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A dirofilariose é uma enfermidade antropozoonótica que acomete, frequentemente, cães em regiões litorâneas, locais que favorecem a multiplicação de vetores transmissores de Dirofilaria spp. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a possível ocorrência do primeiro caso autóctone de dirofilariose em cão doméstico, no município de Cambé, Paraná, distante cerca de 500 km do litoral. O paciente, um Lhasa Apso de 9 meses de idade e 4,8 Kg, foi atendido em clínica particular com histórico de apatia, hiporexia, êmese e cansaço intenso após exercício. O diagnóstico de dirofilariose foi confirmado a partir do Teste SNAP 4Dx Plus. O animal foi tratado com Doxiciclina 50 mg/kg/SID durante 30 dias, Moxidectina injetável e omeprazol 10 mg/kg uma vez ao dia, durante 30 dias. No retorno, um mês após o início do tratamento, o canino apresentou melhoras nas condições gerais e remissão de todos os sinais clínicos antes apresentados, evidenciando sucesso no protocolo farmacológico adotado. A ocorrência dessa doença em região não endêmica é preocupante, pois revela expansão da área de ocorrência, acompanhada, possivelmente, do número de insetos transmissores, responsáveis, também, pela disseminação de arboviroses, como a dengue. Assim, medidas de controle contra esses vetores e pesquisas a respeito da ocorrência de dirofilariose em áreas não endêmicas fazem-se necessárias.

Trichinella spp. are zoonotic parasites that are widely distributed in warm-blooded carnivores and omnivores, including humans. Until the present moment, Brazil has been considered by World Animal Health Organization free from the domestic cycle of trichinellosis, whereas the parasite’s sylvatic cycle has the status of infection in limited zones. However, neighboring countries such as Argentina have reports of parasite larvae in the wild fauna. The present study aimed to determine the occurrence of Trichinella spp. in road-killed wild animals in Paraná, Brazil. Biological samples from 71 wild animals—29 Didelphis albiventris, 11 Nasua nasua, ten Cerdocyon thous, seven Dasypus novemcinctus, six Leopardus guttulus, six Sphiggurus spinosus and two Puma concolor—collected from November 2016 to November 2021 were subjected to artificial digestion, following the methodology described in the REGULATION (EC) No. 2075/2005. No Trichinella spp. larvae were detected in the carcasses of the road-killed wild animals. However, considering the wide spectrum of possible reservoirs that could act as a link between the sylvatic and domestic cycles and considering the current Brazilian status of sylvatic trichinellosis in limited zones, frequent monitoring of wild fauna remains necessary.

Toxoplasmosis acquired during pregnancy is one that can lead to death or malformations of the foetus, and it is a complex disease to diagnose. The objective of the study was to evaluate the Surveillance Program of Gestational and Congenital Toxoplasmosis. To assess primary prevention, 424 pregnant women were interviewed regarding their knowledge of prevention measures in 2019. Secondary prevention measures were assessed, and the results of anti-Toxoplasma gondii serological tests were collected from pregnant women, from 2015 to 2018. In tertiary prevention measures, babies of mothers with a recent suspicion of T. gondii infection were screened to verify forwarding to the reference service. As a result, 45.5% (192/424) reported that they had received guidance from health professionals; 35.4% (68/192) changed their risk habits. The variables of schooling and age, having received prior guidance from health professionals and feline possession, proved to be significant when associated with the notions of preventive measures. 90.2% (17,423/19,319) of pregnant women had undergone serological tests to detect anti-T. gondii antibodies, but there was an excess in requests for tests and medication and only 40.6% (26/64) of the children were referred to the reference hospital. The Program presents positive results about the performance of serological screening in prenatal care; however, the dissemination of knowledge as for the prevention of toxoplasmosis and the request for tests need to be improved.

Neosporosis, caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum, has been widely reported and discussed as a major disease associated with reproductive problems in herds of various animal species. This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence and risk factors associated with ovine neosporosis worldwide. This is the first systematic review, which was performed according to the established preferred reporting items in systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to address ovine neosporosis. Four databases were used in this study: PubMed, SciELO, Web of Science, and Scopus. The selected keywords were “neospora AND sheep,” “neosporosis AND sheep,” “neospora AND lamb,” “neosporosis AND lamb,” “neospora AND ewe,” and “neosporosis AND ewe.” The meta-analysis calculations were performed with random-effects models for proportions, and heterogeneity was tested using the I2 test. This study identified 24 studies on ovine neosporosis, nine of which evaluated the factors associated with the risk of seropositivity. After meta-analysis, the pooled estimated prevalence was 12% (95% CI, 8-16%; I² p-value < 0.01). The evaluation of the included studies allowed the identification of ovine neosporosis distribution in continents according to demonstrated prevalence rates. We confirmed via metaanalysis that the use of indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFAT) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the diagnosis of ovine neosporosis was not a source of data heterogeneity. The presence of dogs on the properties was reported as the main risk factor associated with the occurrence of ovine neosporosis; however, this was not confirmed by the meta-analysis.

In this study, we aimed to investigate an outbreak of abortion in a herd of beef sheep on a property in Ivaiporã, north central Paraná, Brazil. A total of 64 blood samples were collected from the sheep, 33 of which were mothers with reports of abortion or stillbirth, and 7 with weak lamb birth. For epidemiological investigation of the parasite, fourteen samples were collected from different sources on the property, six from water, three from soil, one from trough, and four from feed. Indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) analysis and polymerase chain reaction were performed for detecting anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in the sheep and molecular identification of the protozoan in the environment, respectively. The IFI results showed that 95.3% of the sheep were seropositive for anti-T. gondii antibodies; however, the environmental samples tested negative. During the visit to the property and interview with the owner, free-roaming cats were observed on the property for biological control of rodents that had access to the food deposits. This type of management may have triggered the outbreak, which reinforces the importance of preventive management and veterinary medical monitoring on sheep farms.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is a notifiable dermatozoonosis with relevant morbidity. The present study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological aspects of cases of ACL reported in Northern Paraná (2007-2016), as well as to georeference and analyse the influence of economic, social and environmental variables. Data from ACL notification forms were obtained and the patients' houses were georeferenced. Descriptive statistics, calculations of disease incidence and proportion of vegetation cover by municipality, spatial analysis, multiple linear regression and vulnerability analysis by census sector (CS) were performed. One thousand four hundred fifty-one cases of ACL were reported in the 89 municipalities of four regional health (RH). The average incidence of cases per 10,000 inhabitants was as follows: 11.58, 8.79, 4.92 and 4.03 in 18thRH, 15thRH, 16thRH and 17thRH. Peaks of incident cases were observed in 2008, 2012 and 2015. There was a statistically significant difference between the HR when comparing the proportions of the variables gender, age, education level, area of residence, clinical form, diagnostic criteria, response to treatment and drug used in case of failure. It was observed that the lower the proportion of remaining Atlantic Forest, the greater the incidence of ACL in the municipality. With regard to clusters analysis, treatment abandonment clusters were observed in the 15thRH and mucous form clusters were observed in the 15thRH, 16thRH and 17thRH. The vulnerability analysis by CS allowed us to observe a statistically significant difference in all vulnerability indicators: economic and social in 15thRH and 17thRH; home infrastructure in 15thRH and 18thRH, urban infrastructure in 15thRH and 18thRH and compound vulnerability index in 15thRH and 18thRH. However, the most vulnerable areas did not always have the highest number of cases. The data presented demonstrate that preventive and health education measures must be mainly directed to areas of greater degradation of native forest; regardless of the vulnerability situation.

This study determined the prevalence of ovine toxoplasmosis and neosporosis and the risk factors associated with the development of these diseases in breeding rams from the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Southern Brazil. Serum samples (n = 1,800) from breeding rams maintained on 705 sheep farms from seven mesoregions were evaluated serologically to detect anti-IgG Toxoplasma gondii by indirect ELISA and anti-IgG Neospora caninum by the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The prevalence of T. gondii was 33.05% (595/1,800); seropositivity to N. caninum was 18.44% (332/1,800). Additionally, there was simultaneous seropositivity (8.94%;161/1,800) to N. caninum and T. gondii. The variables size of the property (

O objetivo do trabalho foi relatar a ocorrência de casos de cães com Leptospira spp. no Hospital Veterinário de Londrina. Foram avaliados 5.454 prontuários, durante os meses de janeiro a dezembro de 2016, e selecionados os que apresentaram solicitação de exame para Lepstopira por meio da técnica de campo escuro (CE). Nos positivos pela técnica CE dados sobre o sexo, sinais clínicos, endereço, data do atendimento e resultado na SAM foram coletados. A análise dos dados foi realizada pelo programa EpiInfo (7.2.3.1), dos 5.454 prontuários nos quais foi solicitado exame CE em 7,06% (385/5.454), e nestes, 13,76% (53/385) foi identificada a presença da espiroqueta. Dos animais positivos na técnica CE, 20,75% (11/53) foram reagentes na SAM. O sorovar Canicola foi o mais frequente em 90,91% (10/11) dos animais, apresentando títulos variados de 100 a 12.800. Para o sorovar Pomona 9,09% (1/11) dos animais apresentaram títulação de 100. Os sinais clínicos mais observados fora apatia em 58,49% (31/53), azotemia em 49,06% (26/53) e êmese em 49,06% (26/53) dos casos. Quanto ao sexo, os machos constituíram 71,70% dos casos e as fêmeas 28,30% (p=0,0015). Os resultados demonstraram a presença de Leptospira spp. entre os animais atendidos no hospital veterinário de Universidade Estadual de Londrina e reforçam a importância do sorovar Canicola entre os cães, visto que este foi o mais frequente entre os sorovares e que apresentou os maiores títulos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence and factors associated with the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep from Paraná state. The detection of antibodies for T. gondii and N. caninum was performed by homemade and commercial indirect ELISA, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to verify the factors associated with the seroprevalence. Antibodies anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum were observed in 42.7% and in 17.6% of the animals, respectively. The protective factors associated to seropositive were “some level of confinement” (full or semi-extensive confinement) (OR=0.53) for T. gondii and “use of skilled labor” (OR=0.64) for N. caninum. The risk factors were “presence of cats” (OR=1.75) for T. gondii and “feeding of dogs with sheep placental remains” (OR=1.79) for N. caninum. In addition, to presenting a significant and simultaneous seroprevalence for both agents (9.9% of the animals), the results also indicate that deficiencies in management and environmental sanitation, the presence of reservoirs, and types of exploitation enhance the seropositivity. Thus, studies like this might support sanitary programs and public policies for the prevention of T. gondii and N. caninum in the sheep herds of Paraná state. Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a soroprevalência e os fatores de risco associados à presença de anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em ovinos do Paraná. A detecção dos anticorpos para T. gondii e N. caninum foi realizada, usando-se testes de ELISA indireto caseiro e comercial, respectivamente. A análise de regressão logística múltipla foi usada para verificar os fatores de risco associados à soroprevalência. Anticorpos anti-T. gondii e anti-N. caninum foram observados em 42,7% e em 17,6% dos animais, respectivamente. Os fatores de proteção associados à soropositividade foram “algum nível de confinamento (confinamento ou semiextensivo)” (OR=0,53) para T. gondii e “presença de mão de obra especializada” para N. caminum (OR=0,64). Os fatores de risco foram “presença de gatos” para T. gondii (OR=1,75) e “alimentação de cães com resíduos placentários” (OR=1,79) para N. caninum. Além de apresentar uma significante e simultânea soroprevalência para ambos os agentes (9,9% dos animais), os resultados também indicam que as deficiências em gestão e saneamento ambiental, a presença de reservatórios e os tipos de exploração favorecem a soropositividade. Dessa forma, estudos como estes podem auxiliar em programas sanitários e políticas públicas para a prevenção de T. gondii e N. caninum nos rebanhos ovinos do Paraná.

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan with worldwide distribution, responsible for causing toxoplasmosis, a disease that affects mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. The objective of this study was to evaluate T. gondii seroprevalence in dogs and cats domiciled in cities from West and Serrana mesoregions of Santa Catarina. A total of 338 blood samples, 211 from dogs and 127 from cats were collected and submitted to the indirect haemagglutination technique (IHT) for the detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies. Epidemiological questionnaire asking for information related to gender, breed, temperament, behavior, immunity, body index, diet, ectoparasites, access to the streets, hunting habit was applied to the animals owners. The results were 71.89% (243/338) of seropositive animals, being 69.19% (146/211) dogs and 76.38% (97/127) cats. The variable that presented statistical significance was commercial ration for dogs as protection factor. The present study demonstrates a high prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in dogs and cats domiciled in West and Serrana mesoregions of Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Through the obtained results we can reinforce the importance of feeding dogs with commercial food, rather than home-made food, avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked meat by the animals.

Background The objective of this study was to report an outbreak of human toxoplasmosis occurring in the municipality of Montes Claros de Goias, Goias, Brazil, from December 2015 to August 2016. Seven acute cases in June 2016 triggered the subsequent search. Methods A total of 251 individuals were selected through an active search, of which 114 (45.4%) agreed to participate in the research and blood collection. For serological diagnosis were used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IgG and IgM and avidity tests. Results Of the 114 serum samples evaluated, 12.3% (14/114) showed antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, with a profile indicative of acute infection. Samples of artisan fresh cheese, public water, vegetables and irrigation water were collected. Toxoplasma gondii DNA fragments were amplified using the polymerase chain reaction from two samples of artisan fresh cheese and a sample of irrigation water from the vegetable garden. A control case study was carried out, and the variable cow's artisan fresh cheese consumption was statistically significant (p = .01). Conclusions The results showed that cheese analysed and/or irrigated water of vegetable represented an important route of transmission for the disease. This is the first reported outbreak possibly caused by cow's artisan fresh cheese. It is difficult to prove that these routes were the cause of the outbreak; however, the findings allow us to infer that the individuals involved in the outbreak were in contact with these risk factors.

O estudo foi realizado entre julho de 2014 e maio de 2016, em 21 propriedades hortícolas do estado do Paraná, Brasil. Foram coletadas duas amostras de vegetais folhosos e uma amostra de água de irrigação por propriedade. As amostras de água foram analisadas pela técnica do substrato cromogênico para avaliar a contaminação por coliformes totais e Escherichia coli, e os vegetais foram avaliados pelas técnicas de Willis (1921), Hoffman et al. (1934), Faust et al. (1939) e quanto à contaminação por parasitas. Observou-se presença de E. coli em 80,95% (17/21) das amostras de água; com relação aos vegetais, 19 (45,23%) continham pelo menos uma espécie de parasita, tais como: ancilostomatídeos, Chilomatix spp., Dipillidium spp., Entamoeba spp., Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., larva de vida livre, larva de nematódeo, oocisto não-esporulado. Houve associação estatística entre o destino do esgoto (fossa seca) e a positividade aos parasitas. Os dados mostram contaminação fecal em número significativo de amostras e confirmam a necessidade de maiores exigências sanitárias durante o cultivo de hortaliças folhosas, que, na maioria das vezes, são consumidas cruas.

The oocyst, a resistant form of Toxoplasma gondii, plays an important role in the transmission of this protozoan. The objective of this review was to report the methods capable of inactivating oocysts through a systematic review of the literature carried out in the Scientific Electronic Library Online, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed and Scopus databases. The keywords searched were (((effects OR infectivity OR resistance) AND Toxoplasma) AND oocyst). We selected 16 articles that described 309 different treatments. Among all the protocols evaluated, 35.60% (110/309) were effective in inactivating oocysts. Physical methods were more effective than other methods (p

Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis is an important etiological agent of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) in Brazil. The species causes a large spectrum of clinical manifestations in humans and dogs, ranging from cutaneous, cutaneous diffuse, mucocutaneous, and visceral involvement, however, the factors that drive the development of different disease forms by the same species are not yet fully known. In the present work, it was systematically reviewed the studies addressing phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of Leishmania (L.) amazonensis isolates causing cutaneous and visceral clinical frames in humans and dogs, comparing the results observed. For this, four research databases were searched for the following keywords: (Leishmania amazonensis AND visceral leishmaniasis) AND (tropism OR virulence OR visceralization OR adaptations OR mutation OR clinical presentation OR resistance OR survival OR wide spectrum). The results revealed that the complexity disease seems to involve the combination of genetic factors of the parasite (as modifications in molecules related to the virulence and metabolism) and also of the host's immune background and status. Nonetheless, the exact mechanism that leads to different clinical manifestations between strains of the same species is still uncertain and future studies must be developed to better elucidate this phenomenon.

The present study aimed to evaluate a methodology for active surveillance of visceral leishmaniasis by detecting Leishmania DNA in organs of wild road-killed animals from November 2016 to October 2018 in the North of Paraná, Brazil. The collection points of road-killed wild animals were georeferenced. The animals were autopsied and samples of bone marrow, lymph node, liver, spleen, and ear skin were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted and subjected to PCR for amplification of Leishmania spp. 18S, kinetoplastic DNA (kDNA), HSP70, and ITS1 genes, and DNA sequencing was performed. The primers used for the amplification of kDNA, ITS1, and HSP70 genes presented non-specific results. Of the 66 mammals collected from 24 different municipalities, one Southern Tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) presented DNA of Leishmania spp. in lymph nodes by 18S PCR. DNA sequencing confirmed the results of the subgenus, Viannia, identification. We suggest using the methodology showed in the present study in the active and early surveillance of visceral leishmaniasis in a non-endemic area.

The intense contact of children with domestic animals or environments contaminated with feces of these animals, together with habits related to lack of hygiene, can facilitate infection by zoonoses. The study evaluated the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis in schoolchildren in the city of Jataizinho, Parana. Of the 412 children aged 4 to 15 years, 56.8% (234/412) presented antibodies reactive to Toxoplasma gondii, 42.5% (175/412) presented antibodies reactive to Toxocara canis, and 27.4% (113/412) were reactive for the two species. The analysis of risk factors showed that prevalence of toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis were associated with the level of education of the child's mother (less than eight years of schooling), age range (10 to 15 years) and the presence of cats in the residence. In addition, family income (up to a minimum wage), presence of a dog, the habit of playing in soil/sand and eosinophilia were associated with Toxocara canis infection. There was an association between the two zoonoses (p

Feline Morbillivirus (FeMV) was first detected in 2012 in domestic cats from Hong Kong and was found to be associated with tubulointerstitial nephritis and chronic kidney disease. In subsequent studies in other countries, FeMV was detected in asymptomatic cats. However, it is not clear whether FeMV plays a role as a pathogen in the kidney diseases of cats, and other epidemiological data are still unknown. To date, studies have reported the presence of FeMV exclusively in domestic cats. This study is the first molecular detection of the FeMV RNA associated with pathological and immunohistochemical findings in a synanthropic marsupial, the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris), inhabiting peri-urban areas of north-central Parana, Southern Brazil. Molecular techniques identified the viral RNA in the lungs and kidneys. Histopathologic evaluation of these tissues revealed interstitial pneumonia in the lungs with lymphocytic nephritis and tubular necrosis in the kidneys. Immunohistochemistry assays detected positive intralesional immunoreactivity to N protein of FeMV within the lungs and kidneys. A FeMV opossum strain was isolated in Crandell Rees feline kidney lineage cells, resulting in syncytia formation and cell death. Therefore, these results support the ability of FeMV to infect other mammal species and reinforce the possibility of the opossum to be a disseminator of this virus among domestic and wild animals.

This study aimed to identify the intestinal parasites of road-killed wild felines in the North Central and North, Paraná state, southern Brazil. The animals were monitored by sampling previously established transects. The places where the felines were run over were mapped, the animals were identified, and the gastrointestinal tract was evaluated. The feces were submitted to coproparasitological techniques of spontaneous sedimentation, floating in hypersaturated NaCl solution and centrifugal floating in zinc sulfate. All the parasitic structures detected were photomicrographed. In the coproparasitological analyses were identified oocysts of Cystoisospora spp., eggs of Ancylostomatidae, and Capillaria spp.; eggs of Aelurostrongylus spp., Toxocara spp., Physaloptera spp., Taenia spp., and Spirometra spp.; Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae; and eggs and adults of Ancylostoma cati and Taenia spp. One of the cats was parasitized by a flea of Ctenocephalides felis felis. Based on these results, the animals analyzed in this study supplied important samples for the evaluation of parasitic diversity of North of Paraná and suggested that this region may have conditions that allow the maintenance of these parasites life cycles in the environment and among wildlife. Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar os parasitas intestinais de felinos silvestres mortos em estradas nas regiões Norte Central e Norte, Paraná, sul do Brasil. Os animais foram monitorados por amostragem de transectos previamente estabelecidos. Os locais de atropelamento foram mapeados, os animais foram identificados e enviados para autópsias, durante as quais amostras de fezes foram coletadas e submetidas a técnicas coproparasitológicas de sedimentação espontânea, flutuação em solução hipersaturada de NaCl e flutuação por centrífugação em sulfato de zinco e fotografadas, quando estruturas parasitárias estavam presentes. Nas análises coproparasitológicas, foram identificados oocistos de Cystoisospora spp., ovos de Ancylostomatidae e Capillaria spp, Aelurostrongylus spp., Toxocara spp., Physaloptera spp., Taenia spp. e Spirometra spp.; larvas de Aelurostrongylus abstrusus; e ovos e adultos de Ancylostoma cati e Taenia spp. Um dos felídeos estava parasitado por Ctenocephalides felis felis. Com base nesses resultados, os animais analisados neste estudo forneceram amostras importantes para a avaliação da diversidade parasitária do Norte do Paraná e sugeriram que esta região pode apresentar condições que possibilitem a manutenção dos ciclos de vida desses parasitas no ambiente e entre a vida silvestre.

The consumption of vegetables has increased in recent years due to the search for a healthier diet that is rich in fiber and has fewer calories. To assess the parasitic contamination of lettuce sold in markets, a survey of parasites was carried out from a supermarket chain in the city of Londrina, Paraná. A total of thirty samples of lettuce were purchased in the ten markets visited, three in each, of which ten were conventionally cultivated, ten were hydroponically cultivated, and ten were organically cultivated. All samples were analyzed using the sedimentation methods of Hoffman, Pons and Janer and the fluctuation method of Faust and colleagues and Willis with adaptations. In addition, the samples were subjected to DNA extraction by a commercial kit and polymerase chain reaction to detect Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp., which are protozoa that cause food and waterborne parasitic outbreaks. All samples were negative for sedimentation and flotation techniques. One of the hydroponically cultivated samples was positive for T. gondii. The results demonstrate the risk of curly lettuce contamination from hydroponic cultivation and the need for proper cleaning of these foods before consumption. Resumo O consumo de vegetais aumentou nos últimos anos devido à busca de uma dieta mais saudável, rica em fibras e com menos calorias. Para avaliar a contaminação parasitária de alface vendida nos mercados, foi realizado um levantamento de parasitas em vegetais folhosos de uma cadeia de supermercados da cidade de Londrina, Paraná. Um total de 30 amostras foram compradas nos dez mercados visitados, três em cada, dos quais dez foram convencionalmente cultivados, dez cultivados hidroponicamente e dez foram cultivados organicamente. Todas as amostras foram analisadas, usando-se os métodos de sedimentação de Hoffman, Pons e Janer e o método de flutuação de Faust e colaboradores e Willis com adaptações. Além disso, as amostras foram submetidas à extração de DNA por um kit comercial e reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para detectar Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium spp. e Giardia spp., que são protozoários causadores de surtos transmitidos pela água e alimentos. Todas as amostras foram negativas para técnicas de sedimentação e flutuação. Uma das amostras cultivadas hidroponicamente foi positiva para T. gondii. Os resultados demonstram o risco de contaminação por alface crespa do cultivo hidropônico e a necessidade de limpeza adequada desses alimentos antes do consumo.

There is an increase in tick-borne diseases in dogs in urban and rural areas in Brazil and some of these are of public health importance. Rhipicephalus sanguineus-transmitted hemoparasitoses are the main causes of mortality in dogs. The present study investigated the molecular occurrence of Ehrlichia canis, Babesia vogeli and Anaplasma platys in dogs with clinical sings and hematological abnormalities suggestive of tick-borne diseases. These dogs were seen at a Veterinary Hospital of a Public University between January 2014 and December 2016, and were evaluated through anamnesis, clinical examination and complementary exams. The polymerase chain reaction technique was used to detect the presence of hemoparasites DNA. From the 461 dogs that were tested for B. vogeli, 10.6% (49/461) were positive, the associated variable was age. Regarding the 730 animals screened for E. canis, 15.1% (110/730) were positive, and the infection was associated with hematocrit and number of platelets. Relative to the 86 samples evaluated for A. platys, 15.1% (13/86) were positive, and no variable presented statistical significance. From the animals positive for B. vogeli, no of these showed positivity by qPCR for Rangelia vitalii. It is concluded that the occurrence of hemoparasitosis in dogs from the Londrina region is common. Therefore, it is emphasized that molecular techniques should be used as an auxiliary tool for the differential diagnosis of the different etiological agents causing hemoparasitosis. Additionally, these molecular tools are essential for better investigation and preventive assertiveness because it allows to detect parasite DNA. Há um aumento na ocorrência das doenças transmitidas carrapato em cães em áreas urbanas e rurais no Brasil, algumas, inclusive, são de importância para a saúde pública. As hemoparasitoses transmitidas por Rhipicephalus sanguineus estão entre as principais causas de mortalidade em cães. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a ocorrência por meio de detecção molecular de Ehrlichia canis, Babesia vogeli e Anaplasma platys em cães com sinais clínicos e anormalidades hematológicas sugestivas de doenças transmitidas por carrapatos. Esses cães foram atendidos em um hospital veterinário de uma universidade pública entre janeiro de 2014 e dezembro de 2016, onde foram avaliados por anamnese, exame clínico e exames complementares. A técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase foi utilizada para detectar a presença de hemoparasitas. Dos 461 cães testados para B. vogeli, 10,6% (49/461) foram positivos, a variável associada foi a idade. Em relação aos 730 animais testados para E. canis, 15,1% (110/730) foram positivos, e a infecção foi associada ao hematócrito e ao número de plaquetas. Das 86 amostras testadas para A. platys, 15,1% (13/86) foram positivas e nenhuma variável apresentou significância estatística. Dentre os animais positivos para B. vogeli, nenhum foi positivo no qPCR para Rangelia vitalii. Conclui-se que a ocorrência de hemoparasitose em cães da região de Londrina é comum. Assim, enfatiza-se que as técnicas moleculares devem ser utilizadas como ferramentas auxiliares para o diagnóstico diferencial dos diferentes agentes etiológicos causadores da hemoparasitose. Além disso, são essenciais para uma melhor investigação e assertividade preventiva, pois permitem detectar o DNA do parasita.

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan that has great genetic diversity and is prevalent worldwide. In 2018, an outbreak of toxoplasmosis occurred in Santa Maria, Brazil, which was considered the largest outbreak ever described in the world. This paper describes the isolation and molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from the placenta of two pregnant women with acute toxoplasmosis who had live births and were receiving treatment for toxoplasmosis during the outbreak. For this, placental tissue samples from two patients underwent isolation by mice bioassay, conventional PCR and genotyping using PCR-RFLP with twelve markers. Both samples were positive in isolation in mice. The isolate was lethal to mice, suggesting high virulence. In addition, the samples were positive in conventional PCR and isolates submitted to PCR-RFLP genotyping presented an atypical genotype, which had never been described before. This research contributes to the elucidation of this great outbreak in Brazil.

Dogs are considered the main reservoirs of visceral leishmaniasis for humans, which also present a chronic and severe clinical picture when affected. The objective of the present report was to describe a canine visceral leishmaniasis case diagnosed in Londrina, an indene city, and its investigation. A street animal with extensive dermatological lesions, onychogryphosis, mild anemia and leukopenia was attended at a veterinary hospital in Londrina, where positivity was reported for Leishmania spp. in serological tests. Cytology was positive in bone marrow, PCR and parasite culture were positive in skin, spleen, liver, lymph node and bone marrow, and DNA sequencing confirmed the species of the parasite as L. (L.) infantum. The official diagnosis was made by the Central Laboratory of Paraná (LACEN), and through an official report, an investigation of the case was started for the confirmation of autochthony. An active search for the vector and other canine cases in the neighborhood was carried out along with a search for information on the origin of the animal in question. However, the species, Lutzomyia longipalpis, new canine cases, or origin of the sick animal were not identified. Although, the present case cannot be confirmed as autochthonous, we suggest that it is necessary to disseminate the present report to serve as a warning to veterinarians and other public health professionals in the northern region of Paraná to be attentive to suspicious cases and to not fail to investigate these cases to the end.

Toxoplasmosis is a reportable disease in Brazil. The objective of this study was to investigate a toxoplasmosis outbreak at a research institution in Londrina-PR, Brazil. The outbreak was reported in October 2015; however, the first cases occurred in August 2015. Blood samples were collected from 674 persons at the institution. Samples were collected from soil, water (water tank) and food (vegetables) served in the restaurant. Each participant responded to an epidemiological questionnaire. For the blood samples, a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay was performed to detect IgM, IgG and specific IgG avidity antibodies; 10.8% (73/674) had evidence of acute toxoplasmosis. Statistical analysis showed a significant association (p < .001) between acute infection and eating lunch in the restaurant of the institution. Regarding the types of food offered in the restaurant during the period, there was a significant association between consuming raw salad (p < .001) and becoming ill. We conclude that the vegetables or raw vegetables served in the restaurant were probably the source of infection; however, the long period between exposure and case reporting made it difficult to identify the source of transmission.

Doenças relacionadas à ingestão de alimentos contaminados afetam um terço da população mundial, sejam de origem viral, bacteriana, fúngica ou parasitária. Além de grande importância na saúde pública têm importância econômica devido aos gastos com tratamento. A toxoplasmose é uma zoonose causada pelo Toxoplasma gondii, que assim como a giardíase (Giardia intestinalis) e criptosporidiose (Cryptosporidium spp.) estão associados à surtos de origem hídrica e alimentar. No que diz respeito à toxoplasmose, analisando seu histórico por meio da revisão sistemática, foi a causa de 35 surtos mundialmente publicados nos últimos 50 anos e as principais vias de transmissão foram: água, frutas, verduras, carne crua ou pouco cozida e leite de cabra. A ocorrência de surtos conforme a forma biológica do parasita foi: esporozoíto (oocisto) e bradizoítos (cisto) 45,7% (16/35) cada; enquanto para os taquizoítos 8,6% (3/35). Nas décadas de 1970 e 1990, os surtos ocorreram principalmente por meio da ingestão de cistos na carne e seus derivados; nos anos 80, leite contaminado com taquizoítos; em 2000, oocistos na água; a partir de 2010, houve um aumento na ocorrência de surtos devido a oocistos em vegetais crus. Observou-se uma mudança na epidemiologia dos surtos nos últimos 20 anos. Os vegetais tiveram seu consumo aumentado, esses alimentos quando não higienizados de forma adequada podem conter estruturas parasitárias, para detecção de parasitas, utilizou-se Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR), Hoffman, Willis and Faust e foi observado contaminação por T. gondii em 12,9% (8/62), G. intestinalis em 25,8% (16/62), Cryptosporidium spp. em 11,3% (7/62), e outros parasitas em 45,23% (19/42) dos vegetais analisados. Além disso, por meio do Kit Comercial Colilert de análise de contaminação de água, observou-se que 81,0% (19/21) amostras de água de irrigação apresentavam Escherichia coli. O uso de água de rio na irrigação demonstrou um papel importante na contaminação dos vegetais, em contrapartida a suplementação do solo com calcário contribuiu positivamente para a manutenção de hortaliças mais seguras. Em 2015, houve um surto de toxoplasmose em uma instituição de pesquisa em Londrina, Paraná. Um total de 20 indivíduos apresentaram sintomas e sorologia compatíveis com a infecção aguda. Para análise de fatores de risco foi estruturado um estudo de caso e controle na razão 1:2,25. Todos os participantes da investigação responderam a um questionário epidemiológico. Foram coletadas um total de 29 amostras ambientais, todas negativas à reação em cadeia da polimerase. Após a análise dos dados epidemiológicos, o consumo de vegetais foi a única variável associada à ocorrência da doença. A partir dos resultados demonstrou-se a importância dos vegetais como via de transmissão de T. gondii e de outros patógenos, além disso, expõem alguns pontos críticos de contaminação, fornecendo suporte para capacitar os agricultores em boas práticas de gestão durante o processo de produção e ainda, oferecem as principais características epidemiológicas para o rápido reconhecimento de surto, notificação e investigação para que desta forma seja interrompida a cadeia de transmissão, impedindo a ocorrência de surtos. Diseases related to the ingestion of contaminated food affect one-third of the world's population, whether of viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic origin. Besides being of great importance in public health, they are economically important due to treatment expenses. Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which as well as giardiasis (Giardia intestinalis) and cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium spp.) Are associated with water and food sources. Regarding to toxoplasmosis, analyzing its history through the systematic review, it was the cause of 35 outbreaks worldwide published in the last 50 years and the main transmission routes were: water, fruits, vegetables, raw or undercooked meat and milk of goat. The occurrence of outbreaks according to the biological form of the parasite was: sporozoite (oocyst) and bradyzoites (cyst) 45.7% (16/35) each; while for the tachyzoites 8.6% (3/35). In the 1970s and 1990s, outbreaks occurred mainly through the ingestion of cysts in meat and its derivatives; in the 1980s, milk contaminated with tachyzoites; in 2000, oocysts in water; as of 2010, there was an increase in the occurrence of outbreaks due to oocysts in raw vegetables. There has been a change in the epidemiology of outbreaks in the last 20 years. The plants had their consumption increased, these foods, when not properly sanitized, could contain parasite structures for the detection of parasites. Polymerase Chain Reaction, Hoffman, Willis and Faust were used, and contamination by T. gondii in 12.9% (8/62), G. intestinalis in 25.8% (16/62), Cryptosporidium spp. in 11.3% (7/62), and other parasites in 45.23% (19/42) of the analyzed vegetables. In addition, through the Colilert Commercial Kit of analysis of water contamination, it was observed that 81.0% (19/21) samples of irrigation water presented Escherichia coli. The use of river water in the irrigation showed an important role in the contamination of the vegetables, in contrast the supplementation of the soil with limestone contributed positively to the maintenance of safer vegetables. In 2015, there was an outbreak of toxoplasmosis at a research institution in Londrina, Paraná. A total of 20 individuals presented symptoms and serology compatible with acute infection. For the analysis of risk factors a case and control study was structured in the ratio 1: 2.25. All the participants of the investigation answered an epidemiological questionnaire. A total of 29 environmental samples were collected, all of them negative to the polymerase chain r eaction. After analyzing the epidemiological data, vegetable consumption was the only variable associated with the occurrence of the disease. From the results, the importance of the vegetables as a transmission route of T. gondii and other pathogens has been demonstrated. In addition, they present some critical contamination points, providing support to train farmers on good management practices during the production process and also offer the main epidemiological characteristics for the rapid recognition of the outbreak, notification and investigation in order to interrupt the transmission chain, thus preventing the occurrence of outbreaks.

RESUMO A leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma zoonose de grande impacto em saúde pública. A infecção nos gatos tem sido relatada nos países onde a doença é endêmica. Seu papel como reservatório não está satisfatoriamente elucidado, embora a transmissão do parasito de um felino infectado para vetor tenha sido reportada por xenodiagnóstico. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a presença de anticorpos anti-Leishmania spp. em animais da espécie felina em área endêmica para LV (Bauru-SP), por meio dos testes sorológicos de reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) e ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA), e associá-los às variáveis: gênero, idade, raça e forma de criação. Foram testados soros de 276 felinos, dos quais 82 foram reagentes pelo método ELISA (29,71%), 17 pelo RIFI (6,15%) e 10 em ambos os testes (3,6%). Houve associação estatística significativa para a variável forma de criação, em que 100% dos animais errantes foram soropositivos a pelo menos um dos testes (P0,05). Não houve concordância entre o resultado dos testes, pois o método ELISA é mais sensível que o método RIFI. ABSTRACT Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonosis with a great impact on public health. Infection in cats has been reported in countries where the disease is endemic. Its role as reservoir is not satisfactorily elucidated, although transmission of the parasite from an infected feline to vector has been reported by xenodiagnosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of anti-Leishmania spp antibodies in feline animals in an area endemic to LV (Bauru-SP), using the serological tests of Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction (IFR) and ELISA and variables: gender, age, race and form of creation. Samples of 276 felines were tested, of which 82 were ELISA reagents (29,71%), 17 by IFR (6,15%) and 10 in both tests (3,6%). There was a significant statistical association for the variable form of breeding, where 100% of the wandering animals were seropositive to at least one of the tests (P 0,05). There was no concordance between the results of the tests, since the ELISA method is more sensitive than the RIFI method.