It is considered appropriate to carry out epidemiological studies on the prevalence of the parasite Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus at pig farming system in the region, in order to determine the main risk factors. In Ecuador, cases of this disease in humans have not yet been reported, but have already been described in other countries, so the presence of this parasite in family swine farming may be considered a zoonotic-type risk factor. Keywords: pig, zoonotic disease, macrocanthorhincosis.  Título: Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus em uma porca da Província de El Oro - Equador. Descritores: suíno, doença zoonótica, macracantorrincose

Caracterização dos sistemas de produção de ovinos e caprinos na microrregião de Castanhal, Pará

O objetivo desse trabalho foi caracterizar os sistemas de produção de ovinos e caprinos na microrregião de Castanhal - Pará. Entre março de 2014 a maio de 2015 foram realizadas visitas a 60 propriedades criadoras de ovinos e caprinos da microrregião de Castanhal - PA, onde aplicou-se um questionário epidemiológico para obtenção de dados relacionados ao manejo produtivo, nutricional, sanitário e reprodutivo do rebanho, infraestrutura e gerenciamento das propriedades. O tipo de criação predominante era extensivo, com pastejo contínuo, com suplementação mineral somente em 46,6% das propriedades. Em 93,4% das propriedades o reprodutor era mantido junto com as fêmeas o ano inteiro, enquanto em apenas 3,4% utilizavam estação de monta e em 3,4% faziam monta controlada. As doenças relatadas como frequentes foram: parasitoses gastrointestinais (90%), afecções podais (80%), mortalidade de cordeiros (48,4%), linfadenite caseosa (31,7%), mastites (25%) e dermatite alérgica (20%). Também foram relatados abortos (10%), problemas respiratórios (6,7%), alterações nervosas (8,4%), ceratoconjuntivite (13,4%) e ectima contagioso (13,4%). A bovinocultura era a principal atividade desenvolvida pela maioria das propriedades do estudo e a ovinocaprinocultura secundária. Em 88,3% das propriedades não eram comercializados animais para o abate ou os reprodutores. Os resultados deste trabalho demonstraram que o nível de organização das criações de pequenos ruminantes era precário, sem utilização de técnicas de manejo e não possuíam assistência técnica, apresentando elevados índices de mortalidade, principalmente, pelas parasitoses gastrointestinais e problemas podais

Estudo soroepidemiológico de Brucella abortus, Toxoplasma gondii e vírus da artrite encefalite caprina em rebanhos caprinos nas unidades produtoras dos estados do Pará e Maranhão

This study aimed at searching for the occurrence and frequency levels of the antibodies anti- Brucella abortus, Toxoplasma gondii and the Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV) in caprine from 14 distinct production units within the states of Pará and Maranhão. In the state of Pará, animals from the municipalities of Benevides, Castanhal, Santa Izabel do Pará and Moju have been analyzed, whereas in the state of Maranhão the study covered the municipality of Chapadinha. The serological tests accomplished with the purpose of diagnosing brucellosis disease were, the Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen test (BAPA), employed as triage test, and the 2-Mercaptoetanol (2-Me), as confirmatory test. For the toxoplasmosis analysis the Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction (IIFR) and for CAEV the Agarose Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID) have been used respectively. The result of the brucellosis analysis has shown negativity in 100,0% of the studied samples. For toxoplasmosis and CAEV the respective incidences were 23,5% (97/412) and 21,6% (85/393). Statistical differences were observed in the relationship between anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and the age of the caprines, showing that animals over 24-month old have undergone more risks of being infected when compared to animals at early ages OR=2,15 (IC95% 1,19 – 3,88). On the other hand, the risk factors found for CAEV were: lack of knowledge about the disease OR=6,45 (IC95% 2,88-14,47); the use of non - disposable materials, OR=10,85 (IC95% 4,85-24,28); the free-range farming system OR=10,85 (IC95% 4,85-24,28), the semi-extensive farming system OR=3,71 (IC95% 1,64-8,35) and handling procedures OR=11,4 (IC95% 5,51-23,60). It has been concluded that the caprine production units from Pará and Maranhão showed positive results for the studied diseases in their livestock.Pesquisou-se a frequência da ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Brucella abortus, Toxoplasma gondii e vírus da artrite encefalite caprina (CAEV) em caprinos de 14 unidades produtoras localizadas dos Estados do Pará e Maranhão. No Estado do Pará foram analisados animais dos municípios de Benevides, Castanhal, Santa Izabel do Pará e Moju e no Estado do Maranhão, o município de Chapadinha. Os testes sorológicos realizados para o diagnóstico da brucelose foi o teste do Antígeno Acidificado Tamponado (AAT), como teste de triagem, e o 2- Mercaptoetanol (2-Me), como teste confirmatório. Para as análises de toxoplasmose foi utilizado a Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) e para CAEV Imunodifusão de Gel de Agarose (IDGA). O resultado das análises de brucelose mostrou-se negativo para 100,0% das amostras analisadas. Para toxoplasmose e CAEV a frequência obtida foi 23,5% (97/412) e 21,6% (85/393), respectivamente. Foi observada diferença estatística na relação entre a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii e a faixa etária dos caprinos, mostrando que animais com idade superior a 24 meses tiveram mais risco de estarem infectados quando comparados com animais mais novos OR= 2,15 (IC 95% 1,19 – 3,88). Já os fatores de risco encontrados para CAEV foram: falta de conhecimento da doença OR=6,45 (IC 95% 2,88-14,47); a não utilização de material descartável, OR=10,85 (IC 95% 4,85-24,28); sistema de criação extensivo OR=10,85 (IC 95% 4,85-24,28); sistema de criação semi-extensivo OR=3,71(IC 95% 1,64-8,39) e manejo OR=11,4 (IC 95% 5,51-23,60). Conclui-se que as unidades produtoras de caprinos dos Estados do Pará e Maranhão apresentam positividade em seus rebanhos para toxoplasmose e CAEV

Survival of Haemonchus contortus larvae in forage species in the Eastern Amazon

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desenvolvimento e a sobrevivência de larvas de terceiro estágio (L3) de Haemonchus contortus em forrageiras na Amazônia Oriental. Foram utilizados quatro canteiros compostos por Megathyrsus maximus 'Massai', M. maximus 'Mombaça', Urochloa brizantha 'Marandu' e Urochloa humidicola, os quais foram divididos em 13 parcelas cada um. Fezes de ovinos com cerca de 10.000 ovos de H. contortus foram depositadas em cada parcela. Amostras de capim, fezes e solo foram coletadas no no sétimo, no décimo quinto e no trigésimo dia pós-contaminação (DPC) e, sequencialmente, a cada 30 dias até o trecentésimo trigésimo DPC. Foram determinados os seguintes dados das gramíneas: microclimáticos, como temperatura, umidade relativa do ar, umidade do solo e luminosidade do capim, e macroclimáticos, como pluviosidade, temperatura, umidade relativa do ar e radiação solar. As larvas do terceiro estágio foram recuperadas em todas as amostras de gramíneas e solo, em todas as parcelas, do sétimo ao trecentésimo trigésimo DPC. Os parâmetros microclimáticos mostram correlações entre a recuperação de L3 na grama e no solo, e os parâmetros macroclimáticos, entre a recuperação de L3 nas fezes e na grama. Urochloa humidicola e M. maximus 'Massai' favorecem o desenvolvimento e a sobrevivência de L3 de H. contortus, enquanto U. brizantha 'Marandu' e M. maximus 'Mombaça' apresentam menor biodisponibilidade dessas larvas.The objective of this work was to evaluate the survival of third-stage larvae (L3) of Haemonchus contortus in forage species in the Eastern Amazon. Four paddocks composed of Megathyrsus maximus 'Massai', M. maximus 'Mombaça', Urochloa brizantha 'Marandu', and Urochloa humidicola were used and divided into 13 plots each. Sheep feces containing about 10,000 eggs of H. contortus were deposited in each plot. Grass, feces, and soil samples were collected on the seventh, fifteenth, and thirtieth day post-contamination (DPC), and, then, they were sequentially collected every 30 days until the three-hundredth and thirtieth DPC. The following data were determined for the grass species: microclimatic, such as temperature, relative humidity, soil moisture, and grass luminosity, as well as macroclimatic data for rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation. L3 were recovered on all grasses and soil samples, in all plots, from the seventh to the three-hundredth and thirtieth DPC. The microclimatic parameters show correlations between the L3 recovery on grass and in the soil, and the macroclimatic parameters, between the L3 recovery in feces and on grass. Urochloa humidicola and M. maximus 'Massai' favor the development and survival of L3 of H. contortus, while U. brizantha 'Marandu' and M. maximus 'Mombaça' show a lower bioavailability of these larvae.

Sustentabilidade no sistema de produção de leite em pequenas propriedades rurais em Bragança – Pará

A atividade leiteira tem um importante papel na sustentabilidade das unidades de base familiar, tanto no autoconsumo como na geração de renda, no entanto é necessário que seja economicamente viável para evitar a saída do homem do campo. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram fazer um acompanhamento técnico em propriedades leiteiras com intuito de maximizar a produção de leite a pasto, melhorar a qualidade do leite através da adoção de Boas Práticas de Produção e tornar os sistemas de produção de leite sustentável. Foi aplicado um questionário com intuito de obter informações sobre infraestrutura da unidade produtora, manejo dos animais e traçar o perfil dos produtores. Além disso, as alunas vivenciaram a rotina da propriedade desde a ordenha das vacas até a comercialização do leite. Como resultados alcançados têm-se a capacitação dos produtores rurais em adquirir animais com aptidão leiteira, manejo nutricional e sanitário adequado e adoção de boas práticas de produção de leite. Um trabalho sobre a sustentabilidade do sistema de produção leiteiro no município de Bragança-PA é bastante relevante, devido à falta de tecnologia e aplicação de manejos impróprios, resultando em produtos lácteos com baixo valor comercial e sem qualidade

Uso de Quimioterapia Metronômica em um Felino Doméstico com Carcinoma de Células Escamosas.

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant neoplasm associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light and lack of skin pigment in white-coated animals. The disease diagnosis is based on the animal's history, clinical signs and histopathology of the samples collected. The therapeutic alternatives are diverse. Among them, one of the most used is the metronomic chemotherapy which is based on the use of cytostatics drugs, applied in low and frequent doses for a longer period of time. One of the mechanisms of action of this type of therapy is the decrease in angiogenesis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are simultaneously used to maximize the angiogenic effect. The objective of this study is to report the results of a treatment accomplised with metronomic chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide with meloxicam) in a domestic feline which presented a squamous cell tumor. Case: A 7-year-old female cat, mixed breed, not neutered, weighing 3.5 kg, was assisted at the Veterinary Specialties Teaching Clinic (CEEV) of the Technical University of Machala (UTMACH), presenting bilateral ulcerative lesion in the nasal plane for 5 months. Chronic exposure to sunlight is referred to in the patient's anamnesis. Aspiration cytology performed in the patient revealed an inflammatory process with a predominance of neutrophils and macrophages, and showed absence of neoplastic cells. A treatment based on antibiotics and corticosteroids was adopted. As there were no favorable results, an excisional biopsy procedure was chosen to collect the affected tissues. The result of the histopathological analysis was a level 2 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The initial treatment consisted of surgical removal of the tumor and later the use of metronomic chemotherapy based on Cyclophosphamide, Meloxicam, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and Sucralfate for 5 months was adopted. At the beginning of the second phase of treatment, the patient developed a macula that progressively diminished. Currently, the patient does not have any recurrence of the diagnosed neoplasm. Discussion: The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was based on clinical and histopathological findings. The macroscopic lesions were crusted ulcers that do not heal in the nasal plane and auricular pavilion, as reported in the literature. SCC is characterized by the infiltration of squamous cells in the dermal layer of the skin, forming epithelial islands with keratin pearls. The histopathological findings of this case present the same characteristics. The climatic conditions of Ecuador, high temperatures with greater incidence of sunlight, hypopigmented areas of the animal's body and chronic exposure to solar radiation are risk factors present in this case that foster the development of this malignant neoplasm. There are multiple treatments to be introduced in this sort of pathology. In this case, surgical removal of the tumor was adopted, followed by metronomic chemotherapy based on cyclophosphamide at 10 mg/m2 and meloxicam at a 0.05 mg/kg per day for a period of time of five months, obtaining favorable results and absence of recurrence. Despite metronomic chemotherapy being easy to administer, with fewer side effects, which includes a better acceptance of care takers who are reluctant to administer conventional chemotherapy, further studies are still necessary in what concerns certain variables such as age, carcinoma level, appropriate dosages and drugs according to each neoplasm. Keywords: skin neoplasm, cytostatic drugs, feline. Título: Carcinoma de células escamosas em gato - tratamento com quimioterapia metrônica. Descritores: neoplasia da pele, droga citostática, felino. ABSTRACT Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant neoplasm associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light and lack of skin pigment in white-coated animals. The disease diagnosis is based on the animal's history, clinical signs and histopathology of the samples collected. The therapeutic alternatives are diverse. Among them, one of the most used is the metronomic chemotherapy which is based on the use of cytostatics drugs, applied in low and frequent doses for a longer period of time. One of the mechanisms of action of this type of therapy is the decrease in angiogenesis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are simultaneously used to maximize the angiogenic effect. The objective of this study is to report the results of a treatment accomplised with metronomic chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide with meloxicam) in a domestic feline which presented a squamous cell tumor. Case: A female domestic feline, mixed breed, not neutered, weighing 3.5 kg, about 7 years old, was assisted at the Veterinary Specialties Teaching Clinic (CEEV) of the Technical University of Machala (UTMACH), presenting bilateral ulcerative lesion in the nasal plane for 5 months. Chronic exposure to sunlight is referred to in the patient's anamnesis. Aspiration cytology performed in the patient revealed an inflammatory process with a predominance of neutrophils and macrophages, and showed absence of neoplastic cells. A treatment based on antibiotics and corticosteroids was adopted. As there were no favorable results, an excisional biopsy procedure was chosen to collect the affected tissues. The result of the histopathological analysis was a level 2 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The initial treatment consisted of surgical removal of the tumor and later the use of metronomic chemotherapy based on Cyclophosphamide, Meloxicam, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and Sucralfate for five months was adopted. At the beginning of the second phase of treatment, the patient developed a macula that progressively diminished. Currently, the patient does not have any recurrence of the diagnosed neoplasm. Discussion: The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was based on clinical and histopathological findings. The macroscopic lesions were crusted ulcers that do not heal in the nasal plane and auricular pavilion, as reported in the literature. SCC is characterized by the infiltration of squamous cells in the dermal layer of the skin, forming epithelial islands with keratin pearls. The histopathological findings of this case present the same characteristics. The climatic conditions of Ecuador, high temperatures with greater incidence of sunlight, hypopigmented areas of the animal's body and chronic exposure to solar radiation are risk factors present in this case that foster the development of this malignant neoplasm. There are multiple treatments to be introduced in this sort of pathology. In this case, surgical removal of the tumor was adopted, followed by metronomic chemotherapy based on cyclophosphamide at 10 mg/m2 and meloxicam at a 0.05 mg/kg per day for a period of time of five months, obtaining favorable results and absence of recurrence. Despite metronomic chemotherapy being easy to administer, with fewer side effects, which includes a better acceptance of care takers who are reluctant to administer conventional chemotherapy, further studies are still necessary in what concerns certain variables such as age, carcinoma level, appropriate dosages and drugs according to each neoplasm

Luxação de patela lateral, congênita, bilateral em cão: Relato de caso

Foi diagnosticado um caso de luxação patelar lateral bilateral congênita em um cão, macho, da raça Poodle, dois anos de idade, que inicialmente apresentava grau 3, evoluindo ao grau 4 no membro esquerdo após cirurgias para correção. A luxação patelar lateral é pouco frequente e afeta principalmente cães de raças grandes e gigantes, sendo condição rara em cães de raças pequena e miniatura

Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus in a Sow in El Oro Province - Ecuador

Background: Macracantorhincosis is a zoonotic disease resulting from inadequate sanitary conditions, which occurs in pigs infected by acanthocephalic helminths called Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus. The eggs of these parasites are resistant to cold, high temperatures and can survive up to three years in the soil. They are consumed by dung beetles of the Scarabeidae family causing the parasite to evolve into its infective form, the cystacanth. The pig becomes infected after ingestion of either larvae or adult forms of these coleoptera. This paper describes a case report of macracantorhincosis found in a pig from the canton of Zaruma located in the province of El Oro, Ecuador. Case: A female pig, approximately 24 months old, weighing 30 kg, presented cachexia, muscle weakness, pale oral and ocular mucosa and a body temperature (rectal) above 39.4°C. The animal had a bulge on the ventral side of the neck, which evolved causing progressive discomfort to the point that the animal stopped eating. The pig was dewormed for three consecutive days. Fifteen days later, the animal had convulsions and muscle tremors, and died some hours after the symptoms started. During necropsy procedure, pale digestive tract membranes and nodules with fibrin were observed in the small intestine (jejunum), which was incised and the presence of parasites adhered to the granulomas detected. Two granulomas for morphological and histological studies and stool samples for coproparasitic test were collected. The collected parasites were fixed in a 10% buffered formalin solution, cross-sections were made and routinely processed for histological studies. The 5-μm-thick sections were stained using the hematoxylin and eosin (HE) technique. The parasite’s action involves perforation of the intestinal wall though its proboscis causing peritonitis and enteritis. Other conditions in intestinal dissection such as necrotic areas, inflammation of the submucosa and adult parasites adhered to the intestinal mucosa were also observed. The coproparasitic examination was performed using the flotation and sedimentation techniques. The coproparasitic test detected dark colored feces, semi-solid consistency and the presence of Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceu eggs. In the histological evaluation of the cross section of the parasite, the presence of circular and longitudinal muscle fibers and lemniscus with their constrictor muscles was observed. Cuticle, hypodermis with tapered fibers and a large number of developing mature eggs were also reported.   Discussion: There is no pathognomonic symptomatology about this parasitosis, peritonitis can be generated by intestinal perforations. The findings at necropsy were ulcerations, inflammation in the small intestine and the presence of numerous nodules in the serous layer, where there was penetration of the parasite's proboscis. When fixed to the mucosa, these parasites cause ulcerations, inflammation and necrosis in the wall of the small intestine. The hypodermic layer is thicker than the muscular layer and the presence of leminis with their constricting muscles are typical features of acanthocephalus. It is considered appropriate to carry out epidemiological studies on the prevalence of the parasite Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus at pig farming system in the region, in order to determine the main risk factors. In Ecuador, cases of this disease in humans have not yet been reported, but have already been described in other countries, so the presence of this parasite in family swine farming may be considered a zoonotic-type risk factor. Keywords: pig, zoonotic disease, macrocanthorhincosis.  Título: Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus em uma porca da Província de El Oro - Equador. Descritores: suíno, doença zoonótica, macracantorrincose

Thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications of COVID-19 in adults hospitalized in high-income countries compared with those in adults hospitalized in low- and middle-income countries in an international registry

Background: COVID-19 has been associated with a broad range of thromboembolic, ischemic, and hemorrhagic complications (coagulopathy complications). Most studies have focused on patients with severe disease from high-income countries (HICs). Objectives: The main aims were to compare the frequency of coagulopathy complications in developing countries (low- and middle-income countries [LMICs]) with those in HICs, delineate the frequency across a range of treatment levels, and determine associations with in-hospital mortality. Methods: Adult patients enrolled in an observational, multinational registry, the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infections COVID-19 study, between January 1, 2020, and September 15, 2021, met inclusion criteria, including admission to a hospital for laboratory-confirmed, acute COVID-19 and data on complications and survival. The advanced-treatment cohort received care, such as admission to the intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation, or inotropes or vasopressors; the basic-treatment cohort did not receive any of these interventions. Results: The study population included 495,682 patients from 52 countries, with 63% from LMICs and 85% in the basic treatment cohort. The frequency of coagulopathy complications was higher in HICs (0.76%-3.4%) than in LMICs (0.09%-1.22%). Complications were more frequent in the advanced-treatment cohort than in the basic-treatment cohort. Coagulopathy complications were associated with increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.52-1.64). The increased mortality associated with these complications was higher in LMICs (58.5%) than in HICs (35.4%). After controlling for coagulopathy complications, treatment intensity, and multiple other factors, the mortality was higher among patients in LMICs than among patients in HICs (odds ratio, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.39-1.51). Conclusion: In a large, international registry of patients hospitalized for COVID-19, coagulopathy complications were more frequent in HICs than in LMICs (developing countries). Increased mortality associated with coagulopathy complications was of a greater magnitude among patients in LMICs. Additional research is needed regarding timely diagnosis of and intervention for coagulation derangements associated with COVID-19, particularly for limited-resource settings