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Salmonellosis is a known cause of enteric disorders in calves. However, cases in the septicemic form may not present enteric lesions, which may lead the veterinary practitioner to not suspect salmonellosis, compromising the diagnosis. The current study describes the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and immunohistochemical aspects of septicemic salmonellosis in calves without enteric lesions. The protocols involving bovine material submitted to the Pathology Laboratory (LAP) of the “Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia” (FAMEZ) of the “Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul” (UFMS) from January 1995 to July 2018 were studied. Cases confirmed or suggestive of septicemic salmonellosis in calves without enteric manifestations were selected. Fragments of the liver, lung, and spleen embedded in paraffin were submitted to immunohistochemistry (IHC). Only cases in which there was positive marking on the IHC or culture isolation of Salmonella were included in this study. Of a total of 5,550 cattle examined in the period, ten presented septicemic salmonellosis without enteric lesions. Clinical signs included mucosal pallor, apathy, hyperthermia, and dyspnea. Only three calves presented diarrhea, and two were found dead before clinical changes were observed. The most common necropsy findings were hepatosplenomegaly; yellow, orange or brown discolored livers; pale mucous membranes; inflated and sometimes red lungs; fibrin or fluid within body cavities; and gallbladder filled with inspissated bile. Jaundice was observed in three calves that had a concomitant infection with Anaplasma sp. Microscopically, paratyphoid hepatic nodules and interstitial pneumonia were the most frequent manifestations, followed by thrombosis and bacterial colonies in the spleen, lung, liver, and brain. A strong positive marking was observed in IHC, predominantly in the lung and to a lesser extent in the liver. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) indicated the Dublin serotype as the causative agent in the samples of the four calves submitted to this procedure. In calves, the septicemic form was the major cause of death due to salmonellosis. Septicemic salmonellosis was usually not accompanied by diarrhea. The clinical signs of septicemia are nonspecific and of little assistance in the diagnosis. IHC has been shown to be efficient in the detection of the agent, mainly in the lung and especially in situations where it is not possible to perform bacterial culture.

The present study determined the frequency of Staphylococcus aureus virulence genes in 2,253 milk samples of cows (n=1000) and goats (n=1253) raised in three different geographical regions of the state Pernambuco, Brazil. The presence of genes of virulence factors associated to adhesion to host cells (fnbA, fnbB, clfA and clfB), toxinosis (sea, seb, sec, sed, seg, seh, sei, tsst, hla and hlb), and capsular polysaccharide (cap5 and cap8) was evaluated by PCR. A total of 123 and 27 S. aureus strains were isolated from cows’ and goats’ milk, respectively. The sec and tsst genes were detected exclusively in goats’ isolates, while the seh gene was only identified in cows’ isolates. The number of toxin genes per strain showed that goats’ isolates are likely more toxic than bovines’ isolates. The cap5 genotype predominated in both host species, especially in strains collected from cows raised in the Agreste region. The cap8 genotype is likely more virulent due to the number of virulence genes per strain. The results of the present study demonstrate that S. aureus may pose a potential threat to human health in Brazil, and, therefore, these results should support actions related to mastitis control programs.

The aim of this study was to measure the occurrence of brucellosis, leptospirosis and neosporosis in cows from 25 family farms milk, with semi-intensive grazing system, located in the Southwest region of Paraná, Brazil. Eighty-four cows with retained placenta, between July 2013 to July 2014, diagnosed by the presence of fetal membranes in the uterus up to 12 hours after partum, decrease of appetite and of milk production, as well increase of rectal temperature were included into the study. The animals were submitted to blood collection for evaluating the seropositivity for brucellosis, leptospirosis and neosporosis. The blood was collected at 15 to 45 days postpartum, avoiding false negative results due to immune deficiency observed in the transition period. After collection, the blood was centrifuged, the serum was packed in three aliquots, identified and subsequently frozen. Serology was performed to diagnose brucellosis (technique of buffered acidified antigen), leptospirosis (through the microscopic agglutination test - MAT) and neosporosis (indirect immunofluorescence test). Animals were considered positive when presenting titer >1:100 (leptospirosis) and 1:200 (neosporosis). No animal with placenta retention presented Brucella abortus bacteria; 39% (33/84) were reactive to one or more Leptospira serovars, 15% (13/84) were positive to Neospora caninum, and 4% (4/84) had both diagnosis, being reactive for leptospirosis and neosporosis. In conclusion, data from this experiment inspires greater attention to leptospirosis and neosporosis in dairy cattle presenting placenta retention in southwest Paraná. RESUMO: Objetivou-se com esse estudo avaliar a ocorrência de brucelose, leptospirose e neosporose em fêmeas bovinas de 25 propriedades leiteiras de agricultura familiar, mantidas em sistema de pastejo semi-intensivo, localizadas na Região Sudoeste do Paraná, Brasil. Para tanto, incluiu-se nesse estudo, 84 vacas diagnosticadas com retenção de placenta (RP) pela presença parcial ou total dos anexos fetais no útero após 12 horas do parto, diminuição do apetite e da produção de leite, como também aumento da temperatura retal. Os animais foram submetidos à coleta de sangue 15 a 45 dias pós-parto, a fim de evitar resultado falso negativo devido à imunodeficiência observada no período de transição. Após coleta, o sangue foi centrifugado, o soro aliquotado em três amostras, identificado e congelado. Para o diagnóstico sorológico de Brucelose utilizou-se o exame sorológico do antígeno acidificado tamponado, de leptospirose a técnica de soroaglutinação microscópica, e neosporose pela técnica de imunofluorescência indireta. Os animais foram diagnosticados positivos quando apresentaram título igual ou superior à 1:100 (leptospirose) e 1:200 (neosporose). Em nenhum dos 84 animais com RP foi detectada a presença da bactéria Brucella abortus. Desses, 39,28% (33/84) foram reativos para um ou mais sorovares de Leptospira, 15,47% (13/84) foram positivos para Neospora caninum e 4,76% (4/84) foram reativos para sorovares de Leptospira sp. e N. caninum, concomitantemente. Em conclusão, os dados deste estudo inspiram maior atenção à leptospirose e neosporose em bovinos leiteiros que apresentam retenção de placenta no sudoeste do Paraná.

The immune response capacity of the mammary gland plays a major role to determine if mastitis will or not be established. Thus, we hypothesize that a better understanding of polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocyte (PMN) function will elucidate mechanisms that will improve our knowledge of how we could avoid an inflammatory process by increasing the immune capacity of the cow, and even further, to search for a tool to diagnose mastitis or a possible way to select and identify non-susceptible animals. The present study utilized 112 quarters from 28 Holstein dairy cows that were divided into quarters milk samples with somatic cell count (SCC) 2×105 cells mL-1 (n=40). The percentages of milk PMNs and the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus by milk neutrophils were evaluated by flow cytometry. Our results showed a higher percentage of neutrophils in quarter milk samples with high SCC (P=0.0003), and this group also had a significantly higher percentage of neutrophils that produced ROS (P=0.008). On the other hand, the phagocytosis intensity of S. aureus by milk neutrophils was higher in quarters with low SCC (P=0.003), suggesting a better mammary gland immunity against invading pathogens. Analyzing the results of the predictive values of the measured PMN functions, they cannot be used isolated as a good diagnosis test since none of them had a satisfactory sensitivity and specificity values, which was also confirmed by the Youden index values being far from one. In conclusion, the assessment of milk bovine neutrophil functions could improve our understanding of the cellular basis of mastitis. Although, the intracellular ROS production and S. aureus phagocytosis by milk neutrophil did not have high predictive values to detect intramammary infections, our results strengthen the idea that that poor bovine mammary gland neutrophil phagocytic ability may be associated with high SCC, and might be considered to identify susceptible dairy cows to mastitis.

Bovine mastitis is the most frequent disease worldwide in dairy herds, causing high economic losses to producers and industry, as well as having implications for public health due to the zoonotic potential of some agents involved in its etiology and the increased risk of antimicrobial residues in milk and its derivatives. Considering the multifactorial aspect of this disease, knowledge of the agents involved in its etiology and their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles is very important. This study was conducted with 306 dairy herds from the Campo das Vertentes region, located in the south of Minas Gerais state, whose owners were milk suppliers to a dairy in the same region. The study involved approximately 34,000 dairy cows and covered an area of approximately 12,564 km2. In these herds, prevalence rates of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae and their relationship with bulk milk somatic cell counts (BMSCC), total bacterial counts (TBC), and daily production were evaluated. In addition, analyses of resistance of these pathogens to the antimicrobials most commonly used in the treatment of mastitis in dairy herds were performed. Microbiological analyses of milk samples from collect from bulk milk tanks were performed aiming to evaluate the prevalence of S. aureus and S. agalactiae. For these proposes, the modified Baird-Parker Agar medium was used for detection of S. aureus and the modified Edwards Agar medium, enriched with 5% defibrinated sheep blood, was used for detection of S. agalactiae. The disc diffusion technique was applied to evaluate antimicrobial resistance. Results show high prevalence rates of S. aureus (70.3%) and S. agalactiae (67.0%) in the dairy farms studied, with 47.71% of the herds showing both pathogens. Associations between BMSCC and the presence of pathogens S. aureus and S. agalactiae and between TBC and the presence of S. agalactiae were observed, demonstrating the influence of these pathogens in milk quality. No variation was observed in the distribution of S. aureus and S. agalactiae in the different strata of daily production. High levels of resistance and multi-resistance were observed among the pathogens S. aureus and S. agalactiae. The results indicate the need for more effective control measures for mastitis caused by S. aureus and S. agalactiae in the dairy herds of the region studied and more judicious use of antimicrobials in order to reduce the problem of resistance to them. RESUMO: A mastite bovina é a doença de maior frequência em rebanhos leiteiros em nível mundial, acarretando grandes prejuízos econômicos aos produtores e à indústria. Além disso, esta enfermidade tem implicações na saúde pública, devido ao potencial zoonótico de alguns agentes envolvidos em sua etiologia e por aumentar os riscos de resíduos de antimicrobianos no leite e derivados. Considerando o aspecto multifatorial da mastite bovina, o conhecimento dos agentes envolvidos em sua etiologia e os perfis de suscetibilidade aos antibióticos é de suma importância. O estudo envolveu 306 fazendas de leite da região de Campo das Vertentes, localizada no sul de Minas Gerais, cujos proprietários eram fornecedores de leite para um laticínio da região, totalizando aproximadamente 34.000 animais e abrangendo uma área aproximada 12.564 km2. Nestes rebanhos, avaliaram-se a prevalência de Staphylococcus aureus e Streptococcus agalactiae e a relação destes agentes com os índices de contagem de células somáticas do leite do tanque de expansão (CCSt), contagem bacteriana total (CBT) e produção diária. Analisou-se também a resistência destes patógenos aos antimicrobianos mais comumente utilizados no tratamento da mastite em rebanhos leiteiros. Análises microbiológicas de amostras de leite dos tanques de expansão foram realizadas para se determinar as prevalências dos patógenos S. aureus e S. agalactiae. Para a detecção de S. aureus, utilizou-se o meio seletivo Ágar Baird-Parker modificado e para a detecção de S. agalactiae, o meio seletivo Ágar Edwards modificado, enriquecido com 5% de sangue ovino desfibrinado. Foi utilizada a técnica de difusão em discos para a avaliação de resistência aos antimicrobianos. Os resultados apontaram altas prevalências de S. aureus (70,3%) e de S. agalactiae (67,0%), com 47,71% dos rebanhos examinados apresentando ambos os agentes. Verificaram-se associações entre a CCSt e a presença dos patógenos S. aureus e S. agalactiae, e também entre a CBT e a presença de S. agalactiae, demonstrando a interferência negativa destes patógenos nestes quesitos de qualidade. Não se observaram variações nas distribuições dos patógenos S. aureus e nem S. agalactiae em função da produção diária das propriedades estudadas. Níveis elevados de resistência e de multirresistência foram observados para ambos os agentes. Os resultados apontam a necessidade de medidas mais efetivas de controle para S. aureus e S. agalactiae nos rebanhos da região estudada e do uso mais criterioso dos antimicrobianos, visando minimizar o problema da resistência aos mesmos.

A salmonelose é uma causa conhecida de distúrbios entéricos em bezerros. Porém, casos na forma septicêmica podem não apresentar manifestação entérica, o que leva o médico veterinário a não suspeitar de salmonelose, comprometendo o diagnóstico. Este estudo descreve os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, patológicos e imuno-histoquímicos da salmonelose septicêmica em bezerros sem lesões entéricas. O estudo foi realizado a partir dos protocolos referentes a materiais de bovinos enviados para diagnóstico ao Laboratório de Anatomia Patológica (LAP) da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FAMEZ) da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) de janeiro de 1995 a julho de 2018. Foram selecionados os casos de bezerros confirmados ou sugestivos de salmonelose septicêmica sem lesões entéricas. Fragmentos de fígado, pulmão e baço embebidos em parafina foram submetidos ao exame de imuno-histoquímica (IHQ). Somente foram incluídos neste estudo casos em que houve marcação positiva na IHQ ou isolamento da bactéria em cultura. De um total de 5.550 bovinos examinados no período, dez apresentaram salmonelose septicêmica sem lesão entérica. Os sinais clínicos incluíram palidez de mucosas, apatia, hipertermia e dispneia. Apenas três bezerros apresentaram diarreia e dois foram encontrados mortos sem terem sido observadas alterações clínicas. Os achados mais frequentes de necropsia foram hepatoesplenomegalia, fígado amarelado, alaranjado ou acastanhado, palidez de mucosas, pulmões inflados e, por vezes, vermelhos, fibrina ou líquido nas cavidades do organismo e vesícula biliar repleta de bile grumosa. Icterícia foi observada em três bezerros que apresentavam infecção concomitante por Anaplasma sp. Microscopicamente, os nódulos paratifoides hepáticos e pneumonia intersticial foram as manifestações mais encontradas, seguidas por trombose e colônias bacterianas no baço, pulmão, fígado e encéfalo. Na IHQ, marcação fortemente positiva foi observada, predominantemente, no pulmão e, em menor intensidade, no fígado. A técnica de reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR) tipificou o sorotipo Dublin como agente etiológico nas amostras dos quatro bezerros submetidos a este procedimento. Em bezerros, a forma septicêmica foi a principal responsável pelas mortes por salmonelose. Na maioria das vezes essa forma não estava acompanhada por diarreia. Os sinais clínicos da forma septicêmica são inespecíficos e de pouco auxílio no direcionamento do diagnóstico. A IHQ mostrou-se eficiente na detecção do agente principalmente no pulmão e especialmente nas situações em que não é possível a realização da cultura bacteriana. Salmonellosis is a known cause of enteric disorders in calves. However, cases in the septicemic form may not present enteric lesions, which may lead the veterinary practitioner to not suspect salmonellosis, compromising the diagnosis. The current study describes the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and immunohistochemical aspects of septicemic salmonellosis in calves without enteric lesions. The protocols involving bovine material submitted to the Pathology Laboratory (LAP) of the “Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia” (FAMEZ) of the “Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul” (UFMS) from January 1995 to July 2018 were studied. Cases confirmed or suggestive of septicemic salmonellosis in calves without enteric manifestations were selected. Fragments of the liver, lung, and spleen embedded in paraffin were submitted to immunohistochemistry (IHC). Only cases in which there was positive marking on the IHC or culture isolation of Salmonella were included in this study. Of a total of 5,550 cattle examined in the period, ten presented septicemic salmonellosis without enteric lesions. Clinical signs included mucosal pallor, apathy, hyperthermia, and dyspnea. Only three calves presented diarrhea, and two were found dead before clinical changes were observed. The most common necropsy findings were hepatosplenomegaly; yellow, orange or brown discolored livers; pale mucous membranes; inflated and sometimes red lungs; fibrin or fluid within body cavities; and gallbladder filled with inspissated bile. Jaundice was observed in three calves that had a concomitant infection with Anaplasma sp. Microscopically, paratyphoid hepatic nodules and interstitial pneumonia were the most frequent manifestations, followed by thrombosis and bacterial colonies in the spleen, lung, liver, and brain. A strong positive marking was observed in IHC, predominantly in the lung and to a lesser extent in the liver. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) indicated the Dublin serotype as the causative agent in the samples of the four calves submitted to this procedure. In calves, the septicemic form was the major cause of death due to salmonellosis. Septicemic salmonellosis was usually not accompanied by diarrhea. The clinical signs of septicemia are nonspecific and of little assistance in the diagnosis. IHC has been shown to be efficient in the detection of the agent, mainly in the lung and especially in situations where it is not possible to perform bacterial culture.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-04T12:32:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-09-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2021-07-15T14:34:54Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0100-736X2018000901713.pdf: 1192037 bytes, checksum: 50dfebcd32ff1503ec380c6a6d47be76 (MD5) Mastitis in dairy cattle is the disease that impacts dairy production the most; Staphylococcus aureus is the main causative agent of this condition. The genus Staphylococcus has the ability to produce biofilms, an important mechanism of antibiotic resistance. Bearing in mind that plants have therapeutic action, this study investigated the in vitro antibiofilm activity of the plant extract and compounds isolated from the species Croton urucurana, native to the Brazilian Cerrado, against Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the milk of cows with mastitis, as well as the antibiotic gentamycin and vancomicyn. The antibiofilm activity was evaluated by means of violet crystal and the counting of Colony Forming Units. The images were obtained by scanning electron microscopy. The C. urucurana crude extract and fraction displayed better antibiofilm effect than gentamycin; their antibiofilm action was similar to the action of vancomycin. Compared with all the assessed treatments, the isolated compound alpha-Costol was significantly more active it reduced six logarithmic cycles of the bacterial population composing the biofilm. The phytocomplexs and the alpha-Costol substance isolated from Croton urucurana are promising in the fight against one of the main etiological agents of bovine mastitis. Univ Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho Un, Dept Med Vet Prevent, Via Acesso Prof Donato Castellane S-N, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil Univ Ribeirao Preto Unaerp, Dept Biotecnol Plantas Med, Av Costabile Romano 2201, BR-14096385 Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho Un, Dept Med Vet Prevent, Via Acesso Prof Donato Castellane S-N, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil

RESUMO: Mycoplasma é um patógeno altamente contagioso, podendo causar mastite, pneumonia, artrite, entre outras enfermidades. Seu isolamento requer meios e condições específicas devido ao seu crescimento fastidioso. Devido à complexidade do seu diagnóstico, acredita-se que a real prevalência de casos de mastite por micoplasma seja subestimada. O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar a prevalência de Mycoplasma bovis em diferentes rebanhos de bovinos leiteiros no estado de São Paulo. O estudo foi dividido em fase de triagem, na qual colheram-se amostras de 67 tanques de expansão e a coleta individual, na qual propriedades positivas para M. bovis foram visitadas e colhidas amostras de leite de todos os animais com mastite clínica e subclínica. O diagnóstico laboratorial foi feito por meio da PCR e cultivo microbiológico específico. A prevalência de M. bovis encontrada na fase de triagem foi de 1,4%. Na fase individual, todas as amostras de leite, procedentes de propriedade positiva para M. bovis no tanque de expansão, foram negativas, o que permite concluir pela baixa prevalência do agente nas condições do presente estudo. ABSTRACT: Mycoplasma is a highly contagious pathogen, which can cause mastitis, pneumonia, arthritis, among other diseases. Its isolation requires specific means and conditions due to its fastidious growth. Due to the complexity of its diagnosis, it is believed that the real prevalence of mastitis cases by Mycoplasma is underestimated. The objective of the present study was to identify the prevalence of Mycoplasma bovis in different dairy herds in the state of São Paulo. The study was divided into a screening phase in which samples were collected from 67 expansion tanks and individual collection, in which positive properties for M. bovis were visited and collected milk samples from all animals with clinical and subclinical mastitis. The laboratory diagnosis was made through PCR and specific microbiological culture. The prevalence of M. bovis found in the screening phase was 1.4%. In the individual phase, all milk samples from M. bovis positive property in the expansion tank were negative, which allows to conclude the low prevalence of the agent under the conditions of the present study.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been shown to be an alternative method for identification of bacteria via their protein profile spectra, being able to identify bacteria at the genus, species and even at subspecies level. With the aim of large-scale identification of pathogens causing mastitis by this platform, a total of 305 isolates of bacteria identified from cows with subclinical mastitis were analyzed by conventional microbiological culture (MC) as well as by MALDI-TOF MS coupled with Biotyper data processing. Approximately 89% of the identifications performed by MALDI-TOF MS were consistent with results obtained by MC. From the remaining isolates (11%), 6.3% of isolates were classified as misidentified (discordance for both genus and species level), and 4.7% showed identification agreement at the genus level but not at the species level, being classified as unidentified at species level. The disagreement results were mostly associated with identification of Streptococcus and Enterococcus species probably due to the narrow phenotypic similarity between these two genera. These disagreement results suggest that biochemical assays might be prone to identification errors and, MALDI-TOF MS therefore may be an alternative to overcome incorrect species-specific identification. Standard microbiological methods for bovine mastitis diagnosis are time consuming, laborious and prone to errors for some bacteria genera. In our study, we showed that MALDI-TOF MS coupled with Biotyper may be an alternative method for large-scale identification of bacteria isolated from milk samples compared to classical microbiological routine protocols. RESUMO: A espectrometria de massas (MALDI-TOF MS) tem mostrado ser um método alternativo para a identificação de bactérias, sendo capaz de identificar as bactérias causadoras de mastite em gênero, espécie ou até mesmo subespécie. Com o objetivo de identificar os patógenos causadores de mastite em grande-escala por esta plataforma, um total de 305 isolados bacterianos oriundos de vacas com mastite subclínica foram analisados pela cultura microbiológica convencional (CM) e pela MALDI-TOF MS acoplada ao software Biotyper. Aproximadamente 89% das identificações realizadas pela MALDI-TOF MS foram consistentes com os resultados obtidos pela CM. Do restante de isolados bacterianos (11%), 6,3% foram classificados como identificação errônea (discordância de gênero e espécie), e 4,7% apresentaram concordância de gênero, mas discordância da espécie. Os resultados que apresentaram divergência estavam mais associados com a identificação das espécies de Streptococcus spp. e Enterococcus spp. devido à similaridade fenotípica entre os dois gêneros. Estes resultados divergentes sugerem que os ensaios bioquímicos podem ser propensos a erros de identificação, por isso a MALDI-TOF MS pode ser considerada um método alternativo para superar os erros de identificação da CM. A cultura microbiológica padrão e os ensaios bioquímicos utilizados na identificação de agentes causadores de mastite são demorados, trabalhosos e propensos a erros quando utilizados na identificação em nível de espécie. No presente estudo, demonstramos que a MALDI-TOF MS acoplada ao software Biotyper pode ser considerada um método alternativo de identificação de bactérias causadoras de mastite em grande-escala quando comparado com a cultura microbiológica convencional.

RESUMO: Staphylococcus spp. são os micro-organismos mais relacionados a casos de mastite bovina. Algumas cepas destes micro-organismos têm apresentado fatores de virulência como genes de resistência a antimicrobianos com destaque para a resistência à meticilina que é um problema de saúde pública. Esta revisão de literatura tem o objetivo de compilar dados sobre a mastite bovina causada por Staphylococcus spp. resistente à meticilina (MRS). Apesar desse antimicrobiano não ser comumente utilizado no tratamento das mastites, a frequência de casos de infecção da glândula mamária causada por MRS tem variado entre 1,34 a 47,6%. Acredita-se que o contato dos humanos com animais positivos para MRS e vice-versa favoreça a transmissão deste patógeno entre as espécies, contribuindo para a variação nas taxas de infecção. A detecção de MRS pode ser realizada por meio de provas fenotípicas, moleculares ou sorológicas e as medidas de controle devem contemplar a identificação dos casos, segregação dos animais, estudo epidemiológico da fonte de infecção do rebanho, além da constante limpeza e higienização do ambiente de confinamento, equipamentos e utensílios de ordenha. Casos de mastite ocasionados por esse patógeno assumem relevância para a saúde pública, pois a ingestão de leite e/ou derivados contaminados podem desencadear a transferência de MRS para seres humanos. Com isso, é necessário um alerta constante quanto à vigilância epidemiológica em fazendas leiteiras.

RESUMO: Foi realizado um estudo epidemiológico da leptospirose em fêmeas acima de 24 meses, provenientes de 246 rebanhos, e 2.766 animais amostrados aleatoriamente nos nove municípios que compõem a região do Pantanal de Mato Grosso do Sul, bem como identificados os fatores de risco associados à doença. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas no período de setembro a novembro de 2009 e examinadas pelo teste de aglutinação microscópica ante uma coleção de 24 antígenos vivos de Leptospira spp., representantes dos sorovares Australis, Bratislava, Autumnalis, Butembo, Castellonis, Batavie, Canicola, Whitcombi, Cynopteri, Grippotyphosa, Hebdomadis, Copenhageni, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Javanica, Panamá, Pomona, Pyrogenes, Hardjo, Wolffi, Shermani, Tarassovi, Sentot, Andamana e Patoc. Adicionalmente, representantes de doze estirpes de leptospiras isoladas no Brasil foram adicionados à coleção de antígenos do teste de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM). A prevalência aparente foi de 66% e a prevalência real de animais infectados, de 79,80%, com intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95% (78,3-81,3) e 241 rebanhos apresentando pelo menos um animal reagente. Os sorovares mais prováveis foram o Hardjo seguido pelo Wolffi. Os resultados demonstram que a leptospirose bovina continua presente no Pantanal, com alta prevalência tanto em rebanhos quanto em indivíduos, sendo os principais fatores de risco para a doença o tipo de exploração e a raça. ABSTRACT: This is an epidemiological study of leptospirosis in 24 month-old females from 246 herds. Two thousand, seven hundred and sixty six (2,766) animals were randomly sampled in the nine counties comprising the region of Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The risk factors associated with the disease were also identified. Blood samples were collected from September to November 2009 and examined by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) against a collection of 24 live antigens of Leptospira spp., representatives of serovars Australis, Bratislava, Autumnalis, Butembo, Castellonis, Batavie, Canicola Whitcombi, Cynopteri, Grippotyphosa, Hebdomadis, Copenhageni, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Javanica, Panama, Pomona, Pyrogenes, Hardjo, Wolffi, Shermani, Tarassovi, Sentot, Andamana, and Patoc. Additionally, twelve representatives of Leptospira strains isolated in Brazil were added to the collection of antigens for the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). The apparent prevalence was 66% and the actual prevalence of infected animals was 79.80%, with a confidence interval of 95% (78.3 to 81.3) and 241 herds having at least one reactive animal. The most likely serovars were Hardjo followed by Wolffi. Results show that bovine leptospirosis is still present in Pantanal, with high prevalence both in animals and herds, the main risk factors for the disease being the type of cattle farming and breeding.

Descrevem-se seis casos de tuberculose no sistema nervoso central (SNC) em bovinos, no semiárido da Paraíba. Foram revisados os laudos de um total de 851 necropsias de bovinos realizadas no período de 2003 a 2016. Destes, 73 (8,6%) foram diagnosticados com tuberculose e seis apresentavam lesões no SNC. Três casos ocorreram em bovinos de até dois anos de idade e três em bovinos adultos. Três bovinos apresentaram exclusivamente sinais nervosos, dois tinham sinais respiratórios e perda de peso e um não apresentava nenhum sinal clínico. Macroscopicamente, em cinco bovinos, havia espessamento das leptomeninges do cerebelo, medula espinhal, ponte, obex, colículos e córtex, principalmente, na região basilar encefálica próxima ao polígono de Willis. Em apenas um bovino houve a presença de tubérculo único no cerebelo. Microscopicamente observou-se moderada a acentuada meningite e encefalite granulomatosa. Cinco bovinos apresentaram lesões pulmonares e nos gânglios mediastínicos e três deles tinham lesões disseminadas em outros órgãos. Em todos os bovinos foram encontrados bacilos ácido-álcool resistentes intralesionais e todos tiveram marcação positiva na técnica de imuno-histoquímica com anticorpo policlonal anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Conclui‑se que a tuberculose do sistema nervoso central de bovinos ocorre de forma esporádica na Paraíba, principalmente em bovinos com lesões disseminadas em outros órgãos. Sugere-se que a disseminação do agente ocorre pela via hematógena, possivelmente através do polígono de Willis. This paper describes six cases of tuberculosis in the central nervous system (CNS) of cattle in the state of Paraíba in northeastern Brazil. We reviewed the autopsy reports of 851 bovine necropsies performed from 2003 to 2016. Seventy-three (8.6%) cattle were diagnosed with tuberculosis and six showed lesions in the CNS. Three cases affected cattle up to two-year-old and other three affected adults. Three cattle presented exclusively nervous signs, two had respiratory signs and weight loss and one did not present any clinical signs. At necropsy, five cattle had thickening of the leptomeninges of the cerebellum, pons, obex, spinal cord and cortex, mainly, in the region near the brain basilar Willis´ circle. Another animal, presented a single focal lesion in the cerebellum. Microscopically we observed moderate to severe granulomatous meningitis and encephalitis. Five cattle presented lesions in the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes and three of them had disseminated lesions in other organs. In all cattle acid-fast bacilli were observed in the lesions and marked positive for immunohistochemistry with polyclonal antibody anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is concluded that bovine tuberculosis of central nervous system occurs sporadically in Paraíba, in cattle of different ages, most of them with disseminate lesions in other organs. The location of the lesions suggests that the agent invaded the brain by hematogenous route through the circle of Willis.

The aim of the study was to detect Listeria spp., particularly Listeria monocytogenes, in cattle and environment of pasture based dairy farms in Paysandú, Uruguay. A two-stage sampling was conducted, 10 farms were selected by probability proportional to size. A single visit was made to each farm. Samples from bovine faeces, feedstuffs, bulk tank milk, drinking water and soil from the entry and exit pens of the milking parlour were collected for bacteriological studies. PCR assays were used to confirm species and determine the serotype profile of L. monocytogenes isolates. AscI-pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was done to genetically compare them. Listeria spp. were isolated from eight of ten dairy farms, whereas L. monocytogenes in three of them. Serotype distribution in L. monocytogenes was as follows: 1/2a, three isolates; 4b, one isolate. L. monocytogenes or L. innocua excreted from clinically healthy milking cows was detected via faeces. In feedstuffs, only one L. monocytogenes 1/2a isolate from a pasture was obtained. The strain was identical by PFGE to an isolate 1/2a obtained from a pool of milking cow feces that grazed on this farm. No isolation of Listeria spp. was retrieved from the bulk tank milk or drinking water from any of the farms. Listeria innocua was detected in 13 feedstuffs and seven samples of soil from the entry and exit pens of the milking parlour. This is a first local study that confirms the presence of Listeria spp. including L. monocytogenes in healthy cattle and environment of pasture-based dairy farms. These results suggest the potential role that healthy cattle and their sub-products would play as a source of these agents for humans and/or others animals. More detailed studies that include genetic comparison of human and animal isolates are required in order to clearly establish the epidemiological relationship.

RESUMO: A mastite bovina é a enfermidade que causa maior impacto na produção leiteira, sendo o microrganismo Staphylococcus aureus o mais prevalente. Este gênero possui a capacidade de produzir biofilmes que é um importante mecanismo de resistência aos antibióticos. Considerando a capacidade terapêutica das plantas, a espécie Croton urucurana, nativa do Cerrado, foi alvo do presente estudo, que teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antibiofilme in vitro do extrato vegetal e substâncias isoladas desta espécie, frente Staphylococcus aureus, isolados de leite de vacas com mastite, bem como dos antibióticos gentamicina e vancomicina. A atividade antibiofilme foi avaliada por meio do cristal violeta e da contagem de unidades formadoras de colônia. As imagens foram obtidas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. O extrato bruto e frações de C. urucurana apresentaram atividade antibiofilme superior à gentamicina e semelhante à vancomicina, enquanto a substância isolada α-Costol foi significativamente mais ativa quando comparada aos demais tratamentos avaliados, reduzindo cerca de 6 ciclos logarítmicos da população bacteriana em biofilme. Conclui-se que os fitocomplexos e a substância α-Costol isolados de Croton urucurana são promissores no combate a um dos principais agentes etiológicos da mastite bovina.

The study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical, laboratory and pathological aspects of buffalo and bovine experimentally infected with AmRio 2 strain of Anaplasma marginale. Four Murrah buffaloes and four crossbred cattle were used in the experiment, which two animals of each species were splenectomized. Strain AmRio 2 of A. marginale was inoculated in all experimental animals. Clinical exams, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), blood counts, blood smears, rickettsemia, necropsy and histopathology were performed in all cases. Semi-Nested-PCR (snPCR) for the msp5 and snPCR for the msp1α target gene for identification of A. marginale in blood samples from animals was done. From positive samples for msp1α snPCR, samples were analyzed for the amino acid sequences of this gene. Two splenectomized cattle presented apathy, pale mucous membranes, jaundice, hyperthermia, and severe anemia. The remaining experimental animals did not show clinical signs. The rickettsemia in all animals was less than 1%. The mean PCV of the splenectomized cattle was below 20% at two-time points after infection. On the blood count, the main changes were observed in splenectomized calves and were characterized by a decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin, PCV and platelets (p