Banca de DEFESA: KAROLINE ALVES MACHADO

Uma banca de DEFESA de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : KAROLINE ALVES MACHADO
DATE: 28/04/2025
TIME: 13:30
LOCAL: Videoconferência
TITLE:

Occurrence of Trypanosoma spp. in naturally infected cattle from different municipalities in the state of Rio de Janeiro

KEY WORDS:

bovine trypanosomiasis; Trypanosoma vivax; PCR; molecular diagnosis; epidemiology.

PAGES: 47
BIG AREA: Ciências Agrárias
AREA: Medicina Veterinária
SUBÁREA: Medicina Veterinária Preventiva
SPECIALTY: Doenças Parasitárias de Animais
SUMMARY:

Hemoprotozoan diseases represent a significant challenge to Brazilian cattle farming, mainly due to diagnostic difficulties and the economic losses associated with decreased herd productivity. Among these pathogens, protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma are noteworthy as the causative agents of trypanosomosis, a disease that may present with nonspecific clinical signs such as anemia, weight loss, reduced milk production, and abortions. These manifestations often lead to underdiagnosis and underreporting of the disease in cattle herds. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Trypanosoma spp. in cattle from different municipalities in the state of Rio de Janeiro, using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) as the main diagnostic tool. A total of 398 blood samples were collected between 2022 and 2025 from cattle raised on farms located in the municipalities of Vassouras, Miguel Pereira, Seropédica, Teresópolis, Piraí and Volta Redonda. All samples were subjected to PCR using primers targeting the 18S rDNA and cathepsin L (CatL) genes, both widely used markers for the screening and differentiation of Trypanosoma species. Of the animals tested, 13 samples (3.27%) were positive for Trypanosoma spp., all of which originated from a single farm in Volta Redonda. Genetic sequencing confirmed 100% similarity with Trypanosoma vivax strains previously described in Brazil and West Africa. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the sequences clustered with lineages already circulating in the southeastern region of the country. These findings highlight the relevance of PCR as a highly sensitive and specific technique for the detection of bovine trypanosomosis, especially in subclinical infections or cases of low parasitemia where conventional methods tend to fail. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of incorporating molecular-based epidemiological monitoring strategies to support early diagnosis, sanitary control, and prevention of disease spread in cattle herds across the state of Rio de Janeiro.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - 3247559 - BRUNA DE AZEVEDO BAETA
Interna - 3103528 - CLAUDIA BEZERRA DA SILVA
Interna - 3103478 - MARISTELA PECKLE PEIXOTO
Externa à Instituição - ERICA CRISTINA ROCHA ROIER - UV
Externo à Instituição - JENEVALDO BARBOSA DA SILVA - UFVJM