LEVANTAMENTO SOROEPIDEMIOLÓGICO DO VÍRUS DA ARTRITE- ENCEFALITE CAPRINA E VÍRUS DA LÍNGUA AZUL EM REBANHOS CAPRINOS DO ESTADO DA PARAÍBA

Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) and bluetongue (BT) are viral diseases affecting goats and sheep, respectively, worldwide. Both diseases are characterized by being slow and progressive, causing a variety of clinical signs and determining economic and production losses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of CAE and BT and its associated factors in dairy and beef goat herds in the state of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. In total, 6.4% and 1.8% of the animals were positive for caprine arthritis encephalitis and bluetongue, respectively, by Agarose Gel Immunodiffusion assay (AGID). No significant statistical association was found between diseases and risk factors, herd size, age, gender, and type of management in most animals evaluated. The risk factors, production system and grazing of multispecies can influence the prevalence of viral infections in goats in the state of Paraíba.A artrite encefalite caprina (CAE) e a Língua Azul (BT) são doenças virais queafetam cabras e ovelhas, respectivamente, em todo o mundo. Ambas as doençassão caracterizadas por serem lentas, progressivas e determinarem sinais clínicosvariáveis nos animais, ocasionando prejuízos econômicos para o produtor. Oobjetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a soroprevalência de CAE e BT e seus fatoresassociados em rebanhos leiteiros caprinos de leite e de corte no estado da Paraíba,no Nordeste do Brasil. No total, 6,4% e 1,8% dos animais foram positivos para artrite encefalite caprina e língua azul, respectivamente, pelo teste de Imunodifusão em Gel de Agarose (IDGA). Não foi encontrada associação estatística significativa entre essas doenças e os fatores de risco, tamanho do rebanho, idade, gênero e tipo de manejo na maioria dos animais avaliados. Os fatores de risco, sistema de produção e pastoreio por multiespécies podem influenciar a prevalência de infecções virais em caprinos no estado da Paraíba

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF PORCINE TOXOPLASMOSIS IN THE “ALTO SERTÃO” REGION OF SERGIPE, NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Toxoplasma gondii is the etiological agent of toxoplasmosis.Serological studies have demonstrated the parasite occurrence in swine from different regions; however there are no studies that can demonstrate epidemiological status of porcine toxoplasmosis in the Brazilian state of Sergipe. The study purposes were to verify the anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies presence and identify risk factors associated with infection in pigs. An amount of 230 blood samples of pigs over four months of age from 45 farms were collected and analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied on the properties of origin of the animals to identify risk factors associated with theinfection. A seroprevalence of 8.3% with the titre ranging from 64 (15/230) to 1024 (02/230) was found. Animals from the municipalities of Poço Redondo and Canindé de São Francisco showed the highest prevalences, 18.52% (5/27) and 12.90% (4/31), respectively. The seroprevalence found was considered low when compared to previous studies performed in Brazil, particularly in the northeast region. The age of slaughtered animals should be considered and positive association between the variables age and T. gondii infection was found. Most of swine sampled (194/230) were up to six months which may also influence in the seroprevalence. A low anti-T.gondii seroprevalence was observed in the present study, however it is concluded that T. gondii infection is present in pigs population. The knowledge about its frequency contributes to the establishment of strategies for disease control by appliance of prevention measures in livestock production

Isolation in HRT-18 cells and molecular analysis of a BCoV strain from diarrheic feces of naturally infected calves

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) may cause acute diarrhea in newborn calves, leading to significant economic losses for cattle farmers. There are several diagnostic techniques used to detect BCoV in calf fecal samples, but virus isolation still has advantages for antigenic and genomic characterization. This study describes the isolation in HRT-18 cells and molecular characterization of Brazilian BCoV wild-type strains. Three fecal samples from diarrheic 30 day-old calves were inoculated in HRT-18 cell monolayers, which were then evaluated for HA titers and tested using semi-nested PCR followed by RFLP and sequencing. Two samples were successfully isolated and presented HA titers of 16 and 32 units per 25 mL. The results were confirmed using semi-nested PCR and RFLP. Molecular analyses identified a cell culture-adapted strain and a wild-type strain that were genetically similar (99%) to each other, but more distinct than BCoV strains circulating in other countries, even in the conserved N gene

Resistência Antimicrobiana de Enterobactérias em Aves Migratórias no Litoral Paraibano

A migração é um comportamento biológico de várias espécies de aves e outros animais e que pode favorecer a disseminação de microrganismos patogênicos oriundos de animais contaminados, colocando em risco populações de outras espécies de aves, mamíferos, incluindo o homem, em novos locais. Muitos destes microrganismos podem ser resistentes a alguns tipos de antimicrobianos, sendo umaameaça à saúde púbica. Objetivou-se com este estudo, isolar, caracterizar e avaliar o perfil de resistência de enterobactérias encontradas em espécies de maçaricos no período de ‘invernada” na Paraíba, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras cloacais das espécies Arenaria interpres (n=9), Calidris pusilla (n=32), Charadrius semipalmatus (n=5) e Tringa flavipes (n=1). Dos 47 isolados, foram identificados 14 gêneros bacterianos distintos para os quais foram testados 12 antimicrobianos. O teste de  suscetibilidade in vitro com o método disco-difusão revelou o maior índice de resistência (68,8%) para todos os 14 gêneros frente ao amoxicilina + ácido clavulânico, seguido por cefoxitina (63,8%) e ampicilina (63,8%). Das cepas bacterianas que apresentaram halo fantasma, 6 (12,76%) foram resistentes ao aztreonam, 1 (2,12%) foi resistente a ceftazidima, 1 (2,12%) para cefoxitina, e 1 (2,12%) resistente contra cefotaxima. Duas principais rotas migratórias de aves passam pelo território brasileiro, uma rota central e outra atlântica, ambas iniciando do norte do Canadá até o sul da Argentina. A amplitude de extensão dessas rotas possibilita o contato entre diferentes espécies nativas e migratórias de aves. Portanto, se faz importante o monitoramento de aves silvestres nos locais de invernada do  Brasil, pois podem desempenhar importante local para a disseminação de microrganismos resistentes a antimicrobianos entre as espécies

Identifying enterobacteria in blond capuchin monkeys (Sapajus flavius) kept in captivity in the state of Paraíba, Brazil

http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-7925.2015v28n3p177O objetivo deste estudo foi isolar e identificar enterobactérias presentes em duas populações de macaco-prego-galego (Sapajus flavius) mantidas em cativeiro. O estudo foi realizado com 12 animais, seis do Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS), em Cabedelo-PB, e seis do Zoológico de João Pessoa. A coleta das amostras de fezes foi realizada diretamente na ampola retal com o auxílio de swabs estéreis e processadas para o isolamento das bactérias em meios seletivos, seguida da identificação por provas bioquímicas. As frequências observadas nas amostras do CETAS foram de: 80% (4/5) para Salmonella spp.; 20% (1/5) para Shigella spp.; e 20% (1/5) para Enterobacter spp. Já no zoológico, a frequência observada foi de 100% (3/3) para Salmonella spp. Devido ao fato de que essas enterobactérias são possíveis causadoras de infeções, há necessidade de melhorar o monitoramento da saúde desses animais, com investigações periódicas em unidades do CETAS e em zoológicos. Simultaneamente, constata-se a necessidade de monitorar a saúde dos profissionais que lidam diretamente com esses animais, por meio de exames periódicos, bem como a adoção de medidas de biossegurança adequadas para evitar a transmissão desses patógenos.http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-7925.2015v28n3p177This study aimed to isolate and identify enterobacteria observed in two populations of blond capuchin monkeys (Sapajus flavius) kept in captivity. The study was conducted with 12 animals, 6 from the Wild Animals Screening Center (CETAS), in Cabedelo, Paraíba, Brazil, and 6 from the João Pessoa City Zoo. The collection of stool samples was performed directly into the rectal ampoule by using sterile swabs and they were processed for isolating bacteria on selective media, followed by identification through biochemical tests. The frequencies observed in the samples collected at CETAS were: 80% (4/5) for Salmonella spp.; 20% (1/5) for Shigella spp.; and 20% (1/5) for Enterobacter spp. In turn, at the zoo, the frequency observed was 100% (3/3) for Salmonella spp. Due to the fact that these enterobacteria are potential sources of infections, there is a need to improve the health monitoring of these animals, through periodic investigations at CETAS’ facilities and zoos. Simultaneously, there is a need to monitor the health of professionals who make direct contact to these animals, through periodic examinations, as well as the adoption of appropriate biosecurity measures to prevent transmission of these pathogens

Identifying enterobacteria in blond capuchin monkeys (Sapajus flavius) kept in captivity in the state of Paraíba, Brazil

This study aimed to isolate and identify enterobacteria observed in two populations of blond capuchin monkeys (Sapajus flavius) kept in captivity. The study was conducted with 12 animals, 6 from the Wild Animals Screening Center (CETAS), in Cabedelo, Paraíba, Brazil, and 6 from the João Pessoa City Zoo. The collection of stool samples was performed directly into the rectal ampoule by using sterile swabs and they were processed for isolating bacteria on selective media, followed by identification through biochemical tests. The frequencies observed in the samples collected at CETAS were: 80% (4/5) for Salmonella spp.; 20% (1/5) for Shigella spp.; and 20% (1/5) for Enterobacter spp. In turn, at the zoo, the frequency observed was 100% (3/3) for Salmonella spp. Due to the fact that these enterobacteria are potential sources of infections, there is a need to improve the health monitoring of these animals, through periodic investigations at CETAS’ facilities and zoos. Simultaneously, there is a need to monitor the health of professionals who make direct contact to these animals, through periodic examinations, as well as the adoption of appropriate biosecurity measures to prevent transmission of these pathogens

Spatial characterization of Leptospira spp. infection in equids from the Brejo Paraibano micro-region in Brazil

The present study, the first to spatially characterize <em>Leptospira </em>spp. infection among equids in the Brejo Paraibano micro-region of the Paraiba state in the northeast of Brazil, investigated 257 animals in 26 farms properties. Serum samples from 204 horses, 46 mules and seven donkeys were serologically diagnosed using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). The distribution of <em>Leptospira</em> spp. was studied by employing specific antigens from 24 different <em>Leptospira serovars</em>. All farms were georeferenced and their distribution visualised on a map of the Brejo Paraibano micro-region. In addition, rainfall data were obtained from the same year, in which the sampling was performed. Among the 20 farms found to harbour animals with leptospirosis, 14 (70%) exhibited low prevalence, five (25%) medium prevalence and one (5%), high prevalence. Certain areas had a higher density of infected farms and required intervention to control the infection. Many serovars were widely distributed, while others were more common in particular areas. There was no significant association between the prevalence of <em>Leptospira</em> spp. infection and rainfall

MOLECULAR-PHYLOGENETIC CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF Escherichia coli ISOLATED FROM GOATS WITH DIARRHEA

Neonatal diarrhea determines significant changes in feed conversion, causing productivity loss in caprine herds. The antimicrobial resistance in bacteria is characterized as an important public health issue; therefore, Escherichia coli may be characterized as an important pathogen due to expressing virulence mechanisms responsible for significant clinical conditions in humans and animals. The present study evaluated the presence of E. coli among 117 caprine fecal samples and analyzed the isolates for antimicrobial resistance. Suggestive colonies were submitted to biochemical screening followed by genotypic group determination and phylogenetic analysis; further, the samples were submitted to antimicrobials susceptibility test. E. coli, Salmonella spp, Shigella sonnei and Enterobacter aerogenes were identified. E. coli isolates were phylogenetically classified as B2 (9/39), D (19/39), B1 (7/39) e A (4/29) groups. The analysis of the isolates also revealed the presence of K99 (04/39) and Stx (02/39) virulence factors. Antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed sensitive isolates to Chloramphenicol, Streptomycin, Amoxicillin and Ciprofloxacin, being all resistant to Lincomycin, Vancomycin and Penicillin. The results support the need of establishing restricted protocols for antimicrobial use, a fundamental procedure for health improvement in Brazilian caprine herds