Perfil hematológico de Chelonia mydas (Testudines, Cheloniidae) de acordo com o grau de acometimento pela fibropapilomatose e sua ausência

The green turtle Chelonia mydas feeds and nests in the Brazilian coastal area and is considered an endangered species by the World Conservation Union (IUCN 2009) and threatened by the Red List of Brazilian Fauna (Ministério do Meio Ambiente 2009). Fibropapillomatosis is a disease characterized by benign skin tumors (fibropapillomas), and it is one of the main threats to the survival of this species. Studies suggest the involvement of viruses as infectious agents associated with environmental and genetic factors. Blood samples were collected from 45 turtles captured in the coastal area of the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. From these, 27 were affected by fibropapillomas and 18 were tumor free. Biometrical data on the turtles, size, location and quantity of tumors were recorded. The area occupied by fibropapillomas per animal was calculated and four groups were determined according to severity of the disease or its absence. The objective of the study was to compare hemogram results of the sea turtles classified in these four groups. The lowest hematocrit value was observed in severely affected animals. In the hemoglobin assay, the highest value was observed in the group of tumor free turtles and the lowest, in animals severely affected. Lymphocyte counts and curved carapace length were on the verge of statistical significance.Chelonia mydas, denominada tartaruga verde, é uma tartaruga marinha que frequenta o litoral brasileiro para alimentação e nidificação e é considerada em perigo de extinção pela IUCN (World Conservation Union, 2009) e ameaçada pela Lista Vermelha da Fauna Brasileira (Ministério do Meio Ambiente, 2009). A fibropapilomatose, doença caracterizada por tumores cutâneos benignos (fibropapilomas), é uma das mais importantes ameaças à sobrevivência dessa espécie. Pesquisas sugerem o envolvimento de agentes infecciosos virais em associação com fatores ambientais e genéticos. Foram colhidas amostras sanguíneas de 45 tartarugas provenientes do litoral do estado de São Paulo, Brasil, sendo 18 sem fibropapilomas e 27 acometidas. Dados de biometria das tartarugas, quantidade, localização e tamanho dos tumores foram anotados. Foi realizado o cálculo da área de fibropapilomas por animal e foram estipulados 4 grupos de acordo com o grau de acometimento e sua ausência. O objetivo foi realizar uma comparação entre os hemogramas das tartarugas marinhas classificadas nos 4 grupos. Animais de grau grave apresentaram o menor valor para hematócrito. Para dosagem de hemoglobina, observou-se que o maior valor foi para o grupo de tartarugas sem fibropapilomas e o menor para o de grau grave. Os valores de linfócitos e comprimento curvilíneo da carapaça beiraram a significância estatística

Hematology, survey for hemoparasites and measurement of plasmatic cholinesterases activity of Falconiformes and Strigiformes of São Paulo State, Brazil

Foram coletadas 137 amostras sanguíneas de 132 espécimes diferentes, pertencentes a sete espécies de Strigiformes (n=92) e onze espécies de Falconiformes (n=45), entre os meses de setembro de 2008 e julho de 2009. As amostras foram submetidas a hemograma completo, pesquisa de hemoparasitos através da avaliação do esfregaço sanguíneo, sexagem através da técnica de PCR e mensuração da atividade de colinesterases plasmáticas através do método de Ellman (1961). Apenas sete corujinhas-do-mato (Megascops choliba) apresentaram hemoparasitos (5,3 % do total de rapinantes). Houve diferença significativa conforme o estado de saúde da ave, sendo que a todos os animais clinicamente hígidos não estavam infectados, porém 20,4% dos animais com desordens clínicas apresentavam hemosporídeos. Quantitativamente, a parasitemia mediana dos animais infectados foi de 3,8 hemácias parasitadas por 10.000 hemácias, um índice de infecção relativamente baixo. A grande maioria dos parâmetros hematológicos não apresentou diferenças estatísticas em função da presença ou ausência de hemoparasitos, o que na maioria dos casos caracterizou uma infecção branda e pouco patogênica. A atividade de colinesterases plasmáticas apresentou uma distribuição normal, com uma média geométrica de 0,8333 micromoles/mL e desvio padrão geométrico de 1,7087 µmols/mL. A atividade de colinesterases plasmáticas apresentou diferenças estatísticas significativas entre Falconiformes (0,5705±1,6497 µmols/mL) e Strigiformes (1,0070±1,5620 µmols/mL). Não houve diferenças significativas entre machos ou fêmeas e adultos ou jovens dentre os Falconiformes ou Strigiformes. Falconiformes não hígidos apresentaram valores surpreendentemente mais baixos do que os clinicamente hígidos. Entre os Strigiformes, os espécimes de cativeiro apresentaram valores mais baixos de atividade de colinesterases plasmáticas do que os de vida livre. A atividade de colinesterases plasmáticas foi significativamente diferente entre os animais com hemoparasitos (mediana geométrica = 2,0132 µmols/mL) e sem hemoparasitos (mediana geométrica = 0,8331 µmols/mL). Este estudo contribui com informações relevantes sobre a ocorrência de hemosporídeos em aves de rapina do Estado de São Paulo, alertando as Instituições sobre a necessidade de monitoração destes protozoários sanguíneos. Além disso, contribui com dados inéditos sobre a atividade de colinesterases plasmáticas em rapinantes.137 blood samples were collected from 132 different specimen, belonging to seven species of Strigiformes (n=92) and eleven species of Falconiformes (n=45), from September 2008 to July 2009. Samples were submitted to complete hemogram, survey for hemoparasites through evaluation of blood smears, sex identification by PCR and measurement of plasmatic cholinesterases by the method of Ellman (1961). Only seven black-capped-screech-owls (Megascops choliba) were positive for hemoparasites (5,3% of total raptors). There were significative difference according to avian health status; all the clinicaly higid animal were not infected, but 20,4% of animals with clinical desorders presented haemosporidians. Quantitatively, the average parasitemia was 3,8 parasited erythrocytes in 10.000 erythrocytes, a infection rate relatively low. The most of hematologic parameters did not present statistic differences in function of presence or absence of hemoparasites, what in most of the cases characterized a low and not much pathogenic infection. The plasmatic cholinesterase activity presented normal distribution, with geometric average of 0,8333 micromoles/mL and geometric standard deviation of 1,7087 µmols/mL. The plasmatic cholinesterase activity presented statistic differences between Falconiformes (0,5705±1,6497 µmols/mL) and Strigiformes (1,0070±1,5620 µmols/mL). There were not significative differences between males of females and adults or youngs between Falconiformes or Strigiformes. Non-higid Falconiformes presented surprisiling much low values than those clinically higid. Between Strigiformes, the captivity specimens present much lower plasmatic cholinesterase activity values than free ranging animals. The plasmatic cholinesterase activity was signifactively different among animal with hemoparasites (geometric average = 2,0132 µmols/mL) and without hemoparasites (geometric average = 0,8331 µmols/mL). This research contributes with relevant information about the haemosporidian occurence in raptors of State of São Paulo, alerting the Institutions about the necessity of monitorizing haemoprotozoa. Besides that, contributes with unpublished data about the plasmatic cholinesterase activity in raptors

Hematology, survey for hemoparasites and measurement of plasmatic cholinesterases activity of Falconiformes and Strigiformes of São Paulo State, Brazil

Foram coletadas 137 amostras sanguíneas de 132 espécimes diferentes, pertencentes a sete espécies de Strigiformes (n=92) e onze espécies de Falconiformes (n=45), entre os meses de setembro de 2008 e julho de 2009. As amostras foram submetidas a hemograma completo, pesquisa de hemoparasitos através da avaliação do esfregaço sanguíneo, sexagem através da técnica de PCR e mensuração da atividade de colinesterases plasmáticas através do método de Ellman (1961). Apenas sete corujinhas-do-mato (Megascops choliba) apresentaram hemoparasitos (5,3 % do total de rapinantes). Houve diferença significativa conforme o estado de saúde da ave, sendo que a todos os animais clinicamente hígidos não estavam infectados, porém 20,4% dos animais com desordens clínicas apresentavam hemosporídeos. Quantitativamente, a parasitemia mediana dos animais infectados foi de 3,8 hemácias parasitadas por 10.000 hemácias, um índice de infecção relativamente baixo. A grande maioria dos parâmetros hematológicos não apresentou diferenças estatísticas em função da presença ou ausência de hemoparasitos, o que na maioria dos casos caracterizou uma infecção branda e pouco patogênica. A atividade de colinesterases plasmáticas apresentou uma distribuição normal, com uma média geométrica de 0,8333 micromoles/mL e desvio padrão geométrico de 1,7087 µmols/mL. A atividade de colinesterases plasmáticas apresentou diferenças estatísticas significativas entre Falconiformes (0,5705±1,6497 µmols/mL) e Strigiformes (1,0070±1,5620 µmols/mL). Não houve diferenças significativas entre machos ou fêmeas e adultos ou jovens dentre os Falconiformes ou Strigiformes. Falconiformes não hígidos apresentaram valores surpreendentemente mais baixos do que os clinicamente hígidos. Entre os Strigiformes, os espécimes de cativeiro apresentaram valores mais baixos de atividade de colinesterases plasmáticas do que os de vida livre. A atividade de colinesterases plasmáticas foi significativamente diferente entre os animais com hemoparasitos (mediana geométrica = 2,0132 µmols/mL) e sem hemoparasitos (mediana geométrica = 0,8331 µmols/mL). Este estudo contribui com informações relevantes sobre a ocorrência de hemosporídeos em aves de rapina do Estado de São Paulo, alertando as Instituições sobre a necessidade de monitoração destes protozoários sanguíneos. Além disso, contribui com dados inéditos sobre a atividade de colinesterases plasmáticas em rapinantes.137 blood samples were collected from 132 different specimen, belonging to seven species of Strigiformes (n=92) and eleven species of Falconiformes (n=45), from September 2008 to July 2009. Samples were submitted to complete hemogram, survey for hemoparasites through evaluation of blood smears, sex identification by PCR and measurement of plasmatic cholinesterases by the method of Ellman (1961). Only seven black-capped-screech-owls (Megascops choliba) were positive for hemoparasites (5,3% of total raptors). There were significative difference according to avian health status; all the clinicaly higid animal were not infected, but 20,4% of animals with clinical desorders presented haemosporidians. Quantitatively, the average parasitemia was 3,8 parasited erythrocytes in 10.000 erythrocytes, a infection rate relatively low. The most of hematologic parameters did not present statistic differences in function of presence or absence of hemoparasites, what in most of the cases characterized a low and not much pathogenic infection. The plasmatic cholinesterase activity presented normal distribution, with geometric average of 0,8333 micromoles/mL and geometric standard deviation of 1,7087 µmols/mL. The plasmatic cholinesterase activity presented statistic differences between Falconiformes (0,5705±1,6497 µmols/mL) and Strigiformes (1,0070±1,5620 µmols/mL). There were not significative differences between males of females and adults or youngs between Falconiformes or Strigiformes. Non-higid Falconiformes presented surprisiling much low values than those clinically higid. Between Strigiformes, the captivity specimens present much lower plasmatic cholinesterase activity values than free ranging animals. The plasmatic cholinesterase activity was signifactively different among animal with hemoparasites (geometric average = 2,0132 µmols/mL) and without hemoparasites (geometric average = 0,8331 µmols/mL). This research contributes with relevant information about the haemosporidian occurence in raptors of State of São Paulo, alerting the Institutions about the necessity of monitorizing haemoprotozoa. Besides that, contributes with unpublished data about the plasmatic cholinesterase activity in raptors

Hematological and histopathological evaluation of wildlife green turtles (Chelonia mydas) with and without fibropapilloma from the north coast of São Paulo State, Brazil

Blood profiles were determined in 47 juvenile green turtles, Chelonia mydas, from São Paulo northern coast, Brazil. Twenty-nine were affected by fibropapillomas and 18 were tumor free. Complete gross and histopathologic examinations of the fibropapillo were performed in 21 green turtles. Biometrical data, size, location and amount of tumors were recorded. The papillomas varied in morphology, location, size, color and texture. We found hyperplastic stroma, rich in blood vessels and connective tissue with increase in thickness of the dermis. The tumors w0ere classified as papillomas or fibropapillomas according to their epithelial and/or stromal proliferation. The lowest Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (HCM) values were observed in affected turtles

A survey of flaviviruses in birds in green areas of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate Flavivirus infection in birds captured in green areas of São Paulo. METHODS: Oropharyngeal swabs, cloacal swabs, and blood samples from 170 birds captured in two green areas in São Paulo, Brazil were subjected to real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis of Flavivirus specific NS5 gene fragment. RESULTS: All samples were negative for the presence of viral ribonucleic acid (RNA). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the negative results, Flavivirus surveillance must be performed regularly due to favorable ecological conditions for virus circulation and transmission among birds in these areas and their close proximity to humans

Hematologic Reference Values for Clinically Healthy Captive Golden Conures (Guaruba guarouba)

Golden conures or ararajubas (Guaruba guarouba) are endangered parrots endemic to the Brazilian Amazon forest. Body mass, blood cell counts, and total plasma protein were determined for 70 clinically healthy golden conures captive at zoologic parks and private breeder facilities in Brazil. Hematologic results (mean +/- SD) were: Erythrocytes 3.6 +/- 0.5 x 10(6) cells/mm(3), hemoglobin 12.8 +/- 1.4 g/dl, packed cell volume 46 +/- 3.8%, mean corpuscular volume 132 +/- 20 fl, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) 36 +/- 5.7 pg, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) 28 +/- 3.5%, thrombocytes 26.3 +/- 9.3 x 10(3) cells/mm(3), leukocytes 11.9 +/- 4.5 x 10(3) cells/mm(3), heterophils 6284 +/- 2715 cells/mm(3), lymphocytes 5473 +/- 2408 cells/mm(3), monocytes 113 +/- 162 cells/mm(3), eosinophils 10 +/- 42 cells/mm(3), basophils 27 +/- 64 cells/mm(3). Body mass was 254 +/- 24.9 g and total plasma protein (TPP) was 3.54 +/- 0.58 g/dl. No statistical differences were observed between genders within age groups. Differences between juveniles (J) and adults (A) were identified for TPP < A), MCH (J > A), and MCHC (J > A). These results provide reliable reference values for the clinical interpretation of hematologic results for the species. Hematology may be an important tool for population health investigations on free-ranging golden conure populations and will also be essential to survey the health of release candidates in future reintroduction programs