Helcileia Dias Santos

Infection by Leptospira spp. in Domestic Cats (Felis silvestris catus). A Review

Domestic felines (Felis silvestris catus) can be infected and parasitized by different pathogens. Among them are the bacterial genus Leptospira spp. which can infect felines and impair the homeostasis of the animal and consequently its well-being. The infected cat with a compromised immune response may present mainly renal disorders, but also hepatic signs among others. To control, diagnose and treat it is necessary that the Veterinarian has knowledge in epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of leptospirosis. The present study aims to discuss the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects regarding the infection by Leptospira spp. and leptospirosis. It is known that the cat is no longer considered a refractory species for leptospirosis, therefore, its epidemiology and therapeutic approach needs to be better clarified.

Serosurvey for canine visceral leishmaniasis in rural and urban areas of the Brazilian Legal Amazon

Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) Instituto de Veterinaria Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinaria

PCR Multiplex fluorescente para detecção de bactérias em sêmen bovino

This study aimed to evaluate the threshold of detection of fluorescent multiplex PCR coupled with capillary electrophoresis for detection of infectious agents in semen samples from experimentally infected with decreasing concentrations of the bacteria Brucella abortus, Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona, Campylobacter fetus and Haemophilus somnus. Samples of bovine semen were experimentally infected with decreasing concentrations of bacteria obtained from serial dilutions in the base 10 so as to obtain samples containing a long time until 10-7 bacteria/mL from the initial concentration of Lepstospira pomona, Brucella abortus, Haemophilus somnus and Campylobacter fetus. The dilutions were made individually for each bacterium, as well as in different concentrations needed to standardize the multiplex PCR test. DNA extractions of all solutions containing sperm and bacteria analyzed in this study were performed according to protocol described by Heinemann et al. (2000). The multiplex PCR products were analyzed by electrophoresis on 8% polyacrylamide gel and capillary electrophoretic separation system for automated equipment in the analysis of DNA fragments MegaBACE. We observed amplification of fragments of 193pb, 330pb, 415pb and 400bp from the DNA of B. abortus, L. pomona, H. somnus, C. fetus respectively. The analysis by capillary electrophoresis of multiplex PCR products of DNA for simultaneous detection of the four pathogens was observed by detecting the dilution of 10-3 bacteria / mL times the initial concentration of the stock solution of each bacterium. The multiplex PCR coupled with capillary electrophoresis was first used for the direct diagnosis of four pathogenic bacteria in semen, proving to be a rapid method to detect bacteria that cause reproductive disorders.