Erica Costa - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Erica Costa

Emerging Infectious Diseases, May 1, 2009

Veterinary Microbiology, 2012

Brucella spp. are gram-negative intracellular alphaproteobacteria pathogens (Garrity, 2001). Bruc... more Brucella spp. are gram-negative intracellular alphaproteobacteria pathogens (Garrity, 2001). Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with variable clinical manifestations (Xavier et al., 2009). In humans, brucellosis is characterized by intermittent fever, anorexia, weakness, and chronic inflammation in several organs as liver, spleen, heart, bone and brain (Young, 1995). In animals, Brucella causes reproductive failure associated with abortions, orchitis and epididymitis. Brucella ovis infects sheep, causing primarily epididymitis and occasionally abortion. It has not been associated with human infections (Xavier et al., 2009). Brucella virulence is associated with its ability to survive intracellularly (Celli et al., 2003; Billard et al., 2005; Carvalho Neta et al., 2008). Most Brucella species have smooth LPS, whereas Brucella canis and B. ovis have a naturally rough LPS due to the lack of the O-chain. Smooth Brucella LPS plays a role in resistance to complement and cationic antimicrobials (Martinez de Tejada et al., 1995;

Italian Journal of Animal Science, 2010

An outbreak of Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) resulting in death of 5 buffaloes in the same farm... more An outbreak of Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) resulting in death of 5 buffaloes in the same farm. Four buffaloes died 10-15 days after the beginning of the signals and the another one was euthanized in extremus, after similar signals. Histopathological examination showed lesions suggestive to MCF in buffaloes such as epicarditis and multifocal miocarditis with infiltrates of mononuclear lymphocytes and macrophages besides lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia. PCR revealed 98% homology between an amplified fragment obtained from the CNS of the buffaloes and specific sequences of OHV-2. Diagnosis of MCF was firmed in epidemiological, clinical, gross and histopathological findings and in results of a semi-nested PCR.

ABSTRACT Blood samples from 1,072 domestic cats of nine administrative regions of Belo Horizonte,... more ABSTRACT Blood samples from 1,072 domestic cats of nine administrative regions of Belo Horizonte, MG, were collected and tested using PCR nested for the occurrence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Overall occurrence was 47.5% (507/1072) being North (68.1%) and East (54.4%) the most prevalent areas. Epidemiological data showed that FeLV infection was very common among examined cats and breed neither gender nor were predisposing factors for FeLV. The results suggest that the agglomeration of a large number of cats in the same environment can be an important factor for the increase in the rate of transmission of this retrovirus among domestic cats in the studied city.

Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 2021

The swine influenza A virus (SIAV) subtypes/lineages H1N1pdm09, H3N2, H1N2, and H1N1 of seasonal ... more The swine influenza A virus (SIAV) subtypes/lineages H1N1pdm09, H3N2, H1N2, and H1N1 of seasonal human origin are widespread in Brazilian swine herds. A monovalent inactivated H1N1pdm09 vaccine was licensed in Brazil in 2014. However, there are concerns about its efficacy due to the limited vaccine cross-protection against heterologous viruses and the potential for exacerbated reactions against vaccine strains. Thus, monitoring SIAVs subtypes/lineages that are circulating in the Brazilian swine population is important, by applying a fast and efficient diagnostic test in herd field samples. A RT-PCR assay was developed, using primers specific for HA subtyping of Brazilian SIAV, and was used to evaluate the occurrence of subtypes from samples collected between 2012 and 2019. From 167 field samples positive for influenza A, 117 were subtyped by nested RT-PCR assay. A higher occurrence of H1N1pdm was observed from 2012 to 2015, H3N2 in 2017, and H1hu in 2017 to 2019. A hemagglutination inhibition test was performed in serum samples received from 2017 to 2019, confirming these data. The molecular data highlights the importance of H1hu and H3N2 detection since there are no vaccines available for the subtypes/lineages and raises an alert of H1hu for its potential to infect humans. Serological data suggest a cyclical profile of occurrence between the H3N2 and H1N1pdm over time. Monitoring SIAVs circulating in Brazilian swine herds is necessary, which provides the relevant information for field veterinarians to apply effective control measures on the properties.

Pathogens, 2021

Madariaga virus (MADV) is a member of the eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) complex that c... more Madariaga virus (MADV) is a member of the eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) complex that circulates in Central and South America. It is a zoonotic, mosquito-borne pathogen, belonging to the family Togaviridae. Disturbances in the natural transmission cycle of this virus result in outbreaks in equines and humans, leading to high case fatality in the former and acute febrile illness or neurological disease in the latter. Although a considerable amount of knowledge exists on the eco-epidemiology of North American EEEV strains, little is known about MADV. In Brazil, the most recent isolations of MADV occurred in 2009 in the States of Paraíba and Ceará, northeast Brazil. Because of that, health authorities have recommended vaccination of animals in these regions. However, in 2019 an equine encephalitis outbreak was reported in a municipality in Ceará. Here, we present the isolation of MADV from two horses that died in this outbreak. The full-length genome of these viruses was sequ...

PLOS ONE, 2020

Psittaciform orthobornaviruses are currently considered to be a major threat to the psittacine bi... more Psittaciform orthobornaviruses are currently considered to be a major threat to the psittacine bird population worldwide. Parrot bornavirus (PaBV) was identified recently in Brazil and, since then, few studies have been conducted to understand the epidemiology of PaBV in captive psittacine birds. In the present study, natural infections by PaBV in South American parrots were investigated in two breeding facilities: commercial (A) and conservationist (B). Thirty-eight psittacine of 21 different species were presented for postmortem examination. Tissue samples were collected and investigated for the presence of PaBV-RNA using RT-PCR. In addition, clinical information about these birds was used when available. PaBV infection was detected in 73.7% of all birds investigated, indicating a wide dissemination of this virus in both facilities. From birds investigated in aviary A, 66.7% showed clinical signs, 100% had typical lesions of proventricular dilatation disease (PDD), 100% had mild to severe proventricular dilatation and 88.9% were PaBV-positive. In birds from aviary B, 27.6% showed clinical signs, 65.5% had typical lesions of PDD, 62% had mild to severe proventricular dilatation and 69% were PaBV-positive. Neurological disease was observed more frequently than gastrointestinal disease. Sequencing analysis of the matrix gene fragment revealed the occurrence of genotype 4 (PaBV-4) in both places. About 15.8% of birds in this study are threatened species. We discussed the difficulties and challenges for controlling viral spread in these aviaries and implications for South American psittacine conservation. These results emphasize the urgent need to develop a national regulatory and health standard for breeding psittacine birds in the country.

Transboundary and emerging diseases, Jan 14, 2018

Mosquito-borne arboviruses are a major public health concern worldwide and are responsible for em... more Mosquito-borne arboviruses are a major public health concern worldwide and are responsible for emerging and re-emerging diseases. Taken together, the arboviruses have a strong impact on public health and are the most common causes of equine encephalitis. In-depth diagnostic investigation of equine viral encephalitis is of utmost importance for the epidemiological surveillance and control of this disease. Regarding neurological disorders in equids, in April-May 2018, at least 12 cases of equid mortality with acute neurological signs were reported in six farms from Espirito Santo state, Brazil. To investigate the etiological agent of this neurological disease outbreak, central nervous system (CNS) fragments from two horses and two donkeys were submitted for virologic diagnosis. Rabies, equine herpesvirus-1, and arbovirus-associated encephalomyelitis were investigated using differential diagnosis techniques. West Nile virus (WNV) was detected by nested RT-PCR in CNS fragments from each...

Journal of dairy science, Jan 11, 2018

Several studies have shown the occurrence of poxvirus infections associated with exanthematic les... more Several studies have shown the occurrence of poxvirus infections associated with exanthematic lesions in cattle from many Brazilian states. Coinfection between viruses belonging to 2 genera, Orthopoxvirus (OPXV) and Parapoxvirus (PPV), was already identified from the lesions of affected cows and humans. The DNA and infectious viral particles of Vaccinia virus, an OPXV, have been detected in milk of naturally and experimentally infected cows. However, to date no reports have described the detection of Pseudocowpox virus, a PPV, in milk. Thus, we investigated the presence of PPV and OPXV in milk samples obtained from dairy cows from a Brazilian region with exanthematic disease outbreaks. From 2011 to 2014, 6 dairy farms with exanthematic disease outbreaks involving dairy cows, calves, and humans were visited. Twelve crusts of cows' teat lesions and 60 milk samples were collected. The crusts and milk samples were analyzed by PCR to detect OPXV or PPV DNA. According to the analyzed ...

Journal of dairy science, Jan 19, 2017

Bovine vaccinia is a neglected zoonosis caused by Vaccinia virus (VACV) and has a major economic ... more Bovine vaccinia is a neglected zoonosis caused by Vaccinia virus (VACV) and has a major economic and public health effect in Brazil. Previous studies showed infectious VACV particles in milk from either experimentally or naturally infected cows and in fresh cheeses prepared with experimentally contaminated milk. Ripening is a process that leads to major changes in the physical and chemical characteristics of cheese, reducing contamination by spoilage, pathogenic microorganisms, or both. However, it is not known if VACV infectious particles persist after the ripening process. To investigate this issue, viral infectivity at different ripening times was studied in cheeses manufactured with milk experimentally contaminated with VACV strain Guarani P2 (GP2). Cheeses were analyzed at 1, 7, 14, 21, 45, and 60 d of ripening at 25°C. Viral DNA was quantified by real-time PCR, and VACV isolation and titration were performed in Vero cells. The whole experiment was repeated 4 times. Analysis of...

Anaerobe, Jan 19, 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens in 82 ... more The aim of this study was to investigate Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens in 82 diarrheic dogs positive for canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV). Enterotoxigenic C. perfringens type A was isolated from three (3.6%) dogs. One (1.2%) strain was also positive for NetE- and NetF-encoding genes, which are commonly associated with diarrhea in dogs. Toxigenic C. difficile was isolated from one animal (1.2%), which was also positive for A/B toxins. The present study identified C. difficile and C. perfringens infection in CPV-positive dogs. Further studies are necessary to clarify if clostridial infections may predispose or potentiate CPV-infection in dogs or vice versa.

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira, 2011

The presence of anti leptospiral agglutinins (microscopic agglutination test - MAT) and DNA of le... more The presence of anti leptospiral agglutinins (microscopic agglutination test - MAT) and DNA of leptospires was investigated in the kidney and urine (Polymerase Chain Reaction - PCR) in samples collected at the time of slaughter of cattle originating from the dairy basin of Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil, as also the lesions in kidney, lung, liver, uterus, ovary and placenta (histopathology and immunohistochemistry). In the MAT, Hardjo was the predominant serovar with the highest number of reagent animals for the strain Hardjobovis/Sponselee. Anti-leptospiral antigens were scored in epithelial cells, interstitial vascular endothelium, endothelium of glomerular capillaries and Bowman's capsule of 20 positive animals. Inflammatory cells were more common in the kidney. PCR was positive in urine and kidney tissue

Veterinaria italiana, Jan 30, 2016

In January 2013, an outbreak of Bluetongue (BT) a ecting a Lacaune sheep ock occurred in Vassoura... more In January 2013, an outbreak of Bluetongue (BT) a ecting a Lacaune sheep ock occurred in Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. From March to August 2013, blood samples collection and clinical examination were performed monthly, in order to monitor the epidemiological pro le of Bluetongue virus (BTV) circulation and clinical disease in the ock. Agar gel immunodi usion (AGID) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting BTV segment 10 were used as diagnostic assays. Additionally, insect trapping was conducted in the farm from May to July 2013. The ock serological prevalence to BTV was 80% since the rst month of monitoring, with a variation in the serological rate depending on the sheep age categories. The number of susceptible lambs increased with time, probably due to the decrease of passive immunity. Viral RNA was detected in blood samples, demonstrating viral circulation, prolonged viraemia, and potential source for virus transmission in the region, eve...

Genome Announcements, 2016

The complete genome sequence of Bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 17 strain 17/BRA/2014/73, isolate... more The complete genome sequence of Bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 17 strain 17/BRA/2014/73, isolated from a sheep in Brazil in 2014, is reported here. All segments clustered with western topotype strains and indicated reassortment events with other BTV from the Americas. The strain 17/BRA/2014/73 represents a novel reference strain for BTV-17 from South America.

PLoS ONE, 2014

The pathogenesis of the Brucella-induced inflammatory response in the bovine placenta is not comp... more The pathogenesis of the Brucella-induced inflammatory response in the bovine placenta is not completely understood. In this study we evaluated the role of the B. abortus Type IV secretion system and the anti-inflammatory factor BtpB in early interactions with bovine placental tissues. Transcription profiles of chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) explants inoculated with wild type (strain 2308), DvirB2 or DbtpB Brucella abortus were compared by microarray analysis at 4 hours post infection. Transcripts with significant variation (.2 fold change; P,0.05) were functionally classified, and transcripts related to defense and inflammation were assessed by quantitative real time RT-PCR. Infection with wild type B. abortus resulted in slightly more genes with decreased than increased transcription levels. Conversely, infection of trophoblastic cells with the DvirB2 or the DbtpB mutant strains, that lack a functional T4SS or that has impaired inhibition of TLR signaling, respectively, induced more upregulated than downregulated genes. Wild type Brucella abortus impaired transcription of host genes related to immune response when compared to DvirB and DbtpB mutants. Our findings suggest that proinflammatory genes are negatively modulated in bovine trophoblastic cells at early stages of infection. The virB operon and btpB are directly or indirectly related to modulation of these host genes. These results shed light on the early interactions between B. abortus and placental tissue that ultimately culminate in inflammatory pathology and abortion.

The genus Brucella and clinical manifestations of brucellosis O gênero Brucella e as manifestaçõe... more The genus Brucella and clinical manifestations of brucellosis O gênero Brucella e as manifestações clínicas de brucelose ABSTRACT Infection with bacteria of the genus Brucella results in major economic and political impact by causing reproductive diseases in a significant number of domestic animal species. Moreover, it has a great social significance, since many species are capable of causing human infection, with severe consequences. Dissemination of knowledge on a specific disease is an essential step for its control. Considering that brucellosis is still the most prevalent zoonosis in the world, information about taxonomy, clinical signs in domestic animals and humans are crucial for attempting to reduce the prevalence of this disease. The recent isolation and characterization of nonclassical species of Brucella indicates that a lot remains to be discovered about this genus. Nevertheless, due to the socialeconomic importance of brucellosis, this review aims to clarify points related to taxonomy of the genus and describe the clinical relevance of infection in humans and domestic animals.

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira, 2013

The goal of this study was to characterize the epidemiological situation and the factors involved... more The goal of this study was to characterize the epidemiological situation and the factors involved in the prevalence of babesiosis and anaplasmosis in cattle in the dairy basin of Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil. The study was conducted in 22 farms, and collected blood samples from 202 cattle to study serological, molecular and determination of the packed cell volume (PCV). On the farms were applied surveys involving epidemiological aspects. Seroprevalence rates were: Babesia bigemina 52.5%, B. bovis 68.8%, and Anaplasma marginale 89.1%. Of the samples analyzed, 73.3% were reactive for Babesia spp. and A. marginale, showing co-infection. In PCR, B. bigemina and B. bovis were positive in 52.0% and 33.2% respectively, and A. marginale in 76.2%. Of these, 51.5% amplified DNA of Babesia spp. and A. marginale. The semi-intensive management predominated in 68.0% of the farms studied. The clinical history of babesiosis and anaplasmosis, was reported from 73% of the farms. There was no significant d...

PLoS Pathogens, 2014

Delivery of microbial products into the mammalian cell cytosol by bacterial secretion systems is ... more Delivery of microbial products into the mammalian cell cytosol by bacterial secretion systems is a strong stimulus for triggering pro-inflammatory host responses. Here we show that Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi), the causative agent of typhoid fever, tightly regulates expression of the invasion-associated type III secretion system (T3SS-1) and thus fails to activate these innate immune signaling pathways. The S. Typhi regulatory protein TviA rapidly repressed T3SS-1 expression, thereby preventing RAC1-dependent, RIP2-dependent activation of NF-kB in epithelial cells. Heterologous expression of TviA in S. enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) suppressed T3SS-1-dependent inflammatory responses generated early after infection in animal models of gastroenteritis. These results suggest that S. Typhi reduces intestinal inflammation by limiting the induction of pathogen-induced processes through regulation of virulence gene expression.

PLoS ONE, 2014

Recombinant influenza viruses are promising viral platforms to be used as antigen delivery vector... more Recombinant influenza viruses are promising viral platforms to be used as antigen delivery vectors. To this aim, one of the most promising approaches consists of generating recombinant viruses harboring partially truncated neuraminidase (NA) segments. To date, all studies have pointed to safety and usefulness of this viral platform. However, some aspects of the inflammatory and immune responses triggered by those recombinant viruses and their safety to immunocompromised hosts remained to be elucidated. In the present study, we generated a recombinant influenza virus harboring a truncated NA segment (vNA-D) and evaluated the innate and inflammatory responses and the safety of this recombinant virus in wild type or knockout (KO) mice with impaired innate (Myd88-/-) or acquired (RAG-/-) immune responses. Infection using truncated neuraminidase influenza virus was harmless regarding lung and systemic inflammatory response in wild type mice and was highly attenuated in KO mice. We also demonstrated that vNA-D infection does not induce unbalanced cytokine production that strongly contributes to lung damage in infected mice. In addition, the recombinant influenza virus was able to trigger both local and systemic virus-specific humoral and CD8+ T cellular immune responses which protected immunized mice against the challenge with a lethal dose of homologous A/PR8/34 influenza virus. Taken together, our findings suggest and reinforce the safety of using NA deleted influenza viruses as antigen delivery vectors against human or veterinary pathogens.

Emerging Infectious Diseases, May 1, 2009

Veterinary Microbiology, 2012

Brucella spp. are gram-negative intracellular alphaproteobacteria pathogens (Garrity, 2001). Bruc... more Brucella spp. are gram-negative intracellular alphaproteobacteria pathogens (Garrity, 2001). Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with variable clinical manifestations (Xavier et al., 2009). In humans, brucellosis is characterized by intermittent fever, anorexia, weakness, and chronic inflammation in several organs as liver, spleen, heart, bone and brain (Young, 1995). In animals, Brucella causes reproductive failure associated with abortions, orchitis and epididymitis. Brucella ovis infects sheep, causing primarily epididymitis and occasionally abortion. It has not been associated with human infections (Xavier et al., 2009). Brucella virulence is associated with its ability to survive intracellularly (Celli et al., 2003; Billard et al., 2005; Carvalho Neta et al., 2008). Most Brucella species have smooth LPS, whereas Brucella canis and B. ovis have a naturally rough LPS due to the lack of the O-chain. Smooth Brucella LPS plays a role in resistance to complement and cationic antimicrobials (Martinez de Tejada et al., 1995;

Italian Journal of Animal Science, 2010

An outbreak of Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) resulting in death of 5 buffaloes in the same farm... more An outbreak of Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) resulting in death of 5 buffaloes in the same farm. Four buffaloes died 10-15 days after the beginning of the signals and the another one was euthanized in extremus, after similar signals. Histopathological examination showed lesions suggestive to MCF in buffaloes such as epicarditis and multifocal miocarditis with infiltrates of mononuclear lymphocytes and macrophages besides lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia. PCR revealed 98% homology between an amplified fragment obtained from the CNS of the buffaloes and specific sequences of OHV-2. Diagnosis of MCF was firmed in epidemiological, clinical, gross and histopathological findings and in results of a semi-nested PCR.

ABSTRACT Blood samples from 1,072 domestic cats of nine administrative regions of Belo Horizonte,... more ABSTRACT Blood samples from 1,072 domestic cats of nine administrative regions of Belo Horizonte, MG, were collected and tested using PCR nested for the occurrence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Overall occurrence was 47.5% (507/1072) being North (68.1%) and East (54.4%) the most prevalent areas. Epidemiological data showed that FeLV infection was very common among examined cats and breed neither gender nor were predisposing factors for FeLV. The results suggest that the agglomeration of a large number of cats in the same environment can be an important factor for the increase in the rate of transmission of this retrovirus among domestic cats in the studied city.

Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 2021

The swine influenza A virus (SIAV) subtypes/lineages H1N1pdm09, H3N2, H1N2, and H1N1 of seasonal ... more The swine influenza A virus (SIAV) subtypes/lineages H1N1pdm09, H3N2, H1N2, and H1N1 of seasonal human origin are widespread in Brazilian swine herds. A monovalent inactivated H1N1pdm09 vaccine was licensed in Brazil in 2014. However, there are concerns about its efficacy due to the limited vaccine cross-protection against heterologous viruses and the potential for exacerbated reactions against vaccine strains. Thus, monitoring SIAVs subtypes/lineages that are circulating in the Brazilian swine population is important, by applying a fast and efficient diagnostic test in herd field samples. A RT-PCR assay was developed, using primers specific for HA subtyping of Brazilian SIAV, and was used to evaluate the occurrence of subtypes from samples collected between 2012 and 2019. From 167 field samples positive for influenza A, 117 were subtyped by nested RT-PCR assay. A higher occurrence of H1N1pdm was observed from 2012 to 2015, H3N2 in 2017, and H1hu in 2017 to 2019. A hemagglutination inhibition test was performed in serum samples received from 2017 to 2019, confirming these data. The molecular data highlights the importance of H1hu and H3N2 detection since there are no vaccines available for the subtypes/lineages and raises an alert of H1hu for its potential to infect humans. Serological data suggest a cyclical profile of occurrence between the H3N2 and H1N1pdm over time. Monitoring SIAVs circulating in Brazilian swine herds is necessary, which provides the relevant information for field veterinarians to apply effective control measures on the properties.

Pathogens, 2021

Madariaga virus (MADV) is a member of the eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) complex that c... more Madariaga virus (MADV) is a member of the eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) complex that circulates in Central and South America. It is a zoonotic, mosquito-borne pathogen, belonging to the family Togaviridae. Disturbances in the natural transmission cycle of this virus result in outbreaks in equines and humans, leading to high case fatality in the former and acute febrile illness or neurological disease in the latter. Although a considerable amount of knowledge exists on the eco-epidemiology of North American EEEV strains, little is known about MADV. In Brazil, the most recent isolations of MADV occurred in 2009 in the States of Paraíba and Ceará, northeast Brazil. Because of that, health authorities have recommended vaccination of animals in these regions. However, in 2019 an equine encephalitis outbreak was reported in a municipality in Ceará. Here, we present the isolation of MADV from two horses that died in this outbreak. The full-length genome of these viruses was sequ...

PLOS ONE, 2020

Psittaciform orthobornaviruses are currently considered to be a major threat to the psittacine bi... more Psittaciform orthobornaviruses are currently considered to be a major threat to the psittacine bird population worldwide. Parrot bornavirus (PaBV) was identified recently in Brazil and, since then, few studies have been conducted to understand the epidemiology of PaBV in captive psittacine birds. In the present study, natural infections by PaBV in South American parrots were investigated in two breeding facilities: commercial (A) and conservationist (B). Thirty-eight psittacine of 21 different species were presented for postmortem examination. Tissue samples were collected and investigated for the presence of PaBV-RNA using RT-PCR. In addition, clinical information about these birds was used when available. PaBV infection was detected in 73.7% of all birds investigated, indicating a wide dissemination of this virus in both facilities. From birds investigated in aviary A, 66.7% showed clinical signs, 100% had typical lesions of proventricular dilatation disease (PDD), 100% had mild to severe proventricular dilatation and 88.9% were PaBV-positive. In birds from aviary B, 27.6% showed clinical signs, 65.5% had typical lesions of PDD, 62% had mild to severe proventricular dilatation and 69% were PaBV-positive. Neurological disease was observed more frequently than gastrointestinal disease. Sequencing analysis of the matrix gene fragment revealed the occurrence of genotype 4 (PaBV-4) in both places. About 15.8% of birds in this study are threatened species. We discussed the difficulties and challenges for controlling viral spread in these aviaries and implications for South American psittacine conservation. These results emphasize the urgent need to develop a national regulatory and health standard for breeding psittacine birds in the country.

Transboundary and emerging diseases, Jan 14, 2018

Mosquito-borne arboviruses are a major public health concern worldwide and are responsible for em... more Mosquito-borne arboviruses are a major public health concern worldwide and are responsible for emerging and re-emerging diseases. Taken together, the arboviruses have a strong impact on public health and are the most common causes of equine encephalitis. In-depth diagnostic investigation of equine viral encephalitis is of utmost importance for the epidemiological surveillance and control of this disease. Regarding neurological disorders in equids, in April-May 2018, at least 12 cases of equid mortality with acute neurological signs were reported in six farms from Espirito Santo state, Brazil. To investigate the etiological agent of this neurological disease outbreak, central nervous system (CNS) fragments from two horses and two donkeys were submitted for virologic diagnosis. Rabies, equine herpesvirus-1, and arbovirus-associated encephalomyelitis were investigated using differential diagnosis techniques. West Nile virus (WNV) was detected by nested RT-PCR in CNS fragments from each...

Journal of dairy science, Jan 11, 2018

Several studies have shown the occurrence of poxvirus infections associated with exanthematic les... more Several studies have shown the occurrence of poxvirus infections associated with exanthematic lesions in cattle from many Brazilian states. Coinfection between viruses belonging to 2 genera, Orthopoxvirus (OPXV) and Parapoxvirus (PPV), was already identified from the lesions of affected cows and humans. The DNA and infectious viral particles of Vaccinia virus, an OPXV, have been detected in milk of naturally and experimentally infected cows. However, to date no reports have described the detection of Pseudocowpox virus, a PPV, in milk. Thus, we investigated the presence of PPV and OPXV in milk samples obtained from dairy cows from a Brazilian region with exanthematic disease outbreaks. From 2011 to 2014, 6 dairy farms with exanthematic disease outbreaks involving dairy cows, calves, and humans were visited. Twelve crusts of cows' teat lesions and 60 milk samples were collected. The crusts and milk samples were analyzed by PCR to detect OPXV or PPV DNA. According to the analyzed ...

Journal of dairy science, Jan 19, 2017

Bovine vaccinia is a neglected zoonosis caused by Vaccinia virus (VACV) and has a major economic ... more Bovine vaccinia is a neglected zoonosis caused by Vaccinia virus (VACV) and has a major economic and public health effect in Brazil. Previous studies showed infectious VACV particles in milk from either experimentally or naturally infected cows and in fresh cheeses prepared with experimentally contaminated milk. Ripening is a process that leads to major changes in the physical and chemical characteristics of cheese, reducing contamination by spoilage, pathogenic microorganisms, or both. However, it is not known if VACV infectious particles persist after the ripening process. To investigate this issue, viral infectivity at different ripening times was studied in cheeses manufactured with milk experimentally contaminated with VACV strain Guarani P2 (GP2). Cheeses were analyzed at 1, 7, 14, 21, 45, and 60 d of ripening at 25°C. Viral DNA was quantified by real-time PCR, and VACV isolation and titration were performed in Vero cells. The whole experiment was repeated 4 times. Analysis of...

Anaerobe, Jan 19, 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens in 82 ... more The aim of this study was to investigate Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens in 82 diarrheic dogs positive for canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV). Enterotoxigenic C. perfringens type A was isolated from three (3.6%) dogs. One (1.2%) strain was also positive for NetE- and NetF-encoding genes, which are commonly associated with diarrhea in dogs. Toxigenic C. difficile was isolated from one animal (1.2%), which was also positive for A/B toxins. The present study identified C. difficile and C. perfringens infection in CPV-positive dogs. Further studies are necessary to clarify if clostridial infections may predispose or potentiate CPV-infection in dogs or vice versa.

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira, 2011

The presence of anti leptospiral agglutinins (microscopic agglutination test - MAT) and DNA of le... more The presence of anti leptospiral agglutinins (microscopic agglutination test - MAT) and DNA of leptospires was investigated in the kidney and urine (Polymerase Chain Reaction - PCR) in samples collected at the time of slaughter of cattle originating from the dairy basin of Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil, as also the lesions in kidney, lung, liver, uterus, ovary and placenta (histopathology and immunohistochemistry). In the MAT, Hardjo was the predominant serovar with the highest number of reagent animals for the strain Hardjobovis/Sponselee. Anti-leptospiral antigens were scored in epithelial cells, interstitial vascular endothelium, endothelium of glomerular capillaries and Bowman's capsule of 20 positive animals. Inflammatory cells were more common in the kidney. PCR was positive in urine and kidney tissue

Veterinaria italiana, Jan 30, 2016

In January 2013, an outbreak of Bluetongue (BT) a ecting a Lacaune sheep ock occurred in Vassoura... more In January 2013, an outbreak of Bluetongue (BT) a ecting a Lacaune sheep ock occurred in Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. From March to August 2013, blood samples collection and clinical examination were performed monthly, in order to monitor the epidemiological pro le of Bluetongue virus (BTV) circulation and clinical disease in the ock. Agar gel immunodi usion (AGID) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting BTV segment 10 were used as diagnostic assays. Additionally, insect trapping was conducted in the farm from May to July 2013. The ock serological prevalence to BTV was 80% since the rst month of monitoring, with a variation in the serological rate depending on the sheep age categories. The number of susceptible lambs increased with time, probably due to the decrease of passive immunity. Viral RNA was detected in blood samples, demonstrating viral circulation, prolonged viraemia, and potential source for virus transmission in the region, eve...

Genome Announcements, 2016

The complete genome sequence of Bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 17 strain 17/BRA/2014/73, isolate... more The complete genome sequence of Bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 17 strain 17/BRA/2014/73, isolated from a sheep in Brazil in 2014, is reported here. All segments clustered with western topotype strains and indicated reassortment events with other BTV from the Americas. The strain 17/BRA/2014/73 represents a novel reference strain for BTV-17 from South America.

PLoS ONE, 2014

The pathogenesis of the Brucella-induced inflammatory response in the bovine placenta is not comp... more The pathogenesis of the Brucella-induced inflammatory response in the bovine placenta is not completely understood. In this study we evaluated the role of the B. abortus Type IV secretion system and the anti-inflammatory factor BtpB in early interactions with bovine placental tissues. Transcription profiles of chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) explants inoculated with wild type (strain 2308), DvirB2 or DbtpB Brucella abortus were compared by microarray analysis at 4 hours post infection. Transcripts with significant variation (.2 fold change; P,0.05) were functionally classified, and transcripts related to defense and inflammation were assessed by quantitative real time RT-PCR. Infection with wild type B. abortus resulted in slightly more genes with decreased than increased transcription levels. Conversely, infection of trophoblastic cells with the DvirB2 or the DbtpB mutant strains, that lack a functional T4SS or that has impaired inhibition of TLR signaling, respectively, induced more upregulated than downregulated genes. Wild type Brucella abortus impaired transcription of host genes related to immune response when compared to DvirB and DbtpB mutants. Our findings suggest that proinflammatory genes are negatively modulated in bovine trophoblastic cells at early stages of infection. The virB operon and btpB are directly or indirectly related to modulation of these host genes. These results shed light on the early interactions between B. abortus and placental tissue that ultimately culminate in inflammatory pathology and abortion.

The genus Brucella and clinical manifestations of brucellosis O gênero Brucella e as manifestaçõe... more The genus Brucella and clinical manifestations of brucellosis O gênero Brucella e as manifestações clínicas de brucelose ABSTRACT Infection with bacteria of the genus Brucella results in major economic and political impact by causing reproductive diseases in a significant number of domestic animal species. Moreover, it has a great social significance, since many species are capable of causing human infection, with severe consequences. Dissemination of knowledge on a specific disease is an essential step for its control. Considering that brucellosis is still the most prevalent zoonosis in the world, information about taxonomy, clinical signs in domestic animals and humans are crucial for attempting to reduce the prevalence of this disease. The recent isolation and characterization of nonclassical species of Brucella indicates that a lot remains to be discovered about this genus. Nevertheless, due to the socialeconomic importance of brucellosis, this review aims to clarify points related to taxonomy of the genus and describe the clinical relevance of infection in humans and domestic animals.

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira, 2013

The goal of this study was to characterize the epidemiological situation and the factors involved... more The goal of this study was to characterize the epidemiological situation and the factors involved in the prevalence of babesiosis and anaplasmosis in cattle in the dairy basin of Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil. The study was conducted in 22 farms, and collected blood samples from 202 cattle to study serological, molecular and determination of the packed cell volume (PCV). On the farms were applied surveys involving epidemiological aspects. Seroprevalence rates were: Babesia bigemina 52.5%, B. bovis 68.8%, and Anaplasma marginale 89.1%. Of the samples analyzed, 73.3% were reactive for Babesia spp. and A. marginale, showing co-infection. In PCR, B. bigemina and B. bovis were positive in 52.0% and 33.2% respectively, and A. marginale in 76.2%. Of these, 51.5% amplified DNA of Babesia spp. and A. marginale. The semi-intensive management predominated in 68.0% of the farms studied. The clinical history of babesiosis and anaplasmosis, was reported from 73% of the farms. There was no significant d...

PLoS Pathogens, 2014

Delivery of microbial products into the mammalian cell cytosol by bacterial secretion systems is ... more Delivery of microbial products into the mammalian cell cytosol by bacterial secretion systems is a strong stimulus for triggering pro-inflammatory host responses. Here we show that Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi), the causative agent of typhoid fever, tightly regulates expression of the invasion-associated type III secretion system (T3SS-1) and thus fails to activate these innate immune signaling pathways. The S. Typhi regulatory protein TviA rapidly repressed T3SS-1 expression, thereby preventing RAC1-dependent, RIP2-dependent activation of NF-kB in epithelial cells. Heterologous expression of TviA in S. enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) suppressed T3SS-1-dependent inflammatory responses generated early after infection in animal models of gastroenteritis. These results suggest that S. Typhi reduces intestinal inflammation by limiting the induction of pathogen-induced processes through regulation of virulence gene expression.

PLoS ONE, 2014

Recombinant influenza viruses are promising viral platforms to be used as antigen delivery vector... more Recombinant influenza viruses are promising viral platforms to be used as antigen delivery vectors. To this aim, one of the most promising approaches consists of generating recombinant viruses harboring partially truncated neuraminidase (NA) segments. To date, all studies have pointed to safety and usefulness of this viral platform. However, some aspects of the inflammatory and immune responses triggered by those recombinant viruses and their safety to immunocompromised hosts remained to be elucidated. In the present study, we generated a recombinant influenza virus harboring a truncated NA segment (vNA-D) and evaluated the innate and inflammatory responses and the safety of this recombinant virus in wild type or knockout (KO) mice with impaired innate (Myd88-/-) or acquired (RAG-/-) immune responses. Infection using truncated neuraminidase influenza virus was harmless regarding lung and systemic inflammatory response in wild type mice and was highly attenuated in KO mice. We also demonstrated that vNA-D infection does not induce unbalanced cytokine production that strongly contributes to lung damage in infected mice. In addition, the recombinant influenza virus was able to trigger both local and systemic virus-specific humoral and CD8+ T cellular immune responses which protected immunized mice against the challenge with a lethal dose of homologous A/PR8/34 influenza virus. Taken together, our findings suggest and reinforce the safety of using NA deleted influenza viruses as antigen delivery vectors against human or veterinary pathogens.