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A Dermatite Atopica Canina (DAC) e uma doenca de fundo genetico que promove deficiencia no funcionamento da barreira epidermica e sensibilizacao alergica do individuo a alergenos ambientais. Encontram-se predispostos caes de varias racas e com idade media de um e tres anos. O diagnostico exige tempo, pois a DAC deve ser excluida das doencas pruriginosas, sendo assim o presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar estudo retrospectivo dos casos de caes submetidos a biopsias de pele, e associar os achados clinicos e laboratoriais dos casos de DAC com as demais dermatoses nao neoplasicas. Cinquenta e duas biopsias de pele foram realizadas, sendo 11 de caes com DAC, 14 (26,92%) sem DAC e 27 (51,92%) com doencas neoplasicas. O prurido foi observado em todos os caes atopicos e a idade de surgimento dos sinais foi de 4,4 anos. A dermatofitose e a infeccao por Staphylococcus sp. e /ou Malassezia sp. foram as doencas mais frequentes nos casos de DAC. A biopsia e mais um recurso diagnostico, que somado aos achados clinico-epidemiologicos auxilia na confirmacao da DAC, melhorando a qualidade de vida dos caes portadores da doenca e dos seus proprietarios.

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.

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.

The pancytopenia can be associated with intra and extra medullary disorders. When the etiology is not obvious, the examination of bone marrow is necessary. The study aims to report and discuss quantitative amendments in bone marrow and their causes in dogs with pancytopenia. Bone marrow aspirate was obtained from 65 dogs with pancytopenia over a period of 13 consecutive months for preparation of smears stained by Giemsa and observed in light microscopy. Five hundred cells differential count was held; and assessed myeloid:erythroid ratio, cellularity, megakaryocytes and direct parasitological examination. The data were evaluated by the Chi-square statistical test. Blood tests of 3120 canines with several clinical changes were analyzed to identify pancytopenia, which accounted for 167 (5.4%) dogs. Interpretation of quantitative characteristics was carried out from the bone marrow smear in 65 pancytopenic dogs and the etiology was established in 40 (61.5%) of these, which included infection by E. canis and L. chagasi, idiopathic aplastic anemia, chronic renal failure and co-infections. In 17 (26.2%) animals were not observed medullary changes. The most bone marrow change was observed myeloid and erythroid hypoplasia in 17 (26.2%) dogs, followed by myeloid and erythroid hyperplasia (24.6%). The myelogram association to the blood cell count allowed the identification of medullary findings and its participation on the occurrence of pancytopenia cases. The number of cases resulting from infectious diseases was 38 (58.5%) in canine assessed: significant number due to its endemic characteristic of the study region.

Cryptococcosis is an infection that affects humans and animals, the etiology is attributed to Cryptococcus neoformans variety neoformans, C. neoformans var. grubii and Cryptococcus gattii. The infection is common in dogs and cats, causing respiratory, neurological, cutaneous and ocular infections. Aiming to better understand the epidemiology of cryptococcosis in animals in the region, this paper describe the occurrence and characterization of the Cryptococcus species involved in this illness in pet animals at Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Clinical samples of four cases, two in cats and two dogs, were submitted for pathological, microbiological and molecular analysis. Microscopically, in three cases, tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin had absence to severe granulomatous reaction composed by histiocytes, multinucleated cells and lymphocytes infiltration. In one case, citological imprint analysis showed similar inflammatory mainly mononuclear and lymphocyte cells infiltration. All cases had variable amounts of intracellular and extracellular fungal structures compatible with Cryptococcus sp. on Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) stain. All clinical samples were positive for culture on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and morphologically classified as Cryptococcus sp. The isolates were PCR positive for C. gatti, being confirmed by sequencing technique. The findings characterize the molecular species involved in animal infections in the region, and may contribute to future studies of the epidemiology of C. gattii. A criptococose é uma infecção que afeta humanos e animais sendo a etiologia atribuída às espécies Cryptococcus neoformans variedade neoformans, C. neoformans var. grubii e C. gattii. A doença é comum em cães e gatos, causando infecções respiratórias, neurológicas, cutâneas e oculares. Com o objetivo de entender melhor a epidemiologia da criptococose em animais, este trabalho descreve a ocorrência e a caracterização de espécies de Cryptococcus em pequenos animais doentes no Estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil. Amostras clínicas de quatro casos, dois em felinos e dois em caninos, foram submetidas à análise patológica, microbiológica e molecular. Microscopicamente, em três casos, nos cortes de tecidos corados pela hematoxilina notou-se desde ausência até acentuada inflamação granulomatosa composta por histiócitos, células multinucleadas e infiltração linfocitária. Em um caso, na análise citológica de "imprint" observou-se infiltrado inflamatório similar composto principalmente por células mononucleares e linfócitos. Em todos os casos havia variável quantidade de estruturas fúngicas intra e extracelulares compatíveis com Cryptococcus spp pela coloração do ácido períodico de Schiff (PAS). Todas as amostras foram positivas para a cultura em Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA), e morfologicamente classificadas como Cryptococcus sp. Os isolados foram positivos no PCR para C. gattii, sendo confirmados pelo seqüenciamento. Os resultados caracterizaram a espécie envolvida na região, e contribuem para futuros estudos sobre a epidemiologia de C. gattii.

Trypanosoma caninum constitutes the most recent trypanosomatid species infecting dogs in Brazil. Due to the limited data available about this parasite, this study aims to disclose clinical and laboratory findings from 14 dogs naturally infected. The dogs were diagnosed during a cross-sectional survey in Cuiaba (Mato Grosso, Brazil) and followed up at an interval of 3, 6, and 12 mo in order to evaluate the clinical evolution and to investigate the parasite, the DNA, or both in different biological samples (intact skin, cutaneous scar, blood, bone marrow, and lymph node aspirate) by parasitological (culture and smear exam) and molecular (DNA-based tests) methods. Specific anti-T. caninum and anti-Leishmania antibody production was also evaluated. Ten of 14 dogs infected by T. caninum showed a good general state at the time of diagnosis, and this status did not vary during the follow-up. Anti-T. caninum and anti-Leishmania IgG antibodies were detected by IFAT in 10 and 2 animals, respectively. Concomitant infection by Leishmania chagasi was confirmed in 2 dogs, indicating an overlap of endemic areas in Cuiaba. Trypanosoma caninum (parasite or DNA) was found only in the intact skin in all animals examined. Our results suggest that T. caninum infection can be manifested as an asymptomatic case with low humoral immune response.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a ocorrência de diabetes mellitus em cadelas gestantes, bem como possíveis fatores associados. Foram avaliadas 20 cadelas gestantes, com idades variadas, independente de raça e período gestacional. Dosagem sérica de glicose, colesterol, triglicerídeos e frutosamina foram realizadas em pacientes em jejum de 12 horas, além de ultrassonografia abdominal. A média de glicose, colesterol e triglicerídeos obtidas foram de 87,1mg/dL, 213,4mg/dL e 132,75mg/dL, respectivamente. A concentração sérica de frutosamina foi considerada satisfatória em todas as gestantes. Apesar de não ter detectado a diabetes mellitus nas cadelas gestantes pesquisadas, a dieta e aumento de colesterol e triglicerídeos em algumas gestantes reforçam a necessidade de conscientização dos proprietários acerca dos fatores associados à esta enfermidade evitando risco as cadelas gestantes e filhotes.

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a chronic and severe disease of great interest to global public health. In Brazil, the main species causing visceral leishmaniasis is Leishmania chagasi [syn. Leishmania infantum], which is transmitted by sandflies of the species Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lu. cruzi. This study aimed to determine the risk factors and prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs residing in endemic areas of the municipality of Várzea Grande, Mato Grosso.Material, Methods & Results: The study was conducted in the Várzea Grande neighbourhoods Jardim Eldorado, Parque Sabiá and São Mateus, which are located in the Brazilian Cerrado region and are endemic for visceral leishmaniasis. The Várzea Grande is a mostly commercial and industrial municipality and relies on subsistence farming. To describe the general characteristics of the dog population and housing environment, an interview was carried out with the dog owners in each household. This interview addressed local demographics and the identification of dogs to establish epidemiological aspects of canine illness and risk factors for infection. The dogs were examined and physically restrained for blood collection by jugular venipuncture. For serological testing, a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used. A Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was used to identify associations between independent variables and the seroprevalence of dogs with anti-Leishmania antibodies. It were collected blood from 521 animals, including 160 belonging to Jardim Eldorado, 129 to Parque Sabiá and 232 to São Mateus. Of these animals, 120 were reactive by ELISA, with a prevalence of 23.0%. There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) according to gender, age, racial definition, origin, time with family, presence of ectoparasites, or the presence of people with skin wounds at home or on other pets. The major risk factor for canine infection was fur length; dogs with short fur were 2.2 times more likely to be infected than dogs with long fur.Discussion: The prevalence of canine leishmaniasis in endemic areas was found to be similar to studies in Cuiaba, a city in Várzea Grande, which also included neighbourhoods endemic for visceral leishmaniasis as study areas. Other studies have shown prevalence rates that differ from those found in this study. This difference may either be because the neighbourhoods in this study had already experienced outbreaks of the disease or because serum samples were cross-reactive with other trypanosomatids. While infection was more readily detected in dogs with clinical signs, asymptomatic dogs with anti-Leishmania antibodies were found in greater numbers, which is consistent with the literature. Hair length was the only factor associated with canine leishmaniasis in this study; short-haired animals were most at risk of contracting the disease because they had more skin exposure to sandflies during blood feeding. In conclusion, endemic districts of Várzea Grande had high prevalence rates of canine visceral leishmaniasis, and a short length coat was associated with infection.

As pesquisas sobre o conhecimento da população brasileira acerca das leishmanioses em geral é escassa, verificando-se ainda conhecimentos superficiais e reduzidos. Não foram encontrados outros estudos no Brasil que avaliassem o conhecimento da doença pelos médicos veterinários, apenas em profissionais de saúde de forma geral. Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o conhecimento e conduta dos clínicos veterinários de pequenos animais perante a leishmaniose visceral canina, através da aplicação de questionário individualizado. As provas sorológicas, ELISA e RIFI, preconizadas pelo Ministério da Saúde são adotadas por 45,45% (25/55) dos médicos veterinários entrevistados, as técnicas parasitológicas por 32,73% (18/55). Ao recomendar o sacrifício, 47,27% (26/55) dos veterinários justificam ser uma orientação ministerial, sendo portanto uma obrigação do clínico, 23,64% (13/55) relacionam a importância para manter a saúde da família, 1,82% (1/55) alegam que é imprescíndivel para o controle da doença, 10,91% (6/55) deram as três justificativas. Conclui-se que os médicos veterinários estão bem informados sobre a leishmaniose visceral canina, podendo ser aliados no controle da doença na região, agindo como propagadores dos métodos de controle conhecidos até o momento.

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.

We report natural infection by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in Mus musculus and Necromys lasiurus using molecular analyses (PCR-RFLP) of femoral bone marrow and skin fragments. The aim of this study was to detect infection by pathogenic species of Leishmania in small mammals in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The animals were captured in Peixoto de Azevedo, a cutaneous leishmaniasis-endemic region located in the north of the state, from October 30 to November 3, 2008. Natural infection by Leishmania in synanthropic rodents may be a threat to humans due to cohabitation of human domiciles in this area.

Summary Trypanosoma caninum is a parasite of the Trypanosoma genus recently described in the natural infection of dogs in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Suspecting the existence of a natural cycle and the circulation of this new species, the objective of this study was the taxonomic identification of samples of Trypanosoma spp. isolated from dogs in different Brazilian regions. Parasites were solely obtained from skin fragments culture and characterized by nested-PCR targeting the partial sequence of 18S rRNA gene and PCR products were sequenced. Thirty-three samples, obtained in Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais, Goias, Mato Grosso and Rio de Janeiro states were analyzed. PCR and sequencing showed that the isolates were genetically identical or closely similar and confirmed T. caninum identity. This report broadens the geographical distribution of T. caninum in Brazil and discusses the impact of the presence of this parasite in areas of canine leishmaniasis occurrence.

Os canideos podem ser infectados por diversos agentes pertencentes a Familia Anaplasmataceae dentre os mais comumente relatados encontram-se Ehrlichia canis e Anaplasma platys, causando a ehrlichiose monocitica canina e a trombocitopenia infecciosa ciclica canina, respectivamente. O diagnostico pode ser feito pela deteccao de morulas em esfregaco sanguineo, sorologicamente, pelo isolamento, com excecao de A. platys e pelos metodos moleculares, como a PCR. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a presenca de infeccao por E. canis e A. platys em caes neonatos e suas respectivas maes. Durante o periodo de junho a dezembro de 2006, foram avaliados clinicamente 21 femeas higidas e 40 filhotes de suas respectivas ninhadas com idade entre cinco a 29 dias de idade. Para a avaliacao da infeccao por E. canis , realizaram-se analise sorologica com o ensaio SNAP 3DX, observacao de morulas em esfregaco sanguineo e nested PCR e para A. platys, a nested PCR. Dos 61 animais avaliados, 36 (59%) apresentaram-se positivos para E. canis e 16 (26,2%) para A. platys . Infeccao isolada por A. platys e co-infeccao com E. canis foi observada em cinco (13,8%) e 11 (30,5%) caes, respectivamente, nao havendo diferenca estatisticamente significativa (P=0,63). Com os dados obtidos pela tecnica da n PCR conseguiu-se detectar infeccao por E. canis e A. platys em neonatos e suas respectivas maes, levantando a possibilidade de transmissao transplacentaria, entretanto estudos mais aprofundados devem ser realizados para se confirmar tal aspecto, principalmente em areas endemicas para a doenca.

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.

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.

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.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.All the animals studied were positive for Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi.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.

This study used a PCR-RFLP test to determine the presence of Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi in 16 captive wild felids [seven Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771); five Panthera onca (Linnaeus, 1758) and four Leopardus pardalis (Linnaeus, 1758)] at the zoological park of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Amplification of Leishmania spp. DNA was seen in samples from five pumas and one jaguar, and the species was characterized as L. chagasi using restriction enzymes. It is already known that domestic felids can act as a reservoir of L. chagasi in endemic areas, and further studies are necessary to investigate their participation in the epidemiological chain of leishmaniasis.

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.

We reported here the first known case of natural infection of a lion (Panthera leo-Linnaeus, 1758) with Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi (L. chagasi) in Brazil. The specimen was created by a circus handler in the state of Mato Grosso and was donated to the zoological park of the Federal University of Mato Grosso. Infection by L. chagasi was detected using a PCR-RFLP test. It was known that the domestic felids can act as reservoir of infection of L. chagasi in endemic areas, making it important that studies demonstrate their participation in the epidemiological chain. We demonstrate in this work that wild animals can have an important role in the epidemiological chain and must be considered in order to plan methods of control of this zoonosis.

A toxoplasmose e uma zoonose causada por Toxoplasma gondii. Em caes e na maioria das vezes assintomatica em decorrencia da efetividade do sistema imunologico. Entretanto, em alguns casos pode desencadear inumeros sinais clinicos, incluindo comprometimento neuromuscular, sendo os sinais mais descritos ataxia, andar em circulos, alteracoes de comportamento, convulsoes, espasmos e tremores. A toxoplasmose geralmente manifesta-se apos imunodepressao e por isso, frequentemente pode estar associada a infeccoes imunossupressoras como as causadas pelo virus da cinomose e Ehrlichia canis . E. canis e uma rickettsia intracelular obrigatoria de celulas hematopoieticas maduras ou imaturas e de monocitos caninos, agente etiologico da Erliquiose Monocitica Canina (EMC). Assim como a toxoplasmose, a EMC tambem pode ocasionar sinais nervosos. Este estudo tem o objetivo de estimar a prevalencia de anticorpos contra T. gondii e E. canis e caracterizar as respectivas sindromes clinicas em caes com sinais nervosos atendidos em um hospital veterinario. Entre maio de 2010 a dezembro de 2011, caes com sinais nervosos atendidos no HOVET-UFMT foram submetidos a exame neurologico para determinacao das sindromes nervosas. Amostras de soro e sangue total foram coletadas para realizacao de reacao de imunofluorescencia indireta (RIFI) para T. gondii e E. canis e para avaliacao hematologica. Observaram-se prevalencias de 10,3 e 94,8% para T. gondii e E. canis respectivamente, e a sindrome mais frequente foi a multifocal ocorrendo em 53,5% dos casos, seguido de alteracoes medulares em 22,4%, alteracao cerebral em 10,3%, sindrome paroxistica em 10,3% dos casos e sindrome neuropatica com 3,5% dos casos. Nao houve associacao estatistica entre as variaveis analisadas (titulacao para T. gondii , E. canis e sindromes nervosas). Como conclusao, a ocorrencia de coinfeccao por T. gondii e E.canis pode contribuir para a manifestacao clinica da toxoplasmose, em virtude do carater oportunista do parasito em relacao ao estabelecimento de doenca .

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.

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.

No mundo todo milhoes de pessoas sao acometidas por geo-helmintos, especialmente criancas em idade escolar devido a sua maior exposicao a ambientes contaminados. O objetivo deste estudo foi monitorar a contaminacao de areas de recreacao de creches por larvas de helmintos ao longo de um ano, mensalmente por tecnicas parasitologicas. 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 presenca de larvas filariforme e rabditiforme. Os resultados demonstraram maior contaminacao nos meses com maior precipitacao pluviometrica, evidenciando a necessidade de adocao de medidas de profilaxia nestas areas.

The present work had the objective to evaluate the contamination of the public squares of Cuiaba, State of Mato Grosso, for faecal samples of dogs. Fifty five squares had been searched, of August the November of 2006. Of these, 14 beed situated in the center of city and 41 in diverse outlying areas of the city. The samples were collected per the morning, stored in processed plastic bags under refrigeration and in the Laboratory of Parasitic Illnesses of the Hospital Veterinarian of the UFMT, through the techniques of Willis-Mollay and Hoffmann, Pons and Janer, 1934. Of the 55 squares, 40 had faecal samples of dogs. To 121 samples had been all collected and in 45 eggs of helminths had been observed. Of these, 38 (84,4%) had presented eggs of Ancylostoma sp; 07 (15,5%) of Toxocara sp; 09 (20%) of Trichuris vulpis ones and 01 (2,2%) of Platynossomum sp and Cystoisospora sp. Twenty and two of the 121 joined samples had been in the squares central offices and 99 in the ones of outlying areas, however did not have difference significant statistics (p>;0,05) between the same ones. This study it disclosed high contamination of public squares of the city of Cuiaba for eggs of helminths, including of importance in public health, what it indicates risk of transmission of these zoonosis the population.

We aimed to determine the concentration of MMP-2 and IL-1β in the aqueous humor of dogs with healthy eyes (n=8) and in those with mature (n=8) and hyper mature cataracts (n=8). Correlations between cytokines, cytokines, and intraocular pressure (IOP), as well as cytokines with ages of patients of each group, were also assessed. In patients with cataract, aqueous humor was collected at the end of the electroretinographic procedure. In healthy dogs, aqueous humor was collected before elective surgeries. Cytokine levels were determined using ELISA. IOP was assessed by applanation tonometry. IOP of patients with mature and hyper mature cataracts were lower than the ones measured in normal eyes (P=0.158). MMP-2 aqueous humor concentration was higher in patients with hyper mature cataracts, in comparisons with healthy patients (P=0.04). Average IL-1 β aqueous concentration was higher in patients with cataracts (P0.05). IL-1 β and IOP correlated negatively (r=-0.42, P=0.04). MMP-2 and the ages of patients correlated only in dogs with mature cataracts (r=0.772, P=0.02). It can be concluded that the increment in the aqueous humor concentration of IL-1 β found in dogs with mature and hyper mature cataracts, in addition to the negative relationship of this cytokine with IOP, suggests that IL-1 β is involved in the pathogenesis of LIU. Despite dogs with hypermature cataracts presented significant higher concentrations of MMP-2 in the aqueous humor, such cytokine did not correlate with IL-1 β and IOP. In our study, a relationship between aqueous humor cytokines and the ages of patients was only confirmed between MMP-2 and the ages of dogs with mature cataracts.

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. Resumo Toxoplasma gondii é um protozoário intracelular com distribuição mundial e o cão atua como sentinela para infecção humana. Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo determinar a ocorrência de anticorpos contra T. gondii em cães de comunidades ribeirinhas ao Rio Cuiabá, Mato Grosso e as variáveis associadas à infecção. Os cães das comunidades ribeirinhas do Rio Cuiabá, que inclui Barranco Alto, Praia do Poço, Engenho Velho, Varginha, Bom Sucesso, Passagem da Conceição e São Gonçalo Beira Rio, foram avaliados para a presença de anticorpos para T. gondii pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (IFI). A prevalência e fatores associados com a infecção foram calculados pelo teste de qui-quadrado (χ2) ou exato de Fisher, e análise univariada e multivariada. Dos 248 cães estudados, 107 (43,1%) foram soropositivos para T. gondii. A prevalência variou de 25,6% a 64,3%. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as comunidades estudadas (p > 0,05). Quanto aos fatores associados, o único fator estatisticamente significante o convívio com gatos (p = 0,02), com cerca de duas vezes mais risco de adquirir a infecção. Em conclusão, a soroprevalência em cães de comunidades ribeirinhas da Baixada Cuiabana demonstram altas taxas de infecção, sendo o fator associado à infecção, o contato com gatos domésticos.

Leishmaniases are neglected zoonoses that are increasing in Brazil. The dog is considered the main reservoir of the visceral form in urban areas of Brazil and also important in maintaining the cycle of transmission of the cutaneous form in endemic areas. We used PCR-RFLP to identify the species of Leishmania involved in canine infection in Cuiaba City, Mato Grosso. Samples of bone marrow and lymph were collected from 181 dogs, of which 7.2% tested positive with indirect immunofluorescence and 24.9% using PCR-RFLP; a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05), had been possible to characterize the species Leishmania (L.) chagasi. This will aid in developing prevention measures and in the control of disease in Cuiaba and the surrounding area.