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Background and Aim: In urban environments, dogs serve as the primary reservoir for visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Rapidly diagnosing canine VL through tests enables early treatment and a favorable prognosis. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of the SensPERT® Leishmania test kit (Dechra®), Alere® Leishmaniasis Ac test kit, and the rapid test dual path platform (TR-DPP®) Bio-Manguinhos in detecting VL. Materials and Methods: 30 serum samples from reactive VL dogs and 30 serum samples from healthy dogs were employed for assessing the sensitivity and specificity variation between SensPERT® Leishmania test kit, Alere® Leishmaniasis Ac test kit, and rapid test dual platform – TR-DPP®. Results: The SensPERT® Leishmania test outperformed Alere® and TR-DPP® in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and demonstrated near-perfect concordance with Alere® and substantial concurrence with TR-DPP®. Conclusion: The SensPERT® Leishmania rapid test proved to be a promising test in the detection of VL in dogs.

Background and Aim: Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) experience a shortened lifespan, neurobehavioral changes, and an increased risk of comorbidities during the interictal period. There have been several reports of sudden death in humans with epilepsy, suggesting changes in cardiac rhythm secondary to seizures. In veterinary medicine, there are still no such conclusive studies. The present study aimed to evaluate blood pressure values, electrocardiographic findings, and laboratory parameters in dogs with IE treated with phenobarbital and to correlate these findings with possible cardiac alterations. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one dogs were divided into 11 healthy dogs and 10 idiopathic epileptic dogs for blood analysis, computerized electrocardiogram, and oscillometer-based blood pressure measurement. Results: QRS complex and S-T interval values differed significantly between groups, but blood pressure values were not significantly different. Conclusion: IE can occur with alterations in cardiac conduction and is a pathological condition.

ABSTRACT: Trypanosoma evansi, the hemoflagellate pathogen that causes “surra,” is a protozoan that infects the widest variety of mammals worldwide, primarily horses, camels, dogs, and wild animals. Cases of canine trypanosomiasis caused by T.evansi have been reported in the Brazilian pantonal region. This study determined the prevalence of T.evansi and investigate risk factors. The study used blood samples from dogs in the municipality of Barão de Melgaço in the pantonal of the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The owner was given a structured epidemiological questionnaire containing information about the risk factors. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique was used to detect T.evansi DNA using species-specific oligonucleotides TevF and TevR of the gene encoding a 227-bp portion of the glycoprotein of the variant surface (VSG) T.evansi Rode Trypanozoon (RoTat) 1.2. Two (prevalence of 0.5%) genetic materials of T.evansi were reported in the403 samples. Although, no risk factor was associated with infection (P > 0.05), proximity to vegetation and streams, as well as the presence of tabanids, rodents, and marsupials, which are factors in the occurrence of infection, were observed in positive dogs, implying that the municipality of Barão de Melgaço has epidemiological characteristics that allow canine infection by T.evansi.

Background and Aim: Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is a vector-borne disease caused by the obligatory intracellular bacterium Ehrlichia canis, which is distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Its prevalence within dog populations is high in municipalities located across the Pantanal biome, but it remains unknown in Barão de Melgaço, Mato Grosso, Brazil. This study aimed to determine the molecular prevalence and factors associated with E. canis infection in dogs domiciled in Barão de Melgaço. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of E. canis infection in 369 dogs from urban and rural areas in Barão de Melgaço, North Pantanal wetland, Brazil. Initially, the dogs were examined, and, through a questionnaire, the risk factors were investigated. Blood samples were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR was performed to estimate the prevalence of E. canis infection. Results: The molecular prevalence of E. canis infection in dogs was 42.5% and none of the studied variables were significantly associated with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The high molecular prevalence demonstrates an increased transmission of the agent across the city. This also indicates that attention needs to be paid to E. canis infection and control measures should be introduced to prevent its transmission. The demographic and clinical risk factors commonly associated with E. canis infection in this study were not associated with PCR positivity.

This study aimed to analyze the hematological parameters, blood viscosity, and cytokines of dogs infected by Ehrlichia canis untreated and treated with doxycycline. Initially, 47 dogs were examined, and 36 were suspected to have canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, which was confirmed through molecular polymerase chain reaction tests. This study consisted of 25 dogs, with 11 being healthy and 14 testing positive for E. canis. The dogs were divided into experimental groups based on their test results, including a control group of healthy dogs (N = 11), a group of infected dogs without treatment (N = 7), and a group of infected dogs treated with doxycycline (N = 7) at a 10 mg/kg dose every 12 h for 28 days. Blood samples were taken to determine hematological parameters, viscosity, and cytokine levels. It was observed that, regardless of doxycycline treatment, there was a reduction in total leukocytes and lymphocytes in infected dogs with Ehrlichia canis. The eosinophils and platelets decreased in dogs with Ehrlichia canis infections without treatment. Monocytes, eosinophils, and platelets increased when the dogs were treated with doxycycline. Regardless of treatment, infected dogs’ blood viscosity was lower than uninfected dogs. Infected dogs showed lower TNF-α and increased IL-1β. There was a correlation between the blood viscosity with the cytokines IL-10 and IL-12 in the infected dogs. The eosinophil count correlated with TNF-α in the group of infected and untreated dogs. In conclusion, treating dogs with monocytic ehrlichiosis using doxycycline can increase platelet and eosinophil levels but may also increase IL-1β and monocyte levels, exacerbating inflammation. Therefore, evaluating viscosity and cytokine levels is important when treating dogs with this condition.

Background and Aim: Urethral obstruction (UO) is a common condition in feline medicine. Severe acid-base and electrolyte disorders promote relevant electrocardiographic changes in these animals. Cardiac biomarkers such as cardiac troponin I have been shown to be useful in identifying cats with myocardial disease, but it has not been investigated whether UO leads to myocardial damages. This study aimed to evaluate biochemical changes, electrocardiographic findings, troponin I measurements, and electrolyte disturbances for 7 days in cats with UO. Materials and Methods: This follow-up prospective study included 33 cats diagnosed with UO for 7 days. For all cats, clinical examination, serum biochemistry, electrolyte analyses, blood pressure, and electrocardiography were performed. Cardiac troponin I was measured in the serum in 16 cats at 3 different times. Results: The mean age of the feline population was 1.83±1.58 years (mean±standard deviation). Creatinine, urea, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, phosphorus, base excess, bicarbonate, and serum potassium decreased significantly (p≤0.05), while ionic calcium and blood pH increased significantly (p≤0.05) at different times. Electrocardiographic abnormalities were observed in 21/33 (63.63%) of the felines on admission day. The electrocardiographic abnormalities were no longer observed on the subsequent days. Only one feline showed changes in troponin I cardiac concentrations. Conclusion: This study suggests the sum and severity of electrolyte abnormalities aggravate the clinical and cardiovascular status of these patients. However, cTnI, blood pressure, and heart rate within the reference range do not exclude the presence of major cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities. The hyperglycemia in felines with UO appears to be associated with decreased renal clearance, which may reflect the severity of hyperkalemia and azotemia. The metabolic and cardiovascular changes of these felines are minimized by the establishment of appropriate intensive care; however, cardiac and blood gas monitoring is essential to assess the severity of the disease.

Background and Aim: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CanL) has a broad spectrum of changes, with kidney disease being considered the main cause of mortality. Thus, this study aimed to monitor serum and urinary biomarkers in response to two short-term treatments for CanL. Materials and Methods: Thirty dogs with CanL were equally divided into two treatment groups and treated with either miltefosine (Group M) or miltefosine plus allopurinol (Group MA); the groups were evaluated before treatment and after 28 days of treatment. Physical exams were performed and hematimetric, biochemical, and urinary parameters, including urinary biomarkers cystatin C (CisC), lipocalin-2 (NGAL), and microalbuminuria, were measured. Results: Both treatments significantly reduced clinical scores (p

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, caused by the intracellular bacterium Ehrlichia canis, can affect different organs, including the kidneys, in different stages of infection, and kidney involvement is considered one of the main causes of death related to the disease. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of kidney disease in dogs naturally infected with E. canis and to correlate antibody levels with the severity of renal disease. Serum concentrations of urea, creatinine, and proteins (albumin and globulin), along with urine concentration, urine gamma-glutamyl transferase, and urine protein levels, were evaluated in 60 dogs with E. canis infection diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction. The detection of anti-E. canis antibodies was also performed for each dog. Of the 60 dogs with E. canis infection, 73.33% presented anti-E. canis antibodies. Laboratory abnormalities consistent with renal disease were observed in 33 (55%) infected dogs, and of these, 43.3% were in stage I chronic kidney disease. A positive correlation was observed between antibody levels and total plasma protein (p = 0.0332) and serum globulin (p = 0.0057) levels. In this study, renal disease was observed on routine laboratory testing in 55% of dogs with monocytic ehrlichiosis; however, there was no correlation between the stage of renal disease and the antibody titer against E. canis.

BACKGROUND Dogs are the main peridomiciliary reservoir of Leishmania infantum thus the correct diagnosis of infection is essential for the control of the transmission and treatment as well. However, the diagnosis is based on serological assays that are not fully effective. OBJECTIVE We aimed to establish an effective serological assay for the diagnosis of L. infantum infected dogs using Leishmania-derived recombinant antigens. METHODS Leishmania derived rK39-, rK28-, rKR95-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was standardized using symptomatic and asymptomatic L. infantum-infected dogs. Then 2,530 samples from inquiry in endemic areas for VL were evaluated and the results compared with recommended assays by the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MH algorithm). Further samples from a cohort of 30 dogs were searched. FINDINGS For rK39-, rK28- and rKR95-ELISA the sensitivity was around 97% and specificity 100%. The positivity of these three ELISA in the inquiry samples was 27-28%, around 10% higher than the assays currently in use. When cohort samples were searched, we observed likely false-negative results (> 65%) with supposedly negative samples that turned positive six months later with the assays in use (MH algorithm). MAIN CONCLUSIONS For the diagnosis of L. infantum-infected dogs, rK39-based ELISA showed better diagnostic performance than other assays in use in Brazil and worldwide.

A tipagem sanguínea é fundamental para evitar reações adversas a transfusões. Os felinos possuem três tipos sanguíneos, A, B e AB, onde o felino apresenta a presença de aloanticorpos naturais contra o tipo sanguíneo que não possui, além do tipo Mik descrito recentemente. A presença de aloanticorpos é importante no que se refere à seleção de doadores de sangue com vista a minimizar ocorrência de reações transfusionais, sendo, primordial a realização de tipagem sanguínea nesta espécie. O estudo objetivou identificar os tipos sanguíneos e a análise hematológica de felinos candidatos doadores de sangue. Foram avaliados 60 felinos, de diferentes raças, peso superior a quatro quilogramas, faixa etária de um a oito anos e clinicamente saudáveis. Após avaliação clínica amostras sanguíneas foram coletadas para hemograma e tipagem sanguínea com o teste imunocromatográfico LabTest A+B®. Todos os felinos apresentaram nível de hematócrito dentro da normalidade (média 34,12%), seis (10%) apresentaram leucocitose e 24 (40%) trombocitopenia, reforçando a importância de acompanhamento hematológico de animais doadores de sangue. Quanto à tipagem sanguínea, todos os felinos domésticos selecionados como doadores de sangue apresentaram tipo sanguíneo A, sendo este o primeiro estudo sobre as frequências dos tipos sanguíneos felino realizado na região.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a ocorrência do antígeno eritrocitário DEA (Dog Erythrocyte Antigen) 1.1 nos cães doadores de sangue no Hospital Veterinário Universitário em Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. O sangue (60 amostras; 1,5mL cada) Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 60 cães em tubo a vácuo contendo ácido etilenodiamino tetra-acético (EDTA) para realização de hemograma; adicionalmente, foi realizada tipagem sanguínea com o kit RapidVet®, que baseia-se na aglutinação devido à interação entre os antígenos DEA 1 do antígeno eritrocitário com os anticorpos monoclonais presentes no cartão. Das amostras testadas, 81,6% (49 de 60) apresentaram positividade para DEA 1.1, enquanto que apenas 18,3%(11 de 60) foram negativas. Os cães com raça definida representaram 42,8% das amostras DEA 1.1, já os cães mestiços representaram 38,3%. Em relação ao sexo dos cães DEA 1.1, foi observada prevalência de 48,3% em machos e 33,3% em fêmeas. Este trabalho demonstrou a alta prevalência do grupo DEA 1.1 na população de cães doadores de sangue, o que ratifica a importância da tipagem sanguínea anteriormente à transfusão sanguínea em cães previamente sensibilizados.

Abstract Leishmania infantum is a trypanosomatid that causes parasitic dermatopathy in dogs. Trypanosoma caninum is another trypanosomatid, which infects the skin of dogs, although cutaneous abnormalities are absent. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of T. caninum infection and its associated cutaneous and histological changes and compare it with the occurrence of L. infantum infection in dogs. The study included 150 dogs, of which T. caninum infection was identified in 3 (2%) and L. infantum infection in 15 (10%) of them, with no association (p>0.05) of these infections with the breed, gender, age, or cutaneous abnormalities. The cutaneous abnormalities were based on 1 (4.8%) and 12 (57.1%) dogs infected by T. caninum and L. infantum, respectively. The dermatohistopathological abnormalities in the dogs infected with T. caninum included mild perivascular lymphohistioplasmacytic infiltrates in the clinically asymptomatic ones, while in those with dermatological abnormalities, acanthosis, epidermal orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, melanomacrophages, and co-infection with Microsporum sp. and Trichophyton sp. were observed. InL. infantum infected, the histopathological findings included chronic granulomatous inflammatory infiltrates and structures compatible with amastigotes. Despite the low frequency of T. caninum infection, our findings suggest that this trypanosomatid, unlike L. infantum, does not cause any macroscopic skin abnormalities.

ABSTRACT: Canine babesiosis is a common haemoparasitosis in Brazil. Caused by parasites of the genus Babesia, it is transmitted by ixodid ticks and affects domestic and wild canids. The objective of this study was to verify the prevalence of Babesia species (spp.) using molecular methods in dogs living in urban and rural areas of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, and to identify the main factors associated with infection. A total of 407 samples from 407 dogs were evaluated using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, among which Babesia species (spp.) was amplified in 10 (2.5%). Although, no statistical association was found among the variables studied (p>0.05), greater positivity was observed in dogs

Micoplasmas hemotróficos são bactérias pleomórficas, epicelulares, gram negativas, que infectam eritrócitos. A infecção em cães pode causar anemia hemolítica na fase aguda que pode ser precipitada por esplenectomia, ou por drogas e/ou doenças imunossupressoras, porém na doença crônica os sinais são inaparentes. Além da observação microscópica, as técnicas moleculares são os métodos diagnósticos mais empregados. No município de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil, ainda são escassos os estudos sobre a infecção por micoplasmas hemotróficos em cães. Diante do exposto, o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a frequência de Mycoplasma spp., assim como os fatores associados à infecção em 334 cães avaliados pela Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR). A frequência da infecção por Mycoplasma spp. foi de 5,4% e M. haemocanis foi a única espécie identificada. Nenhum fator epidemiológico investigado apresentou associação estatisticamente significativa com a infecção, mesmo a infestação por carrapatos.

A Leishmaniose visceral é uma zoonose parasitária em expansão no Brasil. Em vários municípios do Estado de Mato Grosso têm sido notificados casos humanos e caninos, assim como a identificação de flebotomíneos vetores, Lutzomyia longipalpis e Lu. cruzi, inclusive em municípios às margens do Rio Cuiabá. Como o cão é considerado o principal reservatório da Leishmania infantum em áreas urbanas, delineou-se um estudo seccional com o objetivo de avaliar a prevalência da infecção em cães de comunidades ribeirinhas da Bacia do Rio Cuiabá por método parasitológico (isolamento parasitário em cultura), sorológico e molecular. Dos 248 cães pesquisados, 24 foram soro reagentes no ELISA ou IFI, com prevalência de 9,7%. As comunidades ribeirinhas localizadas na cidade de Santo Antônio do Leverger apresentaram maior prevalência que as dos municípios de Cuiabá e Várzea Grande, porém não estatisticamente significativo (p>0,05). Os cães nascidos nas comunidades apresentaram um risco 3,24 vezes maior de adquirir a infecção (p=0,03). Isolamento de promastigota em amostras de medula óssea e pele íntegra e DNA de Leishmania sp. foi detectado em amostras de medula óssea, linfonodo, capa leucocitária e pele íntegra de apenas um cão pesquisado. Tais amostras foram sequenciadas obtendo 99% de homologia a L. infantum. Em conclusão, se observou maior prevalência da infecção nas Comunidades Ribeirinhas do município de Santo Antônio do Leverger, e a comprovação de autoctonia nestas áreas justifica ações de vigilância que minimizem o risco de transmissão para a própria comunidade ribeirinha além da disseminação para outras áreas pelo turismo.

A Erliquiose monocítica canina, causada pela bactéria intracelular Ehrlichia canis, pode acometer diferentes órgãos inclusive os rins, nas distintas fases da infecção, sendo considerada uma das principais causas de óbito relacionadas a essa doença. Este trabalho teve por objetivo investigar a ocorrência de doença renal em cães naturalmente infectados por E. canis correlacionando à gravidade da doença renal. Sessenta cães com infecção por E. canis diagnosticados pela reação em cadeia pela polimerase (PCR) foram avaliados a concentração sérica de ureia e creatinina, proteínas (albumina e globulinas), urinálise, gamaglutamil transferase urinária e proteinúria. Paralelamente foi pesquisado a presença de anticorpos anti-E. canis pelo ensaio imunoenzimático (dot ELISA). Dos 60 cães com infecção por E. canis, 73,33% apresentaram anticorpos anti- E. canis, enquanto, 33 (55%) cães apresentaram achados laboratoriais condizentes com doença renal, e destes 43,3% dos cães encontravam-se no estágio I da doença renal. Correlação positiva foi observada entre os níveis de anticorpos, globulina sérica (p=0,0057) e proteínas plasmáticas totais (p=0,0332). Neste estudo, a doença renal foi observada em 55% dos cães com erliquiose monocítica, utilizando exames laboratoriais empregados na rotina clínica, sem correlação com o estadiamento da doença renal, apesar dos altos títulos de anticorpos contra E. canis.

Dermatophytosis, commonly known as ringworm, is a zoonotic disease caused by complex fungi that grow as hyphae and attach to the skin, hair and nails or claws. About 40 species of fungi of the genera Microsporum spp., Trichophyton spp. and Epidermophyton spp. are considered dermatophytes, and Microsporum canis is the genus most commonly isolated from cats. This study investigated the occurrence of dermatophytes in cats without clinical signs of skin diseases. The study involved the physical examination of 50 clinically healthy cats and the collection of samples for direct examination and fungal culture at a university veterinary hospital. The resulting data were evaluated by the chi-square association test. Of the 50 cats, 11 (22%) presented dermatophytes, with a predominance of Microsporum spp. The other 39 animals were diagnosed for non-dermatophytic fungi. Sex, breed and the presence of contactants showed no statistical difference, although there was a predominance of adult animals. The high dermatophyte infection rate confirms that cats without clinical signs can harbor these fungi, acting as asymptomatic carriers, contaminating the environment and increasing the infection rate. This study confirms that cats without clinical signs can be carriers of ringworm, which underscores the importance of the adoption of control methods even for clinically healthy animals.

Abstract Leishmania infantum chagasi liver parasite load was compared to hemostatic abnormalities, as well as to clinical, laboratorial, and histopathological findings in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis. The liver parasite load of 30 dogs L. infantum chagasi naturally-infected was evaluated by quantitative real- time PCR and the results were compared with serum biochemistry and primary and secondary hemostasis findings. Moreover, hepatic histological lesions were described in these dogs. Prolonged bleeding time, prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), were observed in the group with visceral leishmaniasis. Eleven dogs presented inflammatory liver lesions, with predominance of mild multifocal mononuclear periportal hepatitis. No association between the presence of parasites and abnormalities in screening tests was observed by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The clinical progression in leishmaniasis is associated with the occurrence of hemorrhagic diathesis, which depends not only on the presence of the parasite but also the inflammatory process, compromised immunological response, hepatic and renal failure in symptomatic dogs.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this report is to describe the clinical, pathological and imaging findings and treatment of colitis caused by Pythium insidiosum in a canine presenting haematochezia and progressive weight loss. Through imaging, a thickening of the transverse and descending colon was observed. Histopathological analysis of the large intestine fragment revealed the presence of hyphae, confirmed by immunohistochemistry and PCR as P. insidiosum. Antifungal treatment with itraconazole implemented after partial surgical resection, resulted in control of the disease.

Este artigo teve por objetivo determinar a soroprevalência da infecção por Toxoplasma gondii através de análise sorológica e molecular em cães de Cuiabá, município do cerrado brasileiro, associando com os fatores de risco envolvidos na cadeia de transmissão. Estudo transversal foi conduzido com cães de áreas rurais e urbanas de Cuiabá (Mato Grosso), entre fevereiro de 2010 a janeiro de 2011, através da pesquisa de anticorpos por imunofluorescência indireta e DNA de Toxoplasma gondii. Foram avaliados no estudo um total de 269 cães por IFI, considerando reagente cães com título ? 16 e por PCR de capa leucocitária. Dos 269 cães pesquisados, 48,7% apresentaram anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii pela IFI e 15,6% DNA do parasito. Os bairros localizados em ambiente rural apresentaram uma soroprevalência de 62,4% e os urbanos de 40,4%, dados estes estatisticamente significativos (p= 0,0007). Os títulos mais frequentemente observados foram de 256 em 51 (39%) cães, seguido por 1024 em 37 (28,2%) cães avaliados. A infecção pelo agente esteve associada a raça, idade, acesso à rua e ao ambiente em que o animal vivia (pT. gondii encontra-se ativa na população canina nas regiões rurais e urbanas do município de Cuiabá, com risco maior em cães residentes em áreas rurais.

Abstract The aim of this study was to find correlations between haematological and rheological parameters in canine visceral leishmaniasis (CLV). Enrolled dogs with CVL (n=31) had a confirmed diagnosis using the rapid test Dual Path Platform (TR DPP®) kit and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay. A control group (n=31) comprised healthy dogs with negative results for the TR DPP® kit and PCR assay. Haematological parameters and total protein, albumin, globulin, and antibody were assessed. The rheological properties of the blood samples were also determined. Erythrocytes, haematocrit and platelet values of dogs in the CVL group were found to be lower than those of the control group. The total protein, globulin and IgG concentrations were higher in serum samples from the CVL group. The blood flow curve demonstrated increased shear rates in the CVL group. The viscosity of the blood from the infected animals was lower than in the healthy dogs. A positive correlation was found between erythrocyte numbers and blood viscosity. These data suggest that changes in the flow curve and viscosity of blood as well as the erythrocyte values may be a viable low-cost alternative for the monitoring of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis.

ABSTRACT: Sepsis is characterized by the presence of organ dysfunction secondary to the dysregulated systemic inflammatory response associated with an infection, and has high mortality rates. Traditional diagnostic techniques based on non-microbiological isolation are time-consuming and may delay treatment. Thus, this study aimed to compare bacterial and fungal broad-range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and blood culture for diagnosis of sepsis in dogs. Blood samples from 88 dogs with suspected sepsis were analyzed by blood culture, and PCR to detect bacterial and fungal DNA. On blood culture, 20 (22.7%) samples tested positive for bacterial isolates; however, none tested positive for fungi. Through PCR analysis, bacterial DNA was detected in 46 (52.3%) animals, whereas fungal DNA was present in one (1.1%) sample. Our results showed that PCR-based testing has important diagnostic value for canine blood infections because it has a shorter turnaround time and higher sensitivity than traditional blood culture.

ABSTRACT: Obesity has been increasing in cats andis associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The association of these alterations can trigger the onset of metabolic syndrome (MS). Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the serum levels of glucose, fructosamine, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), andalanine aminotransferase of cats and to identify the possibility of MS,as well as to evaluate changes in arterial pressure. Thirty-seven cats were classified by ECC and morphometric measurements, namely, 15 obese, 12 overweight, and 10 controls. Nocat manifested MS. Only VLDL had a statistically significant difference (P

Introduction Visceral leishmaniasis is a neglected disease. Jaciara, State of Mato Grosso has the most cases. This study aimed to determine the risk factors and seroprevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis in urban and rural areas. Methods This cross-sectional study of domestic dogs used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and indirect immunofluorescence test. Results The prevalence was 54.7% among 345 analyzed samples. Short coat, age of 1-6 years, and living less than 100m from vegetation posed the highest infection risks. Conclusions Certain dog behaviors and characteristics, and their correlation with environmental conditions, were relevant in the high prevalence of canine leishmaniasis in Jaciara.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Brazil is transmitted by the phlebotomine Lutzomyia longipalpis and in some midwestern regions by Lutzomyia cruzi. Studies of the phlebotomine fauna, feeding habits and natural infection rate by Leishmania contribute to increased understanding of the epidemiological chain of leishmaniases and their vectorial capacity. Collections were performed in Jaciara, state of Mato Grosso from 2010-2013, during which time 2,011 phlebotomines (23 species) were captured (68.70% Lu. cruzi and 20.52% Lutzomyia whitmani). Lu. cruzi females were identified by observing the shapes of the cibarium (a portion of the mouthpart) and spermatheca, from which samples were obtained for polymerase chain reaction to determine the rates of natural infection. Engorged phlebotomines were assessed to identify the blood-meal host by ELISA. A moderate correlation was discovered between the number of Lu. cruzi and the temperature and the minimum rate of infection was 6.10%. Twenty-two females were reactive to the antisera of bird (28%), dog (3.30%) and skunk (1.60%). We conclude that Lu. cruzi and Lu. whitmani have adapted to the urban environment in this region and that Lu. cruzi is the most likely vector of VL in Jaciara. Moreover, maintenance of Leishmania in the environment is likely aided by the presence of birds and domestic and synanthropic animals.

The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the diagnostic methods of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL), using the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), the probe Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPprobes) and PCR in liver samples. We analyzed 25 samples of animals positive by IFA and 10 samples from animals negative to PCR. The probe AUNP used was based on specific sequence for Leishmania infantum kDNA. The results showed that when compared to the IFA sorology the AuNPprobe showed a sensitivity and specificity of 56% and 80%, respectively. When compared to PCR method, the AuNPprobe had a sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 81%. The AuNPprobe can be an alternative to traditional diagnostic methods (PCR and IFA) due to its ease of implementation, immediate result, low cost and little need for laboratory infrastructure.

In Brazil, canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is endemic and the number of cases in humans and dogs has increased in the Midwest region. A transversal study was carried out in endemic areas from Cuiabá, State of Mato Grosso, to assess data on seroprevalence and risk factors associated to canine infection. Four hundred and thirty (430) dogs were randomly evaluated through indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) considering variables related to the animals, the environment and the knowledge by owners on CVL aspects and control. From 430 dogs, 95 (22.1%) were seroreagent for leishmaniasis and animals living in rural environments present risk 1.9 times higher for acquiring the disease than those in urban environments (p = 0.01; OR 1.9). Factors related to animals' habits, such as free access to the street and guard function were considered indicators to predict infection by Leishmania sp. (p < 0.05) by statistical univariate analysis. The presence of agricultural activities was also a fact that contributed for the insurgence of the infection (p = 0.02; OR 1.68). The results contributed to the knowledge on the aspects of CVL in Cuiabá and point to an urgent need to include educational and sanitary programs in the city, since the region presents favorable characteristics for spreading the infection of CVL as already observed in other Brazilian cities.No Brasil, a leishmaniose visceral canina (CLV) é endêmica e, na região Centro-Oeste, o número de casos em humanos e cães tem aumentado. Um estudo transversal foi realizado em áreas endêmicas de Cuiabá (MT) com objetivo de avaliar dados sobre a soroprevalência e determinar os fatores de risco associados à infecção canina. Quatrocentos e trinta (430) cães foram aleatoriamente avaliados pelo teste de imunofluorescência indireta, considerando-se variáveis relacionadas aos animais, o ambiente e o conhecimento por parte dos proprietários sobre aspectos da CLV e seu controle. Dos 430 cães, 95 (22,1%) apresentaram-se soros reagentes para leishmaniose, e os animais que viviam em ambiente rural apresentaram risco 1,9 vezes maior de adquirir a infecção dos que aqueles em ambiente urbano (p = 0,01; OR 1,9). Fatores relacionados aos hábitos dos animais, tais como o livre acesso à rua e função de guarda, foram considerados indicadores para prever a infecção por Leishmania sp. (p.< 0,05) em análise estatística univariada. A presença de atividade agrícola foi também um fato que contribuiu para a ocorrência da infecção (p = 0,02; OR 1,68). Os resultados contribuem para o conhecimento sobre os aspectos da CVL em Cuiabá e apontam para uma necessidade urgente de incluir ações educativas e sanitárias na cidade, já que a região possui características favoráveis para a dispersão da doença como já observado em outras cidades.

Diseases transmitted by arthropods such as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, are caused by a spectrum of pathogens. Among these are the canine monocytic ehrlichiosis and cyclical thrombocytopenia with a cosmopolitan distribution. Aiming to verify the presence of DNA of Anaplasma platys and Ehrlichia canis in ticks R. sanguineus collected in the period 2008 to 2009 of 380 infected dogs. Ticks, after maceration, were subjected to DNA extraction and then nested PCR was performed for amplification of A. platys and E. canis. Of these, 81 (29.7%) amplified DNA from ehrlichiais agents, where 38 (17.9%) amplified in E. canis and 32 (15.7%) for A. platys. The observation of two pathogens, combined with worldwide distribution of the tick R. sanguineus, demonstrates the high risk of infection with these pathogens in dogs in the city of Cuiaba. Doenças transmitidas por artrópodes, como o Rhipicephalus sanguineus, são causadas por um espectro de patógenos. Dentre estas, estão a erliquiose monocítica canina e trombocitopenia cíclica com distribuição cosmopolita. Com o objetivo de verificar a presença de DNA de Anaplasma platys e Ehrlichia canis em carrapatos R. sanguineus coletados no período de 2008 a 2009 de 380 cães infestados. Os carrapatos, após a maceração, foram submetidos a extração de DNA e, em seguida, foi realizada a Nested PCR para a amplificação da espécie A. platys e E. canis. Destes, 81 (29.7%) amplificaram o DNA dos agentes ehrlichiais, onde 38 (17.9%) amplificaram para E. canis e 32 (15.7%) para A. platys. A observação dos dois patógenos, combinado com distribuição mundial do carrapato R. sanguineus, demonstra o elevado risco de infecção por esses patógenos de cães na cidade de Cuiabá.

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a ocorrência da brucelose causada por Brucella canis em cães no município de Cuiabá, MT, e os possíveis fatores de risco associados durante o período de 2007 a 2008. Foram analisadas 327 amostras baseadas numa amostragem aleatória simples, abrangendo os quatro distritos do município. A ocorrência da B. canis foi de 24,1% (I.C. 95%: 19,7 - 29,0%). A análise estatística dos sinais clínicos demonstrou associação de conjuntivite e ceratite com a positividade por B. canis, com um valor de odds ratio de 4,72 (I.C.95%=1,30-17,76) e Exato de Fisher de 0,0103; e 16,69 (I.C.95%=1,86-385,55) e Exato de Fisher de 0,0036, respectivamente. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo demonstraram a ocorrência da B. canis no município de Cuiabá e sugerem novas pesquisas e monitoramento, além de propor, como diagnóstico molecular para B. canis, a técnica de PCR.This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of brucellosis caused by Brucella canis in dogs in Cuiabá, State of Mato Grosso, and possible risk factors associated during the period of 2007 to 2008. Three hundred twenty seven samples were analized based on simple random sampling, covering the 04(four) districts of the municipality. The occurrence of B. canis was 24.1% (95% CI: 19.7-29.0%). The statiscal analysis showed association of conjunctivitis and keratitis with the positivity of B. canis, with an odds ratio of 4.72(95% CI=1.30-17.76) and 0.0103 for Fisher's Exact, and 16.69(95% CI=1.86-385.55) and 0.0036 for Fisher's Exact, respectively. The results of this study demonstrate the occurrence of B. canis in this city of Cuiabá, and suggest and new research and monitoring and proposes a molecular diagnostics to B. canis, the PCR techinique.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a systemic infectious disease that can cause to a severe, potentially life-threatening chronic condition in humans. Risk factors for infection in urban areas have been associated with poor living conditions, the presence of sand fly vectors and infected pets. This study aimed to describe sand fly and canine infection in the neighborhoods of human visceral leishmaniasis occurrence in the city of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso State, central-western Brazil, reported between January 2005 and December 2006. A total of 1,909 sand flies were collected. They were predominantly males and the most frequent species were Lutzomyia cruzi (81.25%), Lutzomyia whitmani (13.88%) and Lutzomyia longipalpis (2.62%). The sand fly density was not significantly correlated with the variation of environmental factors. The prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the neighborhoods studied was 26.82% and it was found that areas with high density of vectors coincided with areas of high prevalence of dogs and those with the highest rates of human cases. The study of vectors and other potential hosts are essential for a good understanding of visceral leishmaniasis and the related public health concerns, aiming at the prevention and control of leishmaniasis in the city of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso State.A leishmaniose visceral é uma doença infecciosa sistêmica, de evolução crônica grave, potencialmente fatal para o homem. Os fatores de risco para a infecção em áreas urbanas têm sido associados às precárias condições de moradia, à presença de flebotomíneos vetores e de animais domésticos infectados. O presente trabalho objetivou descrever a fauna flebotomínica e infecção canina nos bairros de ocorrência da leishmaniose visceral humana no município de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, notificados no período de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2006. Foram coletados 1.909 flebotomíneos, as espécies mais frequentes foram Lutzomyia cruzi (81,25%), Lutzomyia whitmani (13,88%) e Lutzomyia longipalpis (2,62%). A densidade de flebotomíneos não apresentou correlação significativa com a variação dos fatores ambientais. A prevalência de leishmaniose visceral canina nos bairros foi de 26,82% e observou-se que as regiões com grande densidade de vetores coincidem com áreas de alta prevalência em cães e áreas nas quais foi detectado o maior número de casos humanos. O estudo de vetores e outros possíveis hospedeiros são imprescindíveis para um bom entendimento da doença a fim de gerar benefícios para a saúde pública, visando à prevenção e o controle das leishmanioses no município de Cuiabá e no Estado de Mato Grosso.

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a população canina e felina, atendida em um período de 36 meses, no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso - HOVET/UFMT, acometidos por dermatofitose. Esta dermatopatia, que atinge os animais domésticos, é uma infecção fúngica que envolve camadas superficiais da pele, pêlo e unhas. Foram atendidos 279 casos de dermatofitose, 96,8% na espécie canina e 3,2% na espécie felina, totalizando 7,1% do total de 3096 casos consultados nestes três anos. O agente etiológico isolado preponderante foi o Microsporum canis. Os cães de raça definida foram os mais acometidos, mormente os American Pit Bull Terrier (21,7%). Tanto os felinos sem ou com definição racial apresentaram dermatofitose, não sendo possível uma análise estatística fidedigna. Observou-se que a maioria dos animais infectados apresentava de 1 a 3 anos de idade. As lesões mais observadas foram: alopecia, crostas e caspas e estavam localizadas nas regiões da cabeça, de tronco, e de membros. Não foi observada distribuição sazonal.The aim of this study was to characterize the canine and feline population with dermatophytosis, taken to the Veterinary Hospital of Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso - HOVET/UFMT, during a period of 36 months. This skin disease that affects domestic animals is a fungal infection involving the superficial layers of the skin, hair and nails. 279 cases of dermatophytosis were treated, 96.8% in dogs and 3.2% in cats, with a total of 7.1% of the number of 3096 cases assisted in these three years. The predominant etiologic agent was Microsporum canis. The pure breddogs were most affected, especially the American Pit Bull Terrier (21.7%). The cats with and without racial definition were dermatophytosis, cannot be a reliable statistical analysis. It was observed that the majority of animals infected were 1-3 years old. The lesions observed were: alopecia, dandruff and crusts and were located in the cephalic region, trunk, and limbs. There was no seasonal distribution was observed.

Among mammals, the canids are most often infected by Leishmania sp. This paper reports the occurrence of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi as well as the presence of intranuclear inclusions resembling viral particles of canine adenovirus-1 in a bush dog (Speothos venaticus) kept in captivity at the zoo of Federal University of Mato Grosso, central area of Brazil. The report demonstrates the importance of wild canids as reservoirs of agents of veterinary and public health importance, and it emphasizes the necessity of further studies with these animals concerning their habits, behavior and sanitary management.Dentre os mamíferos, os canídeos são os mais frequentemente infectados por Leishmania sp. O presente artigo relata a ocorrência de Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi e inclusões intranucleares sugestivas de adenovírus canino 1, em cachorro vinagre (Speothos venaticus) mantido no zoológico da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso. O relato demonstra a importância dos canídeos silvestres como reservatórios de agentes de importância veterinária e de saúde pública, reforçando a necessidade de estudos com esses animais acerca de seus hábitos, comportamento e manejo sanitário.

Around the world millions of people are affected by soil-transmitted helminths, especially school children due to their greater exposure to contaminated environments. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the contamination of recreation areas from kindergartens with helminth larvae, over a year, monthly for parasitological techniques. In kindergartens were collected 43 samples of sand. In seventeen (39.5%) samples were observed larvae: 13 (76.4%) filariforme, two (11.8%) rhabditiform and other two (11.8%) showed the presence of both larvae. The results showed greater contamination in the months with more rainfall, highlighting the need for adoption of measures of prevention in these areas.No mundo todo milhões de pessoas são acometidas por geo-helmintos, especialmente crianças em idade escolar devido a sua maior exposição a ambientes contaminados. O objetivo deste estudo foi monitorar a contaminação de áreas de recreação de creches por larvas de helmintos ao longo de um ano, mensalmente por técnicas parasitológicas. Nas creches foram colhidas 43 amostras de areia. Em dezessete (39,5%) amostras foram observadas larvas, sendo 13 (76,4%) filariforme, duas (11,8%) rabditiforme e em outras duas (11,8%) houve a presença de larvas filariforme e rabditiforme. Os resultados demonstraram maior contaminação nos meses com maior precipitação pluviométrica, evidenciando a necessidade de adoção de medidas de profilaxia nestas áreas.

A leishmaniose visceral é uma doença infecciosa endêmica em diversas regiões do Brasil, incluindo o Estado de Mato Grosso. Em Cuiabá, no período de janeiro de 2006 a dezembro de 2008, foi realizada investigação dos casos caninos de infecção por Leishmania sp. por meio de sorologia e citologia, enfocando a sua distribuição geográfica e correlacionando a ocorrência de casos de leishmaniose visceral humana. De 150 cães com suspeita da infecção, 57 (38%) foram sorológicos ou parasitologicamente positivos. Observou-se soroprevalência significativa (P≤0,05) nos bairros com renda per capita baixa, além de maior número de casos caninos na regional leste; no entanto, observou-se uma distribuição difusa da doença canina na cidade de Cuiabá, enquanto os casos humanos originaram principalmente na regional norte do município. Esse fato sugere que há risco em todo o município, devendo ser realizados novos estudos soroepidemiológicos, assim como a distribuição vetorial, que promovam maior conhecimento da infecção canina por Leishmania sp, de forma a se gerar medidas adequadas para o controle da doença.Visceral Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease endemic in several regions of Brazil, including the state of Mato Grosso. In Cuiabá, from January 2006 to December 2008, a research was performed in canine cases of infection with Leishmania sp. by serology and cytology, focusing on its geographical distribution, correlating to the occurrence of human visceral Leishmaniasis cases. From 150 dogs with suspected infection, 57 (38%) were serological or parasitologically positive. Seroprevalence was observed (P≤0.05) in districts with low per capita income, besides a larger number of canine cases in the East regional, but there was a diffuse distribution of the canine disease in the city of Cuiabá, in contrast to cases focused mainly on human in the northern municipality. This suggests risk throughout the municipality and further epidemiological studies should be carried out, as well as vector distribution, to promote better understanding of canine infection by Leishmania, in order to promote appropriate measures for disease control.

A erliquiose canina é uma doença transmitida por carrapatos Rhipicephalus sanguineus e ocasionada pela Ehrlichia canis, bactéria intracelular obrigatória. O presente estudo verificou a prevalência de anticorpos anti-E. canis em 254 cães de quatro regiões administrativas de Cuiabá, Estado de Mato Grosso, por imunofluorescência indireta, observando-se uma prevalência de 42,5% (108/254) sem diferença significativa entre as regiões. As variáveis idade, raça, sexo, hábitat, acesso à zona rural e presença de carrapatos foram analisadas. Os títulos de anticorpos variaram entre 1:40 a 1:2.560. Somente 32 (29,63%) cães soropositivos estavam infestados por carrapatos, todos R. sanguineus. O resultado encontrado confirma que não há predisposição racial, sexual ou etária, enquanto a menor ocorrência de cães reagentes no intradomicílio provavelmente está relacionada à baixa infestação por carrapato, apesar de não ter sido observada diferença significativa entre os cães com ou sem a infestação com o carrapato vetor.Canine ehrlichiosis is a disease transmitted by ticks Rhipicephalus sanguineus and caused by Ehrlichia canis, obligatory intracellular bacteria. The present study examined the prevalence of anti-E. canis in 254 dogs from four administrative regions of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, by indirect immunofluorescence assay. There was a prevalence of 42.5% (108/254) without significant difference between the studied regions. The variables age, breed, sex, habitat, access to rural and ticks were analyzed. The antibody titers ranged from 1:40 to 1:2,560. Only 32 (29.63%) seropositive dogs were infested with ticks, all R. sanguineus. The results confirm that do not have breed, sex or age predisposition to ehrlichiosis due E. canis, while the lowest occurrence of reactive dogs indoors probably related to low tick infestation, although no significant difference between dogs with or without infestation with the tick vector.

A erliquiose monocítica canina é uma doença cosmopolita causada por Ehrlichia canis e transmitida pelo carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus, sendo frequentemente diagnosticada em cães em todo o Brasil. Este trabalho teve por objetivo investigar citológica e molecularmente a infecção por Ehrlichia em 195 cães atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, analisando os achados clínicos e laboratoriais. Nos 48 cães atendidos com citologia positiva para Ehrlichia sp., foi possível verificar a diversidade de sinais, com predominância estatisticamente significativa de palidez de mucosas (P≤0,05), assim como variados achados hematológicos, ocorrendo tanto anemia, leucopenia e trombocitopenia, quanto normalidade ou aumento dessas células. Ocorreu aumento das proteínas plasmáticas, com hiperglobulinemia, sem, no entanto, haver diferença significativa (P≥0,05), apesar de esse achado ser frequente nessa afecção. Por meio do PCR nested, confirmou-se a infecção por E. canis em cães da cidade de Cuiabá.The canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is a cosmopolitan disease, caused by Ehrlichia canis, transmitted by ticks Rhipicephalus sanguineus that has been frequently diagnosed in dogs throughout the country. This study aimed to investigate the cytological and molecular Ehrlichia infection in 195 dogs examined at the University Veterinary Hospital of Mato Grosso, by analyzing the clinical and laboratory findings. In 48 dogs with positive cytology for Ehrlichia sp it was possible to detect the diversity of signs, with predominance statistically significant of pallor of mucous membranes (P≤0.05) as well as several hematological findings, occurring anemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, or increased as normal cells. There was increased of plasma proteins, with hyperglobulinemia, however without any significant difference (P≥0.05), although this finding is common in that infection. Through the nested PCR technique it was possible to confirm the infection by E. canis in the city of Cuiaba.

As leishmanioses são zoonoses em expansão no Brasil, tendo o cão importância na transmissão e dispersão da doença, principalmente em áreas de leishmaniose visceral. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a soroprevalência de leishmaniose em cães domiciliados na zona urbana de Cuiabá. Para a pesquisa foram selecionados quatro bairros de Cuiabá, sendo um em cada regional administrativa. A amostragem canina foi definida estatisticamente, considerando-se a prevalência de 8,4%. Dos 468 cães analisados, 16 foram reagentes na imunofluorescência indireta, obtendo-se uma prevalência geral de 3,4%. Não foi observada predisposição racial, sexual e etária para a ocorrência da leishmaniose canina. Os principais fatores de risco identificados na ocorrência da infecção canina na Cidade de Cuiabá, foram a localização dos cães no peridomicílio, bem como a proximidade das residências de matas, evidenciando mudanças na ocorrência da doença no ambiente urbano.Leishmaniases are zoonoses that are undergoing expansion in Brazil. Dogs are of importance regarding transmission and dispersion of the disease, especially in areas presenting visceral leishmaniasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of leishmaniasis among domestic dogs in the urban area of Cuiabá. For this investigation, four districts of Cuiabá were selected, one in each administrative region. The dog sampling was defined statistically, taking the prevalence to be 8.4%. Among the 468 dogs examined, 16 presented an indirect immunofluorescence reaction, thus resulting in an overall prevalence of 3.4%. There was no predisposition towards canine leishmaniasis occurrences in relation to breed, sex or age. The main risk factors for occurrences of canine infection identified in the city of Cuiabá were the presence of dogs living in areas surrounding homes and the proximity of homes to forests. Thus, there have been changes in leishmaniasis occurrences within the urban environment.

A leishmaniose visceral canina é uma doença grave e a morte ocorre por falência renal, considerando que os métodos diagnósticos convencionais não possibilitam a classificação clínica do animal. O objetivo deste estudo foi associar a carga parasitária renal aos achados clínicos e histopatológicos em cães com leishmaniose visceral. A análise microscópica revelou predomínio de nefrite intersticial mononuclear de graus variados em 59,3% dos cães avaliados. Entretanto, não houve diferença entre a carga parasitária renal de sintomáticos e oligossintomáticos (P= 0,35). As lesões renais foram de ordem inflamatória e a quantidade de parasitos não influenciaram na característica dessas lesões e nem nas alterações bioquímicas, mesmo em cães com diferentes classificações clínicas.Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a severe disease and the death occurs from renal failure, whereas conventional diagnostic methods do not allow the animal clinical staging. The aim of this study was to associate the renal parasite load to clinical and histopathological findings in dogs with visceral Leishmaniasis. Microscopic analysis revealed a predominance of mononuclear interstitial nephritis of varying degrees in 59, 3% of dogs evaluated. However, no difference was found between the renal parasite load of symptomatics and oligosymptomatics (P= 0,35). Renal lesions were inflammatory order and amount of parasites not influenced the characteristics of theses lesions nor biochemical changes, even in dogs with different clinical classifications.

INTRODUÇÃO: Leishmaniose visceral é uma zoonose que acomete diversos mamíferos tendo os canídeos domésticos como principais reservatórios em ambiente urbano. A presente nota descreve a infecção de canídeos silvestres por Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi mantidos em cativeiro no Estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil. MÉTODOS: De seis raposas (Cerdocyon thous) e um cachorro vinagre (Spheotos venaticus), foram coletadas amostras de pele, medula óssea e linfonodo para detecção e caracterização de Leishmania sp pela técnica de PCR-RFLP. RESULTADOS: Todos as animais pesquisados apresentaram-se positivos para Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi. CONCLUSÕES: Destaca-se a importância de monitoramento adequado dos mesmos, além do maior controle desta enfermidade já que estes animais estão em ambientes de recreação pública.INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonosis that affects many mammals, and domestic canids are the main reservoirs in urban environments. This note describes infection by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi among wild canids kept in captivity in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. METHODS: Skin, bone marrow and lymph node samples were collected from six crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) and one bush dog (Spheotos venaticus), in order to detect and characterize Leishmania using the PCR-RFLP technique. RESULTS: All the animals studied were positive for Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of adequate monitoring of these animals, as well as greater control of this disease, given that these animals are in a public recreation environment.

O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar a contaminação das praças públicas de Cuiabá, Estado de Mato Grosso, por fezes de cães. Foram pesquisadas 55 praças, de agosto a novembro de 2006. Destas, 14 localizavam-se no centro da cidade e 41 em diversos bairros periféricos do município. As amostras foram coletadas pela manhã, armazenadas em sacos plásticos sob refrigeração e processadas no Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias do Hospital Veterinário da UFMT, através das técnicas de Willis-Mollay e Hoffmann, Pons e Janer, 1934. Das 55 praças, 40 possuíam amostras de fezes de cães. Ao todo foram coletadas 121 amostras e em 45 foram observados ovos de helmintos. Destas, 38 (84,4%) apresentaram ovos de Ancylostoma sp; 07 (15,5%) de Toxocara sp; 09 (20%) de Trichuris vulpis e 01 (2,2%) de Platynossomum sp e Cystoisospora sp. Vinte e duas das 121 amostras encontradas foram nas praças centrais e 99 nas de bairros periféricos, entretanto não houve diferença estatística significativa (p>;0,05) entre as mesmas. Este estudo revelou alta contaminação de praças públicas da cidade de Cuiabá por ovos de helmintos, incluindo os de importância em saúde pública, o que indica risco de transmissão dessas zoonoses a população.

ABSTRACT:The objective of this study was to compare the DNA detection ofEhrlichia canisin blood and bone marrow to determine the prevalence of the agent in Várzea Grande, Mato Grosso. Blood samples and bone marrow from 80 dogs of both sexes, different breeds and age, were collected and processed for a cross-sectional study performed using nested PCR. Of the 80 dogs, 61 (76.3%) had E. canisDNA in one of the samples. The buffy coat was positive in 42 dogs (52.5%) and the bone marrow was positive in 33 (41.3%). There was no significant association between the positive biological samples of either the buffy coat or bone marrow and the presence or absence of clinical signs (P=0.49). No risk factor was associated with infection in the studied area. The bone marrow samples were efficient for the molecular diagnosis of canine ehrlichiosis, particularly when there was a negative blood sample, although infection was present.

ABSTRACT:The aim of this study was to identify the Leishmania species in Jaciara dogs; visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic in the county of Jaciara. A comparison among the PCR results for the spleen, bone marrow, skin and blood of 101 dogs with VL-reactive serum were evaluated. Spleen tissue showed the highest detection percentage, followed by bone marrow. In 97 (96.04%) dogs, the Leishmania DNA detected was confirmed as L. chagasi, emphasizing the importance of aetiological identifications in sympatric areas with other trypanosomatids.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi in the Americas. In Brazil, it is transmitted by sandflies of the species Lutzomyia longipalpis and L. cruzi, and dogs are the main domestic reservoirs. The aim of this study was to analyze data relating to VL transmission in Jaciara, state of Mato Grosso, and discuss vector distribution, domestic reservoirs, and human cases that occurred between 2003 and 2012. The data for analysis were obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (human), the State Health Department's Environmental Monitoring Agency (canine data) and the State Health Department's Entomology Laboratory (sandfly data). Over this period, Jaciara had 19 autochthonous human cases (12 males and seven females), with one death 2,273. Out of the 7,545 dogs tested by enzyme immunoassay and indirect immunofluorescence were positive. The sandflies collected comprised 5,015 individuals belonging to 24 species, with a predominance of L. whitmani followed by L. cruzi. The results showed that the parasite has frequent circulation and that the vector L. cruzi is widely distributed over all months, thus suggesting that transmission may occur at any time of the year.

Hemotrophic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas), Bartonellasp., Hepatozoon sp. and Cytauxzoon felis are prominent pathogens that circulate between cats and invertebrate hosts. The present study aimed to detect the presence of DNA from hemoplasmas,Bartonella sp., Hepatozoon sp. andCytauxzoon felis, and then confirm it by means of sequencing, in blood samples from cats in Cuiabá, MT, Brazil. From February 2009 to February 2011, blood samples with added EDTA were collected from 163 cats that were being housed in four different animal shelters in the city of Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil and from 15 cats that were admitted to the veterinary hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT). Out of the 178 cats sampled, 15 (8.4%) were positive for hemoplasmas: four (2.2%) forMycoplasma haemofelis, 12 (6.7%) for ‘Candidatus M. haemominutum’ and one (0.5%) for ‘Candidatus M. turicensis’. One cat (0.5%), a patient that was attended at the veterinary hospital, was coinfected with M. haemofelis, ‘Candidatus M. haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus M. turicensis’, based on sequencing confirmation. Four cats were positive for Bartonella spp.: three (1.7%) for B. henselae and one (0.5%) for B. clarridgeiae. None of the animals showedCytauxzoon sp. or Hepatozoon sp. DNA in their blood samples. This study showed that cats housed in animal shelters in the city of Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, are exposed to hemoplasmas andBartonella species.

Abstract Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the protozoan Leishmania parasite that is disseminated by some species of sandflies and hosted by a variety of reservoirs. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the epidemiological situation of leishmaniasis in the municipalities of the Mato Grosso Pantanal. Human data were obtained from the Information System of Notifiable Diseases, and the canine and vector results from the State Department of Health of Mato Grosso. Between 2007 and 2016, 10 cases of visceral leishmaniasis and 499 cases of tegumentary leishmaniasis were identified in the Pantanal region. The surveillance studies regarding the canine reservoir demonstrated that the parasite was present in six of the seven municipalities. Vectors of visceral leishmaniasis were present in five municipalities and vectors of tegumentary leishmaniasis in six. Enhancement of services aimed at controlling this disease is fundamental to prevent an increase in the number of cases in the region.

Abstract The midwest region of Brazil has witnessed an increase in the number of cases of human (HVL) and canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the population’s perception of these diseases, factors associated with CVL, its spatial distribution, and the prevalence of anti-Leishmania spp. in 385 dogs, determined using a commercially available immunochromatographic rapid test and confirmed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of the 385 samples, 54 were positive for CVL and confirmed by ELISA, corresponding to a prevalence of 14%. Knowledge of signs of CVL by tutors (p = 0.038); previous occurrence of CVL in the vicinity (p = 0.022); symptomatic dog(s) (p = 0.014), splenomegaly (p = 0.055), and ear ulcer(s) (p = 0.059) were significantly associated with CVL. The results revealed a significant prevalence of CVL spatially distributed in rural and urban contexts. The association between environmentally related variables and perception and the occurrence of CVL underscores the importance of implementing control and prevention strategies primarily focused on environmental management and health education activities.

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan with worldwide distribution and dogs act as sentinels of human infection. This search aimed to determine the occurrence of antibodies against T. gondii in dogs of the communities on the Cuiabá River, Mato Grosso and variables associated with infection. The dogs of the riverside communities in Cuiabá River, which includes Barranco Alto, Praia do Poço, Engenho Velho, Varginha, Bom Sucesso, Passagem da Conceição and São Gonçalo Beira Rio, were evaluated for the presence of T. gondii antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). The prevalence and factors associated with infection were calculated by chi-squared test (χ2) or Fisher’s exact test, and univariate and multiple analysis. Of the 248 dogs surveyed, 107 (43.1%) were seropositive for T. gondii. The seroprevalence ranged from 25.6% to 64.3%. There was no statistically significant difference between the communities studied (p > 0.05). As for the associated factors, the only statistically significant factor was that of dogs living with cats (p = 0.02), with approximately twice the risk of acquiring infection. In conclusion, the seroprevalence in dogs of riverside communities in the Baixada Cuiabana demonstrated that high rates of infection, being the factor associated with infection, contact with domestic cats.