FREITAS, T. D.; FREITAS, Theonys Diogenes.
Abstract:
This thesis consisted of a literature review that addresses the main aspects related to the
epidemiology of paratuberculosis in small ruminants in Brazil and in the world considering
the characteristics of the agent, risk factors, control measures, economic impact and potential
zoonotic disease. A seroepidemiological survey was conducted in order to identify risk factors
associated with the occurrence of paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) in dairy goats in semiarid
region of Paraíba State. 727 female goats from 86 farms in Monteiro-PB. Among the 727
animals used, 6 (0.82%) were HIV positive confirmatory test after screening, and 86
properties 6 (6.97%) had at least one positive animal. Positive properties in the frequency of
positive animals ranged from 5.26% to 16.60%. The risk factors identified were: type of
farming (growing and reproducing) (odds ratio = 36.0, 95% CI = 2.6 to 486.1, p <0.001) and
absence of technicization (odds ratio = 54.0 95% CI = 4.5 to 642.9, p <0.001). For
comparative analysis between molecular characteristics and histopathological findings after
four bovine clinical and epidemiological analysis were euthanized and samples submitted to
histopathological and molecular analysis. In cattle A and B, the lamina propria of the jejunum,
ileum and cecum showed diffuse inflammatory infiltrate, consisting mostly of lymphocytes in
the jejunum and ileum of cattle C and D was observed distortion and distension by diffuse
inflammatory infiltration in the lamina propria and submucosa predominantly by foamy
macrophages and epithelioid cells. In all animals, the sections stained with Ziehl-Neelsen had
acid-fast bacilli in the cytoplasm of macrophages and giant cells. Of the 16 samples analyzed
for Map all were negative in real-time PCR, and subjected to conventional PCR for detection
of Mycobacterium spp. observed positive results in five samples, two from the bovine C
(jejunum and ileum) and three bovine D (jejunum, ileum and mesenteric lymph nodes).
Genetic sequencing revealed similarity to bacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex. Considering the results suggesting that it is of fundamental importance for
differential diagnosis of paratuberculosis using all available resources be they clinical,
epidemiological or laboratory. And that later becomes necessary to evaluate the cost benefit
of deploying a paratuberculosis control program in the semiarid region and its real impact on
the herds.