Márcia Cristina Menão

ENTEROBACTERIAL COLONIZATION IN CAPTIVE RED-EARED SLIDERS (TRACHEMYS SCRIPTA ELEGANS)

Abstract:  The handling of turtles and other reptiles can be associated with risk of pathogenic enterobacteria transmission, mainly Salmonella spp. The aim of this study was to identify the enterobacteria in cloacal swabs of 39 red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans). Cloacal swabs from 39 captive individuals were analyzed. After sample enrichment in brain–heart infusion broth and 1% peptone water, bacterial isolation was performed through cultivation in blood, MacConkey and xylose lysine desoxycholate agar. Bacterial identification was achieved through conventional tests and automated turbidity analysis. The results indicated the growth of Kluyvera ascorbata (38/39), Leclercia adecarboxylata (37/39), Raoultella planticola (30/39), Citrobacter freundii (20/39), Proteus spp. (15/39), and Escherichia coli (5/39). Salmonella spp. were not detected. The intestinal enterobacteria identified in this study differed from that reported in the literature for other reptiles.

Fibropapillomatosis in marine turtles

The article discusses the clinical and epidemiological aspects of fibropapillomatosis in marine turtles, a highly debilitating disease, characterized by the presence of multiple epithelial fibropapillomas and visceral fibromas. The etiologic agent of fibropapillomatosis is unclear, but it is possible that the disease occurs after virus infection, and its clinical manifestation is associated with the predisposing factors such as genetics; presence of parasites; environmental changes; wounds and stress. Epidemiological studies have been observing an increase in the incidence of this illness, which can be considered a risk for the preservation of some species of marine turtles. Key words: fibropapillomatosis, marine turtle, herpesvirus.

Efficacy of bacterin-, outer membrane protein- and fimbriae extract-based vaccines for the control of Salmonella Enteritidis experimental infection in chickens

ABSTRACT.- Menao M.C., Astolfi-Ferreira C.S., Knobl T. & Ferreira A.J.P. 2013. Efficacy of bacterin-, outer membrane protein- and fimbriae extract-based vaccines for the con - trol of Salmonella Enteritidis experimental infection in chickens . Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 33(3):326-330 . Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Sao Paulo, SP 05508 270, Brazil. E-mail: ajpferr@usp.brThe efficacy of three vaccines was evaluated in chickens for the control of experimental infection with Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) phage type 4. The vaccines were produced with bacterin, outer membrane proteins (OMP) and fimbriae crude extract (FE). The chickens were vaccinated intramuscularly with two doses of each vaccine at 12 and 15 weeks of age. The chickens were then orally challenged with 10 9 CFU/chicken Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 4 at 18 weeks of age. Fecal swabs were performed for the recovery of shedding SE, and SE was recovered from the liver and spleen. Additionally, antibody titers were mea-sured in the serum by micro-agglutination test. The results indicated that the vaccine pro-duced with bacterin yielded better results and resulted in reduction of fecal shedding and organ invasion by SE after oral challenge, although no vaccine was 100% effective for the control of SE experimental infection.

Salmonella Yoruba infection in white-tufted-ear marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

The aim of this study was to describe a fatal salmonellosis case in a non-human female primate (Callithrix jacchus), found in the illegal pet trade in Brazil. The marmoset was sent to the quarantine section of the Guarulhos City Zoo and died in the sequence of an episode of profuse diarrhea. Necropsy findings included mucous enteritis, and liver enlargement and necrosis. Feces and liver fragments were collected for bacteriological tests, which indicated the presence of Salmonella sp.; it was subsequently characterized as pertaining to the Yoruba serotype. The susceptibility profile demonstrated resistance to tetracycline only. The strain was positive for genes that encoded the virulence factors investigated (invA, sefC, pefA and spvC). The results indicated the risk of introduction of Salmonella pathogenic serotypes in primates in captivity.