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Improving the health and immunity of pets is a concern of the guardians, while maintaining the health of the animals directly impacts the owners' health and public health. The objective of this study was to produce a dog feed containing a microencapsulated phytogenic blend, as well as determine the impact of the additive on animal health and its intestinal microbiota. The composition included microencapsulated thymol, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde, at 300 mg/kg of feed. Ten male beagle dogs were divided into two groups, identified as follows: the control group (C; ingested the feed without the additive) and the treated group (T; consumed feed containing the phytogenic blend). The dogs received 300 g of feed/day divided into two meals. Greater neutrophil counts in group T and lymphocyte counts were observed at the end of the experiment, as well as levels of α2-globulins and γ-globulin, while β1 and β2-globulins levels were lower in group T. Serum nitrogen oxide levels were higher in group T. Levels of reactive oxygen species were lower in group T at days 30 and 45, unlike activity of glutathione peroxidase that was higher. We found less bacterial contamination in the feces of dogs in group T, i.e., total bacterial count, total coliform counts, and counts of Salmonella and Escherichia coli were lower on days 30 and 45. Phytogenic blend intake reduces bacterial counts in stool and improves antioxidant/oxidative status and immune responses., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Colibacillosis is a disease caused by Escherichia coli that manifests itself when there are homeostatic imbalances or in the context of increased exposure, in which case the organism displays opportunistic behavior. To control this problem in poultry, antibiotics are used in the feed, because E. coli is component of the intestinal microbiota of birds. However, because of the changing dietary habits of the human population that seeks out healthier foods without antimicrobial residues, there have been many studies of alternatives to replace conventional antimicrobials as performance enhancers. Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine whether daily consumption of a homeopathic product (immune stimulator) by broilers stimulates immune responses and thereby minimizes the negative effects of experimental E. coli infection. We used 320 1-day-old Cobb 500 chicks, distributed in two groups with eight repetitions each, and 20 birds per repetition: control (CG) and homeopathy (HG). HG birds consumed doses of 0.02 mL/bird/day (1-7 d) via water, 0.01 ml/bird (8-21 d), 0.02 ml/bird (22-28 d), 0.01 mL/bird (29-35 d), and 0.02 mL/bird (35-45 d), as recommended by the manufacturer. At day 22 of the birds' life, the two groups were divided into four subgroups, with four repetitions per subgroup. On day 22, birds in CG1 and HG1 groups were infected intraperitoneally with 0.5 mL of inoculum containing 1.0 × 10 8  CFU of E. coli/mL. During the experimental period, data were collected for analysis of performance. On days 21 and 45 of age, we collected blood and feces. During the first 21 days of the experiment, we found that birds that consumed the immunostimulator had lower neutrophil counts and higher levels of globulins, however without significant difference between groups in terms of performance. Uninfected birds that consumed the homeopathic product in the water had less feed conversion (HG2) between days 1-35 and 1 to 45 compared to the other treatments. Mortality was higher in groups experimentally infected with E. coli (HG1 and CG1) from 22 to 35 days of life. There were greater numbers of lymphocytes in the HG2 group on day 45 than in CG1 and CG2; while numbers of neutrophils were lower at 42 days in birds of groups HG1 and HG2 than in CG1. Lower total bacterial counts, total coliforms and E. coli were observed in the feces of birds in the HG2 group compared to the other groups. Taken together, these findings suggest that inclusion of homeopathic product in the water of broilers had positive effects on the modulation of the immune response and on feed conversion in birds not challenged with E. coli. But the preventive protocol used in this study was not able to minimize the negative effects caused by the experimental E. coli intraperitoneal infection in broilers, featuring a substantial infectious challenge., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The objectives of this study were to produce dog food containing curcumin replacing synthetic antioxidants, to evaluate its beneficial effects on animal growth and health. Curcumin (100 mg/kg) was added after the extrusion process along with the other micronutrients. The final concentration of curcumin was 32.9 mg/kg. The control feed was composed of the same ingredients without curcumin. After a storage of 6 months, feed composition and pH did not differ; however, the feed with curcumin showed lower protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and higher total antioxidant capacity. After 2 months of feed production, 12 young Beagle dogs received either curcumin-containing food (n = 6)  or the control diet (n = 6). The animals were fed twice a day using individual kennels. Blood samples were taken on d 1, 35 and 42. During the first 30 d of the study, the animals had natural infectious diseases that were controlled with anti-protozoals and antibiotics. Greater numbers of red blood cells were observed in dogs fed with curcumin (d 35 and 45), and there were greater numbers of white blood cells as a consequence of increased neutrophils on d 42. At the end of the experiment, a significant reduction in the number of lymphocytes was observed in dogs that ingested curcumin (d 42), suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect, manifested as a decrease in globulin levels. In the final 15 d of the experiment, the animals were clinical healthy. Higher serum levels of glucose, urea, triglycerides and cholesterol were observed in dogs fed with curcumin. Curcumin increased the activity of several antioxidant enzymes in addition to non-protein thiols and the total antioxidant capacity in the serum, consequently reducing levels of oxygen reactive species. Curcumin supplementation of dogs did not favour growth or weight gain. Neverthless, it was concluded that curcumin improved animal health, with emphasis on the stimulation of the antioxidant system and evidence of an anti-inflammatory effect.

Escherichia coli is a bacterium normally found in the gastrointestinal tract of domestic animals that can usually control the infection. Nevertheless, some factors (high exposure, stress conditions, animal category, among others) can favor the exacerbation of E. coli infection and cause of disease. Because it is a zoonotic bacterium, it is important to control the infection, avoiding contamination of home interiors in the case of pets. There are various forms of treatment for E. coli; nevertheless, there are few options for prevention. In the present study, we evaluated homeopathy. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine whether administration of a prophylactic homeopathic in water would minimize the negative effects of E. coli infection, as well as reducing bacterial counts in the feces of a experimental model. Forty mice were divided into four experimental groups (n = 10/group). Groups NC (negative control) and PC (positive control) were not treated; in group T1, the animals received 0.002 mL/day/animal of the homeopathic in water, and animals in group T2 0.004 mL/day/animal. The experiment lasted 54 days, and on the 31st day, mice of T1, T2 and PC groups were infected orally a 0.2 mL inoculum of 1.5 × 10 8  CFU of E. coli. Euthanasia and sample collection were performed on the 40th and 54th days of the experiment (n = 5/group/time point). Blood, liver, spleen, intestine, and feces samples were collected from the final portion of the intestine. There was no significant difference in animal weight between groups at the end of the experiment. Neutrophil count was lower in PC group animals on day 40, while on day 54, the counts were lower in T2 and PC. Lymphocyte counts were lower only in the PC group than in the NC group on day 54. Globulins were lower in the NC and PC groups than in T1 and T2 on day 40, remaining lower the PC group and higher in T1 on day 54; levels of immunoglobulin IgG and IgM were higher in groups T1 and T2, which differed from PC and NC. TNF-α levels were higher in the T1 and T2 groups at 40 and 54 days. INF-γ levels were higher in T1, T2, and PC compared to NC on day 40, remaining higher than NC in groups T1 and T2 on day 54. Total bacterial count, total coliforms and E. coli counts were lower in group T1 and higher in NC and PC on days 40 and 54, when they were lower for T1 and T2. Histologically, no lesions were observed in extra-intestinal tissues; however the height of intestinal crypts in the PC group was smaller than the others on day 40. On day 54, villi and crypts of all infected groups were larger in T1 and T2 than in NC; sizes in the PC group were higher than those of all other groups. These data suggest that the homeopathic agent in the drinking water improved health of the mice., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Two experiments were performed to determine whether oral administration of copper oxide capsules controlled helminthic infections in Lacaune sheep without acute collateral effects on animal health. In experiment 1, 48 multiparous lactating sheep (60.1 ± 8.5 kg) were stratified according to initial number of eggs (Haemonchus contortus) per gram of feces (EPG) and were assigned randomly to 1 of two treatments (24 sheep/treatment): no oral administration (control) or oral administration of two copper capsules (treated; approximately 58 mg copper/kg body weight). Blood and fecal samples were collected on days 0, 15 and 45. Animals treated with copper capsules showed lower of EPG, eosinophils, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in whole blood, and lower butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity in serum. Treated sheep had higher erythrocyte numbers, hemoglobin concentrations, hematocrit, and lymphocyte numbers. In experiment 2, 12 male lambs negative for helminths and coccidia were assigned randomly to one of two treatments (six lambs/treatment): control or treated (one copper capsule; approximately 58 mg copper/kg body weight); the experiment was designed to determine whether the results of experiment 1 were due to treatment or parasitism. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 5, 10 and 15 and fecal samples were collected on days 0, 7 and 15. Treated animals showed greater concentrations of lymphocytes; however, treatment had no effect on other hemogram variables, AChE and BChE activities, or levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, creatinine, urea, albumin, total protein, and reactive oxygen species. These data suggest that copper capsules in dairy sheep efficiently controlled H. contortus infections. Treatment was not harmful to lambs during the first 15 days, i.e. there were no signs of acute toxicity., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of açai (Euterpe oleracea) oil in the diets of lactating sheep under heat stress exerted beneficial effects on health as well as milk production and quality. Eighteen multiparous Lacaune sheep (2 or 3 parities; 28-30 days of lactation; average milk production of 1.7 L/sheep/day) were stratified by parity and milk production and were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 treatments (9 sheep/treatment): diet supplemented with 2% of soybean oil (SOY) or 2% of açai oil (AÇAI) in the concentrate for 14 days. The amount of oil added in the diet was equivalent to 0.65% of the total diet (dry matter basis). Blood and milk samples were collected on days 1, 10 and 14. On day 14, the AÇAI group sheep had lower serum concentrations of leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes than did the SOY group sheep. On day 14, AÇAI group sheep had lower serum concentration of triglycerides and urea, milk concentration of fat and total solid and milk lipid peroxidation than did SOY group sheep. However, on day 14, AÇAI group sheep had higher serum concentrations of glucose and globulin, serum and milk antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals, milk production and productive efficiency than did SOY group sheep. The fatty acids profile in milk did not differ between groups. These data suggest that açai oil improved the antioxidant activity in serum and milk and improved milk production and quality in dairy sheep under heat stress., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of subcutaneous calcium administration in post-partum dairy cows with respect to carbohydrate, protein and lipids metabolism, as well as its effects on milk composition. Twenty post-partum dairy cows were randomly divided into two groups (n=10): a control and a treated group with a single dose (150 mL) of calcium. Blood collection was performed on post-partum days 1, 2, 3, 7 and 10. In addition, we measured serum levels of total calcium, total proteins, albumin, globulins, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, as well as creatine kinase (CK) activity. We determined milk composition on post-partum days 5, 10 and 20. Serum total calcium levels was higher on post-partum days 3 and 7 in the treated group. Serum urea (day 3) and triglycerides (days 7 and 10) levels were higher in the treated group, as were CK activity levels at post-partum days 2 and 3. Serum glucose and cholesterol levels were lower on post-partum day 2 in treated animals. Fat (day 20) and lactose (day 10) content in milk samples were higher than in the treated animals. We concluded that treatment with calcium in cows during the post-partum period changes biochemical variables related to metabolism.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of grape residue flour (GRF) on antioxidant activities, biochemistry variables, components of the immune system and milk production and quality of Lacaune sheep in heat stress. Twenty-seven multiparous lactating sheep [50 ± 1.8 days (d) milking] were stratified by initial body weight, age, date of lambing and milk production and assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatments (9 sheep/treatment): no GRF supplementation (control group) or supplementation at 1% (10 g/kg GRF) or 2% (20 g/kg GRF) of GRF (bark and seed) in the concentrate (grains and minerals mixture). Each ewe received 0.8 kg/d of concentrate, 3.6 kg/d of corn silage, and 0.25 kg/d of Cynodon spp hay. Milk production along with blood and milk samples were collected on d 1, 10 and 15. The 2% GRF sheep had increased serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity on d 15 compared to control sheep. Over time (d 10 to 15), lipid peroxidation was reduced in 2% GRF sheep. Total serum antioxidant capacity was greater in 2% GRF sheep compared to control sheep on d 10 and 15. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in milk samples were greater in 2% GRF sheep compared to control sheep. Supplementation with GRF did not affect milk production but GRF sheep were more efficient compared to control sheep. Protein and lactose concentrations were similar between treatments, but total solids and fat concentrations were greater in 2% GRF sheep compared to control sheep on d 15. Somatic cell count was reduced in GRF sheep compared to control sheep. In summary, supplementation with 2% GRF in dairy sheep in heat stress resulted in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses, which improved milk quality and reduced somatic cell count and lipid peroxidation., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Glycerol monolaurate (GML), known as lauric acid, is a chemical compound formed from lauric acid and glycerol that presents strong antimicrobial activity. Therefore, our hypothesis is that MGL can replace conventional antimicrobials, being a new alternative to poultry farming. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of GML as a replacement for antibiotics could have positive effects on health and performance of broiler chickens. For this, 240, one-day-old, Cobb 500 broiler chicks were weighed and randomly distributed into four groups with four repetitions each (n = 15). The control group, T0, received a basal diet containing antibiotic (60 ppm of bacitracin), while the T100, T200, and T300 groups received a basal diet supplemented with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of GML, respectively. The birds were weighed at intervals of seven days, as well as at the end of the experiment (day 42). Blood samples were collected for evaluating animal health, stool for counting bacteria and coccidian, as well as muscle (chest) to measure meat quality, respectively. At the end of the experiment (day 42), body weight, weight gain, and daily weight gain of broiler chickens in the T300 group were higher than the T0 group (P < 0.05). Indeed, feed conversion was lower compared to T0. Animals that received diets containing GML showed lower amounts of Eimeria spp. oocysts on day 42 in comparison to the control group. Low total bacterial counts on day 21 of the experiment were also observed in the treated groups. Conversely, plasma levels of total protein, globulins, uric acid, and glucose were higher in animals that received GML when compared to the control group. It was also observed higher carcass yields in the breast muscle of the T100 group when compared to other groups. Lower water holding capacity was observed in breast meat of animals of the groups T100, T200, and T300 when compared to T0. Histopathological findings were compatible with coccidiosis, and the degree of these lesions did not differ among groups. Based on these results, GML in the diets of broiler chickens, showing potent antimicrobial effect, growth promoter capacity, and lack of toxicity. Therefore, GML is a promising alternative to replace conventional antimicrobials used in the diets of broiler chickens., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

For the first time, the repellent and insecticidal effects of eucalypt essential oil (Eucalyptus globulus) in its free form and associated with different nanostructures (nanoemulsion and nanocapsules) were investigated against Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) and Haemotobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae) flies. Specimens of M. domestica were collected, separated into groups (n = 10), treated with aspersion of essential oil of eucalypt in its free (1, 5, and 10%) and nanostructured (nanoemulsion or nanoencapsulated at 1, 3, and 5%, respectively) forms. The determination of the insecticidal effect was performed by counting the number of dead flies at intervals of 30, 60, 120, 360 and 750 min after oil aspersion. E. globulus essential oil showed insecticidal effect against M. domestica at concentrations of 1 and 5%. Eucalypt essential oil (10%) caused 100% mortality of M. domestica after 750 min of the treatment. Nanocapsules (3 and 5%) showed efficacy by reducing the number of flies. On the other hand, nanoemulsion did not show insecticidal effect. The repellent action of E. globulus concentrations of 5% was tested against H. irritans on naturally infested cows. The repellent action against H. irritans was verified soon after pulverization. After 24 h, a significant reduction on horn flies' population (83.33 and 66.66%) was observed using free and nanoencapsulated forms tested, respectively. E. globulus essential oil demonstrated insecticidal and repellent effects against M. domestica and H. irritans flies.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) based on essential oils such as carvacrol, thymol and cinnamic aldehyde, could be considered a replacement for antimicrobials used as growth promoters in broiler chickens, as well as to investigate its effect on total bacterial count, biochemical profiles, meat quality and meat fatty acid profile. A total of 240 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 4 groups with 4 replicates of 15 animals each, as follow: T1 (basal diet only; the control group), T2 (basal diet supplemented with zinc bacitracin), T3 (basal diet with 0.5% of the PFA), T4 (basal diet with 1.0% of the PFA). The addition of 0.5% of the PFA improved live body weight of supplemented birds compared to the control group at 35 and 42 days of age, while the total bacterial count in the environment was reduced when 1.0% of the PFA was used. In addition, intestinal villi height and crypt depth suffered variations during the entire experiment in birds treated with both concentrations of the PFA and zinc bacitracin. Total erythrocyte counts were higher on days 14, 28 and 42 in both treated groups (PFA) compared to the control group, as well as hemoglobin content on days 28 and 42. On the other hand, leukocyte counts were lower on days 14, 28 and 42 due to reduced lymphocyte counts in both PFA treated groups compared to the control group. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were lower in broilers fed with either concentration of PFA on day 14 of life, and the same was observed regarding aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in broiler treated with 0.5% of the PFA. Also, total protein and globulin levels were lower on days 14 and 28 in groups fed with phytogenic compared to the control group. Regarding meat quality, breast meat showed higher red intensity and shear force in groups fed with both concentrations of phytogenic compared to the control group, while weight loss by cooking was lower. Finally, 1.0% of phytogenic showed lower docosadienoic acid (C22:2) content in breast meat. In conclusion, results showed that the use of PFAs based on carvacrol and thymol may be considered an interesting alternative to increase broilers performance, replacing the use of antimicrobials as growth promoters, as well as an interesting alternative to reduce the total bacterial count in the environment of broiler chickens. Moreover, the diet containing phytogenic also showed hepaprotective effects but deserves attention regarding possible alterations on the immune response., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to verify whether secnidazole, given in a single oral dose (10 mg/kg), decreases or eliminates the excretion of Giardia duodenalis cysts. Holstein calves were raised from birth to 15 ± 2 days of age in individual stalls. Subsequently, 12 calves were grouped and housed in collective stalls. After seven days (day of life 21), we collected stool samples directly from the rectal ampulla in order to determine the degree of parasitic infection. Fecal examination was performed by a centrifugal-flotation technique, which allows for visualization and quantification of G. duodenalis cysts. After division into control and treatment groups, six animals were treated with one 400 mg secnidazole capsule. The first stool collection following treatment was performed on day 5 and the second on day 30. This experiment was repeated at 15 days, with a total of 24 calves studied. Animals on the farm where the experiment was conducted often suffer from giardiasis, despite hygiene care (disinfection) and adequate facilities. All 24 calves were excreting G. duodenalis cysts prior to starting treatment. Five days after receiving the treatment, animals in the experiment group were Giardia-negative, i.e., they did not excrete parasite cysts, whereas calves in the control group continued to excrete cysts. After 30 days of treatment, the stool of most treated animals (83.3%) remained free of G. duodenalis cysts. Therefore, we believe that secnidazole was 100% effective in eliminating the excretion of Giardia duodenalis cysts., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The first phase of life of dairy calves has elevated mortality indices linked with low immunity and sanitary challenges, mainly bacterial infections are involved in the pathogenesis of diarrhea, the leading cause of death. Also, other important problem is the nutritional deficiencies, such as the mineral deficiency. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether an intramuscular mineral supplementation based on selenium, copper, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus possess beneficial effects on health of dairy calves. For this, ten calves were divided in two groups: the group A was supplemented with injectable mineral, while the group B was used as control group (without mineral supplementation). The mineral complex was administrated via intramuscularly at dose of 3 mL/animal on days 2 and 14 post-birth. The total blood was collected on days 2, 10, 20 and 30 of life of animals in order to analyze the antioxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), blood count and seric biochemistry linked with proteic, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Feces samples were also collected on days 10, 20 and 30 of life of animals to perform the total bacterial count, parasitological exam and fecal consistency score. Moreover, the weight and corporal temperature were also evaluated. The mineral supplementation presented beneficial properties to calves from birth to the 30th of life through the increase on activity of antioxidant enzymes, improvement of immunity, and avoiding problems linked with diarrhea and anemia, can be considered an interesting approach to prevent these alterations linked with high mortality in the period of life., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the supplementation spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) effects on body weight, glucose levels and hematological and immunology variables for piglets fed with diet contaminated with low or high aflatoxin and fumonisin levels. Thus, 24 piglets were allotted in four groups, and the group A received a control diet; the group B received a diet with 6% of SDPP; the group C 300 μg/kg of aflatoxins and 8000 μg/kg of fumonisin; the group D 300 μg/kg of aflatoxins, 8000 μg/kg of fumonisin and 6% of SDPP, respectively. A significant increase on hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit levels was observed between C and A groups, result similar also in group D to hemoglobin concentration. A significant reduction on leukocytes and monocytes levels was observed in the group C compared to group A. Most important finding was that SDPP prevented reduction on leukocytes, but not in the monocytes levels in animals of group D. Moreover, the animals of group C presented lower weight, in the same way presented lower on glucose levels. In the other hand, animals in the group C had higher levels of nitrate/nitrite (NOx) and C-reactive protein (CRP) compared other groups. Based on these evidences, the present study showed ingestion of diet contaminated with elevated aflatoxins and fumonisins levels may negatively affected the white cell count and the weight, increasing the seric biomarkers related to inflammatory response, and consequently impairs the immune system. Additionally, SDPP supplementation for piglets prevents the reduction on leukocytes levels and the negative effects associated with weight gain, as well as minimizing the inflammatory response, demonstrating that SDPP can modulate the inflammatory processes and consequently may improve the immune system due active proteins presents in SDPP., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Neospora caninum causes reproductive problems in cattle such as abortion, premature birth, retention of fetal membranes, and metritis. Therefore, this study aimed to verify possible risk factors for N. caninum infection in dairy cattle and their cause-effect relation to neosporosis. Serum samples of 1518 dairy cows from the West of Santa Catarina State, Southern Brazil were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for N. caninum, where 466 were found to be positives (30.69%-CI 95% ; 28.3-33.0). In addition, an epidemiological survey was conducted in order to verify possible risk factors for neosporosis and their relation to the disease. The presence of dogs in the farm was strongly associated with IFA positive results for N. caninum, and lack of history for neosporosis in the farm increased the chances of positivity in 66%. It was found a significant cause-effect relation between the occurrence of reproductive problems and the presence of antibodies against N. caninum (p = 0.05). It is possible to conclude that N. caninum is widely distributed in dairy farms of the Western part of Santa Catarina state, Brazil, and that the occurrence of reproductive problems is directly related to the disease with the presence of dogs as a risk factor for N. caninum infection., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Many reproductive problems has been described in male and female animals infected by Trypanosoma evansi. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of vertical (Experiment I) and venereal (Experiment II) transmission of T. evansi in rats experimentally infected. In the experiment I, eight female Wistar rats were used: three animals as negative controls, and five rats were infected by T. evansi on day ten of gestation. Out of these eight females, half puppies were used for molecular analysis (polymerase chain reaction - PCR) for T. evansi. Two infected females showed delivery problems, such as stillbirth, and fetal death that also led to female death. Three female rats infected had normal delivery of stunted offspring at term that died 2 days after birth. Rats from the control group had normal delivery of healthy offspring. T. evansi PCR was positive for 80% (12/15) of pups in the infected group. For the experiment II, five male rats were infected by T. evansi, and monitored by blood smears to check the parasitemia level. When the male rats showed parasitemia between 2 and 5 parasites per field, they were individually housed with one female adult rat. After approximately 21 days, the females delivered their offspring. Blood sample was collected from the females for blood smears and T. evansi PCR tests, which revealed negative results. Therefore, we were able to prove the occurrence of transplacental transmission of T. evansi and its negative effect on female rats and their offspring., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to analyses nitric oxide, antioxidant status, and oxidative profile in the liver of laying hens naturally infected by Salmonella enterica subsp enterica serovar Gallinarum (S. Gallinarum). The nitrite/nitrate (NO x ), reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were measured in liver samples, as well the biomarkers of hepatic function (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total protein and albumin levels measured in serum. NO x levels and CAT activity were reduced in hepatic tissue of infected hens. On the other hand, TBARS and ROS levels, GR, GPx and GST activities were higher in infected animals. On biomarkers of tissue damage, ALT, AST, GGT and total protein levels were higher in serum of infected hens, and showed decreased albumin levels. In summary, ROS and TBARS production lead to damage on the membrane lipids that alter activities of antioxidant enzymes CAT, GR, GPx and GSH, an adaptive response against S. Gallinarum infection, contributing to the pathophysiology and clinical signs of the disease., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aims of this study were to evaluate vertical transmission of Trypanosoma evansi in sheep experimentally infected, in addition to the mammary transmission by colostrum or milk of these infected sheep to mice. Three pregnant sheep were used: one uninfected, four months pregnant (Sheep A); and two (Sheep B and C) infected intravenously by T. evansi trypomastigotes (4.6×10(6) per animal) on the third (Sheep C) and fourth (Sheep B) month of pregnancy. Both infected sheep developed low and oscillating parasitemia measured by blood smears. Hemogram was performed at seven day intervals, showing anemia, leukocytosis, and lymphocytosis on sheep B and C. Three sheep had twins, where sheep A delivered healthy lambs and both infected sheep had delivered at least one stillborn. Additionally, lambs from sheep B and C died 24 and 72 h post-partum, respectively. Before colostrum intake, four lambs from infected sheep were positives for T. evansi according to blood smear evaluation, serology (CATT/T. evansi), and PCR. Sheep colostrum and milk samples collected from the first four days post-partum were positives for T. evansi on PCR, and these samples were able to infect seven mice (out of 10) orally (n=4/5) and intraperitoneally (n=3/5). Therefore, we conclude that the vertical transmission of T. evansi occurs in pregnant sheep, in addition to a strong possibility of the transmission by colostrum and milk., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)