Marconi Rodrigues de Farias

Virulence of Rhodococcus equi Isolated from Cats and Dogs

ABSTRACT Nine cat isolates and nine dog isolates of Rhodococcus equi from clinical material were investigated for the presence of the virulence-associated antigens (VapA and VapB) and virulence plasmids. Five of the cat isolates and one dog isolate were VapA positive and contained an 85-kb type I or an 87-kb type I plasmid. The remaining 12 isolates were avirulent R. equi strains and contained no virulence plasmids.

Genetic variability in Microsporum canis isolated from cats, dogs and humans in Brazil

Dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis is a heterogeneous disease with variable clinical manifestations. M. canis is a zoophilic dermatophyte and the most frequent fungi isolated from dogs, cats and children in Brazil. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic variability of M. canis isolates from different animal species using two microsatellite markers, namely, McGT(13) and McGT(17), and to correlate the results with the clinical and epidemiological patient data in Brazil. The study included a global set of 102 M. canis strains, including 37 symptomatic cats, 35 asymptomatic cats, 19 human patients with tinea, 9 asymptomatic dogs and 2 symptomatic dogs. A total of 14 genotypes were identified, and 6 large populations were distinguished. There was no correlation between these multilocus genotypes and the clinical and epidemiological data, including the source, symptomatology, clinical picture, breed, age, sex, living conditions and geographic location. These results demonstrate that the use of microsatellite polymorphisms is a reliable method for the differentiation of M. canis strains. However, we were unable to demonstrate a shared clinical and epidemiological pattern among the same genotype samples.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Prototheca zopfii in a dog with enteric signs

This is a case report of enteric protothecosis caused by Prototheca zopfii in an eight-year-old male mixed breed dog with a history of chronic bloody diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss. Algae were isolated from rectal scrapings in defibrinated sheep blood agar and dextrose Sabouraud agar. Cytological evaluation showed the presence of globular and cylindrical organisms with a defined capsule and variable number of endospores, characteristic of the genus Prototheca, in the rectum of the animal. Scanning electron microscopy of P. zopfii strains at different development stages confirmed the diagnosis of algal infection. Molecular identification using a conserved 18S rDNA gene sequence determined that the strain belonged to genotype 2. This report describes success on treatment of canine protothecosis, diagnosed based on clinical, cytological, microbiological, scanning electron microscopy and genotypical findings.

Uncommon mandibular osteomyelitis in a cat caused by Nocardia africana

BackgroundNocardiosis is an unusual infection in companion animals characterized by suppurative to pyogranulomatous lesions, localized or disseminated. Cutaneous-subcutaneous, pulmonary and systemic signs are observed in feline nocardiosis. However, osteomyelitis is a rare clinical manifestation in cats. Nocardia cyriacigeorgica (formerly N. asteroides sensu stricto), Nocardia brasiliensis, Nocardia otitidiscaviarum, and Nocardia nova are the most common pathogenic species identified in cats, based on recent molecular classification (16S rRNA gene). The present report is, to our knowledge, the first case of mandibular osteomyelitis in a cat caused by Nocardia africana, diagnosed based upon a combination of methods, including molecular techniques.Case presentationA one-year-old non-neutered female cat, raised in a rural area, was admitted to the Companion Animal Hospital-PUCPR, São José dos Pinhais, State of Paraná, Brazil, with a history a progressive facial lesion, difficulty apprehending food, loss of appetite, apathy and emaciation. Clinical examination showed fever, submandibular lymphadenitis, and a painless, 8 cm diameter mass, which was irregularly-shaped, of firm consistency, and located in the region of the left mandible. The skin around the lesion was friable, with diffuse inflammation (cellulitis), multiple draining sinuses, and exudation of serosanguinous material containing whitish “sulfur” granules.Diagnosis was based initially in clinical signs, microbiological culture, cytological, and histopathological findings, and radiographic images. Molecular sequencing of 16S rRNA of isolate allowed diagnosis of Nocardia africana. Despite supportive care and antimicrobial therapy based on in vitro susceptibility testing the animal died.ConclusionThe present report describes a rare clinical case of feline osteomyelitis caused by Nocardia africana, diagnosed based upon a combination of clinical signs, microbiological culture, cytological and histopathological findings, radiographic images, and molecular methods. The use of modern molecular techniques constitutes a quick and reliable method for Nocardia species identification, and may contribute to identification to new species of Nocardia that are virulent in cats.

Evaluation of the concentration of the coat of dogs aeroallergens (Canis lupus familiaris) and the dust from families of children with asthma and or allergic rhinitis

Background Allergens from house dust mites are perennial and also have enzymatic nature. They are commonly found in bedding, mattresses, pillows, bedroom floor and living room. In addition, they are often associated with sensitization and intensification in the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma for susceptible individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of Der p 1, Der f 1, Blo t 5, Can f 1 and Fel d 1 in the coat of dogs and spread throughout the environment to check if dogs can serve as a reservoir of allergens for the space as well as being able to trigger allergic reactions in their owners and other individuals.

Evaluation of the concentration of allergens from mites in fur of household dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in Curitiba - PR - Brazil

Background Allergens from house dust mites are perennial and also have enzymatic nature. They are commonly found in bedding, mattresses, pillows, bedroom floor and living room. In addition, they are often associated with sensitization and intensification in the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma for susceptible individuals. Household dogs are continuously in contact with the ecological niches of house dust mites, and it has been observed that the microclimate between their skin and coat may favor its proliferation. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the concentrations of Der p 1, Der f 1 and Blo t 5, in the fur of household dogs, in order to check if they can serve as a reservoir of such allergens in the environment.

Esporotricose óssea canina: relato de caso

Sporotrichosis, a subcutaneous and zoonotic mycosis, is caused by dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. The infection occurs after a traumatic skin injury, while handling plant materials or animals. This disease commonly occurs in cats and is rarely reported in dogs. Herein we report a case of bone sporotrichosis in a dog that presented at the Hospital Unit for Pets (HUP) of the Pontifical Catholic University of Parana (PUCPR). The animal had a 4-month history of lameness in its thoracic limbs. Haematological, radiological, mycological, and histopathological tests were conducted to confirm the diagnosis. The animal was treated for 2 months with a 10 mg kg -1 PO SID dose of itraconazole, but only partial improvement was observed. A 20% supersaturated potassium iodide solution i.e., a 40 mg kg -1

Use of Staphylococcus aureus Phage Lysate Staphage Lysate (SPL)® for the Control of Recurrent Pyoderma Eczema in Dogs with Atopic Dermatitis

Background: Recurrent staphylococcal infections are frequent in dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD). Many factors seem to contribute to making bacterial pyoderma refractory to treatment. Short-term systemic antibiotic therapy is effective for the treatment of acute symptoms, and may, along with pulsatile therapy, contribute to the long-term control of the disease. However, microbial resistance has become a growing and alarming problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of Staphylococcus aureus Phage Lysate Staphage Lysate (SPL)®, can minimize the symptoms of recurrent pyoderma and increase the interval between acute atopic manifestations in dogs. Materials, Methods & Results: Thirteen dogs with a history of Canine Atopic Dematitis (CAD) and recurrent bacterial pyoderma received SPL at increasing intervals for 23 weeks. The contents of an intact pustule of each dog was collected and submitted to microbiological analysis. Systemic antibiotic therapy was established for the first 4-6 weeks of SPL protocol, based on the antibiotic sensitivity tests. The animals included in the study underwent a therapeutic protocol receiving shots of 0.5 mL of SPL subcutaneously (SC) twice a week for the first 12 weeks; 1.0 mL of SPL (SC) once a week for four weeks; 1.0 mL of SPL (SC) once every 15 days; 1.0 mL of SPL (SC) after a three-week interval from the last dose on week 20, until final observation at week 26, with no application. The animals underwent clinical examination every week and the evaluation of pruritus was used according Rybnicek et al. During the therapeutic protocol with SPL, a significant decline in the pruritus was observed in the treated dogs (P < 0.05). In week 1, the mean pruritus index was 7.33 on the Rybnicek scale; in weeks 12 and 23, the mean indices were 2.41 and 1.91. An effectiveness of 83.33% for the control of pruritus along with regression of the lesions was observed. Discussion: Before treatment, the selected animals presented worsening of the pruritus during the pyoderma eczema episodes (pruritic), resulting in the emergence of a vicious cycle where the pruritus induced the appearance of new lesions, requiring the use of antibiotics for a long period. During the therapeutic protocol with SPL, a significant decline in the pruritus was observed in the treated dogs. The control of pruritus associated with pyoderma eczema of the dogs in this study before the vaccination protocol with SPL was satisfactory when they were subjected to antibiotic therapy; however, after suspending therapy, the bacterial infections recurred, on average, after 2-4 weeks. On the other hand, with the use of SPL, the animals were recurrence-free until the end of the experimental protocol. This was attributed to the antibiotic therapy administered at the beginning of the protocol, as this led to a regression of the bacterial pyoderma and involution of the lesions. However, after suspending antibiotics, it was observed that, by the end of the study, 83.33% of the dogs still had a low level of pruritus, few or no lesions, which were considered acceptable to most owners. At this moment none of these patients needed to be subjected to antibiotic treatment. The sums of the scores for the dogs on weeks 1, 12, and 23 were 53.33, 4.41, and 3.5, respectively, indicating significant improvements of the lesions, showing that the proposed protocol with SPL was able to prevent new episodes of pyoderma.

Influence of gender and sexual reproductive state in concentration of CAN f 1 in the fur of dogs (Canis lupus familiaris).

Background The allergens from cats and dogs have been implicated as extrinsic factors involved in sensitization, precipitation and exacerbation of allergic rhinitis and asthma in susceptible children and adults, at rates ranging from 10 to 25%. The major allergen from the epithelium of dogs is the Can f 1, responsible for the majority of sensitivity reactions to these. The Can f 1 is a lipocalin, which confers adhesive properties, derived from the sebaceous glands and found in fur, scales and saliva of dogs. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of gender and sexual reproductive state on concentrations of Can f 1 in the fur of dogs.

Obstrução intestinal congênita em cão por aderência de alça em osso púbico

A five-month-old mongrel bitch was presented with history of apathy and hyporexia in addition to vomit and progressive weight loss of uncertain beginning. At the physical examination, abdominal distention with intestinal dilatation and increased peristaltic movements was evident. The animal also was emaciated, highly dehydrated, with filiform pulse and reduced conscience level. It died a few minutes after the physical exam. At the necropsy, a small bowel segment could be observed crossing the pubic bone causing obstruction due to a reduction in the lumen at the point of adhesion. This presentation has an important relevance because such case has never been reported before in the veterinary medical practice.