Isospora machadoae sp. nov. (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), a new coccidian species from white-necked thrushes Turdus albicolis (Passeriformes: Turdidae) of South America

A new coccidian species parasitizing white-necked thrushes Turdus albicollis Vieillot, 1818 is described from the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, in Southeastern Brazil. Isospora machadoae sp. nov. has oocysts that are sub-spherical, 22.2 × 21.2 µm, with bilayered wall, ~1.3 μm thick. Outer layer is rough with micropyle and micropyle cap. Oocyst residuum is absent, but one or two polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 13.3 × 9.7 µm. The Stieda body is flattened to half-moon-shaped and substieda body rounded. Sporocyst residuum is present, composed of scattered spherules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform with a refractile body and a nucleus. These parasitized thrushes had no apparent clinical signs of coccidiosis or high densities of oocysts in feces. This condition may be associated with a specific low pathogenicity of I. machadoae sp. nov. and/or with the conserved habitat of these birds, which ensures the ecological niches and thus the immunocompetence to wildlife.

Characterisation of Isospora lusitanensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Eurasian blackbird Turdus merula Linnaeus (Passeriformes: Turdidae) in mainland Portugal

A new coccidian species (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from a specimen of the Eurasian blackbird Turdus merula Linnaeus held for rehabilitation and reintroduction into the wild in a centre for research and recovery of wild animals in Quinta de Marim, Olhão, Portugal. Isospora lusitanensis n. sp. has subspherical to ovoidal oöcysts, measuring on average 26.4 × 23.4 μm, with smooth, bi-layered wall c.1.1 μm thick. Micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent, but a polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, measuring on average 16.0 × 10.9 µm. Stieda body is knob-like and sub-Stieda body is prominent and rounded. Sporocyst residuum is composed of scattered spherules. Sporozoites are vermiform, with one refractile body and a nucleus. The morphological and morphometric data for the new species were compared with those for species parasitising birds of the Muscicapidae, Turdidae, Timaliidae, Troglodytidae and Cinclidae, which are considered phylogenetically close. The original histograms of Isospora turdi Schwalbach, 1959 were redrawn for comparison with I. lusitanensis n. sp. and a linear regression of width against length of the oöcysts is presented for characterisation. This is the first isosporoid coccidian described from T. merula in mainland Portugal.

Eimeria spp. from Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica): new characteristic features and diagnostic tools

The Japanese quail Coturnix japonica originated from North Africa, Europe and Asia, is used worldwide as an experimental animal and model for aviculture. The current paper characterizes Eimeria bateri, Eimeria tsunodai and Eimeria uzura recovered from C. japonica. Based on the fact that quails have a global distribution, as are their coccidia, the findings of this study should provide the means for diagnosis of those Eimeria spp. in other regions and continents. Eimeria bateri showed the greatest intensity of infection and shed oocysts from the fourth day after infection; in contrast, E. tsunodai and E. uzura shed oocysts from the fifth day after infection. The three species shared a high degree of similarity and were all polymorphic. Yet, the application of line regressions, histograms and ANOVA provided means for the identification of these species. Finally, the algorithm was very efficient since verified that resultant values were not superimposed.

Infection by Toxoplasma gondii in Neotropical non-human primates

Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle et Manceaux, 1909) is an obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite of warm animals, including human and non-human primates. Domestic and wild felids are considered definitive hosts. Several authors have already identified lesions in New World primates caused by T. gondii. Nevertheless, little is known about serological studies on those animals. With this reason, New World non-human primates of the genera Cebus and Callithrix that were apprehended by governmental authorities and sent to the Wildlife Screening Center (Cetas)/IBAMA, at the municipality of Seropédica, state of Rio Janeiro, were bled and sera were submitted to the indirect hemagglutination test for detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies. From 21 sera of Cebus primates, 76.19% (16/21) had anti-T. gondii antibodies. Titles varied from 16 to 2048. In samples from 21 Callithrix, only 4.5% (1/22) had anti-T. gondii antibodies. Only one animal had a title of 32. During all the time those animals were clinical evaluated until sample was collected; none of them had any clinical sign or sequel related to infection by T. gondii. The fact that the origin of these primates is unknown and that there is no information about their feeding habits before captivity makes it difficult to determine the source of T. gondii infection.

Isosporoid Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) parasites of tanagers (Passeriformes: Thraupidae) from the Marambaia Island, Brazil

In recent years some coccidian parasites of birds were recorded in Marambaia Island, which is a protected environment with a great biodiversity of birds, mainly tanagers. In this current study Isospora tiesangui, I. sepetibensis, I. ramphoceli, I. navarroi, I. cadimi and I. marambaiensis were identified according to their respective thraupid hosts of the Marambaia Island. These species were characterized with histograms, linear regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The main feature of identification was the morphology of the sporocyst, mainly Stieda and substieda bodies, since the morphometry did not provide sufficient differentiation. Besides, Dacnis cayana and Thraupis palmarum were reported as new hosts to I. sepetibensis and I. navarroi respectively.

Aflatoxin effect on the oocysts morphometry and contribution on the morphology of Eimeria bateri Bhatia, Pandey and Pande, 1965 of the Japanese quail Coturnix japonica in Brazil

The purpose of this study was to characterize Eimeria bateri oocysts and to evaluate the aflatoxin effect in the morphometry of sporulated oocysts in Japanese quails infected naturally. Of a total of 50 quails naturally infected by E. bateri were randomly divided into two groups with 25 birds each. In one of them, quails were orally administered with aflatoxin in dose of 0.04 mg/kg body weight previously. Both experimental groups shed E. bateri oocysts. These oocysts were subspherical to ellipsoidal, 25.1 x 18.9 microm, with bi-layered wall. Micropyle and residuum were absent, but one or more polar granules were present. Sporocysts elongate ovoid, 12.5 x 7.4 microm. Stieda and substieda bodies were present. Sporocyst residuum was dispersed and sporozoites presented a nucleus and a refractile body. Histograms confirmed the presence of a single species, E. bateri. Linear regression proved that E. bateri oocysts are polymorphic, due, basically, to shape of these oocysts. The comparative morphometry between two experimental groups demonstrated that the aflatoxin influenced significantly in the E. bateri oocysts.

Contribution on the study of Isospora hemidactyli Carini, 1936 and a report of an adeleid pseudoparasite of the house gecko Hemidactylus mabouia, from the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Region, Brazil

A description of the coccidium Isospora hemidactyli from the house gecko Hemidactylus mabouia, a very common at dwellings in Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Region, was made in this study. Histograms and linear regression were made for this species and determined the homogeneity of these oocysts despite of large range. Besides it, polysporocystid oocysts also were recovered from feces of the H. mabouia house gecko and they were similar to those described previously as the genus Adelina. This species should be parasitizing an invertebrate ingested by house gecko, and for that reason, is a pseudoparasite. Oocysts of I. hemidactyli were subspherical to ellipsoidal, 24.4 x 22.3 microm, with single-layered wall and one polar granule. Sporocysts were subspherical to ellipsoidal, 11.8 x 9.8 microm with Stieda and substieda bodies, residuum and sporozoites with refractile body. Oocysts of the pseudoparasite Adelina sp. were ellipsoidal, 36.3 x 30.9 microm, with bi-layered wall and without micropyle, residuum and polar granule. Eight to 15 sporocysts were presents and were subspherical to broadly ellipsoidal, 12.4 x 11.2 microm. Stieda and substieda bodies were absent. Sporozoites present refractile bodies at both ends.

Neospora caninum seropositivity in cattle breeds in the South Fluminense Paraíba Valley, state of Rio de Janeiro

The infection by Neospora caninum of different cattle breeds in dairy properties in two municipalities of the South Fluminense Paraíba Valley, state of Rio de Janeiro, was evaluated. Considering a sampling universe of 2,491 cows, blood samples were collected from 563 dairy cows in 57 farms, which were randomically selected in proportion to the number of animals, using a random stratified sampling system. For each property the number of selected cows was proportional to the herd size. Abortion or other reproductive disorders were not considered as criteria for selecting the animals, and seropositivity was determined by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A high association (p=0.006) between seropositivity and racial patterns was found. The analysis revealed that in comparison of pure black-and-white Holstein cows versus Zebu (p=0.0028), Holstein cows showed 2.65 times greater odds for seropositivity. In the same way, by comparing black-and-white Holstein versus Zebu + crossbreed Zebu/Holstein (p=0.01), it was noted that there is 2.23 times more chance for seropositivity in Holstein cattle. There were no significant differences concerning the comparison of Holstein cattle versus crossbreed Zebu/Holstein (p=0.08) or Zebu versus crossbreed Zebu/Holstein (p=0.11). This study supports the hypothesis that there is a close association between cattle breeds and the frequency of infection by N. caninum.

Mycological survey and ochratoxin A natural contamination of swine feedstuffs in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Mycotoxin contamination of animal feeds represents a hazard to human and animal health due to potential transmission to meat and milk. Barley by-products are alternative feeding supplies for animal production. The aims of this assay were to study the mycobiota of feedstuffs and finished swine feed, to determine the ability of Aspergillus and Penicillium isolates to produce ochratoxin A (OTA) and to evaluate OTA occurrence in these substrates. Corn, brewers' grains and finished swine feed samples were collected from different factories. Fungal counts were higher than 2.8x10(4)CFU g(-1). Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium genera were isolated at high levels. A 23.7% of the isolates produced 9-116 microg kg(-1) of OTA in vitro. Corn samples (44%) were contaminated with 42-224 microg kg(-1) of OTA. Finished feed (31%) and brewers' grains samples (13%) were contaminated with 36-120 microg kg(-1) and 28-139 microg kg(-1) of OTA, respectively. This is the first scientific report on contamination by OTA-producer molds and OTA in swine feedstuffs from Brazil. The presence of OTA in raw materials and finished feed requires periodic monitoring to prevent mycotoxicoses in animal production, reduce economic losses and minimize hazards to human health.

Eimeria divinolimai sp. n. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in the rufous casiornis Casiornis rufus Vieillot, 1816 (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) in Brazil

Eimeria divinolimai sp. n. from the rufous casiornis, Casiornis rufus (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae) was described in Brazil. Oocysts are subspherical 17.84 +/- 1.52 by 15.90 +/- 0.99microm (15.61-20.00 x 14.15-17.80). Shape-index (length/ width) of 1.12 +/- 0.05 (1.01-1.20). Wall smooth and bilayered, being yellowish outer and darker inner, 2.13 +/- 0.16 microm (2.00-2.38) thick. Micropyle and residuum are absent, but one subspherical polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ovoid ranging from 14.98 +/- 0.85 by 7.50 +/- 0.44 microm (13.81-1619 x 6.76-8.09), with smooth, thin and single-layered wall. Stieda body prominent, without substiedal body and with residuum granulated. Sporozoites with refractile body at one end.

Sarcocystis lindsayi-like (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystinae) of the opossum (Didelphis aurita) from Southeastern Brazil

Sporocysts of Sarcocystis were obtained from intestinal scrapings of three out of five opossums (Didelphis aurita) trapped in the southeastern region, of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Fifteen caged budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) received, orally, twenty-six sporocysts in 500 mL PBS, but only five belonging to one of the groups developed clinical signs, that consisted of anorexia, lethargy, ruffled feathers and dyspnoea, and parasitism in tissues. Two of the five budgerigars died on the 25th and 29th days after infection (DAI). The other three budgerigars were posted on the 30th DAI. In all the five infected birds were observed meronts in the capillaries of the lungs and cysts in muscles, mainly in the tongue and legs.

[Relationship between companion animals and intestinal parasites in children at municipality of Seropédica, RJ]

Several parasitic zoonoses are associated to the human and companion animals, mainly dogs and cats. The present work aimed to analyze the relationship of parasites in children at the Center of Integral Attention to the Child Paulo Dacorso Filho and their companion animals where to verify the relationship of positive children for some parasites, which got in contact with infected animals. In a total of 64 fecal samples, they were consisted by 46 childrens fecal samples and 21 of their companion animals, being 18 from dogs and 3 from cats. Those were analyzed by using the techniques of centrifugal-flotation in brilliant field and staining by modified Ziehl-Neelsen to determine Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Of the childrens samples, 91% were positive for the genus Cryptosporidium, of those 13 samples; they were also in association to Giardia intestinallis, two to Ascaris lumbricoides, two to Trichuris trichiura and one to Endolimax nana only. Of the dogs samples, 94.44% were positive where Cryptosporidium spp. was observed in 94.44% of them, Ancylostoma spp. In 50%, Cystoisospora canis in 5.55% and Toxocara canis in 11.11%. The parasite that was common among children and animals belongs to genus Cryptoporidium. However, most of the positive children for Cryptosporidium spp., did not get in contact with animals.

First report of Tyzzeria parvula (Kotlán, 1933) Klimes, 1963 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), in swan goose Anser cygnoides L., 1758, in Brazil

This is the first description of Tyzzeria parvula from the swan goose (Anser cygnoides) in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Fecal samples were collected from 15 swan geese, but only four of them shed oocysts in feces. After sporulation, the oocysts were spherical to sub-spherical, and measured 12.4 +/- 1.0 (11-15) x 10.4 +/- 0.8 mum (8-12). They presented a shape index of 1.2 (1.0-1.4), with a bi-layered wall that was 0.7 +/- 0.1 mum (0.6-0.8) thick. The outer side was smooth and colorless, while the inner side was pale greenish. Micropyles and polar granules were absent. The residuum sometimes formed a mass of spherules and granules and, at other times, was dispersed. Sporozoites had one rounded end and the other end was fine and slightly curved.

[Evaluation of small intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes of dogs (Canis familiaris) experimentally infected by Sarcocystis cruzi (Hasselman, 1923) Wenyon, 1926 (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae)]

Species of the genus Sarcocystis are considered as important parasites of domestic animals. Dogs are considered as definitive host for a variety species of Sarcocystis, when they fed on intermediated host tissues cysts shed sporocysts in their feces. Grinded bovine cardiac muscles, positive for Sarcocystis cruzi was given to two puppies free of coccidia. Both animals shed sporocysts in their feces at 12 days after infection (DAI). These sporocysts measured 17.44 +/- 0.82 11.60 +/- 0.66 mum with shape index of 1.50 +/- 0.05. At 23 DAI, these animals were posted and samples of the small intestine, such as: duodenum, jejune, ileum and mesenteric lymph nodes were collected. In the analysis of small intestine, sporocysts were observed under de mucosa and they were characterized by sporulated sporocysts with sporozoites. Lesions were consisted of discrete edema and plasmocytic cells infiltrations which they were associated to a minimal inflammatory reaction in the presence of parasitic stages. On the other hand, sporocysts were observed at the cortical region near of lymphatic vessels adjacent to mesenteric lymph nodes capsule. It indicated the involvement of the lymphatic vessels in the sporocysts dispersion in the dog mesenteric lymph nodes.

[Evaluation of different diagnostic techniques for oocysts of Cryptosporidium baileyi in broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) fecal samples]

The objective of this work is to evaluate different diagnostic techniques for Cryptosporidium baileyi oocysts in broiler chickens fecal samples infected naturally. So 90 samples were collected and conditioned in bottles with 10% formaline and submitted to Sheater s technique in bright field. Besides it, duplicate smears of the same samples were stained by safranin-methylene blue and modified Ziehl-Neelsen. Among the staining techniques, modified Ziehl-Neelsen got better result in the detention of C. baileyi oocysts in comparison to safranin-methylene blue. In spite of no significant differences among these techniques in the diagnosis of C. baileyi oocysts of fecal samples, bright field presented better results.

Isospora vanriperorum Levine, 1982 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in the green-winged saltator, Saltator similis (Passeriformes: Cardinalinae) in southeastern Brazil

Isospora vanriperorum from the green-winged saltator (Saltator similis) is described in Southeastern Brazil. Oocysts are spherical to subspherical, 19.4-26 by 18.3-26 micro (23.1 by 22.4 micro), shape index 1.04 with a single layered wall, fine, smooth and yellowish. Micropyle and residuum are absents, but one elliptical polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ovoid, 14.5-20.2 by 8.1-12.5 micro (16.3 by 10.8 micro), shape index 1.53 with prominent Stieda body, barely discernible substieda body and residuum centered and granulated.

Eimerid coccidia from capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in southern Bahia, Brazil

Two eimerid coccidia are reported in a capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) population kept in captivity in the south of Bahia, northeastern Brazil (14º 47' 57.89"S and 39º 10' 10.58" W). Oocysts of Eimeria ichiloensis are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal, 26.2 x 21.7mm with bi-layered wall, the outer yellow and sculptured and the inner, dark and smooth. Residuum is absent, but usually 2-3 polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ovoid, 12.0 x 7.6mm. Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. Oocysts of Eimeria trinidadensis are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal, 22.2 x 19.6mm with bi-layered wall, the outer yellow and smooth, and the inner dark and smooth. Residuum is absent, but one polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ovoid, 11.0 x 6.9mm. Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. Based on these descriptions and previous ones it can be concluded that these coccidea species are widely dispersed in capybaras in South America.

Tyzzeria parvula (Kotlan, 1933) Klimes, 1963 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in the greylag goose (Anser anser Linnaeus, 1758) in southeastern Brazil

Tyzzeria parvula from the greylag goose (Anser anser) is described in Southeastern Brazil. Oocysts are spherical to subspherical ranging from 12.4-180 to 10.7-15.9µm (15.4 X 13.4 µm), shape index 1.15, with a double layered wall 0.4 to 0.7 µm thick (n=20), outer smooth and colorless, inner pale greenish. Micropyle is absent, but oocyst residuum is present containing numerous granules and spherules. Surrounded by residuum there are eight sporozoites having one end round and other fine and slightly curved.

Eimeria auritanensis n. sp. and E. gambai Carini, 1938 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the opossum Didelphis aurita Wied-Newied, 1826 (Marsupialia: Didelphidae) from southeastern Brazil

Two eimerid species are described from the opossum Didelphis aurita from southeastern Brazil. Eimeria auritanensis n. sp. sporulated oocysts spherical to subspherical (31.55 +/- 1.56 by 29.55 +/- 1.40 microm), shape index 1.07; oocyst wall double layered 2.10 +/- 0.27 microm thick, outer yellowish and strongly ornamented having a prominently mammillated surphace; inner layer smooth and brownish. There is no micropyle or oocyst residuum, but one or two polar granules are present. Sporocysts ovoid (13.20 +/- 1.64 by 10.41 +/- 1.10microm) with a faint Stieda's body and residuum composed of granules and spherules. Eimeria gambai Carini, 1938 sporulated oocysts ovoid to subspherical (26.54 +/- 1.7 by 24.82 +/- 1.85 microm), shape index 1.07; oocyst wall double layered 2.10 +/- 0.27 microm thick, outer colorless to pale yellow entirely pitted, while inner layer smooth dark yellow to pale brow. Micropyle and residual bodies absent, polar granules present. Sporocysts ovoid 12.49 +/- 1.75 by 9.32 +/- 1.01 microm. Stieda body present and round. Sporocysts residuum composed of many granules and spherules.

Hypnozoites of Cystoisospora Frankel, 1977 (Apicomplexa: Cystoisosporinae) in Mongolian gerbil lymph nodes and their transmission to cats free of coccidia

Nine Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) were fed with 5.6 x 10(5) Cystoisospora sporulated oocysts orally. After 28 days post inoculation (DPI) four animals were euthanized, and their mesenteric lymph nodes were removed and they were submitted to peptic digestion technique and samples of them were submitted to transmission electron microscopy for hypnozoites identification. From lymph nodes digestion 4 x 10(2) hypnozoites/mL were obtained. Morphologically they were banana or stick form in shape, and measured 18.17 (15.09-20.02) in length by 6.21 (5.48-7.06) microm in width. In the same experiment, at 6 DAI, five gerbils were posted and liver, mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen were removed from each animal and were homogenized before given to three cats free of coccidia. All visceras used individually in each cat were capable to induce infection of species, C. felis and C. rivolta.

[The effect of betain on biology and morphology of developmental stages of Eimeria acervulina in broiler chicks experimentally infected]

Purposing to investigate the betaine effect on biology and morphology of developmental stages of Eimeria acervulina, 420 broiler chicks Cobb were experimentally inoculated with 2 x 10(5) sporulated oocysts and housed in battery cages in a block design with five treatments and six replicates each, including a positive control, a group treated with salinomycin and growth promoter plus three levels of betaine as additive in the feed at 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15%. Measurements of oocysts, sporocysts and endogenous stages were performed as morphological parameters, while pre patent and patent periods and sporulation time were taken as biological parameters. Morphology was also associated with the mathematical constant Phi (1.618) to evaluate possible relationship. Betaine was able to cause modifications in both biology and morphology of oocysts and sporocysts, whereas it was weakly able to affect developmental stages based on trophozoites and macrogamonts measurements. According to the measures of sporocysts E. acervulina development was closely related to Phi.

[Clinical findings observed in rabbits, meat type, infected experimentally by Cystoisospora felis (Wenyon, 1923) Frenkel, 1977 (Apicomplexa: Cystoisosporinae)]

Twenty four rabbits type meat, cross-breed of White New Zealand and California, of both sexes, with age of 58 days old, and average weight of 1,586 g were used. Than, they were divided in three groups of eight rabbits each. The first group was inoculated orally, in two serial days, with 10(6) sporulated oocysts of Cystoisospora felis per animal, second group was considered per feed, and thirty group was left as control. Clinical signs as body weight, feed consumption, rectal temperature, and breathing frequency were taken daily. Carcasses weights were taking at 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 16, 22 and 29 days after infection (DAI) when they were posted. In the first DAI, anorexia, slow movements, low percent of food consumption (85.76%), and of alimentary conversion were observed. Difference of 3.52% in the food consumption was observed between control and infected animals. The inoculated rabbits had high temperatures in the first DAI in comparison to controls and per fed animals (p<0.01) at 2nd and at 4th DAI. In relationship to the weight gain in the 1st week the carcasses of the infected rabbits had minimal difference in comparison to control animals. As conclusion, cystoisosporosis, beside clinical signs, can be interfered in the development of the rabbit.

[Toxoplasma gondii in brains of pigs commercialized at the Municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]

Brain samples of 12 pigs commercialized for food consumption at the Municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes in the State of Rio de Janeiro were examined for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii. Brain sample of each pig was grinded and submitted to peptic digestion. One ml of the homogenate of each sample was inoculated in three albino mice, and this procedure was repeated 24 hours later. Inoculated mice were observed during six weeks. Dead mice or those that presented clinical signs suggestive of the disease, were examined for the presence of tachyzoites in peritoneal exudates or tissue cysts in their brains. The percentage of positives brains was 50%, which is a confirmation that pigs could be considered as a potential source of infection of T. gondii for humans at this Municipality.

Mycoflora of poultry feeds and ochratoxin-producing ability of isolated Aspergillus and Penicillium species

In Brazil, commercial feedstuffs are an important component in modern animal husbandry, but there is no information available about fungal contamination and ochratoxin A (OTA) production. The aims of this study were to determine the mycoflora incidence in poultry feeds and evaluate OTA production. In addition, the ability to produce OTA by several Aspergillus and Penicillium species was investigated. A total of 96 samples of poultry feeds were collected from four factories in Rio de Janeiro. Samples were examined for total moulds, for Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. occurrence and for their relative densities on dichloran rose bengal chloramphenicol and dichloran 18% glycerol media. The capacity to produce ochratoxin A by selected Aspergillus and Penicillium species was determined by HPLC. Total mould counts were generally higher than 1 x 10(5 )CFU ml(-1). Aspergillus and Penicillium species were isolated in the highest numbers. Aspergillus flovus and Penicillium citrinum were the most prevalent species. There was a high percentage of potential OTA producers (46%). The amount of OTA produced on this substrate was enough to cause adverse effects in animals. Several strains isolated from poultry feeds were able to produce high levels of OTA on chloramphenicol yeast medium. OTA in raw materials needs to be surveyed and storage practices must be investigated to determine occurrence and establish the livestock toxicological risk in poultry feed.

[Experimental transmission of Cryptosporidium baileyi (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) isolated of broiler chicken to Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)]

In this work, oocysts of Cryptosporidium baileyi were isolated and identified in broiler chickens from three different Municipalities of the State of Rio de Janeiro, where they were isolated and identified by using the centrifuge- flotation technique associated to bright-field. Staining techniques, such as: modified Ziehl-Neelsen and safranin-methylene blue, were carried out to confirm natural infection. Oocysts of C. baileyi from broiler chickens were able to infect Coccidia-free Japanese quails, by observation of endogenous stages at histological sections, and the elimination of oocysts in the feces with prepatent period of seven days and patent period of 21 days after infection. Oocysts of C. baileyi from broiler chickens and Japanese quails were similar on bright-field microscopy. With respect to the staining techniques used in this research, all of them left to significant changes in length and width of oocysts, but shape indexes were maintained. Bright-field microscopy was the best technique for oocysts comparison shed by broiler chickens and Japanese quail because of no different among oocysts were observed.

[Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in dairy cattle from Sul Fluminense Paraíba Valley, State of Rio de Janeiro]

A survey of toxoplasmosis in cattle from Sul Fluminense Paraiba Valley micro region in the State of Rio de Janeiro was realized, where serum samples were collected from 589 animals of 29 dairy farms located at municipalities of Resende and Rio Claro. Serology was performed by using indirect immune fluorescent test (IFAT), and considering as positive to Toxoplasma gondii titles > or = 64. Results found in both municipalities were 14.8% serum reagents animals. When these results were analyzed by each Municipality, Resende had 15.3% (48 animals of 314) positive animals, and 14.2% (39 animals of 275) was observed at Rio Claro. In the analysis of 58 studied dairy farms was observed that 38 (65.5%) of them having positive cows for anti-T. gondii, being 20 (69.0%) at Resende, and 18 (62.1%) at Rio Claro. With regard to serologic samples found in the IFAT, 79 (13.41%) animals were positives with titles of 64, six (1.02%) with 256, two (0.34%) with 1024, and none of animals had titles > or = 4096.

[Lesions in cross-breed pregnant cows, experimentally infected with Sarcocystis cruzi (Hasselmann, 1923) Wenyon, 1926 (Apicomplexa: Sarcocytidae)]

To identify pathologic alterations, sixteen cows, in the last 3 months of gestation, all cross-breed, Holstein x Zebu, serum positive for Sarcocystis, were selected and divided into four groups of four animals each. The first group was considered as control and the other three groups were experimentally infected with 1x10(4) (2nd group), 5x10(4) (3rd group) and 1x10(5) (4th group) sporocysts obtained from dog's feces. The gross lesions in the cows were consisted of pale mucous membranes, paleness of the skeletal striated muscle and enlargement of lymph nodes, heart, liver, spleen and lungs. In the aborted fetus, the most prominent gross lesion were excess of fluid in peritoneal and thoracic cavities, and petecheas in the surface of intercostal muscles, thymus and spleen. On histological sections, no parasitic form was found in the tissues of the fetus, placenta or uterine tissue of the exposed cows. However, meronts, young and mature cysts of S. cruzi were observed in striated muscle. In the aborted fetus, hemorrhage, was the main histological lesion observed in brain, cerebellum and kidneys.