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Copyright of Diversitas Journal is the property of Diversitas Journal 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.)

Rabies virus (RABV) may infect wildlife, domestic mammals, and humans worldwide, and outbreaks have been associated with population declines of wild carnivores. Although RABV infection has been considered almost invariably fatal, there has been growing evidence of non-lethal RABV exposure in wildlife. The aim of this study is to investigate the occurrence of RABV antibodies, as evidence of non-lethal exposure to the virus in free-living wild canids and felids from the Brazilian Pampa. Animals were live-trapped in three protected and two unprotected areas in Southern Brazil, and the presence of antibodies against RABV was verified by the RFFIT test. A total of 98 specimens without clinical signs of disease were live-trapped: 35 Cerdocyon thous, 23 Lycalopex gymnocercus, 29 Leopardus geoffroyi, 11 Leopardus wiedii. Thirteen out of 98 wild carnivores were considered seropositive to RABV: five C. thous, one L. gymnocercus, five L. geoffroyi, and two L. wiedii. All five localities where animals were sampled had at least one seropositive individual. The results support previous conclusions regarding the possible involvement of C. thous in the rabies ecology and expand the findings of RABV-seropositivity in free-living wildlife, representing the first record for the following species: L. gymnocercus, L. geoffroyi, and L. wiedii. Our findings also suggest that RABV circulation and non-lethal exposure in Neotropical wild carnivores may be more common than previously assumed. Furthermore, rabies and its sylvatic cycle should be taken into account in any conservation effort for wild carnivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica is the property of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica 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.)

This study evaluated the genetic diversity and antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from dairy cows in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Thirty-seven isolates from five municipalities (8 herds) were genotyped using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and susceptibility to 12 antimicrobial agents was tested using the disk diffusion method. High resistance rates for penicillin [75.68% (28/37)], ampicillin [70.27% (26/37)], and tetracycline [70.27% (26/37)] were detected. Multidrug resistance was observed in seven [18.92% (7/37)] isolates, and two were suggestive of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Among the 37 isolates, 33 novel sequence types (ST) and two known STs (ST126 and ST746) were identified in MLST. The clonal complexes more frequently observed were: CC97 [78.38%; (29/37)], CC1 [8.11%; (3/37)] and CC5 [5.40%; (2/37)]. Minimum‐spanning tree (MST) analysis according to data from municipalities, herds, and resistance patterns for all isolates did not show any clustering pattern. However, the MST comparing all Brazilian S. aureus isolates deposited in the PubMLST database and from this study depicted an association between the genotype and strain origin (clinical sample). Isolates from this study that belong to CC97 were close to database isolates from milk and dairy products, while those that belong to CC1 and CC5 were close to database isolates from human sources and the environment of dairy farms or industries. In conclusion, our results showed a high rate of resistance to penicillins and tetracyclines and great genetic diversity among the S. aureus isolates from bovine mastitis genotyped in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica is the property of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica 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.)

Copyright of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica is the property of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica 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.)

Sporotrichosis is a subacute or chronic fungal disease caused by the Sporothrix fungal complex. It consists of a zoonotic disease in which the infection occurs from the traumatic inoculation of the fungus in cutaneous or subcutaneous tissue, with the domestic feline being the animal most susceptible to the disease. Cats play an important epidemiological role in the transmission and spread of the disease due to their habits and the large amount of fungal microorganisms they carry in exudative skin lesions, thus acting as the main source of infection and having the greatest potential for transmissibility. It is an underreported mycosis and most commonly diagnosed in Rio de Janeiro, but the disease is currently gaining importance in several regions of Brazil, where an increasing number of cases in animals and humans have been observed. In view of this, the present work presents a bibliographic review on the subject, as well as the report of a clinical case of a one-year-old female cat with sporotrichosis and with the secondary development of another zoonosis important for public health - dermatophytosis, with in order to alert about the importance of mycotic infections in felines for unique health and highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and the collaboration and commitment of the tutor for the treatment of diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospirosis is a worldwide distribution zoonosis that can affect dogs and be highly lethal for the species. In Brazil, this disease is endemic in the canine species and represents a serious public health problem. The aim of this study was to verify the occurrence of Leptospira spp. that most affect dogs with clinical suspicion of leptospirosis in the city of Santa Maria - RS, Brazil, analyzing their antibody titers. In the study, we used the reports of microscopic agglutination tests (MAS) for leptospirosis in 218 dogs from the city of Santa Maria - RS during the period from January 2015 to December 2019. All reports were issued by the Leptospirosis Laboratory (LabLepto - UFSM). Of the 218 serum samples processed over the five years, 101 (46.33%) were positive for at least one serogroup/serovar tested. This study showed a higher occurrence of serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae (53.37%) covered by serovars Copenhageni and Icterohaemorrhagiae, with 49 (30.06%) and 38 (23.31%) reagent sera, respectively. The titers ranged from 100 to 6400, and the most recurrent found in the samples in this study was 100, representing 47.85% of the antibody titers. The data obtained in this study are of great value for understanding the serogroups/serovars circulating in the region and their epidemiology, and may even contribute to future vaccine formulations considering the most frequently detected serogroups/serovars, thus contributing to public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia 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.)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis var. bovis is the etiologic agent of animal tuberculosis (aTB), a neglected zoonotic disease. Animal tuberculosis can affect many species, including swine. aTB-consistent granulomas in these animals lead to carcass disposal, generating economic losses and posing risks to human health. In the present study, an aTB outbreak was identified at an intensive swine farming operation in Southern Brazil. Inspection during swine slaughter revealed aTB-suspected lesions, which were collected for diagnosis by histology, PCR, and bacterial isolation. The animals had no clinical signs of tuberculosis. Granulomatous lesions were identified in 0.73% (59/8,071) of the slaughtered swine, and were confirmed by histology. Nine samples were further examined by PCR and bacterial isolation, with 44.4% and 55.5% positive results, respectively. Data from abattoirs subjected to federal surveillance show an aTB prevalence in Brazil of <0.001%. The present data thus indicate a swine aTB outbreak in intensive breeding. Swine infection can be related to exposure to infected animals or to contaminated food or environment. Biosecurity measures must be taken to avoid aTB transmission. Although certified swine breeding farms adopt such measures, this report indicates that constant monitoring is crucial, and greater control in swine breeding and finishing units is required to prevent outbreaks and spread of tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite with worldwide distribution. Dogs are considered sentinel animals, useful for the detection of environmental infections and outbreaks of disease through serological surveys. Considering this, we aimed to assess the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in dogs from rural areas of the hinterland of the state of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil. A total of 77 blood samples were collected from dogs and analyzed by the Indirect Hemagglutination test for the detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies Samples were considered positive when titers greater than or equal to 1:16 were observed. In addition, an epidemiological questionnaire designed to identify characteristics of the animal was performed to owners regarding sex, breed, age, sterilization, access to areas outside the house, environmental hygiene, contact with other animals and dog food. A total of 49.3% of dogs (n = 38) were positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies, most with high titers (44.7%). A higher relative frequency of seropositivity was observed in male dogs, not sterilized, mixed breed, which were fed exclusively on homemade food and had access to the street and contact with other animals. Taken together, our data reinforce the importance of developing health education actions within the scope of public health aimed at preventing this zoonosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine cysticercosis is a parasitic zoonosis distributed globally and considered as an important reason for economic losses to the beef production chain in Brazil. Also, the consumption of beef containing viable cysticerci vehicles taeniosis to human beings, bringing impacts to public health. Thus, this study aimed to determine the occurrence of cysticercosis in a slaughterhouse located in the municipality of Promissão, State of São Paulo, through a three years period and to estimate the economic losses for cattle farmers resulting from the detection of infected carcasses and viscera. For this, data from 668,601 animals slaughtered and inspected by the Federal Inspection Service (SIF) were used, with 6,587 (0.98%) being considered positive. The main destination of the infected carcasses was the freezing treatment (69.56%) followed by liberation to human consumption, rendering, heat treatment and salting, respectively. We calculated losses to farmers on around US$ 901,172.33. The adoption of sanitary practices should be reinforced at the cattle-producing farms, in addition to improving public policies such as access to basic sanitation and health education for the population, in order to control this zoonosis that persists with a great deal in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica is the property of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica 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.)

Copyright of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica is the property of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica 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.)

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous zoonotic Dermatophytosis caused by fungi from the complex Sporothrix sp., it's been frequently seen due to it's propagation by the cat and easy dissemination of the agent. The disease has been relevant since the epidemics taken place in Rio de Janeiro in the end of the 20th century, although it was recognized by the government agencies, still considered neglected and underdiagnosed. The meta-analysis study involving 147 works published between 2010 and 2020 revealed that Brazil was highlighted in the occurrence of sporotrichosis, including demonstrating greater global scientific production and figuring a central role in coordinating actions for scientific collaboration with other countries. These joint actions have resulted in social media campaigns, alerting cat guardians of the risks and how the disease presents clinically. Although its good prognosis, the disease has become a public health problem in the diverse regions of Brasil, affecting humans and cats. The observation of the clinical signs and history associated to the diagnostic means are essential to the identification of the Sporotrichosis, by the means of diagnosis, the growth and cytology considered golden standard to identify the agent Sporthrix sp. A quick identification of the sporotrichosis is essential, therefore this review has the porpouse of describing clinical and epidemological patterns of the desease and highlight its significance to society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on serological surveys of leptospirosis performed in several localities in Brazil, the present work performed a bibliographic research, listing the most frequent reacting leptospirosis serovars, complementing with a serological survey based on data from a private laboratory located in the West Zone of São Paulo. With the results, a critical analysis was performed based on the main vaccines available on the market, highlighting the serovars present with the most frequent serovars in the bibliographic analysis and the serological survey performed. In addition to the importance of canine vaccination contributing to the reduction of the infectious agent in the environment, the existence of the most frequent serovars not contained in the researched and commercially available vaccines opens up the scope for assessing the real need to develop other vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to identify the parasitic fauna, the impact of the parasite-host relationship and the potential risk of transmission of zoonotic parasites in fish marketed in the Metropolitan Region of Recife (Northeastern of Brazil). Ectoparasites and endoparasites were collected in Pseudupeneus maculatus (n=34), Lutjanus synagris (n=23), and Ocyurus chrysurus (n=20). Organs and/or tissues with and without parasites were processed by routine histological techniques. Overall, 43 (55.8%) specimens were parasitized by: Rocinela signata; Lernanthropus sp.; Lernaeolophus sultanus; Goussia sp.; Haliotrema sp.; Raphidascaris (Ichthyascaris) sp.; Cucullanus sp.; larvae of Pseudoterranova sp., Contracaecum sp., Anisakis sp., and Trypanorhyncha. Macroscopic and/or histological alterations were associated with Lernantrhopus sp. (gills) and Pseudoterranova sp. (liver) in O. chrysurus; R. signata (gills) in P. maculatus; and Lernaeolophus sultanus (maxilla) of L. synagris. Histological analysis was shown to be a tool that provides important knowledge about the impact of the parasites on the health of studied marine fish. New records of parasites are presented (Lernanthropus sp. in O. chrysurus, Goussia sp. in P. maculatus, L. sultanus in L. synagris) and parasites of importance in Public Health are registered (Anisakis sp., Pseudoterranova sp., Contracaecum sp., and Trypanorhyncha), emphasizing the need for measures to avoid the risk of transmission to consumer. The information contributes to the knowledge about the parasitic fauna of fish and its distribution along the coast of Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dioctophymosis is a disease caused by Dioctophyme renale (D. renale), a carnivorous nematode that mainly affects the right kidney of animals. It rarely affects other anatomic sites, such as the right kidney, abdominal musculature, urinary bladder, or it can be found freely in the abdominal and thoracic cavities. The agent is transmitted by the consumption of the intermediate host (Lumbriculus variegatus) and paratenic hosts (fishes, frogs and toads). This disease usually has a low casuistic in populations. The objective of this study was to carry out an ultrasonographic investigation on the prevalence of dioctophymosis in dogs of a Non-Governmental Organization in Pelotas region, in the south of the state of Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil, and to evaluate hematological, biochemical and urinary alterations in positive patients. Of 63 dogs examined by ultrasound, six showed images compatible with the presence of D. renale in the right kidney and one patient presented the parasite released in the abdominal cavity. Altogether, 11,11% (n=7) of the studied animals were positive for the presence of D. renale. The animals had a history of living in a precarious ambient, with a super population of dogs without access to water or appropriated food. Such conditions favour natural biological cycle of D. renale, allowing the spread of the parasite. It is possible to conclude that, in addition to the main diagnostic method, the examination of urinary sediment, abdominal ultrasound is a complementary and effective method for the detection of parasitism by D. renale in asymptomatic animals that live in places at risk for infection, such as presented in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, endemic in Brazil, who affects several mammals, including man. Asymptomatic dogs can transmit and it is considered that the number of animals with this status is underestimated. Although most of studies being performed by serology, the serology doesn't predict if the animal presents leptospiruria. To detecting leptospires in urine, molecular diagnosis is indicated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Due to the lack of data to evaluate how present these reservoir dogs are and how much they are involved in transmission to humans, this study aimed to investigate the renal carrier status to Leptospira spp. in contacting dogs of people affected by leptospirosis in Curitiba/Paraná. Fifteen blood and urine samples were collected from dogs belonging to eight owners who had leptospirosis a few time ago. Serology (microscopic serum agglutination) and PCR of both samples were performed. DNA extraction were done to posterior PCR performing. All serologic tests were negative as well the blood and urine PCR assay. These results suggest that the dogs submitted to the study were not the source of infection, therefore, there was no relation between asymptomatic carriers and sick owners in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achatina fulica snails cause environmental problems and represent a public health hazard since it is a host in the life cycles of various parasites, among them, Angiostrongylus cantonensis and, less frequently, Ancylostoma caninum. We report the occurrence of Angistrongylus cantonensis, as well as the unexpected finding of Ancylostoma caninum, in a total of 936 specimens of Achatina fulica snails from different regions of São Paulo city, Brazil. Samples were divided into 492 pools which were screened for nematodes. If present, larvae were submitted to DNA extraction and PCR protocol targeting, the ITS-2 gene junction. From the 183 positive pools for larvae presence, 97 showed specific 650 bp band at electrophoresis and 21 presented bands nearly 300 bp. Two amplicons from each size were and sequenced. A BLAST/n of 650 bp sequences presented identity with Angistrongylus cantonensis, while the two of 300 bp, showed identity with Ancylostoma caninum, also supported by phylogenetic analysis. This is the second report of Ancylostoma caninum found in these snails in the world, therefore, this study allows a better understanding about these diseases and highlights the need of continue systematically mapping sites that can be infested with the mollusc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anisakiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked fish containing the third larval stage of anisakid nematodes. Safety in fish consumption from extractive fisheries is a challenge for public health authorities. This study presents the hematological analysis, necroscopic and histopathological examination of three Hoplias lacerdae parasitized by Anisakis spp. captured in an affluent of the Teles Pires River, in the municipality of Sinop, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. At necropsy, intense parasitism was observed, characterized by free and adherent anisakid larvae in organs and mesentery. In the histopathological study, there were nephrotic alterations and hepatopathies, as well as the first report of the presence of Anisakis cyst adhered in the myocardium of Hoplias lacerdae. There was a correlation between the increase in the number of parasites and the circulating leukocytes, influenced by the number of neutrophils and eosinophils. However, other studies should be designed to elucidate the pathophysiological and epidemiological changes in Hoplias lacerdae by the parasitism of Anisakis spp., due to its socioeconomic importance, as well as the potential risk to public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the first record of the zoonotic parasite Eustrongylides sp. in Serrasalmus gibbus, commonly known as piranha, in the state of Goiás, Brazil. The study was conducted in the Bonito River, in Arenópolis, Goiás, and identified the presence of 57 larvae of Eustrongylides sp. in 39 individuals of S. gibbus. The prevalence of infection was 26% and the musculature was the site with the highest number of encysted larvae. Parasitism by Eustrongylides sp. can pose risks to local consumers, causing intestinal perforation and intense pain. It is recommended to raise awareness among the population regarding the safe consumption of fish meat. [Extracted from the article]

The present study aimed to describe and characterize a nosocomial outbreak caused by a multidrug resistant Salmonella Typhimurium in hospitalized calves at a veterinary medical teaching hospital from Brazil. Sixty-three (96.9%) calves showed lethargy, hyperthermia and profuse diarrhea and despite treatment, 26 (41.2%) animals died. Five animals were necropsied and stool samples of six calves were collected. The isolated strains were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test by disc-difusion method and were fingerprinted by ERIC-PCR. Macroscopic lesions suggestive of salmonellosis, such as fibrinonecrotic enteritis and hepatosplenomegaly were observed. Salmonellosis was confirmed by isolation of S. Typhimurium from stool samples and organs from seven affected animals. Six out of seven isolates of S. Typhimurium, exhibited 100% of similarity at ERIC-PCR, suggesting occurrence of nosocomial transmission of S. Typhimurium among the hospitalized calves. All but one S. Typhimurium isolated were resistant to marbofloxacin, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, oxytetracycline and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, antimicrobial agents largely used for humans and animal treatment. This is the first study of a nosocomial outbreak of multidrug resistant S. Typhimurium in a veterinary hospital in Brazil and highlighted the need for preventive measures to reduce the risks for inpatients and humans in contact with animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to characterize ocular diseases in dogs naturally affected by visceral leishmaniasis in Teresina, Piauí State, Brazil. The diagnosis was made using parasitological exams of the bone-marrow and lymph-node samples. The main ophthalmological findings were uveitis, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, keratitis, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Normocytic normochromic anemia was the main hematological finding, followed by thrombocytopenia. Plasma proteins were also considered, and hyperproteinemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, and hypoalbuminemia were observed. Ocular histopathological examination revealed mild inflammation involving lymphocytes, monocytes, and macrophages. Results indicate the need to perform a differential diagnosis to rule out or establish the presence of Leishmania sp. in dogs presenting with ophthalmic lesions in endemic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and spatial distribution of bovine cysticercosis in the state of Goiás, Brazil; to verify its association with epidemiological variables, and to establish the economical losses for beef farms. A set of 23 255 979 bovines from 246 municipalities were slaughtered from 2007 through 2014. The prevalence of bovine cysticercosis was 0·53% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0·5295-0·5354]. The Central mesoregion showed a higher risk [odds ratio (OR) = 4·44; 95% CI 4·2936-4·5895] for detecting infected animals with cysticerci compared with those raised at North and Northeast mesoregion (OR = 1·02 and OR = 1·02). The microregion of Goiânia had a higher risk for bovine cysticercosis occurrence (OR = 11·05, 95% CI 10·6933-11·4099) compared with the microregion of São Miguel do Araguaia (OR = 1). None of the epidemiological variables evaluated in this study was significantly associated (P > 0·05) with bovine cysticercosis prevalence. In conclusion, the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in the state of Goiás, Brazil, was 0·53% and some mesoregions and microregions presented a higher risk for its occurrence. The economical losses due to its occurrence during the period ranged from US$9 260 728·57 to 11 313 816·67. These results highlighted the needs of adopting prophylactic measures and the development of political strategies in specific regions in order to control this zoonose and reduce the economical losses for beef production chain and the costs for public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild boars (Sus scrofa) have become an important invasive species in all Brazilian regions. Increase in their population causes damage to rural properties, as they invade and destroy crops. To protect their crops and farm animals, producers hunt wild boars and often consume the product without any sanitary control, becoming exposed to various types of pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii. Sanitary evaluations of these animals are scarce, especially in relation to the protozoan T. gondii. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of this pathogen in wild boars in Brazil. We analyzed 122 blood samples from wild boars (blood clots and serum), collected between 2014 and 2016 in five Brazilian states, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and indirect hemagglutination (IH) techniques. In total, 33 (27%) samples were positive by at least one test, 16 (13.1%) were positive by PCR, 19 (15.6%) were positive by IH, and only 2 (1.6%) were positive by both tests. The lack of sanitary management of feral animals increases the incidence of infections, and the consumption of raw or inadequately cooked meat may become a potential source of infection for humans in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium difficile is an emerging enteropathogen of humans and domestic animals. The bacterium was recently confirmed to be present in foals and dogs in Brazil, with some recent studies suggesting that C. difficile is one of the most important causes of piglet diarrhea in the country. Moreover, some reports also suggest the transmission of this microorganism between animals and humans, raising the possibility that C. difficile is a zoonotic disease. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to describe the main features of C. difficile infection in domestic animals and outline the occurrence of the disease in horses, dogs and pigs in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An updated review of Leptopspira sp infection in sheep is presented emphasizing some epidemiological aspects including the occurrence of the disease in Brazil and mechanisms of transmission, clinical signs and lesions, diagnosis, prevention and control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia sp. are currently recognised as the main enteric pathogens with potential zoonotic transmission risk. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of these parasites in horses stabled in the Santa Maria Jockey Club between May 19 and June 30, 2007. Fecal samples from 64 horses were collected directly from the animals' rectal ampoule. The 64 fecal samples were processed using modified Faust's method through the centrifugation-floatation technique, and were then later visualized under optical microscope for detection of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts and Giardia sp. cysts. The results showed the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in 75% (48/64) of the samples. Giardia sp. cysts were not found in the fecal samples analysed. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in foals below two years of age was 83.3% (15/18); 71% (22/31) in young foals aged between three and five years of age, and 80% (12/15) in adult horses. These results show that Cryptosporidium spp. is widely disseminated in this population, and it can represent an important source of infection for the population in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]