RESUMO
The presence of antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum have been described in dogs from virtually all Brazilian states, however in the state of Amazonas, there are few studies on these coccidia. In this study the occurrence of antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum and risk factors were determined in domiciliated dogs of Manaus, AM. Blood samples were collected from 154 dogs and, during the harvest, a questionnaire was applied with questions related to the animals. The samples were analyzed, for the presence of anti-T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies, by indirect fluorescence antibody test, with cutoff of 16 and 50, respectively. Associations between the variables studied and the presence of antibodies were made by chi-square test, fisher's exact test or G test (p<0.05). Of the 154 samples, 19 (12.3% 95% CI = 7.1% - 17.5%) were reagents to T. gondii, and association (p <0.05) was observed between the presence of antibodies and contact with other dogs. The occurrence of dogs reactive to N. caninum was 1.9% (95% CI = 0.4% - 5.6%) with 3 of the 154 dogs positives, and no association (p>0.05) was observed between the presence of N. caninum antibodies, and the variables studied.(AU)
A ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii e anti-Neospora caninum já foram descritos em cães de praticamente todos os estados brasileiros, entretanto, no estado do Amazonas, há poucos estudos sobre esses coccídios. Neste estudo, a ocorrência de cães domiciliados de Manaus, reagentes a T. gondii e N. caninum, e os fatores de risco para a infecção foram avaliados. Amostras de sangue de 154 cães foram obtidas, e um questionário foi aplicado aos tutores com informações sobre os animais. As amostras foram analisadas quanto à presença de anticorpos anti-T. gondii e N. caninum, pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta, ponto de corte 16 e 50, respectivamente. Associações entre as variáveis estudadas e a presença de anticorpos contra os coccídios foram feitas pelo teste de qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher ou G (p<0,05). Das 154 amostras, 19 (12,3%; IC 95% = 7,1% - 17,5%) foram reagentes a T. gondii, e a associação (p <0,05) foi observada entre a presença de anticorpos e contato com outros cães. A ocorrência de cães reagentes a N. caninum foi de 1,9% (IC 95% = 0,4% - 5,6%) com 3 dos 154 cães positivos. Nenhuma associação (p>0,05) foi observada entre a presença de anticorpos anti-N. caninum e as variáveis estudadas.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Toxoplasma/imunologia , Anticorpos Antiprotozoários/sangue , Neospora/imunologia , Técnica Indireta de Fluorescência para Anticorpo/veterinária , Cães/imunologia , Brasil , Toxoplasmose Animal/imunologia , Fatores de Risco , Animais de Estimação/imunologiaRESUMO
O sistema imune é capaz de identificar e eliminar as células anormais. Em algumas situações essas células escapam da vigilância imunológica do indivíduo e desencadeiam o câncer. Avanços nas pesquisas de interação das células neoplásicas e do sistema imune do hospedeiro possibilitaram uma maior compreensão a respeito dos antígenos tumorais e dos mecanismos de escape tumoral; como consequência iniciou-se uma busca por novas terapias antitumorais e métodos de prevenção. O presente trabalho, com base em revisão de literatura, tem como principal objetivo abordar a atuação do sistema imune frente a uma célula tumoral e os principais tipos de imunoterapia utilizados na medicina veterinária.(AU)
The immune system is able to identify and eliminate abnormal cells. In some situations these cells escape from individual immune surveillance and trigger cancer. Advances in research of interaction of cancer cells and host immune system enabled a greater understanding about the tumor antigens and tumor escapeme mechanisms. As a result, a search for new antitumor treatments and prevention methods started. The present work, based on literature review, has as main objective to approach the performance of the immune system against a tumor cell and the main types of immunotherapy used in veterinary medicine.(AU)
El sistema inmune es capaz de identificar y eliminar las células anormales. En algunas situaciones estas células escapan de la vigilancia inmunológica del individuo y desencadenan el cáncer. Avances en las investigaciones sobre la interacción de las células neoplásicas y del sistema inmune del huésped posibilitaron una mayor comprensión a el respeto de los antíqenos tumorales y de los mecanismos de escape tumoral; como consecuencia se inició uma búsqueda de nuevas terapias antitumorales y métodos de prevención. El presente trabajo, basado en la revisión de la literatura, tiene como principal objetivo abordar la actuación del sistema inmune frente a una célula tumoral y los principales tipos de inmunoterapia utilizados en la medicina veterinaria.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Imunoterapia/veterinária , Antígenos de Neoplasias , Animais de Estimação/imunologia , Neoplasias/veterinária , AutoimunidadeRESUMO
O sistema imune é capaz de identificar e eliminar as células anormais. Em algumas situações essas células escapam da vigilância imunológica do indivíduo e desencadeiam o câncer. Avanços nas pesquisas de interação das células neoplásicas e do sistema imune do hospedeiro possibilitaram uma maior compreensão a respeito dos antígenos tumorais e dos mecanismos de escape tumoral; como consequência iniciou-se uma busca por novas terapias antitumorais e métodos de prevenção. O presente trabalho, com base em revisão de literatura, tem como principal objetivo abordar a atuação do sistema imune frente a uma célula tumoral e os principais tipos de imunoterapia utilizados na medicina veterinária.
The immune system is able to identify and eliminate abnormal cells. In some situations these cells escape from individual immune surveillance and trigger cancer. Advances in research of interaction of cancer cells and host immune system enabled a greater understanding about the tumor antigens and tumor escapeme mechanisms. As a result, a search for new antitumor treatments and prevention methods started. The present work, based on literature review, has as main objective to approach the performance of the immune system against a tumor cell and the main types of immunotherapy used in veterinary medicine.
El sistema inmune es capaz de identificar y eliminar las células anormales. En algunas situaciones estas células escapan de la vigilancia inmunológica del individuo y desencadenan el cáncer. Avances en las investigaciones sobre la interacción de las células neoplásicas y del sistema inmune del huésped posibilitaron una mayor comprensión a el respeto de los antíqenos tumorales y de los mecanismos de escape tumoral; como consecuencia se inició uma búsqueda de nuevas terapias antitumorales y métodos de prevención. El presente trabajo, basado en la revisión de la literatura, tiene como principal objetivo abordar la actuación del sistema inmune frente a una célula tumoral y los principales tipos de inmunoterapia utilizados en la medicina veterinaria.
Assuntos
Animais , Animais de Estimação/imunologia , Antígenos de Neoplasias , Imunoterapia/veterinária , Neoplasias/veterinária , AutoimunidadeRESUMO
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, has traditionally been considered an important water and foodborne protozoonosis with important public health considerations. Although felids play a well-established role as definitive hosts, canine epidemiological involvement in the parasite's life cycle remains questionable and controversial. The increasing closeness of the human-dog bond, particularly seen in urban settings, has been recognized as a historically unprecedented worldwide movement. Sharing daily lives in the same households, dogs may be exposed to similar associated risks of T. gondii infection as their owners. Thus, epidemiological assessment of the intra-domiciled environment, especially among socio-economically different human populations, may provide novel information regarding the actual role of dogs in animal and human toxoplasmosis. Despite spatial approaches being recently used for other water and foodborne diseases, no study has been conducted on the simultaneous spatial seroprevalence of both human and animal IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies in urban areas of major cities. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to assess the seroprevalence and associated variables of Toxoplasma infection in owners and their domiciled dogs in Londrina, southern Brazil. Human and canine seroprevalence rates and variables associated with seroprevalence were investigated through representative random sampling among 564 households, which included 597 owners and 729 dogs. Overall, statistically significant differences between the seroprevalence of human and dog anti-T. gondii antibodies were found by Immunofluorescence Antibody Testing in 248/597 (41.54%) owners and 119/729 (16.32%) dogs. Through multiple analysis, significant concomitant variables for seropositivity of household individuals (people and dogs) were determined, including public sewer service, yard cleaning frequency, and having a dirty yard. Although no statistically significant multiple logistic model was observed among owners, univariate analysis detected associations with monthly income, soil contact, and occupation. Among dogs, the absence of other dogs and the absence of a dirty yard were concomitant significantly protective associated factors. Age differences between seropositive and seronegative individuals was significant only for human beings, with the median age of negative individuals significantly higher than positive individuals. Although no spatial clusters were identified for humans or residences, a significant cluster was identified for dogs. In conclusion, characteristics of urban toxoplasmosis may include significantly higher owner seroprevalence than their owned dogs, with canine seroprevalence directly associated with having more dogs and a dirty backyard, and spatial differences in both human and dog exposures. Although not a good indicator for human foodborne diseases, dogs may be a reliable sentinel for environmental infection. Moreover, such a holistic approach may provide crucial information for more focused prevention and monitoring programs, particularly in households with multiple pets and trash-filled backyards.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Antiprotozoários/sangue , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Toxoplasma/imunologia , Toxoplasmose Animal/epidemiologia , Toxoplasmose/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Animais , Brasil , Gatos , Cães , Feminino , Geografia Médica , Humanos , Higiene , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Animais de Estimação/sangue , Animais de Estimação/imunologia , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Toxoplasmose/imunologia , População Urbana , Adulto JovemRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations of in utero and early life exposure to cats/dogs and birds with the risk of lifetime doctor-diagnosed asthma and other respiratory conditions in a sample of Mexican American (MA) children 4-18 years of age. METHODS: This study is a population-based cross-sectional investigation of 1816 MA children. We conducted multiple logistic models examining the relationship of asthma and wheezing with exposures to cats/dogs and birds in utero, infancy and at the time of the survey adjusted for country of birth, family history of asthma/allergies, antibiotics use in infancy and other covariates. RESULTS: In adjusted analyses, in utero exposure to cats/dogs and birds jointly was associated with increased odds of asthma (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.89; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34-6.23), ever wheezing (aOR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.11-3.46) and current exercise-induced wheezing (aOR: 3.16; 95% CI: 1.27-7.85) compared to children not exposed to these pets in utero. Children who were exposed to both cats/dogs and birds in utero had an elevated, albeit statistically non-significant, odds of current wheezing. Exposures in infancy and at the time of the survey to cats/dogs and birds were not associated with asthma or wheezing. CONCLUSIONS: In utero exposure to pets might be associated with an increased risk of asthma and respiratory conditions in a sample of non-affluent MA children.
Assuntos
Asma/imunologia , Aves , Gatos , Cães , Americanos Mexicanos , Animais de Estimação , Sons Respiratórios/imunologia , Adolescente , Animais , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Feto/imunologia , Humanos , Masculino , Animais de Estimação/imunologia , GravidezRESUMO
Introduction: Among allergic patients, pet avoidance is commonly recommended. It is difficult for patients to accomplish this because of their emotional attachment to the pets, and its effectiveness is controversial. Objective: To explore the applicability and effectiveness of pet avoidance measures among sensitized patients. Materials and methods: We evaluated 288 patients with asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and/or dermatitis using skin prick test to measure their sensitization to cats, dogs and other animals to which they were exposed. Exposure to animals was evaluated in each patient (pets at home, frequent indirect exposure or no exposure). In those patients sensitized to animals some avoidance measures, such as removing pets from home and preventing indirect exposure, were recommended. On the following two appointments, we evaluated patients' fulfillment of these recommendations. Results: Sensitization to cats, dogs and birds was high (9%, 48%, 14%, respectively), as well as direct and indirect exposure (30%, 46%, 24%, respectively). Most patients denied contact with other animals (horses, hamsters, rabbits or cows), and sensitization to them was low. During the follow-up of patients sensitized to their pets at home (n=50), most of them refused to remove them from their house due to emotional attachment, and only two followed this recommendation. Conclusions: High exposure to animals could explain the frequency of sensitization to pets in this population. However, emotional attachment and prevalent indirect exposure to animals among sensitized patients make avoidance recommendations impractical or impossible to achieve.
Introducción. Entre los pacientes alérgicos se recomienda comúnmente la evitación de mascotas; sin embargo, es difícil que los pacientes cumplan con esta recomendación debido al apego emocional y, además, su efecto clínico no es claro. Objetivo. Explorar la aplicabilidad de las medidas de evitación entre pacientes sensibilizados a mascotas . Materiales y métodos. En 284 pacientes con asma, rinitis, conjuntivitis y dermatitis, se evaluó la sensibilización a gatos, perros y otros animales mediante pruebas de punción epidérmica. Se evaluó, igualmente, el nivel de exposición a animales (mascotas en la casa y exposición indirecta frecuente). A aquellos pacientes sensibilizados a los animales, se les recomendaron medidas de evitación como retirar la mascota de la casa y evitar la exposición indirecta. En las dos citas médicas siguientes se evaluó el cumplimiento de estas recomendaciones. Resultados. La sensibilización a gatos, perros y aves fue alta (9, 48, y 14 %, respectivamente), al igual que la exposición directa o indirecta a estos animales (30, 46, 24 %, respectivamente). La mayoría de los pacientes negó el contacto frecuente con otros animales (caballos, hámsteres, conejos, vacas) y la sensibilización a estos fue baja. La mayoría de los pacientes sensibilizados a su propia mascota (n= 50) se rehusó a retirar la mascota de la casa y solo dos de ellos siguieron la recomendación de hacerlo. Conclusiones. La exposición frecuente a los animales podría explicar la gran frecuencia de sensibilización a las mascotas en esta población. Sin embargo, el apego emocional y la exposición indirecta frecuente, hacen que las recomendaciones de evitación sean imprácticas o casi imposibles de lograr.
Assuntos
Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Animais , Gatos , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Cães , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto Jovem , Cooperação do Paciente , Animais de Estimação , Hipersensibilidade/prevenção & controle , Asma/etiologia , Asma/prevenção & controle , Especificidade da Espécie , Aves/imunologia , Testes Cutâneos , Alérgenos/imunologia , Rinite/etiologia , Rinite/prevenção & controle , Estudos Prospectivos , Dermatite Atópica/etiologia , Dermatite Atópica/prevenção & controle , Emoções , Exposição Ambiental , Animais de Estimação/imunologia , Hipersensibilidade/etiologiaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Among allergic patients, pet avoidance is commonly recommended. It is difficult for patients to accomplish this because of their emotional attachment to the pets, and its effectiveness is controversial. OBJECTIVE: To explore the applicability and effectiveness of pet avoidance measures among sensitized patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 288 patients with asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and/or dermatitis using skin prick test to measure their sensitization to cats, dogs and other animals to which they were exposed. Exposure to animals was evaluated in each patient (pets at home, frequent indirect exposure or no exposure). In those patients sensitized to animals some avoidance measures, such as removing pets from home and preventing indirect exposure, were recommended. On the following two appointments, we evaluated patients' fulfillment of these recommendations. RESULTS: Sensitization to cats, dogs and birds was high (9%, 48%, 14%, respectively), as well as direct and indirect exposure (30%, 46%, 24%, respectively). Most patients denied contact with other animals (horses, hamsters, rabbits or cows), and sensitization to them was low. During the follow-up of patients sensitized to their pets at home (n=50), most of them refused to remove them from their house due to emotional attachment, and only two followed this recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: High exposure to animals could explain the frequency of sensitization to pets in this population. However, emotional attachment and prevalent indirect exposure to animals among sensitized patients make avoidance recommendations impractical or impossible to achieve.
Assuntos
Hipersensibilidade/prevenção & controle , Cooperação do Paciente , Animais de Estimação , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Alérgenos/imunologia , Animais , Asma/etiologia , Asma/prevenção & controle , Aves/imunologia , Gatos/imunologia , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Dermatite Atópica/etiologia , Dermatite Atópica/prevenção & controle , Cães/imunologia , Emoções , Exposição Ambiental , Feminino , Humanos , Hipersensibilidade/etiologia , Lactente , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Animais de Estimação/imunologia , Estudos Prospectivos , Rinite/etiologia , Rinite/prevenção & controle , Testes Cutâneos , Especificidade da Espécie , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Despite the important progress obtained in the treatment of some pets' malignancies, new treatments need to be developed. Being critical in cancer control and progression, the immune system's appropriate modulation may provide effective therapeutic options. In this review we summarize the outcomes of published immunogene therapy veterinary clinical trials reported by many research centers. A variety of tumors such as canine melanoma, soft tissue sarcomas, osteosarcoma and lymphoma, feline fibrosarcoma, and equine melanoma were subjected to different treatment approaches. Both viral and mainly nonviral vectors were used to deliver gene products as cytokines, xenogeneic tumor associated antigens, specific ligands, and proapoptotic regulatory factors. In some cases autologous, allogenic, or xenogeneic transgenic cytokine producing cells were assayed. In general terms, minor or no adverse collateral effects appeared during this kind of therapies and treated patients usually displayed a better course of the disease (longer survival, delayed or suppressed recurrence or metastatic spread, and improvement of the quality of life). This suggests the utility of these methodologies as standard adjuvant treatments. The encouraging outcomes obtained in companion animals support their ready application in veterinary clinical oncology and serve as preclinical proof of concept and safety assay for future human gene therapy trials.
Assuntos
Ensaios Clínicos como Assunto , Terapia Genética , Imunoterapia , Neoplasias/terapia , Neoplasias/veterinária , Animais de Estimação/imunologia , AnimaisRESUMO
Sarcocystis neurona is the major agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. It infects several mammalian species in the Americas, where the definitive hosts, marsupials of the genus Didelphis (D. virginiana and D. albiventris) are found. Domestic cats are one of the confirmed intermediate hosts of the parasite; however, antibodies against S. neurona had never before been demonstrated in Brazilian cats. The aim of this study was to determine whether cats in Bahia, Brazil, are exposed to the parasite. A total of 272 feline serum samples (134 from feral and 138 from house cats) were subjected to an indirect fluorescent antibody test using cultured merozoites of S. neurona as antigen. Positivity was detected in 4.0% (11/272) of the tested samples, with titers ranging from 25 to 800. The feline sera were also tested for antibodies against the protozoan Neospora caninum, with an observed antibody frequency of 2.9%. To the author's knowledge, this is the first study to report antibodies against S. neurona in Brazilian cats. We conclude that cats are exposed to the parasite in the region of this study. Further investigations are needed to confirm the role of cats in the transmission cycle of S. neurona in Brazil.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Antiprotozoários/sangue , Gatos/imunologia , Neospora/imunologia , Animais de Estimação/imunologia , Sarcocystis/imunologia , Animais , Brasil , Gatos/parasitologia , Animais de Estimação/parasitologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a key role in allergy disease pathogenesis, but little is known about the environmental factors associated with higher IgE levels in infants. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for elevated serum total IgE infants living in Havana. METHODS: Eight hundred and seventy-seven infants provided blood samples. Data on allergic disease symptoms and a wide range of exposures were collected. RESULTS: The median IgE was 35 IU/ml (interquartile range 13-96). The risk of having an IgE level above the median was higher for children who had been breastfed for 4 months or more (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.61) and for children who reported cockroaches in their home (OR 1.30; 95% CI: 1.03-1.63). The risk was lower for children whose mother was in paid employment (OR 0.73; 95% CI: 0.54-0.97 compared with those who did not), for children living in homes where gas and electricity were used for cooking (OR 0.45; 95% CI: 0.32-0.62 compared with electricity only) and for children with domestic pets at birth (OR 0.83; 95% CI: 0.70-1.00). There was no association between paracetamol use and serum IgE levels. CONCLUSIONS: Associations between gas fuel use and maternal employment indicate that IgE levels in early life are lower in children who may be living in relative affluence. The discrepancy in the effect of early exposure to pets or cockroaches may reflect differences in these allergens, or be confounded by relative affluence. Further investigation of this cohort will determine how these effects translate into the expression of allergic disease in later life.