Seminal characteristics of German Shepherd dogs

Sêmen de 25 cães da raça Pastor Alemão, com 1 a 7 anos de idade e pesando 30 a 35 quilos, foi coletado por masturbação. Com o objetivo de utilizar o material para inseminação artificial, colheu-se a segunda e parte da terceira fração, constatando-se, em média, volume de 7,17 ml; cor branca e aspecto leitoso; motilidade de 68,84%; vigor de 3,5; concentração de 136.192 espermatozóides por mm3 e de 889.772.000 por ejaculado; defeitos espermáticos maiores de 9,92% e menores de 7,62%. O pH do sêmen, dos diluidores e do sêmen diluído variou, respectivamente, de 6,02 a 6,60; 5,85 a 6,90; e 5,97 a 6,76; a pressão osmótica de 285,20 a 295,00; 240,00 a 310,00; e 272,32 a 303,92 mOsmois e a concentração de sódio e potássio, respectivamente, para o plasma seminal e os 4 diluidores, de 134,40 a 156,00; 7,80 a 13,72; 3,00 a 270,00; e 6,00 a 25,00 mEq/l. Verificou-se que entre cães, houve variação significante de todas as características seminais, exceto a pressão osmótica e, ainda, correlações entre os caracteres seminais e entre estes e os totais de patologias espermáticas. A variabilidade das características seminais entre os cães foi bem maior quando comparada entre as colheitas de cada animal, exceto a pressão osmótica e a concentração de sódio, que se apresentaram de maneira inversa.Semen was collected by masturbation from 25 German Shepherd dogs, 1 to 7 years old and weight from 30 to 35 kg. Aiming to utilize the semen for artificial insemination, only the second and partial third fractions were used. Results were as follows: mean ejaculation volume 7.17 ml; white colour and milky aspect: sperm motility 68.84%; vigour 3.5; concentration 136.192 spermatozoa/mm3 and 889.772.000 spermatozoa by ejaculation: 9.92% of major defects, 7.62% of minor defects and still an individual abnormalities classification. The pH of semen, of extenders and of extended semen, respectively, varied from 6.02 to 6.60; 5.85 to 6.90 and 5.97 to 6.76: osmotic pressure of 285.20 to 295.00; 240.00 to 310.00 and 272.32 to 303.92 mOlm and sodium and potassium concentrations, respectively, to seminal plasma and 4 extenders, 134.40 to 156.00 and 7.80 to 13.72 and 3.00 to 270.00 and 6.00 to 25.00 mEq/l. There was significant variation among dogs, in all seminal characteristics, except for osmotic pressure. There was also correlation between the seminal characteristics and between these and total sperm abnormalities. Variability of seminal characteristics among dogs is greater when comparing collections of each animal, with exception of osmotic pressure and sodium concentration variability that is reversed

NOVOS ENFOQUES NA AVALIAÇÃO ANDROLÓGICA DE BOVINOS E SUA CONTRIBUIÇÃO NO MELHORAMENTO GENÉTICO DO REBANHO

The fertilization process is the result of several functional and structural mechanisms of the sperm. In veterinary andrology, with regard to the evaluation of the coeundi and generandi potential, several laboratory and image tests are available that serve as a tool for selecting bulls for breeding during the breeding season. These methodologies assist in sperm cryopreservation protocols, in the investigation of better cryoprotectants and extenders for use in vivo or in vitro. However, they are few used in the daily routine in the field and restricted to research centers. The present literature review aims to describe the methodologies that estimate the fertile potential of the bulls cryopreserved semen.O processo de fertilização é resultante de diversos mecanismos funcionais e estruturais do espermatozoide. Na andrologia veterinária, no que se refere à avaliação do potencial coeundi e generandi, estão disponíveis diversos testes laboratoriais e de imagem que servem como ferramenta de seleção de touros para a reprodução durante a estação de monta. Estas metodologias auxiliam nos protocolos de criopreservação espermática, na investigação de melhores crioprotetores e diluidores para uso in vivo ou in vitro. No entanto, são poucos utilizadas na rotina diária a campo e restritos aos centros de pesquisa. A presente revisão de literatura objetiva descrever as metodologias que estimam o potencial fecundante do sêmen criopreservado do touro

Perfil bioquímico de algumas enzimas no plasma sangüíneo de potras da raça Brasileiro de Hipismo (BH) criadas em Colina, Estado de São Paulo

Com o propósito de avaliar o perfil bioquímico de algumas enzimas, em potras sadias da raça BH (Brasileiro de Hipismo), utilizaram-se 380 amostras de plasma sangüíneo colhidas de 19 animais desde o nascimento até 24 meses de vida. Na análise dos resultados evidenciou-se que os valores médios das enzimas FA (fosfatase alcalina) e CK (creatina quinase ) foram máximos entre o nascimento e 24 horas de vida (FA-1995.50 UI/ ; CK-189.13UI/L), enquanto que para a LD (lactato desidrogenase) e GGT (gama glutamiltransferase) as maiores magnitudes ocorreram, respectivamente, entre 3 e 4 dias (LD-479.11UI/L) e aos 10 dias de idade (GGT-18.70UI/L). As FA, CK, LD e GGT, mostraram diminuições dos valores médios, respectivamente, até 6 meses (FA-323.50UI/L), 20 dias (CK-51UI/ L), 19 meses (LD-214.00UI/L) e 4 meses (GGT-11.40UI/L) estabilizando-se a seguir, com pequenas variações. A atividade da AST (aspartato aminotransferase) que foi mínima logo após o nascimento (AST- 43.38UI/L), aumentou até os sete dias de vida (AST-110.89UI/L), e a seguir diminuiu progressivamente, com pequenas oscilações, até o final do estudo. Todas as enzimas avaliadas sofreram variações influenciadas pelo fator etário, particularmente no período inicial de vida dos animais estudados.380 plasma samples were used with the purpose of evaluate the biochemical profile of some enzymes in healthy BH (Brasileiro de Hipismo) fillies. These samples were collected from 19 animals since birth until 24 months of age. The results showed that the mean values of ALP (alkaline phosphatase) and CK (creatine kinase) were higher between birth and 24 hours of life (FA-1995.50 UI/; CK-189.13UI/L), whereas for LD (lactate dehidrogenase) and GGT (gama glutamiltransferase) the highest values were, respectively, between 3 and 4 days (LD-479.11UI/L) and with 10 days of life (GGT-18.70UI/ L). AP, CK, LD and GGT showed a reduction of the mean values, respectively, until 6 months (FA-323.50UI/L), 20 days (CK-51UI/ L), 19 months (LD-214.00 UI/L) and 4 months (GGT-11.40UI/L) stabilizing with some oscillations. The activity of AST (aspartate aminotransferase) was minimal after birth (AST- 43.38UI/L) increased until the seventh day of life (AST-110.89UI/L) and next it diminished progressively with little oscillations until the end of the study. All enzymes evaluated were influenced by age, particularly in the initial period of life of the animals studied

ALTERAÇÕES CLÍNICAS, LABORATORIAIS E SEMINAIS DE CÃES NATURALMENTE INFECTADOS POR Leishmania sp.

The Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a chronic and severe parasitic disease, endemic in some regions of Brazil, and having dogs and humans as the main hosts. The objective of this work was to evaluate the clinical, laboratory and seminal profile of Mixed breed male dogs diagnosed with VL, in the city of Teresina, Piauí. The animals were obta ined from the Zoonoses Control Management of city and taken to the kennel of the Agrarian Sciences Center of the Federal University of Piauí, where they remained from February to April 2014 under evaluation and exams. Blood and semen samples were collected from 12 dogs, divided into two groups, being 06 positive (GI) and 06 negative (GII) for the disease. The results indicated lymphadenomegaly, weight loss and onychogryphosis as the main clinical signs in dogs with VL and the hematological changes were normochromic normocytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. The analysis of serum biochemistry revealed an increase in urea indexes in the parasitized animals at the end of the experiment, with statistical difference between the groups, however the levels of creatinine remained unchanged. Regarding the seminal analyzes, significant differences were found between the groups in the parameters of motility, vigor and sperm concentration, in addition to the presence of sperm pathologies that indicated an increase in sperm with changes of the head and tail. It is concluded that dogs with VL present clinical, laboratory and seminal alterations that can impair the general and reproductive condition of this animal species.A Leishmaniose Visceral (LV) é uma doença parasitária crônica, grave e endêmica em algumas regiões do Brasil, tendo os humanos e os cães como principais hospedeiros. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o perfil clínico, laboratorial e seminal de cães machos Sem Raça Definida (SRD) diagnosticados com LV, no município de Teresina, Piauí. Os animais foram provenientes da Gerência de Controle de Zoonoses do município e levados para o canil do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal do Piauí, onde permaneceram de fevereiro a abril de 2014 sob avaliação e realização de exames. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue e sêmen de 12 cães, divididos em dois grupos, sendo 06 positivos (GI) e 06 negativos (GII) para a doença. Os resultados apontaram linfadenomegalia, emagrecimento e onicogrifose como principais sinais clínicos nos cães com LV e as alterações hematológicas foram, anemia normocítica normocrômica e trombocitopenia. A análise de bioquímica sérica revelou aumento nos índices de ureia nos animais parasitados no final do experimento, com diferença estatística entre os grupos, porém os níveis de creatinina mantiveram-se sem alteração. Quanto às análises seminais, foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os grupos nos parâmetros de motilidade, vigor e concentração espermática, além da presença de patologias espermáticas que indicaram aumento de espermatozoides com alterações de cabeça e cauda. Conclui-se que cães com LV apresentam alterações clínicas, laboratoriais e seminais que podem prejudicar a condição geral e reprodutiva dessa espécie animal

ANÁLISES DE MEMBRANA PLASMÁTICA, ACROSSOMA E MITOCÔNDRIA DE ESPERMATOZOIDES OVINO APÓS CRIOPRESERVAÇÃO COM ADIÇÃO DO ÁCIDO FÓLICO NO MEIO TRIS-GEMA

Folic acid is closely linked to cobalamin, which is a carrier of hydroxymethyl and ant groups. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of adding folic acid to the TRIS-yolk diluter and possible effect on the membrane, mitochondria and acrosome of sheep sperm after thawing the semen. There were six sheep and seven collections of each animal in sessions between 48 and 72 hours. After collection and analysis, the semen samples were mixed and submitted to the formation of a pool. Diluted in TRIS-yolk medium and divided into 3 groups; Group control; Group 2: 10,000µM of folic acid and in Group 3: 5000µM of folic acid. Subsequently, the semen samples were packaged in 0.25mL straws and processed in a semen freezing machine. After a few days, the semen was thawed and evaluated: plasma membrane integrity, acrosome function and integrity. They were analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Newman-Keuls test, using SAS. The addition of a micronutrient with potential antioxidant action in the semen indicates that it can reduce the action of free radicals that alter the plasma membrane and sperm DNA. The evaluation of the plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity and the acrosome integrity of post-thawed sperm were not significantly different between the groups evaluated. Thus, it is concluded that the addition of folic acid in concentrations of 5000µM and 10000µM to the TRIS-yolk seminal diluter does not significantly influence the variables evaluated in this experiment.O ácido fólico está intimamente ligado à cobalamina, que é um transportador de grupos hidroximetil e formiga. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da adição de ácido fólico ao diluidor TRIS-gema e possível efeito sobre a membrana, mitocôndrias e acrossoma de espermatozoides ovinos após descongelamento do sêmen. Foram seis ovinos e sete coletas de cada animal em sessões entre 48 e 72 horas. Após coleta e análise, as amostras de sêmen foram misturadas e submetidas à formação de um pool. Diluído em meio TRIS-gema e dividido em 3 grupos; Controle de grupo; Grupo 2: 10.000µM de ácido fólico e no Grupo 3: 5.000µM de ácido fólico. Posteriormente, as amostras de sêmen foram acondicionadas em palhetas de 0,25mL e processadas em máquina de congelamento de sêmen. Após alguns dias, o sêmen foi descongelado e avaliado: integridade da membrana plasmática, função acrossômica e integridade. Eles foram analisados por meio de análise de variância (ANOVA) seguida do teste de Newman-Keuls, usando o SAS. A adição de um micronutriente com potencial ação antioxidante no sêmen indica que pode reduzir a ação de radicais livres que alteram a membrana plasmática e o DNA espermático. A avaliação da integridade da membrana plasmática, atividade mitocondrial e integridade acrossômica dos espermatozóides pós-descongelados não foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos avaliados. Assim, conclui-se que a adição de ácido fólico nas concentrações de 5000µM e 10000µM ao diluidor seminal TRIS-gema não influencia significativamente nas variáveis avaliadas neste experimento

ANÁLISES DE MEMBRANA PLASMÁTICA, ACROSSOMA E MITOCÔNDRIA DE ESPERMATOZOIDE OVINO APÓS CRIOPRESERVAÇÃO COM ADIÇÃO DO ÁCIDO FÓLICO NO MEIO TRIS-GEMA

Folic acid is closely linked to cobalamin, which is a carrier of hydroxymethyl and ant groups. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of adding folic acid to the TRIS-yolk diluter and possible effect on the membrane, mitochondria and acrosome of sheep sperm after thawing the semen. There were six sheep and seven collections of each animal in sessions between 48 and 72 hours. After collection and analysis, the semen samples were mixed and submitted to the formation of a pool. Diluted in TRIS-yolk medium, and divided into 3 groups; Group control; Group 2: 10,000 µM of folic acid and in Group 3: 5000 µM of folic acid. Subsequently, the semen samples were packaged in 0.25 mL straws and processed in a semen freezing machine. After a few days, the semen was thawed and evaluated: plasma membrane integrity, acrosome function and integrity. They were analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Newman-Keuls test, using SAS. The addition of a micronutrient with potential antioxidant action in the semen indicates that it can reduce the action of free radicals that alter the plasma membrane and sperm DNA. The evaluation of the plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity and the acrosome integrity of post-thawed sperm were not significantly different between the groups evaluated. Thus, it is concluded that the addition of folic acid in concentrations of 5000 µM and 10000 µM to the TRIS-yolk seminal diluter does not significantly influence the variables evaluated in this experiment.O ácido fólico está intimamente ligado à cobalamina, que é um transportador de grupos hidroximetil e formiga. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da adição de ácido fólico ao diluidor TRIS-gema e possível efeito sobre a membrana, mitocôndrias e acrossoma de espermatozoides ovinos após descongelamento do sêmen. Foram seis ovinos e sete coletas de cada animal em sessões entre 48 e 72 horas. Após coleta e análise, as amostras de sêmen foram misturadas e submetidas à formação de um pool. Diluído em meio TRIS-gema, e dividido em 3 grupos; Controle de grupo; Grupo 2: 10.000 µM de ácido fólico e no Grupo 3: 5.000 µM de ácido fólico. Posteriormente, as amostras de sêmen foram acondicionadas em palhetas de 0,25 mL e processadas em máquina de congelamento de sêmen. Após alguns dias, o sêmen foi descongelado e avaliado: integridade da membrana plasmática, função acrossômica e integridade. Eles foram analisados por meio de análise de variância (ANOVA) seguida do teste de Newman-Keuls, usando o SAS. A adição de um micronutriente com potencial ação antioxidante no sêmen indica que pode reduzir a ação de radicais livres que alteram a membrana plasmática e o DNA espermático. A avaliação da integridade da membrana plasmática, atividade mitocondrial e integridade acrossômica dos espermatozóides pós-descongelados não foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos avaliados. Assim, conclui-se que a adição de ácido fólico nas concentrações de 5000 µM e 10000 µM ao diluidor seminal TRIS-gema não influencia significativamente nas variáveis avaliadas neste experimento

INFLUÊNCIA DE UM ÁCIDO GRAXO ADICIONADO AO DILUENTE SEMINAL SOBRE A INTEGRIDADE DA MEMBRANA PLASMÁTICA DE ESPERMATOZOIDES CAPRINOS CRIOPRESERVADOS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of supplementing different concentrations (0.5μM, 5μM and 50μM) of polyunsaturated fatty acid, arachidonic acid to the TRIS-yolk diluter on the integrity of the plasma membrane during the cryopreservation of goat sperm. For this purpose, four Anglo-nubian goats were used, in which five samples / animal were collected, using artificial vagina. After evaluating the swirling and motility of the ejaculates, the pool was made, then diluted in TRIS-Gem and divided according to the treatments. After processing, the samples were packaged in 0.25mL straws and cryopreserved using the TK 3000® machine. Defrosting occurred after at least 5 days of storage in a cryogenic cylinder. Then, the integrity of the plasma membrane of goat sperm post cryopreservation was carried out, using the double staining method, where carboxyfluorescein diacetate (DCF) and propidium iodide (IP) were used. The data were analyzed and the results of the researched variable were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the general linear models procedure (Proc GLM) and the Duncan test was used to compare the means, with a 5% probability. The analyzes were performed using the Statistical Analysis System program (SAS Institute Inc, 2013). After analysis, it was observed that the control group had the best percentage, and differed significantly (p<0.05) from the treatment with 50μM of arachidonic acid. It was concluded that the 50μM arachidonic acid concentration is not effective to maintain the integrity of the plasma membrane, and to minimize the oxidative stress of cryopreservation.O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos antioxidantes da suplementação de diferentes concentrações (0,5μM, 5μM e 50μM) de ácido graxo poliinsaturado, ácido araquidônico ao diluidor TRIS-gema sobre a integridade da membrana plasmática durante a criopreservação de sêmen caprino. Para tanto, foram utilizadas quatro cabras anglo-núbias, nas quais foram coletadas cinco amostras/animal, utilizando vagina artificial. Após avaliar o turbilhão e a motilidade dos ejaculados, foi feito o pool, diluído em TRIS-Gem e dividido de acordo com os tratamentos. Após o processamento, as amostras foram acondicionadas em palhetas de 0,25mL e criopreservadas em máquina TK 3000®. O degelo ocorreu após pelo menos 5 dias de armazenamento em cilindro criogênico. Em seguida, foi realizada a integridade da membrana plasmática de espermatozoides caprinos pós-criopreservação, utilizando o método de dupla coloração, onde foram utilizados diacetato de carboxifluoresceína (DCF) e iodeto de propídio (IP). Os dados foram analisados e os resultados da variável pesquisada foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) pelo procedimento de modelos lineares gerais (Proc GLM) e para comparação de médias foi utilizado o teste de Duncan, com probabilidade de 5%. As análises foram realizadas por meio do programa Statistical Analysis System (SAS Institute Inc, 2013). Após análise, observou-se que o grupo controle apresentou a melhor porcentagem, diferindo significativamente (p<0,05) do tratamento com 50μM de ácido araquidônico. Concluiu-se que a concentração de 50μM de ácido araquidônico não é eficaz para manter a integridade da membrana plasmática e minimizar o estresse oxidativo da criopreservação

SUPLEMENTAÇÃO DO ÁCIDO OLEICO NO DILENTE SEMINAL SOBRE O POTENCIAL MITOCONDRIAL DE ESPERMATOZOIDES CAPRINOS CRIOPRESERVADOS

The research aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effect of supplementation of 0.5μM, 5μM and 50μM of oleic acid to the TRIS-yolk extender on the mitochondrial potential (MIT) during the cryopreservation of goat sperm. For that, four Anglo-nubian goats were used, in which five samples / animal were collected, using artificial vagina. After evaluating the swirling and motility of the ejaculates, the pool was made, then diluted in TRIS-Gem and divided according to the treatments. After processing, the samples were packaged in 0.25mL straws and cryopreserved using the TK 3000® machine. After a minimum of 5 days of storage in a cryogenic cylinder, thawing was performed to assess the MIT of goat sperm after cryopreservation, using the lipophilic cationic fluorochrome JC-1. The data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA), using the general linear models procedure (Proc GLM), and the Duncan test was used to compare the averages, with a 5% probability. The analyzes were performed using the Statistical Analysis System program (SAS Institute Inc, 2013). Thus, it was observed that the concentrations of 0.5μM and 5μM of oleic acid maintained the mitochondrial potential similar to the control, differing (p<0.05) only the concentration of 50μM. It can be concluded that 0.5μM and 5μM oleic acid are able to maintain the mitochondrial potential, prolonging the viability of cryopreserved goat sperm.A pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito antioxidante da suplementação de 0,5μM, 5μM e 50μM de ácido oleico ao diluidor TRIS-gema sobre o potencial mitocondrial (MIT) durante a criopreservação de sêmen caprino. Para tanto, foram utilizadas quatro cabras anglo-núbias, nas quais foram coletadas cinco amostras/animal, utilizando vagina artificial. Após avaliar o turbilhão e a motilidade dos ejaculados, foi feito o pool, diluído em TRIS-Gem e dividido de acordo com os tratamentos. Após o processamento, as amostras foram acondicionadas em palhetas de 0,25mL e criopreservadas em máquina TK 3000®. Após um período mínimo de 5 dias de armazenamento em cilindro criogênico, foi realizado o descongelamento para avaliação do MIT do sêmen caprino após a criopreservação, utilizando o fluorocromo catiônico lipofílico JC-1. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA), utilizando-se o procedimento de modelos lineares gerais (Proc GLM), e o teste de Duncan foi utilizado para comparar as médias, com probabilidade de 5%. As análises foram realizadas por meio do programa Statistical Analysis System (SAS Institute Inc, 2013). Assim, observou-se que as concentrações de 0,5μM e 5μM de ácido oleico mantiveram o potencial mitocondrial semelhante ao controle, diferindo (p<0,05) apenas da concentração de 50μM. Pode-se concluir que 0,5μM e 5μM de ácido oleico são capazes de manter o potencial mitocondrial, prolongando a viabilidade do esperma caprino criopreservado

Trypanosoma vivax in Dairy Cattle

Background: Trypanosoma vivax is a protozoan that causes reproductive disorders and decreased production in domestic and wild ungulate animals. The bovine are the main hosts of the disease and the transmission occurs by the bite of hematophagous insects, mainly tabanids. Several diagnostic techniques can be used to detect the parasite, both in parasitologicalform and by serological kits. In Brazil, the disease has been reported in bovines, goats and sheep of some states, with high morbidity and mortality and due to the scarcity of results on the epidemiology of the disease, this work had the objective to report the presence of T. vivax in a female bovine of a dairy herd in Parnaíba county, Piauí.Case: The animal naturally infected by Trypanosoma vivax, was a three-year-old cow from a dairy farm in the Parnaíba county, located in the north of Piauí state. The farm had a herd whith 62.20% of young Girolando breed cows and the breeding system used was semi-confinement, with two mechanical milking per day. At the time of a Veterinarian’s technicalvisit to the property, it was observed the occurrence of abortions, mastitis, estrus repetitions and cows with hematuria, leading to the suspicion of the bovine leptospirosis occurrence. Blood samples were collected from 78 cows from the herd for hematological, biochemical and serological tests, and 72 (92.30%) were reactive to some Leptospira serovars. All the exams were carried out at the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI). In the group of animals negative for leptospirosis, a female was diagnosed positive for bovine trypanosomiasis, confirming the result in the blood smear. This animal had no clinical signs characteristic of the disease at the time of the evaluation.Discussion: Blood trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma vivax were visualized on several slides of the animal smear and all the morphological structures of the parasite found were clearly seen under microscopyas described in the literature. The hematological alterations observed were normochromic normocytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis due tolymphocytosis, monocytosis and eosinophilia. The anemia and leukocytosis clinical condition found in the specific animal is commonly found in bovines naturally infected by trypanosomiasis in the chronic phase of the disease. The results of the serum biochemistry revealed decreased blood glucose and increased renal and hepatic parameters, as well as the inversion of the albumin-globulin ratio. Similar laboratory results were also described previously. The animal had a good body score, a good diet and showed no clinical signs of the disease. A good nutrition may have controlled the T. vivax parasitaemia, avoiding the characterization of the clinical condition. This fact can be attributed to the differences in pathogenicity of the parasite and/or susceptibility of a particular host. In the area of the farm where the cattle were housed the presence ofseveral tabanids was noticed and the increase of these insects in the environment is considered a risk factor, predisposing, even, the occurrence of new outbreaks. The epidemiological situation of the disease in Brazil is described, for the most part, by reports of outbreaks or specific events, revealing the lack of more consistent studies. With this result it is knownthat trypanosomiasis exists in the dairy herd of the state of Piauí, being important to carry out new work to diagnose the epidemiological situation of the disease within the productive context of our region.Keywords: bovine, dairy herd, trypanosomiasis

Serum Epidemiological Analysis and Risk Factors Associated with Leptospira spp. in Cattle in the State of Piauí

Background: Leptospirosis is a cosmopolitan zoonosis caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira spp. and it is considered one of the main causes of reproductive problems in cattle. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies and identify the prevalent serovars and risk factors associated with infection in cattle herds, in the microregion of Floriano, Piaui State, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 414 bovine sera samples were collected (390 females aged over 24 months and 24 bulls) from 22 properties (farms) in the municipalities that compose the study area. The samples were analyzed using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) to detect anti-Leptospira antibodies from 23 pathogenic serovars. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied in each farm to evaluate the risk factors, using a univariate analysis of the variables of interest, by Pearson’s Chi-square test (χ2) or Fisher’s exact test, when it was necessary. Then, each independent variable was crossed with the dependent variable and those that presented statistical significance 1: 100) in the 22 evaluated farms; all of them had at least one positive animal, resulting in a prevalence of 34.54%, with 32,8% females (136) and 1,7% males (07), and 8,93% (37) of co-agglutination. Nineteen of the 23 tested serovars were identified; among them, Icterohaemorrhagiae (42.48%), Hardjo (31.2%), Pomona (4.3%), and Castellonis (4.3%) stood out. Absence of quarantine (OR = 16.172, P = 0.024), vaccination (OR = 0.090, P = 0.037) and isolation of diseased animals (OR = 0.006, P = 0.030) were identified, by the multivariate logistic regression analysis, as risk factors for any serovar of Leptospira spp.Discussion: The results of the present study showed that leptospirosis is present in all studied municipalities, in which the prevalence may be related to the variety of factors that influence the occurrence of the disease, such as climatic and environmental conditions, transit of animal, practices of management adopted in the herd, and the lack of information about the disease. The occurrence of co-agglutination can be explained by the possibility of multiple and concomitant contaminations with several serovars. Icterohaemorrhagiae was the most prevalent serovar, which has significant importance to public health since it is considered the main serovar of leptospirosis in humans, associated with the presence of rodents. On the other hand, the serovar Hardjo is related to the chronic leptospirosis in cattle, demonstrated through reproductive problems. The serovars Castellonis and Pomona were also observed in bovine herds, suggesting a possible transmission of the microorganism between animal species, probably due to exposure to the same sources of infection. In fact, the large number of serovarieties of Leptospira spp. indicates the presence of one or more maintenance hosts, which are natural reservoirs of this infection. The risk factors confirmed in the logistic regression analysis probably occur due to failures in sanitary management. It is concluded that Leptospira spp. is disseminated in cattle in the studied region, with the presence of several serovars, which reinforces the need for intensifying the prevention and control measures, such as vaccination