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Southern Hemisphere Megaptera novaeangliae undertake the longest migration, which reflect their exposure to lipophilic contaminants. To assess these changes, persistent organic pollutants were analyzed in blubber samples of humpback whales from three regions: the Antarctic Peninsula (n = 46), the Strait of Magellan, Chile (n = 22), and the Brazilian coast (n = 38). The similarity in PCB and HCB levels between individuals from feeding grounds and breeding grounds suggests contamination during feeding. The whales around the Antarctic Peninsula exhibited a predominance of tetrachlorobiphenyl PCBs. Whales feeding in the Strait of Magellan showed a slight prevalence of 5Cl biphenyls, likely due to their consumption of subantarctic krill species as well as small fishes potentially contaminated by industrial activities in Chile. The dominance of 5-6Cl congeners in whales in Brazil, may be attributed to the extreme physiological changes during fasting when whales utilize blubber reserves and metabolize lighter congeners, or transfer them to their calves.

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Erysipelas is a zoonotic disease caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. In cetaceans, this disease has two main clinical forms: a cutaneous one, grossly characterized by rhomboid lesions, and a septicemic and often fatal form. Erysipelas is considered an important cause of morbidity and mortality in captive cetaceans; however, information in free-ranging cetaceans is limited. An adult common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) was found dead and in advanced autolysis in Paraíba state, northeastern Brazil, on July 19th, 2020. Upon gross examination, 80% of the body surface presented disseminated rhomboid cutaneous lesions ranging from 4 to 6 cm-width, characterized by well-defined edges and occasional ulceration, consistent with erysipelas. Additionally, anthropic-made postmortem linear cuts and partial mechanical removal of the flank musculature were noted. Skin samples were collected for histopathologic and molecular analyses. Microscopically, it was possible to observe multifocal dermatitis with vasculitis. Erysipelothrix sp. was detected by PCR. Despite previous reports of human consumption of cetacean meat in northeastern Brazil, the observed marks and advanced carcass autolysis suggested that the animal was most likely used as bait for fishing instead of human intake. This case highlights the value of postmortem examination and PCR even in poorly preserved cadavers and contributes to the understanding of the epidemiology of cutaneous erysipelas in free-ranging cetaceans (first report in an odontocete from the Southern Hemisphere). Due to the zoonotic potential of certain Erysipelothrix species (i.e., E. rhusiopathiae), active public health policies are required to inform field professionals and the general public about the health threats associated with marine mammal manipulation and consumption.

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Among the bacterial infections that impair the health status of marine mammals, those caused by Brucella spp. are the most reported worldwide. Brucella infections in marine mammals can result in acute or chronic disease and are associated with variable clinical outcomes, depending on the organ involved during the infectious process, infection route, host immunity, and strain pathogenicity. Asymptomatic infections may also occur. The current study expands the investigation of Brucella infection in northeast Brazil by analyzing 19 dead, stranded cetaceans and 52 Antillean manatees Trichechus manatus manatus. The manatees included 8 dead, captive manatees and 44 live specimens, of which 10 were analyzed only after reintroduction into the wild as part of a rehabilitation program, 9 were analyzed both while in captivity or semi-captivity and after reintroduction, 20 were sampled only in captivity or semi-captivity, and 5 were free-living manatees. Serological tests were used to screen for antibodies against smooth Brucella spp. Whole blood, swabs, and tissue samples were screened for Brucella spp. DNA by PCR. Samples with positive PCR results were cultured for Brucella spp. isolation. All manatees yielded negative results in serological and molecular tests. Brucella spp. DNA was detected in the kidney of one adult Guiana dolphin Sotalia guianensis exhibiting necrosis in the liver. No growth of Brucella spp. was observed via microbiological culturing. This study is the first report of Brucella spp. DNA detection in cetaceans in the state of Pernambuco, and it highlights the importance of conducting systematic monitoring for the presence of Brucella infection in marine mammals along the Brazilian coast, especially in the northeast region, where several cases have been reported.

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This study describes the pathologic findings of 24 humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) found stranded along the Brazilian coast from 2004 to 2016. Eighteen (75%) animals evaluated were found stranded alive. From these, 13 died naturally on shore and five were euthanized. Six died at sea and were washed ashore. Of the 24, 19 (79.2%) were calves, four (16.7%) were juveniles, and one (4.2%) was an adult. The most probable cause of stranding and/or death (CSD) was determined in 23/24 (95.8%) individuals. In calves, CSD included neonatal respiratory distress (13/19; 68.4%), infectious disease (septicemia, omphaloarteritis and urachocystitis; 3/19; 15.8%), trauma of unknown origin (2/19; 10.5%), and vehicular trauma (vessel strike; 1/19; 5.3%). In juveniles and adult individuals, CSD was: emaciation (2/5; 40%), sunlight-thermal burn shock (1/5; 20%); and discospondylitis (1/5; 20%). In one juvenile, the CSD was undetermined (1/5; 20%). This study integrates novel findings and published case reports to delineate the pathology of a South-western Atlantic population of humpback whales. This foundation will aid in the assessment of the population health and establish a baseline for development of conservation policies.

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Abstract Gastrointestinal parasites are important pathogens affecting animals, some of them are of medical and veterinary concern. Although the dynamic of parasitic infections is a complex phenomenon that has been studied under experimental conditions, it shows several gaps in knowledge, especially in insular regions where a confined population of animals and parasites co-exists. In this study was assessed the parasitism by endoparasite gastrointestinal in feral cats (n = 37) and rodents (n = 30) from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago; in addition, the risk of human infection and ecological implications of these findings were discussed. Out of all samples analysed, 100% scored positive for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites in both feral cats and rodents. A total 17 genera and/or species of endoparasite gastrointestinal were identified, Ancylostoma sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichuris campanula and Toxocara cati were the parasites more frequently in feral cats. In rodents Eimeria sp., Strongyloides sp. and Trichuris muris were parasites more frequently herein detected. Human population living in this area are at risk of parasite infections due to the population of rodents and feral cats in the archipelago.

Resumo Parasitas gastrointestinais são importantes agentes patogênicos que afetam os animais, sendo alguns destes de interesse médico e veterinário. Embora a dinâmica das infecções parasitárias seja um fenômeno complexo que tem sido estudado sob condições experimentais, existem várias lacunas no conhecimento, especificamente em regiões insulares onde existem populações confinadas de animais e parasitas. Neste estudo foi avaliado o parasitismo por endoparasitas gastrointestinais em gatos ferais (n = 37) e roedores (n = 30) do Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha. Além disso, discutiu-se o risco de infecção humana e implicações ecológicas desses achados. De todas as amostras analisadas, 100% obtiveram resultados positivos para a presença de parasitos gastrointestinais tanto em gatos ferais quanto em roedores. Um total de 17 gêneros e/ou espécies de endoparasitos gastrointestinais foram identificados, Ancylostoma sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichuris campanula e Toxocara cati foram os parasitos mais frequentes em gatos ferais. Em roedores Eimeria sp., Strongyloides sp. e Trichuris muris foram os mais detectados. A população humana que vive nesta área corre o risco de infecções parasitárias, devido à população de roedores e gatos ferais no arquipélago.

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RESUMO

Gastrointestinal parasites are important pathogens affecting animals, some of them are of medical and veterinary concern. Although the dynamic of parasitic infections is a complex phenomenon that has been studied under experimental conditions, it shows several gaps in knowledge, especially in insular regions where a confined population of animals and parasites co-exists. In this study was assessed the parasitism by endoparasite gastrointestinal in feral cats (n = 37) and rodents (n = 30) from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago; in addition, the risk of human infection and ecological implications of these findings were discussed. Out of all samples analysed, 100% scored positive for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites in both feral cats and rodents. A total 17 genera and/or species of endoparasite gastrointestinal were identified, Ancylostoma sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichuris campanula and Toxocara cati were the parasites more frequently in feral cats. In rodents Eimeria sp., Strongyloides sp. and Trichuris muris were parasites more frequently herein detected. Human population living in this area are at risk of parasite infections due to the population of rodents and feral cats in the archipelago.(AU)

Parasitas gastrointestinais são importantes agentes patogênicos que afetam os animais, sendo alguns destes de interesse médico e veterinário. Embora a dinâmica das infecções parasitárias seja um fenômeno complexo que tem sido estudado sob condições experimentais, existem várias lacunas no conhecimento, especificamente em regiões insulares onde existem populações confinadas de animais e parasitas. Neste estudo foi avaliado o parasitismo por endoparasitas gastrointestinais em gatos ferais (n = 37) e roedores (n = 30) do Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha. Além disso, discutiu-se o risco de infecção humana e implicações ecológicas desses achados. De todas as amostras analisadas, 100% obtiveram resultados positivos para a presença de parasitos gastrointestinais tanto em gatos ferais quanto em roedores. Um total de 17 gêneros e/ou espécies de endoparasitos gastrointestinais foram identificados, Ancylostoma sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichuris campanula e Toxocara cati foram os parasitos mais frequentes em gatos ferais. Em roedores Eimeria sp., Strongyloides sp. e Trichuris muris foram os mais detectados. A população humana que vive nesta área corre o risco de infecções parasitárias, devido à população de roedores e gatos ferais no arquipélago.(AU)

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RESUMO

Gastrointestinal parasites are important pathogens affecting animals, some of them are of medical and veterinary concern. Although the dynamic of parasitic infections is a complex phenomenon that has been studied under experimental conditions, it shows several gaps in knowledge, especially in insular regions where a confined population of animals and parasites co-exists. In this study was assessed the parasitism by endoparasite gastrointestinal in feral cats (n = 37) and rodents (n = 30) from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago; in addition, the risk of human infection and ecological implications of these findings were discussed. Out of all samples analysed, 100% scored positive for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites in both feral cats and rodents. A total 17 genera and/or species of endoparasite gastrointestinal were identified, Ancylostoma sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichuris campanula and Toxocara cati were the parasites more frequently in feral cats. In rodents Eimeria sp., Strongyloides sp. and Trichuris muris were parasites more frequently herein detected. Human population living in this area are at risk of parasite infections due to the population of rodents and feral cats in the archipelago.

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The genus Cryptosporidium consists of protozoa with large reproduction and dissemination capacity. Transmission can occur indirectly by ingestion of water contaminated with viable oocysts or directly between animals, between humans, or between animals and human. In various parts of the world, pets have been cited as potential sources of infection by Cryptosporidium spp. The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of natural Cryptosporidium spp. infection in domestic dogs in the city of Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil, as well as the association of the infection with epidemiological and sanitary data. Stool samples from 97 dogs were analyzed using the techniques of centrifugal sedimentation in formalin-ether with subsequent staining by Kinyoun method. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test of Pearson and Fisher Exact test, with significance level of 5.0%. Positivity was detected in 31.9% (31/97) of samples. It was the first record of infection by Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs from northeastern Brazil. We verified significant association between the rate of infection and veterinary medical care, vaccination, and type of environment in which the dogs were kept.(AU)

O gênero Cryptosporidium é composto por protozoários com grande capacidade de reprodução e disseminação. Sua transmissão pode ocorrer indiretamente pela ingestão de água e alimentos contaminados com oocistos viáveis ou diretamente entre animais, entre humanos ou entre animais e humanos. Em diversas partes do mundo, animais de companhia tem sido citados como fontes potenciais de infecção por Cryptosporidium spp. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência da infecção por Cryptosporidium spp. em cães domiciliados na cidade do Recife, estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, bem como a associação da infecção com dados epidemiológicos e sanitários. Foram analisadas 97 amostras de fezes de caninos domiciliados, utilizando-se as técnicas de centrífugo-sedimentação em formol-éter com posterior coloração pelo método de Kinyoun. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio dos testes Qui-quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher, com nível de significância de 5,0%.  Detectou-se positividade de 31,9% (31/97), tratando-se do primeiro registro de ocorrência da infecção por Cryptosporidium spp. na espécie canina no nordeste brasileiro, verificando-se associação significativa entre a taxa de infecção e a assistência médica veterinária, vacinação recebida e o tipo de ambiente de criação dos cães.(AU)

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RESUMO

Abstract The genus Cryptosporidium consists of protozoa with large reproduction and dissemination capacity. Transmission can occur indirectly by ingestion of water contaminated with viable oocysts or directly between animals, between humans, or between animals and human. In various parts of the world, pets have been cited as potential sources of infection by Cryptosporidium spp. The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of natural Cryptosporidium spp. infection in domestic dogs in the city of Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil, as well as the association of the infection with epidemiological and sanitary data. Stool samples from 97 dogs were analyzed using the techniques of centrifugal sedimentation in formalin-ether with subsequent staining by Kinyoun method. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test of Pearson and Fisher Exact test, with significance level of 5.0%. Positivity was detected in 31.9% (31/97) of samples. It was the first record of infection by Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs from northeastern Brazil. We verified significant association between the rate of infection and veterinary medical care, vaccination, and type of environment in which the dogs were kept.

Resumo O gênero Cryptosporidium é composto por protozoários com grande capacidade de reprodução e disseminação. Sua transmissão pode ocorrer indiretamente pela ingestão de água e alimentos contaminados com oocistos viáveis ou diretamente entre animais, entre humanos ou entre animais e humanos. Em diversas partes do mundo, animais de companhia tem sido citados como fontes potenciais de infecção por Cryptosporidium spp. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência da infecção por Cryptosporidium spp. em cães domiciliados na cidade do Recife, estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, bem como a associação da infecção com dados epidemiológicos e sanitários. Foram analisadas 97 amostras de fezes de caninos domiciliados, utilizando-se as técnicas de centrífugo-sedimentação em formol-éter com posterior coloração pelo método de Kinyoun. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio dos testes Qui-quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher, com nível de significância de 5,0%. Detectou-se positividade de 31,9% (31/97), tratando-se do primeiro registro de ocorrência da infecção por Cryptosporidium spp. na espécie canina no nordeste brasileiro, verificando-se associação significativa entre a taxa de infecção e a assistência médica veterinária, vacinação recebida e o tipo de ambiente de criação dos cães.

RESUMO

The genus Cryptosporidium consists of protozoa with large reproduction and dissemination capacity. Transmission can occur indirectly by ingestion of water contaminated with viable oocysts or directly between animals, between humans, or between animals and human. In various parts of the world, pets have been cited as potential sources of infection by Cryptosporidium spp. The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of natural Cryptosporidium spp. infection in domestic dogs in the city of Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil, as well as the association of the infection with epidemiological and sanitary data. Stool samples from 97 dogs were analyzed using the techniques of centrifugal sedimentation in formalin-ether with subsequent staining by Kinyoun method. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test of Pearson and Fisher Exact test, with significance level of 5.0%. Positivity was detected in 31.9% (31/97) of samples. It was the first record of infection by Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs from northeastern Brazil. We verified significant association between the rate of infection and veterinary medical care, vaccination, and type of environment in which the dogs were kept.

O gênero Cryptosporidium é composto por protozoários com grande capacidade de reprodução e disseminação. Sua transmissão pode ocorrer indiretamente pela ingestão de água e alimentos contaminados com oocistos viáveis ou diretamente entre animais, entre humanos ou entre animais e humanos. Em diversas partes do mundo, animais de companhia tem sido citados como fontes potenciais de infecção por Cryptosporidium spp. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência da infecção por Cryptosporidium spp. em cães domiciliados na cidade do Recife, estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, bem como a associação da infecção com dados epidemiológicos e sanitários. Foram analisadas 97 amostras de fezes de caninos domiciliados, utilizando-se as técnicas de centrífugo-sedimentação em formol-éter com posterior coloração pelo método de Kinyoun. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio dos testes Qui-quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher, com nível de significância de 5,0%.  Detectou-se positividade de 31,9% (31/97), tratando-se do primeiro registro de ocorrência da infecção por Cryptosporidium spp. na espécie canina no nordeste brasileiro, verificando-se associação significativa entre a taxa de infecção e a assistência médica veterinária, vacinação recebida e o tipo de ambiente de criação dos cães.

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