Erliquiose no Brasil

Ehrlichiosis is a disease caused by rickettsial organisms belonging to the genus Ehrlichia. In Brazil, molecular and serological studies have evaluated the occurrence of Ehrlichia species in dogs, cats, wild animals and humans. Ehrlichia canis is the main species found in dogs in Brazil, although E. ewingii infection has been recently suspected in five dogs. Ehrlichia chaffeensis DNA has been detected and characterized in mash deer, whereas E. muris and E. ruminantium have not yet been identified in Brazil. Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis caused by E. canis appears to be highly endemic in several regions of Brazil, however prevalence data are not available for several regions. Ehrlichia canis DNA also has been detected and molecularly characterized in three domestic cats, and antibodies against E. canis were detected in free-ranging Neotropical felids. There is serological evidence suggesting the occurrence of human ehrlichiosis in Brazil but its etiologic agent has not yet been established. Improved molecular diagnostic resources for laboratory testing will allow better identification and characterization of ehrlichial organisms associated with human ehrlichiosis in Brazil.Erliquiose é uma doença causada por rickettsias pertencentes ao gênero Ehrlichia. No Brasil, estudos sorológicos e moleculares têm avaliado a ocorrência de espécies de Ehrlichia em cães, gatos, animais selvagens e seres humanos. Ehrlichia canis é a principal espécie em cães no Brasil, embora a infecção por E. ewingii tenha, recentemente, despertado suspeita em cinco cães. O DNA de E. chaffeensis foi detectado e caracterizado em cervo-do-pantanal, enquanto que E. muris e E. ruminantium ainda não foram identificadas no Brasil. A erliquiose monocítica canina causada pela E. canis parece ser altamente endêmica em muitas regiões do Brasil, embora dados de prevalência não estejam disponíveis em muitas delas. O DNA de E. canis também foi detectado e caracterizado em três gatos domésticos, enquanto anticorpos contra E. canis foram detectados em felídeos neotropicais de vida livre. Evidências sorológicas sugerem a ocorrência de erliquiose humana no Brasil, entretanto, o agente etiológico ainda não foi identificado. A melhoria do diagnóstico molecular promoverá a identificação e caracterização de espécies associadas à erliquiose humana no Brasil

Natural Infection by SARS-CoV-2 in Companion Animals: A Review of Case Reports and Current Evidence of Their Role in the Epidemiology of COVID-19

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is the causative infectious agent of the current pandemic. As researchers and health professionals are still learning the capabilities of this virus, public health concerns arise regarding the zoonotic potential of SARS-CoV-2. With millions of people detected with SARS-CoV-2 worldwide, reports of companion animals possibly infected with the virus started to emerge. Therefore, our aim is to review reported cases of animals naturally infected with SARS-CoV-2, particularly companion pets, shedding light on the role of these animals in the epidemiology of COVID-19

Calpeptin is a potent cathepsin inhibitor and drug candidate for SARS-CoV-2 infections

Several drug screening campaigns identified Calpeptin as a drug candidate against SARS-CoV-2. Initially reported to target the viral main protease (Mpro), its moderate activity in Mpro inhibition assays hints at a second target. Indeed, we show that Calpeptin is an extremely potent cysteine cathepsin inhibitor, a finding additionally supported by X-ray crystallography. Cell infection assays proved Calpeptin’s efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. Treatment of SARS-CoV-2-infected Golden Syrian hamsters with sulfonated Calpeptin at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight reduces the viral load in the trachea. Despite a higher risk of side effects, an intrinsic advantage in targeting host proteins is their mutational stability in contrast to highly mutable viral targets. Here we show that the inhibition of cathepsins, a protein family of the host organism, by calpeptin is a promising approach for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other viral infections

Educomunicação, Transformação Social e Desenvolvimento Sustentável

Esta publicação apresenta os principais trabalhos dos GTs do II Congresso Internacional de Comunicação e Educação nos temas Transformação social, com os artigos que abordam principalmente Educomunicação e/ou Mídia-Educação, no contexto de políticas de diversidade, inclusão e equidade; e, em Desenvolvimento Sustentável os artigos que abordam os avanços da relação comunicação/educação no contexto da educação ambiental e desenvolvimento sustentável

Detection of mycoplasmas, bartonellas and feline leukemia vírus in small neotropical felids maintained in captivity at Refúgio Bela Vista, Foz do Iguaçu

Amostras de sangue total e suabes de orofaringe e conjuntiva foram coletadas de 57 felídeos Neotropicais (1 Leopardus geoffroyi, 17 L. wiedii, 22 L. tigrinus, 14 L. pardalis e 3 Puma yagouaroundi) mantidos em cativeiro no Refúgio Bela Vista, Foz do Iguaçu. Dados clínicos, hemograma e histórico dos animais foram disponibilizados. Materiais clínicos obtidos a partir dos suabes de orofaringe e conjuntiva foram submetidos ao cultivo para Mycoplasma spp em meio específico. DNA do sangue e suabes foram extraídos por meio de um kit comercial e pelo método de fervura, respectivamente. DNA extraído de amostras de sangue foram submetidos à PCR para detecção de Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), Candidatus M. haemominutum (CMhm), DNA proviral do vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV) e Bartonella spp. DNA extraído dos suabes foram submetidos à PCR para detecção de Mollicutes e M. felis. Foi realizada uma análise de associação entre alterações clínicas e a infecção por Bartonella spp e um estudo de fator de risco da infecção por esse microrganismo. Apenas 1 (1,75%) animal foi positivo a reação para Mhf e nenhum foi positivo a reação para CMhm. Dois (3,5%) animais foram positivos a reação para FeLV e 6 (10,52%) foram positivos para Bartonella spp. Não houve co-infecção entre os agentes pesquisados nas amostras de sangue. Foram obtidos 5 (8,77%) isolados de Mycoplasma spp da orofaringe e nenhum de conjuntiva. DNA de Mollicutes foi detectado em 53 (93%) e 27 (47,36%) amostras de orofaringe e conjuntiva, respectivamente. Nenhuma amostra apresentou resultado positivo na detecção de DNA alvo de M. felis. Não houve associação entre as alterações hematológicas (anemia, desidratação, leucocitose, leucopenia, histórico de anemia) e a infecção por Bartonella spp. Machos apresentam maior risco de adquirir bartonelose do que fêmeas. Este é o primeiro relato da presença de DNA proviral de FeLV em L. tigrinus e L. pardalis no sul do aís, de DNA de B. henselae em L. tigrinus, L. pardalis, L. geoffroyii e P. yagouaroundi, e de um estudo de fator de risco associado a infecção por Bartonella spp em felídeos neotropicais.Total blood samples and oropharinx and conjunctival swabs were collected from 57 neotropical felids (1 Leopardus geoffroyi, 17 L. wiedii, 22 L. tigrinus, 14 L. pardalis and 3 Puma yagouaroundi) maintained in captivity at Refúgio Bela Vista, Foz do Iguaçu. Clinical data, hemogram and clinical history of these animals were available. Clinical materials obtained from oropharinx and conjunctiva were cultured in specific media for Mycoplasma spp isolation. DNA of blood and swabs were extracted using a commercially available kit and a boiling method, respectively. DNA samples from swabs were submitted to a PCR for the detection of Mollicutes and M. felis. DNA samples from blood were submitted to a PCR for detection of Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), Candidatus M. haemominutum (CMhm), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) proviral DNA , and Bartonella spp. The association between hematological alterations and bartonella infection was evaluated and a risk factor analysis was performed. Only 1 (1.75%) animal was positive for Mhf reaction, whereas all animals were negative for CMhm detection. Two (3.5%) animals were positives for FeLV and 6 (10.52%) animals were positive for Bartonella spp, by PCR. Co-infections among these agents were not observed. Five (8.77%) mycoplasma isolates were obtained from oropharinx samples and none was obtained from conjunctival samples. Mollicutes DNA was detected in 53 (93%) and 27 (47.36%) samples from oropharinx and conjunctiva, respectively. All samples were negative for M. felis detection. Hematological alterations (anemia, dehydration, leukocytosis, leucopenia, history of anemia) were not associated to Bartonella spp infection. Males are more likely to be infected than females. This is the first report of FeLV proviral DNA in L. tigrinus and L. pardalis in Southern Brazil, of B. henselae DNA in L. trigrinus, L. pardalis, L. geoffroyi and P. yagouaroundi, and the first study of risk factors for Bartonella spp infection in neotropical felids

The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on tuberculosis notifications and deaths in the state of São Paulo, Brazil: a cross-sectional studyResearch in context

Summary: Background: The state of São Paulo reports the highest number of tuberculosis cases in Brazil. We aimed to analyze the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic's impact on tuberculosis notifications and identify factors associated with reduced notifications and tuberculosis deaths in 2020–2021. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed data from 126,649 patients with tuberculosis notified in São Paulo from 2016 to 2021. Interrupted time series analysis assessed the pandemic's impact on notifications. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions identified factors associated with decreased tuberculosis notifications and deaths during the pandemic (2020–2021) compared to the pre-pandemic period (2019). Findings: Tuberculosis notifications decreased by 10% and 8% in 2020 and 2021, respectively, with declines 2–3 times higher among individuals with no education or deprived of liberty. Contrastingly, tuberculosis notifications increased 68% among corrections workers in 2021. Diagnostics and contact tracing were compromised. Individuals with HIV, drug addiction, or deprived of liberty had lower odds of notification during the pandemic. Black and Pardo individuals or those with diabetes, treatment interruption history, or treatment changes post-adverse events had higher odds of notification. However, adverse events and tuberculosis-diabetes cases have been increasing since 2016. During the pandemic, tuberculosis-related deaths rose 5.0%–12.7%. Risk factors for mortality remained similar to 2019, with Pardo ethnicity, drug addiction and re-treatment post-adverse events emerging as risk factors in 2020/2021. Interpretation: The pandemic affected tuberculosis notifications and deaths differently among populations, exacerbating inequalities. Treatment interruption, loss of follow-up, and challenges in accessing healthcare led to increased mortality. Funding: FAPESP, CNPq and CAPES, Brazil

History, epidemiology and diagnostics of dengue in the American and Brazilian contexts: a review

Abstract Dengue virus (DENV), an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes, has become a major threat to American human life, reaching approximately 23 million cases from 1980 to 2017. Brazil is among the countries most affected by this terrible viral disease, with 13.6 million cases. DENV has four different serotypes, DENV1-4, which show a broad clinical spectrum. Dengue creates a staggering epidemiological and economic burden for endemic countries. Without a specific therapy and with a commercial vaccine that presents some problems relative to its full effectiveness, initiatives to improve vector control strategies, early disease diagnostics and the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs are priorities. In this study, we present the probable origins of dengue in America and the trajectories of its spread. Overall, dengue diagnostics are costly, making the monitoring of dengue epidemiology more difficult and affecting physicians’ therapeutic decisions regarding dengue patients, especially in developing countries. This review also highlights some recent and important findings regarding dengue in Brazil and the Americas. We also summarize the existing DENV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic tests to provide an improved reference since these tests are useful and accurate at discriminating DENV from other flaviviruses that co-circulate in the Americas. Additionally, these DENV PCR assays ensure virus serotyping, enabling epidemiologic monitoring

Hoja de predicción: Número 147 - 2006 Agosto 03

Three hemoplasma species are recognized in domestic cats: Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. We report the prevalence and hematological abnormalities of hemoplasma infection in 369 domestic cats from three different populations (blood donors, hospitalized cats and shelter cats) from Southern Brazil. Complete blood counts were performed at the time of blood collection, and DNA was extracted and tested by conventional PCR for each hemoplasma species. A total of 79 samples (21.40%) were positive for at least one species. The most prevalent hemoplasma was ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, with 50/369 (13.55%) positive cats, followed by ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’, 10/369 (2.71%), and Mycoplasma haemofelis, 8/369 (2.16%). Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ coinfection was observed in 4/369 (1.08%), whereas ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ in 5/369 (1.35%). Three cats (0.81%) were infected with all three hemoplasmas. There was no association between infection and the different populations. Anemia was associated with Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, but not with ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. Male cats and cats with outdoor access were more likely to be infected. Although ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ is believed to cause minimal or no hematological alterations, the infected cats studied herein were more likely to be anemic.Três espécies de hemoplasmas são reconhecidas em gatos domésticos: Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. A prevalência e alterações hematológicas associadas à infecção por hemoplasmas foi estudada, em 369 gatos domésticos de três populações distintas (doadores de sangue, hospitais e gatos de abrigo) do Sul do Brasil. Foram realizados hemogramas completos no momento da coleta de sangue e as amostras tiveram seu DNA extraído e testado por PCR convencional para cada espécie de hemoplasmas. Setenta e nove amostras (21,40%) foram positivas para pelo menos uma espécie. O mais prevalente foi ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ com 50/369 (13,55%) gatos positivos, seguidos por ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ com 10/369 (2,71%) e Mycoplasma haemofelis com 8/369 (2,16%). Coinfecção por Mycoplasma haemofelis e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ foi observada em 4/369 (1,08%), enquanto ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ coinfectaram 5/369 (1,35%) gatos. Três (0,81%) gatos apresentaram infecção pelos três hemoplasmas. Não houve associação entre a infecção e as diferentes populações. Anemia foi associada com a infecção por Mycoplasma haemofelis e ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, mas não com ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. Gatos machos e com acesso à rua apresentaram maior probabilidade de serem infectados. Embora se acredite que ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ possa causar alterações hematológicas mínimas ou ausentes, gatos infectados encontrados neste estudo foram mais propensos à anemia

Serum and Urinary C-Reactive Protein Concentrations in Dogs with Leptospirosis

Background: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by pathogenic strains of Leptospira, which may affect human beings and a wide range of both domestic and wild animals. The disease in dogs is still a challenge for clinicians, since definitive diagnosis may be reached only few days after overt clinical signs. Besides that, dogs with leptospiruria have zoonotic risk, making development of rapid screening tests crucial for early diagnosis of disease. C-reactive protein is a positive acute phase protein, and in the dog a strong and fast response is expected after any tissue injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum and urinary C-reactive protein as potential early indicators of leptospirosis in dogs, and its association with clinical serum biochemistry, complete blood count (CBC) and clinical outcome. Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 62 dogs with risk factors and/or clinical signs of leptospirosis were prospectively obtained and included in this study. Definitive diagnosis was based on serology, using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) against 13 serovars, and on a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in blood or urine, using the primers sets G1/G2 and B64I/B64II, which amplify DNA of pathogenic leptospires. ( Continuation)Clinical serum biochemistry included creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase and albumin. C-reactive protein was performed in serum and urine using a semi-quantitative latex-agglutination test. A total of 49/62 (79%) dogs had a positive diagnosis of leptospirosis. From these, 12 (24.5%) had positive blood PCR, 17 (34.7%) positive urine PCR and 43 (87.7%) had positive serology. Concurrent positive serology and positive PCR (blood or urine) occurred in 19 (38.8%) dogs, whereas 24 (49%) dogs had positive serology only, and 6 (12.2%) dogs had positive PCR only. Dogs with negative results at serology and PCR were kept for analysis and participated as negative control group. Out of the 62 dogs, 25 (40.3%) had high liver enzymes, 18 (29%) had azotemia, 23 (37.1%) had leukocytosis, 37 (59.7%) had high creatine kinase levels and 37 (59.7%) had hypoalbuminemia. Twelve death cases (19.3%) occurred within 10 days after the sample collection. Positive serology was significantly associated with urinary C-reactive protein (P = 0.038). Only a weak association was found between serum C-reactive protein and blood PCR (area under curve= 0.68). There was no association between urinary C-reactive protein and urine PCR, urinary C-reactive protein and blood PCR, serum C-reactive protein and positive serology, or serum C-reactive protein and urine PCR. Increased liver enzymes (P = 0.04) and hypoalbuminemia (P = 0.002) were associated with high levels of serum C-reactive protein. There was no association between serum or urinary C-reactive protein and death. (Continue0 Discussion: In this study, it was hypothesized that increased blood C-RP may be expected in dogs having leptospiremia, whereas increased urinary C-RP may be expected in dogs having leptospiruria. However, the results showed that C-reactive protein was not useful to predict leptospiremia or leptospiruria in the naturally infected dogs of this study; and although association between urinary C-reactive protein and seropositivity was observed, it should not be used as a unique test for leptospirosis. In conclusion, although C-reactive protein may be used as part of a screening profile, it should not be considared as indicator alone of leptospirosis screening in dogs

Serum and Urinary C-Reactive Protein Concentrations in Dogs with Leptospirosis

Background: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by pathogenic strains of Leptospira, which may affect human beings and a wide range of both domestic and wild animals. The disease in dogs is still a challenge for clinicians, since definitive diagnosis may be reached only few days after overt clinical signs. Besides that, dogs with leptospiruria have zoonotic risk, making development of rapid screening tests crucial for early diagnosis of disease. C-reactive protein is a positive acute phase protein, and in the dog a strong and fast response is expected after any tissue injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum and urinary C-reactive protein as potential early indicators of leptospirosis in dogs, and its association with clinical serum biochemistry, complete blood count (CBC) and clinical outcome. Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 62 dogs with risk factors and/or clinical signs of leptospirosis were prospectively obtained and included in this study. Definitive diagnosis was based on serology, using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) against 13 serovars, and on a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in blood or urine, using the primers sets G1/G2 and B64I/B64II, which amplify DNA of pathogenic leptospires. ( Continuation)Clinical serum biochemistry included creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase and albumin. C-reactive protein was performed in serum and urine using a semi-quantitative latex-agglutination test. A total of 49/62 (79%) dogs had a positive diagnosis of leptospirosis. From these, 12 (24.5%) had positive blood PCR, 17 (34.7%) positive urine PCR and 43 (87.7%) had positive serology. Concurrent positive serology and positive PCR (blood or urine) occurred in 19 (38.8%) dogs, whereas 24 (49%) dogs had positive serology only, and 6 (12.2%) dogs had positive PCR only. Dogs with negative results at serology and PCR were kept for analysis and participated as negative control group. Out of the 62 dogs, 25 (40.3%) had high liver enzymes, 18 (29%) had azotemia, 23 (37.1%) had leukocytosis, 37 (59.7%) had high creatine kinase levels and 37 (59.7%) had hypoalbuminemia. Twelve death cases (19.3%) occurred within 10 days after the sample collection. Positive serology was significantly associated with urinary C-reactive protein (P = 0.038). Only a weak association was found between serum C-reactive protein and blood PCR (area under curve= 0.68). There was no association between urinary C-reactive protein and urine PCR, urinary C-reactive protein and blood PCR, serum C-reactive protein and positive serology, or serum C-reactive protein and urine PCR. Increased liver enzymes (P = 0.04) and hypoalbuminemia (P = 0.002) were associated with high levels of serum C-reactive protein. There was no association between serum or urinary C-reactive protein and death. (Continue0 Discussion: In this study, it was hypothesized that increased blood C-RP may be expected in dogs having leptospiremia, whereas increased urinary C-RP may be expected in dogs having leptospiruria. However, the results showed that C-reactive protein was not useful to predict leptospiremia or leptospiruria in the naturally infected dogs of this study; and although association between urinary C-reactive protein and seropositivity was observed, it should not be used as a unique test for leptospirosis. In conclusion, although C-reactive protein may be used as part of a screening profile, it should not be considared as indicator alone of leptospirosis screening in dogs