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Abstract The saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola, a passerine bird, can be found in nearly all Brazilian territory and is also raised in captivity. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence and load of oocysts in captive saffron finches in the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, state of Rio de Janeiro and in free-living saffron finches in the municipality of Eugenopolis, state of Minas Gerais. In this analysis, 30 captive and 30 wild birds were assessed. Feces eliminated in a 24-hour period were collected and weighed to determine the number of oocysts per gram of feces (OoPG). Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism Software. All birds in the present study were positive for one or more species of coccidia. Captive birds had a mean total oocyst count higher than that of wild birds. No significant differences in OoPG counts were observed when comparing males and females or captive and wild birds. We can conclude that due to the fact that birds both eat and defecate in their cages, it is essential to keep them as clean as possible, since captive birds have a higher prevalence of coccidia.

ABSTRACT Cryptosporidium spp. are important enteropathogen protozoan parasites that infect humans and other animals throughout the world. Cryptosporidiosis in cattle industry leads to considerable economic losses due to diarrhea, dehydration, growth retardation, weight loss, and possibly death, however, data on the occurrence ofCryptosporidiumspp. in cattle in Colombia are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence and possible factors associated to the excretion of Cryptosporidium spp. oocyst in pre-weaned calves from dairy farms in Northern Antioquia, Colombia. In addition, Sheather’s sugar floatation (SSF), and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining (MZN) methods were compared. A total of 41 fecal samples were collected from calves between 1 and 92 days of age of which 23 were positive (56.1%). Crossbreed calves were nine times less susceptible than purebred dairy cattle to excretion of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts (OR=0.10). MZN was the best technique for the detection of oocysts in fecal samples, however, the mean number of days to detect cryptosporidial oocysts was lower for the SSF method. Cryptosporidium is widespread among calves under 2 months of age in dairy herds of Northern Antioquia, although further investigations considering a greater number of farms and animals are necessary.

ABSTRACT From 2015 to 2021 the prevalence of parasites was evaluated in fecal samples of dogs from the municipality of Niterói, RJ. The samples were examined at the Laboratory of Diagnostic Support in Parasitic Diseases (LADDP) of the Veterinary School at the Federal Fluminense University (UFF), using centrifugal flotation, sedimentation and mini-FLOTAC techniques. Of the 1,037 samples examined, 30.6% (318/1,037) showed positive results for some parasitic infections, of which 80.5% (256/318) were positive for only one species of parasite and 19.5% (62/318) for multiple infections. Parasitism by Ancylostoma caninum was the most prevalent, with 39% (124/318), followed by Giardia sp., 16% (51/318); Toxocara canis, 14.5% (46/318); Trichuris vulpis, 8.5% (27/318); Cystoisospora canis, 8.5% (27/318); Dipylidium caninum, 7.9% (25/318); and Cryptosporidium sp., 5.6% (18/318). The parasitological diagnosis of dogs in urban areas is the best choice to evaluate the efficacy of control measures adopted for parasitic infections, including those with zoonotic importance.

This study aimed to evaluate the profile of fecal progesterone metabolites throughout pregnancy in sows. Thus, we collected fecal samples from five pregnant female pigs from before mating to 15 days after parturition. Fecal progesterone metabolites showed average levels of 13,546.57±12,808.08 (308.11-78,067.82) ng/g of dry feces during pregnancy, and an increasing profile, reaching maximum levels close to parturition. The data corroborate the serum hormonal profile already described in the literature. The hormonal dynamics also expresses the delay in progesterone metabolism in the species. The results demonstrate that the analysis of fecal progesterone metabolites is a simple and non-invasive tool for longitudinal hormonal monitoring of pregnancy in swine, reducing the inherent risks and stress in restraining and handling the animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal bacteria form a complex ecosystem and play an important role in the maintenance of host homeostasis. Serious interventions can sometimes lead to the degradation of this ecosystem, such as through disease and / or the use of antibiotics. This report aims to demonstrate the use of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (TMF) as an adjuvant therapy in two cases of chronic diarrhea refractory to conventional therapy in two canines under one year old. After having presented hemorrhagic gastroenteritis secondary to parvovirus, despite clinical improvement and discharge, both remained with soft stools and difficulty in gaining weight. Were treated with four antimicrobials without improvement, diarrhea ceased after treatments with TMF. It is concluded that, as in other species, TMF may have assisted in the resolution of clinical signs of the patient and may be used as adjuvant in conventional supportive therapy in the treatment of chronic diarrhea in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify the presence of eggs, cysts and oocysts of potentially zoonotic parasites, in fecal samples from dogs and cats in the vicinity of municipal schools in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and in sand samples from their recreational squares. The material collected came from 41 schools in the city's seven neighborhoods. Stool samples were analyzed using the coproparasitological techniques of Willis Mollay, Faust and Hoffmann, Pons and Janer. The sand, in turn, through the techniques of centrifugal flotation and Rugai. The results showed that of the 167 fecal samples analyzed, 71.3% (119/167) were positive for parasites. Ancylostoma was the most prevalent genus, identified in 52.1% of the samples, followed by Trichuris vulpis (19.8%), Giardia spp. (15.0%), Toxocara spp. (9.0%), Dipylidium caninum (4.8%), Cystoisospora spp. (2.4%) and Spirometra sp. (2.4%). In the sands, there was a predominance of Toxocara spp., And Ancylostoma spp, observed in 18.7% and 14.8%, respectively, in recreational areas. These results show the need for practices that prevent and control parasitic infections, such as responsible guarding of dogs and cats living in the home and control of semi-domesticated or abandoned animals, as the presence of these parasites in and around schools is a public health problem, due to the possibility of zoonoses transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gray water is defined as wastewater from domestic use, which does not mix with fecal matter. The aims of this work is to evaluate the efficiency of gray water on chlorophyll content in millet foliar tissue (Pennisetum glaucum). The experiment was conducted at the Department of Agronomic and Forestry Sciences at the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid. The experimental design used was in randomized blocks with 6 replications and 5 controls, totaling 30 plots. The controls consisted of water supply (WS), treated gray water (TGW), being distributed as follows: T1: 100% WS and 0% TGW; T2: 75% WS and 25% TGW; T3: 50% WS and 50% TGW; T4: 25% WS and 75% TGW, and T5: 0% WS and 100% TGW. After readings of the relative chlorophyll index using a chlorophyll meter, the plants were collected and analyzed in relationship between the relative chlorophyll index and the dry mass (dry mass of vegetable part, dry mass of the part aerial, dry mass of the panicle). The irrigation with treated gray water promotes a higher chlorophyll content in the millet leaf tissue. The dry mass of the part aerial has a high correlation with the relative chlorophyll index, and this index can be used for to estimate biomass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of Clostridioides difficile and its toxins (A/B) in the feces of domestic animals at a University Veterinary Hospital in Teresina - PI. The detection of C. difficile and its toxins was performed by an immunogenic enzyme, called C. Diff Quik Chek Complete® (TECHLAB), capable of detecting antigen glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and A/B toxins produced by this bacillus, performed in fecal samples of dogs (C. lupus) and cats (Felis catus) collected between August 2019 and September 2020.:54 stools were analyzed, of which 16 were positive for C. difficile (29.63%). 68.75% (11/16) belonged to canines, while 3.25% (5/16) to felines. Diarrheal and non-diarrheal diseases are used for the study and a higher prevalence of bacillus can be identified in diarrheal diseases (33%). None of the samples present pathogen toxins. The results of this study show that C. difficile is present in the state of Piauí. It can be identified in all species and in diarrheal or non-diarrheic samples, demonstrating that this infection can be symptomatic and asymptomatic, giving the possibility of cross-infection between the animal and its owner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoparasitic infections are often observed in dogs and cats, since parasites spread easily among them, mainly in animal shelter environments, where animals remain close to each other. In addition, several parasitic infections are classified as zoonoses. Thus, the aim of the current study is to investigate the frequency of endoparasites affecting dogs and cats sheltered in a municipal kennel in Zona da Mata (Forest Zone) region, Minas Gerais State, using the Hoffman, Pons and Janer (HPJ) method to perform the coproparasitological analysis. In total, 91 fecal samples were evaluated: 56 samples from adult dogs; 9, from puppies; 16, from adult cats; and 10, from kitties. Collected samples were processed based on the method by Hoffman, Pons and Janer (HPJ), whose principle lies on simple sedimentation. Sixty-nine (n=69; 75.8%) of the 91 fecal samples tested positive for one, or more, endoparasite egg or cyst type. There was a variable occurrence of parasitic agents among the species and age groups studied. Therefore, the importance of performing coproparasitological tests on animals from shelters to identify endoparasites is highlighted, in an attempt to direct the treatment and prevent the transmission of parasitic agents between animals. Furthermore, it was found that the technique used to analyze the samples in this study is capable of detecting the most varied types of intestinal parasite eggs and cysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to compare the effects of the replacement of beet pulp for increasing rice bran levels on digestibility, fecal characteristics, and feeding preference of commercial dog food. Eight adult Beagle dogs were used in a double latin square (4x4) design. The dogs were provided with four different diets: control (0% fiber source inclusion), 5% beet pulp (PO), 5% rice bran (5% RB), and 10% rice bran (10%RB). Dry matter (DM) digestibility of the control and 5% PO diets were higher than the diet containing 5% RB and 10% RB (P<0,05). In the same way, the beet pulp diet increased the crude protein (CP) digestibility compared to the control and RB groups (p<0,05). Otherwise, both RB groups (5% and 10%) showed higher metabolizable energy levels (ME) than the diet containing PO. Regarding fecal characteristics, ammonia concentration and fecal dry matter (DMf) in the 5% PO group were lower compared to the control and RB groups (5% and 10%) (p<0,05). Fecal sialic acid production did not differ between treatments (p>0,05). In feeding preference trial, the intake ratio was higher for diet containing 10% RB (p<0,05). The inclusion of 10% RB replacing sugar beet pulp reduces the DM, CP digestibility and ME of the diet. In contrast, it increases the contents of DMf without changing the intake and fecal sialic acid production, therefore, being a viable alternative to beet pulp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal protozoa in dogs and cats in the southern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. To carry out this study, the results of stool examinations of fecal samples analyzed at the Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Federal University of Pelotas between January 2019 and July 2021 were used. During this period, 334 samples were received and analyzed, 265 from dogs and 69 from cats. The techniques used to analyze the material were Willis Mollay and Faust. It was observed that 23.8% (63/265) of the dog samples and 24.6% (17/69) of the cat samples were positive for protozoa. The most prevalent parasite in dogs was Giardia spp., present in 15.5% (41/265) of the samples, while in cats there was a predominance of Cystoisospora spp. (14.5%). The results found in this work indicate that there is a high prevalence of gastrointestinal protozoa in dogs and cats in the southern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, highlighting the need to adopt preventive measures to minimize the exposure of animals to these agents and subsequent dissemination in the environment, aiming at the protection of animal and human health. Furthermore, due to the fact that clinical manifestations, when present, are nonspecific, it is extremely important to carry out stool tests for the definitive diagnosis of these agents and for the ideal treatment to be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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ABSTRACT: The present study was aimed at subtyping of Stx1 and Stx2 genes and characterization of antimicrobial resistance in 106 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains isolated from cattle and sheep feces. PCR was used to determine the subtypes, and the disk-diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance. Ten antibiotics from five different classes were tested. Among the isolates of bovine origin, two subtypes of Stx1 (Stx1a and Stx1c), and four subtypes of Stx2 (Stx2a, Stx2b, Stx2c, and Stx2d) were identified. In isolates of sheep origin, two subtypes of Stx1 (Stx1a and Stx1c), and four subtypes of Stx2 (Stx2a, Stx2b, Stx2c, and Stx2 g) were identified. The results obtained suggest the presence of high diversity in Stx1 and Stx2 genes. Further, 96.6% (57/59) of bovine fecal strains and 89.4% (42/47) of sheep fecal strains showed resistance to at least one tested antibiotic. In both animal species, most strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR) (67.8% in cattle and 59.6% in sheep), with no significant difference between host animals. Adult animals were eight times more likely to have STEC with greater pathogenic potential. STEC with the highest pathogenic potential were three times more likely to be multidrug-resistant than STEC with the lowest pathogenic potential. The data reported in this study suggests the occurrence of strains with high potential pathogenicity in the region studied. Therefore, the ruminants of this region are carriers of strains that can cause infections in humans.

Cryptosporidium spp. is a protozoan that infects a wide range of vertebrate hosts; it has been reported to be the cause of severe illness or death in livestock worldwide, which leads to decreased performance and production losses, especially in young animals. This study investigated the presence of Cryptosporidium in calves from beef farms in the state of Mato Grosso, midwestern Brazil. For this purpose, fecal samples from 237 animals aged ? 45 days, raised in 20 rural properties were subjected to DNA extraction and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) targeting 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene followed by sequencing. Additionally, positive samples, previously identified as Cryptosporidium parvum by sequencing and phylogenetic analyses based on 18S rRNA gene, were subsequently analyzed focusing the amplification and sequencing using nPCR of a fragment of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. Of the 237 fecal samples analyzed by PCR (18S rRNA), 50 (21.1%) fecal samples were positive for Cryptosporidium spp., while 14 (70%) of the 20 properties had at least one positive animal. The following Cryptosporidium species were detected: C. bovis, C. parvum, and C. ryanae. Thereafter, two potentially zoonotic subtypes (IIaA15G2R1 and IIaA16G3R1) of C. parvum were identified based on gp60 gene sequences. This study resulted in the detection of subtype IIaA16G3R1 for the first time in South America and showed a wide distribution of the protozoan in beef farms in the studied area of the State.

Abstract Endoparasitic infections are associated with morbidity in cats. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of endoparasites among cats of different life stages in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The samples were analyzed individually by macroscopic exploration for proglottids and centrifugal-flotation. Stool samples were obtained from household cats (n = 57) and shelter cats (n = 336). Endoparasites were detected in 50.64% of the samples. Among household and shelter cats, 21.05% and 55.66% were infected with endoparasites, respectively. In household cats, the most prevalent endoparasites were Ancylostoma spp. (in 25.0%) and Strongyloides spp. (in 25.0%), followed by Toxocara spp. (in 16.67%), Dipylidium caninum (in 16.67%), Cystoisospora spp. (in 8.33%), and Uncinaria spp. + Ancylostoma spp. (in 8.33%). In shelter cats, the most prevalent endoparasite was Ancylostoma spp. (in 29.41%), followed by Cystoisospora spp. (in 26.20%) and Toxocara spp. (in 16.58%), as well as Cystoisospora spp. + Toxocara spp. (in 8.02%); Ancylostoma spp. + Toxocara spp. (in 11.76%); Cystoisospora spp. + Ancylostoma spp. (in 3.74%); Cystoisospora spp. + Toxocara spp. + Ancylostoma spp. (in 3.21%); and Dipylidium caninum + Ancylostoma spp. (in 0.53%). Endoparasitic infections in cats underscore the need for preventive veterinary care and routine coproparasitologic tests.

Paralytic ileus is an obstruction of the functional type, in which the intestinal lumen is patent, compromising the passage of the intake in the intestine. The objective of this study was to describe three cases in dairy cows treated in the hospital routine diagnosed with paralytic ileus. In their histories, the owners complained that the animals presented reduced appetite, ruminal tympany, decreased milk yield and elimination of faeces. At the physical examination, some clinical signs were prominent in both, such as apathy, dehydration, reduction of ruminal and intestinal motility, faeces were present in small quantity and with mucus present, abdominal enlargement and the succession produced sloshing sounds. In the analysis of the ruminal fluid, the chloride content in both was high (>30 mEq/L), characterizing an obstructive process. In the face of the findings, a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction was initially suspected. In animals, the adopted approach was to perform an exploratory laparotomy through the right flank, but it was verified that there was no segment with mechanical obstruction that justified the physical and laboratorial alterations found. In view of these results, a clinical diagnosis indicative of paralytic ileus was established. The three animals were submitted to a postsurgical therapeutic protocol consisting of antibiotic therapy, anti-inflammatory, calcium, pro-kinetic and supportive treatment. The animals showed a favourable response to therapeutic treatment, with restoration of gastrointestinal function and other physiological parameters, and was discharged after a clinical evolution ranging from ten to twelve days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of the detection of RNA of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in feces samples from infected patients, this article presents information about the advantages of using environmental modelling of sewage systems for mass diagnosis of COVID-19, especially in the Brazilian context. The literature review was conducted mainly in electronic scientific databases, including articles, technical reports, and national and international institutional publications. Although, so far, few studies have indicated the potential for SARS-CoV-2 contamination by sanitary sewage, the reported results showed that this question needs to be considered in health surveillance actions. The wastewater-based epidemiology has been used successfully to track and provide early warning of virus outbreaks. In Brazil, considering the increase in cases of COVID-19, the limitations of mass testing, and poor sanitation conditions, strengthening the surveillance of sewage systems may direct the actions of the Unified Health System and other sectors to face this pandemic. Accordingly, the use of modelling is opportune to simulate and estimate the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections, as well as the spread of the pandemic in a given area, constituting a complementary alternative to the clinical screening procedures, helping to promote better public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. are parasites and have been reported in many species of mammals, including humans. The goal of this research was to investigate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in 45-days-old pigs. Fecal samples of 107 pigs were collected at three alternate days in piggeries in Araçatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil. Cryptosporidium oocysts were observed in 4.7% (5/107) of animals by Kinyoun acid-fast stain method and cysts of Giardia spp. were observed in 1.9% (2/107) of the animals by the method of Faust. Of all animals, 85 presented feces with normal consistency and 22 showed diarrhea in at least one collection. Two diarrheic samples showed positivity for both Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. From these results it is possible to infer that the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia was low because of the good management practices and both protozoa were not associated the presence of symptoms.

Cyniclomyces guttulatus is a commensal fungus of the digestive tract of rabbits and rodents, but it has also been diagnosed in dogs, being responsible for diarrhea, and it may also be present in healthy dogs. A faecal sample of dogs with chronic diarrhea and vomiting was received at the Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases of the Federal University of Pelotas, for coproparasitological analysis. The sample was analyzed through the techniques of Willis-Mollay (1921), Faust (1938) and Hoffman, Pons and Janer (1934), with no genus of gastrointestinal parasite. However, through the Faust method, structures compatible with C. guttulatus were evidenced. From the diagnosis, treatment with fluconazole 5mg / kg was instituted. After treatment, the tutor reported that there was resolution of the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work was developed with common Curimatã fingerlings in a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) whose flow occurs from the culture tank, through a series of treatments, and returning to the same tank. The excrements, feed rest, urine and faeces, were sent to the aqueous medium and subjected to a mechanical-biological filtration process to remove suspended material and promote the digestion of contaminants by anaerobic bacteria. A total of 180 common Curimatã (Prochilodus cearaensis) fingerlings of different initial sizes, but same age: 40 large, 100 medium (two groups: 50 + 50) and 40 small ones were fed three times daily with commercial ration (Free Ribe 40% PB, for fish), plus Spirulina. There was a compensatory growth of the small ones, that reached the big, and surpassing the average ones in the final size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate endozoochory dispersal, recuperation, and germination of weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.) and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli L.) seeds passed through the digestive system of cattle. The experiment was divided into two phases: first, the daily seed recuperation rate was determined after passing through the digestive system of six steers. Each animal was dosed individually with 1000 weedy rice seeds and 13,818 barnyardgrass seeds, and these seeds were subsequently collected from feces. In the second phase, seed germination and emergence rate after passing or not passing through the digestive system of cattle were determined in two types of substrates (fecal plaque and soil) in a 2×2 factorial design. Seed recuperation in feces showed sigmoid behavior with maximum recovery on the second day after dosage. The recuperation of the species in the feces was 50.9% and 23.4% for weedy rice and barnyardgrass, respectively, which shows that both have potential endozoochory dispersal. However, seed germination of these species reduced after they passed through the digestive system, and they presented inferior emergence in the fecal plaque compared to the soil. The quarantine period for animals that ingest weedy rice and barnyardgrass seeds should be at least 6 and 7 days, respectively.

We collected 50 samples of curasow feces from the Scientific and Cultural Breeding Center in the city of Poços de Caldas. The samples were enriched in broth medium Tetrationato and Cystineselenite and plated on Salmonella Shigella (SS), Mac Conkey (MC), endo-C (EC), Brilliant Green (VB) and Eosyn Methilen Blue EMB, remaining at 37 °C for 24h. Colonies suspected of Salmonella were inoculated in tubes containing Agar Triple Sugar Iron (TSI) and again incubated at 37 ºC for 24h. Tubes with characteristic growth were submitted to slide agglutination test with polyvalent somatic and flagellar serum. The medium SS, MC and VB were the most efficient for growing, and 36% of samples were positive for Salmonella spp. As birds are important reservoirs of Salmonella spp and it may represent a high risk to human health, there is a need to implement a cleaning routine in enclosures avoiding contamination between the enclosures and the consequent entrainment of these micro-organisms, by the keepers until their homes or other venues. The presence of Salmonella in breeding centers may be responsible for lower hatchability of eggs, undermining the purpose of the entity, which is to study and maintain the various birds species.

Introduction: Cryptosporidiosis is a worldwide disease whose characteristics range from absence of symptoms to severe diarrhea. The present study aimed to detect Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in older adults living in long-term care facilities in the city of Lages, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The situation of this parasitosis, which is relatively unknown in the older population, was evaluated using an easy and low-cost diagnostic method, although not always performed in laboratory routine. Methods: Stool samples were obtained from 93 older adults living in long-term care facilities from September to November 2015. Results: Protozoan oocysts were detected by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. Positivity for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts was 6.45% (6/93). Regarding sex, 8.9% (4/45) of women and 2.1% (2/48) of men were positive. All patients were aged between 60 and 70 years. Regarding fecal consistency, all samples were described as diarrhea. Conclusion: Cryptosporidiosis is an important, debilitating parasitic infection that affects older age and needs to be addressed. Caregivers must be aware of it in order to provide appropriate care, especially in terms of individual hygiene and use of tools that may transmit infection to other older adults living in these facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schistosomiasis is one of the world's major parasitic diseases due to its prevalence and economic consequences in public health where it occurs. Estimates indicate that 779 million people are at risk of infection and 243 million people needed treatment in 2011. In Brazil, schistosomiasis has been reported in northeastern, southeastern and southern states, affecting approximately six million individuals. In the state of Paraná the dissemination of mollusks of the Planorbidae family is found in 102 municipalities. The objective was to verify the status of transmission of schistosomiasis in an urban area of the city of Bandeirantes, Paraná. It is a descriptive epidemiological study ofcross-sectional character, carried out in two stages. In the first stage a retrospective study was done of cases of the disease and in the second a questionnaire was done on the individuals' behavior, sanitary and environmental conditions of Vila São Pedro. At this stage the feces of 301 inhabitants of this village were collected and examined by the Kato-Katz. It was found only nine (2.99%) individuals infected with Schistosoma mansoni, of which two were classified as moderate / high level of infection. The results showed a significant reduction of schistosomiasis cases in the city of Bandeirantes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work had as objective to evaluate the effects of high grain diets on fecal parameters in 20 Nellore bovines at 28 months of age. The experimental design was completely randomized. Treatments were constituted of the following diets: total mixed ration + sugarcane bagasse DT + BIN (10% in natura sugarcane bagasse, 54.52% ground sorghum, 10.94% cottonseed, 18% soybean hull, 2.54% soybean meal, and 4% premix); whole corn grain MGI (75% whole corn grain, 10% soybean hull, and 15% premix) and total mixed ration DT (44.41% ground sorghum, 16.7% cottonseed, 28.89% soybean meal, and 10% premix). For the assessment of feces pH and fecal starch, samples of feces were taken from the rectum of each animal on the 54th, 55th, 56th and 57th days of the experiment in the morning. Fecal pH was determined after the addition of 100 mL of distilled water in 15 g of fresh feces by the introduction of the tip of the electrode of a microprocessed pH meter. The remaining sample was stored in ice for later freezing. Fresh feces of the animals were evaluated daily during the whole experimental length in three periods aiming at evaluating occurrences of gut disturbances. Percentage means of fecal starch, fecal dry matter, pH in the site of starch fermentation and starch intake were not influenced by treatments (P>0.05). NDF of feces and score of fecal consistency were influenced by treatments (P

O presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar as técnicas de imunofluorescência direta (IFD) e a microscopia de contraste de fase em solução de Sheather (MCF), para detecção de oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp. em amostras fecais de bezerros. A determinação dos limiares detecção da IFD e da MCF foi realizada utilizando cinco alíquotas de uma amostra fecal de bezerro, comprovadamente negativa para Cryptosporidium spp., adicionadas com diferentes quantidades de oocistos de Cryptosporidium parvum. Ao exame das 5 alíquotas, a IFD e a MCF apresentaram, respectivamente, limiares de detecção de 3,3x104 (duas alíquotas positivas) e 3,3x105 oocistos (1 alíquota positiva) por grama de fezes. Foram também realizadas a comparação entre a positividade obtida e uma análise semiquantitativa do número de oocistos observados por campo de microscopia, em ambos os métodos, em 300 amostras fecais de bezerros. Entre as 300 amostras, 19,7% (59/300) foram positivas pela IFD, com diferença estatisticamente significante (P=0,0098) quando comparada com a positividade obtida pela MCF, que foi de 11,7% (35/300). As amostras positivas foram submetidas à reação em cadeia da polimerase para amplificação de fragmentos da subunidade 18S do rRNA, com posterior sequenciamento dos fragmentos amplificados, o que permitiu a identificação de Cryptosporidium andersoni em 11,9% (7/59) e de C.parvum em 88,1% (52/59) das amostras. Os resultados observados comprovam que a IFD foi mais eficiente que a MCF para detecção de oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp. em amostras fecais de bezerros.This study aimed to compare the direct immunofluorescence assay (DIF) and the phase contrast microscopy in Sheather solution (PCM) for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in fecal samples from calves. The determination of the thresholds of detection of DIF and PCM was performed using five aliquots of a fecal sample from a calf negative for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts, spiked with different amounts of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. The screening of the five aliquots revealed that the DIF and MCF showed respectively, detection thresholds of 3.3x104 (2 positive aliquots) and 3.3x105 (1 positive aliquot) oocysts per gram of fecal sample. Further analyses were accomplished in order to compare the positivity results and to determine semi-quantitatively the number of oocysts per field of microscopy, in both methods, in 300 fecal samples from calves. Among the 300 samples, 19.7% (59/300) were positive by DIF, result that was statistically significant (P=0.0098) when compared with the positivity obtained by the PCM, which was 11.7% (35/300). The positive samples were submitted to the nested-PCR assay for amplification of fragments of the 18S subunit of rRNA, following sequencing of amplified fragments, allowing the identification of Cryptosporidium andersoni in 11.9% (7/59) and C. parvum in 88.1% (52/59) of the samples. The present results indicate that the DIF was more effective than PCM in the detection of Cryptosporidium in fecal samples from calves.

Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito do uso de probiótico (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) em dietas para cavalos, utilizaram-se quatro equinos machos com média de 400 kg de peso corporal, em delineamento em quadrado latino 4 õ 4. As dietas foram compostas de concentrado e feno de capim-tifton 85 (de baixa qualidade) ou feno de alfafa (de alta qualidade), com ou sem a adição de levedura. Cada período experimental teve duração de 36 dias, com coleta total de fezes, para determinação dos coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes, e coleta de fezes, para determinação do pH e da microbiologia fecal. A utilização de probiótico não alterou os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes das dietas, com exceção do extrato etéreo. A qualidade nutricional do feno influenciou os coeficientes de digestibilidade da matéria seca (MS), da proteína bruta (PB) e do extrato etéreo (EE) apenas no caso das dietas com feno de capim-tifton sem probiótico e com feno de alfafa com probiótico. A utilização de cultura de levedura aumentou a população de Lactobacillus nas fezes dos animais que receberam a dieta com feno de capim-tifton com probiótico. Não houve uso de probiótico na população de Lactobacillus nas dietas com feno de alfafa (de boa qualidade). A população de Streptococcus nas fezes aumentou com suplementação de levedura, tanto na dieta com feno de capim-tifton como naquela com feno de alfafa. A dieta com capim-tifton 85 sem probiótico promoveu redução nos valores de pH fecal 14 e 17 horas após a alimentação. Considerando ainda os valores de pH fecal nesses períodos após a alimentação, as dietas suplementadas com probiótico apresentaram valores superiores àqueles obtidos sem adição de levedura.In order to evaluate the effect of using probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in diets for horses, it was used four male equines, with average body weight of 400 kg, in a 4 õ 4 Latin square design. Diets were composed of concentrated and 85 Tifton grass hay (low quality) or alfafa hay (high quality), with or without addition of yeast. Each experimental period lasted 36 days, with total fecal collection for determination of apparent digestibility coefficients of the nutrients and fecal collection for determining pH and fecal microbiology. Use of probiotic did not affect apparent digestibility coefficients of the diets, except for ether extract. Hay nutritional quality affected coefficients of dry matter digestibility, crude protein and ether extract (EE) only for diets with Tifton grass hay without probiotic and with alfafa hay with probiotic. The utilization of yeast culture increased the Lactobacillus population in feces of animals fed diet with Tifton grass hay with probiotic. Probiotic was not used in population of Lactobacillus in diets of alfafa hay (good quality). Streptococcus population in the diet increased as yeast was supplemented in both diets with Tifton grass hay as that with alfafa hay. Diet with 85 Tifton grass without probiotic promoted reduction in fecal pH values 14 and 17 hours after feeding. Considering the values of fecal pH in this periods after feeding, the diets supplemented with probiotic showed values higher than those without addition of yeast.

The efficiency of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) combined with selective enrichment broth was compared with the standard microbiological techniques for detection of Salmonella Dublin in fecal samples of 10 to 15-days-old Holstein calves, experimentally infected with 10(8) CFU of Salmonella Dublin. Seventy-six fecal samples were analyzed using PCR associated with selenite cystine (SC) and Muller-Kauffmann tetrathionate (TMK) broths and standard microbiological techniques. Regardless of the selective enrichment broth used, the standard microbiological techniques were significantly better than PCR in detection of positive samples of Salmonella Dublin. However, the simultaneous use of both techniques provided detection of a larger number of positive samples. The SC broth was the best option as selective enrichment in both techniques.

La identificación diferencial de Entamoeba histolytica y Entamoeba dispar es esencial para un tratamiento adecuado del paciente y con fines epidemiológicos. Para determinar la prevalencia de E. histolytica y E. dispar se estandarizó y aplicó un ensayo de PCR, utilizando oligonucleótidos específicos para cada especie. 204 muestras de heces de individuos de la comunidad de Santa Rosa de Agua (Municipio Maracaibo, Estado Zulia, Venezuela), fueron analizadas a través del examen directo con SSF (0,85%) y lugol, concentrado de formol-éter y PCR. Al examen microscópico, 42 individuos (20,58%) presentaron formas evolutivas del complejo E. histolytica/E. dispar; mientras que la técnica de PCR evidenció un total de 47 casos positivos a estas amibas; de los cuales 22 eran portadores de E. histolytica (10,78%), 16 (7,84%) de E. dispar y 9 (4,41%) presentaron infección mixta. No hubo diferencia significativa al relacionar las variables sexo y presencia de E. histolytica y/o E. dispar, ni con los grupos etarios. No existieron casos de estas amibas, en los menores de 2 años. La frecuencia observada de E. histolytica (31/204), demuestra el carácter endémico de la amibiasis en esta comunidad.Differential identification of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar is essential for both appropriate patient treatment and epidemiological purposes. To determine the prevalence of these amoeba infections in Santa Rosa de Agua (Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela), a PCR assay using specific primers for each species was standardized and applied. 204 stool samples were analyzed through direct microscopic examination with SSF (0.85%) and lugol, formol-ether concentration, and PCR. Under direct microscopy, 42 individuals (20.58%) presented the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex. Meanwhile PCR showed 47 positive cases for these amoebas: 22 E. histolytica (10.78%), 16 E. dispar (7.84%), and 9 (4.41%) mixed infections. There was no significant difference in the presence of E. histolytica and/or E. dispar according to either gender or age. There were no cases of these amoebas in children under 2 years of age. Observed frequency of E. histolytica (31/204) shows the endemic nature of amoeba infection in this community.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de fontes de fósforo (Yoorin®, Superfosfato simples + superfosfato triplo e testemunha) em pastagem de capim-mombaça sobre as concentrações de nutrientes da excreção animal em condições de pastejo. O método de pastejo foi o de lotação contínua com cargas variáveis. Utilizaram-se novilhos mestiços com peso médio de 300 kg distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com parcelas subdivididas, cada uma com quatro repetições. A produção média de urina animal e a concentração de potássio na urina foram maiores nos animais do tratamento Yoorin e variaram de 7,2 a 20,4 L/animal/dia e 180 a 310 g/L, respectivamente. Os excrementos dos animais dos tratamentos testemunha e SFS + SFT apresentaram maior teor de nitrogênio e fósforo na urina em comparação aos do tratamento Yoorin (154 a 195; 0,2 a 0,29 g/L, respectivamente). A quantidade média de nitrogênio e potássio na urina foi maior nos animais dos tratamentos Yoorin e SFS + SFT em comparação aos do tratamento testemunha (de 51 a 99 e 46 a 149 g/animal/dia, respectivamente). A concentração de cálcio e a quantidade média de fósforo e cálcio na urina foram semelhantes entre os tratamentos. A produção de fezes, as concentrações e as quantidades de nitrogênio, potássio e cálcio nas fezes foram semelhantes entre os tratamentos. A quantidade média de fósforo foi maior nas fezes dos animais mantidos nas pastagens fertilizadas com SFS + SFT e Yoorin em comparação aos da pastagem testemunha e variou de 7,5 a 11,6 g/animal/dia. O retorno de nutrientes por meio da excreção animal contribuiu no período experimental com 73, 87, 6 e 28 kg/ha de nitrogênio, potássio, fósforo e cálcio, respectivamente. Os animais da pastagem fertilizada com Yoorin apresentaram maior produção diária de urina, além de mais alta concentração de potássio na urina.The objective of this experiment was to evalute the effects of phosphorus sources (Yoorin®, Ordinary Superphosphate (SS) + Triple Superphosphate (TS) and control) on the concentration and amount of N, P, K, and Ca in the excreta of crossbred steers under grazing conditions on mombaça grass (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. mombaça) pasture. The grazing method was the continuous stocking with variable stocking rate, and the animals used were crossbred with average live weight of 300 kg. It was used a complete randomized design in split plot with four replications. Urine production and K concentration were high for animals grazing on Yoorin fertilized pastures compared to other treatments; urine production ranged from 7.2 to 20.4 L/animal/day and K urine concentration ranged from 180 to 310 g/L. Animals grazing on the control and SS + TS treatments presented greater N and P urine concentration than the ones grazing on Yoorin fertilized pastures, ranging from 154 to 195 g N/L and 0.2 to 0.29 g P/L, respectively. Average N and K amount excreted via urine was greater for animals grazing on Yoorin and SS + TS treatments compared to control treatment, ranging from 51 to 99 g N/animal/dia and 46 to 49 g K/animal/dia, respectively. Average Ca concentration and P and Ca amount excreted via urine were similar among treatments. Average fecal production and N, K, Ca concentrations and amounts were similar among treatments. Average P amount was greater for SS + TS and Yoorin treatments compared to the control, ranging from 7.5 to 11.6 g P/animal/day. Nutrient return via animal excreta contributed in the experimental period with 73, 87, 6, and 28 kg/ha of N, K, P, and Ca, respectively. Animals on Yoorin fertilized pastures presented greater urine production and greater K urine concentration and amount.

O objetivo nesta pesquisa foi avaliar o efeito de dois ingredientes protéicos da dieta (farelo de soja e de algodão) e de dois processamentos físicos do concentrado (farelado e extrusado) na terminação de 16 bovinos machos não-castrados da raça Canchim. Avaliaram-se ainda a excreção de nutrientes nos dejetos e o potencial de produção de biogás. Os animais tinham 12 meses de idade e 315 kg PC, em média, e foram confinados em baias individuais durante 147 dias (os primeiros 35 dias foram de adaptação). Como volumoso utilizou-se silagem de milho, em uma relação volumoso:concentrado de 50:50, com base na MS. Os resultados foram analisados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 × 2 (fonte protéica × processamento físico). A fonte protéica influenciou o ganho de peso corporal (1,50 e 1,35 kg/dia para o farelo de soja e de algodão, respectivamente), a conversão alimentar (4,73 e 5,31 kg MS ingerida/kg de ganho de peso, respectivamente) e a eficiência protéica (1,78 e 1,59 kg de ganho de peso/kg PB ingerida, respectivamente). O tratamento físico do concentrado e a fonte protéica não influenciaram a ingestão de MS, a área de olho-de-lombo e a espessura de gordura, estimadas por ultra-som. O balanço de nutrientes foi semelhante entre tratamentos para MS, FDN e FDA, mas a fonte protéica determinou diferenças no balanço de PB. Entre os macro e microminerais quantificados nas fezes, os teores de P e Mg diferiram entre as fontes protéicas e a extrusão aumentou o conteúdo de Ca, com médias de 0,39 e 0,43 g/100 g de MS de dejetos, respectivamente, para os concentrados farelado e extrusado. Os dejetos produziram biogás de maneira efetiva entre o 70º e o 200º dia.The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of two protein ingredients of the diet (soybean and cottonseed meals) and two physical process of the concentrate (grounded and extruded) upon the finishing of 16 Canchim young bulls. It was evaluated also the nutrients excretion in feces and biogas production potential. The animals were 12 month-year-old, with initial 315 kg BW, and they were confined in individual pens for 147 days, being the first 35 days of adaptation. The roughage used was corn silage and the forage:concentrate rate was 50:50, on dry matter basis. The results were analyzed in a total randomized design, in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (protein source x physical process). There was effect of protein source upon the body weight gain (1.50 and 1.35 kg/day with soybean and cottonseed meal, respectively), feed conversion (4.73 and 5.31 kg DM intake/kg weight gain, respectively) and protein efficiency (1.78 and 1.59 kg weight gain/kg CP intake, respectively). There was no difference among treatments for DM, loin eye area and subcutaneous fat thickness, evaluated by ultra-sound. The nutrient balance was similar among treatments for DM, NDF and ADF, but protein source caused differences in CP balance. Among the macro and microminerals determined in feces, P and Mg contents were different among protein sources, and extrusion increased Ca content, with means of 0.39 and 0.43 g/100 g dejections dry matter, respectively for grounded and extruded concentrate. The dejections produced biogas effectively from 70th to 200th days.

O monitoramento endócrino pela mensuração de metabólitos urinários e fecais de hormônios esteróides tem se mostrado uma alternativa viável na investigação da fisiologia reprodutiva e do estresse em uma grande variedade de aves e mamíferos, domésticos e selvagens. Esta abordagem tem contribuído para uma maior integração da endocrinologia com estudos comportamentais e ecológicos, gerando informações mais detalhadas em diversas áreas tais como bem-estar animal, comportamento social, reprodução, biologia da conservação, biomedicina, entre outros. Todavia, o emprego desta metodologia no Brasil tem sido limitado principalmente à pesquisa de parâmetros reprodutivos e de estresse em espécies selvagens, não havendo até o momento trabalhos publicados utilizando a quantificação urinária ou fecal de glucocorticóides ou esteróides sexuais em animais domésticos. Desta forma, esta palestra tem como objetivo ilustrar alguns exemplos de estudos conduzidos no país envolvendo técnicas de monitoramento endócrino não-invasivo, assim como expor possíveis áreas de aplicação desta ferramenta em pesquisas com espécies domesticas.The endocrine monitoring through urinary and fecal steroid analysis has been proven a feasible alternative in the investigation of reproductive and stress physiology in a great variety of birds and mammals (domestic and wild species). This approach has contributed to enhance integration between endocrinology and behavioral/ ecological studies originating detailed information towards different areas, such as animal welfare, social behavior, reproduction, conservation biology, biomedicine, among others. In Brazil, however, its application has been limited mainly to the determination of reproductive and stress parameters in wild species, with no published articles employing measurement of urinary or fecal glucocorticoids or sexual steroids in domestic animals. Thus, the aim of this lecture is first show examples of Brazilian researches involving non-invasive endocrine monitoring, and secondly illustrate possible applications of this technology in studies involving domestic animals.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a ocorrência de parasitos zoonóticos em fezes de cães colhidas em áreas públicas do município de Ribeirão Preto, enfatizando o risco da ocorrência de infecção humana. MÉTODOS: Entre os meses de maio a dezembro de 2003 foram visitadas 78 praças, localizadas em cinco diferentes áreas do município: sudoeste, noroeste, norte, central e sudeste. Foram recolhidos 331 "pools" de material fecal canino, os quais foram processados pela técnica de sedimentação espontânea. RESULTADOS: Em 56,8% "pools" foram observados os parasitos zoonóticos: Ancylostoma spp. (41,7%), Toxocara canis (24,2%), Trichuris vulpis (15,7%), Giardia spp. (10,2%) e Isospora spp. (3,3%). A prevalência de parasitos foi maior nas praças localizadas na área norte do município (70%). CONCLUSÕES: É necessária a adoção de programas de preservação sanitária destes locais, no sentido de prevenir a contaminação ambiental por parasitos potencialmente patogênicos para o homem.OBJECTIVE: To assess the occurrence of zoonotic parasites in dog feces collected in public areas of the city of Ribeirão Preto, to alert to the risk of human infection. METHODS: From May to December, 2003, 78 public squares located in five different areas of the city were visited: southwest, northwest, north, central and southeast. We collected 331 fecal canine pools that were processed by the spontaneous sedimentation technique. RESULTS: 56.8% of pools presented zoonotic parasites such as: Ancylostoma spp. (41.7%), Toxocara canis (24.2%), Trichuris vulpis (15.7%), Giardia spp. (10.2%) and Isospora spp. (3.3%). The prevalence of parasites was higher in squares located in the north area of the city (70%). CONCLUSIONS: The adoption of sanitary preservation programs in these sites is necessary in order to prevent environmental contamination by parasites potentially pathogenic to man.

Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da restrição alimentar sobre a excreção de minerais nas fezes de suínos, foram utilizados 48 machos castrados com peso inicial de 41,92 ± 0,21kg, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos casualizados, com três tratamentos (T1=alimentação à vontade; T2=95% do consumo diário apresentado por T1; e T3=90% do consumo diário apresentado por T1) e 16 repetições. Os animais permaneceram durante 21 dias em adaptação aos tratamentos em baias coletivas e gaiolas de estudos metabólicos. As coletas de urina e fezes foram realizadas durante dois dias, utilizando-se 20 g de partículas de plástico colorido como marcador fecal. Houve redução de 8,54% no consumo diário de ração dos animais do T3, acarretando em decréscimo em torno de 9,65% excreção de matéria mineral nas fezes, quando comparado com o consumo ad libitum (T1). Todos os macrominerais, com exceção do magnésio, sofreram redução significativa no conteúdo fecal com o aumento da restrição alimentar. Os teores de cálcio e potássio das fezes representaram cerca de 29% da matéria mineral excretada pelas fezes dos animais e foram reduzidos significativamente com o emprego da restrição alimentar. Para todos os microminerais, as relações entre as quantidades excretadas e as quantidades consumidas foram iguais ou superiores a 86,60%, indicando que os animais apresentaram baixa eficiência de retenção desses nutrientes. Concluiu-se que a restrição alimentar de suínos em fase de terminação acarreta redução da quantidade de matéria seca e da maioria dos minerais excretados.With the objective to evaluate the effect of feed restriction on fecal mineral content of finishing swine, forty-eight barrows, with initial weight of 41.92 ± 0.27 kg were assigned to a randomized experimental block design. Treatments were: T1=ad libitum feeding; T2=95% T1 feed intake; and T3 = 90% T1 feed intake and 16 replications. Animals were kept during 21 days in adaptation period to the treatments in collective pens and metabolism cages. Urine and fecal collection was performed during two days, using 20 g of colored plastic particles as fecal markers. There was a reduction of 8.54% in the daily feed consumption of the diet in T3 animals, causing a decrease close to 9.65% in fecal mineral content, as compared to ad libitum consumption (T1). All macro minerals, except for magnesium, showed significant reduction in the fecal content with the increase of feed restriction. Calcium and potassium fecal content represented about 29% of the excreted mineral matter of the animals and both were significantly reduced with the use of feed restriction. For all micro minerals, the relations between excreted amount and consumed amount were equal or higher than 86.60%, indicating that the animals showed a low retention efficiency of these nutrients. In conclusion, feed restriction in finishing phase of swine cause reduction in the amount of dry matter and almost all minerals excreted. Therefore, the use of this practice can contribute to reduce pollution problems of swine manure.

Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de determinar a prevalência de Salmonella sp em suínos abatidos em frigoríficos sob inspeção federal no Rio Grande do Sul. Amostras de fezes e linfonodos foram coletadas em três diferentes frigoríficos no Estado. A partir da análise microbiológica das amostras de 300 animais, encontrou-se uma prevalência de Salmonella sp de 55,66%, com 17,6% de isolamentos a partir dos linfonodos, 18,3% das fezes e 19,6% em ambos os materiais. Foram identificados 26 sorovares diferentes em 226 isolados de Salmonella sp. Os sorovares mais prevalentes foram: Typhimurium (24,3%), Agona (19,9%), Derby (13,2%) e Bredeney (12%). Estes resultados indicam a necessidade de implementar programas de controle com o objetivo de diminuir a prevalência de animais portadores ao abate.This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella positive pigs at slaughterhouses under federal inspection in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Samples of feces and lymph nodes of 300 animals were collected in three different slaughterhouses, and submitted to bacteriological analysis. The prevalence of Salmonella carrier animals was 55.66%, being 17.6% of the animals Salmonella positive in lymph nodes, 18.3% in feces and 19.6% in both materials. Twenty-six different serovars were identified among 226 Salmonella isolates. The most prevalent serovars were: Typhimurium (24.3%), Agona (19.9%), Derby (13.2%) e Bredeney (12%). These results point out the need of control programs to reduce the prevalence of carrier pigs at slaughter.

Three selective enrichment broths - selenite cystine (SC), Muller-Kauffmann tetrathionate (MKT) and Rappaport-Vassiliadis (RV) - were compared, for Salmonella Typhimurium isolation from rectal swabs of a calf experimentally infected. The bacteriological procedure involved pre-enrichment in Hajna-GN broth (only for the samples inoculated in RV broth), selective enrichment (SC, MKT and RV broths), culture in modified brilliant green agar (BGA), presumptive biochemistry tests (using triple-sugar-iron agar and lysine-agar) and slide agglutination test with poli-O and poli-H Salmonella antisera. SC and MKT broths were more efficient in the isolation of Salmonella Typhimurium (12 positive samples), whereas RV broth had a lower efficiency in the microbiological isolation (ten positive samples).

OBJETIVES: To detect anti-Giardia lamblia serum antibodies in healthy children attending public day care centers and to assess serological tests as tools for estimating the prevalence of G. lamblia in endemic areas. METHODS: Three separate stool specimens and filter paper blood samples were collected from 147 children ranging from 0 to 6 years old. Each stool sample was processed using spontaneous sedimentation and zinc sulfate flotation methods. Blood samples were tested by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Giardia IgG. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Of 147 individuals tested, 93 (63.3%) showed Giardia cysts in their feces. Using IIF and ELISA, serum antibodies were detected in 93 (63.3%) and 100 (68%) samples , respectively. Sensitivity of IIF and ELISA was 82% and 72%, respectively. However, ELISA revealed to be less specific (39%) than IIF (70%). IIF also showed a higher concordance with microscopic examination than ELISA.OBJETIVOS: Detectar anticorpos séricos anti-Giardia lamblia entre crianças atendidas em creches e estimar a freqüência de infecção por Giardia lamblia em área endêmica. MÉTODOS: Foram coletadas três amostras de fezes de cada uma das 147 crianças de três creches da rede municipal de Botucatu, SP, com idade variando de 0 a 6 anos, e as amostras foram processadas pelos métodos de sedimentação espontânea e flutuação pelo sulfato de zinco. Amostras de sangue foram obtidas da polpa digital, coletadas em papel de filtro e testadas pelos métodos de imunofluorescência indireta (IFI) e de reação imunoenzimática (Elisa) para pesquisa de IgG anti-Giardia. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: De um total de 147 crianças, 93 (63,3%) apresentaram cistos de Giardia nas fezes. Dos 147 eluatos testados, 93 (63,3%) e 100 (68%) foram positivos para Giardia em IFI e em Elisa, respectivamente. A sensibilidade de IFI foi de 82% e de Elisa, 72%. Contudo, Elisa foi menos específica (39%) do que IFI (70%). A imunofluorescência indireta apresentou maior concordância com o exame de fezes do que Elisa.

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Foram utilizados, no experimento, nove caprinos machos castrados, da raça Alpina, em dois períodos. Os animais permaneceram 28 dias em dieta experimental composta de feno e concentrado, sem suplementação de P, ou com 1g ou 2 g de P, na forma de fosfato bicálcico. No 21º dia os animais receberam injeção de 7,4 MBq de 32P na jugular, e coletaram-se amostras de sangue, fezes e urina, por sete dias, com o objetivo de avaliar o metabolismo do P. O aumento do consumo de P levou a aumento linear significativo do P excretado nas fezes, do P absorvido, do P endógeno fecal, da eficiência de absorção, e dos teores de P nas fezes e no plasma. O aumento do P endógeno fecal (Y) em função do consumo de P (X) pode ser descrito pela equação Y= 10,36 + 0,58X (r=0,94); a perda endógena mínima desses animais foi de 10,36 mg/kg de peso vivo/dia. A eficiência de absorção média foi de 65,76% para os animais suplementados. O teor de P na saliva não apresentou relação linear significativa com o P consumido, e não houve excreção de P pela urina.Nine male castrated Alpine goats were used and the experiment was repeated twice. Animals were fed a diet consisted of hay and concentrate mixture without P supplementation, or with different amounts of dicalcium phosphate to give 1g or 2 g P/animal/day for 28 days. At the 21st day, 7,4 MBq 32P were injected through jugular vein into each animal; and feces, blood and urine samples were collected during seven days to determine the P metabolism. Total fecal P, absorbed P, endogenous fecal P, efficiency of absorption, feces and plasma P levels were positively related to P intake. The relationship between P intake (X) and endogenous fecal P (Y) is described by the equation: Y=10.36 + 0.58 X (r=0,94). The minimum endogenous P was 10,36 mg/kg live weight/day and efficiency of absorption was 65,76% for the supplemented treatments. Saliva P level was not related to P intake and there was not P excretion in the urine.

The aim of this study was to compare three different selective enrichment broths: Rappaport-Vassiliadis (RV), selenite cystine (SC) and Muller-Kauffmann tetrathionate (MKT) for Salmonella Dublin isolation from faecal samples of calf experimentally infected. The bacteriological procedure involved pre-enrichment stages in Hajna-GN broth (only for the samples inoculated in RV broth), selective enrichment, culture in modified brilliant green agar (BGA), presumptive biochemistry tests (using triple-sugar-iron agar and lysine-agar) and slide agglutination test with poli-O and poli-H Salmonella antiserum. The effects of enrichment temperatures using RV broth were also evaluated (37ºC and 42ºC). SC broth was significantly more efficient in the isolation of Salmonella Dublin (P

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OBJETIVO: Verificar se pode haver eliminação da proteína p24, antígeno que é um dos marcadores da infecção pelo HIV, pelas fezes de triatomíneos. Foi avaliado o possível risco de contaminação por parte de profissionais que exercem atividades laboratoriais relacionadas aos triatomíneos, e também verificado o eventual mecanismo de disseminação do HIV. MÉTODO: Os triatomíneos (Triatoma infestans) alimentaram-se com sangue de 23 pacientes acometidos de AIDS e nos quais estava presente a p24. As fezes desses insetos foram examinadas 24 e 48 horas depois como tentativas de evidenciar a presença do antígeno. As pesquisas da p24 sempre ocorreram por meio de técnica imunoenzimática. RESULTADO E CONCLUSÃO: Em nenhuma das ocasiões sucedeu detecção da p24. De acordo com a metodologia adotada o objetivo pôde ser alcançado, no sentido de mostrar que a eliminação da p24 nunca aconteceu. Talvez outras formas de agir revelem fatos diferentes e subsidiem o que se conhece quanto aos riscos de veiculação do HIV.OBJECTIVE: To verify any possibility of the elimination of p24 in feces of Triatoma infestans, p24 being an antigen and one of the markers of HIV infection. The purpose of the study was the evaluation of any risk of contamination by laboratory staff who work with activities related to this particular insect, and also investigate any mechanism that might thus lead to the dissemination of HIV. METHOD: Triatoma infestans were fed with p24-marked blood from 23 AIDS patients. Twenty-four and 48 hours later, their feces were examined in order to verify the presence of the antigen. The search for p24 was performed by means of the immunoenzymatic technique. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: No protein 24 was detected in any of the samples. In accordance with the applied methodology, the purpose of showing that the elimination of p24 does not occur, Was obtained. Were this question approached in other ways different results. might reveal new information in terms of risks of HIV dissemination.

Copyright of Scire Salutis is the property of CBPC - Companhia Brasileira de Producao Cientifica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)