Produção irregular e inconstante de oocistos pela ministração de cistos de Toxoplasma gondii Nicole & Manceaux, 1909, em gatos

Como a produção de oocistos pelo T. gondii no gato parece vinculada à forma cística, uma vez que ela não ocorre pela ministração de formas vegetativas (17), cérebros de camundongos e ratos, com infecção crônica de T. gondii, forma ministrados "per os" a um total de 32 gatos. Com uma amostra (TC1) nenhum dos 8 gatos experimentados eliminou oocistos atribuiíveis a T. gondii; e com as outras 3 amostras a produção de oocistos foi de 25% ("pombo") e 37,5% ("sonia" e "AS-28"). Esses resultados forma atribuídos, em parte, à pobreza de cistos nos cérebros ministrados aos gatos; e, em parte, à existência em condições naturais de amostras de "T. gondii" oocistogênicas, paucloocistogênicas e noocistogênicas. Ao contrário dos gatos infectados com formas vegetativas (17), nenhum gato morreu de toxoplasmose; microscopicamente as lesões com toxoplasmas foram de pouca intensidade e o número de reações de Sabin-Feldman (RSF) negativas foi, relativamente, elevado. Foram vistas raras formas evolutivas do T. gondii no epitélio intestinal de um gato, não parasitado por Isospora as quais são menores que as de I. felis e I. rivolta, do mesmo modo que os seus oocistos. Assim como parece não existir imunidade entre as Isospora (I. felis e I. rivolta), também parece não existir imunidade entre estas e o T. gondii. Em 185 gatos examinados, foi encontrado um deles com oocistos de T. gondii em condições naturais (0,54%). É discutida a importância do gato na epidemilogia da toxoplasmose, destacando-se que a descoberta do ciclo sexuado, decisiva para a classificação do parasito, parece não ter tido repercussão semelhante na epidemiologia.

Enteric parasites and HIV infection: occurrence in AIDS patients in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The occurrence of intestinal parasites, its relation with the transmission mechanism of HIV, and the clinical state of the AIDS patients, were analyzed in 99 Group IV patients (CDC, 1986), treated at "Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto" (HUPE), between 1986 and 1988. The group consisted of 79 (79.8%) patients whose HIV transmission mechanism took place through sexual contact and of 16 (20.2%) who were infected through blood. Feces samples from each patient were examined by four distincts methods (Faust et al, Kato-Katz, Baermann-Moraes and Baxby et al.). The moste occuring parasites were: Cryptosporidium sp., Entamoeba coli and Endolimax nana (18.2%), Strongyloides stercoralis and Giardia lambia (15.2%). E. histolytica and/or E. hartmanni (13.1%), Ascaris lumbricoides (11.1%) and Isospora belli (10.1%). Furthermore, 74.7% of the patients carried at least one species. Intestinal parasites were found in 78.5% of the patients who acquired the HIV through sexual intercourse and in 56,3% of those infected by blood contamination. The difference, was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In the group under study, the increase of the occurrence of parasitc infections does not seem to depend on the acquisiton of HIV through sexual contact. It appears that in developing countries, the dependancy is more related to the classic mechanisms of parasites transmission and its endemicity.

Observations on some Avian Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Amazonian Brazil

Oocysts of Eimeria porphyrulae n. sp. are described in faeces of Porphyrula martinica (Aves: Gruiformes: Rallidae). They are ellipsoidal to oval, 22.4 x 17.7 (20.0-23.7 x 16.2-18.7) µm, shape-index (length/width) 1.3. Oocyst wall about 1.25 µm thick, colourless, with two layers: inner one prominently striated. Micropyle and sub-micropylar granule present: no oocyst residuum. Sporocysts 17.5 x 9.0 (17.0-19.0 x 8.0-10.0) µm, shape-index 1.9, with inconspicuous Stieda/sub-Stieda bodies. Sporocyst residuum of scattered granules, sometimes a compact mass: sporozoites with two refractile bodies. Eimeria crypturelli n. sp. is described in faeces of Crypturellus soiu (Tinamiformes: Tinamidae). Oocysts ellipsoidal-oval, 20.75 x 14.5 (17.5-25.0 x 11.25-21.25) µm, shape-index 1.4. Oocysts wall about 1.25 µm thick and bi-layered: inner layer faintly striated. Micropyle present, with oocyst residuum immediately below: single polar body rarely present. Sporocysts 13.0 x 7.5 (12.5-13.75 x 7,5-8.1) µm, shape-index 1.7, with a Stieda body but seemingly no sub-Stieda. Sporocyst residuum compact: sporozoites with two refractile bodies. Isospora cacici n. sp. is recorded from faeces of Cacicus cela cela (Passeriformes: Icteridae). Oocysts subspherical-spherical, 26.5 x 23.7 (22.5-27.5 x 20.0-26.2) µm, shape-index 1.1. Wall a single, colourless layer about 1.5 µm thick. No micropyle or oocyst residuum: 1-2 polar bodies. Sporocysts ellipsoidal, 17.7 x 12.5 (17.5-18.75 x 11.25-13.75) µm, shape-index 1.4, with pronounced Stieda/sub-Stieda bodies: residuum compact and sporozoites with two refractile bodies. Isospora thraupis n. sp. is described from faeces of Thraupis palmarum melanoptera (Passeriformes: Thraupidae). Oocysts subspherial-spherical, 19.9 x 19.0 (18.7-21.2 x 18.75-20.0) µm, shape-index 1.0. Wall about 0.6 µm thick, smooth, colourless and a single layer: no micropyle, oocyst residuum or polar bodies. Sporocysts 14.2 x 9.2 (13.7-16.2 x 8.7-10.0) µm, shape-index 1.5: Stied/sub-Stieda bodies inconspicuous. Residuum compact: sporozoites with two refractile bodies.

Comparative study of four species of Trichuris roederer, 1761 (Nematoda, Trichurinae) by scanning electron microscopy

A comparative morphological study of Trichuris travassosi, T. vulpis, T. discolor and T. suis was perfomed using scanning electron microscopy. Cuticular inflation associated with the bacillar band, vulva and male external genital appendages were analyzed. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of these structures were made for each species; they are of taxonomic value.

Description of the Oocysts of Three New Species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Iguanid Lizards (Sauria: Iguanidae) of Central and South America

Three new species of Eimeria are described from iguanid lizards of Central and South America. The oocysts of each species have no micropyles or residua and the sporocysts lack Stieda bodies, but all have a sporocyst residuum. Eimeria sanctaluciae n.sp. was found in the St. Lucia tree lizard, Anolis luciae, collected from the Maria Islands, Lesser Antilles. The oocysts are spherical to subspherical, averaging 17.3 x 16.5 µm, with a single layered colourless wall; about 60% contain polar granules. The sporocysts are ellipsoidal and average 7.7 x 5.5 µm. Eimeria liolaemi n.sp. was recovered from the blue-gold swift, Liolaemus taenius, from Chile. The oocysts are spherical to subspherical, measuring 21 x 20.1 µm with a single-layered colourless wall. The sporocysts are subspherical and average 7.4 x 6.8 µm. Eimeria caesicia n.sp. is described from the Brazilian collared iguanid, Tropidurus torquatus. The oocysts measure 27.4 x 23.7 µm, are spherical to subspherical, with a bilayered wall, the outer surface of which appears pale blue in colour, the thin, inner wall appearing brown, when viewed by direct light under the optical microscope. The sporocysts are subspherical and average 9.4 x 7.2 µm. Unnamed polysporocystid oocysts with dizoic sporocysts are reported from the faeces of the lesser St. Vincent tree lizard, Anolis trinitatis and the possibility of spurious parasitism briefly discussed. In addition, oocysts of an unnamed Isospora sp. with a smooth oocyst wall which closely resembles I. reui were recovered from A. trinitatis.

Infections by protozoa in immunocompromised hosts

Protozoa are among the most important pathogens that can cause infection in immunocompromised patients. They infect particularly individuals with impaired cell immunity, such as those with hematologic neoplasias, those submitted to transplant of solid organs, those under high-dose corticosteroid therapy, and carriers of the human immunodeficiency virus. Among the protozoa that most commonly cause disease in immunocompromised individuals are Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi, Cryptosporidium parvum, Isospora belli, Cyclospora cayetanensis and microsporidia; the former two cause severe encephalitis and myocarditis, and the others cause gastrointestinal infections. Early diagnosis and prompt institution of specific therapy for each of these organisms are basic measures to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with these infections.

Some coccidial parasites of the lizard Amphisbaena alba (Reptilia: Amphisbaenia: Amphisbaenidae)

Five parasites are described in the lizard Amphisbaena alba (Amphisbaenidae) from the state of Pará, North Brazil. Mature oocysts of Choleoeimeria amphisbaenae n. sp., are passed already mature in the faeces. They are ellipsoidal-cylindrical, average 33.7 x 22.8 µm and are devoid of micropyle, oocyst residuum or polar body. The colourless wall is smooth and of 2 layers. The 4 dizoic sporocysts have no Stieda body and average 13 x 9.3 µm. Endogenous stages develop in the epithelial cells of the gall-bladder in the manner described for the genus and may cause extensive tissue damage. Sporulation of Isospora capanemaensis n. sp., is completed 3 days after the oocysts are voided in the faeces. They average 14.8 x 14.5 µm and have no micropyle, oocyst residuum or polar body. The 2 tetrazoic sporocysts are pear-shaped, average 8.6 x 6.6 and have an inconspicuous Stieda body. Endogenous development is in the epithelial cells of the ileum, and heavy infections cause considerable tissue destruction. Multisporocystic oocysts passed in the faeces of one A. alba possibly originated from an invertebrate host ingested by the lizard. A globidium-like cyst in the digestive tract of A. alba measured 105 x 85 µm and contained many hundreds of merozoites. A stained kidney smear of the same lizard revealed the presence of an unidentified parasite producing multinucleate cyst-like stages.

Paleoparasitological remains revealed by seven historic contexts from "Place d'Armes", Namur, Belgium

Human occupation for several centuries was recorded in the archaeological layers of "Place d'Armes", Namur, Belgium. Preventive archaeological excavations were carried out between 1996/1997 and seven historical strata were observed, from Gallo-Roman period up to Modern Times. Soil samples from cesspools, latrines, and structures-like were studied and revealed intestinal parasite eggs in the different archaeological contexts. Ascaris lumbricoides, A. suum, Trichuris trichiura, T. suis. Taenia sp., Fasciola hepatica, Diphyllobothrium sp., Capillaria sp. and Oxyuris equi eggs were found. Paleoparasitology confirmed the use of structures as latrines or cesspit as firstly supposed by the archaeologists. Medieval latrines were not only used for rejection of human excrements. The finding of Ascaris sp. and Trichuris sp. eggs may point to human's or wild swine's feces. Gallo-Roman people used to eat wild boar. Therefore, both A. suum and T. suis, or A. lumbricoides and T. trichuris, may be present, considering a swine carcass recovered into a cesspit. Careful sediment analysis may reveal its origin, although parasites of domestic animals can be found together with those of human's. Taenia sp. eggs identified in latrine samples indicate ingestion of uncooked beef with cysticercoid larvae. F. hepatica eggs suggest the ingestion of raw contaminated vegetables and Diphyllobothrium sp. eggs indicate contaminated fresh-water fish consumption. Ascaris sp. and Trichuris sp. eggs indicate fecal-oral infection by human and/or animal excrements.

Evidência molecular de Brucella sp. em Ozotoceros bezoarticus (veado campeiro) do Pantanal Sul-Mato-Grossense

A presença de Brucella spp. entre animais silvestres pode influenciar a taxa de reprodução destes hospedeiros, além de atuarem como fonte de infecção natural para os animais domésticos e humanos. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a presença de Brucella spp. em 44 amostras de sangue de veado campeiro (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) do Pantanal do Sul-Mato-Grossense, utilizando a técnica de PCR. Observou-se que 20,4% (9/44) das amostras foram positivas. A sequência consenso de nucleotídeo obtida no sequenciamento do isolado de veado campeiro apresentou 514 pb e 95% de identidade com virB5 de B. abortus (best hits acesso nr AF226278, e-value 0.0), já na análise filogenética a amostra de Brucella isolada de veado campeiro apresentou-se muito próximo de B. suis. A alta porcentagem de amostras positivas sugere que a brucelose pode ser um problema entre os veados campeiros na área estudada e que estes animais podem representar riscos para outros animais domésticos e silvestres.

Isosporoid Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) parasites of tanagers (Passeriformes: Thraupidae) from the Marambaia Island, Brazil

In recent years some coccidian parasites of birds were recorded in Marambaia Island, which is a protected environment with a great biodiversity of birds, mainly tanagers. In this current study Isospora tiesangui, I. sepetibensis, I. ramphoceli, I. navarroi, I. cadimi and I. marambaiensis were identified according to their respective thraupid hosts of the Marambaia Island. These species were characterized with histograms, linear regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The main feature of identification was the morphology of the sporocyst, mainly Stieda and substieda bodies, since the morphometry did not provide sufficient differentiation. Besides, Dacnis cayana and Thraupis palmarum were reported as new hosts to I. sepetibensis and I. navarroi respectively.

Development and evaluation of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid detection of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae based the dsbE-like gene

This paper reports on the development and validation of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (LAMP) for the rapid and specific detection of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (A. pleuropneumoniae). A set of six primers were designed derived from the dsbE-like gene of A.pleuropneumoniae and validate the assay using 9 A. pleuropneumoniae reference/field strains, 132 clinical isolates and 9 other pathogens. The results indicated that positive reactions were confirmed for all A. pleuropneumoniae strains and specimens by LAMP at 63ºC for 60 min and no cross-reactivity were observed from other non-A.pleuropneumoniae including Haemophilus parasuis, Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multocida, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus suis, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and Pseudorabies virus. The detection limit of the conventional PCR was 10² CFU per PCR test tube, while that of the LAMP was 5 copies per tube. Therefore, the sensitivity of LAMP was higher than that of PCR. Moreover, the LAMP assay provided a rapid yet simple test of A. pleuropneumoniae suitable for laboratory diagnosis and pen-side detection due to ease of operation and the requirement of only a regular water bath or heat block for the reaction.

Levantamento qualitativo de gêneros de parasitos em amostras fecais de jacarés criados comercialmente em sistema fechado no estado do Rio de Janeiro

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi realizar um diagnóstico qualitativo dos gêneros de parasitos encontrados em amostras fecais ambientais de jacarés (Caiman latirostris Daudin, 1802), criados comercialmente em sistema fechado, no período de 2008 a 2009, no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Um total de 300 amostras foi coletado de 150 filhotes, 80 de animais de engorda e 70 de reprodução, e submetido a análises coproparasitológicas, de flutuação (método de Willis-Mollay) e sedimentação simples (método de Lutz), de acordo com Hoffmann (1987). As amostras foram visualizadas à luz da microscopia óptica. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram a presença de oocistos de Eimeria e Isospora, cistos de Balantidium e ovos de Acanthostomum e Dujardinascaris.

Prevalência e fatores de risco para brucelose suína em Mossoró-RN

A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo determinar a prevalência da brucelose e seus fatores de risco no rebanho suíno de Mossoró/RN. Compreendeu um estudo epidemiológico transversal e de abordagem quantitativa, no qual foram coletadas 412 amostras sanguíneas de suínos provenientes dos principais produtores do município e realizada inspeção das criações com entrevistas aos produtores. Anticorpos anti-Brucella spp. foram detectados pelo teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT) e confirmados pela reação de fixação de complemento (RFC). A prevalência da brucelose nos suínos foi de 27,0% no teste de AAT e 17,5% na RFC. Em 55% das propriedades pesquisadas havia pelo menos um animal positivo, e a prevalência nestas variou de 6,7% a 80,0%. Os fatores de risco que estavam influenciando a ocorrência da doença foram: a presença de ratos nas criações, o contato com bovinos e a faixa etária jovem dos animais. Os resultados do estudo permitiram concluir que o agente etiológico da brucelose estava circulando em suínos do município de Mossoró-RN, com elevada prevalência no rebanho e nas propriedades, evidenciando o risco de transmissão desta zoonose para o homem.

Pericardite em suínos ao abate no Rio Grande Sul: avaliação de agentes bacterianos e lesões associadas

O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar a frequência de lesões macroscópicas e microscópicas e dos agentes bacterianos envolvidos em pericardites em suínos no abate no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. As amostras foram coletadas em frigoríficos de suínos com Serviço de Inspeção Federal (SIF) entre fevereiro a outubro de 2010 e a condenação por pericardite dos animais acompanhados foi de 3,9% (299/7.571). No total foram investigados 91 casos de pericardites, 89% deles foram classificados como crônicos por histopatologia e pleurite crônica foi observada em 47% dos pulmões correspondentes, todavia não houve associação significativa entre as duas lesões. Os agentes bacterianos isolados a partir dos corações foram Streptococcus spp., Pasteurella multocida, Haemophilus parasuis e Streptococcus suis. DNA bacterianos mais detectados pela PCR foram de Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae e Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. Houve associação significativa entre isolamento de P. multocida e Streptococcus sp. nos corações e pulmões correspondentes. Esses resultados sugerem que a infecção no pulmão possa ter servido de porta de entrada para a colonização do pericárdio adjacente. Apesar de M. hyopneumoniae ter sido o agente detectado com maior frequência pela PCR em corações e pulmões correspondentes, não houve associação significativa da detecção dos agentes nos órgãos. Isto sugere que as infecções foram eventos independentes. Os demais agentes investigados não apresentaram associação significativa entre isolamento ou detecção de DNA em coração e pulmão correspondente. Outro achado importante foi a presença de coinfecções bacterianas em 2% dos corações e por PCR foi detectado DNA bacteriano de dois ou mais agentes em 16,5% dos corações. Esses resultados sugerem que as coinfecções em pericardites precisam ser melhor estudadas.

Gastrointestinal parasites of swine raised in different management systems in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract: From 2012 to 2013 were surveyed gastrointestinal parasites from pig farms located in different municpaliyies in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Fecal samples from 790 pigs were collected from the rectum on 88 family farms and 702 farms with industrial production. The samples were subjected to Faust et al., Sheather, Ritchie, Lutz and direct examination faecal techniques. The estimated parasite prevalence was 93.1% in family farms and 59.1% in industrial farms. Balantidium coli, coccidia and Entamoeba sp. were the parasites with the highest frequencies, and the male and female reproductive categories and fatteners pigs the most infected (p<0.05). Trophozoites of B. coli were most evident in stool samples from semi-solid followed by solid and diarrheal consistencies. Strongyles eggs and Trichuris suis have been detected exclusively in family farms. Ascaris suum eggs and Strongyloides ransomi showed low frequency. The high degree of parasitism, especially protozoa, indicates the need to reassess the management of pigs in both types of production.