Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:33:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2007-07-10Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:24:58Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 gomes_ra_dr_jabo.pdf: 423622 bytes, checksum: 4197737c8e3e3fefdbe077c8f459f240 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a resposta imune humoral, pelo monitoramento dos anticorpos anti-Babesia bovis, anti-Babesia bigemina e anti-Anaplasma marginale, em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) naturalmente infectados. Para esta pesquisa, utilizaram-se amostras de soro e de colostro/leite de búfalas adultas do periparto aos 11 meses após, e de soros dos seus bezerros, durante o primeiro ano de vida nos anos de 1999/2000 e 2005. Para determinar o perfil da resposta imune humoral destes animais, utilizou-se o método ELISA indireto e os dados foram apresentados e analisados como a média de um grupo de animais, em diferentes faixas etárias e, individualmente. Após a leitura e interpretação dos dados, os resultados dos animais analisados em grupos apresentaram baixa concentração de anticorpos, ou seja, abaixo do ponto de corte (D.O. = 0,265 e NE=3) de anticorpos anti-A. marginale nos soros, durante os primeiros 90 e 105 dias após o parto e nascimento, respectivamente, para búfalas e seus bezerros. Em seguida, a concentração de anticorpos anti-A. marginale no soro dos bezerros búfalos aumentou ligeiramente acima do ponto de corte e manteve-se assim até atingirem aproximadamente um ano de idade, indicando uma imunidade adquirida, após o contato com a bactéria. Nas búfalas ocorreu soroconversão (NE acima de 3) para Babesia de ambas as espécies, por quase todo o período analisado, com uma elevação acentuada (NE=4 a NE=6) entre os dias 91 e 335 dias após o parto, fato não verificado para os bezerros, no mesmo período. No colostro/leite, os anticorpos anti-B. bovis e anti-B. bigemina foram detectados nos primeiros sete dias pós-parto, mas não foram observados no teste anti-A. marginale. Quando os animais foram analisados individualmente (duas búfalas e seus bezerros), observou-se em um dos bezerros, uma forte imunidade humoral... / The aim of the present study was to analyze the humoral-immune response of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) naturally infected with Babesia bovis, B. bigemina and Anaplasma marginale. For this work, colostrums/milk and blood samples were weekly, fortnightly and monthly harvested prior and after partum (buffalo cows) and from birth to 365 days after birth (buffalo calves). The antibodies in the colostrums/milk and serum samples from these animals were determined using an ELISA indirect method and the data were analyzed as a mean of a group of animals with matched ages during the period of 1999/2000 or individually during the year of 2005. The data from animals analyzed in group showed that the antibodies against A. marginale were in low concentration (below the cut off point, D.O. = 0.265 and ELISA levels, EL = 3), in the sera of buffalo, during the first 90 and 105 days, respectively for cows and calves. Then, the concentration of anti-A. marginale in the serum samples of buffalo calves, slightly raised to above the cut off point and kept in higher levels up to approximately 365 days after birth, indicating acquired immunity. Serum conversion for Babesia occurred in high levels and above the cut off point only for buffalo cows for all period of experimentation. The antibody levels against Babesia for both species and Anaplasma increased in the sera of buffalo cows between the days 91 and 335 after partum. In the colostrums, anti-B. bovis and anti-B. bigemina antibodies were detected in high levels during the first seven days after partum, but then abruptly declined to zero. Anti-A. marginale, on the other hand were not detected in the colostrums of these animals. When four animals (two buffalo cows and their calves) were individually analyzed it was observed an individual variation in the immune response: in one buffalo calf there was a strong passive... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

O carrapato Rhipicephalus microplus é um ectoparasito hematófago de grande importância para a pecuária por ser responsável por perdas massivas na produção animal, de forma que o seu controle é economicamente relevante. Este carrapato, além dos danos que causa por si só, é também um importante vetor para a transmissão de microorganismos patogênicos, entre eles o hemoprotozoário intraeritrocítico Babesia bovis. O presente trabalho descreve o desenvolvimento de uma linhagem de B. bovis capaz de expressar um antígeno protetor, uma glutationa S-transferase do carrapato Haemaphysalis longicornis (HlGST), e o teste desta linhagem como uma vacina de vetor vivo para o controle do carrapato R. microplus. B. bovis, em cultivo, da linhagem S74-T3B foram eletroporados em presença de plasmídeo contendo o promotor bidirecional de B. bovis Ef-1 aresponsável pela expressão independente de dois genes: o repórter fusionado ao agente para seleção (GFP-BSD) e HlGST fusionada à sequência codificadora do peptídeo sinal de MSA-1 (merozoite surface antigen-1). Após a eletroporação, foi feita a seleção com blasticidina para obtenção da linhagem nomeada HlGST. A linhagem HlGST é composta por parasitos contendo diferentes padrões de inserção dos genes exógenos, tanto dentro quanto fora do locus Ef-1. Uma linhagem clonal denominada HlGST-Cln expressando HlGST e GFP-BSD foi obtida a partir da linhagem HlGST. Dois ensaios, independentes, de imunização de bovinos com os parasitos clonais foram realizados, sendo usado como controle uma linhagem clonal previamente caracterizada denominada GFP-Cln. Todos os animais inoculados desenvolveram uma forma branda de babesiose, indicando que ambas as linhagens clonais são atenuadas, mas apenas os animais imunizados com a linhagem HlGST-Cln foram capazes de produzir anticorpos anti-HlGST. O segundo procedimento de imunização foi seguido por um desafio com larvas de R. microplus. O desenvolvimento dessas larvas no hospedeiro levou a fêmeas adultas de menor peso e fertilidade. Coletivamente, esses dados mostram a possibilidade de uso de linhagens transfectadas de B. bovis como vacinas de vetor vivo. / The tick Rhipicephalus microplus is a notorious blood-feeding ectoparasite of cattle, responsible for massive losses in animal production. It is the main vector of pathogenic microorganisms, including Babesia bovis, an intraerythrocytic apicomplexan protozoan parasite responsible for bovine babesiosis. This study describes the development and testing of a live B. bovis vaccine expressing the protective tick antigen glutathione S-transferase from Haemaphysalis longicornis (HlGST). The B. bovis S74- T3B parasites were electroporated with a plasmid containing the bidirectional Ef-1 promoter of B. bovis controlling expression of two independent genes, the selectable marker GFP-BSD, and HlGST fused to the MSA-1 (merozoite surface antigen-1) signal peptide from B. bovis. Electroporation followed by blasticidin selection resulted in the emergence of a mixed B. bovis transfected line (termed HlGST) in in vitro cultures, containing parasites with distinct patterns of insertion of both exogenous genes, either in or outside the Ef-1 a locus. A B. bovis clonal line termed HlGST-Cln expressing HlGST and GFP-BSD was then derived from the mixed parasite line HlGST. Two independent calf immunization trials were performed via intravenous inoculation of the HlGST-Cln and a control consisting of an irrelevant transfected clonal line of B. bovis designated GFP-Cln. The control GFP-Cln line contains a copy of the GFP-BSD gene inserted into the Ef-1 locus of B. bovis in an identical fashion as the HIGST-Cln parasites. All animals inoculated with the HlGST-Cln and GFP-Cln transfected parasites developed mild babesiosis indicating that both transfected cloned parasite lines are attenuated. All animals immunized with HlGST-Cln produced detectable anti-glutathione-S-transferase antibodies. After immunization with HlGST-Cln, calves were challenged with R. microplus larva. Development of these larva produce fully engorged female tick with reduced weight and fertility. Collectively, these data show that transfected B. bovis parasites can be used as vectors in live vectored vaccines.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T14:31:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_regina_celis_pereira_reiniger.pdf: 329158 bytes, checksum: 6caf8cc77973c7a12a10801deeda4e26 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-05-15 / The presence of anti-Babesia bovis and anti-B. bigemina immunoglobulins (IgG class) were evaluated, by indirect fluorescent antibody test, in bovine sera from a naturally tick-infected beef cattle herd. Samples were collected from 31 heifers, from 13 to 24 months of age, from a farm located South of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Blood samples were monthly collected followed by observing the presence of Boophilus microplus ticks in cattle. Climatic data were also observation. Mean temperature and relative humidity showed to be higher than their climate normal (1971-2000), allowing constant tick infestations throughout the year. Serologic tests showed that 100% of the animals remained positive for B. bigemina during the experimental period. For B. bovis, however, this condition was only reached from 17 months of age onwards, after the classical third tick generation infestation (autumn). These results showed that the enzootic stability was maintained in this farm, as observed earlier when these same animals were monitored in their first year of age. This epidemiological condition being unusual for this region. The experimental animals showed lower anti-B. bovis (P=0,0002) and anti-B. bigemina (P<0,0001) specific-immunoglobulins when compared to their first year averages. Anti-B. bigemina specific-immunoglobulins were significantly higher than anti-B. bovis specific-immunoglobulins (P=0,0001). These results reveal a situation of enzootic stability in geographical areas early described as of enzootic instability for cattle babesiosis, and provide information to better understand the high frequency of B. bovis outbreaks in this region. / Avaliou-se, através da reação de imunofluorescência indireta, a presença de imunoglobulinas (classe IgG) anti-Babesia bovis e anti-Babesia bigemina no soro de 31 bovinos de um rebanho de corte naturalmente infectado, dos 13 aos 24 meses de vida, em uma propriedade localizada ao sul do Rio Grande do Sul. As coletas mensais de sangue foram acompanhadas de observação da presença do Boophilus microplus, bem como de dados climatológicos durante o ano do experimento. A temperatura e a umidade relativa do ar mantiveram-se superiores às normais ao longo do ano, favorecendo a constância do carrapato no rebanho. A sorologia revelou que 100% dos bovinos mantiveram-se positivos para B. bigemina durante todo o período experimental, enquanto para B. bovis, esse índice só foi obtido a partir dos 17 meses de idade, após a infestação pela terceira geração de carrapatos (outono). Isso revela que foi mantida a situação de estabilidade enzoótica na propriedade, constatada durante o primeiro ano de vida destes animais, o que é atípico para região. Os bovinos mantiveram títulos de anticorpos significativamente inferiores aos observados durante o seu primeiro ano de vida, tanto para B. bovis (P=0,0002) como para B. bigemina (P<0,0001). A titulação de anticorpos para B. bigemina foi significativamente (P=0,0001) superior à verificada para B. bovis. Os resultados obtidos revelam a existência de situação de estabilidade enzoótica em uma área de instabilidade enzoótica para a babesiose bovina, e fornece subsídios para o entendimento da maior freqüência de casos clínicos causados por B. bovis na região.

Despite haemolytic anaemia being the main consequence of Babesia rossi infection in dogs, the bone marrow response has been reported to be mild in the face of severe anaemia. A similar finding has been described in falciparum malaria and has been ascribed to either a decreased production of erythroid precursors or an inability of erythroid precursors to respond to hormonal stimulus. Recently, more information has become available on the use of various reticulocyte indices in an attempt to describe and explain the underlying pathogenesis of various anaemias as their release describes the recent functional state of the bone marrow. The objective of this study was to compare the admission absolute reticulocyte count (ARC) and reticulocyte indices in dogs naturally infected with B. rossi with dogs suffering from immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA), unrelated to babesiosis, as well as healthy control dogs. The ARC and reticulocyte indices were also evaluated in five experimentally B. rossi infected dogs throughout the disease course. This was a retrospective observational study looking at the records generated on a haematology analyser, the ADVIA 2120 (Siemens, Munich, Germany). The haematocrit (HCT), ARC and other reticulocyte indices for 103 dogs, naturally infected with B. rossi was compared to 16 dogs with IMHA and 14 control dogs. The experimentally infected dogs consisted of five purpose-bred beagles that were infected with high and low dose B. rossi parasite inoculum. Differences between groups were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test, whereas the Friedman’s ANOVA was used to assess the change over time during the disease course in the experimentally infected dogs. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was then used to determine the differences within the experimentally infected groups. The median (IQR) HCT for the Babesia (0.16 L/L; 0.12 – 0.27; P < 0.001) and IMHA (0.15 L/L; 0.12 – 0.17; P < 0.001) groups were significantly lower than the control group (0.52 L/L; 0.45 – 0.57). For the Babesia and IMHA groups the HCT did not differ significantly. Compared to the control group (42.1 x109/L; 33.8 – 62.6), the median (IQR) ARC was significantly higher in the Babesia (82.1 x109/L; 48.6 – 174.9; P = 0.006) and IMHA (256.7 x109/L; 79.0 – 436.9; P = 0.004) groups. The ARC was significantly lower in the Babesia group compared to the IMHA group (P = 0.011), despite no significant difference for HCT between groups. On day four of the experimentally infected group, approximately 24 – 48 hours after a peripheral parasitaemia was observed, there was a sudden decrease in the ARC to less than its value on day one, which was inappropriate for the degree of anaemia observed. The reticulocytes of B. rossi naturally infected dogs were larger and more hypochromic with a greater difference in cellular haemoglobin (CH) between reticulocytes and mature erythrocytes compared to the control group, whereas the reticulocytes of the experimentally infected dogs were smaller and more hypochromic than day one of infection. All reticulocyte indices demonstrated significant differences on day four compared to day one of the experimental study. The changes noted in the reticulocyte indices are postulated to be a contribution of anaemia of inflammation (AID), shift reticulocytosis and iron-restricted erythropoiesis. This study concludes that the regenerative response in dogs naturally infected with B. rossi is inappropriate, despite the severity of anaemia observed, compared to dogs with IMHA. Furthermore, the findings of the experimentally group may indicate a possible direct suppressive action of the Babesia parasite on the bone marrow during the time of parasitaemia, resulting in insufficient erythropoiesis. Similar findings have been reported in falciparum malaria and other factors will require further investigation. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / MSc / Unrestricted

No description available.

L'une des infections parasitaires les plus courantes chez les animaux à travers le monde est la babésiose ou piroplasmose. Causée par le développement intraérythrocytaire d'un parasite du genre Babesia, elle présente de nombreux signes cliniques semblables à ceux du paludisme. Ce parasite, du phylum des Apicomplexes, est transmis via le vecteur tique et effectue son cycle de reproduction dans les cellules rouges du sang de l'hôte vertébré. En Europe B. divergens et B. canis sont les espèces majoritairement responsables respectivement de la babésiose bovine et la babésiose canine. Dans une stratégie de recherche vaccinale, l'étude de protéines parasitaires en contact avec la circulation sanguine est primordiale pour comprendre les interactions hôte-parasite et identifier des candidats vaccins à haut potentiel. Les protéines à ancrage GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol) font partie de ces protéines. La première protéine à ancrage GPI décrite chez B. divergens est Bd37.1. Elle induit une protection totale contre une infection à B. divergens à la condition qu'une séquence hydrophobe soit ajoutée en C-terminale. La résolution de la structure RMN de cette protéine a permis de mettre en évidence un probable mécanisme de changement conformationnel en fonction du pH. La structure composée de 3 sous domaines montre que celle-ci n'est maintenue que par des ponts salins qui peuvent se rompre en milieu acide. Or l'environnement membranaire dans lequel évolue Bd37.1 ancrée à la surface du parasite et/ou à l'approche du globule rouge lors de l'invasion est acide. Cette dynamique conformationnelle de la protéine Δ-Bd37, liée à l'environnement membranaire, pourrait être à l'origine du mécanisme qui confère une immunité en fonction de la présence ou non de la séquence hydrophobe en C-terminale de Bd37.1. Nous avons cherché à estimer les implications d'une telle dynamique dans les interactions hôtes-parasites à travers l'étude structurale de 2 protéines parasitaires (Bd37.1 et Bc28.1). Dans le premier cas nous étudions la dynamique conformationnelle de la protéine d'adhésion Bd37.1. Nous avons exploré les différentes conformations que pourrait adopter la protéine Bd37.1 par une approche de biophysique et nous avons stabilisé ces différentes conformations en solution par le biais de mutations pour les étudier. Parmi ces mutants, le mutant EDK-Δ-Bd37 dont les ponts salins ont été rompus montre des caractéristiques différentes de Δ-Bd37. Les données enregistrées sur ce mutant nous ont amené à résoudre sa structure et à tester son pouvoir vaccinant. Dans une seconde partie, nous caractérisons biochimiquement et fonctionnellement une autre protéine Bc28.1, l'orthologue de Bd37.1. chez B. canis, accompagnée de la résolution de sa structure. Nous montrons que Bc28.1 est une protéine d'adhésion localisée à la surface du parasite et nous comparons les structures de Bd37.1 et Bc28.1. Ces deux structures sont finalement très différentes tandis que localisation et fonction sont similaires. / One of the most common parasitic infections in animals worldwide is babesiosis or piroplasmosis. Caused by the intraerythrocytic development of Babesia parasite, it has many clinical signs similar to those of malaria. This parasite of the phylum Apicomplexa, is transmitted via the tick vector and performs its reproductive cycle in red blood cells of the vertebrate host. B. In Europe divergens and B. canis species are mainly responsible respectively for bovine babesiosis and canine babesiosis. A strategy of vaccine research, the study of parasite proteins in contact with the bloodstream is essential for understanding host-parasite interactions and identify vaccine candidates with high potential. Anchored protein GPI (glycosylphosphatidylinositol) are part of these proteins. The first protein GPI anchors described in B. divergens is Bd37.1. It induces complete protection against infection with B. divergens provided a hydrophobic sequence is added at the C-terminus. Resolution NMR structure of this protein has highlighted a probable mechanism of conformational change as a function of pH. The structure consists of three sub areas shows that it is only maintained by salt bridges which can break in acidic medium. However, the environment within which Bd37.1 membrane anchored to the surface of the parasite and / or approach the red blood cell during the invasion is acidic. This conformational dynamics of the protein-Δ Bd37 linked to the membrane environment, could be at the origin of the mechanism that confers immunity depending on the presence or absence of the hydrophobic sequence at the C-terminus of Bd37.1. We sought to assess the implications of such dynamics in host-parasite interactions through structural study of two parasite proteins (Bd37.1 and Bc28.1). In the first case we study the conformational dynamics of the adhesion protein Bd37.1. We explored the different conformations that may be adopted by a protein Bd37.1 biophysical approach and we have stabilized in different conformations in solution through mutations to study. Among these mutants, the mutant Δ-Bd37-EDK including salt bridges were broken shows different characteristics Δ-Bd37. The data on this mutant led us to solve the structure and to test its power vaccinating. In a second part, we characterize biochemically and functionally Bc28.1 another protein, the ortholog Bd37.1. in B. canis, accompanied with the resolution of its structure. We show that Bc28.1 is an adhesion protein localized to the parasite surface and compare the structures and Bd37.1 Bc28.1. These two structures are ultimately very different while location and function are similar.

No período de julho de 2004 a junho de 2012, foram realizadas 104 capturas de lobos-guará. Os animais foram contidos quimicamente para coleta de material biológico. Carrapatos foram encontrados em 94 lobos e enviados ao Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias da FMVZ-USP, onde foram identificados com auxílio de estereomicroscópio e chaves taxonômicas. Das amostras analisadas, foram encontradas 72 larvas, 188 ninfas e 911 carrapatos adultos, pertencetes as espécies Rhipicephalus microplus, Amblyomma spp., Amblyomma cajennense, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma tigrinum. O presente trabalho registra pela primeira vez larva de R. microplus e adulto de A. brasiliense parasitando C. brachyurus no país, reforçando os achados prévios da literatura destas espécies de carrapatos utilizarem os lobos-guará como hospedeiros. Sangue e soro também foram coletados durante contenção química, 67 amostras de sangue total de lobos guará e 52 carrapatos adultos foram testados através da técnica de Reação em Cadeia de Polimerase (PCR) para a pesquisa de DNA de Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp. e Rickettsia spp. Foi realizada a sorologia para a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-Rickettsia spp. para 210 amostras de soro de cães domésticos e 43 foram positivas. Quatro indivíduos apresentaram reação homóloga para R. parkeri, dois para R. rhipicephali, um para R. rickettsii. Alem disso, foram testadas 88 amostras de soro de lobo guará e, destas, 84 foram positivas para pelo menos uma das espécies de Rickettsia e indicaram reação homóloga para R. parkeri e R. rhipicephali. Foram testadas 84 amostras de soro de lobo-guará na sorologia para Ehrlichia canis e, destas, 16 foram positivas. Nos testes moleculares foi detectada e confirmada a presença de H. canis, H. felis, R. parkeri já descritas para os hospedeiros vertebrados e invertebrados testados no estudo e ainda o primeiro registro em A. tigrinum de Candidatus R. andeanae e Candidatus Midichloria mitocondrii / From July 2004 to June 2012, 104 maned wolves were captured. The animals were chemically restrained in order to collect biological material. Ticks were found in 94 wolves and sent to the Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases FMVZ USP, and were identified using a stereomicroscope and taxonomic keys. Of the samples analyzed, 72 were larvae, 188 nymphs and 911 adult ticks, from the species Rhipicephalus microplus , Amblyomma spp , A. cajennense, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma brasiliense e Amblyomma tigrinum. This paper reports for the first time larvae of R. b. microplus and adult of A. brasiliense parasitizing C. brachyurus in the country, reinforcing the findings in previous studies of these species of ticks using the maned wolves as hosts . Blood and serum samples were also collected during chemical restraint, 67 blood samples of maned wolves and 52 adult ticks were tested using the technique of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the detection of DNA of Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp. Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Rickettsia spp. Serology was performed for the detection of antibodies to Rickettsia spp. 210 serum samples of domestic dogs were tested and 43 were positive. Four individuals showed reaction homologous to R. parkeri, two for R. rhipicephali and one for R. rickettsia. In addition, we tested 88 serum samples of maned wolf and 84 were positive for at least one species of Rickettsia and indicated homologous reaction to R. parkeri and R. rhipicephali. 84 maned wolf serum samples were in serology for Ehrlichia canis and 16 were positive. In molecular tests was detected and confirmed the presence of H. canis, H. felis and R. parkeri had already been described for the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts tested in the study. This is also the first report of Candidatus R. andeanae and Candidatus Midichloria mitocondrii in A. tigrinum

Šunų babeziozė – tai liga, greitai plintanti visame pasaulyje, kurią sukelia pirmuonys, priklausantys Babesia genčiai. Ligos sukėlėjus platina Dermocentor, Rhipicephalus, Haemaphysalis genties erkės. Lietuvoje paplitę Dermacentor reticulatus erkės - pagrindiniai Babesia canis vektoriai. B. canis patenka į raudonąsias kraujo ląsteles (eritrocitus) ir jas suardo. Kasmet sergamumas šunų babezioze visoje Europoje bei Lietuvoje stipriai auga. Darbo tikslas buvo įvertinti šunų užsikrėtimą Babesia canis patogenais ir identifikuoti Babesia canis porūšius ir padermes, panaudojant molekulinius tyrimo metodus ir filogenetinę sekų analizę. Šiame darbe buvo tiriami 20 šunų, sergančių babezioze,( pagal babeziozei būdingą klinikinę išraišką) kraujo mėginiai, kurie buvo surinkti iš Kauno apskrities Veterinarijos klinikų. Taikant molekulinį PGR (polimerazės grandininės reakcijos) metodą, 17 iš šių mėginių buvo identifikuota Babesia canis canis. Atlikus palyginamąją Babesia canis canis 18S rRNR geno sekų analizę, pasitelkus Gen Bank duomenis, buvo nustatyta, kad Lietuvoje sekvenuotos sekos nuo užsikrėtusių šunų buvo identiškos tarpusavyje ir turėjo 91-100% panašumą su sekomis, identifikuotomis sergančiuose šunyse ir D. reticulatus erkėse kitose Europos šalyse. Identifikuotos sekos priklausė vienam iš genotipų, paplitusių Europoje, kuris pasižymi didesniu virulentiškumu. Europos šalyse nustatyta 10 B. canis canis sekų variantų, identifikuotų pagal 18S rRNR geno sekų analizę. / Canine babesiosis is a disease, quickly spreading worldwide, which is caused by the protozoa belonging to the genus Babesia. The disease agents are transmitted by ticks of the genera Dermocentor, Rhipicephalus, and Haemaphysalis. Dermacentor reticulatus ticks, which are widely spread in Lithuania, are the main vectors of Babesia canis. B. canis infects red blood cells (erythrocytes) and destroys them. Every year the morbidity of Babesia canis is intensely growing in the whole of Europe and Lithuania. The aim of thesis was to evaluate the canine infection with Babesia canis pathogens and identify species and subspecies of Babesia canis, using molecular methods of analysis and phylogenetic sequence. The research focused on 20 dogs infected with Babesia canis (in accordance with the clinical expression characteristic of babesiosis); the blood samples were collected in the veterinary clinics in the Kaunas region. Applying the molecular PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) method, 17 of the samples were identified as cases of Babesia canis canis. On the basis of the contrastive gene sequencing analysis of Babesia canis canis 18S rRNR and the data of Gen Bank it was determined that in Lithuania the sequential sequences of infected dogs were identical and by 91-100 percent resembled the sequences identified in infected dogs and D. reticulatus ticks in other European countries. The identified sequences belonged to one of the genotypes which is widely spread in Europe and is... [to full text]

Growing incidence of infections caused by the tick-transmitted protozoan parasite Babesia spp. defines babesiosis as an emerging disease from the aspect of human and veterinary medicine. The thesis provides an insight to biology of two main agents of human babesiosis, Babesia microti and Babesia divergens. We introduce here the fully optimized quantification model of Babesia parasite enabling the detailed investigation of the parasite developmental cycle and identification of molecules playing a role in its acquisition and transmission by the vector Ixodes ricinus. Novel and detailed information about Babesia dissemination within the tick tissues are given by newly implemented visualization and quantification techniques. Special emphasis is paid to parasite development in the tick salivary glands, the primary site responsible for parasite transmission from the vector into the host. Using gene-specific silencing we screene the tick immune pathways including effector molecules and evaluate their role in Babesia acquisition. We also provide a detailed view to Babesia parasite sexual commitment by monitoring its kinetics upon various stimuli. Moreover, a new direction of anti-babesial therapy is proposed by validation of the Babesia proteasome as a drug target. Overall, the research presented in the thesis extends the current knowledge of the Babesia parasite biology including molecular interactions at the tick-Babesia interface and thereby could significantly contribute to a potential control of babesiosis.

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A Floresta Tropical Atlântica apresenta uma enorme biodiversidade, e está atualmente sujeita a inúmeras pressões como a perda de área pela intensa ocupação humana, agricultura, pecuária, urbanização e industrialização. Esses impactos têm provocado desmatamento e fragmentação florestal, processos que interferem na manutenção das populações animais, inclusive afetando os ciclos silvestres de parasitas e microorganismos. Didelphis aurita é um marsupial da Mata Atlântica com alta capacidade adaptativa a ambientes perturbados. Esta espécie onívora é tolerante à fragmentação florestal, podendo sobreviver em ambientes silvestres, rurais, suburbanos e urbanos, tendo importância na conexão dos ciclos silvestres e urbanos de diversos agentes. Este trabalho teve por objetivo descrever aspectos hematológicos, bioquímicos e de hemoparasitas em Didelphis aurita de duas áreas da Serra dos Órgãos/ RJ, uma área fragmentada e outra de mata contínua. Entre julho de 2011 e fevereiro de 2012 foram capturados 61 animais que tiveram amostras de sangue avaliadas. Os resultados expressos como média desvio padrão foram: Volume Globular 38,66 % ( 4,97); Hemácias 5,40 ( 0,75) x106/mm3; Hemoglobina 12,78 ( 1,68) g/dL; VGM 71,69 ( 3,56) fl; CHGM 33,01 ( 0,63) %; Plaquetas 514,70 ( 323,10) x 103/mm3; Leucócitos 19.678,52 ( 10.152,26)/mm3; Basófilos 0,59 ( 0,72) %; Eosinófilos 13,79 ( 6,94)%; Bastonetes 0,77 ( 2,04) %; Segmentados 41,12 ( 13,95) %; Linfócitos 41,97 ( 12,97) %; Monócitos 1,75 ( 1,51)%. Para parâmetros bioquímicos encontramos os seguintes resultados: Proteínas totais 8,50 ( 1,68); albumina 3,03 ( 0,69); globulina 5,44 ( 1,66); uréia 83,57 ( 20,11); creatinina 0,44 ( 0,13); ALT 85,01 ( 65,65); AST 314,55 ( 130,58); FA 420,38 ( 371,89); GGT 19,40 ( 8,51). Os parâmetros hematócrito, hemoglobina, hematimetria, ALT, AST e FA foram maiores nos machos do que nas fêmeas. Adultos apresentaram valores de proteína plasmática total, leucócitos, hematócrito, hemoglobina, hematimetria, albumina, proteínas totais, creatinina e GGT maiores do que jovens, e o inverso ocorreu para plaquetas, globulina e FA. Animais do Fragmento apresentaram valores de massa corporal e albumina menores do que os do Garrafão, e o inverso ocorreu para GGT e globulina. Babesiasp. ocorreu em 26,6% da população, sendo mais freqüente em adultos. Estes resultados são os primeiros parâmetros de referência para Didelphis aurita na Serra dos Órgãos, contribuindo para o estudo desta espécie. / The Atlantic Forest is characterized by a high species diversity and endemism. This ecosystem is under human-induced threats for decades, loosing area to agriculture, pastures and urban areas.These threats have lead to habitat destruction and fragmentation, disturbing ecological processes and affecting the enzootic cycle of diseases. Didelphis aurita is an Atlantic Forest marsupial with synanthropic habit, capable of survive in disturbed and fragmented environments, including urban areas. The aim of this study was to describe haemoparasites, hematologic and serum chemistry aspects of D. aurita in Serra dos Órgãos/ RJ, comparing two areas, a conserved forest and a fragmented landscape. Between July 2011 and February 2012 61 specimens were studied. Results are given as mean standard deviation, as follows: Packed cell volume 38,66 % ( 4,97); erythrocytes 5,40 ( 0,75)x106/mm3; hemoglobin 12,78 ( 1,68) g/dL; MCV 71,69 ( 3,56) fl; MCHC 33,01 ( 0,63) %; Platelets 514,70 ( 323,10) x 103/mm3; Leukocytes 19.678,52 ( 10.152,26)/mm3; basophils 0,59 ( 0,72) %; eosinophils 13,79 ( 6,94)%; band neutrophils 0,77 ( 2,04) %; neutrophils 41,12 ( 13,95) %; lymphocytes 41,97 ( 12,97) %; monocytes 1,75 ( 1,51)%. The serum chemistry values were: total protein8,50 ( 1,68); albumin 3,03 ( 0,69); globulin 5,44 ( 1,66); BUN 83,57 ( 20,11); creatinine 0,44 ( 0,13); ALT 85,01 ( 65,65); AST 314,55 ( 130,58); AP 420,38 ( 371,89); GGT 19,40 ( 8,51). Packed cell volume, hemoglobin, erythrocytes, ALT, AST and AP were higher in males than in females. Adults have higher values of total plasmatic protein, leukocytes, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, erythrocytes, albumin, total protein and GGT than young animals. The Young have higher platelets, globulin and AP. Animals from the fragmented area present lower body mass and lower levels of albumin than those from the conserved Forest. The opposite occurred for GGT and globulin. Babesia sp. were found in 26.6% of specimens, more frequently in adults. These results are the very first reportof hematologic and serum chemistry values for D. aurita in Serra dos Órgãos.