Edson Gerônimo

Toxoplasmosis, leptospirosis and brucellosis in stray dogs housed at the shelter in Umuarama municipality, Paraná, Brazil

BackgroundLeptospirosis, toxoplasmosis and brucellosis are diseases with worldwide distribution. Among stray dogs, these zoonoses are facilitated by direct contact with other animal species, by the habit of scavenging garbage and hunting in search of food, drinking standing water, smelling other animals’ urine, licking female genitalia and the sexual act itself. The objective of this study was to detect antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii, anti-Leptospira spp., anti-Brucella canis and anti-Brucella abortus in stray dogs housed in shelters at Umuarama city, Paraná, Brazil. In order to detect toxoplasmosis, indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was performed, agglutination microscopic (MAT) test for leptospirosis and agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) and buffered acidified antigen (BAA) tests for brucellosis.ResultsOf the 175 serum samples analyzed, 70.85% were considered positive for toxoplasmosis by IFA, 20% by MAT for leptospirosis and 2.85% by AGID for Brucella canis.ConclusionsThe serological results of this study showed that stray dogs housed at the private shelter are potential carriers of these three different zoonoses and contribute to the spread and maintenance of these etiologic agents in the urban area of Umuarama (PR), Brazil.

Study of the presence of Salmonella spp. and gastrointestinal parasites in excreta from ornamental birds from breeders in the city of Umuarama, Paran

Pets have been associated with emotional and physical benefits for their owners, and among these, ornamental birds can bring positive influences on quality of life. On the contrary, they harbor pathogenic micro-organisms of public health importance. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the presence of Salmonella spp. and intestinal parasites in 52 samples of excreta of passerines and parrots from breeders in the city of Umuarama, Parana. Conventional procedures for isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. were used. Colonies suspected with the genus Salmonella were tested serologically for flagellar H antigen and somatic antigen O. Faecal samples were also subjected to sedimentation and centrifugal flotation with zinc sulfate techniques to identify gastrointestinal parasites. Out of 52 excreta samples examined, 7 samples revealed large number of coccidian oocysts per field, highlighting the need to implement preventive measures to reduce the number of oocysts eliminated in animals. All samples were negative for the presence of Salmonella spp. Despite the lack of positive results for Salmonella spp. in samples of excreta of the birds in this study, control measures should be taken so that they are not a source of risk to human health. Key words: Salmonella, coccidia, passerines, psittacines, zoonosis.