Renata Osório de Faria

Cytotoxicity and anti-Sporothrix brasiliensis activity of the Origanum majorana Linn. oil

The study aimed to evaluate the anti-Sporothrix sp. activity of the essential oil of Origanum majorana Linn. (marjoram), its chemical analysis, and its cytotoxic activity. A total of 18 fungal isolates of Sporothrix brasiliensis (n: 17) from humans, dogs and cats, and a standard strain of Sporothrix schenckii (n: 1) were tested using the broth microdilution technique (Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute – CLSI M27-A3) and the results were expressed in minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC). The MIC50 and MIC90 of itraconazole against S. brasiliensis were 2 μg/mL and 8 μg/mL, respectively, and the MFC50 and MFC90 were 2 μg/mL and >16 μg/mL, respectively, with three S. brasiliensis isolates resistant to antifungal. S. schenckii was sensitive at MIC of 1 μg/mL and MFC of 8 μg/mL. For the oil of O. majorana L., all isolates were susceptible to MIC of ≤2.25–9 mg/mL and MFC of ≤2.25–18 mg/mL. The MIC50 and MIC90 were ≤2.25 mg/mL and 4.5 mg/mL, respectively, and the MFC50/90 values were twice more than the MIC. Twenty-two compounds were identified by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (CG-FID) and 1,8-cineole and 4-terpineol were the majority. Through the colorimetric (MTT) assay, the toxicity was observed in 70–80% of VERO cells between 0.078 and 5 mg/mL. For the first time, the study demonstrated the satisfactory in vitro anti-Sporothrix sp. activity of marjoram oil and further studies are needed to ensure its safe and effective use.

Aflatoxicose em cães na região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul

Clinical pathological aflatoxicosis in dogs is described in southern Rio Grande do Sul. It was conducted a retrospective study of cases diagnosed as aflatoxicosis in dogs necropsied at the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory (LRD) of the Veterinary School of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) in the period 1978-2012. In four cases the diagnosis was confirmed by detection of levels of aflatoxins B1 and G1, with the finding of 89-191ppb in the feed. The macroscopic and histologic lesions and the diet observed in six of 27 dogs with liver cirrhosis led to suspicion of aflatoxicosis. Clinical signs evidenced in confirmed or suspected cases were lethargy, diarrhea, jaundice and ascites, progressing to death within 8 to 30 days in confirmed cases, and within 15 to 60 days in suspected cases. The diet was corn and rice byproducts and peanut meal, and one of the dogs received commercial ration. Gross changes were characterized by ascites, jaundice, enlarged liver, with or without regenerative nodules, hemorrhages in serous membranes and bloody intestinal content. The cases were classified according to the main histological pattern, characterized by diffuse vacuolation of the cytoplasm of hepatocytes in acute cases, by proliferation of bile ducts, and mild fibrosis in subacute cases, and by severe fibrosis in chronic cases. Apparently the disease is not important as a cause of death in dogs in the region, nevertheless the possibility of cases of cirrhosis of unknown etiology would be caused by aflatoxicosis.

Study of bacteria isolated from the foot pad of Spheniscus magellanicus with and without bumblefoot

The bumblefoot or pododermatitis is among the diseases with the highest morbidity in Magellanic penguins, sometimes evolving to septicemia and death. Therefore, this study aimed to relate the main species involved in the disorder, as well as the in vitro susceptibility profile of the microorganisms against routine antimicrobial usage in Veterinary Medicine. During two years in vivo material was harvested from 200 footpads (n=100 animals) for microbiological analysis and in vitro susceptibility tests against the Antibiotic enrofloxacin, streptomycin, penicillin and cephalosporin. Bacteria have been identified both as part of permanent and transient microbiota, also being associated to 100% of the pododermatitis cases. The most prevalent genus were Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium. The antibiograms of all the isolated bacteria resulted in greater susceptibility of the strains facing cephalosporin, followed by enrofloxacin, streptomycin and penicillin.

Anti- Sporothrix spp. activity of medicinal plants

Cases of sporotrichosis in humans and animals without satisfactory clinical response have increased, a warning sign of strains resistant to conventional antifungal agents. The urgent search for alternative therapies was an incentive for research on medicinal plants with anti-Sporothrix spp. properties. A bibliographic survey was performed based on scientific papers about in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of essential oils and extracts of plants in differents solvents against the fungal of the Sporothrix schenckii complex. The study methodology consisted of a literature review in Google Scholar, Science Direct, Pubmed, Bireme and Springer link with papers from 1986 to 2015. We found 141 species of plants that were investigated, of which 100 species were concentrated in 39 botanical families that had confirmed anti-Sporothrix activity. Combretaceae, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae represented the botanical families with the greatest number of plants species with antifungal potential, using different methodologies. However, there are few studies with medicinal plants in experimental infection in animals that prove their activity in the treatment of sporotrichosis. It reinforces the need for further research related to standardization of in vitro methodologies and in vivo studies related to safety and to toxicity potential of these plants with anti-Sporothrix spp. activity.

Polar Origanum vulgare (Lamiaceae) extracts with antifungal potential against Sporothrix brasiliensis

&NA; Oregano (Origanum vulgare) has anti‐Sporothrix spp. activity, including against strains that are resistant to antifungal drugs. As the studies are limited to the essential oil, the aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of polar oregano extracts and their anti‐Sporothrix brasiliensis activity. Aerial plant parts were used in the preparation of 10 min (INF10) and 60 min (INF60) infusions, a decoction (DEC) and a hydroalcoholic extract (HAE). Six phenolic acids and four flavonoids were identified and quantified through liquid‐chromatography (LC‐MS). Extracts in increasing order of total phenolic and flavonoid contents were HAE<INF60<INF10<DEC and HAE<DEC<INF60<INF10, respectively. All extracts showed DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging potential (HAE<INF60<DEC<INF10). HAE showed the least toxicity toward MDCK and CRFK cell lines in the MTT colorimetric assay. The antifungal potential against 29 S. brasiliensis isolates obtained from cats and dogs was evaluated following the CLSI M38‐A2 protocol adapted to natural products. Minimum inhibitory concentration for 50% of the isolates (MIC50) was 5 mg/ml for all extracts, and minimum fungicidal concentration for 50% of the isolates (MFC50) was 20 mg/ml for INF10 and 40 mg/ml for the remaining extracts. MIC90 was 10 mg/ml for all extracts, except for DEC (20 mg/ml). MFC90 was 40 mg/ml for INF10 and > 40 mg/ml for the other extracts. This is the first report of oregano extracts showing antifungal activity against S. brasiliensis. Its use in the treatment of sporotrichosis may be considered upon toxicity and safe‐use conditions are tested.

Trichophyton verrucosum em bovinos com pele hígida e com lesões

Dermatofitose e uma micose cutânea determinada por um grupo de fungos chamados dermatofitos que infectam estruturas queratinizadas do homem e animais, causada por especies do genero Trichophyton, Microsporum e Epidermophyton. O Trichophyton verrucosum , dermatofito de origem zoofilica, e importante na dermatofitose bovina. O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de verificar a presenca de T. verrucosum na pele higida de bovinos e estudar casos clinicos de dermatofitose relacionando-os com a sazonalidade, idade e sexo. Foram estudados 313 bovinos, sendo 171 com pele higida e 142 com lesoes compativeis com dermatofitose. As amostras foram colhidas pela tecnica do tapete e por raspado de pele e pelos, cultivadas em agar Sabouraud com cloranfenicol e cicloheximida, enriquecido com tiamina e inositol e incubados a 37oC por um periodo de ate 30 dias. O isolamento do T. verrucosum ocorreu em s omente duas (1,2%) amostras de pele higida e em 136 (95,8%) amostras de bovinos com lesoes, principalmente naquelas procedentes de animais com menos de um ano de idade (92,8%), machos (58,7%), e no periodo de outono e inverno (97,9%). Os resultados demonstram que o T. verrucosum em pele higida de bovinos e um fungo de transicao, ocasional e nao-residente, e o desenvolvimento de dermatofitose ocorre preferencialmente durante o outono e inverno, sendo os jovens e machos os mais afetados.

Colisepticemia em Pinguim-de-Magalhães (Spheniscus Magellanicus) com bumblefoot: Relato de caso

Pododrematite, or bumblefoot, is a limb condition limiting the rehabilitation of penguins. The study reports a case of sepsis by Escherichia coli in a Magellanic penguin with grade III pododermatitis, developed during a period of captivity for rehabilitation. The animal died due to sudden death, with necroscopic examination being extensive lesions on foot pad, as well as tissue changes in lungs, air sacs and liver, from which there was isolation of E. coli. Histopathological examination shows the presence of bacteria in these tissues, as well as intravascular bacterial colonies in the epidermis of one of the foot pad. Keyword: Colibacilosis, pododermatitis, penguin Sepsis por Escherichia coli en pinguino (Spheniscus Magellanicus) con bumblefoot: Reporte de un caso RESUMEN. Pododermatitis, o bumblefoot, es una afección podal limitante a la rehabilitación de los pingüinos. El estudio relata un caso de sepsis por Escherichia coli en un pingüino de Magallanes con pododermatitis grado III, desarrollada durante período de cautiverio para rehabilitación. Se produjo una muerte súbita, observándose al examen necroscópico extensas lesiones en las almohadillas de la pata, además de alteraciones en los pulmones, bolsas aéreas e hígado, de donde hubo aislamiento de E. coli. El examen histopatológico mostró la presencia de bacterias en estos tejidos, así como colonias bacterianas intravasculares en la epidermis de una de las almohadillas Palabras clave: Colibacilosis, pododermatitis, pinguino