Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in domestic non-commercial pigs reared in small-scale farms and wild boar in South of Brazil

Hepatitis E is a zoonotic emerging disease distributed worldwide. The domestic swine and wild boars (Sus scrofa) are known as important reservoirs of HEV although HEV infections have been detected in other animal species. The southern region of Brazil has the largest swine productions in the country, ranging from highly-specialized commercial swine productions to small-scale non-commercial pig farms. The small-scale farms allow interactions between wild boars and domestic pigs, when occasionally pathogens transmission can occur between these populations. The aim of this study was to determine HEV seroprevalence in non-commercial domestic pigs and wild boars from two southern Brazilian states (RS: Rio Grande do Sul; SC: Santa Catarina), and discuss if the consumption of raw or undercooked meat from these animals is a potential risk to public health. Animals from RS and SC States were sampled. Serum was harvested from wild boar hunted between 2012 and 2016, and from non-commercial small-scale pig farms in 2014. Overall 249 wild boars (56 from RS and 193 from SC) and 382 pigs (261 from RS and 121 from SC) were tested to detect anti-HEV IgG antibodies using a commercial HEV antibody ELISA kit (Thermo fisher), specific for swine. Overall difference was observed (P\u3c0.0001) regarding HEV seroprevalence between wild boar 4.42% (n=249) and non-commercial domestic pigs 46.60% (n=382). In relation to wild boars samples, higher seroprevalence for Hepatitis E was observed in RS (14.29%; n=56) and lower in SC (1.55%; n=193; P\u3c0.0004). In relation to pigs, RS had also higher seroprevalence (53.26%; n=261) than SC (32.23%; n=121; P\u3c0.0002). Although interactions between wild boar and non-commercial domestic pigs are known to occur, the lowest antibody detection in wild boar suggest that these contact may not be sufficient to explain seroprevalence in studied populations. Our results indicate that non-commercial pigs are a more likely source of infection for the human population than wild boar

Seroprevalence of Brucella Spp., Lepstospira Spp and Toxoplasma Gondii in wild boar (Sus scrofa) from Southern Brazil

The wild boar (Sus scrofa), exotic invasive specie, is currently distributed in many Brazilian states, including Santa Catarina (SC) and Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Since the wild pigs are susceptible to zoonotic pathogens as Leptospira spp, Toxoplasma gondii and Brucella spp, their large populations, movements and dispersion can spread diseases, being a potential transmission source to humans, livestock and other sylvatic sympatric species. Despite its importance are there few information about sanitary status of this wild populations and their impact for human and livestock health in Brazil. Objective this work was to investigate the presence of antibodies to Brucella spp, Toxoplasma gondii and Leptospira spp in blood samples of wild boar legally hunted for population control in SC and RS states. From January 2014 to July 2016, 193 samples were tested to antibodies against Brucella spp (buffered acidified plate agglutination test-BAPA) and Leptospira spp (micro agglutination test-MAT). Of these 193, 149 were tested to Toxoplasma gondii antibodies (HAI test). Overall, serological results showed negativity to Brucella spp and low prevalence for Toxoplasma gondii (2,7%). On the other hand, the seroprevalence of Leptospira spp was 6,74% with significantly greater percentage of positivity in RS (12,5%) compared to SC (3,88%). The most prevalent serovars ware Icterohaemorragiae and Pomona, with titers ranging from 1:400 to 1:12,800 in RS. Icterohaemorragiae was the most prevalent serovar in SC but with lowest titres. Seroprevalence of these pathogens in wild population indicate the environmental health, including sympatric livestock and wildlife. Ecological factors should be considered to understand the role of wild boars in the cycle of these diseases. Our results indicate that hunters and consumers of wild boar meat of must be aware about zoonotic risk in carcass handling and meat intake.</p

Desenvolvimento e padronização de um ELISA indireto para o diagnóstico sorológico de peste suína clássica

Um ensaio imunoenzimático do tipo ELISA indireto (ELISA-I) foi desenvolvido e padronizado para o diagnóstico sorológico de peste suína clássica. Na comparação foram utilizadas novecentas e trinta e sete amostras de soros suínos, as quais foram testadas pelo teste de soroneutralização seguido de revelação por imunoperoxidase (NPLA), tomado como padrão, resultando em 223 amostras positivas e 714 negativas. Em relação ao NPLA, o ELISA-I apresentou sensibilidade de 98,21%, especificidade de 92,86%, valor preditivo positivo de 81,11%, valor preditivo negativo de 99,4% e precis ão de 94,1%. A análise estatística dos resultados revelou uma correlação muito forte (r=0,94) entre os dois testes. Quando comparado com um kit de ELISA disponível comercialmente, a performance de ambos em relação ao NPLA foi similar. Concluiu-se que o ELISA-I é um teste apropriado para triagem em larga escala de soros para a detecção de anticorpos contra o Vírus da Peste Suína Clássica (VPSC), embora não seja capaz de diferenciar entre anticorpos induzidos pelo VPSC ou outros pestivírus.An indirect enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA-I) was developed and standardized for the serological diagnosis of classical swine fever (CSF). For the comparison, nine hundred and thirty-seven swine serum samples were tested by serum neutralization followed by immunoperoxidase staining (NPLA), considered as the standard. Of these, 223 were positive and 714 negative for neutralizing antibodies to classical swine fever virus (CSFV). In relation to the NPLA, the ELISA-I presented a 98.2% sensitivity; 92.86% specificity, 81.11% positive predictive value, 99.4% negative predictive value and a 94.1% precision. Statistical analysis showed a very strong correlation (r=0,94) between both tests. When compared to a commercially available ELISA kit, the performance of both, in relation to the NPLA, was similar. It was concluded that the ELISA-I is suitable for large scale screening of antibodies to classical swine fever virus, although it does not distinguish antibodies to classical swine fever virus from those induced by other pestiviruses

Desenvolvimento e padronização de um ELISA indireto para o diagnóstico sorológico de peste suína clássica

Um ensaio imunoenzimático do tipo ELISA indireto (ELISA-I) foi desenvolvido e padronizado para o diagnóstico sorológico de peste suína clássica. Na comparação foram utilizadas novecentas e trinta e sete amostras de soros suínos, as quais foram testadas pelo teste de soroneutralização seguido de revelação por imunoperoxidase (NPLA), tomado como padrão, resultando em 223 amostras positivas e 714 negativas. Em relação ao NPLA, o ELISA-I apresentou sensibilidade de 98,21%, especificidade de 92,86%, valor preditivo positivo de 81,11%, valor preditivo negativo de 99,4% e precis ão de 94,1%. A análise estatística dos resultados revelou uma correlação muito forte (r=0,94) entre os dois testes. Quando comparado com um kit de ELISA disponível comercialmente, a performance de ambos em relação ao NPLA foi similar. Concluiu-se que o ELISA-I é um teste apropriado para triagem em larga escala de soros para a detecção de anticorpos contra o Vírus da Peste Suína Clássica (VPSC), embora não seja capaz de diferenciar entre anticorpos induzidos pelo VPSC ou outros pestivírus.An indirect enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA-I) was developed and standardized for the serological diagnosis of classical swine fever (CSF). For the comparison, nine hundred and thirty-seven swine serum samples were tested by serum neutralization followed by immunoperoxidase staining (NPLA), considered as the standard. Of these, 223 were positive and 714 negative for neutralizing antibodies to classical swine fever virus (CSFV). In relation to the NPLA, the ELISA-I presented a 98.2% sensitivity; 92.86% specificity, 81.11% positive predictive value, 99.4% negative predictive value and a 94.1% precision. Statistical analysis showed a very strong correlation (r=0,94) between both tests. When compared to a commercially available ELISA kit, the performance of both, in relation to the NPLA, was similar. It was concluded that the ELISA-I is suitable for large scale screening of antibodies to classical swine fever virus, although it does not distinguish antibodies to classical swine fever virus from those induced by other pestiviruses

Anticorpos contra vírus em galinhas de terreiro do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil Antibodies against avian viruses in backyard poultry from the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

No Brasil, a população de aves conhecida como galinhas de terreiro encontra-se fora do sistema de biosseguridade aplicada às criações comerciais. Para investigar a presença de anticorpos contra alguns vírus específicos nesta população, foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 867 aves não-vacinadas em 60 propriedades de 22 municípios do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. O soro foi testado para a presença de anticorpos contra o vírus da bronquite infecciosa das galinhas (IBV), reovírus aviário (ARV) e o vírus da doença infecciosa da bolsa (IBDV) pela técnica de soroneutralização. Anticorpos contra IBV foram detectados em 65% (564/867) das amostras, contra ARV em 21,6% (187/867) e contra IBDV em 80,2% (695/867) das aves. Todas as propriedades avaliadas apresentavam uma ave positiva para anticorpos contra IBV e IBDV e 88,3% delas eram positivas para ARV. Os resultados demonstram que esses vírus estão presentes em galinhas de terreiro nas criações avícolas não-industriais da região central do Estado. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de um programa de vigilância permanente nessa população e ainda indicam a necessidade de avaliar o impacto destas infecções nos próprios plantéis e o risco associado à transmissão destas às criações comerciais.The backyard poultry are not included in the biosecurity system applied in commercial flocks in Brazil. To investigate the presence of antibodies to specific viral pathogens in this population, blood samples were collected from 867 non-vaccinated birds, from 60 flocks in 22 counties of the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The samples were tested to detect antibodies against infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), avian reovirus (ARV) and infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), through the virus neutralization test. Antibodies to IBV were detected in 65% (564/867), against ARV in 21.6% (187/867), and against IBDV in 80.2% (695/867) of the samples. All the flocks had chickens positive to IBV and IBDV antibodies, and 88.3% of them harbored antibodies to ARV. The results show the presence of these viruses in backyard poultry from the central region of the State. It also indicates the need for additional studies aimed to evaluate the real importance of these infections for this type of flocks