Susceptibility of Mice to Trypanosoma evansi Treated with Human Plasma Containing Different Concentrations of Apolipoprotein L-1

The aim of this study was to test the susceptibility of mice to Trypanosoma evansi treated with human plasma containing different concentrations of apolipoprotein L-1 (APOL1). For this experiment, a strain of T. evansi and human plasma (plasmas 1, 2, and 3) from 3 adult males clinically healthy were used. In vivo test used 50 mice divided in 5 groups (A to E) with 10 animals in each group. Animals of groups B to E were infected, and then treated with 0.2 ml of human plasma in the following outline: negative control (A), positive control (B), treatment with plasma 1 (C), treatment with plasma 2 (D), and treatment with plasma 3 (E). Mice treated with human plasma showed an increase in longevity of 40.9±0.3 (C), 20±9.0 (D) and 35.6±9.3 (E) days compared to the control group (B) which was 4.3±0.5 days. The number of surviving mice and free of the parasite (blood smear and PCR negative) at the end of the experiment was 90%, 0%, and 60% for groups C, D, and E, respectively. The quantification of APOL1 was performed due to the large difference in the treatments that differed in the source plasma. In plasmas 1, 2, and 3 was detected the concentration of 194, 99, and 115 mg/dl of APOL1, respectively. However, we believe that this difference in the treatment efficiency is related to the level of APOL1 in plasmas

Using of essential oils in the treatment of mice infected with Trypanosoma evansi

Objective. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of copaiba, andiroba and aroeira essential oils for controlling trypanosomosis by Trypanosoma evansi with mice as experimental model. Materials and methods. Sixty-six mice were divided into eleven groups (A to L) with six animals each. Group A was the unique composed by healthy and uninfected animals (negative control). Animals in groups B to L were inoculated with 0.1 mL of blood containing 2.7 x 106 trypanosomes. Group B was used as a positive control without treatment. In experiment were tested copaiba (C, D and E), andiroba (F, G and H) and aroeira (I, J and L) oils at doses of 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 mL kg-1 to infected mice (T. evansi). Results. These protocols did not provide curative efficacy; however, the mice treated with highest dose of copaiba showed a significant increase in the longevity when compared others groups. Conclusions. Previously in our studies, these essential oils have shown trypanocidal activity in vitro, but when they were tested in vivo in mice infected with T. evansi, this trypanocidal activity, or the curative effect was not found, being only able to prolong the lifespan of the animals treated with copaiba oil

Influence of gastrointestinal parasitism on biochemical variables in blood of laying hens

ABSTRACT Objective. This study describes the influence of endoparasites and diet on biochemical variables in sera of brown laying hens. Materials and methods. Biochemical parameters (seric levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, uric acid, albumin, and alanine aminotransferase activity) were assessed in blood samples of poultry. Three populations of laying hens of different properties (n=20 each) represented our experimental design, from which blood (serum) and feces were collected for biochemical and parasitological analyzes, respectively. Results. From 60 feces samples evaluated 49 were positive for the presence of parasites and 11 were negative. Among the positive samples, 23 had infection with Eimeria spp and the other 26 samples had mixed parasitism with Eimeria spp and Heterakis gallinarum, which influenced (increasing) the levels of total protein and globulin. However, when parasites were analyzed separately, it was observed that the infection by Eimeria spp affected parameters such as cholesterol (which increased, p=0.001) and triglycerides, showing lower results than when the hen was parasitized by Eimeria spp. (p=0.01). Significant (p<0.05) difference was observed in all biochemical variables when the three diets were compared. Conclusions. Our results allowed concluding that the parasitic infection and diet in laying hens influenced the results of serum biochemical parameters evaluated. The main conclusion we found that parasitism caused an increase in total protein and globulin (ie immune response), and there was a negative correlation between parasite load and albumin, uric acid and ALT

Efecto de la carga animal y el tipo de piso sobre el rendimiento, la temperatura de la piel y leucograma en la cría de cerdos

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance, thermoregulatory characteristics and the leucogram of growing finishing pigs reared in different stocking rates kept on compact floor pens or with shallow pool pens. Material and methods. Thirty-six pigs were used in two steps (total of 72 animals were used). In the first step it was analysed performance pig (daily feed intake, weight gain and feed: gain ratio) and backfat thickness (P2). In the second step, the same analyzes were repeated, in addition, analysis of leucogram and skin temperature was performad in P2 and anal region, at the end of growing and finishing phase. Results. It was evaluated for differences between treatments and stocking. It was not found effect of floor type on growing phase, but the use of shallow pool had a negative effect on the gain and feed: gain ration in the finishing phase. Increasing linear effect on backfat thickness as the stocking rate was reduced, as well as lower surface temperature in the anal region on treatment with shallow pool in the finishing phase. No effect of treatments and type of floor on leucogram pigs. Allowing more space/animal decreased backfat thickness. The use of shallow pool affected negatively the performance in the finishing phase. Conclusions. The shallow pool uses impair the finishing pig performance, despite improving thermolysis, with no effect observed on cell immune response.Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el rendimiento, las características de termorregulación, y el leucograma de cerdos de engorde, criados en diferentes densidad mantenidos en corrales de piso compactos o en piscinas de poca profundidad. Material y métodos. Treinta y seis cerdos se utilizaron en dos etapas (un total de 72 animalles utilizados). En el primer paso, se analizaron las características zootécnicas (consumo diario de alimento, ganancia de peso y alimento: ganancia) y el espesor de grasa dorsal (P2). En el segundo paso, los mismos análisis se repitieron, además, el análisis de leucograma y temperatura de la piel se realizó en P2 y la región anal, al final del crecimiento y del acabado de fase. Resultados. Se evaluaron las diferencias entre los tratamientos y media. No se encontró efecto del tipo de suelo en fase de crecimiento, pero el uso de la piscina de poca profundidad tuvo un efecto negativo sobre la ganancia y la alimentación: ración de ganancia en la fase de acabado. El aumento de efecto lineal de espesor de grasa dorsal como la tasa media se redujo, así como una menor temperatura de la superficie en la región anal en el tratamiento con piscina de poca profundidad en la fase de acabado. No hubo efecto de los tratamientos y tipo de suelo sobre el Leucograma de los cerdos. Permitiendo más espacio/animal disminuyó el espesor de grasa dorsal. El uso de la piscina de poca profundidad afectó negativamente al rendimiento en la fase de acabado. Conclusiones. El uso de la piscina de poca profundidad afectó el rendimiento de los cerdos de acabado, a pesar de la mejora de termólisis, sin efecto visible en la respuesta inmune celular

La adición de diseleniuro de difenilo en las dietas de codorniz mejora la calidad de la carne

Objetivo. El diseleniuro de difenilo (Ph2Se2) es un compuesto de selenio orgánico que es conocido por sus características antioxidantes. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar si Ph2Se2 en las dietas de codorniz (Coturnix japonica) influye en el estado oxidativo/antioxidante y la calidad de la carne. Materiales y métodos. Se proporcionaron cuatro dietas (0; 0.3; 0.6; 0.9 ppm Ph2Se2) a 56 codornices machos (Coturnix japonica) distribuidas en un diseño completamente aleatorizado con 14 repeticiones para verificar si Ph2Se2 cambiaría su sangre y tejido oxidativo/antioxidante, estado, lo que llevaría a una mejora en la calidad de la carne. Resultados. La adición de Ph2Se2 en las dietas provocó un aumento de la actividad antioxidante de enzimas como la catalasa, la superóxido dismutasa y la glutatión peroxidasa, lo que redujo los niveles de oxidación en la sangre y los tejidos. Además de eso, observamos una mejora en la calidad de la carne de codorniz; en otras palabras, observamos una mayor capacidad para retener agua, una reducción en la pérdida de agua debido a la cocción y una menor intensidad del color amarillo en las mamas de las aves que fueron alimentadas con Ph2Se2. Conclusiones. Por lo tanto, concluimos que la mejora de la defensa antioxidante en los tejidos proporcionada por Ph2Se2 tiene un efecto beneficioso sobre la calidad de la carne

Trichostrongylus and Haemonchus anthelmintic resistance in naturally infected sheep from southern Brazil

ABSTRACT The anthelmintic resistance in small ruminants is a common problem and concern worldwide. The aim of this study was to verify anthelmintic treatment efficacy in naturally infected sheep. This study was conducted on nine herds that used the same anthelmintic management for over a year. In each farm, the animals were divided into two groups: untreated control group (n = 5) and treated (n = 10) according to the number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG). The treatment effect was checked based on EPG results and larval culture performed before treatment and 10 days after treatment. Significant differences were not observed (P &gt; 0.05) on EPG results between untreated and treated groups. The coproculture showed that the animals were infected primarily by Haemonchus spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Teladorsagia spp., Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum spp. In all farms, anthelmintic resistance by genera Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus was found, but this resistance varied greatly between farms. Haemonchus spp. showed resistance to closantel, levamisole, and albendazole. Trichostrongylus spp. was shown to be resistant to closantel, levamisole, and albendazole. The drugs tested showed to be efficient against the genera Teladorsagia, Cooperia, and Oesophagostomum. Based on these results, we conclude that the anthelmintic resistance to the tested drugs is a problem present in the farms evaluated

Microencapsulated herbal components in the diet of Lacaune ewes: impacts on physiology and milk production and quality

Abstract This study aimed to determine whether the addition of a microencapsulated herbal blend (MHB) based on thymol, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde in dairy sheep feed would improve production efficiency, milk quality, and animal health. Thirty lactating Lacaune ewes were divided into three groups: Control (T0), 150 mg blend/kg of feed (T150), and 250 mg blend/kg of feed (T250). Milk was measured before the beginning of the experiment (d 0), at the end of the adaptation period (d 15), and during the experiment (d 20). In milk samples, was measured the composition, somatic cell count (SCC), reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipoperoxidation (LPO), and total antioxidant capacity. The MHB improved the milk production (only T150 vs. T0 sheep on d 20), productive efficiency and feed efficiency, and reduced the milk SCC (only T250 vs. T0 sheep, on d 20), ROS and tended to reduce the milk levels of LPO (only T250 vs. T0 sheep on d 20). Also, MHB reduced the blood levels of neutrophils and ROS (only T250 vs. T0 sheep on d 20) and increased total protein and globulin levels. Thus, a microencapsulated blend of thymol, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde improved the productive performance and milk quality of sheep

Biochemical detection of E-ADA on Neospora caninum tachyzoites and the effects of a specific enzymatic inhibitor

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the presence and activity of the ecto adenosine deaminase (E-ADA) enzyme in tachyzoites of Neospora caninum (Nc-1 strain), as well as to assess the activity of a well-known E-ADA inhibitor, the deoxycoformycin. Materials and methods. The parasites were grown in cell culture, being subsequently separated in a pellet of tachyzoites, on which the E-ADA activity was tested using the concentrations 0 (control), 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg mL-1. Results. The E-ADA showed high activity, progressively increasing its activity according to the enhancement of the protein concentration. The test was carried out with different concentrations of deoxycoformycin, showing that it was able to inhibit the E-ADA present on the free form of the parasite. Conclusions. Based on these results we conclude that the E-ADA is present on tachyzoites of N. caninum, and deoxycoformycin is able to inhibit this enzyme. In this sense, knowing the negative impact of N. caninum on reproductive issue in cattle (mainly abortion), might it is an alternative in order to deal with this parasitic infection. Key words: adenosine deaminase, deoxycoformycin, neosporosis (Source: CAB, MeSH)

Influencia de la infección subclínica por agentes de la fiebre por garrapatas en vacas lecheras

ABSTRACTObjective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of subclinical infection by agents of tick fever in dairy cattle on milk parameters, such as production, composition, and quality. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in a private farm with 75 free-stall-housed dairy cows, from which 37 were evaluated. Monthly, individual milk samples were collected for compositional (fat, lactose, protein, and total solids) and quality (somatic cell counts (SCC)) analyses. In addition, blood samples were collected in order to identify cows that were tick fever-negative and positive by PCR for one or more of the following etiological agents: Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale. Results. The results showed increased SCC in positive animals for at least one of the agents when compared to non-infected cows (p&lt;0.05). Milk production was significantly lower in A. marginale positive animals (p&lt;0.05). An increase of about 40% in milk solids content was found in B. bovis positive cows. Also, an increment of approximately 23% in lactose was found on cows positives for B. bigemina. Conclusions. We may conclude that the presence of at least one of these parasites in dairy cattle affects composition or quality of their milk.RESUMENObjetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la infección subclínica por agentes de la fiebre por garrapatas en el ganado lechero en producción de leche, la composición y calidad. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se realizó en una finca privada con 75 vacas lecheras alojadas-libre puesto, y de estas se evaluaron 37. Se recogieron muestras de leche individuales mensuales para determinar la composición (grasa, lactosa, proteína y sólidos totales) y la calidad (recuento de células somáticas (SCC)). Además, se recogieron muestras de sangre para identificar vacas que fueron negativas a fiebre de garrapatas y positivos por PCR para uno o más de los siguientes agentes etiológicos: Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina y Anaplasma marginale. Resultados. Los resultados mostraron un aumento de SCC en los animales positivos, al menos para uno de los agentes cuando se comparó con vacas no infectadas (p&lt;0.05). La producción de leche fue significativamente menor en A. marginale animales positivos (p&lt;0.05). Un aumento de aproximadamente el 40% en el contenido de sólidos de la leche fue encontrado en vacas positivas a B. bovis. También, un incremento de aproximadamente el 23% de la lactosa se encontró en vacas positivas para B. bigemina. Conclusiones. Se puede concluir que la presencia de al menos uno de estos parásitos en el ganado lechero afecta composición o calidad de su leche

Suplemento de difenil diselenuro inyectable en ovejas lecheras

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of subcutaneous supplementation with diphenyl diselenide ((PhSe)2) in dairy sheep infected with gastrointestinal nematodes on animal health and possible damage to environment when the feces of these animals will be used for fertilizing. Materials and methods. The experiment was performed using 16 primipara dairy sheep, that were divided into two groups: the group A as control and the group B supplemented with 3 µmol/kg of (PhSe)2 subcutaneously. Blood samples were used to determine the hepatic function, as well as the protein and lipid metabolism in animals. Feces were used to determine the number of helminths eggs per gram of feces (EPG), as well as used for ecotoxicology tests. Results. The (PhSe)2 supplementation not affected the helminths reproduction, since the EPG did not differ (p&gt;0.05) between groups. Total protein and globulin levels increase (p&lt;0.05) in supplemented animals, while the seric alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels decrease (p&lt;0.05) in the end of experimental design. Cholesterol levels increase (p&lt;0.05) in the supplemented animals, while triglycerides, albumin and urea not differ between groups (p&gt;0.05). The feces of supplemented sheep not interfered the springtails reproduction. Conclusions. At the administered dose, the (PhSe)2 is not able to control the parasitism, however, it did increase the globulins and cholesterol levels, that are important to immune response and for sheep reproduction, respectively. Also, the feces of supplemented animals with (PhSe)2 can be used as organic fertilizing, without negative impacts to environment.Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la influencia de la suplementación subcutánea con diselenuro de difenilo (PhSe)2 en ovejas lecheras infectadas con nematodos sobre la salud animal y posible daño al ambiente cuando las heces de estos animales se utilicen para fertilizar. Materiales y métodos. El experimento se realizó utilizando 16 ovejas lecheras, que se dividieron en dos grupos: el grupo A se usó como control y el grupo B se suplementó con 3 µmol/kg of (PhSe)2 vía subcutánea. Se utilizaron muestras de sangre para determinar la función hepática, así como el metabolismo de proteínas y lípidos en animales. Las heces se utilizaron para determinar el número de huevos por gramo de heces (EPG), así como para las pruebas de ecotoxicología. Resultados. La suplementación (PhSe)2 no afectó la reproducción de helmintos. Los niveles totales de proteína y globulina aumentan (p&lt;0.05) en los animales suplementados, mientras que los niveles séricos de alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) disminuyen (p&lt;0.05) al final del diseño experimental. Los niveles de colesterol aumentan (p&lt;0.05) en los animales suplementados, mientras que los triglicéridos, la albúmina y la urea no difieren entre los grupos (p&gt;0.05). Las heces de ovejas suplementadas no interferían en la reproducción de las colas de caballo. Conclusiones. A la dosis administrada, el (PhSe)2 no es capaz de controlar el parasitismo; sin embargo, aumenta los niveles de globulinas y colesterol, que son importantes para la respuesta inmune y para la reproducción, respectivamente. Las heces de animales suplementados pueden usarse como fertilizantes orgánicos, sin impactos negativos en el ambiente.