Salmonellosis in calves is a bacterial disease that affects their digestive tract causing diarrhea. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out with the aim of studying the prevalence of various serovars of Salmonella in calves and their relationship with diarrhea signs. The study was conducted in Mar and Sierras Dairy Basin located in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Seven hundred and twenty six calves both with diarrhea signs or not were sampled by rectal mucosa swab in 50 dairy farms during the rearing period. Isolates identified as Salmonella spp. were classified using polyvalent and monovalent antisera against somatic, flagellar and capsule antigens (Vi). Salmonella spp. was found in 36% of the farms and serotypes were: S. Mbandaka, S. Anatum, S. Typhimurium, S. Dublin, S. Montevideo, S. Meleagridis, S. Newport, S. Seftemberg, S. subesp. 16,7:z1, S. Infantis, S. Give. A percentage of 5.5% calves was positive and calves showing diarrheal signs were 5.9 times more likely to be infected with Salmonella spp. than those having no signs. The age of positive calves ranged from the first day of life to 53; the second day being the most frequent time. In conclusion, 11 Salmonella serovars were detected in one out of 3 dairy farms in Mar and Sierras Dairy Basin, and not only were these serovars associated with diarrhea signs including the presence of mucus in feces, but they were also more prevalent among calves aged up to 21 days.

La salmonelosis es una de las enfermedades bacterianas que afectan el tracto digestivo de los terneros y provocan en ellos diarrea. Con el objetivo de estudiar la prevalencia de los distintos serovares de Salmonella en terneros de crianza artificial y determinar la asociación con signos diarreicos, se realizó un estudio epidemiológico con diseno transversal en la región lechera Mar y Sierras, ubicada en la Provincia de Buenos Aires (Argentina). Mediante hisopado de mucosa rectal, se muestrearon 726 terneros en período de crianza distribuidos en 50 establecimientos lecheros de dicha zona, se incluyeron animales con signos diarreicos y sin estos. Los aislamientos identificados como Salmonella spp. fueron tipificados utilizando antisueros poli- y monovalentes dirigidos contra antígenos somáticos, flagelares y capsulares (Vi). Salmonella spp. se detectó en el 36% de los establecimientos y los serovares hallados fueron S. Mbandaka, S. Anatum, S. Typhimurium, S. Dublin, S. Montevideo, S. Meleagridis, S. Newport, S. Seftemberg, S. subesp.16,7:z1, S. Infantis y S. Give. El 5,5% de los terneros fueron positivos y aquellos terneros con signología diarreica presentaron 5,9 veces más probabilidad de estar infectados con Salmonella spp. que aquellos que no tuvieron signos. La edad de los terneros positivos osciló desde un día hasta 53 días de vida; la mayor frecuencia se detectó al segundo día de nacidos. Se concluye que 11 serovares de Salmonella están presentes en más de un tercio de los establecimientos lecheros de la región lechera Mar y Sierras y que estos serovares mostraron estar asociados a la existencia de signos diarreicos en los terneros, sobre todo a la presencia de moco en las heces. La prevalencia de Salmonella fue mayor en terneros de menos de 21 días de vida.

Introduction. In Argentina, an estimated 400 000 varicella cases occur annually. Given the under-recording of existing cases, the actual burden of disease is unknown. Objective. To assess the burden of varicella before the introduction of the varicella vaccine in the national immunization schedule. Materials and methods. Retrospective, analytical, observational study carried out in three hospitals of Argentina. Review of medical records from outpatient visits to the Emergency Department and from patients younger than 18 years hospitalized for varicella. Period: 1/2011-12/2013. Results. A total of 382 782 outpatients were seen; 3367(0.88%) corresponded to visits due to varicella; 57.6 % were < 4 years old. A total of 164 (4.9 %) patients required hospitalization, with an overall hospitalization rate of 65.3/10 000 hospitalized patients/year (95 % confidence interval |#91;CI|#93;: 55.4-76.5); hospitalization rate in healthy children: 57.2/10 000 (95 % CI: 67.7-48.0); median age: 31.5 months. The most common causes of hospitalization were skin and/or soft tissue infections (61.1 %) and respiratory infections (10.1 %). Also, 54.3 % were treated with acyclovir and 73.1 %, with antibiotics. Bacteremia developed in 5/67 patients (7.5 %), all cases were caused by Gram-positive cocci and occurred in immunocompetent patients. Out of 19 immunocompromised patients, 36.8 % had complications (5 skin and/or soft tissue infection and 2 pneumonia cases). The median length of stay was 4 days, which is significantly more prolonged in immunocompromised patients. One patient required intensive care. No patient died. Conclusion. The burden of disease was significant, with a considerable impact in patients without an underlying disease.

Introducción. En Argentina, se estiman 400 000 casos anuales de varicela. Dado el subregistro de casos existentes, la carga de enfermedad real se desconoce. Objetivo. Evaluar la carga de enfermedad por varicela antes de la introducción de la vacuna al Calendario Nacional. Materiales y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo, analítico, observacional, realizado en tres centros asistenciales del país. Revisión de los registros de consultas ambulatorias a los Servicios de Urgencias y de las historias clínicas de las internaciones por varicela en pacientes < 18 años. Período: 1/2011-12/2013. Resultados. Fueron asistidas un total de 382782 consultas ambulatorias; 3367 (0,88 %) correspondieron a consultas por varicela; el 57,6 %, < 4 años. Requirieron internación 164 (4,9 %) con una tasa de hospitalización global de 65,3/10000 hospitalizados/año (IC 95 %: 55,4-76,5); tasa de hospitalización en niños sanos: 57,2/10 000 (IC 95 %: 67,7-48,0); mediana de edad: 31,5 meses. Las causas de internación más frecuentes fueron infecciones de piel y/o partes blandas (61,1 %) y respiratorias (10,1 %). El 54,3 % recibió tratamiento con aciclovir, y el 73,1 %, con antibióticos. Presentaron bacteriemia 5/67 (7,5 %), todas por cocos Gram(+) y en inmunocompetentes. De los 19 pacientes inmunocomprometidos, el 36,8 % tuvo complicaciones (5 infecciones de piel y/o partes blandas y 2 neumonías). La mediana de días de internación fue 4, significativamente más prolongada en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Un paciente requirió cuidados intensivos. No hubo fallecidos. Conclusión. La carga de enfermedad registrada fue significativa, con impacto considerable en pacientes sin patología de base.

Abstract: In this work, we studied the mechanical performance of an LDPE film (0.22 mm in thickness) used as a material in the design of greenhouse covers. We investigated the effects of ageing at different periods of its service life and applying chemical substance treatments used as pesticides on greenhouse crops and after breakage using mechanical traction. Numerical simulations were performed using the finite element method. For this purpose, one section of the complete geometry of the greenhouse cover and different load conditions (1-5 kPa) were considered for the modelling. The performance of the polymer was assumed to be linearly elastic to simplify the governing equations. The study demonstrated that the LDPE film used was no longer effective as a greenhouse cover film due to the degradation of its mechanical properties. It was shown that the general performance of this film was in the plastic zone and its performance was non-linear. The results deduced from the present study are of interest because they show the material failure process of greenhouse covers in relation to the degradation process.

Resumen: En este trabajo hemos estudiado el comportamiento mecánico de un film de LDPE (0.22 mm de espesor) usado como material para el diseño de cubiertas de invernaderos. Se ha investigado el efecto del envejecimiento en diferentes períodos de la vida útil, en los que se han aplicado tratamientos con sustancias químicas, utilizadas como pesticidas en cultivos de invernadero y después de la rotura mediante tracción mecánica. Las simulaciones numéricas se realizaron utilizando el método de elementos finitos. Para la modelización se ha considerado una sección de la geometría completa de la cubierta y diferentes condiciones de carga (1-5 kPa). Además, se asumió que el rendimiento del polímero era linealmente elástico para simplificar las ecuaciones. El estudio demostró que el film no estaba en condiciones de ser usado en la cubierta del invernadero debido a la pérdida de sus propiedades mecánicas. También se ha observado que el comportamiento general de la cubierta está en la zona plástica del material y, por tanto, tiene un comportamiento no lineal. Los resultados de las comparaciones realizadas son interesantes y de gran ayuda para ilustrar el proceso de falla del material de las cubiertas de invernadero en relación con el proceso de degradación.

BACKGROUND Amphimerus spp. is a liver fluke that infects humans and domestic animals. It is highly prevalent in some Ecuadorian communities. Currently, diagnosis is based on the microscopic observation of eggs in faeces, but this has variable sensitivity. More sensitive methods are needed for diagnostic testing. OBJECTIVE The main objective of this work was to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using crude antigens from Amphimerus spp. adult worms to detect anti-Amphimerus IgG in human sera. METHODS Crude somatic antigens were obtained from adult Amphimerus spp. worms. Human sera from 119 patients were tested: 48 from individuals with a confirmed Amphimerus spp. infection, 78 from non-infected Ecuadorians living in the endemic region, 60 from persons living in non-endemic areas (20 Ecuadorians, 20 Europeans, and 20 Africans), and 33 who had other parasitic and non-parasitic infections. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Results were analysed using the receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis with an area under curve (AUC) value of 0.967. The accuracy of the ELISA was high. The sensitivity was 85.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 80.3-89.7%] and the specificity was 71.0% (95% CI: 65.2-76.8%). Some cross reactivity was detected against Paragonimus mexicanus, Fasciola hepatica, Schistosomiasis, Taenia solium, Strongyloides stercoralis, Mansonella spp., and Vampirolepis nana. MAIN CONCLUSIONS We have developed the first ELISA technique that detects anti-Amphimerus IgG in human sera with good sensitivity, repeatability and reproducibility. However, more specific antigens are needed to further enhance performance of this assay. Regardless, this ELISA test could be useful for early diagnosis and prompt treatment of human Amphimerus spp. infections.

Campylobacter fetus is extracellular bacteria of the genital tract of cattle. They cause infertility and abortion, but there is no documented information on the susceptibility of bovine sperm cells to this bacteria. The aim of this present work was to study the effects provoked by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis when in interaction with bovine sperm cells. The bovine spermatozoa were obtained frozen bovine semen pooled from uninfected bulls, and were exposed to living campylobacter over different periods of time. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy first revealed a tropism, then a close proximity followed by tight adhesion between these two different cells. A decrease in the spermatozoa motility was observed. Motile bacteria were observed during the next 3 h, this process began with a tight membranemembrane adhesion. The adhesion between Campylobacter fetus to the sperm cell occurred either by the flagella or by sperm head. Results from this study demonstrated with light microscopy scanning electron microscopy allowed us to characterize some aspects of the interaction of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis and bovine sperm while preserving the cellular and bacterial structure. This ex vivo model might be useful for studies on adhesion and cytopathogenicity of different field strains of Campylobacter fetus.

Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis es un patógeno extracelular del tracto genital de bovinos. En las hembras causa subfertilidad y aborto, mientras que los toros son portadores en el esmegma prepucial y se desconoce si provoca daño en los espermatozoides. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar los efectos de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis sobre espermatozoides bovinos. Los espermatozoides obtenidos a partir de pajuelas de semen pertenecientes a toros no infectados, se coincubaron con una cepa de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis por diferentes períodos de tiempo. Por microscopía óptica y electrónica de barrido se observó el tropismo inicial de la bacteria hacia los espermatozoides y la adhesión bacteriana, de forma colateral se observó su efecto en el espermograma. Post incubación los espermatozoides presentaron menor motilidad progresiva y mayor porcentaje de muertos con respecto al control. Se comprobó la viabilidad de la bacteria a las 3 h. Se registró la adhesión de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis a la membrana celular de distintas porciones del espermatozoide: cabeza, pieza media, cuello y cola. Los resultados de este estudio permitieron caracterizar la interacción entre Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis y espermatozoides bovinos por microscopía óptica y electrónica de barrido. La aplicación de este modelo ex vivo permitirá profundizar los conocimientos referentes a los procesos de adhesión y citopatogenicidad de Campylobacter fetus.

Objective characterizing morbidity and hospitalization costs of chronic diseases (cardiovascular, respiratory, diabetes and cancer) for the Unified National Health System. Methods a retrospective analytical study that used secondary data from the hospital information system of people aged ≥ 25 years. Results among the four assessed morbidities, cancer and cardiovascular diseases have been the most prevalent. For cancer there was a predominance of females, aged between 45 and 49 years. Males had a higher incidence for cardiovascular diseases, with an age range of 55-59 years. These two diseases were the most costly for the system. The frequency of respiratory diseases follows a declining trend for both genders, while diabetes remained stable during the period. Conclusion the highest prevalence of intervention was cancer among women and in men predominated cardiovascular diseases.

Objetivo caracterizar las morbilidades y los costos de hospitalización del Sistema Único de Salud por enfermedades crónicas (cardiovasculares, respiratorias, diabetes y neoplasias). Métodos estudio analítico y retrospectivo, utilizándose datos secundarios del sistema de información hospitalaria de personas con edad ≥ 25 años. Resultados entre las cuatro morbilidades evaluadas, neoplasias y enfermedades cardiovasculares se han demostrado más frecuentes. Para las neoplasias, hubo predominio del sexo femenino, con edades entre 45 y 49 años. Hombres con mayor participación para enfermedades cardiovasculares, con edades entre 55 y 59 años. Estos dos fueron las enfermedades más costosas para el sistema. Para ambos los sexos, la frecuencia de las enfermedades respiratorias sigue comportamiento de caída, pero la diabetes se mantiene estable en el período. Conclusión la mayor prevalencia de intervención fue de neoplasias entre las mujeres, y en los hombres, las enfermedades cardiovasculares.

Objetivo caracterizar as morbidades e os custos das internações hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde por doenças crônicas (cardiovasculares, respiratórias, diabetes e neoplasias). Métodos estudo analítico e retrospectivo, utilizou dados secundários do sistema de informação hospitalar de pessoas com idade ≥ 25 anos. Resultados dentre as quatro morbidades avaliadas, as neoplasias e as doenças cardiovasculares se mostraram mais prevalentes. Para as neoplasias, houve predominância do sexo feminino, com idade entre 45 e 49 anos. O sexo masculino teve maior participação para as doenças cardiovasculares, na faixa de 55 a 59 anos. Estas duas doenças foram mais dispendiosas para o sistema. Para ambos os sexos, a frequência de doenças respiratórias segue comportamento de queda, enquanto o diabetes se mantém estável no período. Conclusão a maior prevalência de intervenção foi de neoplasias entre as mulheres e nos homens predominou as doenças cardiovasculares.

The suicidal behaviour is determined by different causes (poverty, unemployment, humiliation, lost of beloved relatives, rupture of love relations, abuses during childhood, among other), besides certain mental disturbances such as depression and schizophrenia. Indeed, some elements related to the topic are exposed and it is demonstrated that the quick identification of the suicidal behaviour and the appropriate treatment to people with mental disturbances constitute an important preventive strategy

La conducta suicida está determinada por diferentes causas (pobreza, desempleo, humillación, pérdida de seres queridos, ruptura de relaciones amorosas, maltratos durante la infancia, entre otros), además de determinados trastornos mentales como la depresión y la esquizofrenia. A tales efectos se exponen algunos elementos relacionados con el tema y se demuestra que la pronta identificación de la conducta suicida y el tratamiento adecuado a las personas con trastornos mentales constituyen una importante estrategia preventiva

Historically, the Federal Judicial Branch has annulled the diffuse constitutional control. It came to light again as a result of the permanent legislature’s decision; this reappearance is linked to issues related to human rights, creating myriad challenges and vicissitudes for judges in the Country. At the outset, there is null judge’s experience related to the interpretation of the constitution’s text; and, there is a deeply rooted line of thought, the iuspositivism. This shift requires judges to bring up to date their knowledge related to procedural constitutional law, in this way they will be able to evolve from an ordinary judge to one who will guarantee constitutional supremacy. The principle of interpretation according to the Constitution and other principles that are presented in this paper are essential to guide judges as well as human rights advocates. The understanding of those principles will help to avoid the emergence of an unarticulated judicial activism that may lead to the application of the diffuse constitutional control as a way to strike down any norm.

El control difuso de constitucionalidad históricamente anulado por el Poder Judicial federal resurge en materia de derechos humanos por decisión del constituyente permanente de la mano de una serie de vicisitudes y retos para los operadores jurisdiccionales del país. De entrada, la nula experiencia del juzgador en la interpretación del texto constitucional y la arraigada corriente iuspositivista exige actualizarse en los conceptos del derecho procesal constitucional, para poder dar el salto de juzgador ordinario a garante de la supremacía constitucional. El principio de interpretación conforme a la Constitución y otros conceptos que en el presente artículo se exponen son indispensables para guiar la actuación del operador jurisdiccional como defensores de los derechos humanos. Comprenderlo ayudará a evitar los excesos que puede llegar a generar un activismo jurisdiccional desarticulado, donde la aplicación del control difuso de constitucionalidad pueda servir siempre para desconocer el contenido de cualquier norma.

The present study evaluated the degree of marginal seal and adhesive resistance of composite resin restorations prepared with an etch and rinse adhesive system in primary and definitive dentition. To perform both tests, 20 primary pieces and 20 permanent pieces were used. In the shear strength resistance, the teeth were sectioned longitudinally and were adhered to composite resin cylinder, using the etch and rinse technique for both dentitions. They were then tested on a Tinius Olsen universal testing machine, applying a shear force of 200 kg and a head speed of 0.2 cm/min. For the margin seal test, a class V cavity preparation of standardised vestibular/palatine was made. The composite resin restorations were made with the etch and rinse technique and were subjected to thermocycling with 2% methylene blue. Later, they were cut and observed using a stereoscopic optical microscope with loop magnification to measure the percentage of microfiltration obtained. The mean value of the adhesive resistance to shearing for primary dentition was 8.49 Mpa, and 9.52 Mpa for permanent teeth, with no statistically significant differences being found between the groups studied. In the test on the degree of margin seal the percentage microfiltration was measured, with no statistically significant differences being found either. The results showed that both tissues are equally susceptible to being treated adhesively using the hybrid technique.

El presente estudio evaluó el grado de sellado marginal y resistencia adhesiva de restauraciones de resinas compuestas confeccionadas con un sistema adhesivo de grabado y lavado en dentición primaria y definitiva. Para realizar ambos test se utilizaron 20 piezas primarias y 20 piezas definitivas. En resistencia al cizallamiento, los dientes fueron seccionados longitudinalmente y se les adhirió un cilindro de resina compuesta, utilizando la técnica adhesiva de grabado y lavado para ambas denticiones. Posteriormente, fueron testeados en una máquina de ensayos universales Tinius Olsen, aplicando una fuerza de cizallamiento de 200 kg y a una velocidad de cabezal de 0,2 cm/min. Para el test de sellado marginal, se les realizó una preparación cavitaria clase V, por vestibular/palatino estandarizada. Luego se les confeccionaron restauraciones de resina compuesta con la técnica de grabado y lavado, y se sometieron al termociclado con azul de metileno al 2%; después fueron cortados y observados al microscopio óptico estereoscópico con aumento de lupa, para medir el porcentaje de microfiltración obtenido. El valor promedio de la resistencia adhesiva al cizallamiento para dentición primaria fue de 8,49 Mpa, y de 9,52 Mpa para dentición definitiva, no encontrándose diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos en estudio. En la investigación sobre el grado de sellado marginal se evaluó el porcentaje de microfiltración y tampoco se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas, lo que señalaría que ambos tejidos son igualmente susceptibles de ser tratados adhesivamente mediante la técnica de hibridación.

El agua de cola es un efluente complejo compuesto por una gran variedad de sólidos, los cuales deben ser removidos en su mayor parte para generar un efluente que pueda ser vertido directamente al mar. En el presente estudio el agua de cola se centrifugó y posteriormente se trató con quitosano a distintos valores de pH y concentraciones con la finalidad de remover sólidos presentes. Mediante la centrifugación se logró remover el 33,88% de los sólidos totales; 28,52% de proteína; 97,50% de grasa; 40% de ceniza y 20% de NNP, y disminuyeron la DBO5 y la DQO en un 42,2 y 63,3% respectivamente. El porcentaje de transmitancia aumentó de 14,6 a 18,4 siendo éste un cambio pequeño en relación al contenido de sólidos removido. La adición de quitosano al agua de cola centrifugada redujo en 25% el contenido de sólidos totales, 55% el de proteína, 40% el de grasa, 24% el de cenizas y 60% el de NNP. De igual forma, disminuyó la DBO5 y la DQO en un 48,4 y 31,2% respectivamente. Como resultado de la adición el porcentaje de transmitancia aumentó de 18,4 a 86,0; indicando que tal aumento se debió principalmente a la remoción de pigmentos y no de materia orgánica. Se logró una disminución importante en DBO5 y DQO; sin embargo, se requieren otras herramientas para reducir estos valores a concentraciones establecidas en la reglamentación sanitaria.

The stickwater is a complex effluent consisting of a variety of solids, most of which should be removed to produce a new effluent that can be directly poured into the sea. In this study, stickwater was centrifuged to remove solids and the resulting liquid was then treated with chitosan at different concentrations and pH to eliminate the solids left in it. Centrifugation extracted 33.88% of total solids, 28.52% protein, 97.50% fat, 40% ash and 20% NPN. It also decreased in 42.2 and 63.3% the BOD5 and COD, respectively. Transmittance percent increased from 14.6 to 18.4, a small change in relation to the content of solids removed. The addition of chitosan to centrifuged stickwater decreased 25% of the total solids content, 55% of protein, 40% fat, 24% ash and 60% NPN. Likewise, the addition of chitosan decreased the BOD5 and COD in 48.4 and 31.2%, respectively. As a consequence, transmittance increased from 18.4 to 86.0%, indicating that such increase was mainly due to the elimination of pigments rather than organic matter. A significant decrease was achieved in BOD5 and COD; nevertheless, other tools are required to reduce these figures to the levels established by the environmental health regulations.

O residuo liquido (stickwater) é un efluente complexo composto por uma grande variedade de sólidos, os quais deven ser removidos principalmente para gerar un efluente que possa ser vertido diretamente ao mar. No presente estudo o residuo líquido foi centrifugado e posteriormente tratado com quitosana a distintos valores de pH e concentrações com a finalidade de remover sólidos presentes. Mediante a centrifugación se conseguiu remover 33,88% dos sólidos totais; 28,52% de proteína; 97,50% de gordura; 40% de cinza e 20% de NNP, e diminuiram a DBO5 e a DQO em 42,2 e 63,3% respectivamente. A porcentagem de transmitância aumentou de 14,6 a 18,4 sendo esta uma mudança pequena em relação ao conteúdo de sólidos removido. A adição de quitosana no residuo líquido centrifugado reduziu em 25% o conteúdo de sólidos totais, 55% o de proteína, 40% o de gordura, 24% o de cinzas e 60% o de NNP. De igual forma, diminuiu a DBO e a DQO em 48,4 y 31,2% respectivamente. Como resultado da adição, a porcentagem de transmitância aumentou de 18,4 a 86,0; indicando que tal aumento foi devido principalmente à remoção de pigmentos e não de matéria orgânica. Alcançou-se uma diminuição importante em DBO5 e DQO; no entanto, são requeridas outras ferramentas para reduzir estes valores a concentrações estabelecidas na regulamentação sanitária.

A necessidade de esclarecer a relação agente-hospedeiro na tricomoníase bovina deu motivo para o uso de modelos experimentais alternativos ao bovino. O camundongo BALB/c resultou como espécie mais adequada para a infeção vaginal com Tritrichomonas foetus, requerendo uma estrogenização prévia. Visando a necessidade de um modelo experimental sem estrogenização persistente e com ciclos estrais normais, foi avaliada a instalação e persistência da infeção vaginal no camundongo BALB/c com diferentes quantidades de T. foetus, em dois grupos experimentais. O Grupo A foi tratado com 5µg de 3-benzoato de beta estradiol, para sincronizar o estro, 48 h antes da inoculação vaginal com T. foetus, e o Grupo B foi inoculado durante o estro natural. O efeito do 3-benzoato de beta estradiol decresceu gradualmente. A totalidade dos animais ciclaram regularmente após 5-7 dias pós-tratamento. Após a primeira semana pós-infecção, todos os animais foram amostrados durante 34 semanas, para avaliar o andamento da infeção vaginal e o estádio de cío. O Grupo A apresentou 93,6% de animais infetados e o Grupo B 38%. Com diferentes dosagens de T. foetus se obteve a instalação e persistência da infecção vaginal durante 34 semanas. Embora tenham-se registrados diferentes comportamentos entre cada um dos lotes dos Grupos A e B, não houveram diferenças significativas entre as doses infectantes. O tratamento com 3-benzoato de beta estradiol teve efeito favorável na instalação da infecção (P<0,0001), porém não teve influência na persistência (P= 0,1097). Em função dos resultados obtidos, apresenta-se um modelo experimental em camundongo, adequado para aprofundar estudos sobre mecanismos de patogenicidade, resposta imune, avaliação protetora de imunógenos e o efeito terapêutico de fármacos.

The interest to develop research on the host-parasite relationship in bovine tritrichomonosis has accomplished the use of experimental models alternative to cattle. The BALB/c mouse became the most appropriate species susceptible to vaginal Tritrichomonas foetus infection requiring previous estrogenization. For the need of an experimental model without persistent estrogenization and with normal estrous cycles, the establishment and persistence of vaginal infection on BALB/c mouse with different concentrations of T. foetus in two experimental groups was evaluated. Group A was treated with 5mg of b-estradiol 3-benzoate to synchronize the estrous, 48 hours before the T. foetus vaginal inoculation, and Group B was inoculated in natural estrus. At 5-7 days after treatment, estrogenic effect decreased allowing all animals to cycle regularly during the experiment. From the first week post-infection, samples of vaginal mucus were taken from all animals during 34 weeks, in order to evaluate the course of infection and the stage of the estrus cycle. Group A showed 93.6% of infected animals, and Group B showed 38%. Different doses of T. foetus were assayed to establish the vaginal infection, with a persistence of 34 weeks. Although different behavior was observed in each subgroup belonging to either Group A or Group B, there were no significant differences among the infecting doses used. The b-estradiol 3-benzoate treatment had a favorable effect on the establishment of the infection (P<0.0001), but it did not influence its persistence (P=0.1097). According to the results, an experimental mouse model is presented, appropriate for further studies on mechanisms of pathogenicity, immune response, protective evaluation of immunogen and therapeutic effect of drugs.

A necessidade de aumentar o conhecimento da patogenia da tricomoníase genital bovina (BGT) conduziu ao uso de modelos experimentais alternativos como o camundongo. Não obstante, é necessário elucidar a dinâmica da infecção nesta espécie e avaliar as diferentes fases da colonização e evolução das alterações patológicas. A imunohistoquímica (IHQ) oferece vantagens sobre as técnicas histoquímicas de rotina para a observação do protozoário em tecidos, detritos celulares e dentro de macrófagos. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi demonstrar pelo uso de uma técnica de IHQ a presença de Tritrichomonas foetus no sistema reprodutivo de camundongos infectados. Camundongos BALB/c fêmeas foram infectados pela via intravaginal, com uma suspensão de T. foetus, na fase de estro, detectado com citologia exfoliativa vaginal. Depois de 10 semanas, os animais foram sacrificados; útero e vagina forma fixados e processados para histologia. Alguns cortes foram corados com HE. O restante dos cortes foi processado para IHQ. Foi usado um soro policlonal imunoadsorvido anti-T. foetus. A técnica de avidina-biotina (HistoMouse, Zymed™) foi empregada. Os estudos histopatológicos mostraram uma dilatação das glândulas uterinas, presença de macrófagos no lúmen do órgão e parte interna das glândulas endometriais. T. foetus não foi identificado por esse método. A IHQ permitiu identificar as mesmas lesões observadas e a presença do protozoário no endométrio, nas glândulas endometriais, no lúmen uterino e dentro de neutrófilos e macrófagos. O estudo citológico em lâminas coradas por IHQ, mostrou T. foetus aderido a células epiteliais, ou dentro de macrófagos. Esta técnica demonstra ser uma ferramenta útil para o estudo da patogenia da tricomoníase genital bovina (BGT) utilizando-se o camundongo como modelo experimental.

The need to intensify knowledge of the pathogenesis of bovine genital trichomoniasis (BGT) led to the use of alternative animal models such as the mouse. Nevertheless, it is necessary to elucidate the dynamics of the infection in this animal species, evaluating different stages of the colonization and evolution of the pathological alterations. The immunohistochemistry (IHC) offers advantages over the routine histopathological staining techniques for the detection of the protozoan in tissues, cellular detritus and inside the macrophages. The goal of the present study was to demonstrate the presence of Tritrichomonas foetus in the reproductive tract of infected mice using an IHC technique. Female BALB/c mice were infected with a suspension of T. foetus by intravaginal route, in the estrum phase, detected by exfoliative vaginal cytology. After 10 weeks, the animals were sacrificed; uterus and vagina were fixed and histologically processed. Some slides were stained with HE. The rest of the slides were processed for IHC. An immunoadsorbed polyclonal serum against T. foetus was used. The avidine-biotine technique (HistoMouse, Zymed™) was employed. The histopathological studies showed a dilation of the uterine glands, presence of macrophages in the lumen of the organ and inner part of the endometrial glands. No T. foetus was identified using this method. The IHQ allowed additionally the identification of the protozoan in the endometrium, endometrial glands, uterine lumen and inside neutrophils and macrophages. The cytological studies stained with IHC showed either isolated T. foetus adhered to epithelial cells or inside macrophages. This technique proves to be a useful tool for the study of the pathogenesis of bovine genital trichomoniasis (BGT) in an experimental model.