Beatriz Brener
@uff.br
Titular professor of Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia - Instituto Biomédico
Universidade Federal Fluminense
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Veterinary Helminthology
Veterinary Protozoology
Veterinary Entomology
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Marrara Sampaio, Luciana Sianto, Marcia Chame, Bruna Saldanha, and Beatriz Brener
American Society of Parasitologists
ABSTRACT This study identifies gastrointestinal parasites in the feces of Pecari tajacu (caititu) and Sus scrofa domesticus (domestic pig) in southeastern Piauí, Brazil. The region covers 2 protected areas, Serra da Capivara National Park and Serra das Confusões National Park, and surrounding communities. Fecal samples from 64 animals, 42 from domestic swine and 22 from caititu, collected between 1985 and 2013, were analyzed by optical microscopy. Helminths and/or protozoa were found in 64% of the domestic pig samples and 27% of the caititu samples, totaling 18 morphospecies: Nematoda, Spirurida (2 morphospecies), Trichostrongyloidea, Eimeriidae, Aspidodera sp., Bertiella sp., Metastrongylus sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Moniezia sp., Gongylonema sp., Trichuris suis, Spirocerca lupi, Macracanthorhyncus hirudinaceus, Globocephalus urosubulatus, Strongyloides cf ransomi, Balantioides coli, and Eimeria cf scabra. The highest parasite diversity was obtained in the pig samples, totaling 15 morphospecies, compared to only 6 in caititus, with S. cf ransomi, G. urosubulatus, and S. lupi present in both hosts. We discuss the presence of parasites associated with domestic animals around the Protected Areas and potentially zoonotic parasites close to human communities, which raise concerns about the conservation of wildlife, human health, and livestock in the region.
Beatriz Brener, Sarah Lira, and Magda Antonello
Elsevier BV
Beatriz Brener, Eduardo Burgarelli, Marianne Suarez, and Lucas Keidel
MDPI AG
The concern about the protection of wildlife has been gathering attention from researchers worldwide. Zoos and aquariums have become widely recognized sites for the conservation of wildlife. However, the persistence of the illegal trade of wild animals, such as reptiles, and their use as pets can endanger not only the preservation of the species, but also allow the introduction of new pathogens and zoonotic diseases. It is important to highlight that preventive exams should be carried out prior to introducing these animals into a new facility to guarantee zoological management strategies. There are several reports of parasitism in reptiles, some of them with zoonotic potential, such as the genus Cryptosporidium spp. In Brazil, reports that explore the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in reptiles are scarce, and very few have used molecular methods for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp., or the genotyping of its species and subtypes. This review aims to help professionals in the area and encourage them to increase their attention to this protozoan, which is usually neglected.
Magda Antonello, Sarah Lira, Eduardo Burgarelli, Mariana de Almeida Novaes Fernandes, Jeferson Rocha Pires, and Beatriz Brener
American Society of Parasitologists
The brown booby (Sula leucogaster Boddaert, 1783) has a wide geographic distribution, being found throughout the intertropical range except for the west coast of South America. Chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera and Ischnocera) are ectoparasites commonly found in association with a wide variety of bird species, and extensive infestations can lead to severe itching and irritation that causes skin lesions, damage to the plumage, and abandonment of nests. Sula leucogaster lice have an atypical distribution, not fully following the distribution of their host. In the years 2018 and 2019, 4 marine animal rehabilitation centers located in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil received live birds and carcasses of Sula leucogaster. The animals were deloused and lice of 2 different species were collected. Identification was performed by optical microscopy, and the species found were Eidmanniella albescens Piaget, 1880 and Pectinopygus garbeiPessoa and Guimarães, 1935. This is the first record of both species in Rio de Janeiro.
Magda Antonello, Rubem F. S. Menna-Barreto, Daniela Leles, J. R. Pires, and Beatriz Brener
American Society of Parasitologists
The genus Fregata includes 5 species, with 3 recorded in Brazil, with Fregata magnificens being the most abundant. However, its ectoparasitic fauna is still little known. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of ectoparasites of F. magnificens residing along the coast of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo collected by 2 animal rehabilitation centers. Samples were collected from 5 frigatebirds of the Instituto Argonauta in São Paulo and 10 frigatebirds of the Centro de Recuperação de Animais Selvagens (CRAS) in Rio de Janeiro. Species of lice were identified using both morphological and molecular methods. Scanning electron microscopy was also used for identification. Colpocephalum spineum, Fregatiella aurifasciata, and Pectinopygus fregatiphagus were identified. All 3 louse species have previously been recorded from this host outside Brazil, but only P. fregatiphagus has been recorded from Brazil. This paper reports the first occurrence of F. aurifasciata and C. spineum in Brazil. It is also the first record of P. fregatiphagus in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Beatriz Brener, Annelise Amorim Rique, Amanda Leichsenring Diniz, and Patricia Riddell Millar
Medicina Veterinaria (UFRPE)
A criação cativa de serpentes tem sido cada vez mais intensificada devido ao seu uso como pet, conservação de animais selvagens, importância em pesquisas, desenvolvimento tecnológico, produção de soro antipeçonha e outros produtos. O parasitismo nestes animais é frequente, podendo atingir alta carga parasitária, a qual pode ser intensificada com o estresse de cativeiro que leva à depressão do sistema imunológico. Os parasitos não apenas influenciam na viabilidade dos animais mantidos em cativeiro, como também podem ter potencial zoonótico. Esta revisão visa auxiliar profissionais da área na manutenção adequada de serpentes em cativeiro.
Daniela Leles, Liesbeth Frías, Adauto Araújo, Beatriz Brener, Adriana Sudré, Márcia Chame, and Valmir Laurentino
Elsevier BV
Intestinal protozoans found in ancient human samples have been studied primarily by microscopy and immunodiagnostic assays. However, such methods are not suitable for the detection of zoonotic genotypes. The objectives of the present study were to utilize immunoenzimatic assays for coproantigen detection of Cryptosporidium sp., Giardia duodenalis, and Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar in sixty ancient human and animal samples collected from 14 archaeological sites in South America, and to carry out a critical analysis of G. duodenalis according to results obtained from three diagnostic methodologies: microscopy, immunodiagnostic tests (immunoenzymatic and immunofluorescence), and molecular biology (PCR and sequencing). More than half (31/60) of the samples analyzed using immunoenzymatic tests were positive for at least one of the intestinal protozoans, with 46.6% (28/60) corresponding to G. duodenalis, 26.6% (16/60) to Cryptosporidium sp., and 5% (3/60) to E. histolytica/E. dispar. Cryptosporidium sp. and G. duodenalis coinfection was observed in 15% (9/60) of the samples, whereas all three protozoans were found in 5% (3/60) of samples. In the Northeast Region of Brazil, by immunoenzymatic tests there is evidence that G. duodenlais and Cryptosporidium sp. have infected humans and rodents for at least 7150 years. However, for G. duodenalis, the results from the three diagnostic tests were discordant. Specifically, despite the efficiency of the molecular biology assay in the experimental models, G. duodenalis DNA could not be amplified from the ancient samples. These results raise the following question: Are all ancient samples positive for coproantigen of G. duodenalis by immunoenzymatic tests truly positive? This scenario highlights the importance of further studies to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the immunoenzymatic method in the archaeological context.
Lucas Keidel, Martín García-Varela, Beatriz Brener, Gerardo Pérez-Ponce de León, and Cláudia Portes Santos
Elsevier BV
The taxonomy of species of Dollfusentis is rather confused due to the overlap of morphological traits. The aim of this study was to follow an integrative taxonomy approach over the acanthocephalans collected from Orthopristis ruber in Brazil. Dollfusentis lenti n. sp. is described and is characterised by having an elongate trunk with spines sparsely distributed (largest 60-85 μm long) extending from the neck to almost reach the end of proboscis receptacle; additionally, the new species possesses a long proboscis with 12-14 longitudinal rows of 16-17 hooks each; 3-4 posterior hooks reduced in size, well-spaced from the eight ventrolateral crescent hooks, and lemnisci longer than proboscis receptacle. New sequences of 18S rDNA, ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2, 28S rDNA and COI mtDNA are provided. Dollfusentis bravoae is morphologically similar because it possesses the same number of proboscis hooks, although it differs by the size of testes and uterus and by having a higher number of trunk spines; additionally, new scanning electron micrographs and genetic data for both species support its distinction. Phylogenetic analysis obtained either with two nuclear genes or mitochondrial COI gene showed that Dollfusentis spp. belong to Illiosentidae, and the new species is yielded as the sister species of D. bravoae, with D. chandleri as the sister species of the latter two.
M. S. G. Silva, D. Leles, A. P. Sudré, P. R. Millar, F. Uchôa, and B. Brener
American Society of Parasitologists
ABSTRACT Canine dirofilariasis is common in Brazil, but molecular diagnosis is rare even though molecular studies increase our knowledge about molecular epidemiology and circulating genotypes from helminths worldwide. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of infection with a modified Knott's test and to perform molecular characterization of Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy, 1856) Railliet and Henry, 1911, in dogs from endemic areas of Maricá and Niterói municipalities, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Molecular characterization was performed in 33 blood samples from dogs positive for microfilariae and 4 adult worms obtained from 2 other dogs. DNA extraction followed by PCR for mitochondrial target 12S rDNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) of D. immitis were performed, and the amplified products were sequenced. All sequences were identical for both gene targets and showed 100% identity with D. immitis sequences from different animal species from various countries. The study concluded that this genotype of D. immitis might be dispersed worldwide.
Clarissa Nascimento da Silveira Raso, P. Millar, B. Brener, Danuza Pinheiro Bastos Garcia de Mattos, D. Leles, A. Fonseca and A. Sudré
American Society of Parasitologists
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between a longer sedimentation time, the reading of a larger number of slides, and the collection of multiple samples on the efficiency of the spontaneous sedimentation technique. Twenty-two patients with a previous parasitological exam positive for intestinal protozoa were recruited to collect new fecal samples (3 samples per patient) before the beginning of antiparasitic treatment. All collected fecal samples were used for spontaneous sedimentation and centrifuge-flotation techniques. Of these, all 22 patients were positive based on spontaneous sedimentation, and 59.1% (13/22) based on centrifuge flotation. The number of samples and the number of slides analyzed by spontaneous sedimentation influenced the number of positive cases. The modifications applied to the spontaneous sedimentation technique increased its performance in protozoa diagnosis.
Gabriela Cardoso Goes, Karina Costa Coelho Gonçalves, Adriana Pittella Sudré, Danuza Pinheiro Bastos Garcia Mattos, Beatriz Brener, Paula Borba Cruz, Valmir Laurentino Silva, and Patricia Riddell Millar
Universidade Federal de Goias
The present study evaluated the frequency of intestinal parasitoses in children in public day care centers applying parasitological and immunological diagnostic methods. Fecal samples from 121 children from six public daycare centers were analyzed using parasitological techniques. Epidemiological data were obtained through a questionnaire, where parents and / or guardians were asked, for instance, whether the children had contact with soil, ate raw food, such as vegetables or raw or undercooked meat, normally walked around barefoot or had contact with animals. Fecal samples from 82 children were also tested for Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium sp. coproantigen using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which was also used for Entamoeba coproantigen detection only in samples that tested positive for the parasite by parasitological stool exam/optical microscopy. Intestinal parasite infection was noted in 23.1% (28/121) of the children. The most frequent parasite was Giardia intestinalis (13.2%), followed by Entamoeba coli (5.8%), Blastocystis spp. (1.7%), Endolimax nana (1.7%), Enterobius vermicularis (1.7%), Cystoisospora belli (0.8%),Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar complex (0.8%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (0.8%). Positivity for parasite infection using parasitological stool exams was significantly associated with age groups, with a higher frequency in 4 to 6 year old children (p=0.03). No association or significant variations were noted in the prevalence of intestinal parasites in relation to the epidemiological variables studied. All samples were negative for Cryptosporidium sp. and Entamoeba histolytica detected by immunological testing, and 17.1% (14/82) children tested positive for Giardia intestinalis, although using parasitological exam/optical microscopy, only 14.6% (12/82) tested positive. The high incidence of intestinal parasites, especially protozoans, suggests probable interpersonal transmission among the children, environmental contamination, or even contaminated food/water intake. Thus, consolidation of preventive measures and efficient diagnostic resources as well as control of intestinal parasites and patient treatment are of utmost importance.
Bethânia Ferreira Bastos, Flavya Mendes de Almeida, and Beatriz Brener
FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
Abstract Tritrichomonas foetus is a parasite that has been definitively identified as an agent of trichomonosis, a disease characterized by chronic diarrhea. T. foetus colonizes portions of the feline large intestine, and manifests as chronic and recurrent diarrhea with mucus and fresh blood, which is often unresponsive to common drugs. Diagnosis of a trichomonad infection is made by either the demonstration of the trophozoite on a direct fecal smear, fecal culture and subsequent microscopic examination of the parasite, or extraction of DNA in feces and amplification by the use of molecular tools. T. foetus is commonly misidentified as other flagellate protozoa such as Giardia duodenalis and Pentatrichomonas hominis. Without proper treatment, the diarrhea may resolve spontaneously in months to years, but cats can remain carriers of the parasite. This paper intends to serve as a source of information for investigators and veterinarians, reviewing the most important aspects of feline trichomonosis, such as trichomonad history, biology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, world distribution, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.
Daniela Leles, Paula Cascardo, Elisa Pucu, Beatriz Brener, Adriana Sudré, Elizabeth Alves, Flávia Uchoa, Priscilla Fajardo, Patrícia Millar, Danuza Mattos,et al.
Elsevier BV
The use of diagnostic methods that prevent irreplaceable samples (from museum collections, archaeological and paleontological samples) of being consumed or that increase their yield is relevant. For museum collections, archaeological and paleontological samples it is essential to conserve samples, subsamples or portions for future research. We are addressing methods for conservation of irreplaceable samples that could be fully consumed. Innovations in methodologies that are used in studies of Paleoparasitology and Paleomicrobiology will contribute to the preservation of collections. Therefore, to the development of archaeology and paleontology in the future, we evaluated whether the discarded material of the immunochromatography test could be used for molecular diagnosis and vice versa. We used a genotyped experimental coprolite positive for Giardia duodenalis. The diagnosis was positive for giardiasis in both cases. This methodology can be corroborated with the coprolite of a Paleolama maior (extinct llama) previously diagnosed for G. duodenalis with an immunoenzymatic test. The residue of the pre-digestion step of the DNA extraction before adding Proteinase K was confirmed positive with the immunochromatographic test. Also, the DNA extraction residue from a coprolite of Nothrotherium maquinense (ground sloth) was tested positive with immunochromatographic test for G. duodenalis. These are the oldest findings for G. duodenalis confirming that this intestinal parasite occurred among Northeastern Brazilian Megafauna animals from the late Pleistocene period, correlated to human occupation. The relevance of these results will allow the study by different methodological approaches from a small amount of material, reusing discarded materials.
Bethânia Ferreira Bastos, Beatriz Brener, Mariana Alves de Figueiredo, Daniela Leles, and Flavya Mendes-de-Almeida
SAGE Publications
Case series summary Chronic diarrhea is a common and recurring problem in feline medicine. Intestinal trichomonads have been reported as causative agents of diarrhea in cats. While Pentatrichomonas hominis is considered commensal, Tritrichomonas foetus has been found to cause feline large bowel diarrhea in cats. In our report, two young cats infected with the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and presenting with chronic diarrhea were identified as having trichomonads in their feces, based on direct examination and fecal culture. Molecular assays (PCR and DNA sequencing) revealed that the parasite involved was P hominis, not T foetus, as was suspected. The animals had already been subjected to ineffective therapy with metronidazole, and after the use of ronidazole, their feces became dry and formed. Relevance and novel information This case report describes P hominis infection as a possible cause of chronic diarrhea in two young cats also infected by FeLV. The parasite was probably resistant to metronidazole, the drug of choice in the literature, and sensitive to ronidazole. Although considered commensal, P hominis infection should be evaluated as a differential diagnosis in cats with chronic diarrhea, especially those that are immunocompromised. Moreover, a combination of techniques such as direct examination and/or fecal culture and PCR is essential for an accurate diagnosis of P hominis infection.
BARBARA B. PEREIRA, BETHÂNIA F. BASTOS, LUCAS KEIDEL, DANIELA LELES, and BEATRIZ BRENER
FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
The clinical importance of heartworm infection in cats has indeed increased in recent years. Dirofilaria immitis infection has been reported worldwide in cats and continues to be regularly diagnosed in endemic areas. The diagnosis can be overlooked easily, especially in Brazil, where there is not a specific feline immunodiagnostic test, forcing the veterinarians to use a test made for the canine host. In 2015, a 10-year-old female neutered cat was diagnosed with D. immitis using an antigen serological test, based on imunocromatography and designed for dogs. The modified Knott test was negative. As the disease progressed, the cat showed clinical signals of respiratory distress, such as dyspnoea and polypnea in addition to prostration and emaciation, and died a few weeks after the diagnosis. During necropsy, one adult nematode was found in the pulmonary artery. D. immitis infection was confirmed by molecular amplification, performed in the worm fragment. This is the first report of serological diagnosis of feline dirofilariasis in Brazil. A chemoprophylaxis routine in cats should be done, as is done in dogs from endemic areas.
VIVIANE A.N. COSTA, BEATRIZ BRENER, ANA BEATRIZ M. FONSECA, and ADRIANA P. SUDRÉ
FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
Giardia duodenalis is a worldwide intestinal parasite and is one of the most frequent protozoa species infecting dogs and cats. This study aimed to modify the methodology of Alere GIARDIA Ag TEST KIT for its use in frozen fecal sediments with different storage times in a freezer (-20°C), thus expanding the range of use of this methodology. One hundred fecal sediments from dogs (n=50) and cats (n=50) previously examined by optical microscopy for Giardia cysts were selected for this study. The agreement between the modified immunochromatography and microscopy results was calculated by Kappa coefficient. To evaluate the performance of the modified immunochromatography assay on samples with different storage time, the fecal sediments were divided into three groups according to the time of storage in a freezer: (a) ≤ 1 year (n=37); (b) > 1 year and ≤ 3 years (n=39); (c) > 10 years (max. 13 years) (n=24). The results obtained by the modified immunochromatography assay demonstrates a higher sensitivity of this technique when compared with microscopy, regardless of the frozen storage time. These results allow for the use of this methodology in a greater scope of analysis, especially in frozen fecal sediment triage in sample collections, enabling epidemiological and comparative analysis along different decades.
Fabielle Marques-Santos, Maria Regina R. Amendoeira, Kênia F. Carrijo, João Paulo A.F. Santos, Igor F. Arruda, Adriana P. Sudré, Beatriz Brener, and Patricia R. Millar
FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
ABSTRACT: The Triângulo Mineiro region from Minas Gerais state, is an important meat-exporting region of Brazil and data about Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigs raised and slaughtered in this area are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of T. gondii in swine and establish the risk factors associated with the infection. Samples were collected from 600 pigs raised under intensive system in farms located at three different counties (Carmo do Paranaíba, Patrocínio and Perdizes). The samples were submitted to indirect hemagglutination antibody test with dilution of 1:32 and to indirect immunofluorescence antibody test with a cutoff of 1:64. The occurrence of positive pig was 3.3% (n=20) and 51.8% (n=311) respectively. A significant difference was observed between toxoplasmatic infection and factors such as lineage, animal origin, size of the farm, collective raising with others species, presence of rodents and type of water offered (p≤0.05). There was no difference between gender and the farm goals. The results demonstrated an occurrence of anti-T.gondii antibodies higher than expected for intensive pig raising system on the studied area, which could indicate a possible sanitary management problem on the studied proprieties. Improvements on the raising techniques are necessary to reduce T. gondii infection sources.
Sabrina D.E. Campos, Jeferson R. Pires, Cristiane L. Nascimento, Gustavo Dutra, Rodolpho A. Torres-Filho, Helena K. Toma, Beatriz Brener, and Nádia R.P. Almosny
FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) routinely migrate from their breeding colonies to Southern Brazil often contracting diseases during this migration, notably avian malaria, which has been already reported in Brazil and throughout the world. Detection of Plasmodium spp. in blood smears is the routine diagnostic method of avian malaria, however it has a low sensitivity rate when compared to molecular methods. Considering the negative impact of avian malaria on penguins, the aim of this study was to detect the presence of Plasmodium spp. in Magellanic penguins using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and by verifying clinical, hematological, and biochemical alterations in blood samples as well as to verify the likely prognosis in response to infection. Blood samples were obtained from 75 penguins to determine packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), uric acid, total protein, albumin, globulin and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity levels. Whole blood samples were used for PCR assays. Plasmodium spp. was detected in 32.0% of the specimens using PCR and in 29.3% using microscopic analyses. Anorexia, diarrhea and neurological disorders were more frequent in penguins with malaria and a significant weight difference between infected and non-infected penguins was detected. PCV and MCV rates showed no significant difference. RBC and WBC counts were lower in animals with avian malaria and leukopenia was present in some penguins. Basophil and lymphocyte counts were lower in infected penguins along with high monocyte counts. There was no significant difference in AST activities between infected and non-infected animals. There was a significant increase in uric acid values, however a decrease in albumin values was observed in infected penguins. Based on this study, we concluded that Plasmodium spp. occurs in Magellanic penguins of rehabilitation centers in Southeastern Brazil, compromising the weight of infected animals with clinical alterations appearing in severe cases of this disease. It was also noted that, although the hematological abnormalities presented by these animals may not have been conclusive, leukopenia, monocytosis and the decrease of basophils and lymphocytes revealed an unfavorable prognosis, and Plasmodium spp. infections may progress with elevated uric acid concentration and low albumin levels.
Bethânia Ferreira Bastos, Beatriz Brener, Liza Gershony, Liliane Willi, Norma Labarthe, Cássia Pereira, and Flavya Mendes-De-Almeida
FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
Cats, as definitive host, play an important role in the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii. This study aimed to establish the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii immunoglobulins G and M, and determine the frequency of oocysts in the feces of the domestic cat population in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We also aimed to study the association between T. gondii infection and age, sex, breed, lifestyle, diet and retroviral infection. A total of 108 cats were included in the study and fecal samples of 54 of those cats were obtained. Only 5.6% of the cats were seropositive for anti-T. gondii immunoglobulins using the indirect hemagglutination test. None of the 54 cats presented oocysts in their fecal samples. Although not statistically significant, males, mixed-breed, free-roaming and cats aged two years and older were found to be more exposed. Age, lifestyle and the use of litter boxes were found to play an important role as risk factors. Anemia and retroviral infections were independent of T. gondii infection. No antibodies were detected in the majority of cats (94.4%), indicating that those cats had never been exposed to the parasite and, therefore, once infected, they could present the risk of shedding large numbers of oocysts into the environment.
Luis Cerro, Alicia Rubio, Rosa Pinedo, Flavya Mendes-de-Almeida, Beatriz Brener, and Norma Labarthe
FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of infection by T. gondii in cats, by examining serum and fecal samples from animals attended at veterinary clinics in the Metropolitan Region of Lima, Peru. We collected and analyzed 154 cat serum samples and 50 fecal samples, regardless of the age, gender or breed. In parallel with the sample collections, the owners answered an epidemiological questionnaire that investigated the following variables: age group, gender, lifestyle (confined, semi-confined or free-living animals), feeding and hunting habits. The serum and fecal samples were analyzed using indirect hemagglutination (IHA) and coproparasitological tests, respectively. IHA showed that the frequency of cat exposure to T. gondii was 11%. Age and gender showed no association with exposure to the parasite. Exposure among the cats was associated with hunting (x2 = 4.98, p = 0.016) and feeding habits (x2 = 13.34, p = 0.001): those fed with raw meat were more exposed than those fed with commercial cat food (x2 = 9.50, p = 0.004) or with homemade food (x2 = 4.1, p = 0.027). The frequency of cats diagnosed in the chronic phase of T. gondii infection was 88% (15/17). No T. gondii oocysts were found in any of the 50 fecal samples examined.
Sabrina D.E. Campos, Bárbara Bianca N. Pereira, Salvatore Siciliano, Carlos Henrique C. Costa, Nádia R.P. Almosny, and Beatriz Brener
FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
The occurrence of infections and the disease induced by Contracaecum plagiaticium and Contracaecum pelagicum in Magellanic penguins, Spheniscus magellanicus Foster. 1781 (Sphenisciformes: Spheniscidae) were reported on the coast of Rio de Janeiro. Parasites of the genus Contracaecum were present in all of the 11 studied animals. Co-infections by Csontracaecum pelagicum and C. plagiaticium were observed in three hosts (27.27%). Gross lesions included hyperemia of the esophagus and/or stomach in six animals (54.54%). One of these animals (9.09%), parasitized by C. plagiaticium, presented a hemorrhagic area in the gastric mucosa. Histopathological findings demonstrated esophagitis with helminthes segments inserted in the epithelium, showing discrete mixed inflammatory infiltrate of heterophils and mononuclear cells. These parasites may be associated with other diseases, implicating in death of the penguins.
Daniela D.A. Albuquerque, Beatriz Brener, Rubem F.S. Menna-Barreto, and Sávio F. Bruno
Elsevier BV
Mite infestations were observed in 22 of 36 (61%) of Nymphicus hollandicus Kerr, 1792 examined at the Wild Animal Sector of the Veterinary Medicine College - Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Brazil. We examined 177 feather samples from 36 birds for ectosymbiotic arthropods. Nymphicilichus perezae Mironov and Galloway, 2002, was the predominant mite detected, followed by cf. Dubininia sp. Vassilev, 1958 (21.6%). Genus Psittophagus Gaud and Atyeo, 1996 were present in 13.5% of samples. Concurrent infestations of N. perezae and cf. Dubininia sp. occurred in 22.7% of the cockatiels, of N. perezae and Psittophagus sp. in 9.1%, and of N. perezae, cf. Dubininia sp. and Psittophagus sp. in 4.6%. Results were analyzed through a descriptive analysis and the non-parametric Kruskal Wallis test was used to assess the distribution of mites among different regions of birds' bodies. This test showed that remiges primaries (right and left) were the feathers most infested. A few birds (9.1%) had feathers missing in some body regions. Feather-picking behavior was not observed during the clinical examination of the infested cockatiels, and no alterations in feather color were detected in the infestation foci. Due to their specificity to particular places on their hosts' different mite species, appear to live on the same bird without any apparent competition. This work is the first identification of N. perezae in the cockatiel N. hollandicus in Brazil. These are the first records of Psittophagus sp. and cf. Dubininia sp. in cockatiels.
Beatriz Brener, Patricia Riddell Millar, Danuza Pinheiro Bastos Garcia de Mattos, Flávia Uchôa, Bethânia Bastos, Ingrid Rodrigues Lyrio, Pedro Luis Aragon, and Adriana Pittella Sudré
FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
Report of two canine dirofilariosis cases of ectopic location in the state of Rio de Janeiro. This is the first report of erratic migration for this parasitosis in dogs in the state, calling attention to the short period of time between the two cases. The fact that the area is endemic for this parasite, its zoonotic potential and the report of human cases in the state, demonstrates that authorities should be alerted to the control programs of dirofilariosis along with the pathogenic profile of the infections.
Adriana Pittella Sudré, Beatriz Brener, and Flávia Uchôa
Elsevier BV
Barbosa et al.10 demonstrated that the domestic cat has a pattern of infection by L. minor very similar to those of humans, thus acting as reservoirs for this parasite. We report here the first case of L. minor natural infection in a domestic cat in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Parasitism was not detected in the owner, but his close relationship with the cat increases the potential risk for human infection, bringing up the concern of new human cases in this area, making this information valuable for development of public health measures. Dear editor, Human lagochilascariasis is a rare zoonosis characterized by subcutaneous purulent lesions caused by Lagochilascaris sp. (Nematoda, Ascaridida), parasites of wild cats. The parasite natural life cycle and mechanisms of infection are poorly known. Definitive host infection occurs by preying on intermediate hosts with encysted L3 larvae in their muscle tissue.1 There are five known species of the genera Lagochilascaris, but only Lagochilascaris minor was associated with human infection. Currently, L. minor and Lagochilascaris major have been found parasitizing cats in Brazil,2,3 and only L. minor was reported to infect humans.4 In Brazil, L. major was found naturally infecting two domestic cats,3 and L. minor was recorded in one domestic cat.2 We report the second case of natural infection by L. minor in domestic cats (Felis catus) in Brazil, the first in Rio de Janeiro state, calling attention for potential human infection. A 2-year old female mixed-breed cat, weighting 3 kg, living in a farm situated in Km 52 of Rio-Friburgo Road in the municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacu (22° 27’49”S, 42° 39’09”W), Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, presented anorexia, prostration and weight loss. The animal had an abscess in the right side of the neck ventral region with intense itching. During the drainage of the abscess a bloody secretion with 11 milky-white color helminthes were found and collected for identification. The helminthes were fixed in hot AFA (alcohol 70o GL, 93 mL; formaldehyde, 5 mL; acetic acid, 2 mL), clarified with acetic acid and phenol, mounted in slides with Canada balsam and deposited in the Helminthological Collection of the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (CHIOC), number 35752 (whole mounts). Adult parasites had 14 to 21 mm length by 0.45 to 0.61 mm width and were identified as L. minor.5,6 Microphotographs were obtained with Olympus BX41 bright field microscope (Fig. 1). The first Brazilian case of human lagochilascariasis was described by Artigas et al.7 in the state of São Paulo, and today Brazil has the highest number (88) of human cases reported in the literature.4 However, lagochilascariasis in naturally infected domestic cats has been rarely reported, with only a few cases in Uruguay,5,8 Argentina,9 and Brazil.2,3 Letter to the Editor
ROBERTO MAGALHÃES PINTO, BEATRIZ BRENER, RODRIGO CALDAS MENEZES, and ROGÉRIO TORTELLY
SciELO Agencia Nacional de Investigacion y Desarrollo (ANID)
Duas especies de cestoides em perus, Meleagris gallopavo (Galliformes, Phasianidae), no Brazil: patologia induzida por Hymenolepis cantaniana e ocorencia de Raillietina tetragona. A patologia induzida em perus pelo cestoide H. cantaniana e descrita, com dados sobre prevalencia, intensidade media e amplitude das cargas parasitarias. H. cantaniana ocorreu com urna prevalencia de 5.0% nas 40 aves examinadas, com intensidade media de 17.5 e amplitude de 14-21 especimes de cestoides. Nao foram observadas lesoes macroscopicas nos perus parasitados. As lesoes provocadas por H. cantaniana eram representadas, principalmente, ou por multiplos segmentos dos parasitos, acompanhados por discreta reacao inflamatoria mista com a presera de celulas mononucleares e heterofilos, ou por severos processos inflamatorios transmurais, caracterizados pela presera de celulas mononucleares, ao longo das carnadas muscular e serosa das vilosidades e criptas intestinais. Estes representam os primeiros achados patologicos relacionados a presera de cestoides em perus a serem relatados no Brasil. Raillietina tetragona, nao patogenica para as aves investigadas, ocorreu com baixa prevalencia e amplitude de infeccao de 2.5% e 1-2 parasitos, respectivamente.