Search

Animal reproduction biotechniques are important tools for the technological advancement of livestock, as they allow the selection of the reproductive potential of superior quality females and males; however, infectious diseases that have a predilection for the reproductive system can be a hindrance for the use of these technologies. Therefore, the present study aimed to detect Brucella spp. in the ovarian follicular fluid of brucellosis‐positive bovine cows. A total of 47 bovine ovarian follicular fluid aspirates from cows, positive in tests for brucellosis and from Brucella‐positive herd, were submitted to PCR. The primers used in the PCR were specific to the genus Brucella (bcsp31 gene). All 47 bovine aspirates were negative for Brucella spp. 0.00% (95% CI: 0.00–4.00%). Our results demonstrated that Brucella spp. was absent in the ovarian follicular fluid from seropositive cows, which indicates that Brucella spp.‐infected cows could be used for reproductive biotechnologies carried out with follicular aspirates. Future studies are needed to more precisely evaluate the feasibility and safety of using these oocytes from brucellosis‐seropositive cows to transfer embryos to heifers/cows not infected by Brucella, aiming to produce calves free of the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of vaccines in brucellosis control program, endorsed by the OIE, the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) and the WHO (World Health Organization), is aiming to reduce the number of abortion and the transmission rate of the disease. Brucella abortus S19 and RB51 vaccine immunogenicity test: Evaluation of three mice (BALB/c, Swiss and CD-1®) and two challenge strains (544 and 2308). Furthermore, the article by Knight-Jones et al. (2014) was cited in the paper to justify those vaccines/vaccination regimens that protect against clinical signs, which are relevant in controlling the disease by reducing environmental contamination and economic losses. The efficacy of bovine brucellosis vaccines, as well as other human and animal vaccines, is evaluated considering more than one possible outcome, since most vaccines do not produce sterilizing immunity and protection against the clinical signs of infection can be sufficient to justify its use. [Extracted from the article]

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to recalculate the efficacy of Brucella abortus S19 and RB51 vaccine strains and discuss the main variables associated with controlled trials to evaluate bovine brucellosis vaccine efficacy (VE). The most commonly used vaccine strain was S19, at a dose of 1010 colony forming units (CFU), followed by RB51 at 1010 CFU. The most commonly used challenge strain was B. abortus 2308, at a dose of 107 CFU, by the intraconjunctival route. Regarding the meta‐analysis, trials were grouped according to the vaccine strain and dose to recalculate protection against abortion (four groups) or infection (five groups) using pooled risk ratio (RR) and VE. Regarding protection against abortion (n = 15 trials), the S19 vaccine at 109 CFU exhibited the highest protection rate (RR = 0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) : 0.12–0.52; VE = 75.09%, 95% CI: 48.08–88.05), followed by RB51 at 1010 CFU (RR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.16–0.61; VE = 69.25%, 95% CI: 39.48–84.38). Regarding protection against infection (n = 23 trials), only two subgroups exhibited significant protection: S19 at 109 CFU (RR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.14–0.55; VE = 72.03%, 95% CI: 57.70– 81.50) and RB51 at 1010 CFU (RR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22–0.84; VE = 57.05%, 95% CI: 30.90–73.30). In conclusion, our results suggest that a dose of 109 CFU for S19 and 1010 CFU for RB51 are the most suitable for the prevention of abortion and infection caused by B. abortus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the prevalence of leptospirosis among stray and sheltered dogs worldwide. Six databases were searched, which resulted in the retrieval of 476 articles. Sixty articles were selected for analysis according to 10 quality criteria. Among the selected papers, 26 papers [43.4% (26/60)] met five of the 10 quality criteria established, 10 papers [16.7% (10/60)] met three criteria, nine papers [15.0% (9/60)] met four criteria, six papers [10.0% (6/60)] met six criteria, four papers [6.7% (4/60)] met eight criteria, and three papers [5.0% (3/60)] met nine of the 10 criteria, whereas two papers [1.7% (1/60)] met two and seven [1.7% (1/60)] criteria. Publications originated mainly from the Americas [45.0% (27/60)] and in the last 16 years (2003–2019) [81.7% (49/60)], and most of the sampled dogs were stray dogs [65.0% (39/60)]. The most commonly used diagnostic test for leptospirosis was the microscopic agglutination test [78.4% (47/60)] followed by polymerase chain reaction [21.7% (13/60)], and the most common serovars were Canicola [71.4% (35/49)], Icterohaemorrhagiae [65.3% (32/49)], Grippotyphosa [40.8% (20/49)], and Pomona [40.8% (20/49)]. In conclusion, our results showed that Leptospira spp. are present in unowned dogs worldwide; however, the low-methodological quality of the recovered cross-sectional studies precluded a meta-analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is an important occupational disease, mainly among veterinarians, because of their frequent contact with sick animals, contaminated secretions and live attenuated anti‐Brucella vaccines. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of accidental exposure to S19 and RB51 vaccine strains and occupational brucellosis among veterinarians registered to administer vaccinations in Minas Gerais, Brazil, as well as to identify the risk factors associated with accidental exposure to anti‐Brucella abortus vaccines. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. Three hundred and twenty‐nine veterinarians were included in the analyses using stratified random sampling. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the predictors of accidental exposure to S19 and RB51 strains. Nearly one third of the veterinarians registered to administer bovine brucellosis vaccination in Minas Gerais, 32.83% (108/329) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.78–38.19%), reported having been accidentally exposed to S19 or RB51 vaccine strains. The exposure factors associated with this outcome included a score of personnel protective equipment (PPE) use during work (odds ratio [OR], 0.94; 95% CI: 0.89–0.98) and a score of knowledge about brucellosis symptoms, classified as poor (base category), intermediate (OR, 0.26; 95% CI: 0.07–0.87) or good (OR, 0.22; 95% CI: 0.07–0.62). In addition, 4.56% (15/329) (95% CI: 2.57–7.41%) of veterinarians reported that they had brucellosis, of which 46.67% (7/15) considered that the disease was due to accidental exposure to anti‐B. abortus live attenuated vaccine. The prevalence of accidental exposure to B. abortus vaccine strains among veterinarians from Minas Gerais enrolled in the control of bovine brucellosis was high. The reduced knowledge about human brucellosis symptoms and lack of appropriate PPE use were risk factors from unintentional contact with S19 and RB51 vaccine strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease of remarkable importance worldwide. The focus of this systematic review was to investigate occupational brucellosis and to identify the main infection risks for each group exposed to the pathogen. Seven databases were used to identify papers related to occupational brucellosis: CABI, Cochrane, Pubmed, Scielo, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science. The search resulted in 6123 studies, of which 63 were selected using the quality assessment tools guided from National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Case Report Guidelines (CARE). Five different job-related groups were considered greatly exposed to the disease: rural workers, abattoir workers, veterinarians and veterinary assistants, laboratory workers and hunters. The main risk factors and exposure sources involved in the occupational infection observed from the analysis of the articles were direct contact with animal fluids, failure to comply with the use of personal protective equipment, accidental exposure to live attenuated anti-brucellosis vaccines and non-compliance with biosafety standards. Brucella species frequently isolated from job-related infection were Brucella melitensis, Brucella abortus, Brucella suis and Brucella canis. In addition, a meta-analysis was performed using the case-control studies and demonstrated that animal breeders, laboratory workers and abattoir workers have 3.47 [95% confidence interval (CI); 1.47–8.19] times more chance to become infected with Brucella spp. than others individuals that have no contact with the possible sources of infection. This systematic review improved the understanding of the epidemiology of brucellosis as an occupational disease. Rural workers, abattoir workers, veterinarians, laboratory workers and hunters were the groups more exposed to occupational Brucella spp. infection. Moreover, it was observed that the lack of knowledge about brucellosis among frequently exposed professionals, in addition to some behaviors, such as negligence in the use of individual and collective protective measures, increases the probability of infection. Author summary: Brucellosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection of major importance worldwide, affecting not only domestic animals but different wildlife species. Due to its ways of transmission, direct or indirect contact with infected animals or their contaminated biological products, the disease exhibits a strong occupational character. This systematic review addressed the main occupations affected by Brucella spp. infection, due to the regular exposure to aerosol and contact of non-intact skin (e.g. wounds and abrasion) with infected materials, such as carcasses, viscera and live attenuated anti-brucellosis vaccines. The main risk factors for the disease were identified, as well as the most common forms of exposure to the pathogen. In addition, the most frequently Brucella species isolated from farmers, abattoir workers, veterinarians and veterinary technicians, laboratory workers and hunters were also described. The constant contact with the pathogen, the lack of information and instructions to occupational groups exposed, as well as the low adhesion to personal protective equipment in the work environment are determining factors for the occurrence of brucellosis among these individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine tuberculosis is a disease that is widely distributed around the world. Its causative agent, Mycobacterium bovis, has characteristics of a microorganism with clonal multiplication in populations with no evidence of genetic exchange between strains, and, consequently, a group of strains can be identified as descending from a common ancestor. The aim of this study was to investigate the clonal complexes of M. bovis isolated from samples of lesions suggestive of bovine tuberculosis collected from slaughterhouses in various states of Brazil between 2006 and 2012. Ninety samples were analyzed, and it was found that 14.4% belonged to the clonal complex European1 and 81.1% to the clonal complex European2, while 4.65% were not identified as any of the four known complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the increasing popularity of reptiles as pets and their possible role as reservoirs of pathogenic microorganisms, the aim of this study was to isolate Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens, and C. difficile strains from reptiles in Brazil and to characterize the isolated strains. The characterization was based on phylogenetic typing of E. coli, identification of virulence genes of E. coli, C. perfringens, and C. difficile, serotyping of Salmonella spp., ribotyping and MLST of C. difficile and antimicrobial susceptibility test of pathogenic strains. Cloacal swabs were collected from 76 reptiles, of which 15 were lizards, 16 chelonians, and 45 snakes, either living in captivity, in the wild, or as companion animals. E. coli was isolated from 52 (68.4%) reptiles, of which 46 (88.4%) were characterized as phylogroup B1. The virulence factor CNF1 of E. coli was found in seven (9.2%) sampled animals, whereas the gene of EAST1 was found in isolates from two (2.6%) reptiles. Three isolates positive for CNF1 were resistant to cephalothin, one of which was also resistant to ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and chloramphenicol, being then classified as multidrug resistant strain (MDR). Salmonella enterica was identified in 26 (34.2%) reptiles, of which 13 belonged to the subspecies enterica. Serotypes such as S. Mbandaka, S. Panama, S. Infantis, S. Heidelberg, and S. Anatum were identified. One isolate of S. enterica subsp. houtenae was resistant to cephalothin and ciprofloxacin. C. perfringens type A was isolated from six (7.8%) animals. C. difficile was isolated from three (3.9%) reptiles. Two of these isolates were toxigenic and classified into ribotypes/MLST 081/ST9 and 106/ST42, which have been previously reported to infect humans. In conclusion, reptiles in Brazil can harbor toxigenic C. difficile and potentially pathogenic E. coli and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, thus representing a risk to human and animal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of raw milk and its products is a risk factor associated with zoonotic tuberculosis. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) show inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro antagonistic activity of LAB from Brazilian Minas artisanal cheese against M. bovis bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG). Nine LAB were tested against M. bovis BCG in five in vitro antagonistic assays. Four lactobacilli gave the best results in all the experiments. This could be due to their growth rate, acid and bacteriocin production. In conclusion, LAB are capable of inhibiting M. bovis BCG viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that affects ruminants, causing losses in milk and meat production. Thus, the aim of this research was to compare the cutaneous response of the comparative cervical tuberculin test in buffaloes. Thus, the Comparative Cervical Test (CCT) examined 473 buffaloes, with 440 females and 33 males of different ages and races. Measurement of the allergic skin response was performed at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after tuberculinization. For avian tuberculin, the mean skin increases ranged from 12.24mm (0 hour) to 14.82mm (96 hours). As for bovine tuberculin ranged from 11.99mm (0 hour) to 13.68mm (96 hours). The maximum point of measurement of the allergic skin reaction was observed at 72 hours after the application of avian tuberculin, the same was observed for bovine tuberculin. However, there was no statistically significant difference in relation to the amplitude of the reactions observed at 48, 72 and 96 hours. Therefore, it was concluded that the skin allergic reaction occurred in a gradual manner and that the maximum amplitude value of the cutaneous allergic response in buffalo in the diagnosis of tuberculosis was at 72 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the occurrence and distribution of phylogenetic groups of 391 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from poultry, cattle, and water buffalo. The frequency of the phylogroups was A = 19%, B1 = 57%, B2 = 2.3%, C = 4.6%, D = 2.8%, E = 11%, and F = 3.3%. Phylogroups A (P < 0.001) and F (P = 0.018) were associated with E. coli strains isolated from poultry, phylogroups B1 (P < 0.001) and E (P = 0.002) were associated with E. coli isolated from cattle, and phylogroups B2 (P = 0.003) and D (P = 0.017) were associated with E. coli isolated from water buffalo. This report demonstrated that some phylogroups are associated with the host analyzed and the results provide knowledge of the phylogenetic composition of E. coli from domestic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the susceptibility profile of Brazilian Brucella abortus isolates from cattle to eight antimicrobial agents that are recommended for the treatment of human brucellosis and to correlate the susceptibility patterns with origin, biotype and MLVA16-genotype of the strains. Screening of 147 B. abortus strains showed 100% sensitivity to doxycycline and ofloxacin, one (0.68%) strain resistant to ciprofloxacin, two strains (1.36%) resistant to streptomycin, two strains (1.36%) resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and five strains (3.40%) resistant to gentamicin. For rifampicin, three strains (2.04%) were resistant and 54 strains (36.73%) showed reduced sensitivity. Two strains were considered multidrug resistant. In conclusion, the majority of B. abortus strains isolated from cattle in Brazil were sensitive to the antimicrobials commonly used for the treatment of human brucellosis; however, a considerable proportion of strains showed reduced susceptibility to rifampicin and two strains were considered multidrug resistant. Moreover, there was no correlation among the drug susceptibility pattern, origin, biotype and MLVA16-genotypes of these strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brucellosis caused by Brucella abortus is one of the most important zoonoses in the world. Multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA16) has been shown be a useful tool to epidemiological traceback studies in B. abortus infection. Thus, the present study aimed (i) to evaluate the genetic diversity of B. abortus isolates from a brucellosis outbreak, and (ii) to investigate the in vivo stability of the MLVA16 markers. Results: Three-hundred and seventy-five clinical samples, including 275 vaginal swabs and 100 milk samples, were cultured from a brucellosis outbreak in a cattle herd, which adopted RB51 vaccination and test-and-slaughter policies. Thirty-seven B. abortus isolates were obtained, eight from milk and twenty-nine from post-partum/abortion vaginal swabs, which were submitted to biotyping and genotyping by MLVA16. Twelve B. abortus isolates obtained from vaginal swabs were identified as RB51. Twenty four isolates, seven obtained from milk samples and seventeen from vaginal swabs, were identified as B. abortus biovar 3, while one isolate from vaginal swabs was identified as B. abortus biovar 1. Three distinct genotypes were observed during the brucellosis outbreak: RB observed in all isolates identified as RB51; W observed in all B. abortus biovar 3 isolates; and Z observed in the single B. abortus biovar 1 isolate. Epidemiological and molecular data show that the B. abortus biovar 1 genotype Z strain is not related to the B. abortus biovar 3 genotype W isolates, and represents a new introduction B. abortus during the outbreak. Conclusions: The results of the present study on typing of multiple clinical B. abortus isolates from the same outbreak over a sixteen month period indicate the in vivo stability of MLVA16 markers, a low genetic diversity among B. abortus isolates and the usefulness of MLVA16 for epidemiological studies of bovine brucellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ciência Animal Brasileira is the property of Universidade Federal de Goias, Escola de Veterinaria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)