Natural infection by endoparasites among free-living wild animals Infecção natural por endoparasitas em animais silvestres de vida-livre

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of occurrence and variety of intestinal parasites among free-living wild animals. Fecal samples from wild mammals and birds at rehabilitation centers in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo were analyzed by sedimentation and flotation-centrifugation methods. Parasite eggs, oocysts, cysts and/or trophozoites were found in 71% of the samples. Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts were detected in fecal samples from oncillas (Leopardus tigrinus) and scaly-headed parrots (Pionus maximiliani). Giardia cysts were identified in the feces of a gray brocket (Mazama gouazoubira). Among the most common parasites found, there were eggs from Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina and Ancylostoma tubaeforme, and from Cestoda. Several Enterobius sp. eggs were found in the feces of red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus). It can be concluded from this study that despite the small number of samples, the diversity of parasites found was noteworthy. Additional information about parasite endofauna in wild animals is needed, since their presence might suggest that there could be proximity to and interactions with domestic animals and/or humans. In addition, further studies on parasites from free-living wild animals are of prime importance for understanding the intensity of anthropic changes in wild environments

Clinical effectiveness of autohemotherapy as an adjuvant in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in naturally infected sheep

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of autohemotherapy as an adjuvant in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. Four experimental groups were formed: G1, 10 animals receiving autologous venous blood; G2, 10 animals receiving autologous venous blood and vermifuge containing levamisole; G3, 10 animals receiving only vermifuge containing levamisole; and G4, 10 animals as the control group receiving no treatment. We performed fecal egg count (eggs per gram, EPG) of strongyles, larval culture, hemogram, leukogram, and serum protein dosage prior to the start of treatment (D0), and on days 14 (D14) and 42 (D42). There was a significant decrease in the EPG of the groups receiving levamisole (G2 and G3) from D14 to the end of the experimental period. At the end of the evaluations, the mean EPG of G2 and G3 was significantly lower than that of G1 and G4. The most common nematode genus was Haemonchus (88%), and the least common was Trichostrongylus (1%). The Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) of G2 and G3 on D14 were 98.1% and 97.9%, respectively, however, in G1, the FECRT was zero on the two days when evaluation took place. G1 and G2 showed a significant increase in monocyte counts on D14 and D42. There was a significant increase in hematocrit and hemoglobin values in G2 and G3, however, a significant increase in the absolute value of red blood cells was observed only in G2. Two doses of autohemotherapy at 21-day intervals, administered alone or as an adjuvant to levamisole, is ineffective in controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in naturally infected sheep. Keywords: autologous whole blood; FECRT; isotherapic; levamisole; small ruminant

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium in ruminants and observation of natural infection by Cryptosporidium andersoni in sheep from Paraná, Brazil

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify Cryptosporidium species found in cattle and sheep in Paraná, southern region of Brazil. Individual fecal samples from 458 bovines and 101 sheep were submitted for molecular analysis by PCR and nested PCR using specific primers for sequences of the 18S ribosomal unit (rRNA). Positive samples were analyzed using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), followed by genetic sequencing for species confirmation. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium was 11.27% (63/559). The highest occurrence was detected in lambs (12/59, 20.33%). From the 63 positive samples, it was possible to identify the species in 58 of them by RFLP and genetic sequencing. Five species of Cryptosporidium were identified: Cryptosporidium andersoni, Cryptosporidium bovis, Cryptosporidium ryanae, Cryptosporidium xiaoi, and Cryptosporidium parvum. The most prevalent species was C. andersoni (41.38%) and the least predominant was C. parvum (10.34%). The most abundant species of Cryptosporidium in dairy calves were C. andersoni (11/25) and C. ryanae (6/25). Of the 17 positive sheep, nine (52.94%) were infected with C. andersoni. This finding is the first report on the occurrence of C. andersoni in naturally infected sheep in Brazil and the first observation of a high absolute occurrence of this Cryptosporidium species in sheep

Blood Pressure, Serum Glucose, Cholesterol, and Triglycerides in Dogs with Different Body Scores

The objective of this research was to determine the frequency for the occurrence of MS in dogs, using the criteria determined, and to correlate the criteria of dogs that would characterize the MS with different body condition score (BCS). 271 dogs with different body scores were studied, with 101 dogs with BCS 4-5; 101 dogs with BCS 6-7; and 69 dogs with BCS 8-9. Among the dogs studied, 62 (22,87%) had two or more inclusion criteria for MS. Of these, 28 had BCS 6-7, while 34 dogs had BCS 8-9. Therefore, 27,72% of overweight dogs had inclusion criteria for MS and 49,27% of obese ones had two or more inclusion criteria for MS. When only overweight and obese dogs were considered as a total population, it was observed that 36,47% got inclusion criteria for the MS. No dog with BCS 4-5 showed two or more inclusion criteria for MS. The metabolic syndrome, according to the parameters for inclusion defined in the literature, was observed in 22,87% of the animals studied and in 36% of dogs overweight or obese. Furthermore, MS was most common in obese (49%) compared to overweight dogs (27%)

Biological and genotypic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from free ranges chickens from Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul

Apesar de o protozoário Toxoplasma gondii ser considerado a única espécie válida para o gênero, são reconhecidas três linhagens clonais, denominadas Tipo I, Tipo II e Tipo III, predominantes em países da Europa ocidental e Estados Unidos. Com a pesquisa de amostras deste parasito provenientes de outras regiões do mundo, como no caso do Brasil, várias outras configurações genotípicas diferentes das dos arquétipos mencionados acima vêm sendo encontradas. Neste trabalho, quarenta galinhas/galos (Gallus domesticus) de criação livre de oito propriedades rurais de áreas limítrofes ao Pantanal da Nhecolândia no estado do Mato Grosso do Sul foram eutanasiadas e amostras de sangue, cérebro e coração foram coletadas. O sorodiagnóstico foi realizado através do Teste de Aglutinação Modificado (MAT) e, com um pool de órgãos dos animais positivos, foi realizado bioensaio em camundongos. Foram obtidos, após o bioensaio, 11 isolados de T. gondii. O DNA foi extraído dos tecidos dos camundongos infectados e a tipificação dos isolados foi realizada utilizando 12 marcadores PCR-RFLP, genericamente denominados SAG1, 5´3´SAG2, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico e CS3. Vinte e sete galinhas (67,5%) foram sorologicamente positivas para T. gondii e 13 (32,5%) foram negativas. Das amostras soropositivas, 7 (25,9%) foram positivas na diluição 1:5, 3 (11,1%) em 1:10, 2 (7,4%) em 1:20, 3 (11,1%) em 1:320, 1 (3,7%) em 1:640, 3 (11,1%) em 1:1280, 2 (7,4%) em 1:2560, 4 (14,8%) em 1:5120 e 2 (7,4%) em 1:10240. Quanto à genotipagem, cinco genótipos foram revelados nos 11 isolados de galinhas de cinco propriedades do município de Aquidauana e uma propriedade do município de Rio Verde do Mato Grosso, incluindo um genótipo misto encontrado em um isolado (TgCkBr198) que demonstrou um complexo cujos padrões são uma combinação de 2 alelos observados em oito loci. Dois genótipos foram descritos pela primeira vez, considerando os 140 isolados de galinhas de diferentes regiões brasileiras avaliadas em estudos anteriores. Os resultados corroboram com estudos anteriores sobre os isolados de T. gondii no Brasil, confirmando sua diversidade e atipicidade.Despite the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is considered the only valid species for the genus, three clonal lineages are recognized, known as the Type I, Type II and Type III, which predominate in Western European countries and the USA. The search for samples of this parasite from other regions of the world, as in the case of Brazil, has revealed different genotypes other than the archetypes above mentioned. In this study, forty free range chickens (Gallus domesticus) of eight farms from areas belonging to the Pantanal Nhecolândia in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul were euthanized and samples of blood, brain and heart were collected. The serodiagnosis was performed using the technique of modified agglutination test (MAT) and a pool of organs of seropositive animals was used to perform the bioassay in mice. It was obtained 11 isolates of T. gondii. DNA was extracted from tissues of infected mice and characterization of isolates was performed using 12 PCR-RFLP markers, known generically SAG1, 5\'3\'SAG2, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, C29-2, L358, PK1, Apico and CS3. Twenty-seven chickens (67.5%) were serologically positive for T. gondii and 13 (32.5%) were negative. Among the seropositive samples, 7 (25.9%) were positive at 1:5 dilution, 3 (11.1%) in 1:10, 2 (7.4%) in 1:20, 3 (11.1%) at 1:320, 1 (3.7%) at 1:640, 3 (11.1%) in 1:1280, 2 (7.4%) in 1:2560, 4 (14.8%) on 1:5120 and 2 (7.4%) at 1:10240. With regard to genotyping, five genotypes were found within 11 isolates from chickens from five properties in the municipality of Aquidauana and one property of the municipality of Rio Verde of Mato Grosso, including a mixed genotype found in one isolate (TgCkBr198) that showed a complex pattern which is a combination of 2 alleles observed at eight loci. Two genotypes have been described for the first time, considering the 140 isolates from chickens in different Brazilian regions evaluated in previous studies. The results corroborate with previous studies on the isolates of T. gondii in Brazil, confirming their diversity and atypicality

Phyto-biotherapy to control gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep

A resistência parasitária e a tendência dos últimos anos de mudança para sistemas orgânicos tem resultado em diversas alternativas de manejo animal como a seleção de raças resistentes, integração com outras espécies animais, fitoterapia, fungos nematófagos, vacinas contra nematódeos, entre outros. Visando uma alternativa para controle da verminose ovina, objetivou-se analisar o efeito da administração de larvas inativadas de Haemonchus associadas ou não a alho in natura no controle de nematódeos gastrointestinais em ovinos naturalmente infectados. Para tanto, 32 ovinos foram avaliados por até 144 dias após tratamentos com larvas inativadas de Haemonchus e/ou alho in natura, quanto à diminuição da eliminação de ovos nas fezes (taxa de Redução na Contagem de Ovos nas Fezes - RCOF), eficiência destes tratamentos sob os gêneros de helmintos e alterações hematológicas. Observou-se aumento significativo na contagem de OPG dos grupos G1 (controle) e G4 (alho in natura). Ao final do experimento observou-se menor contagem de OPG no G3 (larvas inativadas + alho in natura) em relação ao G1, mas sem diferença significativa entre o G3 e os outros tratamentos. Quanto a RCOF, verificou-se redução média de 44% na contagem de ovos do grupo G2 (larvas inativadas) e do grupo G3 e um aumento de 44% no grupo G4. A eficácia dos tratamentos sob o gênero Haemonchus variou de 0 a 77%, sendo esta ultima taxa observada 67 dias no G3, justamente 7 dias depois de observado aumento significativo de linfócitos. Concluiu-se neste estudo que o alho in natura administrado na concentração de 2,5mg/Kg não foi capaz de reduzir a carga parasitária dos ovinos, mas que, quando associado a administração de larvas inativadas de Haemonchus pode ter contribuído como imunoestimulante e que a redução dos ovos eliminados nas fezes dos ovinos tratados com larvas inativadas, apesar de insuficiente para ser considerado um método de controle eficaz, demonstra a possibilidade de viabilidade no uso de vacinas contra Haemonchose.The parasitic resistance and the tendency of recent years to shift to organic systems has resulted in several alternative animal management as the selection of resistant breeds, integration with other animal species, phytotherapy, nematophagous fungi, nematodes vaccines, among others. Looking for an alternative control of nematode parasites of sheep, this paper aimed to analyze the effect of administration of inactivated larvae of Haemonchus and fresh garlic on the level infection with gastrointestinal nematodes in naturally infected sheep. Therefore, 32 animals were monitored for 144 days after phyto-biotherapy treatments in relation to reduction of parasite eggs (egg reduction rate - FECR), these treatments under the genres of helminths and hematological changes. It was observed significant increase in the EPGs of G1 (control group) and G4 (fresh garlic). At the end of the experiment observed lower EPG in G3 (inactivated larvae + fresh garlic) compared to G1, but no difference between the EPG of the other groups. As for FECR, there was an average reduction of 44% in egg count in G2 (inactivated larvae) and G3 and an increase of 44% in G4. The effectiveness of the treatments under the genus Haemonchus ranged from 0 to 77%, the latter being rate observed in G3 in day 67, just 7 days after the significant increase of lymphocytes. It was concluded from this study that fresh garlic administered at 2.5 mg / kg concentration failed to reduce the parasite burden of sheep, but which, when associated with administration of inactivated larvae of Haemonchus may had contributed to immune stimulant and reduction of eggs eliminated in the faeces of sheep treated with inactivated larvae, though not enough to be considered an effective treatment, the study highlights the importance and use of vaccines to control this parasite

THYROID FUNCTION IN DOGS WITH VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS

Abstract Several non-thyroid factors such as age, breed, concomitant diseases and use of certain drugs might influence the diagnosis of hypothyroidism in dogs. Changes in the concentrations of thyroid hormones due to non-thyroid illnesses are named euthyroid sick syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of visceral leishmaniasis on thyroid function in dogs without clinical signs of hypothyroidism, with or without azotemia. Positive animals for leishmaniasis were divided into six groups (absence or presence of hypoalbuminemia, normal or increased creatinine, normal or increased urea). The effect on these groups was evaluated on the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine (TT4) and free thyroxine (FT4) concentrations. Dogs that were positive for leishmaniasis, by ELISA test, presented thyroid-stimulating hormone serum concentrations greater than seronegative animals, while total thyroxine and free thyroxine in dogs with leishmanisis were lower (P≤0.01) when compared to healthy dogs. However, the results were within the values for euthyroid animals. In seropositive dogs for leishmaniasis, TT4 showed statistically significant difference (P≤0.04) in the group with hypoalbuminemia compared to the group with normoalbuminemia, respectively, 1,01ug/dL and 1.4 g/dL. Based on this study, we could conclude that positive dogs for visceral leishmaniasis have not presented euthyroid sick syndrome, although when compared to healthy dogs, FT4 and TT4 were reduced and TSH increased. Keywords: euthyroid; hypothyroidism; leishmania; sick syndrome; thyroxine

Resistance of Haemonchus, Cooperia, Trichostrongylus, and Oesophagostomum to ivermectin in dairy cattle in Paraná

Objetivou-se, neste estudo, analisar o efeito da ivermectina (3,15%) sobre nematódeos gastrointestinais de bezerros com aptidão leiteira por meio do Teste de Redução na Contagem de Ovos nas Fezes (RCOF) e da cultura de larvas em 16 animais da Fazenda Escola da Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná. Para tanto, dois grupos experimentais foram formados: animais tratados com ivermectina 3,15% (grupo G1) e grupo controle (Grupo G2). Foram coletadas amostras de fezes dos animais em dois momentos, ou seja, nos dias 0 e 10 para realização dos exames coproparasitológicos. Não houve alteração significativa na contagem de ovos nas fezes (OPG) em ambos os grupos. Os helmintos foram considerados resistentes à ivermectina 3,15%, já que a taxa de RCOF foi de 5,62%. O gênero de nematódeo mais observado na cultura de larvas foi Cooperia (53% no dia 10 a 88% no dia zero) e o menos foi Trichostrongylus (0% no dia zero a 1% no dia 10). Observou-se eficiência apenas sobre o gênero Trichuris e ineficiência sobre os gêneros Haemonchus e Cooperia e ainda 100% de resistência dos gêneros Oesophagostomum e Trichostrongylus. Concluiu-se neste estudo que a ivermectina 3,15% não deve ser indicada no controle de nematódeos dos bezerros da propriedade, pois a maioria dos parasitas apresenta resistência à droga. Este foi o primeiro relato de resistência de Haemonchus, Cooperia, Trichostrongylus e Oesophagostomum de bovinos a ivermectina 3,15% no estado do Paraná.The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of ivermectin (3.15%) on gastrointestinal nematodes found in calves through the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), and larval culture in 16 animals from a school farm at the Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná. The animals were divided into two experimental groups: animals treated with ivermectin 3.15% (G1 group) and control animals (G2 group). Stool samples were collected from the animals twice i.e., on days 0 and 10 for fecal examinations. There was no significant change in the egg count per gram of feces (EPG) in both the groups. Helminths were found to be resistant to ivermectin (3.15%), due to the observed 5.62% FECRT rate. Cooperia was found to be the dominant nematode larvae present (53% on day 10 day and 8% in day 0), while Trichostrongylus was detected in small numbers (0% on day 0 to 1 % on day 10). The drug was found to be effective only in Trichuris, while the same was inefficient against Haemonchus and Cooperia, although Trichostrongylus and Oesophagostomum were found to be 100 % resistant. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that ivermectin 3.15% should not be used for the control of nematodes in calves, since most of the parasites demonstrated drug resistance. This is the first report on the resistance of Haemonchus, Cooperia, Trichostrongylus, and Oesophagostomum in cattle to ivermectin 3.15% in the state of Paraná

Eficácia do pamoato de pirantel e da ivermectina no tratamento de nematódeos caninos

This study evaluated the efficacy of pyrantel pamoate and ivermectin on gastrointestinal nematodes in dogs. Fecal egg counts per gram (EPG) were measured by the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) in order to evaluate the anthelmintic efficiency and fecal float exams were also performed to assess the concordance between coproparasitological techniques. A total of 45 naturally infected dogs in the city of Bandeirantes, Paraná State, were selected and divided into three groups: Group 1, 15 animals that received pyrantel pamoate (145 mg) in a single dose; Group 2, 15 animals that received ivermectin (3 mg); and Group 3, 15 animals that comprised an untreated control group. Fecal testing was performed two and 10 days after treatment. Toxocara was the most prevalent genus, followed by Ancylostoma and Trichuris. Ancylostoma had low resistance to ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate treatment, while Toxocara were resistant to both treatments. Statistical correlation testing to compare coproparasitogical techniques revealed moderate concordance, substantial and almost perfect concordance for detection of Ancylostoma, Trichuris, and Toxocara, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the gender Ancylostoma had low resistance and Toxocara is resistant to both drugs and because of their high prevalence in young animals means that others anthelmintic drugs may be recommended to combat infections. Additionally, the Gordon and Whitlock modified and Willis-Mollay techniques are effective for detection particularly of Toxocara in dogs.Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar a eficácia do pamoato pirantel e da ivermectina sobre nematódeos gastrointestinais de cães. Para tanto foram realizados a contagem de ovos nas fezes (OPG) para avaliação da eficiência anti-helmíntica através do Teste de Redução da Contagem de Ovos nas Fezes (RCOF) e exame de flutuação Willis-Mollay para verificação de concordância entre as técnicas coproparasitológicas. Selecionou-se 45 cães na cidade de Bandeirantes, Paraná, naturalmente infectados, os quais foram divididos em três grupos experimentais: Grupo 1, 15 animais que receberam pamoato de pirantel 145 mg; Grupo 2, 15 animais que receberam ivermectina 3 mg e Grupo 3, 15 animais do grupo controle, não tratados. Coletas de fezes foram realizadas dois e dez dias depois para realização dos exames coproparasitológicos. Observou-se que o gênero de maior prevalência foi Toxocara, seguido de Ancylostoma e Trichuris. Ancylostoma apresentou baixa resistência ao tratamento com pamoato de pirantel e ivermectina, e Toxocara foi resistente a ambos os tratamentos. Através de testes de concordância estatística entre as técnicas coproparasitológicas utilizadas, foram constatadas concordâncias moderada, quase perfeita e substancial, respectivamente, na detecção de Ancylostoma, Toxocara e Trichuris. Concluímos neste estudo que o gênero Ancylostoma apresentou baixa resistência e Toxocara é resistente à ambas as drogas e, devido às suas altas frequências em animais jovens, devem ser indicadas outras drogas anti-helmínticas para o combate destas parasitoses. Adicionalmente, as Técnicas de Gordon e Whitlock modificada e Willis-Mollay podem ser utilizadas para detecção principalmente de Toxocara em cães