OCCURRENCE OF UREAPLASMA DIVERSUM IN THE GENITAL TRACT OF FEMALE BUFFALOES (BUBALUS BUBALIS)

We investigated the occurrence of Ureaplasma diversum in the genital tract of female buffaloes. A total of 292 vaginal swab samples of buffaloes of reproductive age from nine farms were analyzed. These were distributed in five cities of Pernambuco state, Brazil. DNA was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The frequency of females positive for U. diversum was 2.05% (6/292). Concerning the farms, 22.22% (2/9) of the investigated properties had at least one positive animal. Samples positive on PCR were inoculated in specific media for culturing Ureaplasma spp. However, there was no growth of characteristic colonies. This study documents the occurrence of infection by microorganisms of the species Ureaplasma diversum in the reproductive tract of buffalo females in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Thus, epidemiological investigations must be carried out with the presence of this microorganism should be investigated to assess the role of this pathogen as a causative agent of vulvovaginitis and abortions considering that these occurrences may decrease reproductive rates and cause negative economic impact in buffalo farming

Occurrence of Apicomplexa protozoa in wild birds in the Northeast region of Brazil

Abstract Protozoa of the Apicomplexa phylum are worldwide distributed with capacity to infect endothermic animals. The study of these protozoa in wild birds in Brazil is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of apicomplexan protozoa in wild birds in the Northeast of Brazil. From October to December 2019, brain tissue samples were collected from 71 captive birds from the Wild Animal Screening Center of the Pernambuco State (CETRAS-Tangara) and 25 free-living birds from the Caatinga biome in Rio Grande do Norte, totaling 96 animals (41 species). Brain fragments were subjected to molecular diagnosis by nested PCR for the 18s rDNA gene of Apicomplexa parasites, followed by DNA sequencing. This gene was detected in 25% (24/96) of the samples, and it was possible to perform DNA sequencing of 14 samples, confirming three genera: Isospora, Sarcocystis and Toxoplasma from eight bird species (Amazona aestiva, Coereba flaveola, Egretta thula, Paroaria dominicana, Sporophila nigricollis, Cariama cristata, Columbina talpacoti, Crypturellus parvirostris). The occurrence these coccidia in wild birds provides important epidemiological information for the adoption of preventive measures for its conservation. Future studies are needed to better understand the consequence of Apicomplexa infection in birds in Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes

Levantamento sorológico de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum e anti-Toxoplasma gondii em ovinos no interior de São Paulo, SP: Serological survey of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in sheep in the interior of São Paulo, SP

A ovinocultura no Brasil é uma atividade lucrativa, produzindo no ano de 2019 em torno de 19,7 milhões de cabeças. No entanto, algumas doenças podem trazer prejuízo ao produtor, como por exemplo, a neosporose e a toxoplasmose, que são responsáveis por perdas econômicas significativas especialmente devido ao abortamento. A neosporose é uma importante enfermidade causada pelo protozoário Neospora caninum. A toxoplasmose é uma zoonose de distribuição mundial, causada pelo Toxoplasma gondii, protozoário unicelular. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum e anti-Toxoplasma gondii em ovinos da região de Indaiatuba, interior do estado de São Paulo. Para tanto, foram colhidas amostras de sangue de 100 animais de diferentes idade e sexo. Para a detecção de anticorpos foram empregadas a reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI). Para a detecção de IgG anti-Neospora caninum foi utilizado como antígeno taquizoítos da cepa NC-1. Como anticorpo secundário foi utilizado o conjugado comercial anti-ovino IgG (Sigma, USA, F7887) marcado com isotiocianato de fluoresceína. Para a detecção de anticorpos IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii foi adotado o protocolo preconizado por Camargo (1964), utilizando-se anticorpos anti-IgG-ovino (Sigma®) conjugado ao isotiocianato de fluoresceína, com ponto de corte 64, utilizando-se como antígeno, taquizoítos da cepa RH. Em todas as reações foram incluídos controle positivo e negativo, previamente conhecidos. A RIFI foi realizada no Departamento de Medicina Veterinária (DMV), da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE). Dos 100 animais testados para Neospora caninum, os resultados do teste de sorodiagnóstico indicaram 12% (12/100) de animais positivos, sendo 25% (3/12) filhotes, 25% (3/12) jovens e 50% (6/12) adultos. Em relação ao sexo, 16,70% (2/12) eram machos e 83,30% (10/12) fêmeas. Os resultados para Toxoplasma gondii indicaram 37% (37/100) de animais soropositivos. Em relação a idade, observou-se 16,22% (6/37) filhotes, 2,70% (1/37) jovens e 81,08% (30/37) adultos. Em relação ao sexo verificou-se que dos animais positivos, 27,02% (10/37) eram machos e 72,97% (27/37) fêmeas. Com base nos resultados do presente estudo concluiu-se que a ocorrência de animais com neoporose e toxoplasmose é expressiva na propriedade pesquisada. Novos estudos devem ser conduzidos para verificação dos fatores de riscos a fim de adotarem medidas de prevenção e controle

Prevalence and associated factors with Neospora caninum infection in female water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract Neosporosis is one of the major parasitic diseases that causes reproductive problems, making it a limitation for optimal efficiency in livestock. The aim of the present study was to conduct a seroepidemiological survey for bubaline neosporosis and to analyse associated factors associated with N. caninum infection in female water buffaloes in the State of Pernambuco, northeast Brazil. The prevalence of N. caninum infection in the bubaline herds examined was 35.4% (122/345; 95% CI: 30.4%-40.7%), at least 1 Neospora-positive animal was found in each farm. Associated factors for N. caninum infection identified in this study were exclusive pasture feeding (OR: 5.91, p <0.001) and purchase of animals of free fair and from reputable sellers (OR: 1.85; p =0.045). In this survey, we document the occurrence of neosporosis in female water buffaloes. Associated factors should be controlled in order to reduce the risk of N. caninum infection in these herds

SOROPREVALÊNCIA E FATORES DE RISCO PARA A INFECÇÃO POR Neospora caninum EM CÃES DE ZONA RURAL DO MUNICÍPIO DE SOUSA, PARAÍBA

Neospora caninum é um protozoário cujos hospedeiros definitivos são canídeos domésticos e silvestres, e hospedeiros intermediários são os herbívoros. Objetivou-se determinar a prevalência de anticorpos IgG anti-N. caninum em cães de zona rural do município de Sousa, Paraíba. Foram analisadas amostras de 98 cães de zona rural, através da Reação de Imuno fluorescência Indireta no ponto de corte 1:50. A frequência de soro positividade foi de 9,18% (9/98). A titulação de anticorpos variou de 50 a 200, predominando o título 1:50. Em 66,6% (4/6) das propriedades avaliadas havia pelo menos um cão soropositivo. O contato com bovinos foi considerado fator de risco (Odds ratio=15,25) para a infecção, demonstrando maior risco de contato com tecidos contaminados. Conclui-se que os cães de zona rural do município de Sousa estão expostos ao N. caninum

Genetic and Phenotypic Characterization of Subclinical Mastitis-Causing Multidrug-Resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>

The core objective of this study was to genetically and phenotypically characterize subclinical mastitis-causing multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MDRSA). In addition, risk factors associated with subclinical mastitis caused by MDRSA were investigated. Bacterial cultures were performed on 2120 mammary quarters, 40 swabs of milk utensils, 5 bulk tank milk samples, and 11 nostril and 11 hand swabs from milkers from five dairy farms. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was conducted for S. aureus identification. Antimicrobial resistance was screened phenotypically using the disk diffusion test in all S. aureus isolates. A biofilm formation assay; detection of genes associated with beta-lactam resistance, efflux pump, and biofilm formation; and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were performed in all MDRSA isolates. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was carried out in cefoxitin-resistant MDRSA isolates. A total of 188 S. aureus isolates from milk as well as two from milking utensils and one from bulk tank milk were identified. Most of the isolates (92.7%; 177 of 191) showed beta-lactam resistance, and 7% (14 of 191) were MDRSA. Interestingly, 36% (5 of 14) of MDRSA isolates were cefoxitin-resistant, but none carried mecA or mecC genes. Based on PFGE results, it was observed that S. aureus strains were more likely to be unique to a specific herd. Two clonal complexes were identified, CC97 (ST126; commonly livestock-associated) and CC1 (ST7440; usually community-associated). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of ST7440 isolated from bovine mastitis in Brazil. The risk factor results underscored the importance of considering parity, stage of lactation, SCC, milk production, and herd size when studying the risk of subclinical mastitis and antimicrobial resistance in S. aureus. Thus, to implement effective strategies to prevent subclinical mastitis in dairy herds and to minimize MDRSA spread, it is important to understand MDRSA strains’ distribution and their antimicrobial resistance profile

Análise epidemiológica da infecção pelo vírus da diarreia viral bovina em rebanhos da agricultura familiar, Brasil

The aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of infection by the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) on family farms, as well as to study the risk factors associated with the infection. In total, 319 blood serum samples were collected from cattle, of reproductive age (>24 months) in 24 herds from 11 cities of the brejo microregion in Pernambuco. The samples were subjected to the seroneutralization test to detect anti-BVDV antibodies. In order to identify the risk factors associated with the BVDV, a questionnaire epidemiologic was applied and followed by statistical analysis of logistic regression, with the serological test considered as the dependent variable (reagent or non-reagent). A prevalence of 51.1% (163/319; C.I. 45.5% - 56.7%) was found in the present study. Of the 24 herds sampled, 100.0% contained at least one reagent animal. The prevalence in the counties ranged from 23.1% to 70.0%. The following risk factors were identified in the present study: not providing colostrum (OR 3.85; p=0.018); disease unknown (OR 2.54; p=0.001) and consortium breeding (OR 1.76; p=0.013). Based on these results, it was clear that BVDV infection is widespread in herds on family farms in the microregion studied herein. Health education policies must be implemented for producers and professionals who provide technical assistance. In addition, based on the risk factors identified in the present study, hygiene-sanitary measures should be implemented in order to reduce the prevalence of the BVDV.Objetivou-se com este estudo determinar a soroprevalência e estudar os fatores de risco associados à infecção pelo vírus da diarreia viral bovina (BVDV) nas unidades produtivas de agricultura familiar. Foram coletadas 319 amostras de soro sanguíneo, de bovinos em idade reprodutiva (>24 meses), procedentes de 24 rebanhos bovinos em 11 municípios da microrregião brejo pernambucano. As amostras foram submetidas ao teste de soroneutralização para detecção de anticorpos anti-BVDV. Para a identificação dos fatores de risco associados ao BVDV, foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico e foi realizada uma análise estatística de regressão logística, considerando como variável dependente o exame sorológico (reagente ou não reagente). Observou-se com este estudo uma prevalência de 51,1% (163/319; I.C. 45,5% - 56,7%). Dos 24 rebanhos amostrados, 100% apresentaram pelo menos um animal reagente. A prevalência nos municípios variou de 23,1% a 70,0%. Os fatores de risco identificados neste estudo foram: não fornecer colostro (OR 3,85; p=0,018); não conhecer a enfermidade (OR 2,54; p=0,001) e criação consorciada (OR 1,76; p=0,013). Diante dos resultados obtidos, constatou-se que a infecção pelo BVDV está disseminada nos rebanhos de agricultura familiar na microrregião estudada e que políticas de educação em saúde devem ser implementadas tanto para os produtores como para os profissionais que prestam assistência técnica. Além disso, medidas higiênico-sanitárias com base nos fatores de risco identificados neste estudo devem ser implementadas como forma de reduzir a prevalência do BVDV

Toxoplasma gondii exposure in Brazilian indigenous populations, their dogs, environment, and healthcare professionals

Although Toxoplasma gondii exposure has been reported in indigenous populations worldwide, a One Health approach has not been applied to date. This study concurrently assessed T. gondii exposure in indigenous populations, and their dogs, environment, and indigenous or non-indigenous healthcare professionals (HPs). Human and dog serum samples from 9 indigenous communities in Brazil were assessed by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test for anti-T. gondii antibodies. Soil samples (30 per community) were processed with PCR to amplify T. gondii DNA. Associated risk factors and seroprevalence were analyzed using logistic regression models. Human seropositivity and type of water source were assessed by generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with binomial error distribution, and game meat consumption with chi-squared test. Overall, 225/463 (49%) indigenous persons were seropositive for anti-T. gondii antibodies. Of all the HPs, 67/168 (40%) were positive, and included 54/147 (37%) positive non-indigenous HPs. Indigenous persons more likely to be seropositive compared with non-indigenous HPs (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.11–2.39). A total of 97/253 (38%) dogs were seropositive and highly associated with seropositive owners (p < 0.001). Based on univariate analysis for indigenous individuals, state location of community (p < 0.001), ethnicity (p < 0.001), consumption of game meat (p < 0.001), type of water source (p < 0.001), and educational level (p = 0.026) were associated with seropositivity. Logistic regression showed that indigenous seropositivity was associated with eating game meat (p = 0.002), drinking water from rivers (p < 0.001), and inversely proportional to the educational level. According to univariate analysis for non-indigenous HP, age (p = 0.005), frequency of visits to the indigenous populations (p < 0.001), consumption of water at the indigenous communities (p < 0.001), and ingestion of raw meat (p = 0.023) were associated with T. gondii seropositivity. Logistic regression revealed living outdoors (p = 0.042), habit of hunting (p = 0.008), and drinking river water (p = 0.007) as risk factors associated to seropositivity in dogs. In addition, indigenous communities lacking water treatment had higher seroprevalence for all groups including indigenous persons (GLMM; z = −7.153; p < 0.001), their dogs (GLMM; z = −2.405; p = 0.0162), and all HPs (GLMM; z = −2.420; p = 0.0155). Human seropositivity was associated with that of their dogs (p < 0.001). A single soil sample, out of 270 (0.37%), was positive for T. gondii by PCR. Our results indicate water source is a risk for human and dog toxoplasmosis in indigenous communities; both share similar exposure. Moreover, quality water access was shown to be crucial to prevent toxoplasmosis in both total and non-indigenous HPs who work in these indigenous communities