Leptospira spp. antibodies in captive coatis (Nasua nasua Storr, 1780) (Carnivora: Procyonidae)

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

Toxoplasma gondii infection in wild boars (Sus scrofa) bred in Brazil

Domestic pigs are considered to be important sources of Toxoplasma gondii infection for humans. Due to the increased consumption of wild boar meat in Brazil, this species may also be an important source of the parasite. The objective of the present study was to detect T. gondii infection in 306 blood samples collected from wild boars bred in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Samples were analyzed using the modified agglutination test (MAT), and 14 (4.5%) of them yielded positive results. Modern breeding techniques may have contributed to the low frequency of infection observed. Results indicated that wild boars were exposed to T. gondii and that the consumption of this kind of meat may represent a source of infection for humans. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Leptospiral antibodies in wild boars (Sus scrofa) bred in Brazil

In the recent years, the wild boar (Sus scrofa) trade has increased in Brazil. The present study aimed to detect Leptospira spp. infection in 308 blood samples from wild boars bred in São Paulo state, Brazil. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was performed using 29 serovars. Sixty three (63; 20.45%) animals tested positive against the serovars Hardjo (29/63; 46.0%), Copenhageni (11/63; 17.4%), Pomona (8/63; 12.7%), Pyrogenes (4/63; 6.3%), Wolfii (4/63; 6.3%), Autumnalis (3/63; 4.7%), Icterohaemorraghiae (2/63; 3.1%), and Hardjo-miniswajezak (1/63; 15.8%). These results indicate that captive wild boars were infected with Leptospira spp. and may represent a source of infection to humans and other animals.

First identification of Sarcocystis tenella (Railliet, 1886) Moule, 1886 (Protozoa: Apicomplexa) by PCR in naturally infected sheep from Brazil

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

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in the milk of experimentally infected Wistar female rats

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

Genotypic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep from Brazilian slaughterhouses: New atypical genotypes and the clonal type II strain identified

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

An in vitro growth inhibition test for measuring the potency of Leptospira spp. Sejroe group vaccine in buffaloes

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

Chlamydophila psittaci and Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigeons (Columba livia) from São Paulo State, Brazil

Pigeons (Columba livia) cohabit with humans in urban and rural areas, representing a public health problem since microorganisms are transmitted through the inhalation of dust from their dry feces (chlamydiosis) and through ingestion of their undercooked or poorly refrigerated meat (toxoplasmosis). This study aimed to evaluate the presence of Chlamydophila psittaci and Toxoplasma gondii in pigeons from four cities in São Paulo State, Brazil. C psittaci was evaluated through hemi-nested polymerase chain reaction (hnPCR) using cloacal and tracheal swabs, whereas T. gondii specific antibodies were assessed by means of modified agglutination test (MAT), mouse brain and muscle bioassay, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To confirm the infection in mice, T. gondii antibodies were assayed by using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Considering C. psittaci, 40/238 (16.8%; 95%CI 12.6-22.1%) samples were positive according to hnPCR, especially for the cities of São Paulo (42.5%) and Bauru (35%). As regards T. gondii, 12/238 (5%; 95%CI 2.9-8.6%) serum samples were positive according to MAT. of these, five samples had titer equal to 1:8; six samples, 1:16; and one sample, 1:32. Bioassay, IFAT and PCR were negative for mouse toxoplasmosis. The absence of T. gondii antibodies suggests that pigeons may be infected with a low concentration of the agent, not detected by the antigen test. Thus, C. psittaci represents an actual problem concerning bird health. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Serological profile of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection in commercial sheep from São Paulo State, Brazil

Neosporosis and toxoplasmosis are two important infections in young and adult sheep, leading to low production and abortion. This study aimed to determine the frequency of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in sheep from the eastern region of São Paulo State, Brazil. Serum samples (382) were collected from the sheep and assayed for T. gondii through modified agglutination test (MAT) and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), and for N. caninum antibodies, through IFAT, with cut-off titers equal to 16 (T. gondii) and 25 (N. caninum). All frozen samples were sent to the Center for Zoonoses Research (NUPEZO), Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health (DHSVP), FMVZ, UNESP, for serological tests. A total of 71/382(18.6%) samples reacted to T. gondii, especially at titers 16 (28; 39.4%), 64(15; 21.1%), 256 (21; 29.6%) and 1024 (6; 8.5%) by MAT, and 16(34: 47.9%), 64 (18; 25.4%), 256 (14; 19.7%) and 1024 (5; 7%) by IFAT. As regards N. caninum, 49/382 (12.8%) samples reacted at titers 25 (17; 34.7%), 50 (11; 22.5%), 100 (11; 22.5%), and >= 200 (10; 20.4%). These animals presented infection but no clinical signs. Six and ten animals had high titers for toxoplasmosis and neosporosis. No significant association was observed between antibodies for both parasites (P = 0.535) according to Fisher's exact test, and no correlation was found between T. gondii (MAT) and N. caninum antibody titers (r = -0.0068; P=0.895), T. gondii (IFAT) and N. caninum antibody titers (r = -0.0025; P = 0.961). Thus, T. gondii and N. caninum infections were observed in farms located in São Paulo State, where sheep play an important economical role for the national and regional business. (C) 2010 Elsevier By. All rights reserved.

Recrudescence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in chronically infected rats (Rattus norvegicus)

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

SEROLOGIC SURVEY FOR LEPTOSPIRA SPP. IN CAPTIVE NEOTROPICAL FELIDS IN FOZ do IGUACU, PARANA, BRAZIL

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

Seroprevalence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in dogs in Bahia, Brazil

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in dogs living in the urban area of the city of Ilheus, Bahia, Brazil using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) to investigate 24 serovars. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to dog owners to collect data about demography, husbandry and environmental factors. The prevalence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in the population of 282 dogs was 7.1% (95% confidence interval: 4.4-10.7%). Serovar Copenhageni was the most prevalent, followed by serovars Bratislava, Canicola and Gryppotyphosa. No risk factor was detected with regard to demography (age, gender and breed), husbandry (Leptospira vaccinations, food and water exposure through their environment, hunting habits, contact with other animals and contact with rats) and environmental factors (sewage network, garbage collection, history of flooding, river proximity and wastelands). Despite the low prevalence found in this study, the seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. in healthy dogs in Ilheus indicates the presence of this agent in the environment, which may be a source of human infection. Knowledge of the serovars present in this environment is important for understanding the epidemiology of leptospirosis and establishing public health policies aimed at its control. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp. infection in captive crab-eating foxes, Cerdocyon thous (Carnivora, Canidae) from Brazil

The zoonoses toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis are important worldwide and also affect wild animals. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the prevalence of Leishmania spp. and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in 52 serum samples from captive crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) kept in 17 zoos in São Paulo State, Brazil. Modified agglutination test (MAT, for toxoplasmosis) and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT, for toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis) were employed with heterologous anti-dog immunoglobulin. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 19.2% animals, with an almost perfect concordance (kappa = 0.86; standard error = 9.31%; CI95% = 68.25-104.76%; P < 0.0001) and a strong correlation coefficient (rs = 0.87; P < 0.0001), which allows the use of heterologous anti-dog immunoglobulin to perform IFAT for toxoplasmosis in crab-eating foxes. No sample was positive for Leishmania spp. Toxoplasmosis infection occurs in wild animals from the studied Brazilian zoos, which indicates a probable environmental contamination, highlighting the importance of appropriate zoo management and the action of the parasite as a sentinel to human infection. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.