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The seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. and infection risk factors were investigated in horses from a military contingent in the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A total of 446 horses were evaluated and categorized into 309 mares, 11 stallions, and 126 horses with an average age of three years. To determine seroprevalence, serum samples from all horses were submitted to the microscopic agglutination test against 12 serovars belonging to nine serogroups, usually circulating in equine populations. To investigate the possible risk factors of infection by Leptospira spp., questionnaires were applied in that military unit. The seroprevalence in the horses with an average age of 3 years, mares, and stallions were 57.94% (73/126), 54.05% (165/309), and 45.45% (5/11), respectively. The main risk factors identified were contact with different water sources, the presence of rodents, and contact with wild and domestic animals. The high seroprevalence of anti‑Leptospira spp. antibodies may be associated with the presence of these risk factors. Therefore, the exposure of horses to possible reservoirs of Leptospira spp. should be minimized. Also, the immunoprophylaxis protocol should be reviewed and a shorter interval between vaccinations adopted to control leptospirosis in this herd. A soroprevalência de Leptospira spp. e os fatores de risco para infecção foram investigados em cavalos de um contingente militar no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Um total de 446 cavalos foram avaliados e categorizados em 309 éguas, 11 garanhões e 126 cavalos com idade média de três anos. Para determinação da soroprevalência, amostras de soro de todos os equinos foram submetidas ao teste de aglutinação microscópica contra 12 sorovares pertencentes a nove sorogrupos, normalmente circulantes em populações equinas. Para investigar os possíveis fatores de risco da infecção por Leptospira spp., foi aplicado um questionário naquela unidade militar. A soroprevalência nos cavalos com idade média de três anos, éguas e garanhões foi de 57,94% (73/126), 54,05% (165/309) e 45,45% (5/11), respectivamente. Os principais fatores de risco identificados foram o contato com diferentes fontes de água, a presença de roedores e o contato com animais silvestres e domésticos. A alta soroprevalência de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. pode estar associada à presença desses fatores de risco. Portanto, a exposição destes equinos aos possíveis reservatórios de Leptospira spp. deve ser minimizada. Além disso, o protocolo de imunoprofilaxia deve ser revisto e, possivelmente, um menor intervalo entre as vacinas deve ser adotado para o controle da leptospirose neste plantel.

Leptospirosis in horses is often associated with reproductive disorders. In the southern states of Brazil, horses are used for various jobs and cultural practices; nevertheless, serological surveillance for Leptospira is rare. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. in horses in southern Brazil, as well as to identify the risk factors for infection and its impacts on reproduction. We performed microscopic agglutination tests for 12 serovars that corresponding 9 serogroup (Sejroe, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Australis, Pyrogenes, Pomona, Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Tarassovi and Ballum) in 595 samples from 60 herds. A brief history was obtained to analyze risk factors for reproductive disorders. A total of 45.9% of the tested horses were seropositive, of which the most frequent serogroups were Icterohaemorrhagiae (Icterohaemorrhagiae and Copenhageni serovars) and Ballum (Ballum serovar). Simple infections were found in 45.4% of seropositive animals, while mixed infections occurred in 54.6% of horses. There was a correlation between seropositivity and age and sex, that is, seropositivity was more frequent in animals over 6 years old and in females. There was no correlation between seropositivity and reproductive disorders. We conclude that there is a high seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. in southern Brazil with predominance of Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup, mainly in older animals. Location, breeds, contact with dogs or other domestic animals are not risk factors, whereas gender is a risk factor. Reproductive disorders are not due to leptospirosis in the study region.

A ocorrencia de leptospirose e significativamente maior no clima tropical do que nas regioes temperadas, especialmente em periodos com altos niveis de chuva. Em cavalos, a leptospirose pode variar de subclinica a assintomatica, mas estes animais podem desempenhar um papel importante na transmissao da leptospirose por meio da eliminacao do agente no ambiente. Em relacao aos cavalos, entre os anos de 2004 e 2013, o rebanho Amazonico aumentou 30%. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi determinar a prevalencia sorologica de leptospirose em cavalos em Manaus e regiao metropolitana, estado do Amazonas, Brasil, bem como, determinar os principais sorogrupos envolvidos nas infeccoes desses animais. Para este proposito, entre agosto de 2018 e julho de 2019, foram colhidos soros de 198 cavalos para serem avaliados sorologicamente com o teste de microaglutinacao microscopica, utilizando-se um painel de dez sorogrupos. Como resultado, observou-se que 92 cavalos (44,46%) foram positivos para um ou mais sorovares de Leptospira, com maior prevalencia dos sorogrupos Icterohaemorrhagiae e Pyrogenes. Portanto, com o aumento do rebanho equino na regiao e, consequentemente, maior interacao entre criadores e animais, a identificacao de reagentes para pelo menos um sorovar de Leptospira spp. alerta para a possivel existencia de reservatorios de cepas patogenicas para outros animais e seres humanos.

This study evaluated the seropositivity of Brucella abortus and Leptospira interrogans in ewes with reproductive disturbances in southern Brazil and verified the creatine kinase (CK) activity and oxidation status via assessment of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione transferase in serum of seropositive animals for L. interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae. For Leptospira infection 381 animals with clinical history of reproductive disturbance from Planalto Serrano de Santa Catarina (Brazil) were analyzed, showing an occurrence for L. interrogans of 20.2% from which 81.8% were seropositive for L. interrogans Icterohaemorrhagiae. Serovars Wolfii, Grippothyphosa, Bratislava, Canicola and Butembo were also identified. In the case of B. abortus, positive cases were identified by buffered acidified antigen, finding 14 positive samples, but none of them were positive after a second test (2-mercaptoethanol), showing the absence of relationship between infection with B. abortus and abortion in the tested individuals. Serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and CK activity were found higher in animals positive for Leptospira infection, presenting higher titrations (1:320) than non-infected individuals. Serum glutathione peroxidase activity was higher in positive animals with titrations 1:160 and 1:320, while serum glutathione S-transferase was higher in positive individuals only for titrations 1:320. Serum superoxide dismutase showed lower activity in infected animals with titrations of 1:320. Our results show the region of Planalto Serrano de Santa Catarina with a high occurrence levels of sheep infected by L. interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae, from which animals with high titrations (1:320) present oxidative stress elicited by excessive ROS production, triggering the stimulation of antioxidant systems to counter this excess. In summary, ovine with higher titrations (1:320) present oxidative damage that can contribute to disease pathophysiology.

Antimicrobial, antimycobacterial and antiviral activities of crude extracts, fractions and subfractions of Tabernaemontana catharinensis were evaluated. Best antimicrobial results occurred with the dichloromethane (DCM) and butanolic (NB) fractions against Staphylococcus aureus , Micrococcus sp., Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus subtilis (minimal inhibitory concentration, MIC = 31.25–1000 μg/mL). Considering the Gram-negative bacteria, only NB fraction was effective against Proteus mirabilis and Aeromonas sp. (MIC = 62.5 μg/mL and 250 μg/mL, respectively). In addition, the fungi Candida albicans , Candida glabrata , Cryptococcus neoformans , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus were particularly vulnerable for DCM fraction (MIC = 31.25–1000 μg/mL). The fractions and subfractions were effective against Mycobacterium smegmatis (MIC = 19.53–156.25 μg/mL). DCM (selectivity index – SI = 77.92), ethyl acetate (EA) (SI = 40.27) and NB (SI = 28.97) fractions from the leaves exhibited a potential antiviral activity toward Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 whereas DCM2 subfraction from leaves (SI = 12.28) and alkaloidal fraction (AF) (10.71) maintained this good activity. Steroids, terpenoids and phenolics compounds were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC/DAD) and may be partially responsible for the antimicrobial and antiherpes activities observed. The results obtained in this study showed that T. catharinensis has antimicrobial and anti-herpetic activities and that these properties are reported for the first time for this species.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) are the two primary causes of upper respiratory tract disease in cats. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the distribution of FCV and FHV-1 among the feline population of several counties in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. To this end, conjunctival and nasal swabs were collected from 302 cats from different locations, including households, breeding catteries, veterinary clinics, animal hospitals and experimental research facilities. The samples were collected between July 2006 to June 2009. The virus isolation was performed in CRFK cells and, subsequently, the identification was confirmed by PCR. FCV, FHV-1, or both were isolated from 55 cats from 28 different locations. FCV alone was isolated from 52.7% (29/55) of the animals that tested positively, FHV-1 alone was isolated from 38.2% (21/55) of the animals that tested positively, and co-infection were detected in 9.1% (5/55) of the animals that tested positively. Virus detection was more prevalent in cats that were less than 1 year old, among animals that shared a living space with other cats, and females. FCV and FHV-1 were isolated from vaccinated cats. In addition, both viruses were isolated from cats that showed no signs of disease. The results suggest that a carrier state is common for both viruses in the evaluated population. A search for other causes of respiratory disease in that population is necessary; and further studies relating to the molecular characterization of viruses and vaccine efficacy are also necessary.

Os cracídeos são Galliformes silvestres das Américas. Com o objetivo de investigar a presença de anticorpos contra vírus de galinhas em cracídeos, foram coletadas 51 amostras de soro de 10 diferentes espécies dessas aves. Esses animais eram mantidos em criatórios conservacionistas e zoológicos nos Municípios de Santa Maria, Soledade, Passo Fundo, Sapucaia, Gravataí, Viamão e Três Coroas, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Anticorpos neutralizantes foram detectados em 5,9% (3/51) do total de amostras testadas contra o vírus da bronquite infecciosa das galinhas, 15,7% (8/51) contra o reovírus aviário e 35,3% (18/51) contra o vírus da doença infecciosa da bolsa. Todas as amostras foram negativas para o vírus da bouba aviária no teste de IDGA. A detecção de anticorpos para vírus de aves comerciais sugere que os cracídeos podem ser susceptíveis à infecção por esses vírus. The cracids are wild Galliformes native from the Americas. Fifty one serum samples were collected from individuals of 10 different species of cracids in order to obtain information regarding to the antibody status of different viruses. These birds were kept in shelters and zoos localized in Santa Maria, Soledade, Passo Fundo, Sapucaia, Gravataí, Viamão and Três Coroas counties, in the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Neutralizing antibodies were detected in the individuals serum from different species specific referring to infectious bronchitis virus in 5.9% (3/51) of the samples, to avian reovirus in 15.7% (8/51) and, to infectious bursal disease virus in 35.3% (18/51). All samples were negative for fowlpox virus, as measured by IDGA test. The detection of commercial poultry viruses antibodies suggests that cracids could be susceptible to infection by those viruses.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) and felid herpesvirus type-1 (FeHV-1) are the main infectious agents of domestic and wild felines worldwide. The FCV and FeHV-1 viruses were isolated in Brazil in 1988 and 2012, respectively. Serology surveys were performed among domestic feline in the State of Rio Grande do Sul and among wild felines in central Brazilian States. Felines with acute or chronic infections may become carriers for both viruses and, viral transmission occurs mainly by ocular and nasal secretions. In addition, FCV may be transmitted by oropharyngeal secretion and fomites. The clinical signs commonly observed in cats are fever, sneezing, coughing and nasal and ocular discharge; however, oral lesions are restricted to FCV infection. A systemic syndrome showing hemorrhagic lesions, alopecia, facial edema and jaundice has been associated with FCV. Attenuated as well as inactivated vaccines against FCV and FeHV-1 were developed in the middle 1970s, and they are effective at reducing the presentation/development of the diseases, but they are not capable of eliminating the persistence of FCV and FeHV-1. This article presents a brief review of the main aspects of the FCV and FeHV-1 infections, with an emphasis in the current situation on the domestic feline population from Brazil. Calicivírus felino (feline calicivirus - FCV) e herpesvírus felino tipo - 1 (felid herpesvirus type 1 - FeHV-1) são os principais agentes envolvidos descritos mundialmente infectando felinos domésticos e selvagens. No Brasil, o FCV e o FeHV-1 foram isolados e caracterizados em 1988 e 2012, respectivamente. Estudos sorológicos em felinos domésticos foram realizados no estado do Rio Grande do Sul e em felinos selvagens em alguns estados da região central do país. Felinos com infecção aguda e/ou infecção crônica podem tornar-se portadores, para ambos os vírus, e a transmissão ocorre principalmente por secreções oculares, nasais. Além disso, o FCV pode também ser transmitido por secreções orofaringeanas e fômites. Os sinais clínicos comumente observados em felinos afetados são: febre, espirros, tosse, descarga nasal e ocular; lesões orais se restringem à infecção pelo FCV; além disso, foi descrita uma síndrome sistêmica que apresenta um quadro hemorrágico, alopecia, edema de face e icterícia. Vacinas vivas e inativadas que amenizam o quadro clínico, mas não previnem infecções persistentes pelos vírus, foram desenvolvidas nos anos 70. Este artigo apresenta uma breve revisão dos principais aspectos da infecção pelo FCV e FeHV-1, com ênfase na atual situação na população de felinos domésticos do Brasil.

Os cracídeos são aves silvestres que habitam as matas tropicais da América. Foram coletadas, no ano de 2007, amostras cloacais de 51 aves de dez espécies diferentes de cracídeos mantidos em cativeiros no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. A partir dos swabs, colhidos assepticamente, foi realizado o isolamento e a caracterização bacteriana e o teste de susceptibilidade antimicrobiana dos isolados. Foram identificadas 93 cepas de bactérias. As bactérias mais frequentemente isoladas foram Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp. e Streptococcus spp. Todas as amostras foram negativas para o isolamento de Salmonella spp. O resultado do teste de sensibilidade mostrou que dentre as 93 cepas isoladas, todas foram sensíveis apenas ao imipinem. Adicionalmente, os menores percentuais de resistência foram observados frente ao cloranfenicol e ciprofloxacina. Os gêneros e espécies bacterianas com maior percentual de resistência a diferentes antibióticos testados foram Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus e Streptococcus spp. Com os resultados obtidos no presente trabalho, concluí-se, que a população de cracídeos estudada apresenta sua microbiota cloacal composta por vários gêneros e espécies bacterianas e que a multirresistencia pode ser um problema no futuro, uma vez que algumas cepas isoladas mostraram percentuais elevados de resistência a diferente antimicrobianos. Cracids are wildlife Galliformes which inhabits the America's tropical forests. Fifty one cloacal swabs were collected from 10 different species of captive cracids from the Rio Grande do Sul State during 2007. The cloacal swab samples were submitted to bacterial isolation, identification and, subsequently; antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Ninety three bacterial isolates were obtained from the cracid population examined. The most prevalent among the isolates were Escherichia coli, and bacteria from the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus genera. All samples tested in this study were negative for Salmonella spp. The antimicrobial susceptibility tests showed that none of the 93 strains presented resistance to the antimicrobial imipinem. In addition, the lower percentages of resistance were observed against cloranfenicol and ciprofloxacine. The bacteria genus and species with the highest percentage of resistance to the different antimicrobials examined were E. coli, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. In conclusion, the data presented in this article demonstrate that the cloacal microbiota of the reported cracid population is composed of several bacterial genera and species and multi-drug resistance may be a problem for the future, since some strains showed elevated percentage of resistance against several different antimicrobials.

We evaluated the in vitro activities of terbinafine alone and in combination with amphotericin B, fluvastatin, rifampicin, metronidazole or ibuprofen against 17 clinical isolates of Pythium insidiosum. The assays were based on technique M38-A2, as well as the checkerboard microdilution method. The main synergism observed was by combination of terbinafine plus amphotericin B (41.18%). Antagonisms were observed in combinations of terbinafine with fluvastatin (35.30%) or rifampicin (5.88%).