Submitted by Vinícius da Silva Camargo null (viniciuscamargo.biologo@yahoo.com.br) on 2018-02-06T00:15:46Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Vinicius FINAL.pdf: 523374 bytes, checksum: fa2400897eda6d16d5e9d42d2da8984e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Isabel Pereira de Matos null (isabel@fmva.unesp.br) on 2018-02-07T13:04:54Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 camargo_vs_me_araca_int.pdf: 523374 bytes, checksum: fa2400897eda6d16d5e9d42d2da8984e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-02-07T13:04:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 camargo_vs_me_araca_int.pdf: 523374 bytes, checksum: fa2400897eda6d16d5e9d42d2da8984e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-12-15 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Este trabalho teve como objetivos determinar a ocorrência e realizar a caracterização molecular de Cryptosporidium spp. e comparar três métodos de detecção deste protozoário em amostras fecais de canários (Serinus canaria) criados em cativeiro nas regiões Sul e Sudeste do Brasil. Um total de 498 amostras foi purificado por centrífugo-flutuação em solução de Sheather. A detecção de Cryptosporidium spp. foi realizada utilizando três métodos de diagnóstico: análise microscópica pela coloração negativa com verde malaquita, nested PCR (gene 18S rRNA), seguida de sequenciamento dos fragmentos amplificados, e PCR em duplex em tempo real (gene 18S rRNA) específica para detecção de Cryptosporidium galli e Cryptosporidium genótipo III de aves. A positividade para Cryptosporidium spp. (total de amostras positivas em pelo menos um método de diagnóstico) obtida pela análise microscópica, nested PCR e PCR duplex em tempo real foi de 13,3% (66/498). As taxas de positividade para Cryptosporidium spp. foram 2,0% (10/498) e 4,6% (23/498) por microscopia e nested PCR, respectivamente. O sequenciamento de 20 amostras amplificadas pela nested PCR identificou C. galli (3,0%;15/498), Cryptosporidium genótipo I de aves (0,8%; 4/498) e Cryptosporidium avium (0,2%; 1/498). A PCR duplex em tempo real revelou positividade de 7,8% (39/498) para C. galli e 2,4% (12/498) para Cryptosporidium genótipo III de aves. A análise microscópica diferiu significativamente da nested PCR para detecção de Cryptosporidium spp. A PCR duplex em tempo real apresentou maior sensibilidade que a nested PCR/sequenciamento para detectar as espécies/genótipos gástricos de Cryptosporidium. / This study used several diagnostic methods to examine the occurrence of and molecularly characterize Cryptosporidium spp. in captive canaries (Serinus canaria) in southern and southeastern Brazil. A total of 498 samples were purified by centrifugal-flotation using Sheather's solution. Cryptosporidium spp. diagnosis was performed using three diagnostic methods: malachite green negative staining, nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene, followed by sequencing the amplified fragments, and duplex real-time PCR targeting the 18S rRNA specific to detect Cryptosporidium galli and Cryptosporidium avian genotype III. The overall positivity for Cryptosporidium spp. (total samples positive in at least one protocol) from the microscopic analysis, nested PCR and duplex real-time PCR protocol results was 13.3% (66/498). The positivity rates were 2.0% (10/498) and 4.6% (23/498) for Cryptosporidium spp. by microscopy and nested PCR, respectively. Sequencing of 20 samples amplified by nested PCR identified C. galli (3.0%; 15/498), Cryptosporidium avian genotype I (0.8%; 4/498) and Cryptosporidium avium (0.2%; 1/498). Duplex real-time PCR revealed a positivity of 7.8% (39/498) for C. galli and 2.4% (12/498) for avian genotype III. Malachite green negative staining differed significantly from nested PCR in detecting Cryptosporidium spp.. Duplex real-time PCR was more sensitive than nested PCR/sequencing for detecting gastric Cryptosporidium in canaries. / FAPESP: 15/26334-8

Orientador: Marcelo Vasconcelos Meireles / Banca:Juliana Peloi Vides / Banca:Heito Flávio Ferrari / Banca: Katia Denise Saraiva Bresciani / Banca:Cáris Maroni Nunes / Resumo: O presente trabalho objetivou a identificação e caracterização molecular de isolados de Cryptosporidium em amostras fecais de cães e gatos, bem como o desenvolvimento de uma reação em cadeia pela polimerase (PCR) em tempo real para detecção específica de Cryptosporidium canis em amostras fecais de cães. Trezentas amostras fecais de gatos e 367 amostras fecais de cães foram colhidas nas cidades de Araçatuba e Jaboticabal (SP) e submetidas aos processos de purificação e extração de DNA. "Nested" PCR (nPCR) para o gene 18S do rRNA foi realizada para identificação de Cryptosporidium spp., seguido de seqüenciamento dos fragmentos amplificados. Uma reação de PCR em tempo real para um fragmento parcial do gene HSP70 foi padronizada para a detecção de Cryptosporidium canis em amostras fecais de cães. A positividade para Cryptosporidium spp. pela nPCR em amostras de gatos foi de 11,33% (34/300), e em amostras cães foi de 10,4% (38/367). A PCR em tempo real resultou em 15,3% (58/367) de amostras positivas para C. canis. Foi possível a identificação por meio de seqüenciamento de três amostras positivas para C. felis e seis amostras positivas para C. canis. Foi observada uma maior positividade em filhotes quando comparados a cães adultos. A sensibilidade analítica da PCR em tempo real foi de uma cópia de DNA de C. canis por reação e não foi observada amplificação inespecífica de DNA de outras espécies de Cryptosporidium. Conclui-se que cães e gatos das regiões estudad... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract:This study aimed the identification and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium isolate s in stool samples from dogs and cats, as well as the development of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in real time to specific detection of Cryptosporidium canis in fecal samples from dogs. Three hundred fecal samples from cats and 367 fecal samples from dogs were collected in the cities of Araçatuba and Jaboticabal (SP) and subjected to the processes of purification and DNA extraction. Nested PCR (nPCR) for the 18S rRNA gene was performed for identification of Cryptosporidium spp., f ollowed by sequencing of the amplified fragments. A real time PCR to a partial fragment of the HSP70 gene was standardized for detection of Cryptosporidium canis in dogs fecal samples. The positivity for Cryptosporidium spp. by nPCR in cats samples was 11.33% (34/300), and in d og samples was 10.4% (38/367). The real - time PCR resulted in 15.3% (58/367) of samples positive for C. canis . The sequencing of the amplified fragments allowed the identification of three samples positive for Cryptosporidium felis and six samples positive for C. canis . A higher positivity was observed in pup pie s and kittens when compared to adult animals . The analytical sensitivity of real - time PCR was 1 copy of DNA of C. canis and was not observed DNA amplification for other species of Cryptosporidium . We c oncluded that dogs and cats n of the investigated regions can present infected for zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium and the real - time PCR developed in this work is a sensitive and specific method for detection of C. canis in fecal samples from dogs / Doutor

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi padronizar a reação de Imunofluorescência direta (IFD) para detecção de oocistos de Cryptosporidium parvum em amostras fecais de bezerros. Os anticorpos policlonais anti-C. parvum foram produzidos em dois coelhos adultos da raça Nova Zelândia, e titulados por meio do ensaio imuno-enzimático indireto (ELISA). A fração de imunoglobulina G (IgG) foi purificada a partir do soro do coelho imunizado, utilizando-se diálise em sulfato de amônio seguida de cromatografia em coluna de DEAE celulose e conjugação com isotiocianato de fluoresceína. Por meio da IFD padronizada, foi testada a reatividade cruzada do conjugado produzido contra outras espécies de Cryptosporidium (C. andersoni e C. serpentis) e com outros agentes etiológicos presentes em fezes de bovinos (Escherichia coli, Eimeria sp. e Candida sp.). A IFD foi comparada à microscopia com contraste de fase em solução de Sheather (MCF), avaliando a capacidade de detecção de oocistos de Cryptosporidium sp. em alíquotas de fezes de bezerro inoculadas com oocistos de C. parvum, e em amostras fecais de bezerros naturalmente infectados provenientes de 37 propriedades leiteiras da região de Araçatuba, SP. Nas amostras comprovadas como positivas, foi ainda feita uma análise semi-quantitativa de oocistos de Cryptosporidium sp., visualizados por campo de microscopia em ambas as técnicas. O conjugado anti-C. parvum apresentou reatividade com C. andersoni e C. serpentis. A IFD foi utilizada com sucesso para detecção de oocistos de C. parvum em fezes de bezerros, apresentando sensibilidade para detecção de até 104 oocistos em 3 g de fezes. Entre as 300 amostras fecais de bezerros naturalmente infectados, 19,67% (59/300) foram positivas para a presença de oocistos de Cryptosporidium sp. pela IFD, apresentando diferença estatisticamente significante (p<0.05) em relação às amostras positivas pela MCF / Abstract: The objective of this experiment was to standardize the direct immunofluorescence assay (DIF) for detection of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts in fecal samples of calves. The anti-C. parvum polyclonal antibodies were produced in two adult rabbits of New Zealand breed, and titrated by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA). The immunoglobulin G (IgG) was purified from the serum of immunized rabbits by dialysis in ammonium sulfate followed by column chromatography on DEAE cellulose, and conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate. Using DIF the anti-C. parvum conjugate was tested for the presence of cross-reactivity against other species of Cryptosporidium (C. andersoni and C. serpentis), and other infectious agents present in cattle fecal samples (Escherichia coli, Eimeria sp. and Candida sp.). A comparison between the DIF and phase contrast microscopy in Sheather solution (MCF) was accomplished for evaluation of the efficiency of both techniques for detection of Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts in fecal samples of calves seeded with C. parvum oocysts, and in fecal samples from naturally infected calves from 37 dairy farms in the region of Araçatuba, SP. A semi-quantitative analysis of Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts per microscopic field was accomplished for both techniques. The anti-C. parvum conjugate showed cross-reactivity with C. andersoni and C. serpentis oocysts. The DIF has been used successfully in the detection of C. parvum oocysts in fecal samples of calves, with sensitivity for detecting 104 oocysts in 3 g of fecal samples. Among the 300 fecal samples from naturally infected calves, 19.67% (59/300) were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts by DIF, with significant statistical difference (p <0.05) when compared to the number of positive samples by MCF / Orientador: Marcelo Vasconcelos Meireles / Coorientador: Cáris Maroni Nunes / Banca: Ricardo Velludo Gomes de Soutello / Banca: Luzia Helena Queiroz / Mestre

Orientador: Kátia Denise Saraiva Bresciani / Co-orientador: Marcelo Vasconcelos Meireles / Banca: Jancarlo Ferreira Gomes / Banca: Suely Regina Mogami Bomfim / Resumo: om o objetivo de determinar a ocorrência e caracterizar molecularmente a infecção por Cryptosporidium spp. em bezerros bubalinos do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, foram colhidas 222 amostras fecais de animais da raça Murrah, com até seis meses de idade. As amostras foram avaliadas pela técnica de Ziehl-Neelsen modificada e por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase tipo nested (nPCR) para amplificação de fragmentos de DNA da subunidade 18S do gene do RNA ribossômico e sequenciamento dos fragmentos amplificados. Pela técnica de Ziehl-Neelsen modificada, foi detectada positividade de 8,1% (18/222), e pela nPCR, foi observada amplificação em 48,2% (107/222) das amostras, das quais 63 foram sequenciadas. A análise das sequências obtidas mostrou que a espécie mais frequente nesses animais foi Cryptosporidium ryanae, em bezerros bubalinos a partir de cinco dias de idade. A espécie zoonótica Cryptosporidium parvum foi detectada em apenas um animal e um genótipo incomum, similar a Cryptosporidium sp. W20486, foi encontrado, pela primeira vez em búfalos / Abstract: With the aim of determining the occurrence and molecularly characterizing infection by Cryptosporidium spp. in buffalo calves from São Paulo State, Brazil, 222 fecal samples were collected from Murrah animals aged up to six months. The samples were assessed by means of modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) for amplification of DNA fragments from subunit 18S of the gene of ribosomal RNA and sequencing of the amplified fragments. The modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique indicated 8.1% positivity (18/222), while nPCR revealed amplification for 48.2% (107/222) samples, of which 63 were sequenced. The analysis of the obtained sequences showed that the most frequent species in these animals was Cryptosporidium ryanae, present in buffalo calves from five days of age. The zoonotic specie Cryptosporidium parvum was detected in only one animal, and an uncommon genotype, similar to that of Cryptosporidium sp. W20486, was found for the first time in buffaloes / Mestre

Cryptosporidium parvum is an apicomplexan zoonotic parasite recognized as the second leading-cause of diarrhoea-induced mortality in children. In contrast to other apicomplexans, C. parvum has minimalistic metabolic capacities which are almost exclusively based on glycolysis. Consequently, C. parvum is highly dependent on its host cell metabolism. In vivo (within the intestine) infected epithelial host cells are typically exposed to low oxygen pressure (1–11% O2, termed physioxia). Here, we comparatively analyzed the metabolic signatures of C. parvum-infected HCT-8 cells cultured under both, hyperoxia (21% O2), representing the standard oxygen condition used in most experimental settings, and physioxia (5% O2), to be closer to the in vivo situation. The most pronounced effect of C. parvum infection on host cell metabolism was, on one side, an increase in glucose and glutamine uptake, and on the other side, an increase in lactate release. When cultured in a glutamine-deficient medium, C. parvum infection led to a massive increase in glucose consumption and lactate production. Together, these results point to the important role of both glycolysis and glutaminolysis during C. parvum intracellular replication. Referring to obtained metabolic signatures, we targeted glycolysis as well as glutaminolysis in C. parvum-infected host cells by using the inhibitors lonidamine [inhibitor of hexokinase, mitochondrial carrier protein (MCP) and monocarboxylate transporters (MCT) 1, 2, 4], galloflavin (lactate dehydrogenase inhibitor), syrosingopine (MCT1- and MCT4 inhibitor) and compound 968 (glutaminase inhibitor) under hyperoxic and physioxic conditions. In line with metabolic signatures, all inhibitors significantly reduced parasite replication under both oxygen conditions, thereby proving both energy-related metabolic pathways, glycolysis and glutaminolysis, but also lactate export mechanisms via MCTs as pivotal for C. parvum under in vivo physioxic conditions of mammals.

The severity of flood events is predicted to increase as a consequence of climate change and may lead to a higher burden of waterborne infectious diseases in the United States. Contaminated floodwater transports bacterial, protozoal, and viral pathogens that typically cause moderate intestinal or respiratory disease, but can also lead to more serious disseminated infections among immunocompromised, young, and older people. Hydroclimatology and drinking water infrastructure influence the transmission of disease, but their roles are not well-understood and may vary by pathogen-type or geographic region. Specific outbreaks of waterborne disease have been attributed to major floods and cases have been positively associated with some meteorological variables, but the association between infections and flooding has not been systematically examined. In this dissertation, we examine the association between seasonal and extreme floods and parasitic and bacterial infections using multiple flood-indicator variables and exposure definitions. In Chapter 2, we use multimodel inference and generalized linear mixed models to determine the effect of seasonal meteorology on hospitalizations across the US. We found that hospitalization rates were generally higher in rural areas and in places that relied on groundwater for drinking water sources. Soil moisture, precipitation, and runoff were associated with significant increases in hospitalizations for Legionnaires' disease, Cryptosporidiosis, and Campylobacteriosis, respectively. In Chapter 3, we use 23 years of weekly case data to examine the effect of cyclonic storms on six waterborne infections in a conditional quasi-Poisson statistical model. Storm exposure was defined separately for distinct storm hazards, namely wind speed and cumulative rainfall, and effects were examined over 3 weeks post-storm. We found that exposure to storm-related rainfall was associated with immediate and lagged increases in cases. In Chapter 4, we use a nonparametric bootstrap to examine the effect of anomalous meteorological conditions, i.e. extremes unrelated to cyclonic storms, on Legionnaires' disease hospitalizations. We also assess the effect of exposure to specific cyclonic storms in a GLMM framework and compare these approaches. Extreme precipitation and months with cyclonic storms were positively associated with Legionnaires' disease hospitalizations. Determining the effect of flooding on Legionnaires' disease is particularly important as it causes severe illness and has steadily increased in incidence for 20 years. An objective of this dissertation was to develop a framework for examining flood-disease dynamics in the context of hydrometeorological and infrastructure-related factors that may influence transmission. We demonstrated that drinking water source, rurality, and geography may play an important role in these dynamics; the analyses also underscored, however, the urgent need for more extensive epidemiological surveillance and water quality data. Climate change will likely place a considerable strain on aging water infrastructure in the US. A nuanced understanding of flood-disease dynamics is central to mitigating these effects.

Orientador: Katia Denise Saraiva Bresciani / Banca: Luiz Eduardo Corrêa Fonseca / Banca: Alex Akira Nakamura / Banca: Luiz da Silveira Neto / Banca: Jancarlo Ferreira Gomes / Resumo: Este estudo foi elaborado com o objetivo de investigar a ocorrência de Cryptosporidium spp. em quirópteros da região sul do Brasil. Cento e quarenta e sete amostras fecais de morcegos foram colhidas na cidade de Maringá (PR) e submetidas aos processos de purificação para a microscopia e extração de DNA genômico. A microscopia óptica de luz convencional foi utilizada com o uso da coloração negativa de verde malaquita para pesquisa de oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp. e a PCR foi utilizada para a amplificação de fragmentos do gene da subunidade 18S do rRNA na detecção de Cryptosporidium spp. A presença de Cryptosporidium spp. não foi constatada nas amostras fecais dos morcegos. Esse resultado pode ser considerado bom no aspecto que os morcegos são possíveis reservatórios e consequentemente, dispersores deste patógeno, sendo estes parques visitados diariamente por um grande número de pessoas. Esta é a primeira investigação do referido protozoário em morcegos nesta região. / Abstract: This study was elaborated with the objective to investigate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in chiroptera of southern Brazil. One hundred and forty-seven fecal samples of bats were collected in the city of Maringá (PR) and submitted to purification processes for microscopy and extraction of genomic DNA. Optical microscopy of conventional light with negative malachite green staining was performed to investigate oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. and PCR for the amplification of fragments of the 18S rRNA subunit gene in the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. This coccidium was not found in faecal samples of bats. This result can be considered good in the aspect that bats are possible reservoirs and consequently dispersers of this pathogen, being these parks visited daily by a large number of people. It is the first investigation of this protozoan into bats in this region / Doutor

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2006-10-27Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:16:24Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 bonello_fl_me_araca.pdf: 611158 bytes, checksum: 64289841b4b9ab09da7b919f8edbd113 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / A manutenção de animais silvestres em cativeiro domiciliar como animais de estimação é bastante comum no Brasil e os papagaios tem sido preferidos por serem considerados curiosos, inteligentes e divertidos, além de serem excelentes imitadores e faladores. Entretanto, os papagaios-verdadeiros (Amazona aestiva) podem ser fontes de infecção de algumas zoonoses. Neste trabalho foram estudados 50 papagaios-verdadeiros mantidos em cativeiro domiciliar no município de Araçatuba, São Paulo. As condições sócio-econômicas e os manejos sanitário e nutricional das aves, bem como o contato com os residentes foram avaliados por meio de visitas às casas. Os resultados revelaram manejos sanitário e nutricional inadequados na maioria dos casos, estreito contato com os papagaios e falta de conhecimento sobre enfermidades dos mesmos. Não foi isolada Salmonella sp. nas amostras de fezes, enquanto Escherichia coli estava presente em três animais e estruturas leveduriformes foram encontradas na maioria deles. Cryptosporidium sp. foi encontrado em uma das amostras. Pode-se concluir que o estreito contato dos residentes com as aves e as condições sanitárias inadequadas podem favorecer a ocorrência de zoonoses nas residências avaliadas. A presença de Cryptosporidium sp., caso se trate de uma espécie zoonótica, indica a possibilidade da transmissão de criptosporidiose de papagaios para o homem em condições de cativeiro domiciliar. / The maintenance of wild animals in domiciliary captivity as pets has been common in Brazil and parrots are preferred because they are considered curious, intelligents, amusing, excellent talkative and mimics. However, the blue- fronted amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) can be source of some zoonosis infections. In the present study the sanitary and nutritional management of 50 blue-fronted amazon parrots kept in domiciliary captivity in Araçatuba city, SP, as well as the occurrence of zoonosis agents in stools samples, social-economic conditions and residents-birds contact were evaluated. Results showed inadequate sanitary and nutritional management in the majority of the cases, strait contact with the parrots and lack of knowledge about parrots diseases. Salmonella was not found in stool samples while Escherichia coli was present in three samples and levedures-like structures were found in the majority them. Cryptosporidium was found in one sample. We can conclude that the close contact with the birds and the uncorrect management can favour occurrence of zoonosis in evaluated residences. The presence of Cryptosporidium sp. Indicates transmition possibility of cryptosporidiosis, in case of zoonotic specie, from parrots to humans in domiciliary captivity conditions.

Submitted by Ubirajara Cruz (ubirajara.cruz@gmail.com) on 2017-05-15T15:25:47Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_Sergio_Vargas_Junior.pdf: 2395722 bytes, checksum: ea675296329c1671251fe645132fea16 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Aline Batista (alinehb.ufpel@gmail.com) on 2017-05-16T16:45:36Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertacao_Sergio_Vargas_Junior.pdf: 2395722 bytes, checksum: ea675296329c1671251fe645132fea16 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-16T16:45:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertacao_Sergio_Vargas_Junior.pdf: 2395722 bytes, checksum: ea675296329c1671251fe645132fea16 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-05-14 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Esta dissertação trata-se de um estudo dos distúrbios entéricos em bezerros diagnosticados na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul em um período de 36 anos. É apresentado um trabalho com a descrição das principais causas de diarreia em bezerros, sendo as causas parasitárias e as bacterianas as mais prevalentes. Foram diagnosticados 94 casos de bezerros com diarreia, destes, 44,7% foram de causas parasitárias e 34,0% de causas bacterianas. A diarreia de causa parasitária foi a mais importante na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul e afetou bezerros de três a 12 meses de idade. É apresentado, também, um estudo que descreve os aspectos epidemiológicos, sinais clínicos e a patologia de um surto de criptosporidiose ocorrido em bezerros na mesma região. De um lote de 400 animais de 30-45 dias de idade, 35 adoeceram e 16 morreram. Os bezerros nasciam fracos e logo após o nascimento apresentavam diarreia amarela, emagrecimento progressivo, desidratação, depressão e morte entre 10 e 15 dias após o início dos sinais clínicos. Na necropsia havia congestão dos vasos sanguíneos intestinais e mesentéricos. Havia distensão intestinal por gás e dilatação de vasos linfáticos. Microscopicamente havia achatamento das vilosidades intestinais, com necrose e atrofia. Aderidas à superfície das células epiteliais das vilosidades, havia estruturas puntiformes basofílicas de 2-5μm de diâmetro compatíveis com Cryptosporidium spp. A microscopia eletrônica revelou a presença de diferentes estágios do agente aderidos às microvilosidades de enterócitos. A criptosporidiose é uma importante causa de diarreia em bezerros não só como um agente oportunista, mas também como um agente primário de diarreia em bezerros. / This dissertation is a study of enteric disorders in calves diagnosed in southern Brazil in 36 years. It is presented a study with the description of the main causes of diarrhea in calves. Parasitic and the bacterial causes are the most prevalent. Ninetyfour cases of calves with diarrhea were diagnosed, of these, 44.7% were of parasitic causes and 34.0% of bacterial causes. Diarrhea of parasitic cause was the most important in southern Brazil and affected calves from three to 12 months of age. Another study is also presented, describing the epidemiological, clinical signs and pathology of an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in calves in southern Brazil. Thirty-five out of 400 calves with 30-45 days of age were affected and 16 died. The calves were born weak and just after birth, they had yellow diarrhea, weight loss, dehydration, depression, and death between 10 and 15 days after onset of clinical signs. Congestion of the bowel and mesenteric blood vessels were observed at necropsy. Intestinal distension by gas and dilation of lymphatic vessels were also observed. Microscopically, the intestine showed flattening of the villi with necrosis and atrophy. Adhered to the surface of the villus epithelial cells there were round basophilic structures of 2- to 5-μm diameter compatible with Cryptosporidium spp. The electron microscopy revealed the presence of different stages of the agent adhered to the microvilli of enterocytes. Cryptosporidiosis is an important cause of diarrhea in calves not only as an opportunistic agent, but also as a primary agent of diarrhea in calves.

An enhanced notified enteric disease surveillance trial began on 1 July 2007 and continued until 30 June 2008. The aim of the trial was to measure the quality, timeliness and completeness of data collected and submitted by a regional Public Health Service (PHS) to the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), via the national disease database (EpiSurv) for notified cases of enteric diseases. The trial evaluated two different methods of data collection: postal questionnaires and telephone interviews. Telephone interview techniques were used to improve the contact rate, timeliness and completeness of data gathered from all notified cases of campylobacteriosis in the Manawatu, Horowhenua and Tararua regions. The target set for the project was to achieve a 95% contact rate with 90% full completion of all EpiSurv data fields. For all notified cases of campylobacteriosis a 97% contact rate was achieved in a time frame of between zero to 20 days (three day median) and completeness of all the EpiSurv case report fields ranged between 96 – 100% in the final data. Prior to the commencement of the study, between 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005, MidCentral PHS (MCPHS) made contact with around 58% of all notified cases of campylobacteriosis and 77% of all other notified enteric disease cases1 . A short pre-screen mail questionnaire, with reply-paid envelope, was sent to all notified cases of cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, salmonellosis and yersiniosis in the MCPHS regions. EpiSurv case report fields were completed using information supplied in the returned questionnaires. Return rate, timeliness, and completeness were compared with the telephone interview group. Fifty three percent of cases we attempted to contact via mail questionnaire responded within two to 63 days (six day median) and completeness of all the EpiSurv case report fields ranged between 81 – 100%. In addition, we monitored the newly introduced ESR Early Aberration Reporting System (EARS) flags for increased levels of disease compared to historical disease rates, and assessed its usefulness as a tool to identify potential outbreaks in the region. While no outbreaks that had not already been identified by PHS staff were found by monitoring the EARS system, EARS has become an important tool in the MCPHS for comparing our rates of disease with bordering PHSs. EARS also provided a good quick reference tool for media enquiries and the graphs produced in EARS have been well utilised as visual aids for training and seminars presented during the trial period. The results of the surveillance trial initiatives were compared to the rest of New Zealand (NZ) over the same time frame and with a comparable, medium-sized, PHS. While the results of the telephone interviews from the MCPHS trial were close to the comparable PHS, they were significantly higher than for the rest of NZ. The postal questionnaires achieved a lower contact rate than the comparable PHS but similar to the rest of NZ. However, the quality of data gathered in the returned MCPHS postal questionnaire was significantly higher in most fields. Additional analysis was undertaken which indicated that those cases living in higher deprivation and rural areas were less likely to respond to a postal questionnaire. An over-representation of common enteric disease notifications from rural areas in the MCPHS was also highlighted by our research. This trial has shown the effectiveness of utilising telephone interviews and telemarketing techniques for gathering timely and complete data for human enteric disease surveillance within the MCPHS. It has also demonstrated that a short pre-screen questionnaire can be effective in collecting good quality data needed to complete the standard EpiSurv case report form.