Luciane Holsback

Nas áreas urbanizadas do CEEPA Fernando Costa, existem renascentes de mata e arborização abundante próximos às construções. Áreas estas que podem servir de criadouros e abrigos para os flebotomíneos. Os objetivos da pesquisa foram realizar um estudo ecológico e dos fatores de risco, associados à transmissão de leishmaniose tegumentar americana (LTA), e distribuir material de educação em saúde (folders), voltado à prevenção da transmissão da LTA para a população das áreas avaliadas no CEEPA Fernando Costa. Nas coletas realizadas mensalmente, foram encontrados flebotomíneos inclusive os vetores de doenças, com predomínio de Pintomyia pessoai e Migonemya migonei. Foi realizada avaliação dos fatores de risco para transmissão de LTA, com aplicação de um questionário e observou-se que a maioria das pessoas entrevistadas não sabiam sobre a doença Leishmaniose e nem as formas de prevenção, então foi realizado um trabalho educativo de prevenção com entrega de folhetos educativos para os funcionários professores e alunos do CEEPA – Fernando Costa em relação a transmissão da doença, esta ação também foi realizada em áreas confrontantes, como propriedades e casas ao lado das áreas do CEEPA Fernando Costa, para orientação de cuidados para prevenção da doença nestes locais.

Este estudo visa analisar retrospectivamente casos de anemia em cães atendidos no Hospital Escola Veterinário da Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná de Bandeirantes, Paraná, entre 2020 e 2023, com foco nas causas e severidade da condição, bem como a resposta hematológica dos pacientes. Realizou-se uma análise de hemogramas completos, com critérios de inclusão baseados na presença de anemia. As anemias foram avaliadas quanto à severidade, resposta medular e índices hematimétricos. Dentre os 740 hemogramas analisados, 485 apresentaram anemia (17,67%). A maioria dos cães anêmicos era jovem (83,52%) e fêmea (55,05%). Anemias leves e moderadas foram mais comuns (41,03% e 33,60%, respectivamente), com predominância de anemias não regenerativas (71,95%). A anemia normocítica normocrômica foi a mais frequente (50,51%), e as principais causas identificadas foram doenças infecto-parasitárias (47,42%), com erlichiose, parvovirose e babesiose como as mais prevalentes. Os dados revelam que a anemia em cães na região está fortemente relacionada a doenças infecciosas, refletindo questões socioeconômicas e sanitárias. A alta prevalência de cães jovens sugere que a exposição a ambientes inadequados pode facilitar a propagação de doenças. A resposta hematológica dos cães anêmicos indicou uma correlação entre a severidade da anemia e suas causas, sendo as anemias leves e moderadas associadas a condições secundárias. Este estudo destaca a importância de identificar as causas da anemia em cães, principalmente as doenças infecciosas, como erlichiose. Sugere-se a implementação de ações educativas para reduzir a incidência de anemia na região.

A ovinocultura é uma importante fonte de renda para produtores, na qual o controle dos parasitas gastrointestinais é um desafio na produção. Desta forma, novas tecnologias estão sendo estudadas de forma a contribuir com o controle dessas parasitoses e dentre elas está a ozonioterapia. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o uso do óleo de girassol ozonizado no controle das verminoses em ovinos. Foram utilizados 48 ovinos, dividos em 4 grupos de tratamento: grupo 1 – controle, grupo 2 – 3 ml de óleo de girassol ozonizado via oral, grupo 3- 6 ml de óleo de girassol ozonizado via oral e grupo 4 – vermífugo (Levamisol injetável). Foi realizado o número de ovos por grama de fezes do animal nos dias D0, D14, D28 e D42 e o tratamento realizado nos dias D0 e D28. Foi possível constatar que os animais que receberam óleo de girassol ozonizado tiveram redução da carga parasitária, com um resultado mais expressivo nos animais do grupo 3, que receberam 6 ml do óleo, concluindo que a ozonioterapia se mostrou eficaz. A ozonioterapia se mostrou viável com facilidade de aplicação, com grande potencial de ser empregada na produção animal com perspectivas encorajadoras para se tornar a principal forma de eliminação de ovos de helmintos. Estudos futuros são necessários para complementar os resultados apresentados e determinar as doses e número de aplicações necessárias para a ação antiparasitária do óleo de girassol ozonizado, bem como análise molecular a fim de acompanhar a possibilidade de resistência à terapia.

Although parasitic infections are common in free-ranging birds, they pose more significant threats in captivity. Free-ranging birds can live in large areas and have low exposure to parasitosis. On the other hand, birds kept in captivity, the high population density results in greater exposure, putting the animal's survival at risk. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of gastrointestinal endoparasites in domiciled birds (native and exotic) in the Mesoregion North Pioneer of Paraná. For this, 59 fecal samples were collected from 63 birds and analyzed by the centrifugation-flotation method in hypersaturated sucrose solution. Of the 63 birds, 38 (60%) were native, 22 (35%) exotic and 3 (5%) hybrids. Oocysts, eggs and larvae were found in 22.03% (13/59) of the samples analyzed. Higher occurrence of protozoa (20.34% - 12/59) than helminths (5.08% - 3/59) was observed, in which seven genera found: Isospora, Eimeria, Ancylostoma, Heterakis, Strongyloides, Cryptosporidium and one cestode. No endoparasites were found in the ten exotic birds and three native birds analyzed. It is concluded that the birds were infected by helminths and protozoa with a higher occurrence of coccidia, with the genus Isospora predominating. Probably due to the low sampling, there was no influence of keeping birds in individual cages compared to birds kept in collective cages, birds raised in rural or urban areas, nor of the adequacy and hygiene of drinkers and feeders, thermal comfort and hygiene of the birds' enclosures. Studies on parasites in wild birds are necessary to gain a more profound understanding of the intensity of anthropogenic influences on these animal species.

The aim of this study was to verify the effect of fasting on the anti-helminthic efficiency of ivermectin-albendazole-levamisole (IAL) combination (first stage) and the closantel and albendazole (second stage) in sheep naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. To this end, fecal samples from young (4 to 6 months), male and female sheep were evaluated seven and 14 days after the treatments, using the Egg count Per Gram of feces (EPG) and the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT). In the first stage of the experiment, the mean EPG of the animals treated and fasted beforehand was lower than the mean EPG of the animals treated, but not fasted 14 days after treatment. Moreover, the group of fasted animals exhibited a better reduction in fecal egg count rate. In the second stage, there was no significant decrease in the mean EPG of the animals in any group (closantel and albendazole) and the efficiency calculated by FECRT was low for the closantel group and zero for the albendazole group. However, the decrease in EPG in animals treated with closantel after fasting was 326.8% greater than the decrease in EPG in animals treated without prior fasting. It was evident that fasting had a positive influence on the reduction of the genera Haemonchus, Cooperia, Trichostrongylus and Oesophagostomum in the animals treated with closantel. The anthelminthic effect of closantel, albendazole and ivermectin-albendazole-levamisole (IAL) combination in sheep was significantly enhanced by previous fasting. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to withhold solid food for a minimum of 12 hours before administering these treatments.

Nos últimos anos, os proprietários de animais de estimação têm demonstrado uma preocupação crescente com a qualidade dos alimentos oferecidos a seus cães e gatos. Isso desencadeou um interesse significativo no mercado pet, particularmente no segmento de alimentos para animais de estimação, que se revelou promissor em termos econômicos. Este estudo buscou analisar o perfil de vendas de rações para cães e gatos na cidade de Bandeirantes-PR. Um levantamento foi realizado em 23 estabelecimentos do município que comercializam diferentes tipos de rações para cães, e 11 estabelecimentos que comercializaram diferentes tipos de rações para gatos. Os resultados indicam que o poder aquisitivo dos consumidores e o porte das raças dos cães desempenham um papel importante na escolha da ração, o contrário acontece quando se trata das rações para gatos, onde o poder aquisitivo do tutor não influenciou na escolha da ração. Proprietários de cães de pequeno porte tendem a preferir rações de melhor qualidade, pois seus animais consomem menos quantidade. Já para as raças de médio e grande porte, o fato de consumirem mais ração leva os proprietários a optarem por produtos de menor valor. Essas descobertas oferecem percepções valiosos para fabricantes e varejistas de alimentos para animais de estimação, destacando a necessidade de adaptação das ofertas às preferências e necessidades específicas dos consumidores. Quando se trata das rações para gatos, o poder aquisitivo do tutor não foi um fator decisivo no momento da escolha do alimento.

The aim of this study was to identify Cryptosporidium species found in cattle and sheep in Paraná, southern region of Brazil. Individual fecal samples from 458 bovines and 101 sheep were submitted for molecular analysis by PCR and nested PCR using specific primers for sequences of the 18S ribosomal unit (rRNA). Positive samples were analyzed using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), followed by genetic sequencing for species confirmation. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium was 11.27% (63/559). The highest occurrence was detected in lambs (12/59, 20.33%). From the 63 positive samples, it was possible to identify the species in 58 of them by RFLP and genetic sequencing. Five species of Cryptosporidium were identified: Cryptosporidium andersoni, Cryptosporidium bovis, Cryptosporidium ryanae, Cryptosporidium xiaoi, and Cryptosporidium parvum. The most prevalent species was C. andersoni (41.38%) and the least predominant was C. parvum (10.34%). The most abundant species of Cryptosporidium in dairy calves were C. andersoni (11/25) and C. ryanae (6/25). Of the 17 positive sheep, nine (52.94%) were infected with C. andersoni. This finding is the first report on the occurrence of C. andersoni in naturally infected sheep in Brazil and the first observation of a high absolute occurrence of this Cryptosporidium species in sheep.

The American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) occurs in several parts of the world, in Brazil and also in the State of Parana, it is a disease of great importance in public health, since it affects animals and humans, with a zoonotic character. Leishmaniasis is found in two forms, tegumentary and visceral, and has sandflies as vectors and wild animals and domestic dogs as reservoirs. ATL is considered an endemic disease in the city of Bandeirantes, with human cases occurring in several urban and rural locations, mainly in areas close to forest remnants, peri-urban and peripheral areas, where vulnerable populations live in general, and with precarious basic sanitation conditions. In these regions also live the participants of the wagon driver project, who own several working horses. The project provides guidance on management, good practices, disease prevention, and animal welfare. Since the role of horses as reservoirs and in the chain of transmission of ATL is not well known, the aim of this study was to carry out a serological study of ATL in horses and in the contact dogs of the participants of the " wagon driver" project, at UENP-CLM, to evaluate seropositivity in these species. Blood samples were collected from 20 horses and 12 contact dogs. A serological study, using the ELISAi test for ATL diagnosis, was carried out on the horses and dogs in relation to this study population, to assess seropositivity. In the serological survey, eight horses out of 20 animals (40%) and four dogs out of 12 animals (33.33%) were seropositive, a result considered significant, indicating the presence of the disease and the risk of transmission where they live. The occurrence of human cases and the presence of ATL vectors have already been identified in several locations in the city. Due to the lack of knowledge about the disease and the difficulty in controlling the vectors, health education is necessary in order to provide the population with orientation on how to prevent the disease, as well as entomological surveillance and new serological studies in areas at risk for ATL transmission. The results indicate that there may be importance in the role of horses as reservoirs and in the transmission of Tegumentary Leishmaniasis, which still needs to be clarified.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of autohemotherapy as an adjuvant in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. Four experimental groups were formed: G1, 10 animals receiving autologous venous blood; G2, 10 animals receiving autologous venous blood and vermifuge containing levamisole; G3, 10 animals receiving only vermifuge containing levamisole; and G4, 10 animals as the control group receiving no treatment. We performed fecal egg count (eggs per gram, EPG) of strongyles, larval culture, hemogram, leukogram, and serum protein dosage prior to the start of treatment (D0), and on days 14 (D14) and 42 (D42). There was a significant decrease in the EPG of the groups receiving levamisole (G2 and G3) from D14 to the end of the experimental period. At the end of the evaluations, the mean EPG of G2 and G3 was significantly lower than that of G1 and G4. The most common nematode genus was Haemonchus (88%), and the least common was Trichostrongylus (1%). The Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) of G2 and G3 on D14 were 98.1% and 97.9%, respectively, however, in G1, the FECRT was zero on the two days when evaluation took place. G1 and G2 showed a significant increase in monocyte counts on D14 and D42. There was a significant increase in hematocrit and hemoglobin values in G2 and G3, however, a significant increase in the absolute value of red blood cells was observed only in G2. Two doses of autohemotherapy at 21-day intervals, administered alone or as an adjuvant to levamisole, is ineffective in controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in naturally infected sheep.

Obesity in dogs is increasingly present in the veterinary practice. In humans, it is known that there is a significant correlation between obesity and the development of hypertension and insulin resistance (IR), a clinical picture called metabolic syndrome. In dogs, however, there are only anecdotes about the syndrome. The objectives of this study were to determine serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, triglycerides, cholesterol, insulin, glucose, homeostasis assessment of B cell function (HOMA-B), homeostasis assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in dogs with different body conditions (BC) and body fat (BF) without endocrine disease. For this purpose, 76 healthy dogs were submitted to evaluation of body conditions score (BCS) and morphometry. The dogs were separated into 3 groups: optimal BC [BCS 3,4, or 5 of 9 and BF% of 13 to 27-Group 1 (G1)], overweight [BCS 6 and 7 of 9 and BF% of 14 to 38- Group 2 (G2)], obese [BCS 8 and 9 of 9 and BF% greater than or equal to 34-Group 3 (G3)]. G3 presented higher serum levels of total protein, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR. Adipokines did not correlate to any other parameter, but the occurrence of hyperinsulinemia was higher in G3. The results have shown that obese dogs presented IR and alterations in fat metabolism.