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This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological contamination of the different sectors of a university veterinary hospital, the efficiency of the sanitation procedures performed, and the resistance to antimicrobials and disinfectants. Fourteen environmental samples and seven swab samples were collected from procedure tables of the different sectors. During analysis, the following microorganisms were found: bacterial species Rothia spp., coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus spp. and zygomycete fungi (could not be classified in genus due to the absence of reproductive structures) and other fungal species Cladosporium spp., Epicoccum spp., Drechslera spp., Scopulariopsis spp., and Penicillium spp. The bacterial species were submitted to a sensitivity assessment of the antimicrobials used in routine prescription. Rothia spp. and S. aureus were resistant only to erythromycin (15 µg), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. were resistant to erythromycin (15 µg) and sulfazotrim (25 µg), and Enterococcus spp. were resistant to ampicillin (10 µg). For the effectiveness test of disinfectants, the products used to sanitize hospital surfaces were tested. All microorganisms in this study were resistant to 1% sodium hypochlorite solution. Rothia spp. and Enterococcus spp. were resistant to 70% ethyl alcohol. The best results were found using pure sodium hypochlorite and benzalkonium chloride, pure and diluted to 20%, which showed a bactericidal effect against all tested microorganisms. These data are relevant for knowledge of the hospital microbiota at the intersection of possible cases of hospital infections.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a contaminação microbiológica de diferentes setores de um hospital veterinário universitário, a eficiência dos procedimentos de higienização realizados e a resistência aos antimicrobianos das cepas encontradas. Quatorze amostras ambientais e sete amostras de swabs foram coletadas dos diferentes setores. Durante a análise foram encontradas as seguintes espécies bacterianas: Rothia spp., Staphylococcus spp. coagulase negativa, Staphylococcus aureus e Enterococcus spp.; e os seguintes fungos: zigomicetos, que não puderam ser classificados em gênero devido a ausência de estrutura reprodutiva, os demais foram Cladosporium spp., Epicoccum spp., Drechslera spp., Scopulariopsis spp. e Penicillium spp. As bactérias foram submetidas a uma avaliação de sensibilidade dos antimicrobianos utilizados prescritos na rotina. A avaliação concluiu que Rothia spp. e S. aureus foram resistentes apenas à Eritromicina (15 µg), Staphylococcus coagulase negativa resistente à Eritromicina (15 µg) e Sulfazotrim (25 µg) e Enterococcus spp. mostrou resistência à Ampicilina (10 µg). Para o teste de eficácia dos desinfetantes, foram utilizados os produtos utilizados na higienização das superfícies do hospital. O teste mostrou que todos os microrganismos encontrados no estudo eram resistentes à solução de hipoclorito de sódio diluída a 1%; Rothia spp. e Enterococcus spp. resistentes ao álcool etílico 70%. Os melhores resultados dos testes foram encontrados com hipoclorito de sódio puro e cloreto de benzalcônio puro e diluído a 20%, que apresentou efeito bactericida contra todos os microrganismos testados. Os dados encontrados foram relevantes para o conhecimento da microbiota hospitalar no cruzamento de possíveis casos de infecções hospitalares.

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Background: This study aimed to assess the level of bacterial contamination in the Small Animals Sector of the VeterinaryMedical Teaching Hospital (HCV) of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Firstly, a committee wasinvited to complete a questionnaire and to list critical sample sites for collection. With the identification of the places to besampled, collections were made with sterile swabs on different surfaces of environments of the HCV. The identification ofimportant bacteria in the veterinary area, in the different sampled environments, raises the concern for hygiene proceduresin the veterinary hospital environment.Materials, Methods & Results: Sixteen samples were collected from these different areas, and microbiological analyses wereperformed. Standard counts of viable and strictly aerobic mesophilic microorganisms were realized. Collections were madeto assess ambient air quality. With the microbiological analysis performed, bacteria of clinical importance were identified.To assess the resistance profile of the bacteria, the susceptibility test to antimicrobials was performed. MALDI-TOF/MSmeasurement identified 29 bacteria at the genus level and 10 bacteria at the species level and the antimicrobial susceptibility test was realized. Most of the isolates identified (60%) were bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus spp. Regardingantimicrobial susceptibility analysis the 10 bacteria identified at the species level were assessed. Test results showed thatthe isolates S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus - collected from treatment room 2 - and S. haemolyticus, whichhad been isolated from samples from treatment room 2 of the cattery, presented multiresistance. Pantoea ananatis isolatesfrom room 5 also showed a multiresistant profile for erythromycin, cephalothin, vancomycin and ampicillin. Micrococcusluteus isolates from the x-ray room and the kennel showed resistance to ceftazidime. Staphylococcus equorum isolates...(AU)

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The objective of this study was to identify the main extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria and to detect the frequency of the major genes responsible to trigger this resistance in hospitalized animals. We collected 106 rectal swabs from cats (n = 25) and dogs (n = 81) to detect ESBL-producing isolates. ESBL-positive samples were submitted to the antimicrobial susceptibility test, and polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect TEM, SHV, and CTX-M genes from different groups. We observed that 44.34% of these samples (11 cats and 36 dogs) were positive for ESBL-producing bacteria. Thirteen animals (27.66%-seven cats and six dogs) were hospitalized for elective castration (healthy animals). Only a single animal was positive for ESBL-producing bacteria at hospital admission (the animal also showed an ESBL-positive isolate after leaving the hospital), whereas 11 were positive only at the hospital discharge. Of the 73 ESBL-producing isolates, 13 were isolated from cats (8 sick and 7 healthy) and 60 from dogs (53 sick and 7 healthy). Escherichia coli was the major ESBL-producing bacterium isolated (53.42%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.07%), Salmonella sp., and Proteus mirabilis (5.48% each one). Antimicrobial resistance profile of ESBL-producing isolates showed that 67 isolates (91.78%) were resistant to 3 or more antibiotic classes, while 13 of them (17.81%-2 healthy cats and 11 sick dogs) were resistant to all tested antimicrobial classes. The blaTEM gene exhibited the highest frequency in ESBL-producing isolates, followed by the blaCTX-M group 8/25, blaCTX-M group 1 and blaCTX-M group 9 genes. These results are useful to assess the predominance of ESBL-producing isolates recovered from dogs and in cats in Brazil. Consequently, we draw attention to these animals, as they can act as reservoirs for these microorganisms, which are the major pathogens of nosocomial infections worldwide.

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Background: This study aimed to assess the level of bacterial contamination in the Small Animals Sector of the VeterinaryMedical Teaching Hospital (HCV) of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Firstly, a committee wasinvited to complete a questionnaire and to list critical sample sites for collection. With the identification of the places to besampled, collections were made with sterile swabs on different surfaces of environments of the HCV. The identification ofimportant bacteria in the veterinary area, in the different sampled environments, raises the concern for hygiene proceduresin the veterinary hospital environment.Materials, Methods & Results: Sixteen samples were collected from these different areas, and microbiological analyses wereperformed. Standard counts of viable and strictly aerobic mesophilic microorganisms were realized. Collections were madeto assess ambient air quality. With the microbiological analysis performed, bacteria of clinical importance were identified.To assess the resistance profile of the bacteria, the susceptibility test to antimicrobials was performed. MALDI-TOF/MSmeasurement identified 29 bacteria at the genus level and 10 bacteria at the species level and the antimicrobial susceptibility test was realized. Most of the isolates identified (60%) were bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus spp. Regardingantimicrobial susceptibility analysis the 10 bacteria identified at the species level were assessed. Test results showed thatthe isolates S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus - collected from treatment room 2 - and S. haemolyticus, whichhad been isolated from samples from treatment room 2 of the cattery, presented multiresistance. Pantoea ananatis isolatesfrom room 5 also showed a multiresistant profile for erythromycin, cephalothin, vancomycin and ampicillin. Micrococcusluteus isolates from the x-ray room and the kennel showed resistance to ceftazidime. Staphylococcus equorum isolates...

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Introducción: Las infecciones nosocomiales son aquellas adquiridas por los pacientes durante la hospitalización. Son de gran importancia en medicina humana pero aún se desconoce cuál es su papel en medicina veterinaria. Objetivo: Identificar la presencia de bacterias asociadas a infecciones hospitalarias en ambientes y superficies en una clínica veterinaria. Materiales y métodos: Se realizaron dos muestreos, se determinó a través de sedimentación y torunda la presencia de bacterias en el ambiente y las superficies de las 8 unidades de la clínica veterinaria. La presencia de nosocomiales se determinó por el crecimiento y purificación en medios diferenciales, la identificación se hizo por descripción macroscópica de las colonias y tinción de Gram y posteriormente se realizó una caracterización bioquímicamente por medio del API20E y API50 CH/E y un antibiograma en las cepas relacionadas con resistencia a antibióticos. Resultados: Se obtuvo 95 aislados y se logró determinar la presencia de 28 agentes potencialmente nosocomiales, donde se destaca la presencia de Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus sp. y Staphylococcus sp. microorganismos relacionados con infecciones asociadas a hospitales veterinarios. Conclusiones: Se realiza la primera aproximación a este tipo de infecciones en hospitales veterinarios en Antioquia, y se evidencia la circulación en ambiente y superficies de potenciales bacterias nosocomiales en la clínica veterinaria.

Introduction: Care associated infections are of importance in human medicine but few is known in veterinary medicine. Aims: To identify pathogenic bacteria in surfaces of veterinary clinics. Materials and methods: Two samples with cotton hissops were obtained in inert surfaces from 8 veterinary clinics. The presence of pathogenic bacteria was established by growth in agar media, identification of species was performed through colonies morphology and Gram stain and biochemistry identification with API20E and API50 CH/E system and antibiogram. Results: 95 isolates were characterized and within them 28 were pathogenic. The most prevalent were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. Conclusions: This is the first description of pathogenic microorganisms present in veterinary clinics in Antioquia that have potential for clinical consequences for personnel working at this veterinary centers.

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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a pathogen associated with severe infections in companion animals present in the community, and it is diagnosed in animals admitted to veterinary hospitals. However, reports that describe the circulation of MRSA in animal populations and veterinary settings in Latin America are scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and investigate the molecular epidemiology of MRSA in the environment of the largest veterinary teaching hospital in Costa Rica. Preselected contact surfaces were sampled twice within a 6-week period. Antimicrobial resistance, SCCmec type, Panton-Valentine leukocidin screening, USA type, and clonality were assessed in all recovered isolates. Overall, MRSA was isolated from 26.5% (27/102) of the surfaces sampled, with doors, desks, and examination tables most frequently contaminated. Molecular analysis demonstrated a variety of surfaces from different sections of the hospital contaminated by three highly related clones/pulsotypes. All, but one of the isolates were characterized as multidrug-resistant SCCmec type IV-USA700, a strain sporadically described in other countries and often classified as community acquired. The detection and frequency of this unique strain in this veterinary setting suggest Costa Rica has a distinctive MRSA ecology when compared with other countries/regions. The high level of environmental contamination highlights the necessity to establish and enforce standard cleaning and disinfection protocols to minimize further spread of this pathogen and reduce the risk of nosocomial and/or occupational transmission of MRSA.

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Superfícies fixas de hospitais e clínicas veterinárias podem servir como locais de infecção para micro-organismos, muitos potencialmente patogênicos comuns entre animais e seres humanos, promovendo riscos para a saúde tanto dos pacientes quanto dos profissionais veterinários. O presente estudo teve como objetivos isolar e identificar a microbiota presente em superfícies inox de mesas de exames e procedimentos de áreas do setor de pequenos animais de um hospital veterinário de ensino, sobre as quais rotineiramente é procedida a descontaminação (desinfecção sem prévia limpeza), e verificar in vitro a capacidade de inativação microbiana dos grupos químicos desinfetantes ácido peracético, iodóforo, hipoclorito de sódio, quaternário de amônio, fenol sintético, clorhexidina e álcool. Quinze coletas, em três dias de meses diferentes, procederam-se com swabs rolados sobre as superfícies, de onde foram isolados Staphylococcus spp. coagulase (+) e (-), Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Streptococcus spp. (não grupo D), Enterobacter spp., Acinetobacter Iwoffii, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas spp., Micrococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Cocobacilo não fermentador, Bacillus spp., Citrobacter spp. e Candida guilliermondii. O método da avaliação desinfetante foi o de diluição, pela técnica de suspensão microbiana, composta por três pools de bactérias (um por dia de coleta) e uma cultura de levedura, em três concentrações dos desinfetantes nos tempos de contato 1, 5 e 10 minutos. Observou-se que todos os desinfetantes inativaram todos os micro-organismos, tendo quaternário de amônio, fenol sintético, clorhexidina e álcool inativado nas menores concentrações e tempos de contato testados. Concluiu-se que nas superfícies das mesas de todos os ambientes puderam ser isolados micro-organismos, muitos destes de importância à saúde humana e animal; os testes in vitro evidenciaram que todos os grupos químicos avaliados podem ser usados no procedimento de desinfecção para inativar os isolados; a descontaminação, adotada como único procedimento de higienização de rotina nas superfícies onde os veterinários e seus pacientes entram em contato, pareceu não ser segura para proteger a saúde dos animais e dos profissionais de saúde animal.

Inanimate surfaces of hospitals and veterinary clinics can be a source of infection by microorganisms, many potentially pathogenic common between animals and humans, promoting the health risks of both patients and veterinary professionals. The aims of the present study were to isolate and identify the microbiota found on stainless steel surfaces of exam and procedure tables of the small animal ward of a veterinary teaching hospital, on which decontamination (disinfection without prior cleaning) is carried out on a routine basis, and to check in vitro inactivation by chemical disinfectants. Fifteen collections in three days of different months, we proceeded with swabs rolled over the surfaces of which were isolated coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp., Sphingomonas paucimobilis, (non-group D) Streptococcus spp., Enterobacter spp., Acinetobacter Iwoffii, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas spp., Micrococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., non-fermenting coccobacilli, Bacillus spp., Citrobacter spp. and Candida guilliermondii. The inactivation capacity of peracetic acid, iodophor, sodium hypochlorite, quaternary ammonium, synthetic phenol, chlorhexidine and alcohol was assessed. The dilution method by microbial suspension test was performed using an experimental design consisting of three pools of bacteria (one per collection day) and a yeast culture at three disinfectant concentrations at 1, 5 and 10 minutes. All disinfectants inactivate all microorganisms, with quaternary ammonium, synthetic phenol, chlorhexidine and alcohol inactivated at lower concentration and contact times. It may be concluded that microorganisms - many of them deleterious to human and animal health - could be isolated from all of the sampled surfaces; the in vitro tests showed that all of the assessed chemicals can be used to inactivate the isolates; decontamination, as a unique hygiene routine procedure used on surfaces in direct contact with health professionals and patients, did not seem to safely protect the health of animals and health professionals.

Superficies fijas de hospitales y clínicas veterinarias pueden servir de fuente de infección por microorganismos, muchos potencialmente patogénicos comunes entre animales y seres humanos, promoviendo riesgos para la salud tanto de los pacientes como de los profesionales veterinarios. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivos aislar e identificar la microbiota presente en superficies inox de mesas de exámenes y procedimientos de áreas del sector de pequeños animales de un hospital veterinario de enseñanza, sobre las cuales rutinariamente es procedida la descontaminación (desinfección sin previa limpieza), y verificar in vitro la capacidad de inactivación microbiana de los grupos químicos desinfectantes ácido peracético, yodóforo, hipoclorito de sodio, cuaternario de amonio, fenol sintético, clorhexidina y alcohol. Fueron realizadas quince colectas, en tres días de meses diferentes, con swabs rodados sobre las superficies, de donde fueron aislados Staphylococcus spp. coagulasa (+) y (-), Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Streptococcus spp. (no grupo D), Enterobacter spp., Acinetobacter Iwoffii, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas spp., Micrococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Cocobacilo no fermentador, Bacillus spp., Citrobacter spp. y Candida guilliermondii. El método de la evaluación desinfectante fue el de dilución, por la técnica de suspensión microbiana, compuesta por tres pools de bacterias (uno por día de colecta) e una cultura de levadura, en tres concentraciones de los desinfectantes en los tiempos de contacto 1, 5 y 10 minutos. Fue observado que todos los desinfectantes inactivaron todos los microorganismos, teniendo el cuaternario de amonio, fenol sintético, clorhexidina y alcohol inactivado con las menores concentraciones y tiempos de contacto. Se concluye que en las superficies de las mesas de todos los ambientes pudieron aislarse microorganismos, muchos de los cuales de importancia para la salud humana y animal; las pruebas in vitro evidenciaron que todos los grupos químicos evaluados pueden ser usados en el procedimiento desinfección para inactivar los aislados; la descontaminación, adoptada como único procedimiento de higienización de rutina en las superficies donde los veterinarios y sus pacientes entran en contacto, pareció no ser seguro para proteger la salud de los animales y de los profesionales de salud animal.

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O trabalho avalia aspectos referentes à classificação e segregação dos resíduos gerados no Hospital Veterinário da Ulbra (RS), a partir de estudos realizados para a elaboração do Plano de Gerenciamento dos Resíduos de Serviço de Saúde (PGRSS), para a instituição. O plano foi baseado na resolução RDC nº 306/2004 da ANVISA (Brasil, 2004), que define as diretrizes para o manejo dos resíduos de instituições de saúde, incluindo a segregação, coleta, armazenamento, transporte interno e externo, tratamento e disposição final. A partir da caracterização, classificação e do diagnóstico das atividades de manejo dos resíduos do hospital, foi possível avaliar a importância da segregação, no local de origem, para a redução de resíduos que necessitam de tratamentos especiais, bem como para a redução de riscos de propagação de doenças.

This work evaluates some referring aspects to the residues classification and segregation generated in Ulbra's Veterinary Hospital (RS), starting from studies accomplished in the elaboration of a Residues Health Service Management Plan (PGRSS), for the institution. The plan was based on RDC nº 306/2004 ANVISA's Resolution (Brasil, 2004), that defines the guidelines for handling the health institutions residues, including the segregation, collection, storage, internal and external transportation, treatment and final disposition. From the characterization, classification and the diagnostic handling activities of hospital residues, it was possible to evaluate the segregation importance, in the origin location, for the residues reduction that need special treatments, as well as for the risks reduction of diseases propagation.

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Rodents can transmit several diseasesto to human and other animals and cause economic damages. This study looked at rodent population in a veterinary hospital concerning the followings aspects: rodent specie, sex, reproductive period, seasonality and research for Leptospira sp. In addition, rodents from an Atlantic forest fragment were captured and examined for Leptospira sp. Infection. Both the hospital and the forest were located at Zona da Mata region, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. 72 animals were captured at the veterinary hospital, 22 (30.6%) had been characterised according to Rattus rattus species and most of them (66.7%) were captured in small animals sector. There were no significant differences between males and females in reproductive period (chi2=1.85; p=0.174; alpha=0.05). Rodents were captured all over the year. The highest percentages were observed in January (12.5%), February (15.2%), May (15.2%) and July (16.7%), and the lowest in August (2.8%), September (4.2%) and October (1.4%). There was no positive identification of animals for Leptospira sp., by microagglutination and histopathological exams. The animals from the forest were identified as wild rodents. 16 (50%) OligOryzomis sp, 11 (34.3%) Akodon sp, 3 (9.3%) Oximicterus sp, 1(3.2%) Bolomys sp, 1 (3.2%) Oryzomis sp. There weren´t either any findings of positive animals by histopathological exam. The presence of Rattus rattus in the veterinary hospital could be explained by the existence of appropriate places for hiding and food availability, in amount and quality suitable to this species. These conditions allow for the maintenance of rodents during all over the year, and of males and females ready for reproduction. At the hospital, the absence of positive results for Leptospira sp. do not exclude the potential of the rodents as reservoirs of such pathogen, since a veterinary hospital can always shelter domestic species for treatment that could be eliminating the Leptospira sp. The captured wild species apparently do not represent reservoirs of Leptospira sp.

Os roedores podem transmitir enfermidades para o ser humano e animais, além de provocar diversos prejuízos econômicos. Objetivou-se estudar a população de roedores existente em um hospital veterinário universitário e em um fragmento de mata atlântica nativa, ambos os locais localizados na Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais, Brasil. No hospital veterinário, foram analisadas as variáveis espécies, sexo, período reprodutivo, sazonalidade, presença de Leptospira sp. em fragmento renal e anticorpos anti-Leptospira em amostras de soro; os animais silvestre foram analisados segundo a presença de Leptospira sp. em fragmento renal. No hospital veterinário, foram capturados 72 animais, 22 (30,6%) caracterizados segundo a espécie Rattus rattus, sendo a maioria (66,7%) capturada no setor de pequenos animais. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre machos e fêmeas em período reprodutivo chi2=1,85; p=0,174; alfa=0,05). Houve captura de animais em todos os meses do ano, sendo que os meses janeiro (12,5%), fevereiro (15,2%), maio (15,2%) e julho (16,7%) apresentaram as maiores proporções e agosto (2,8%), setembro (4,2%) e outubro (1,4%), as menores. Não foram encontrados animais positivos para leptospirose através do teste sorológico da microaglutinação e da pesquisa histopatológica. Os gêneros capturados no fragmento de mata foram: 16 (50%) OligOryzomis sp, 11 (34,3%) Akodon sp, 3 (9,3%) Oximicterus sp, 1(3,2%) Bolomys sp, 1 (3,2%) Oryzomis sp. Também nesses não se encontrou resultado positivo na pesquisa histopatológica. A presença de Rattus rattus no hospital veterinário é explicada pela existência de locais que servem de esconderijo e de alimento disponível em quantidade e qualidade adequada a esta espécie. Estas condições predispõem à manutenção de roedores durante todo o ano e de machos e fêmeas aptos para a reprodução. A ausência de roedores com resultados positivos para leptospirose não os exime como potenciais reservatórios desta enfermidade, uma vez que o hospital veterinário, por se tratar de ambiente hospitalar, pode eventualmente abrigar espécies domésticas para tratamento que estejam eliminando a Leptospira sp pela urina. As espécies silvestres capturadas, aparentemente, não representam reservatórios da leptospirose.

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Rodents can transmit several diseasesto to human and other animals and cause economic damages. This study looked at rodent population in a veterinary hospital concerning the followings aspects: rodent specie, sex, reproductive period, seasonality and research for Leptospira sp. In addition, rodents from an Atlantic forest fragment were captured and examined for Leptospira sp. Infection. Both the hospital and the forest were located at Zona da Mata region, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. 72 animals were captured at the veterinary hospital, 22 (30.6%) had been characterised according to Rattus rattus species and most of them (66.7%) were captured in small animals sector. There were no significant differences between males and females in reproductive period (chi2=1.85; p=0.174; alpha=0.05). Rodents were captured all over the year. The highest percentages were observed in January (12.5%), February (15.2%), May (15.2%) and July (16.7%), and the lowest in August (2.8%), September (4.2%) and October (1.4%). There was no positive identification of animals for Leptospira sp., by microagglutination and histopathological exams. The animals from the forest were identified as wild rodents. 16 (50%) OligOryzomis sp, 11 (34.3%) Akodon sp, 3 (9.3%) Oximicterus sp, 1(3.2%) Bolomys sp, 1 (3.2%) Oryzomis sp. There weren´t either any findings of positive animals by histopathological exam. The presence of Rattus rattus in the veterinary hospital could be explained by the existence of appropriate places for hiding and food availability, in amount and quality suitable to this species. These conditions allow for the maintenance of rodents during all over the year, and of males and females ready for reproduction. At the hospital, the absence of positive results for Leptospira sp. do not exclude the potential of the rodents as reservoirs of such pathogen, since a veterinary hospital can always shelter domestic species for treatment that could be eliminating the Leptospira sp. The captured wild species apparently do not represent reservoirs of Leptospira sp.

Os roedores podem transmitir enfermidades para o ser humano e animais, além de provocar diversos prejuízos econômicos. Objetivou-se estudar a população de roedores existente em um hospital veterinário universitário e em um fragmento de mata atlântica nativa, ambos os locais localizados na Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais, Brasil. No hospital veterinário, foram analisadas as variáveis espécies, sexo, período reprodutivo, sazonalidade, presença de Leptospira sp. em fragmento renal e anticorpos anti-Leptospira em amostras de soro; os animais silvestre foram analisados segundo a presença de Leptospira sp. em fragmento renal. No hospital veterinário, foram capturados 72 animais, 22 (30,6%) caracterizados segundo a espécie Rattus rattus, sendo a maioria (66,7%) capturada no setor de pequenos animais. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre machos e fêmeas em período reprodutivo chi2=1,85; p=0,174; alfa=0,05). Houve captura de animais em todos os meses do ano, sendo que os meses janeiro (12,5%), fevereiro (15,2%), maio (15,2%) e julho (16,7%) apresentaram as maiores proporções e agosto (2,8%), setembro (4,2%) e outubro (1,4%), as menores. Não foram encontrados animais positivos para leptospirose através do teste sorológico da microaglutinação e da pesquisa histopatológica. Os gêneros capturados no fragmento de mata foram: 16 (50%) OligOryzomis sp, 11 (34,3%) Akodon sp, 3 (9,3%) Oximicterus sp, 1(3,2%) Bolomys sp, 1 (3,2%) Oryzomis sp. Também nesses não se encontrou resultado positivo na pesquisa histopatológica. A presença de Rattus rattus no hospital veterinário é explicada pela existência de locais que servem de esconderijo e de alimento disponível em quantidade e qualidade adequada a esta espécie. Estas condições predispõem à manutenção de roedores durante todo o ano e de machos e fêmeas aptos para a reprodução. A ausência de roedores com resultados positivos para leptospirose não os exime como potenciais reservatórios desta enfermidade, uma vez que o hospital veterinário, por se tratar de ambiente hospitalar, pode eventualmente abrigar espécies domésticas para tratamento que estejam eliminando a Leptospira sp pela urina. As espécies silvestres capturadas, aparentemente, não representam reservatórios da leptospirose.