Cross-reactions between Toxocara canis and Ascaris suum in the diagnosis of visceral larva migrans by western blotting technique

Visceral larva migrans (VLM) is a clinical syndrome caused by infection of man by Toxocara spp, the common roundworm of dogs and cats. Tissue migration of larval stages causes illness specially in children. Because larvae are difficult to detect in tissues, diagnosis is mostly based on serology. After the introduction of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the larval excretory-secretory antigen of T. canis (TES), the diagnosis specificity was greatly improved although cross-reactivity with other helminths are still being reported. In Brazil, diagnosis is routinely made after absorption of serum samples with Ascaris suum antigens, a nematode antigenicaly related with Ascaris lumbricoides which is a common intestinal nematode of children. In order to identify T. canis antigens that cross react to A. suum antigens we analyzed TES antigen by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting techniques. When we used serum samples from patients suspected of VLM and positive result by ELISA as well as a reference serum sample numerous bands were seen (molecular weight of 210-200 kDa, 116-97 kDa, 55-50 kDa and 35-29 kDa). Among these there is at least one band with molecular weight around 55-66 kDa that seem to be responsible for the cross-reactivity between T. canis and A. suum once it disappears when previous absorption of serum samples with A. suum antigens is performed.

Use of fibrin glue derived from snake venom in the repair of deep corneal ulcers - Experimental study in dogs (Canis familiaris, Linnaeus, 1758)

Fibrin glue has been researched as an alternative method for tissue synthesis and is known for its capability to promote hemostasis at the application site, good approximation of wound edges and fast healing. The current study consisted in the application of fibrin glue derived from snake venom as treatment for experimental corneal ulcers. Twenty-one dogs had their corneas experimentally prepared through lamellar keratectomy (of standardized diameter and depth). Animals were divided into seven groups of three animals each. Six experimental groups were periodically evaluated and collection was carried out on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 15 th, 30th and 60th post-operative days, whereas one control group was evaluated throughout the experiment. Analyses consisted in the clinical evolution and in the histopathological study of all operated on eyes. Results indicated that fibrin glue was efficient in repairing keratectomy wounds in dogs and contributed to an earlier healing phenomenon, avoiding edema formation and keeping corneal clearness. The use of fibrin glue derived from snake venom showed to be easy to apply, feasible with animal models and of low cost, avoiding the lesion progress and allowing fast and appropriate corneal healing.

Morfologia e morfometria dos tipos de fibras do músculo reto abdominal de cadelas (canis familiaris) durante a gestação

The present paper deals with the evaluation of morphological and morphometric alterations of slow-twist (I) and fast-twitch (II) fibers of rectus abdominis muscle of adult female dog during pregestational phase, at 30 and 60 days of pregnancy and at 30 days after the parturition. At the every phases, using the open biopsy technique, muscle samples were collected. The samples were plunged. Histological sections were cut in a microtome. For general morphology, some sections were stained with HE. Subsequent sections were reacted for myofibrillar ATPase (m-ATPase), after alkaline (pH 10.4) and acid (pH 4.4) pre-incubations, in order to identificate type I and II fibers. In the pre-gestational phase, muscle tissue revealed to be composed by fibers with different diameters, presenting polygonal outlines and one or more periphery nuclei. At 30 days of pregnancy, muscle fiber characteristics were similar. At 60 days, in addition to the existence of normal fibers, polymorphic and small diameter fibers were frequent. At 30 days after the parturation, the morphology of muscle fiber were similar to that observed in the pre-gestational phase. In the four phases, type II fiber diameters were lager than type I. The diameters of both fiber types showed a significant reduction in the 30 days phase and a significative increasing at 60 days. The expansion of the abdominal wall during the pregnancy represents a chronic stimulus, induced changes in the morphology and in the fiber type diameters.

Estudo da reatividade cruzada em amostras de soro de cães positivos para Leishmania sp., Babesia canis e Ehrlichia canis, pelo ensaio imunoenzimático indireto e pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta

To verify the presence of cross-reaction among leishmaniosis, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis in serological diagnostics used in human visceral leishmaniasis control programs, serum samples from leishmaniasis endemic and non-endemic areas were collected and tested by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFAT) and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All serum samples from endemic areas were positive for Leishmania sp., by ELISA and IFAT, 51% positive for Babesia canis and 43% for Ehrlichia canis by IFAT. None of the serum samples from non-endemic areas were positive for Leishmania sp., by IFAT, but 67% were positive for B. canis and 78% for E. canis using the same test. When tested by ELISA for Leishmania sp., four samples from non-endemic area were positive. These dogs were then located and no clinical signs, parasites or antibody was detected in new tests for a six month period. Only one of these 4 samples was positive for B. canis by IFAT and ELISA and three for E. canis by IFAT. The results of the work suggest a co-infection in the endemic area and no serological cross-reaction among these parasites by IFAT and ELISA.

Utilização de extratos de plantas medicinais e óleo de Eucaliptus no controle in vitro de Microsporum canis

INTRODUCTION: Microsporum canis is the most common cause of canine and feline dermatophytosis and thus has an important zoonotic role. OBJECTIVES: the aim of this study was to determine the antifungal action of medicinal plant extracts and of eucalyptus oil against pathogenic fungus Microsporum canis. METHODS: the extracts were prepared by mixing 300 g of previously washed leaves with 450 mL of distilled water. Then the material was triturated, filtered, sterilized and conserved at 10 + 2 oC. Fifteen milliliters of sterilized medium Sabouraud dextrose (Difco) at a temperature of 55 + 1 oC was added in Petri dishes containing the extracts in one, two, three, four and five mm concentrations. The fungus was inoculated once the medium was solidified. The inoculated dishes were maintained in B.O.D. incubator at 36 ± 0,5 oC until the fungus developed in the controls. RESULTS: the extracts from Punica granatum, Mangifera indica and Eucalyptus spp reduced the growth of fungus, but the extracts from Cymgopogom nardus, Tagetes minuta, Ruta graviolens, Cyperus rotundus, Annona moricata and Calendula spp leaves and flowers boosted the growth of fungus. The other extracts and the eucalyptus oil neither show any fungicidal action nor encourage mycelium growth. CONCLUSIONS: the use of most tested extracts and eucalyptus oil is not suitable for the treatment of Microsporum canis dermatophytosis due to lack of inhibitory effects. The extracts from Cymgopogom nardus, Tagetes minuta, Ruta graviolens, Cyperus rotundus, Annona moricata and from of Calendula spp leaves and flowers help the development of the fungus making clear that phytotherapy should be properly used, otherwise it can worsen the problem. However; extracts from Mangifera indica, Punica granatum and Eucalyptus spp. can be used as fungistatic.

Brazil Anticorpos anti-Brucella canis e anti-Brucella abortus em caes de Araguaina, Tocantins

The aims of the present study were to determine the seroprevalence of infection by Brucella canis and Brucella abortus and to evaluate possible risk factors for infection in dogs from Araguaina, Tocantins, Brazil. Sera from 374 dogs, of the urban zones of the municipality, from both sexes, were submitted to the agar-gel immunodiffusion for Brucella canisantibodies and to rose Bengal test (AAT) and fluorescence polarization assay (FPA) for Brucella abortus-antibodies. From the 374 tested dogs, 21 reacted in the AAT, but no one was positive in the FPA. The seroprevalence of B. canis infection found in Araguaina, Tocantins, Brazil, was 44.53% (95% IC; 39.43 to 49.72). No association was found among seropositivity for B. canis and the risk factors studied. Thus, data from the present study showed that there was no infection by B. abortus among dogs in the sample and that infection by B. canis is widespread and at high prevalence in Araguaina, Tocantins, Brazil.

Increase nitric oxide and oxidative stress in dogs experimentally infected by Ehrlichia canis: Effect on the pathogenesis of the disease

The aim of this study was to evaluate nitric oxide levels, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and glutathione reductase activity in serum of dogs experimentally infected by Ehrlichia canis. Banked serum samples of dogs divided into two groups were used: negative control (n=5) and infected by E. canis (n=5). The concentration of nitrite/nitrate (NOx), lipid peroxidation (TBARS), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and glutathione reductase (GR) activity in sera were evaluated. Samples were collected on days 0, 3, 6, 18 and 30 post-infection (PI). NOx and TBARS levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the infected group at 18 and 30 days PI, as well as AOPP levels at 30 days PI when compared to samples from control group. The GR activity was significant (P<0.05) increased in serum of dogs infected by E. canis on days 18 and 30 PI. Based on the increased levels of NOx, TBARS, AOPP and GR activity we concluded that dogs experimentally infected by E. canis develop a state of redox imbalance and that these changes might be involved in the pathophysiology of the disease. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Craniometria em cães (Canis familiaris). Aspectos em crânios mesaticéfalos

In this study, a total of 25 skulls of the adult, mongrel and mesaticephalics dogs were used. Craniometric measurements for different parts of the skull were made. Cephalic indices and ratios were calculated. Certain points and landmarks on the skull are recognized in making linear measurements and are inion, bregma, nasion, prosthion, pogonion, basion, euryon, and zygion. Skull height (41,92 mm ± 3,9), skull length (177,72 mm ± 16,22), neurocranium (96,84 mm ± 7,25), viscerocranial (79,24 mm ± 8,72), basal length (140,24 mm ± 12,21), condylobasal (149,32 mm ± 12,21), snout (69,84 mm ± 7,07), nasals (50,08 mm ± 6,77), mandibular (129,88 mm ± 16,3), and of palatal (76,84 mm ± 7,01); width of neurocranium (62,24 mm ± 3,8), and zygomatic (95,44 mm ± 7,85) were obtained. Therefore, were calculated cranial index (53,83 mm ± 3,36), neurocranium (64,48 mm ± 4,69), facial (121,06 mm ± 9,18), basal (44,64 mm ± 4,17), width of the jugular processes (41 mm ± 4,2), of occipital condyles (35,48 mm ± 3,21), and of the foramen magnum (17,48 mm ± 2,27); height of the occipital triangle (38,28 mm ± 3,35), of the foramen magnum (14,36 mm ± 1,07); length of the dorsal notch (16,1 mm ± 1,12), and foramen magnum index (83,71 mm ± 14,44). Although with some differences in measurements, no significant difference was observed between the dimensions and reported to mesaticephalic skulls.

Identificação e análise de polimorfismos no gene que codifica a Lectina ligante de Manose (MBL) na espécie Canis lúpus familiaris

Pós-graduação em Biologia Geral e Aplicada - IBB

Pelvimetria radiográfica em diferentes raças de fêmeas caninas adultas (Canis familiaris-LINNAEUS, 1758)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Efeitos do meloxicam e do carprofeno administrados por diferentes vias no controle da uveíte em cães (Canis familiaris - Linnaeus, 1758)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Efeito da suplementação de cisteína e cisteamina sobre a maturação nuclear de oócitos de fêmeas caninas (Canis familiaris) obtidos por ovariosalpingo-histerectomia durante a fase pré-ovulatória do estro

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Avaliação dos parâmetros espermáticos e caracterização do perfil bioquímico do plasma seminal de cães (Canis familiaris – LINNAEUS, 1758) com hiperplasia prostática benigna, tratados com toxina botulínica A

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Histologia e morfometria do aparelho reprodutor de fêmeas submetidas à ovariosalpingo-histerectomia (Canis familiaris, Linnaeus, 1758)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Alterações clínicas, protéicas do humor aquoso, sorológicas e histopatológicas em olhos de cães (Canis familiaris) (Linnaeus, 1758), infectados experimentalmente, por via conjuntival, com Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi (Cunha & Chagas, 1937)

Pós-graduação em Cirurgia Veterinária - FCAV