Although Mycoplasma spp. infection has been recently detected in other vulnerable human populations (indigenous and quilombola communities) in Brazil, no study to date has focused on traditional oceanic island communities and their dogs. To address this research gap, we assessed Mycoplasma spp. infection in humans and dogs living on the mainland seashore and oceanic islands of southern Brazil. Humans from three oceanic islands and two coastal mainland municipalities of southern Brazil were sampled, and Mycoplasma spp. infection was determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (cycle threshold; Ct ≤ 34.4). Dog samples were collected and tested using the Canine Hemotropic Mycoplasma panel (Idexx Reference Laboratory, Sacramento, CA, USA). To ensure accurate results, samples were also subjected to targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS), and results were used to construct phylogenetic trees. Epidemiological information was obtained to analyze associated risk factors. A total of 19/304 (6.2

Hemoplasmas (hemotropic mycoplasmas) are obligatory red blood cell bacteria that may infect and cause anemia in several mammalian species. IAccordingly, the present study assessed four quilombola communities during six on-field expeditions between December 2021 and March 2022 in the central-eastern Paraná State, southern Brazil. Overall, 12/208 (5.8 %) quilombola individuals were positive for hemoplasma infection by qPCR. Results of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing confirmed Mycoplasma heamocanis infection in two human samples. In addition, hemoplasma infection was detected by qPCR in 19/100 (19.0 %) dogs including 16/19 (84.2 %) dogs for Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum, 7/19 (3.7 %) for M. haemocanis, and 4/19 (21.0 %) for both. To the author's knowledge, this is the first One Health approach study of hemoplasma detection in quilombola individuals along with their dogs as vulnerable populations worldwide, with M. heamocanis detection in both human and companion animals.

Although hemoplasma infection has been widely described in animals, a few studies have been conducted involving human populations, mostly as case reports. This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study that accessed hemoplasma infection in individuals and dogs from ten Indigenous communities of southern and southeastern Brazil. A total of 23/644 (3.6%) individuals of ten Indigenous communities tested positive to hemoplasmas by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (cycle threshold; Ct ≤ 34.4), with 3/644 (0.5%) Mycoplasma haemocanis detection. In addition, 91/416 (21.9%) dogs were positive to hemoplasmas by qPCR, with 54/91 (59.3%) for M. haemocanis, 27/91 (29.7%) for Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum, and 10/91 (11.0%) for both. Molecular diagnosis of M. haemocanis in Indigenous people herein may be consequence of daily close contact with dogs and different potential vectors. Although apparently healthy individuals, hemoplasma infection should be considered as differential diagnosis in likely overexposed populations, such as Indigenous individuals.

A 10-month-old intact male blue Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) was presented to the Purdue University Small Animal Hospital with multiple bilateral masses on the caudal flank. Comprehensive evaluation using impression cytology, histopathology and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed a tumour composed of a mixed-cell population of iridophores and melanophores, consistent with a mixed-cell irido-melanophoroma. The tumour exhibited clinical and cytohistological characteristics of malignancy, including rapid enlargement, cellular and nuclear atypia, tissue invasion and tumour emboli formation. Interestingly, mild mononuclear inflammation was observed, and mycobacterial culture isolated an acid-fast-positive bacterium identified as Mycobacterium chelonae through Sanger sequencing of rpoB and 16S rRNA, combined with Basic Local Alignment Search Tool analysis. This is the first case report of a malignant piscine chromatophoroma with concurrent inflammation and isolation of Mycobacterium, highlighting the need for further studies to investigate a potential association.

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are opportunistic bacteria that attach to the erythrocyte surface, causing infectious anemia in several mammalian species, including rodents. Studies surveying native Azara's agoutis (Dasyprocta azarae) in Brazil are lacking. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess hemoplasmas infection in free-ranging agoutis from an urban environmental conservation area in Curitiba, southern Brazil. Overall, 11/35 (31.43%) agoutis were positive to hemoplasmas by quantitative PCR (cycle threshold≤34.4). Sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene indicated Mycoplasma haemomuris infection, closely related to M. haemomuris subsp. ratti, suggesting hemoplasma transmission from urban rats to agoutis. Because the main route of M. haemomuris transmission has been direct rodent-to-rodent infection, the relatively lower positivity that we detected may be the result of low intraspecies contact due to the smaller social units of agoutis, generally consisting of two to four individuals, and low interspecies contact due to only sporadic agouti-rat interactions in urban settings, compared with other rodent species interactions. Further studies should be conducted to determine whether the hemoplasma infection that we found can cause clinical onset and life-threatening anemia in agoutis.

The traditional role of cytologic and histologic evaluation of bone marrow remains important in understanding diseases and conditions that affect this tissue. It is only through correlation of historical and clinical findings with hematologic, bone marrow, and other ancillary data that an accurate diagnosis can be made. Thus, the clinician is an essential link in helping establish a correct diagnosis. This article is a primer for understanding key features of bone marrow evaluation and provides practical tips for developing the best practices for optimal patient care.

This datasheet on Haemobartonella covers Identity.

Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrinopathy in dogs that has been associated with various biochemical changes and comorbid diseases, but hematologic abnormalities have been rarely reported. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate complete blood count and blood smear alterations and to describe their relationship with, and incidence of comorbid diseases in, diabetic dogs. Three-hundred twelve diabetic dogs, 286 dogs diagnosed with systemic, nondiabetic illnesses, and 506 healthy dogs were identified during the study period. Groups were compared using contingency tables and logistic regression. Associations between statistically significant complete blood count and blood smear alterations and comorbidities were evaluated using multivariable analysis. High-grade codocytosis and anisocytosis were identified more frequently in diabetic dogs, whereas high-grade reactive lymphocytosis and keratocytosis were identified less frequently (P < .001). Diabetic dogs with high-grade codocytosis had lower red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit and higher white blood cell counts (P < .001). Diabetic ketoacidosis was diagnosed more frequently in diabetic dogs with high-grade codocytosis when compared with those with low-grade codocytosis (P < .001) or when compared with any other cell morphologic alterations. This study suggests that blood smear analysis should be a routine part of the evaluation of diabetic dogs.

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is a rare disorder characterized by dysregulation of the immune response resulting in uncontrolled activation of macrophages with exacerbated phagocytosis of host cells. In dogs, the criteria for diagnosis include the presence of pancytopenia or bicytopenia in the peripheral blood and >2% hemophagocytic macrophages in bone marrow aspirates. When HPS is associated with lymphoma, it is called lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (LAHS). Here, we present a case of a 4 ½-year-old female spayed Old English Mastiff that presented with severe thrombocytopenia, mild anemia, mild to moderate leukopenia, and large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) in the peripheral blood. The patient had enlarged lymph nodes with many LGLs seen cytologically, leading to the interpretation of LGL lymphoma. Bone marrow displayed numerous LGLs that stained strongly for CD3 but did not show immunoreactivity to CD4 or CD8, and PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement analysis confirmed a clonal T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement. The presence of ~3.5% hemophagocytes present on the bone marrow evaluation raised concern for HPS and, more specifically, LAHS. HPS and LAHS are challenging to diagnose and require many criteria to be fulfilled before a definitive diagnosis can be made; the low number of cases in the literature makes this even more challenging in dogs. This case represents secondary LAHS due to LGL lymphoma in a dog.

Three dogs under 12 months old were diagnosed with atypical multiple myeloma (MM), having an aggressive multifocal anaplastic round cell sarcoma in bone marrow, viscera, and/or peripheral blood, which were confirmed by cytology and immunohistochemistry to be of plasma cell origin. The intramedullary sarcomas caused myelophthisis, osteolysis, and hypercalcemia. Complete or free light chain monoclonal gammopathy in the serum and/or urine was demonstrated by protein electrophoresis and immunofixation. The polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangement assay performed on 2 cases identified a clonally rearranged immunoglobulin gene. Neoplastic cells lacked expression of CD45, CD3, CD18, CD21, CD34, and MHCII by flow cytometry. Immunohistochemistry revealed MUM1 immunoreactivity of the neoplastic cells. Combining all data, the diagnosis was MM. An aggressive form of MM in young dogs should be a differential diagnosis for patients with an immunoglobulin-productive, B cell-clonal, CD45-negative, MUM1-positive discrete cell neoplasm arising from the bone marrow.

A 7-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation of decreased appetite and respiratory signs. A CBC run on presentation revealed severe nonregenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukocytosis characterized by a prominent population of blasts, having morphologic features suggestive of a monocytic lineage. The cat tested positive for FIV, FeLV, Mycoplasma haemominutum, and only mild abnormalities were identified on the chemistry panel. Bone marrow biopsies were obtained to investigate the bicytopenia and the possibility of a hematopoietic neoplasm. Although the bone marrow aspirate was nondiagnostic, the core biopsy was markedly hypercellular with a population of blasts, largely replacing the normal hematopoietic tissue. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the blasts were CD3-negative, Pax5-negative, dimly CD18-positive, and moderately positive for Iba1. These findings, in addition to the prominent monocytic differentiation seen in peripheral blood, supported a diagnosis of acute monocytic leukemia. Palliative antiviral and antibiotic treatment and blood transfusion were performed. The patient was discharged on his fourth day of hospitalization. However, 15 days following discharge, the cat was euthanized due to the worsening of his systemic signs. This report discusses the classifications of myeloid leukemias, implications of infectious diseases in the pathogenesis of neoplasia in cats, and the use of Iba1, a "pan-monocytic/histiocytic" marker, in the diagnosis of acute leukemia.

PURPOSE:Comparative genomic analysis of strains may help us to better understand the wide diversity of their genetic profiles. The aim of this study was to analyse the genomic features of the resistome and virulome of Brazilian first methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates and their relationship to other Brazilian and international MRSA strains.METHODOLOGY:The whole genomes of three MRSA strains previously isolated in Vitória da Conquista were sequenced, assembled, annotated and compared with other MRSA genomes. A phylogenetic tree was constructed and the pan-genome and accessory and core genomes were constructed. The resistomes and virulomes of all strains were identified.Results/Key findings. Phylogenetic analysis of all 49 strains indicated different clones showing high similarity. The pan-genome of the analysed strains consisted of 4484 genes, with 31 % comprising the gene portion of the core genome, 47 % comprising the accessory genome and 22 % being singletons. Most strains showed at least one gene related to virulence factors associated with immune system evasion, followed by enterotoxins. The strains showed multiresistance, with the most recurrent genes conferring resistance to beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides and macrolides.CONCLUSIONS:Our comparative genomic analysis showed that there is no pattern of virulence gene distribution among the clones analysed in the different regions. The Brazilian strains showed similarity with clones from several continents.

Pigs are popular animal models in biomedical research. RNA-Seq is becoming the predominant tool to investigate transcriptional changes of the pig's response to infection. The high sensitivity of this tool requires a strict control of the study design beginning with the selection of healthy animals to provide accurate interpretation of research data. Pigs chronically infected with Mycoplasma suis often show no obvious clinical signs, however the infection may affect the validity of animal research. The goal of this study was to investigate whether or not this silent infection is also silent at the host transcriptional level. Therefore, immunocompetent pigs were experimentally infected with M. suis and transcriptional profiles of whole blood, generated by RNA-Seq, were analyzed and compared to non-infected animals. RNA-Seq showed 55 differentially expressed (DE) genes in the M. suis infected pigs. Down-regulation of genes related to innate immunity (tlr8, chemokines, chemokines receptors) and genes containing IFN gamma-activated sequence (gbp1, gbp2, il15, cxcl10, casp1, cd274) suggests a general suppression of the immune response in the infected animals. Sixteen (29.09%) of the DE genes were involved in two protein interaction networks: one involving chemokines, chemokine receptors and interleukin-15 and another involving the complement cascade. Genes related to vascular permeability, blood coagulation, and endothelium integrity were also DE in infected pigs. These findings suggest that M. suis subclinical infection causes significant alterations in blood mRNA levels, which could impact data interpretation of research using pigs. Screening of pigs for M. suis infection before initiating animal studies is strongly recommended.

My.co.plas'ma. Gr. masc. n. myces a fungus; Gr. neut. n. plasma something formed or molded, a form; N.L. neut. n. Mycoplasma fungus form. Tenericutes / Mollicutes / Mycoplasmatales / Mycoplasmataceae / Mycoplasma Bacteria in the genus Mycoplasma are small (300–800 nm in diameter) pleomorphic cells devoid of a cell wall. Culturable species usually form very small (<1 mm) umbonate colonies on agar. Their use of the codon UGA to encode tryptophan is a distinctive characteristic of all species examined to date. As a consequence of their small (usually 0.5–1.5 Mb) genomes they have limited intermediary metabolism and are nutritionally fastidious, requiring exogenous sugars or arginine, cholesterol or other sterols, peptides, and free nucleic acids for axenic growth. In nature, all species are obligate commensals or parasites with varying degrees of specificity for a wide range of vertebrate hosts. The type species Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides and Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae are highly virulent animal pathogens subject to strict international regulations, but the genus is perhaps better known for Mycoplasma pneumoniae , the agent of primary atypical “walking” pneumonia in humans. The relative biological simplicity of mycoplasmas confers significant advantages for current proteomics, metabolomics, synthetic genomics, and systems biology research. For example, the recent chemical synthesis and transplantation of intact chromosomes demonstrated that it is possible to enliven a mycoplasma fully capable of autonomous replication with an artificially constructed genome. DNA G + C content ( mol %): 23–40. Type species : Mycoplasma mycoides (Borrel, Dujardin‐Beaumetz, Jeantet and Jouan 1910) Freundt 1955, 73 ( Asterococcus mycoides Borrel, Dujardin‐Beaumetz, Jeantet and Jouan 1910, 179).

Ep.e.ry.thro.zo'on. Gr. pref.epion; Gr. adj.erythrosred; Gr. neut. n.zoonliving being, animal; N.L. neut. n.Eperythrozoon(presumably intended to mean) animals on red (blood cells).Tenericutes / Mollicutes / Mycoplasmatales / incertae Sedis ‐ Family II / EperythrozoonThe taxonomy and nomenclature of hemotropic bacteria first assigned in 1928 to the genusEperythrozoonare matters of current controversy. It is now undisputed that, on the basis of their lack of a cell wall, small (typically 350–500 nm in diameter) cell size, low (27–34 mol%) G + C content, use of the codon UGA to encode tryptophan, regular association with vertebrate hosts, and 16S rRNA gene sequences most similar (80–84%) to species in genusMycoplasma, these organisms are properly affiliated with the orderMycoplasmatales. However, the proposed transfers ofEperythrozoonandHaemobartonellaspecies to genusMycoplasmawere opposed on the grounds that the degree of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity is insufficient. The alternative of situating them in a new genus in familyMycoplasmataceaewould regrettably compound polyphyly within genusMycoplasmaon no other basis than a capacity to adhere to the surface of erythrocytesin vivo. A second alternative, transfer of the nomenclatural type speciesEperythrozoon coccoidesto the genusMycoplasma, is complicated by priority becauseEperythrozoonpredatesMycoplasma. However, the third alternative of uniting the genera by transferring all mycoplasmas to the genusEperythrozoonis completely unjustifiable considering the biological characteristics of the nonhemotropic majority ofMycoplasmaspecies. A provisional placement of the formerEperythrozoonspecies in the genusMycoplasmahas nevertheless been embraced by specialists in the molecular biology and clinical pathogenicity of these and similar hemotropic organisms.Type species:Eperythrozoon coccoidesSchilling 1928, 1854.DNA G+C content (mol%): 27–34.

Background: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by pathogenic strains of Leptospira, which may affect human beings and a wide range of both domestic and wild animals. The disease in dogs is still a challenge for clinicians, since definitive diagnosis may be reached only few days after overt clinical signs. Besides that, dogs with leptospiruria have zoonotic risk, making development of rapid screening tests crucial for early diagnosis of disease. C-reactive protein is a positive acute phase protein, and in the dog a strong and fast response is expected after any tissue injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum and urinary C-reactive protein as potential early indicators of leptospirosis in dogs, and its association with clinical serum biochemistry, complete blood count (CBC) and clinical outcome.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 62 dogs with risk factors and/or clinical signs of leptospirosis were prospectively obtained and included in this study. Definitive diagnosis was based on serology, using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) against 13 serovars, and on a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in blood or urine, using the primers sets G1/G2 and B64I/B64II, which amplify DNA of pathogenic leptospires. Clinical serum biochemistry included creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase and albumin. C-reactive protein was performed in serum and urine using a semi-quantitative latex-agglutination test. A total of 49/62 (79%) dogs had a positive diagnosis of leptospirosis. From these, 12 (24.5%) had positive blood PCR, 17 (34.7%) positive urine PCR and 43 (87.7%) had positive serology. Concurrent positive serology and positive PCR (blood or urine) occurred in 19 (38.8%) dogs, whereas 24 (49%) dogs had positive serology only, and 6 (12.2%) dogs had positive PCR only. Dogs with negative results at serology and PCR were kept for analysis and participated as negative control group. Out of the 62 dogs, 25 (40.3%) had high liver enzymes, 18 (29%) had azotemia, 23 (37.1%) had leukocytosis, 37 (59.7%) had high creatine kinase levels and 37 (59.7%) had hypoalbuminemia. Twelve death cases (19.3%) occurred within 10 days after the sample collection. Positive serology was significantly associated with urinary C-reactive protein (P = 0.038). Only a weak association was found between serum C-reactive protein and blood PCR (area under curve= 0.68). There was no association between urinary C-reactive protein and urine PCR, urinary C-reactive protein and blood PCR, serum C-reactive protein and positive serology, or serum C-reactive protein and urine PCR. Increased liver enzymes (P = 0.04) and hypoalbuminemia (P = 0.002) were associated with high levels of serum C-reactive protein. There was no association between serum or urinary C-reactive protein and death.Discussion: In this study, it was hypothesized that increased blood C-RP may be expected in dogs having leptospiremia, whereas increased urinary C-RP may be expected in dogs having leptospiruria. However, the results showed that C-reactive protein was not useful to predict leptospiremia or leptospiruria in the naturally infected dogs of this study; and although association between urinary C-reactive protein and seropositivity was observed, it should not be used as a unique test for leptospirosis. In conclusion, although C-reactive protein may be used as part of a screening profile, it should not be considared as indicator alone of leptospirosis screening in dogs.

ABSTRACT Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Staphylococcus aureus strain LC33, isolated from human breast milk in Brazil. This microorganism has been typed as ST1/t127/sccmecV. To our knowledge, this is the first draft genome sequence of a methicillin-resistant S. aureus strain isolated from human breast milk.

ABSTRACT We report here the draft genome sequences of two community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) strains, C18 and C80, isolated from healthy children from day care centers. To our knowledge, these are the first draft genome sequences of CA-MRSA ST398/CC398/Scc mec V and CA-MRSA ST5/CC5/Scc mec IVa isolated from healthy children in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE To develop and validate a real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for the detection and quantification of Mycoplasma ovis in goats and investigate the prevalence and risk factors for hemoplasma infection of goats located in Indiana. ANIMALS 362 adult female goats on 61 farms. PROCEDURES Primers were designed for amplification of a fragment of the dnaK gene of M ovis by use of a qPCR assay. Blood samples were collected into EDTA-containing tubes for use in total DNA extraction, blood film evaluation, and determination of PCV. Limit of detection, intra-assay variability, interassay variability, and specificity of the assay were determined. RESULTS Reaction efficiency of the qPCR assay was 94.45% (R(2), 0.99; slope, -3.4623), and the assay consistently detected as few as 10 copies of plasmid/reaction. Prevalence of infection in goats on the basis of results for the qPCR assay was 18.0% (95% confidence interval, 14% to 22%), with infected goats ranging from 1 to 14 years old, whereby 61% (95% confidence interval, 47% to 73%) of the farms had at least 1 infected goat. Bacterial load in goats infected with M ovis ranged from 1.05 × 10(3) target copies/mL of blood to 1.85 × 10(5) target copies/mL of blood; however, no bacteria were observed on blood films. Production use of a goat was the only risk factor significantly associated with hemoplasma infection. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The qPCR assay was more sensitive for detecting hemoplasma infection than was evaluation of a blood film, and production use of a goat was a risk factor for infection.

Coxiella burnetii is the etiologic agent of the zoonotic disease Q fever and is considered to be endemic in domestic ruminants. Small ruminants in particular are important reservoirs for human infection. Serologic and molecular methods are both available for diagnosis of infection with C. burnetii, but there has been little research evaluating the prevalence of this organism in small ruminants outside of the context of clinical disease outbreaks. The objectives of this study were to estimate seroprevalence of C burnetii and the prevalence of shedding of C. burnetii DNA in milk by goats in Indiana, USA, to evaluate potential risk factors for association with C. burnetii exposure and shedding, and to assess the level of agreement between the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests used to estimate prevalence. A total of 649 does over 1 year of age and not pregnant at the time of sampling were included in the study. Serum samples were collected from 608 does representing 89 farms. Milk samples were collected from 387 does representing 85 farms. Both milk and serum samples were collected from 356 does representing 80 farms. The estimated individual seroprevalence and shedding prevalence in milk adjusted for clustering were 3.1% (n=23/608, 95% CI: 1.2-7.0%) and 2.5% (n = 9/387, 9.5% CI: 1.0-5.6%) respectively. Estimated adjusted herd level C. burnetii seroprevalence and herd level shedding prevalence were 11.5% (n= 10/89, 95% CI: 6.4-20.1%) and 7.0% (n = 6/85, 95% CI: 3.3-14.6%) respectively. Based on a generalized estimating equation model (GEE), meat breeds of goat had 7.0 times increased odds of shedding C. burnetii DNA in milk samples as compared to dairy breeds. Agreement between tests as determined by Cohen's kappa was poor at both the individual (kappa = 0.04, 95% CI: -0.1 to 0.2) and herd (kappa =0.2, 95% CI:-0.1 to 0.5) levels. This indicates that serologic screening alone is unlikely to prevent the introduction of does shedding C burnetii into herds. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.