KPC-2-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from wild animals in Brazil

Pseudomonas aeruginosa an opportunistic pathogen that causes infections in hospitals and has high morbidity and mortality rates. In addition, it is a widely distributed environmental bacterium that can colonise a variety of habitats. Although wild animals do not have access to antibiotics, antibacterial resistance in these animals has increasingly been reported worldwide. Although the presence of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) is uncommon in P. aeruginosa, it has been increasingly reported. This study examined KPC-2-producing P. aeruginosa in wild animals. A total of 27 P. aeruginosa isolates were obtained from clinical cases treated at the Microbiology Laboratory of the Veterinary Hospital of UFMT, Brazil. P. aeruginosa and blaKPC-2 carbapenemase resistance genes were identified using PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility of KPC-producing P. aeruginosa was evaluated using the disk diffusion method. The blaKPC-2 gene was detected in 40.7% of the isolates (11/27). The rates of antimicrobial resistance and intermediate sensitivity were as follows: piperacillin/tazobactam (44.4%), imipenem (29.6%), meropenem (51.8%), amikacin (77.8%), cefepime (85.2%), and ciprofloxacin (70.4%). Twelve isolates were classified as Multidrug-resistant (MDR). This study presents the first report of P. aeruginosa with the blaKPC-2 gene in wild animals in Brazil, highlighting the importance of molecular research on resistance genes in P. aeruginosa from a One-Health perspective.

Molecular detection and genetic characterization of Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia sp. in neotropical primates from Brazil

The Anaplasmataceae family includes obligate, arthropod-transmitted intracellular bacteria that can be zoonotic and potentially fatal. Studies focusing on the interaction between neotropical primates and the agents of this family are scarce. The present study aimed to identify agents of the Anaplasmataceae family in the whole blood of free-living and captive neotropical primates in the State of Mato Grosso, Central-West Brazil. Thirty-eight samples of six nonhuman primate (NHP) species were collected in seven municipalities and analysed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nucleotide sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of the dsb, groEL, 16S rRNA, and gltA genes. DNA fragments similar to those of Ehrlichia canis were detected in Sapajus apella and Ehrlichia chaffeensis from Mico melanurus. The sequences generated in this study and homologous sequences retrieved from GenBank® were used for phylogenetic analyses to characterize the Ehrlichial agents detected in NHPs. The agents were then grouped into clades corresponding to different isolates from the NHP species. In addition, an Anaplasma sp. closely related to Anaplasma marginale was identified in two S. apella individuals. These findings shed light on the susceptibility of neotropical NHPs to Anaplasmataceae agents. These bacteria are known to be transmitted by ticks, which can also serve as possible sources of infection for other animals, including humans.

Retrospective molecular investigation of Mayaro and Oropouche viruses at the human-animal interface in West-central Brazil, 2016-2018

Mayaro virus (MAYV, Togaviridae) and Oropouche orthobunyavirus (OROV, Peribunyaviridae) are emerging enzootic arboviruses in Latin America. Outbreaks of febrile illness associated with MAYV and OROV have been reported among humans mainly in the northern region of Brazil since the 1980s, and recent data suggest these viruses have circulated also in more populated areas of western Brazil. MAYV shares mosquito vectors with yellow fever virus and it has been historically detected during yellow fever epidemics. Aiming to investigate the transmission of OROV and MAYV at the human-animal interface during a yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika outbreaks in Brazil, we conducted a retrospective molecular investigation in 810 wild and domestic animals, 106 febrile patients, and 22.931 vectors collected from 2016 to 2018 in Cuiaba and Campo Grande metropolitan regions, western Brazil. All samples tested negative for OROV and MAYV RNA by RT-qPCR. Findings presented here suggest no active circulation of MAYV and OROV in the sampled hosts. Active surveillance and retrospective investigations are instrumental approaches for the detection of cryptic and subclinical activity of enzootic arboviruses and together serve as a warning system to implement appropriate actions to prevent outbreaks.

Determination of multidrug-resistant populations and molecular characterization of complex Klebsiella spp. in wild animals by multilocus sequence typing

Background and Aim:

One of the most significant public health concerns is multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms. Klebsiella spp. have been at the forefront of causing different types of infections such as bacteremia, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, enteritis, and sepsis in humans as well as animals. This study aimed to determine the genomic similarity between Klebsiella spp. isolated from wild animal samples and those described in the Institut Pasteur genomic database to verify the spread of resistant clones regionally in the state of Mato Grosso, and to compare the epidemiological data in different regions of Brazil and the world.

Materials and Methods:

Isolates from various sites of injury in wild animals were identified by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method to verify the resistance profile, and then, multilocus sequence typing was performed to verify the population structure and compare the isolates from other regions of Brazil and the world.

Results:

Twenty-three sequence types (STs) were observed; of these, 11 were new STs, as new alleles were detected. There was no predominant ST among the isolates. All isolates were MDR, with high rates of resistance to sulfonamides, ampicillin, amoxicillin, and nitrofurantoin and low resistance to meropenem, imipenem, and amikacin.

Conclusion:

Improving our understanding of the population structure of Klebsiella spp. in wild animals may help determine the source of infection during outbreaks in humans or animals, as the One Health concept emphasizes the interlinks between humans, animals, and environmental health.

Myxomatous Degeneration of Atrioventricular Valves in a Crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) - Echodopplercardiography Diagnosis

Background: The myxomatosis degeneration is a degenerative cardiac valve disease, with a higher incidence in male and senile canids. The diagnosis is made by a doppler echocardiography exam. Although there are few reports on the occurrence of cardiopathies in wild dogs (Cerdocyon thous), some studies on their cardiological parameters can be found. Considering this, and knowing that the cardiopathies in wild canids are common post mortem findings, the objective of this study is to describe the echocardiography diagnosis of a case of myxomatous degeneration of the atrioventricular valves in 1 wild dog (Cerdocyon thous) living in captivity.Case: It was treated at the Diagnostic Imaging Department of the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (HOVET-UFMT), 1 wild dog (C. thous), male, living in captivity with approximately 10-year-old, directed by the Center of Medicine and Research in Wild Animals of Cuiabá, to perform echocardiography exam. The patient was submitted to anesthesia for proper examination, which was used Esaote® machine model MyLabFive VET with sector scan transducer (4.0 -7.5 MHz). The longitudinal, transverse and apical scan planes were obtained through left and right parasternal windows. The evaluation of M mode exposed ejection fraction and shortening increased, of 81% and 47%, respectively, however it showed no increase in systolic and diastolic values of left ventricle, nor in right cavities on subjective evaluation. The relation between the left atrium (LA) and the aorta (Ao) remained normal, at 1.2 mm, with dimensions of 13.4 mm from the AO and 16.3 mm from LA, compatible with species parameters or domestic canines. The atrioventricular valves showed thickening and irregularities in their cusps, with great intensity in the left atrioventricular valve (LAV). The Doppler mode analysis revealed a turbulent systolic flow into the left atrium and right atrium, constituting transvalvular LAV and right atrioventricular valve- (RAV) regurgitation, both observed through the blood flow in colored Doppler and measured through the reflux velocity of 4.02 m/s of LAV and 2.17 m/s of RAV by the continuous Doppler, showing insufficiency of intense degree of LAV and moderate degree of RAV, no evidence of pulmonary hypertension. On the other hand, the relation between wave E and wave A (E/A) was 1.0, with increased transvalvular velocities and values of 0.95 m/s for wave E and A. The isovolumetric mitral relaxation time was approximately 76 m/s. The value of the pressure derivative (dp) in relation to time (dt) dp/dt measured from the LAV reflux was 1257 mmHg, within the limit considered normal for canines. Four months after the diagnosis, the patient died due to complications of chronic renal failure.Discussion: Despite being a commonly diagnosed pathology in domestic canids, the myxomatous degeneration of atrioventricular valves is still little reported in wild canids. The evaluation of the results showed that although there was severe LAV regurgitation, there was no hypertrophy or compensatory dilation of the left cavities. However, there was a compensatory increase in the shortening fraction together with the ventricular relaxation deficit. The diagnosis of this condition in Cerdocyon thous demonstrates that the pathology can affect animals of advanced age and that its incidence needs to be determined in these captive species, in order to understand the real impact of this disease in these populations. Keywords: cardiopathies, cardiac valve disease, degenerative disease, cardiological parameters, wild dog. Título: Degeneração mixomatosa das válvulas atrioventriculares em cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) - diagnóstico ecocardiográfico Descritores: cardiopatias, doença valvular cardíaca, doença degenerativa, parâmetros cardiológicos, canídeo selvagem.

Influence of incubation temperature and embryonic motility on the growth of members of Caiman yacare (Daudin, 1802)

This study aimed to evaluate whether skeletal development of the Pantanal Caiman (Caiman yacare) is similarly influenced by temperature variation and controlled increases in embryo motility. All eggs were incubated at 90% humidity and 29 °C for the first 45 days. Thereafter, the incubation temperature was either maintained at 29 °C and embryos were treated with 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) on days 46, 47, 48, and 49 (Group I, 29 °C 4-AP, n = 15); maintained at 29 °C (n = 14; Group II); or at 33 °C (n = 14, Group III). Embryonic movement was measured using an Egg Buddy® digital monitor on days 30, 35, 42, 49, 56, and 60, at which point embryos were euthanized and samples were collected for analysis. No differences were observed between groups with varying incubation temperatures. In contrast, embryonic motility was greater in embryos treated with 4-AP (P < 0.001) on day 49, and this was associated with higher proportions of snout-vent and hand lengths. This study demonstrates for the first time that pharmacologically induced increases in embryo motility result in phenotypic changes to the proportion of elements during prenatal ontogeny, thereby effectively altering the adaptation of the species to specific environments.

Molecular detection of trypanosomatids in neotropical primates in the state of Mato Grosso, Midwest, Brazil

Trypanosomatids are uniflagellate protozoa belonging to the Trypanosomatidae family. The genera Trypanosoma and Leishmania are of paramount importance as they contain species that cause serious diseases, such as Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis, respectively. The objective of the present study was to identify trypanosomatids present in the whole blood of free-living and captive neotropical primates in Mato Grosso State, Midwest Brazil. Between 2017 and 2019, 38 blood samples were collected from seven different neotropical primate species in seven cities in the state. Through molecular techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify a fragment of the kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) and 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis, nine Leishmania spp. [seven L. infantum and two L. (Leishmania) amazonensis] and two Trypanosoma spp. (T. minasense and T. rangeli) were identified. This study contributes to understanding the occurrence and epidemiology of trypanosomatids in Mato Grosso State and the importance of neotropical primates as trypanosome hosts and possible infection sources for other animals and humans. Future identification of other blood pathogens in neotropical primates will assist in disease control and prevention strategies.

Renal Dysplasia in a Free-Living Giant Anteater Cub (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) - Ultrasonographic and Tomographic Aspects

Background: Renal dysplasia is a congenital disorder that occurs during differentiation of the renal parenchyma or as a consequence of a functional and/or structural obstruction of the lower urinary tract. In wild animals, this pathology has been reported in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) and African elephants (Loxodanta africana). However, there are no reports of the disease in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). Thus, this paper describes a case of renal dysplasia in a free-living giant anteater cub, which was sent to the wild animal clinic of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT) in Cuiabá, MT, Brazil. Case: The rescued animal had a good body condition score and clinical parameters within the normal range for the species. After a routine clinical evaluation, the anteater cub was subjected to radiography and ultrasound tests. Blood tests, serum tests for hepatic and renal profiles, urinalysis, urinary protein creatinine ratio, and chest X-rays did not reveal significant changes. However, the abdominal ultrasound examination revealed a volumetric loss of about 1.17 cm in length in the left kidney, and a renal length to aortic artery diameter ratio of approximately 2.8. This kidney showed irregular contours, loss of corticomedullary demarcation, with preserved echogenicity and cortical echotexture. The right kidney showed the standard size of the species, with a length of approximately 3.08 cm. In view of the suspicion of renal dysplasia, a contrast-enhanced CT scan was performed in order to assess the dynamics of uptake and excretion of the contrast medium in the affected kidney and in the ipsilateral collecting system.  An examination of the tomographic images indicated that the volume of the left kidney was reduced, isodense in relation to the right kidney, with discrete and homogeneous uptake in all phases after administration of the contrast medium, no occurrence of nephrogram and pyelogram phases, or any detection of contrast in the corresponding ureter.Discussion: Giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) are animals classified as a species vulnerable to extinction. Today, most research involving this species focuses on its ecology, behavior, diet, morphology and parasitology, but little is known about the imaging aspects of the species or about congenital changes such as renal dysplasia. Although the definitive diagnosis of this pathology depends on a histopathological examination, the same diagnosis can be made with a wide margin of safety by assessing the epidemiological aspects and the dynamics of renal uptake of the contrast medium through computed tomography. In this analysis, both vascularization and renal filtration capacity can be assessed. Thus, based on CT imaging, it was concluded that this was a case of renal dysplasia, since the left kidney showed a discrete homogeneous uptake stable in both the arterial and venous phases, without producing any accumulation of contrast medium in the pelvic region or the collecting system, proving to be completely nonfunctional. These findings differ from cases of renal hypoplasia, which, although they reduce renal volume, do not cause structural changes in the renal parenchyma or disturbances in the filtration dynamics of contrast media. They also differ from cases of acquired chronic nephropathy, since, albeit associated with reduced renal volume and changes in renal filtration dynamics, they produce different parenchymal ultrasound changes that usually occur in elderly animals and generally produce bilateral lesions.

Humerus osteosynthesis in Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)

Background: The Green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a reptile belonging to the Iguanidae family. It is an ectothermic animal with arboreal habits and a daytime activity pattern. Leaves, fruits, and eggs are part of their diet. These animals can be found in the South, North and Central America. Free-living Green iguanas may suffer stress during environmental changes, which can lead to a homeostatic imbalance. There is a correlation between stress and anorexia which results in an increase in the occurrence of fractures. Reptile fractures are generally treated by providing rigid stabilization and alignment maintenance. The present study reports the use of locking-plate osteosynthesis in one iguana.Case: One female green iguana, weighing 1.690 kg, was assisted at the Hospital Veterinário Federal da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso. During anamnesis, it was observed that this iguana was a non-captive animal, which had fallen from a tree. The animal was unable to perform physical movements with the forearm displaying bone crepitation. It was also observed apathy and dehydration. The iguana was subjected to a range of supplementary examinations and on the x-ray image, it was detected that there was a complete right humerus fracture. Following examination, the animal underwent surgery for fracture stabilization. Humerus osteosynthesis was performed with compression in a 1.5 mm 6-hole locking-plate. During the osteosynthesis procedure a morphogenetic graft was inserted. Immediate post-surgery radiographic evaluation was performed, and that confirmed fracture reduction and bone alignment. The animal displayed clinical improvement after the second post-operative day once it returned to regular ingestion of diet. On the 30th post-operative day, the radiographic evaluation showed evidence of bone consolidation. On the 40th post-operative day, the animal displayed satisfactory gait and voluntary ingestion of food, thus enabling its return to the wild.Discussion: In this case study, the iguana displayed a satisfactory body condition score and good bone quality, which suggested a fall from a tree as the cause of the fracture, rather than a metabolic bone disorder. The osteosynthesis procedure followed the principles of orthopaedic surgery. The literature shows that there are reports of osteosynthesis being performed with the aid of intramedullary rod insertion. The intramedullary rods do not neutralize rotational forces, and thus are not recommended for the treatment of transverse fractures, like the one in the present study. A 6-hole 1.5mm locking-plate was inserted during osteosynthesis on this iguana. The protocol used was the one letting just the two middle-locking-plate holes free. This technique provided the advantage of fixation as a means of functional support once the power of the vascular system has not been damaged.  In this case study, a bone morphogenetic protein was used in order to induce the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into chondroblasts and osteoblasts. However, whether such a procedure influenced the consolidation of the bone fracture remains unsolved since it was not possible to assess owing to a lack of previous studies to determine the base parameters of the bone healing process in this species. It was observed that osteosynthesis with a locking-plate, effectively consolidated the humerus bone fracture of the Iguana iguana, and enabled its early return to the wild notwithstanding.

Sucedâneo de fase inicial e crescimento para Tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

Os tamanduás bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) são animais com ampla distribuição no território brasileiro. Com a redução de seu habitat natural pela expansão humana, esses animais se tornaram vítimas de grande número de acidentes em estradas e zonas urbanas, transformando a entrega de filhotes órfãos uma ocorrência comum no Hospital Veterinário da UFMT. Este trabalho tem por finalidade apresentar os resultados obtidos quanto ao manejo de tais filhotes, cujas mães vieram a óbito devido a causas externas. A alimentação artificial foi desenvolvida com ingredientes especiais, pensando em atender necessidades nutricionais nas duas etapas preliminares da vida a partir de duas dietas. A primeira a base de leite de cabra em pó integral, sucedâneo comercial para felinos domésticos, ovo cozido sem casca e fibra comercial em pó. E a segunda composta por leite zero lactose, sucedâneo comercial para desmame de felinos domésticos, ovo cozido sem casca e frutas. Apresentando resultados promissores quanto ao desenvolvimento ponderal dos filhotes.

Hemangiosarcoma in a Free-living Rufous-bellied Thrush (Turdus rufiventris)

 Background: Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant endothelial cell-derived neoplasm characterized by an intense cellular proliferation organized in a solid or cavernous pattern. Is characterized by intense cell proliferation, and organized in vascular slits, filled with blood, with fast grow and there is a high recurrence rate. This paper reports a case of multiple hemangiosarcoma in a Rufous-bellied Thrush (Turdus rufiventris).Case: A free-living Rufous-bellied Thrush (Turdus rufiventris), was attended at the veterinary hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT) - Cuiabá, presenting prostration and three masses located in the following regions: left periorbital area, left lateral insertion of the beak and distal portion of the left tibia. The masses were blackened colored with an irregular aspect, and the cut surface was multiple cavity, filled with a blackened gelatinous material. The animal died during the surgical procedure and was sent to necropsy. Additionally, special immunohistochemistry staining was used in the tumors sections, with primary anti-S-100, anti-Von Willebrand Factor, anti-desmin, anti-actin, anti-cytokeratin and anti-vimentin. The three masses have rounded shape, multilobuled surface, deep red to blackened color, with skin adhered base, and, when cut, blackened color with multiple cavities filled with red to blackened gelatinous material and compressing the adjacent structures. Microscopically was observed a pronounced multifocal proliferation of the neoplastic endothelial cells, which are organized forming vessels with single cell layer and filled with red blood cells, giving a cavernous aspect to the section. Around these vessels were neoplastic areas with a more solid pattern with cells with elongated nuclei. The masses were partially surrounded by fibrous connective tissue, forming a pseudo capsule. In the immunohistochemical test, a strong positivity for the anti-actin antibody was founded, moderate positivity for anti-desmin, and weak positivity for anti-S-100 and anti- Von Willebrand. The test with anti-vimentin and for cytokeratin antibody was negative.Discussion: The clinical status of this bird was followed for seven days, but because is a free-living animal there are not much information about the clinical course of the neoplasm. Is known that it’s common that animals affected by the hem­angiosarcoma have an acute clinical course or asymptomatic, culminating in death, usually associated with hypovolemic shock. The three neoplasms gross aspect described here are compatible with hemangiosarcoma. The masses location were not uncommon although there is a predominance in the intra-coelomic area. In microscopic analysis of the three neoplasm, two histological patterns were observed, both with high cellularity: the cavernous pattern, with exuberant proliferation of blood vessels, and the solid pattern, with few vascular formations. The occurrence of both histological patterns is not uncommon, but the cavernous form being the most frequent. The diagnosis confirmation of hemangiosarcoma was performed by immunohistochemical. The Von Willebrand has low reactivity in avian tissue, as well as the desmin, both with an average to low positivity in this case. The anti-vimentin negative marking in this case generally is observed when the hemangiosarcoma has a more solid histological pattern. The anti-actin antibody is positive for the smooth muscle of the blood vessels, and the anti-S-100 mark nervous tissue, however, although both positive, there are no reports about the specificity of this antibodies to birds tissue. In the author’s knowledge, this is the first neoplasm report in a Turdus rufiventris (Rufous-bellied Thrush).Keywords: bird, tumors, tumor sanguine vessel, wild animals.