Objectives: The objectives of our study were to determine the presence of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in market milk in Aswan province, Egypt and studying the effect of addition of some strains of probiotics microorganisms on AFM1 level in milk. Materials and Methods: Between July and October 2018, 90 market milk samples (15 Ultra Heat Treated (UHT) , 75 raw) were collected from different dairy shops in Aswan City, Egypt to be examined for AFM1 presence by rapid strip test and the results were confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The results revealed that all UHT milk samples were negative, while 37 (49%) raw milk samples were positive for AFM1 residues. All 37 positive milk samples were examined by HPLC to determine the level of AFM1. The results showed that the level of AFM1 ranged between 0.053 and 0.207 with mean ± SE of 0.1003 ± 0.008 ppb. Some probiotics strains were used to determine their effect on AFM1 by milk fermentation; the result showed that the probiotics have significant effect on the reduction of AFM1 level in milk (p < 0.05). Also, Public health importance of AFM1 was discussed. Conclusion: Presence of AFM1 in 49% of examined raw milk samples indicate widespread occur¬rence of AFM1 in market milk in Aswan province, Egypt which considered possible hazards for consumers, while the absence of AFM1 from UHT milk indicates that type of milk is safer. So, regular monitoring of AFM1 in market milk is necessary for evaluating their contamination status. Mixed starter culture of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus could be used as a biological agent for the reduction of AFM1 in milk. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(2.000): 197-201]

Objectives: The objectives of our study were to determine the presence of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in market milk in Aswan province, Egypt and studying the effect of addition of some strains of probiotics microorganisms on AFM1 level in milk. Materials and Methods: Between July and October 2018, 90 market milk samples (15 Ultra Heat Treated (UHT) , 75 raw) were collected from different dairy shops in Aswan City, Egypt to be examined for AFM1 presence by rapid strip test and the results were confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The results revealed that all UHT milk samples were negative, while 37 (49%) raw milk samples were positive for AFM1 residues. All 37 positive milk samples were examined by HPLC to determine the level of AFM1. The results showed that the level of AFM1 ranged between 0.053 and 0.207 with mean ± SE of 0.1003 ± 0.008 ppb. Some probiotics strains were used to determine their effect on AFM1 by milk fermentation; the result showed that the probiotics have significant effect on the reduction of AFM1 level in milk (p < 0.05). Also, Public health importance of AFM1 was discussed. Conclusion: Presence of AFM1 in 49% of examined raw milk samples indicate widespread occur­rence of AFM1 in market milk in Aswan province, Egypt which considered possible hazards for consumers, while the absence of AFM1 from UHT milk indicates that type of milk is safer. So, regular monitoring of AFM1 in market milk is necessary for evaluating their contamination status. Mixed starter culture of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus could be used as a biological agent for the reduction of AFM1 in milk. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(2): 197-201, June 2019

Objective: High ambient temperature in poultry is a challenging and fatal stress among environmental factors. It affects the production quality, damages the liver, and increases mortality in broilers. The present study is focused to explore appropriate utilization of Selenium (Se) as a feed additive in broiler chickens against high temperature. Materials and Methods: Day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) (n = 200) were grouped according to the supplements used in their basal diets such as: corn-soybean basal diet as control (Con), a basal diet containing sodium selenite, basal diet with probiotics, and a basal diet containing selenium-enriched probiotics (SP). At the end of the experimental period of 42 days, the liver was isolated and was used to determine the antioxidant capacity through a spectrophotometer. Inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines production in the liver was measured through a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Hepatic analyses revealed the decreased level of malondialdehyde, whereas glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase levels were increased in the SP group. Furthermore, supplementation of SP significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), GPx4, IL6, and IL10 and down-regulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: It is thus concluded that SP as a potential nutritive supplement may facilitate hepatic protection by suppressing hepatic oxidation, inflammation, and necrosis during the high ambient temperature of summer. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6(3.000): 355-361]

Objective: High ambient temperature in poultry is a challenging and fatal stress among environmental factors. It affects the production quality, damages the liver, and increases mortality in broilers. The present study is focused to explore appropriate utilization of Selenium (Se) as a feed additive in broiler chickens against high temperature. Materials and Methods: Day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) (n = 200) were grouped according to the supplements used in their basal diets such as: corn-soybean basal diet as control (Con), a basal diet containing sodium selenite, basal diet with probiotics, and a basal diet containing selenium-enriched probiotics (SP). At the end of the experimental period of 42 days, the liver was isolated and was used to determine the antioxidant capacity through a spectrophotometer. Inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines production in the liver was measured through a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Hepatic analyses revealed the decreased level of malondialdehyde, whereas glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase levels were increased in the SP group. Furthermore, supplementation of SP significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), GPx4, IL6, and IL10 and down-regulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: It is thus concluded that SP as a potential nutritive supplement may facilitate hepatic protection by suppressing hepatic oxidation, inflammation, and necrosis during the high ambient temperature of summer. J. Adv. Vet. Anim. Res., 6(3): 355-361, September 2019

The increasing number of obese dogs in veterinary practice has been a warning to veterinarians about the need to develop new tools to approach the obese patient, aiming to attain satisfactory results in weight loss programs. A total of 18 obese or overweight dogs with no evidence of endocrine disorders were selected for this study. These animals were randomly divided into two groups with 9 animals each. In one of the groups, strategic tools were used by their tutors, aimed at behavioral and environmental modification, and this group was assisted daily through communication using a digital instant messaging app (WhatsApp(R)). In the other group, these tools were not used, and the animals were followed only during the monthly consultation. The analyzed variable was the percentage of weight loss of each animal in one month of the method used. The animals of the daily assisted group had a mean weight loss of 5.17%, while the animals of the non-assisted group had a mean weight loss of 3.31%. Considering the results, one can state that the animals in the assisted group lost approximately 1.6 times more weight than the unassisted animals, when comparing the mean and the median weight loss percentage in the two groups. Although the results are encouraging, there was no statistical difference with a significance level of 0.05, and this is probably due to the small sample size, consisting of 18 animals.

A crescente casuística de cães obesos na clínica de cães tem sido um alerta aos médicos veterinários sobre a necessidade do desenvolvimento de novas ferramentas para a abordagem do paciente obeso, com o intuito de alcançar resultados satisfatórios em programas de redução de peso. Nesse estudo, foram selecionados 18 cães obesos ou acima do peso ideal, sem indícios de distúrbios endócrinos. Esses animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de nove animais. Em um dos grupos foram utilizadas ferramentas estratégicas para modificação comportamental e ambiental para seus tutores e esse grupo foi assistido diariamente por comunicação em aplicativo digital de mensagens instantâneas (WhatsApp(R)). No outro grupo, essas ferramentas não foram utilizadas e os animais foram acompanhados somente na consulta mensal. A variável analisada foi o percentual de perda de peso de cada animal em um mês de aplicação dométodo. Os animais do grupo assistido diariamente apresentaram média de perda de peso de 5,17%, enquanto que os animais do grupo não assistido apresentaram média de 3,31%. Pelos resultados é possível afirmar que os animais do grupo assistido perderam aproximadamente 1,6 vezes a mais de peso que os animais não assistidos. Embora os resultados sejam motivadores, não houve diferença estatística com grau de significância de 0,05, isso provavelmente se deve ao número amostral de dezoito animais ser muito pequeno. | The increasing number of obese dogs in veterinary practice has been a warning to veterinarians about the need to develop new tools to approach the obese patient, aiming to attain satisfactory results in weight loss programs. A total of 18 obese or overweight dogs with no evidence of endocrine disorders were selected for this study. These animals were randomly divided into two groups with 9 animals each. In one of the groups, strategic tools were used by their tutors, aimed at behavioral and environmental modification, and this group was assisted daily through communication using a digital instant messaging app (WhatsApp(R)). In the other group, these tools were not used, and the animals were followed only during the monthly consultation. The analyzed variable was the percentage of weight loss of each animal in one month of the method used. The animals of the daily assisted group had a mean weight loss of 5.17%, while the animalsof the non-assisted group had a mean weight loss of 3.31%. Considering the results, one can state that the animals in the assisted group lost approximately 1.6 times more weight than the unassisted animals, when comparing the mean and the median weight loss percentage in the two groups. Although the results are encouraging, there was no statistical difference with a significance level of 0.05, and this is probably due to the small sample size, consisting of 18 animals.

Poultry meat is often involved as a vehicle for microorganisms that cause food-borne diseases. Salmonella sp. is a major pathogen involved in outbreaks around the world. Based on its importance, the objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of Salmonella sp. in frozen and chilled poultry carcasses slaughtered and marketed in the western region of Paraná state, Brazil. A total of 340 samples were collected between January 2007 and April 2013, with 66 (19.41%) carcasses positive for Salmonella sp. It can be concluded from the results obtained that the occurrence of Salmonella sp. in poultry carcasses remains high, even though it is a product marketed refrigerated or frozen, methods considered appropriate for food preservation. A lower occurrence result was expected due to the 14-year implementation of the national pathogen reduction program established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply aimed at a gradual reduction in the occurrence of Salmonella sp. in these products through constant monitoring of carcasses immediately after slaughter.

A carne de aves é um alimento que frequentemente encontra-se envolvido como veículo de micro-organismos causadores de enfermidades, sendo Salmonella sp. um desses agentes comumente envolvidos nessas enfermidades em todo o mundo. Com isso, o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a ocorrência de Salmonella sp. em carcaças de frango congeladas e refrigeradas, abatidas e comercializadas na região oeste do estado do Paraná. Um total de 340 amostras foram coletadas entre janeiro de 2007 e abril de 2013. Das amostras analisadas, 66 (19,41%) das carcaças foram positivas para Salmonella sp. De acordo com os resultados obtidos pode-se concluir que a ocorrência de Salmonella sp. em carcaças de frangos permanece alta, mesmo sendo produtos comercializados refrigerados ou congelados, métodos consideradosadequados para conservação de alimentos. Um resultado de menor ocorrência era esperado devido à implementação de 14 anos do Programa Nacional de Redução de Patógenos estabelecido pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento visando uma redução gradual na ocorrência de Salmonella sp. nestes produtos através de monitoramento constante de carcaças imediatamente após o abate. | Poultry meat is often involved as a vehicle for microorganisms that cause food-borne diseases. Salmonella sp. is a major pathogen involved in outbreaks around the world. Based on its importance, the objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of Salmonella sp. in frozen and chilled poultry carcasses slaughtered and marketed in the western region of Paraná state, Brazil. A total of 340 samples were collected between January 2007 and April 2013, with 66 (19.41%) carcasses positive for Salmonella sp. It can be concluded from the results obtained that the occurrence of Salmonella sp. in poultry carcasses remains high, even though it is a product marketed refrigerated or frozen, methods considered appropriate for food preservation. A lower occurrence result was expected due to the 14-year implementation of the national pathogen reduction program established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply aimed at a gradual reduction in the occurrence of Salmonella sp. in these products through constant monitoring of carcasses immediately after slaughter.

Aquarium ornamental pet fish constitute a major segment in the pet industry, with the United States, Europe, and Japan dominating the market. There are approximately 1,500 marine fish species and over 4,500 freshwater fish species commercialized as aquarium ornamental pet fish. Fish are the fourth most common pet present in Brazilian homes. In Brazil, aquarium ornamental pet fish can be marketed and distributed from different parts of the Brazilian territory and the world. Commercialization and circulation of living animals without the use of adequate prophylactic management procedures enables dissemination of a number of agents responsible for infectious diseases. Aquarium pet fish can also carry pathogenic agents, of bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic etiology, that may have a zoonotic feature endangering the persons handling the animals. This review presents the main pathogenic infectious agents of bacterial, viral, and fungal etiology that affect aquarium pet fish, as well as the prevention and control measures to ensure sanitary excellence in this segment.

Peixes ornamentais de aquário representam um grande segmento no mercado de animais de estimação, no qual Estados Unidos, Europa e Japão dominam. São aproximadamente 1.500 espécies de peixes marinhos e em torno de 4.500 de espécies de água doce comercializados com fins ornamentais. O peixe é a quarta espécie mais comum nos domicílios brasileiros. Peixes ornamentais de aquário são comercializados e distribuídos em diferentes partes do território nacional e do mundo. O comércio e circulação de animais vivos sem o uso de procedimentos de manejo profilático adequados possibilita a disseminação de inúmeros agentes patogênicos. Peixes ornamentais de aquário carreiam consigo agentes patogênicos de etiologia bacteriana, viral, fúngica e parasitária, sendo alguns de caráter zoonótico colocando em riscopessoas que os manipulam. O objetivo desta revisão é apresentar os principais agentes infeciosos patogênicos - de natureza bacteriana, viral e fúngica - que acometem peixes ornamentais de aquário, bem como os métodos de prevenção e controle que permitam excelência no segmento. | Aquarium ornamental pet fish constitute a major segment in the pet industry, with the United States, Europe, and Japan dominating the market. There are approximately 1,500 marine fish species and over 4,500 freshwater fish species commercialized as aquarium ornamental pet fish. Fish are the fourth most common pet present in Brazilian homes. In Brazil, aquarium ornamental pet fish can be marketed and distributed from different parts of the Brazilian territory and the world. Commercialization and circulation of living animals without the use of adequate prophylactic management procedures enables dissemination of a number of agents responsible for infectious diseases. Aquarium pet fish can also carry pathogenic agents, of bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic etiology, that may have a zoonotic feature endangering the persons handling the animals. This review presents the main pathogenic infectious agents of bacterial, viral, andfungal etiology that affect aquarium pet fish, as well as the prevention and control measures to ensure sanitary excellence in this segment.

This study aimed to determine the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in the serum of slaughtered chickens in the region of Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais, Brazil, to detect the parasite in tissues (heart and brain) of serologically positive chickens, based on molecular analysis, and to investigate risk variables associated with the infection. Sera from 417 chickens raised in extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive production systems were tested by an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and indirect hemagglutination antibody test (IHA). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect T. gondii DNA in brain and heart tissues. Antibody anti-T. gondii were found in 37.65% (157/417) of chickens by IFAT, and in 75.06% (313/417) by IHA. The Kappa index showed a weak concordance between the techniques (0.087). Association was observed between seropositivity and the variables, age (p < 0.0001), type of feeding (p < 0.0001) and collective raising with other animal’s species (p < 0.0001). Association, based on IFAT, was not observed between seropositivity and the variables, sex (p = 0.0526), presence of cats (p > 0.9999), and presence of rats (p > 0.9999). Presence of parasite DNA was detected in brain samples from two chickens, which were raised in intensive and semi-intensive production systems. The results suggest the meat of these slaughtered animals may serve as a transmission source of this protozoan to humans.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a frequência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em soro de galinhas abatidas na região do Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais, detectar molecularmente o parasito em tecidos (coração e cérebro) de algumas das aves sorologicamente positivas e averiguar variáveis de risco associadas à infecção. Foram testados soros de 417 galinhas, criadas nos sistemas extensivo, semi-intensivo e intensivo. Para a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-T. gondii foi utilizada a Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) e Hemaglutinação Indireta (HAI). A Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) foi utilizada para detectar o DNA de T. gondii em fragmentos de cérebro e coração. Anticorpos foram detectados no soro de 37,65% (157/417) das aves pela RIFI e em 75,06% (313/417) pela HAI. O índice Kappa mostrou uma fraca concordância entre as técnicas (0,087). Baseado na RIFI, foi verificada associação estatisticamente significativa (p &lt; 0,0001) entre a soropositividade e as variáveis: idade, tipo de alimentação e criação em conjunto com outras espécies animais. Não foi observada associação estatística (p &gt; 0,01) entre as variáveis: sexo, presença de gatos e presença de ratos. Pelo diagnóstico molecular DNA do parasito foi detectado em duas amostras de cérebro, de indivíduos diferentes criados em sistema intensivo e semi-intensivo. Os resultados indicam a possibilidade de a carne dessas aves poderem atuar como fonte de infecção deste protozoário para o homem. &nbsp; | This study aimed to determine the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in the serum of slaughtered chickens in the region of Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais, Brazil, to detect the parasite in tissues (heart and brain) of serologically positive chickens, based on molecular analysis, and to investigate risk variables associated with the infection. Sera from 417 chickens raised in extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive production systems were tested by an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and indirect hemagglutination antibody test (IHA). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect T. gondii DNA in brain and heart tissues. Antibody anti-T. gondii were found in 37.65% (157/417) of chickens by IFAT, and in 75.06% (313/417) by IHA. The Kappa index showed a weak concordance between the techniques (0.087). Association was observed between seropositivity and the variables, age (p &lt; 0.0001), type of feeding (p &lt; 0.0001) and collective raising with other animal’s species (p &lt; 0.0001). Association, based on IFAT, was not observed between seropositivity and the variables, sex (p = 0.0526), presence of cats (p &gt; 0.9999), and presence of rats (p &gt; 0.9999). Presence of parasite DNA was detected in brain samples from two chickens, which were raised in intensive and semi-intensive production systems. The results suggest the meat of these slaughtered animals may serve as a transmission source of this protozoan to humans.

Trichoblastoma is characterized as a benign cutaneous neoplasm that originates in the trichoblastic epithelium of the hair bulb. The present report describes the case of a 4-year-old cross breed neutered male cat that had a history of a slow, freely movable, ulcerated, slow growing, solitary cutaneous nodule located on the left scapular region. Histopathological evaluation showed neoplastic cells arranged in cohesive nests or palisades with eosinophilic and scant cytoplasm. Based on the microscopic findings, a diagnosis of trabecular trichoblastoma was made. The treatment of choice consisted of total surgical excision of the mass with safe surgical margins. Tumor recurrence was not observed.

O Tricoblastoma se caracteriza como uma neoplasia benigna cutânea que tem origem no epitélio tricoblástico do bulbo piloso. O presente relato descreve o caso de felino macho, sem raça definida (SRD), com histórico de nódulo solitário de crescimento lento, não aderido e ulcerado, localizado na região escapular esquerda. A histopatologia evidenciou células neoplásicas organizadas em ninhos coesos, em paliçadas com citoplasma eosinofílico e escasso, os achados foram compatíveis com a descrição de tricoblastoma trabecular. O tratamento de eleição consistiu na exérese cirúrgica total da massa com ampla margem de segurança e recidivas não foram observadas. | Trichoblastoma is characterized as a benign cutaneous neoplasm that originates in the trichoblastic epithelium of the hair bulb. The present report describes the case of a 4-year-old cross breed neutered male cat that had a history of a slow, freely movable, ulcerated, slow growing, solitary cutaneous nodule located on the left scapular region. Histopathological evaluation showed neoplastic cells arranged in cohesive nests or palisades with eosinophilic and scant cytoplasm. Based on the microscopic findings, a diagnosis of trabecular trichoblastoma was made. The treatment of choice consisted of total surgical excision of the mass with safe surgical margins. Tumor recurrence was not observed.

Cases of salmonellosis in humans have been associated with consumption of eggs contaminated with this bacterial pathogen due to insufficient heat treatment. The most prevalent serotypes of Salmonella in Brazil include serotypes Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and Heidelberg. The first two serotypes are major causes for eggs to be withheld from sale and for recalls over Salmonella contamination concerns in both domestic and foreign markets. Eggs may be contaminated through transovarian infection (transovarial transmission) due to the presence of the microorganism in the hen’s oviduct and bacterial penetration of the eggshell. There is little data in the literature on the susceptibility of egg contamination and eggshell penetration by Brazilian serotypes of Salmonella. The present study aimed to evaluate the ability of S. Heidelberg and S. Typhimurium serotypes to penetrate through the eggshell and detect these bacteria in the albumen and yolk according to the thickness of the eggshell. SPF (specific-pathogen-free) eggs were artificially contaminated by contact with moist cotton containing Salmonella (15 x 108 CFU/ml). Eggs were divided into the following groups: negative control (not contaminated), S. Heidelberg, and S. Typhimurium. Subsequently, these eggs were incubated at 37°C, and their contents analyzed after 4 h and 24 h of incubation. The evaluation (assessment) of the contamination was performed by traditional bacteriology and confirmed by biochemical and serological tests. Treatments were compared with Fisher’s test using a SAS statistical software. For S. Heidelberg, the percentage of positivity (positive cases) was lower in both albumen and yolk at 4 h and 24 h intervals (33.33% and 3.7%, and 3.7% and 3.7%, respectively) compared to S. Typhimurium (26.63% and 7.41%, and 33.33% and 33.33%, respectively). These findings suggest that the former strain (S. Heidelberg) was unable to survive in the hostile environment of the albumen. In contrast, eggshell thickness had no significant correlation with the number of positive samples. In conclusion, the results obtained in the egg infection model show that the Salmonella strains tested were able to penetrate the eggshell and multiply in both the albumen and yolk and that S. Typhimurium proved to be the most efficient to grow within these portions of the egg.

Salmonelose em humanos é frequentemente associada ao consumo de ovos contaminados sem o devido processamento térmico. No Brasil, os sorotipos mais prevalentes são: Enteritidis, Typhimurium e Heidelberg, alvo de barreiras sanitárias na comercialização de ovos. O ovo pode ser contaminado por via transovariana, pela presença da bactéria no oviduto da ave e também por penetração da bactéria através da casca do ovo. Existem poucas informações acerca da capacidade de contaminação no ovo por sorotipos isolados no Brasil. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a capacidade dos sorotipos S. Heidelberg e S. Typhimurium penetrar através da casca do ovo e colonizar a albumina e gema, relacionando à espessura da casca. Os ovos SPF livres de patógenos específicos) foram contaminados artificialmente pelo contato com algodão umedecido (15 x 108 CF/mL). Os ovos foram divididos nos seguintes grupos: controle negativo (sem contaminação), S. Heidelberg e S. Typhimurium. Posteriormente foram incubadas a 37°C e seu conteúdo foi analisado após 4 e 24 h. A avaliação da contaminação foi realizada por bacteriologia tradicional e confirmada por testes bioquímicos e sorológicos.Os tratamentos foram comparados com o teste de Fisher usando o software estatístico SAS. Para S. Heidelberg, a&nbsp;percentagem de positividade foi menor no albúmen e gema às 4 e 24 h(33,33% e 3,7%, 3,7% e 3,7%, respectivamente) em comparação com S. Typhimurium (26,63% e 7,41%, 33,33% e 33,33%, respectivamente), sugerindo que a primeira estirpe foi mais vulnerável as condições hostis da albumina. Por outro lado, a espessura da casca do ovo não teve relação significativa com a positividade das amostras. Em conclusão, o modelo de infecção do ovo mostrou que as cepas foram capazes de penetrar a casca do ovo e sobreviver na albumina e gema, sendo que o sorotipo S. Typhimurium foi mais eficiente. | Cases of salmonellosis in humans have been associated with consumption of eggs contaminated with this bacterial pathogen due to insufficient heat treatment. The most prevalent serotypes of Salmonella in Brazil include serotypes Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and Heidelberg. The first two serotypes are major causes for eggs to be withheld from sale and for recalls over Salmonella contamination concerns in both domestic and foreign markets. Eggs may be contaminated through transovarian infection (transovarial transmission) due to the presence of the microorganism in the hen’s oviduct and bacterial penetration of the eggshell. There is little data in the literature on the susceptibility of egg contamination and eggshell penetration by Brazilian serotypes of Salmonella. The present study aimed to evaluate the ability of S. Heidelberg and S. Typhimurium serotypes to penetrate through the eggshell and detect these bacteria in the albumen and yolk according to the thickness of the eggshell. SPF (specific-pathogen-free) eggs were artificially contaminated by contact with moist cotton containing Salmonella (15 x 108 CFU/ml). Eggs were divided into the following groups: negative control (not contaminated), S. Heidelberg, and S. Typhimurium. Subsequently, these eggs were incubated at 37°C, and their contents analyzed after 4 h and 24 h of incubation. The evaluation (assessment) of the contamination was performed by traditional bacteriology and confirmed by biochemical and serological tests. Treatments were compared with Fisher’s test using a SAS statistical software. For S. Heidelberg, the percentage of positivity (positive cases) was lower in both albumen and yolk at 4 h and 24 h intervals (33.33% and 3.7%, and 3.7% and 3.7%, respectively) compared to S. Typhimurium (26.63% and 7.41%, and 33.33% and 33.33%, respectively). These findings suggest that the former strain (S. Heidelberg) was unable to survive in the hostile environment of the albumen. In contrast, eggshell thickness had no significant correlation with the number of positive samples. In conclusion, the results obtained in the egg infection model show that the Salmonella strains tested were able to penetrate the eggshell and multiply in both the albumen and yolk and that S. Typhimurium proved to be the most efficient to grow within these portions of the egg.

Previous studies have reported on the phytotherapeutic potential of propolis from southern Brazil (Urupema, Santa Catarina State), in particular, its efficacy in the treatment of bovine mastitis. The present study evaluates the effect of seasonal variation on the chemical composition of propolis from southern Brazil and its resultant antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities in the context of treating bovine mastitis. Antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was assessed, along with the cytotoxicity and induction of apoptosis in MAC-T bovine mammary epithelial cells. With the exception of spring propolis, the flavonoid quercetin was the main compound present in all samples. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of propolis against S. aureus from mastitic milk was 140 μg/mL for samples collected during the spring, autumn, and winter seasons, but 280 μg/mL for samples collected in summer. For MAC-T cells, the spring propolis extract was more toxic with an IC50 of 120 μg/mL. However, for 120 μg/mL of spring propolis extract, only 0.77% of necrotic and 37% of apoptotic MAC-T cells were found, respectively. Nonetheless, the induction of cell death through apoptosis by propolis extract suggests less severe damage to bovine mammary glands. Moreover, only negligible seasonal variation was found in the chemical composition of propolis from southern Brazil, and no biological activities were determined to be harmful. Therefore, this propolis shows promise as an alternative to commercial antimicrobials in the control of bovine mastitis, offering support for organic milk production.

Estudos prévios tem demonstrado o potencial terapêutico da propolis do Sul do Brasil (Urupema, Santa Catarina), em particular no tratamento da mastite bovina. O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o efeito da variação sazonal sobre a composição química da própolis de Urupema do Sul do Brasil e suas atividades antimicrobiana e citotóxica visando o tratamento da mastite bovina. A atividade antimicrobiana contra Staphylococcus aureus foi avaliada, juntamente com a citotoxicidade e indução de apoptose em células epiteliais mamárias bovina da linhagem MAC-T. Com exceção da própolis da primavera, o flavonóide quercetina foi o composto majoritário em todas as amostras. A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) da propolis contra S. aureus de leite mastítico foi 140 μg/mL para as amostras de primavera, outono e inverno e 280 μg/mL para a amostra coletada no verão. Para as células MAC-T, o extrato de própolis da primavera foio mais tóxico, sendo a IC50 120 μg/mL. Entretanto, com 120 μg/mL do extrato de própolis primaveril, somente 0,77% de células MAC-T necróticas e 37% apoptóticas foram encontradas. Portanto, a indução da morte celular por apoptose pelo extrato de própolis sugere danos possivelmente menos graves a glândula mamária bovina. Além disso, somente uma pequena variação sazonal foi encontrada para a composição química da propolis do Sul do Brasil, a qual não prejudicou suas atividades biológicas. Portanto, esta própolis mostra como uma alternativa promissora ao uso de antimicrobianos comerciais no controle da mastite bovina e uma opção para subsidiar a produção orgânica de leite. | Previous studies have reported on the phytotherapeutic potential of propolis from southern Brazil (Urupema, Santa Catarina State), in particular, its efficacy in the treatment of bovine mastitis. The present study evaluates the effect of seasonal variation on the chemical composition of propolis from southern Brazil and its resultant antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities in the context of treating bovine mastitis. Antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was assessed, along with the cytotoxicity and induction of apoptosis in MAC-T bovine mammary epithelial cells. With the exception of spring propolis, the flavonoid quercetin was the main compound present in all samples. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of propolis against S. aureus from mastitic milk was 140 μg/mL for samples collected during the spring, autumn, and winter seasons, but 280 μg/mL for samples collected in summer. For MAC-T cells, the spring propolis extract was more toxic with an IC50 of 120 μg/mL. However, for 120 μg/mL of spring propolis extract, only 0.77% of necrotic and 37% of apoptotic MAC-T cells were found, respectively. Nonetheless, the induction of cell deaththrough apoptosis by propolis extract suggests less severe damage to bovine mammary glands. Moreover, only negligible seasonal variation was found in the chemical composition of propolis from southern Brazil, and no biological activities were determined to be harmful. Therefore, this propolis shows promise as an alternative to commercial antimicrobials in the control of bovine mastitis, offering support for organic milk production.

This study reports the factors which led a gated community located in Bragança Paulista (SP, Brazil), a non-endemic area for Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF), to be classified as a Risk Area for transmission of this disease, showing that an increasing resident population of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in the area was likely responsible for a proliferation of Amblyomma sculptum ticks and acted as an amplifying host for Rickettsia rickettsii, the main etiologic agent of BSF. We report management actions proposed to control the local tick burden and reduce BSF risk, including measures to control parasitic and free-living tick populations and exclusion of the resident capybara population. Analyses of tick population data and R. rickettsii serology tests indicate that these measures were effective, greatly reducing the environmental burden of Amblyomma sculptum ticks and reducing the BSF transmission risk at the area.

Este estudo relata os fatores que levaram um Residencial localizado em Bragança Paulista (SP, Brasil), área não-endêmica para Febre Maculosa Brasileira (FMB), a ser classificado como Área de Risco para a doença, mostrando que uma crescente população residente de capivaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) na área era a provável responsável por uma proliferação de carrapatos Amblyomma sculptum e estava atuando como hospedeiro amplificador da bactéria Rickettsia rickettsii, principal agente etiológico da FMB. Relatamos as ações de manejo ambiental propostas para controlar a quantidade de carrapatos no local e reduzir o risco de transmissão da doença, incluindo medidas para o controle de populações de carrapatos parasíticas e no ambiente e a eliminação da população residente de capivaras. Análises de dados populacionais de carrapatos e testes serológicos para R. rickettsii indicaram que as medidas tomadas foram efetivas, causando grande redução da população de carrapatos no ambiente e reduzindo o risco de transmissão de FMB na área. | This study reports the factors which led a gated community located in Bragança Paulista (SP, Brazil), a non-endemic area for Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF), to be classified as a Risk Area for transmission of this disease, showing that an increasing resident population of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in the area was likely responsible for a proliferation of Amblyomma sculptum ticks and acted as an amplifying host for Rickettsia rickettsii, the main etiologic agent of BSF. We report management actions proposed to control the local tick burden and reduce BSF risk, including measures to control parasitic and free-living tick populations and exclusion of the resident capybara population. Analyses of tick population data and R. rickettsii serology tests indicate that these measures were effective, greatly reducing the environmental burden of Amblyomma sculptum ticks and reducing the BSF transmission risk at the area.