Search

Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) are primarily transmitted by arthropod vectors, but secondary ways of transmission have been described, including via venereal route. Nonetheless, there is still limited research on possible sexual transmission of VBPs in dogs. We molecularly investigated the presence of vector-borne pathogens in semen from dogs living in an area where these agents are endemic. Upon PCR testing, seven out of 22 (31.8%) semen samples tested positive for at least one VBP, whereas simultaneous positivity to two or more pathogens was detected in three (13.6%) dogs. Among pathogens detected in semen, Trypanosoma cruzi (n = 1) and Leishmania infantum (n = 3) were identified to species level by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Attempts to sequence PCR products from other pathogens were unsuccessful, but coupled epidemiological and molecular data suggest the presence of Anaplasma platys (n = 5), Babesia vogeli (n = 1) and Ehrlichia canis (n = 1) in semen from dogs. Further experimental studies would be needed to confirm the sexual transmission hypothesis for these VBPs and also the possible implications of these findings for canine reproduction.

Prevention of canine Leishmania infantum infection is critical to management of visceral leishmaniasis in people living in endemic areas of Brazil. A bill (PL 1738/11), currently under consideration, proposes to establish a national vaccination policy against canine leishmaniasis in Brazil. However, there is no solid scientific evidence supporting the idea that this could reduce transmission from infected vaccinated dogs to sand flies to a level that would significantly reduce the risk of L. infantum infection or visceral leishmaniasis in humans. Thus, we advocate that insecticide-impregnated collars should the first line protective measure for public health purposes and that vaccines are applied on a case-by-case, optional basis for individual dog protection.

Babesial parasites are some of the most ubiquitous blood pathogens and consequently have considerable worldwide veterinary impact. Dogs living in the tropics are highly exposed to babesial parasites, particularly to Babesia vogeli. Limited data on the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of Babesia spp. in dogs are available in Latin America. We conducted a cross-sectional study combining serological and molecular tests to estimate the seroprevalence and molecular epidemiology of Babesia spp. infections in dogs in two hyperendemic foci in Brazil. A total of 630 privately owned dogs (417 from Goiana municipality, Pernambuco state, north-eastern Brazil, and 213 from Sao Joaquim de Bicas municipality, Minas Gerais state, south-eastern Brazil) were sampled and molecularly and serologically tested for Babesia spp. Overall, 519 dogs (82.4%) presented detectable IgG antibodies against Babesia spp., and seropositivity was significantly higher in dogs older than 1 year. Molecularly, 34 dogs (5.4%) were positive for a ~ 200 bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia spp. and 88 (14.0%) for a longer fragment (~ 450 bp) of the same gene of Babesia spp. and other protozoa. The 18S rRNA gene sequences generated herein corresponded to B. vogeli (n = 52) or Hepatozoon canis (n = 20). This study confirms a high level of exposure to B. vogeli in two areas of Brazil and highlights that most of the dogs living in these areas are infected during the course of their life, reflected by increased seroprevalence in older dogs. Increased awareness and prevention of tick-borne protozoa infections in dogs from Brazil and Latin America are urgently needed.

In the search for an early biomarker of renal injury, this study aimed to determine the urinary protein profile of dogs with leishmaniasis without treatment and treated as determined by Brazilian legislation. The identification of proteinuria, its classification and the circumstances in which it takes place instigated this study. For this, 30 dogs from an outpatient clinic at a Veterinary Hospital in Belo Horizonte were evaluated. All animals underwent clinical and laboratory tests, which included renal biomarkers. The proteins were characterized using the SDS-page electrophoresis technique, and thus, a urinary protein profile was developed comparing patients considered clinically healthy with dogs infected with leishmaniasis that were under treatment and with untreated infected dogs. The results showed that the hematological and biochemical parameters showed similar behavior between the groups of healthy dogs and dogs with leishmaniasis treated, however a very heterogeneous pattern of urinary proteins can be observed and differed between healthy animals and animals with leishmaniasis, as well as between treated and untreated animals. The results suggest that the classification of proteinuria can be a tool that helps in the staging of animals infected with L. infantum and can differentiate them as to the severity of existing kidney injuries. RESUMO: Na busca por um biomarcador precoce de injúria renal, este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar o perfil proteico urinário de cães infectados com leishmaniose sem tratamento e tratados conforme determina a legislação brasileira. A identificação da proteinúria, sua classificação e as circunstâncias em que ocorrem instigaram este estudo. Para tanto, foram avaliados 30 cães oriundos do atendimento clínico ambulatorial de um Hospital Veterinário em Belo Horizonte. Todos os animais passaram por exame clínico e laboratorial, que incluíram biomarcadores renais. As proteínas foram caracterizadas através da técnica de eletroforese por SDS-PAGE, e assim, foi elaborado um perfil proteico urinário comparando pacientes considerados clinicamente hígidos, com cães infectados por Leishmania (L.) infantum e que estavam sob tratamento e cães infectados não tratados. Os resultados demonstraram que os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos apresentaram comportamento semelhante entre os grupos de cães hígidos e de cães infectados com L. infantum tratados, entretanto um padrão muito heterogêneo de proteínas urinárias pode ser observado e diferiu entre animais hígidos e animais com leishmaniose, assim como entre os animais tratados e não tratados. Os resultados sugerem que a classificação da proteinúria pode ser uma ferramenta que auxilia no estadiamento de animais infectados por L. infantum podendo diferenciá-los quanto à gravidade de lesões renais existentes.

Additional file 1: Table S1. Total number of dogs tested by serology and PCR for different pathogens at each time point (baseline, after 8 and 12 months), in Goiana (Pernambuco) and São Joaquim de Bicas (Minas Gerais), Brazil. Numbers are expressed as “positive/total (positivity)”.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonosis caused by the parasite Leishmania infantum and the dog is its main reservoir in rural and urban areas. The diagnosis of infection is mainly based on the presence of anti-Leishmania IgG antibodies in the serum of infected dogs. In this study, the sensitivity and specificity of qualitative rapid tests (RTs) dual path platform (DPP) Bio-Manguinhos, rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) IDEXX, Kalazar Detect and ALERE, as well as quantitative ELISA Bio-Manguinhos and in-house indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) tests were analyzed in sera from infected and uninfected dogs. Serial dilutions of the in-house IFA were compared with RTs and ELISA Bio-Manguinhos. The results showed that none of the tests reached 100% sensitivity and specificity. There was no statistical difference between the analyzed RTs. The most sensitive test was the DPP Bio-Manguinhos (97.9%), while the rapid ELISA IDEXX showed higher specificity (100%). In the treatment setting of infected and/or diseased animals, quantitative tests for monitoring the evolution of antibody titers are required, which indicates the maintenance of in-house IFA in animal handling. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the RTs present higher sensitivity in serum samples with superior antibody titers obtained in the in-house IFA. However, the RTs exhibited false negatives in samples with low titers of antibodies. Among the RTs, only the DPP Bio-Manguinhos presented better performance in this situation. Therefore, the use of RTs for the diagnosis of VL in dogs with low titers of antibodies, such as asymptomatic, should be carefully evaluated.

Diagnosis of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis is complex and challenging, because no test is 100% sensitive and specific. The Brazilian public service employs the euthanasia of seropositive dogs as a control method. Additionally, veterinarians have difficulty in standardizing the serological diagnostic routine, due to the lack of technical and standardized methods and the use of exclusively qualitative serological tests for diagnosis. This scenario requires the search for more reliable and standardized tests in order to prevent the slaughter of false-positive dogs, vaccination of infected animals and unnecessary treatments as a result of test misinterpretation. This review aims to present and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of serologic tests used to diagnose the disease in Brazil.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonosis and the dog is considered the most important urban reservoir. Cases in cats have been reported, but little is known about Leishmania infection and disease in wild felids and canids kept in captivity in endemic areas. Thus, the serological pattern of wild felids and canids kept in captivity at the Belo Horizonte Zoological Garden was investigated using two primary antigens for conventional ELISA: k39 and rKDDR, as well as three serological rapid kits: Dual Path Platform (DPP®) immunochromatographic test, rKDDR Immunochromatographic assay and ELISA SNAP Leishmania IDEXX®. A total of 21 serum samples, 13 of wild felids and 8 wild canids of varying age and sex were evaluated. The results obtained in the tests were analyzed by agreement using Kappa coefficient, and between ELISA antigens all the analysis performed had showed significant agreement among both of them, as well between the three immunochromatographic tests. The results demonstrated that there is serological evidence of wild animals seropositive for Leishmania antibodies at the Belo Horizonte Zoological Garden, and that all the antigens and rapid tests used can be employed in serological screening for VL in wild felids and canids.

Considering the venereal transmission of visceral leishmaniasis from dogs to bitches, the aim of this study was to verify if the penile surface and smegma from infected dogs can be the source of parasites in bitches. Twelve Leishmania infantum infected dogs had semen and smegma samples collected for submission to PCR identification of the DNA of the parasite. Semen (41.7%) and smegma (50.0%) have similar positive incidence (P>0.05; Fisher's exact test), with 58.3% of the dogs positive for semen and/or smegma samples. The proportion of positivity for both semen and smegma was 33.3%, but 8.3% was positive only for semen, and 16.7% only for smegma, revealing a moderate agreement between tests (K=0.5; Kappa index). It was concluded that Leishmania infantum is present in the smegma of contaminated dogs and it can be a source of parasites for the semen and the bitch.

A determinant factor in the pathology of canine angiostrongylosis seems to be related to the location of the parasite in the definitive host. Their presence inside the arteries and its branches, promoting mechanical and metabolic action on the wall of the vessels, may alter its homeostasis. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a procedure that retrieves cells and other elements from de lungs for evaluation, and helps in the diagnosis of many pulmonary diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate CD4+/CD8+ lymphocyte profile during the infection by Angiostrongylus vasorum, using cells retrieved using BAL. The identification of subpopulations of T lymphocytes by evaluating the co-expression of CD4 and CD8 receptor proteins has shown that despite the increase in both populations, there was a predominance of CD4+ T-cells, instead of CD8+ T-cells. These increases of CD4+ T-cells associated with the increase of the ratio between CD4+/CD8+ suggest polarization of a Th2 response. However, the immune cells, signaling factors, and cytokines that mediate such immunity and how and where they act within the body remain largely undefined during angiostrongylosis.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is transmitted by phlebotomine sandfly vectors and domestic dogs serve as a reservoir. The elimination of seropositive dogs has been a recommended strategy for managing the disease in Brazil. A protective canine vaccine would be an important tool for controlling the disease, reducing the parasites available to sandfly vectors and, consequently, reducing the number of human VL cases. Leishmune(®) is an anti-canine Leishmaniosis (VL Canine) vaccine produced by Zoetis (Pfizer, Brazil) that was commercially available in Brazil until 2014. The main goal of the present study was to investigate the protective immunological events induced by vaccination with Leishmune(®) in the time frame of one year. Healthy, non-vaccinated dogs and dogs of 1, 6 and 10 months post-vaccination were evaluated. Results showed that Leishmune(®) induced an increase in phagocytic activity of neutrophils and monocytes and also increased NO production. Immunological events were correlated with functional responses, as high levels of IgG and an increase of the receptor Fcγ were detected. Vaccination induced an increased expression of TLR (2, 4, 5, 9), integrin (CD29, CD49f), activation (MHCII) and co-stimulatory (CD80, CD81) molecules by neutrophils and monocytes. Vaccination led to decrease of IL-4 and an increase of IL-8 production by monocytes and higher IFN-γ and IL-17 production by T-cells. The results suggested that Leishmune(®) was able to induce a long-lasting change in immune response, mediated by supportive immunological events that may be participating in protective immunity against CL.

Background The main control strategy for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil has been based on the elimination of seropositive dogs, although this is not widely accepted. In this context, the use of a long-lasting protective vaccine against canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) has been highly expected. The aim of this work was to determine the timeline kinetics of the cytokine microenvironment derived from circulating leukocytes as supportive immunological biomarkers triggered by Leishmune® vaccine. Cross-sectional kinetic analysis of cellular immunity cytokines was carried out at three times (1, 6 and 12 months) after primovaccination with Leishmune®. In vitro short-term whole blood cultures were stimulated with Leishmania infantum soluble antigen (SLAg). The secreted cytokine signatures and their major sources were determined. Results At six months after vaccination, Leishmune® induced an increase in IL-8, IFN-γ, IL-17a and TNF-α levels and a decrease in IL-10. Cytokine signature analysis revealed a shift in the microenvironment towards a pro-inflammatory profile mediated by IL-8 and IFN-γ. Both, CD4+ (↑TNF-α+ and ↑IFN-γ +) and CD8+ (↑IL-17a and ↓IL-4) T-cells contributed to the acquired immune responses observed after stimulation with SLAg. Conclusions The changes observed in the cytokine profile suggested that Leishmune® was able to induce an effective response at six months after primovaccination. After one year, it returned to baseline suggesting the need of additional boosting.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a procedure that retrieves cells and other elements from the lungs for evaluation, which helps in the diagnosis of pulmonary diseases. The aim of this study was to perform this procedure for cellular analysis of BAL fluid alterations during experimental infection with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats. Fourteen cats were individually inoculated with 800 third stage larvae of A. abstrusus and five non-infected cats lined as a control group. The BAL procedure was performed through the use of an endotracheal tube on the nineteen cats with a mean age of 18 months, on 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 270 days after infection. Absolute cell counts in the infected cats revealed that alveolar macrophages and eosinophils were the predominant cells following infection. This study shows that the technique allows us to retrieve cells and first stage larvae what provides information about the inflammatory process caused by aelurostrongylosis. O lavado broncoalveolar (LBA) é um procedimento que permite a recuperação de células e outros elementos pulmonares para avaliação, auxiliando no diagnóstico de doenças pulmonares. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar este procedimento para avaliação das células presentes no fluido broncoalveolar na infecção experimental por Aelurostrongylus abstrusus em gatos. Quatorze animais foram individualmente inoculados com 800 larvas de terceiro estádio de A. abstrusus, enquanto cinco animais não infectados foram mantidos como grupo controle. O LBA foi realizado com uso de um tubo endotraqueal em todos os 19 animais com média de idade de 18 meses, nos dias nos dias 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 e 270 após infecção. A contagem absoluta de células dos animais infectados revelou que macrófagos alveolares e eosinófilos constituíram os tipos celulares predominantes durante todo o período de infecção. Os resultados deste trabalho demonstram que a técnica permite recuperar células e larvas de primeiro estádio de A. abstrusus, fornecendo informações importantes sobre o processo inflamatório causado na aelurostrongilose.

The occurrence of visceral or cutaneous canine leishmaniasis cases among dermatophatic dogs admitted to the veterinary teaching hospital School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry - University of São Paulo from 1997 to 2008 was retrospectively characterized. For the diagnosis of 427 animals, serological (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Indirect Immunofluorescence and/or Complement Fixation), parasitological and molecular (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests were performed, which resulted in 117 (27.4%) confirmed positive cases. Of these, 96 (82.1%) were pure breed dogs and the others 21 (17.9%) were cross breed, being 57 (48.7%) females and 60 (51.3%) males. In terms of age, 26 (22.2%) were younger than 36 months, 48 (41%) were between 36 and 84 months, and 43 (36.8%) were older than seven years old. Sixty-four (54.7%) dogs were considered oligosymptomatic, 44 (37.6%) symptomatic, and the remaining nine (7.7%) asymptomatic. The main clinical findings were, in descending order, dermal lesions, lymphadenopathy, anemia, dysorexia, prostration and splenomegaly. As for hematological disorders, relative and absolute lymphopenia was the most important findings. Ninety-six (82.1%) of the positive animals correspond to allochthonus cases from São Paulo municipality. Caracterizou-se retrospectivamente, a partir do ano de 1997 até março de 2008, a ocorrência de casos de leishmaniose, visceral ou tegumentar, dentre os cães dermatopatas atendidos em serviço especializado de hospital-escola veterinário de Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo. Para o diagnóstico em 427 animais, foram utilizados testes sorológicos (Ensaio Imunoenzimático Indireto, Imunofluorescência Indireta e/ou Fixação de Complemento), parasitológicos diretos e moleculares (Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase), que resultaram na confirmação de 117 (27,4%) casos positivos. Da amostragem, 96 (82,1%) eram cães de raça definida, os demais 21 (17,9%) não dispunham de plena definição racial, sendo 57 (48,7%) fêmeas e 60 (51,3%) machos. Quanto à faixa etária, 26 (22,2%) apresentavam idade inferior a 36 meses, 48 (41%) entre 36 e 84 meses e 43 (36,8%) ultrapassavam o sétimo ano de vida. Considerou-se 64 (54,7%) cães como oligossintomáticos, 44 (37,6%) sintomáticos e os nove (7,7%) remanescentes como assintomáticos. As principais alterações clínicas observadas foram, em ordem decrescente, lesões tegumentares, linfonodomegalia, anemia, disorexia, prostração e esplenomegalia. Quanto às alterações hematológicas, a mais importante foi a linfopenia relativa e absoluta. Dos animais positivos para a enfermidade, 96 (82,1%) correspondeu a casuística alóctone ao Município de São Paulo.

On 26 October 2012, veterinary medicine clinicians and researchers, members of Brasileish - Study Group about Animal Leishmaniasis - met at the Regional Council of Veterinary Medicine of Minas Gerais, in the city Belo Horizonte, in order to discuss many aspects of the situation of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in Brazil. In the face of recent national and international scientific evidence, we, the members of Brasileish, have elaborated some recommendations for the management and control of CVL in Brazil.

Canine leishmaniosis is a potentially life-threatening disease which is spreading geographically in the Old and New Worlds, where different diagnostic procedures, treatments, and control strategies are currently in place. This Opinion article outlines the similarities and differences between canine leishmaniosis in the Old and New Worlds, with emphasis on South America and Europe. Finally, it calls the attention of veterinary and public health authorities to standardize and improve practices for diagnosing, treating, and preventing the disease.

In recent years, cases of feline visceral leishmaniasis (FVL) have been described in different countries. In urban areas, domestic cats are suggested as possible alternative reservoirs of Leishmania (L.) infantum, the causal agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). This paper reports the first case of infection of Lutzomyia longipalpis by L. infantum of a naturally infected cat from Brazil through xenodiagnosis. The presence of a cat with FVL and its infectivity to the natural vector in Belo Horizonte city, an endemic area of VL in Brazil, suggests the need for further studies to determine the rate of occurrence of FVL among domestic cats and the infectivity ratio of L. longipalpis in endemic areas, and what is the role of these animals in the epidemiology of the disease.

Dogs are the most important reservoir of Leishmania (L.) infantum, the causal agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Brazil. Vectorial infection is the main route of transmission of the parasites. This paper reports the first case of vertical transmission of L. infantum in Brazil, confirmed by PCR and immunohistochemistry techniques in samples from spleen and liver of two stillborn pups from a bitch naturally infected with L. infantum in Belo Horizonte city, endemic area of VL. This result confirms the existence of transplacental transmission of Leishmania between dogs, and suggests the need for further studies to determine the rate of occurrence of this fact in endemic areas and what is their role in the epidemiology of the disease.

The goal of the present study was to characterize the semen quality of dogs naturally infected with Leishmaniachagasi, and treated with Allopurinol and Amphotericin B. Eight naturally infected and eight non-infected dogs were selected. Following semen collection, progressive motility, vigor, concentration and sperm morphology were evaluated. The seminal patterns in the treated animals were evaluated at the beginning (d0) and at days 30 (d30), 60 (d60) and 150 (d150) of treatment. The progressive motility at d0 (35.7+/-22.3%) was less than that of the control group (77.8+/-7.1%) (P0.05). The vigor was similar to the control group throughout the treatment (P0.05). The number of sperm/mL, sperm/ejaculate and sperm/kg of body weight was similar among groups (P0.05). The percentages of normal spermatozoa of infected and treated animals were similar throughout the treatment and to the control group (69.1+/-8.7%) at d60 (37.5+/-11.2%) and d150 (48.3+/-10.8%) (P0.05), but smaller at d0 (22.7+/-10.5%) and d30 (28.8+/-15.9%) (P0.05). A greater percentage of acrosome damage was observed in the control group (3.1+/-2.3%) compared to the d60 (0.1+/-0.2%) (P0.05). The infected dogs had a greater percentage of principal piece defects at d60 (37.0+/-6.3%) than the control group (16.8+/-7.3%) (P0.05); and greater percentages of detached normal heads at d0 (28.7+/-19.7%) and d30 (18.5+/-18.5%) than the control group (0.4+/-0.5%) (P0.05). This reduction in semen quality of the infected animals is suggestive of an epididymal dysfunction. Due to this poor semen quality, caution is recommended when using infected male dogs for reproductive purposes.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a procedure that retrieves cells and other elements from the lungs for evaluation, which helps in the diagnosis of many pulmonary diseases. The aims of this work were to perform this procedure in dogs in the acute and chronic phases of an Angiostrongylus vasorum infection for cytological analysis and to evaluate the potential of this technique as a diagnostic method for this lung-heart worm. The BAL procedure was performed through the use of an endotracheal tube on seven A. vasorum infected dogs and on five non-infected dogs lined as a control group. Sixty days post-infection (dpi) active and live larvae were retrieved from the bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) of all infected dogs. Furthermore, in one animal it was possible to retrieve larvae in its BALF before the pre-patent period. This work reports that the A. vasorum infection resulted in an increase of relative neutrophils and eosinophils counts. In contrast, there was a significant decrease in the alveolar macrophage relative count in infected animals from 60 to 330 dpi. This study shows that the BAL is an accurate technique for the diagnosis of canine angiostrongylosis. Moreover, the technique allows us to retrieve cells and other elements that line the lung surface for cytological evaluation, which provides information about inflammatory diseases, and the diagnosis and prognosis of pulmonary parasites such as A. vasorum.

CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior O comprometimento da função renal é uma das principais características em cães infectados pela Leishmania infantum. O diagnóstico precoce da lesão renal é de extrema importância para a melhora do prognóstico do paciente. Atualmente os estadiamentos propostos para o diagnóstico e tratamento da leishmaniose são qualitativos, utilizando a creatinina sérica e a razão proteína creatinina urinária para avaliação da injúria e insuficiência renal. Este trabalho foi dividido em dois capítulos com objetivos de avaliar os biomarcadores fisiológicos como fatores preditivos de injúria renal e marcadores de prognóstico, além de propor um índice quantitativo e multifatorial. Foram avaliados cães de raças, idades e sexo variados naturalmente infectados por L. infantum. Os biomarcadores fisiológicos que apresentaram resultados positivos como fatores preditivos e marcadores de prognóstico foram as plaquetas, leucócitos, hematócrito, fósforo sérico, densidade e pressão arterial sistêmica. A proposta de índice através de modelamento matemático permitiu a previsão de resultados que correspondiam ao quadro clínico dos cães, avaliando o grau de lesão renal e atuando como marcador de prognóstico. Novos estudos prospectivos e multicêntricos devem ser realizados para avaliação do índice.

FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais A encefalopatia hepática (EH) é uma complicação neurológica que ocorre em consequência à doença hepática. Pacientes que sofrem com EH podem apresentar sintomas neuropsiquiátricos, neuromusculares e comportamentais, o que causa grande impacto na qualidade de vida e capacidade laborativa. Atualmente, o único tratamento definitivo para a falência hepática é o transplante, evidenciando assim a necessidade de desvendar a fisiopatologia e os mecanismos envolvidos na doença, a fim de encontrar novos focos terapêuticos e medidas suportivas até que o transplante esteja disponível. Modelos experimentais de EH em roedores têm sido amplamente utilizados. Acredita-se que estes modelos forneçam informzações relevantes para a compreensão dos mecanismos envolvidos na patogênese da doença, bem como possibilitem o desenvolvimento de novos alvos terapêuticos. Estudos que avaliam as sequelas neurológicas após o desenvolvimento da EH assim como sua associação com dados teciduais, perfis inflamatório e neuroquímico em fases mais tardias da doença são escassos. Por meio da utilização de camundongos C57BL/6, fêmeas, entre oite e doze semanas de idade, foram investigadas as alterações comportamentais e patológicas associadas às respostas inflamatória e neuroprotetora na EH induzida por falência hepática por injeção intraperitoneal de tioacetamida (TAA). Os camundongos foram divididos em grupos TAA e grupo controle, sendo esses últimos, submetidos à injeção intraperitoneal de salina. Os animais do grupo TAA apresentaram dano hepático associado a maior atividade dos neutrófilos e macrófagos. Além disso, os animais induzidos demonstraram através da aplicação de testes, comportamento semelhante à ansiedade e à depressão e alterações morfológicas dos astrócitos e da micróglia. Este mesmo grupo apresentou redução significativa da expressão das citocinas pró-inflamatórias interferon- (IFN-) e interleucina-6 (IL-6) no hipocampo e do fator neurotrófico derivado do cérebro (BNDF) no córtex cerebral, quando comparado com os animais do grupo controle. Nossos resultados sugerem que disfunções das respostas inflamatória e neuroprotetora estejam associadas à formação dos déficits comportamentais na EH murina. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neurological complication observed in hepatic failure. HE patients may present neuropsychiatric, neuromuscular, and behavioral disorders, which may impair quality of life and work capability. Currently, the only definitive treatment for hepatic failure is transplantation, which highlights the need for complete understanding of the pathophysiology and mechanisms involved in the disease, in order to establish new therapeutic targets and supportive measures until transplantation is available. Experimental models of HE in rodents have been widely used. It is believed that these models provide relevant information for understanding the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, as well as the development of new therapeutic targets. Studies evaluating neurological sequelae after the development of hepatic encephalopathy as well as its association with tissue data, inflammatory and neurochemical profiles in later stages of the disease are scarce. Using C57BL/6 female mice, between eight and twelve weeks age, we investigated behavioral and pathological changes association with inflammatory and neuroprotective responses during HE that follows hepatic failure induced by intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide (TAA). Mice were divided into TAA and control groups, the latter being submitted to intraperitoneal injection of saline. TAA animals presented liver damage associated with increased activity of neutrophils and macrophages. In addition, induced animals demonstrated in the applied tests, anxiety-like and depression-like behavior and morphological changes of astrocytes and microglia. This same group showed a significant reduction in expression of proinflammatory cytokines interferon- (IFN-) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the hippocampus and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) in the cerebral cortex when compared to the control animals. Our results suggest that inflammatory and neuroprotective responses disorders are associated with behavioral deficits in murine hepatic encephalopathy.

CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Angiostrongylus vasorum é um nematoide, cujas formas adultas podem ser encontradas nas artérias pulmonares e coração direito de cães domésticos e canídeos silvestres, que são os hospedeiros definitivos. Além da importância na clínica de pequenos animais, este parasito tem importância discutida em termos de saúde pública, devido à possibilidade de infecção humana. O ciclo heteroxeno, apresenta diversas espécies de moluscos como hospedeiros intermediários, que se infectam por ingestão e/ou penetração de larvas de primeiro estádio do parasito. Nos moluscos ocorrem duas mudas, de larva de primeiro estádio (L1) para L2 e L3, que é infectante para os hospedeiros definitivos. Além dessas vias de infecção, pode haver também a participação de hospedeiros paratênicos, que podem abrigar as L3, como por exemplo, rãs, camundongos, ratos e aves. Considerando que várias questões inerentes ao ciclo deste parasito ainda permanecem obscuras, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar se Biomphalaria glabrata pode ser hospedeiro paratênico de Angiostrongylus vasorum, identificando as possíveis vias de penetração destas larvas, a rota migratória, além de descrever as possíveis alterações histológicas em diferentes tempos de infecção. Larvas de terceiro estádio foram recuperadas de moluscos da espécie B. glabrata, com 30 dias após infecção com 1.000 L1 de A. vasorum, utilizando o método de Baermann modificado. As L3 recuperadas foram utilizadas para infecção de moluscos da espécie B. glabrata, com o número de 100 L3+ (Larva de terceiro estádio advinda de molusco infectado com 100 L3). Larvas de terceiro estádio de A. vasorum foram recuperadas vivas e ativas nos tecidos dos moluscos, demonstrando assim, a permissividade destes a infecção por L3+. Os demais exemplares de moluscos infectados, foram fixados em formol 10% para avaliação histológica, onde se observou a presença de larva no tecido e que as mesmas tendem a ficar na região cefalopodal. Em relação a viabilidade das L3+, ainda são necessários mais estudos, visto que dois cães sem raça definida foram submetidos a patê canino com a presença das L3+ e até o momento somente quatro L1 foram encontradas nas fezes dos cães. Este trabalho demonstra pela primeira vez, a possibilidade de B. glabrata participar como hospedeiro paratênico no ciclo de A. vasorum. Angiostrongylus vasorum is a nematode whose adult forms can be found in the pulmonary arteries and right heart of domestic dogs and wild canids, which are the definitive hosts. In addition to the importance in the small animal clinic, this parasite is discussed in terms of public health due to the possibility of human infection. The heteroxene cycle presents several molluscan species as intermediate hosts, which are infected by ingestion and / or penetration of first stage larvae of the parasite. In the molluscs two seedlings of first instar larvae (L1), L2 and L3 occur, which is infective to the definitive hosts. In addition to these infection routes, there may also be paratenic hosts, which may harbor L3, such as frogs, lizards, mice, rats and birds. Considering that several issues inherent to the cycle of this parasite still remain obscure, the present study aimed to evaluate if Biomphalaria glabrata can be paratenic host of Angiostrongylus vasorum, identifying the possible routes of penetration of these larvae, the migratory route, besides describing the possible changes at different times of infection. Third instar larvae were recovered from B. glabrata molluscs 30 days after infection with 1.000 L1 of A. vasorum using the modified Baermann method. The recovered L3 were used for infection of mollusks of the species B. glabrata, with the inoculum of 100 L3 + (larva of third stage coming from mollusc infected with 100 L3). Third-instar larvae of A. vasorum were recovered alive and active in the mollusc's tissues, thus demonstrating their permissiveness to L3 + infection. The other specimens of infected molluscs were fixed in 10% formaldehyde for histological evaluation, where the presence of larvae in the tissue was observed and they tended to remain in the cephalopodal region. Regarding the viability of L3 +, further studies are still needed, since two mixed breed dogs were submitted to canine pate with the presence of L3 + and so far only four L1 were found in the feces of the dogs. This work demonstrates, for the first time, the possibility of B. glabrata to participate as paratenic host in the A. vasorum cycle.

Com o objetivo de avaliar a contribuição da associação medicamentosa de ômega 3, vitamina E, selenito de sódio, gluconato de cobre, gluconato de zinco, sulfato de condroitina e glucosamina (Gerioox®), doze cães oriundos do atendimento clínico ambulatorial do Hospital Veterinário da UFMG, portadores de doença renal crônica (DRC), foram estudados. Foram realizados exames de hemograma, medida de concentração sérica de cálcio, fósforo, glicose, uréia e creatinina, urinálise, relação proteína creatinina urinária e taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG) antes de iniciado o experimento (T0), após 30 (T1), 90 (T2) e 120 dias (T3). Houve correlação negativa significativa (P

O escorpionismo é um problema de saúde pública no Brasil. Efeitos clínicos do envenenamento são bem estudados em humanos e quase nada é conhecido em animais domésticos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi a avaliação clínica e laboratorial de cães após inoculação de veneno de Tityus serrulatus. Doze cães adultos (14,2 ± 5,4kg) formaram dois grupos: GI (controle) e GII (veneno). Veneno diluído em 0,5ml de PBS (250g/kg) foi aplicado por via subcutânea na face medial da coxa esquerda do GII e placebo de PBS no GI. Fizeram-se exames clínicos, eletrocardiograma, ecocardiograma, mensuração da pressão arterial, radiografia torácica, hemograma, urinálise e análise bioquímica de cortisol, insulina, CK, ALT, AST, LDH, troponina cardíaca (cTnI), amilase, glicose, potássio, proteínas totais (PT) e eletroforese de proteínas séricas. Até 12 horas após o GII mostrou alterações de comportamento, dor local, espirros, salivação, sialorréia, dor abdominal e letargia. Não foram observadas alterações eletrocardiográficas, na radiografia, na função ventricular e nos fluxos valvulares. O GII teve aumentos de hematócrito, leucocitose com neutrofilia e discretos aumentos de ALT, AST, CK e glicose 2 e 6 horas após, sem alterações de LDH, cTnI, amilase, uréia, creatinina, potássio e PT. Um cão apresentou glicosúria. Até 6 horas houve aumento de cortisol em resposta à dor, coincidindo com a hiperglicemia e com posteriores elevações de insulina. Houve aumento de pressão arterial sistólica até 8 horas após. Conclui-se que, apesar do veneno de T. serrulatus induzir sinais clínicos diversos em cães, possui baixa gravidade Scorpion envenomation is an public health problem in Brazil. Clinical effects of scopion venom are well understood in humans and almost nothing in domestic animals. This study was undertaken to examine the deleterious effect of scorpion venom in dogs. Twelve healthy dogs were divided in two groups: GI (control) and GII (venom). Tityus serrulatus venom (250g/kg) diluted in 0,5ml PBS was given to GII by subcutaneous injection, in the left forearm, medial face. GI received 0,5ml of PBS. Dogs underwent clinical examination, with systemic cardiovascular parameters (electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, evaluation of arterial blood pressure and chest X-rays), blood profile, urinalysis, biochemical analysis such as levels of cortisol, insulin, CK, ALT, AST, LDH, cardiac troponin I (TnI), amylases, glucose, potassium, total protein and serum electrophoresis protein. Until 12h, GII showed behavioral changes, intense local pain, sneezing, salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain and lethargy. No major change was observed in echo and electrocardiography. Six hours after, GII displayed increased hematocrit values, leukocytosis with neuthrophilia and increases of ALT, AST, CK and glucose, without alterations in LDH, TnI, amylases, urea, creatinine, potassium and total protein levels. Only one dog presented glycosuria. Until 6h, increase in cortisol levels was observed in response to the pain, coinciding with the hyperglycemia and insulin elevations. Until 8h after, GII showed systolic blood pressure increased. In conclusion, this study showed that T. serrulatus venom may induce a variety of clinical symptoms in dogs

As leishmanioses representam um grupo de doenças transmitidas por flebotomíneos que afetam animais domésticos, silvestres e humanos. No contexto urbano, o cão é considerado o principal reservatório do agente etiológico da leishmaniose visceral (LV), ocupando posição estratégica nos programas de controle da doença. Entretanto, o tratamento convencional dos animais é discutível. Os lipossomas representam grande avanço na terapia das doenças parasitárias, especialmente daquelas que envolvem os componentes do sistema fagocítico mononuclear, como é o caso da LV. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a biodistribuição de Sb, toxicidade e eficácia terapêutica de uma formulação composta de antimoniato de meglumina (AM) encapsulado em lipossomas nanométricos, em cães naturalmente infectados com Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi. Foram utilizados 50 cães SRD com diagnóstico parasitológico positivo. Para a avaliação da biodistribuição e toxicidade, 14 animais receberam uma única dose intravenosa da formulação e foram sacrificados 24 (n = 3), 48 (n = 3), 72 (n = 3) e 96 (n = 5) horas após. Os cães foram monitorados clinicamente durante todo o experimento. Além disso, parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos foram avaliados antes do tratamento e na eutanásia. Para o estudo da eficácia, 36 cães foram estratificados segundo peso, sexo e classificação clínica e alocados aleatoriamente em três grupos (GI, GII e GIII), os quais receberam protocolo de quatro injeções intravenosas a cada 96 horas: GI - 6,5mg de Sb/kg de AM encapsulado em lipossomas; GII - lipossomas na ausência de Sb (vazios); GIII - solução salina. Foram realizadas, em diferentes tempos após o tratamento, avaliações clínicas, hematológicas, bioquímicas e sorológicas. A carga parasitária medular e esplênica foi investigada respectivamente aos quatro e 150 dias, quando então foram realizados o xenodiagnóstico e a eutanásia dos animais. Os resultados mostraram maior direcionamento de Sb para o baço e fígado, quando comparado à medula óssea. Não houve, entretanto, variações significativas nas concentrações de Sb em relação ao tempo para os três órgãos. Embora não tenham sido registradas alterações laboratoriais após administração da formulação em única ou múltipla dose, 57% dos cães tratados com dose única manifestaram reações adversas de caráter clínico-transitório, as quais incluíram prostração, sialorréia, defecação e taquipnéia. O regime de múltiplas doses não modificou o perfil nem a intensidade das reações, as quais puderam ser relacionadas à estrutura vesicular, mas não ao metal. A formulação foi capaz de proporcionar melhora clínica parcial entre os cães. Aos 60 dias após o tratamento, os cães do GI apresentaram normalização dos valores médios de hematócrito, proteínas totais, globulinas, ã-globulina, albumina e da relação A/G, bem como elevação significativa dos níveis de á-1, á-2 e â-globulinas. A formulação proporcionou redução significativa da carga parasitária medular e esplênica, quando comparado aos demais grupos. Cinco meses após o tratamento, foi verificada redução significativa da capacidade infectante destes cães para fêmeas de Lutzomyia (Lutzomyia) longipalpis, o que representa o primeiro relato na literatura da interferência de uma formulação lipossomal nanométrica de Sb sobre a infectividade de cães naturalmente infectados com Leishmania (L.) chagasi.

Objetivou-se desenvolver um modelo de trauma medular agudo e moderado, para avaliar o efeito da prednisona em diferentes tempos após esse trauma. Primeiramente foram utilizados 10 Rattus novergicus submetidos à compressão medular empregando-se um aparelho estereotáxico com diferentes pesos e tempos e padronizou-se a utilização de 50,5g por cinco minutos. Posteriormente, utilizou-se 25 ratos submetidos ao trauma proposto e divididos em cinco grupos de cinco. O grupo A recebeu placebo oito horas após o trauma; os grupos B, C, D e E receberam prednisona oito, 24, 48 e 120 horas após o trauma, respectivamente. A prednisona foi administrada na dose de 2mg/Kg, durante cinco dias com diminuição progressiva até o 26º dia. Os animais foram avaliados conforme a capacidade motora; posicionamento proprioceptivo; reflexo de localização; plano inclinado e sensibilidade dolorosa. Após 33 dias da cirurgia os animais foram sacrificados e, realizou-se a histopatologia das medulas espinhais onde constatou-se degeneração das raízes nervosas, necrose medular e reação glial, sem diferenças entre os grupos. Verificou-se falta de correlação entre os testes indicando que não houve um grupo superior. A utilização da prednisona na lesão medular não teve efeito diferenciado com o tempo e a administração tardia não foi prejudicial à recuperação neurológica. We develop a model to evaluate the effects of prednisone when applied at different time intervals after moderate and acute spinal cord injury. A pilot study using 10 Rattus novergicus allowed us to define a spinal cord injury protocol as 50.5g applied during five minutes with estereotoxic equipment. Later 25 rats were submitted to this protocol and randomly divided into five treatment groups: one group received placebo 8 hours after injury and the remaining four groups received prednisone eight, 24, 48 and 120 hours after injury. Prednisone was applied at 2 mg/Kg dosage during five days and progressively reduced until the 26th day. Animals were evaluated by motor capacity, proprioceptive positioning, searching ness reflex, inclined plan and sensibility to pain. Each rat was sacrificed 33 days after surgery for histopathology of the spinal cords that revealed degeneration of the rootlets, spinal cord necrosis and reactive gliosis, with no significant differences among treatment groups. Results for the various tests did not seem to be consistent and hence we could not conclude which treatment group was the best. Late administration of high dosages of prednisone to animals with acute spinal cord injury had no deleterious effects on neurological recovery