v.11, n.2, 1
Original Full Paper
Identification of Neospora caninum in aborted bovine fetuses of Southern Chile
Manuel Moroni, Mauricio A. Navarro, Enrique Paredes, Alex Romero, Aintzane Alberdi, Tania Lischinsky, Dadin P. Moore, Carlos M. Campero, Francisco A. Uzal
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify Neospora caninum in histologic sections of brain and optic nerve of aborted bovine fetuses. Sections of these tissues from 296 aborted bovine fetuses from Southern Chile, submitted between 2000 and 2010, to the Instituto de Patología Animal of the Universidad Austral de Chile were analyzed. Forty-four (14.9%) fetuses had microscopic lesions compatible with bovine neosporosis, including gliosis, necrosis, intralesional protozoan cysts and neuritis of optic nerves. N. caninum was identified by immunohistochemistry in brain sections of 27 cases (9.1%) with compatible lesions. Positive immunostaining was also found in the optic nerves of 13 cases (4.4%) with neuritis. N. caninum DNA was identified by PCR in brain sections in 31 cases (10.5%). In total, 36 cases (12.2%) were positive by either technique. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS1 gene sequence of N. caninum revealed a high degree of conservation among different isolates. This is the first report of N. caninum-associated optic neuritis in cattle and also the first report of confirmed bovine abortion associated with this parasite in Chile.
Key words: bovine abortion, immunohistochemistry, Neospora caninum, PCR, phylogenetic analysis.
Download full article: v11 n2 – 1
DOI: 10.24070/bjvp.1983-0246.v11i2p37-41
v.11, n.2, 2
Original Full Paper
Ultrastructural and molecular characterization of non-Helicobacter pylori species in the gastric mucosa of naturally infected pigs
Letícia Y. Buck, Victor Marutani, Elis Lorenzetti, Amauri A. Alfieri, Ana Paula L. Bracarense
Abstract
Infection by Helicobacter spp. has been associated with gastritis and ulcers in pigs and humans. Association between Helicobacter species and lesions can contribute to determine specific pathogenicity. The aim of this study was to describe ultrastructural aspects of Helicobacter spp. and identify Helicobacter species by PCR assay. Gastric samples from 13 naturally infected sows were analyzed. From these, 12 were positive for Helicobacter spp. 16S rRNA gene and seven were identified as H. suis. The species was not identified in five samples and all samples were negative for urease gene. The sequencing of rRNA gene of five samples showed similarity with H. suis and H. heilmannii type I. Seven samples positive for Helicobacter genus generated no sequenceable fragments. On ultrastructural study, three samples showed helical bacteria measuring 4 to 6 μm long, 0.5 to 0.8 μm width, 4 to 8 spirals and 2 to 6 bipolar flagella. Two samples showed bacteria measuring 9 to 10 μm in length, 0.5 μm width, 22 to 24 spirals and no flagella, characterizing Helicobacter non-H. pylori, but these samples were negative for H. suis. In conclusion, the results indicate that adult pigs are commonly infected by helical bacteria presenting different ultrastructural characteristics, suggesting that mixed infection is frequent.
Key words: sows, scanning electron microscopy, PCR, ultrastructure.
Download full article: v11 n2 – 2
DOI: 10.24070/bjvp.1983-0246.v11i2p42-49
v.11, n.2, 3
Original Full Paper
Ameliorative effect of curcumin and vitamin B6 against lithocholic acid-induced cholestasis and liver injury in mice
Mohamed A. Nassan, Tamer A. Ismail, Mohamed M. Soliman, Adel Q. Alkhedaide
Abstract
To examine the therapeutic effect of curcumin and/or vitamin B6 in treatment of cholestasis, a model of cholestasis was induced in mice using lithocholic acid (LCA). Alterations in biochemical parameters and liver histopathological and histochemical changes were examined in cholestatic mice and after treatments with curcumin, vitamin B6 and combination of both. Moreover, hepatic expressions of bilirubin-metabolizing enzymes, their regulatory nuclear receptors, and bile acid lipid transporters were examined using RT-PCR. Cholestatic mice showed an increase in the blood levels of AST, ALT, ALP, direct and total bilirubin and a decrease in cholesterol levels that were ameliorated by treatments. Liver histopathology showed multiple necrotic foci of different sizes spread all over the liver with congestion of hepatic blood vessels in LCA group. These foci were regenerated in hepatic tissues after administration of curcumin and vitamin B6. Immunohistochemical examination of liver showed an increase in glutathione and NF-kB expressions in treated mice. Cholestatic mice showed down-regulation of mRNA expression of hepatic bile acid and bilirubin-metabolizing/detoxifying enzymes (Cyp2b10, Ugt1a1, Sult2a1), their regulatory nuclear receptors (CAR, PXR, farnesoid X receptor), and bile acid/organic anion and lipid transporters (Oatp2, Bsep, Mrp2, Abcg8, Asbt). These changes were ameliorated and restored by treatment with curcumin, vitamin B6 and both. Only of examined genes, NTCP was up-regulated in cholestatic mice. In conclusion, treatment with curcumin mainly, vitamin B6 or the combination of them has the potential to ameliorate changes observed in induced cholestasis.
Key words: cholestasis, liver, curcumin, vitamin B6.
Download full article: v11 n2 – 3
DOI: 10.24070/bjvp.1983-0246.v11i2p50-63
v.11, n.2, 4
Case Report
Metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma in a captive common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius)
Ayisa R. de Oliveira, Alexandre Arenales, Thaynara P. de Carvalho, Angela T. Pessanha, Herlandes P. Tinoco, Maria Elvira L. T. da Costa, Tatiane A. da Paixão, Renato L. Santos
Abstract
Reported cases of neoplasia affecting hippopotamus are very scarce. This report describes a metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma in a captive 44-year-old male common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) that developed progressive loss of appetite, fibrinohemorrhagic oral discharge, and progressive weight loss. Gross, cytological, and histopathological findings were compatible with a conclusive diagnosis of an invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma with metastasis in the lung, adrenal, and spleen. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of squamous cell carcinoma in a common hippopotamus.
Key words: neoplasia, wild animals, wild ungulates, zoo.
Download full article: v11 n2 – 4
DOI: 10.24070/bjvp.1983-0246.v11i2p64-67
v.11, n.2, 5
Case Report
Diffuse thoracic and peritoneal papillary mesothelioma in an adult cow: case report
Frank A. O. Toledo, Aline D. B. B. Gonçalves, Mariela F. Toscano, Eduardo H. Fazzano, Fernando V. Fernandes, Geovanni D. Cassali, Daniela B. Rozza
Abstract
Mesothelioma is a rare tumor of mesothelium and usually spread by implantation in the same cavity it arises. Regarding bovine mesotheliomas, the abdominal cavity is the most affected site. This article describes a case of diffuse papillary mesothelioma within both thoracic and abdominal cavity with nodal metastasis in an adult cow – based on cytology, histopathology, and immunohistochemical analysis. A 7-years-old cow, Nelore breed (Brazilian beef cattle), with clinical signs of tachypnea, abdominal distention, and positive jugular venous pulse was slaughtered and necropsied due to persistent weight loss. The main gross findings were several verrucous and yellowish nodules spread on pericardium, pleura, and peritoneum. Mediastinal lymph nodes were enlarged and hemorrhagic with multiples yellowish spots on cut surface. The diagnoses of diffuse mesothelioma with nodal metastasis was established and ratified by the microscopic analysis. Immunohistochemical results had strong positivity for cytokeratin and the Ki-67 showed proliferative index of 28%. Vimentin was positive only in the cells of fibrous tissue. In this case, the initial site of the mesothelioma was not recognized. Although it is a post-mortem study, cytology may be very helpful in vivo investigation. Equally important, is the IHC to better comprehend this tumor and its behavior.
Key words: mesothelial cancer, thorax, abdomen, bovine.
Download full article: v11 n2 – 5
DOI: 10.24070/bjvp.1983-0246.v11i2p68-75
v.11, n.2, 6
Case Report
Suppurative splenitis in a filly
Edmilson R. Daneze, Joel S. Montello-Neto, Angélica T. B. Moraes, Geórgia M. Magalhães, Brunna L. N. Sousa, Adriano C. V. Chicone, Deborah P. M. Dias
Abstract
Splenic abscess is an uncommon condition in humans and animals. The present report describes a rare case of suppurative splenitis in a 14-month-old filly, presented with signs of mild colic, depression and hyporexia. After clinical and laboratorial evaluation, a suppurative process of undetermined location was suspected. Medical therapy and supportive care were initiated, general condition has degraded in few days, and a paracentesis was performed diagnosing peritonitis. Given the poor prognosis, euthanasia was elected. At necropsy, multiple splenic abscess and diffuse peritonitis were identified. The etiology was not determined.
Key words: abscess, horse, peritonitis, sepsis, spleen.
Download full article: v11 n2 – 6
DOI: 10.24070/bjvp.1983-0246.v11i2p76-80
v.11, n.2, 7
Abstracts
I International Symposium on Animal Models for Translational Research: Prostate Cancer
Download full article: v11 n2 – 7