A carregar...
Projeto de investigação
Veterinary and Animal Science Research Centre
Financiador
Autores
Publicações
Whisking away the veil: exploring feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus prevalence among shelter cats in Portugal
Publication . Afonso, Paulo; Cardoso, Luís Miguel; Quintas, Helder; Coelho, Ana Cláudia
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) are important pathogens affecting feline hosts worldwide, compromising the health, well-being, quality of life, and lifespan of infected cats. This study explores the prevalence of these viral agents among shelter cats in Portugal, aiming to un-ravel their complexities and implications. The prevalence of FIV and FeLV was assessed by collecting blood samples (n = 326) from cats during medical routine check-ups at shelter admission and testing them with an immun-ochromatographic kit. The overall seroprev-alence of FIV and FeLV was 15.3% (50/326, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.6–19.7). The proportion of cats positive to FIV, FeLV, and both FIV and FeLV was 9.8% (32/326, 95% CI: 6.8-13.6), 2.1% (7/326, 95% CI: 0.9-4.4) and 3.4% (11/326, 95% CI: 1.7-6.0), respectively. The prevalence of FIV and both FeLV and FIV appeared to be higher in the adult population. No statistical association was found between sex, breed, hair, or municipality, and FeLV, FIV and both FeLV and FIV prevalence. This is the first report on retroviral prevalence in shelter cats in Portugal, which provides important information regarding FIV and FeLV among stray cats in Portugal, highlighting the need for surveillance of those viruses, improved compliance with vaccination programmes, and vigilant management strategies to limit and control these viruses in the feline population.
Screening of chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities in pomegranate, quince, and persimmon leaf, peel, and seed: valorization of autumn fruits by-products for a one health perspective
Publication . Silva, Vanessa; Silva, Adriana; Ribeiro, Jessica; Aires, Alfredo; Carvalho, Rosa Paula; Amaral, Joana S.; Barros, Lillian; Igrejas, Gilberto; Poeta, Patrícia
Antimicrobial resistance is increasing globally and is now one of the major public health
problems. Therefore, there is a need to search for new antimicrobial agents. The food industry
generates large amounts of by-products that are rich in bioactive compounds, such as phenolic
compounds, which are known to have several health benefits, including antioxidant and antimicrobial
properties. Thus, we aimed to characterize the phenolic compounds present in pomegranate, quince,
and persimmon by-products, as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Phenolic
compounds were extracted from pomegranate, quince, and persimmon leaves, seeds, and peels
using a mixture of ethanol/water (80/20). The polyphenol profile of the extracts was determined by
high-performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by
the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and cupric
reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated using
the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. In general, leaves showed higher concentrations of phenolics
than the peel and seeds of fruits. In total, 23 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified,
with sanguiin and apigenin-3-O-galactoside being present in the highest concentrations. Leaf extracts
of pomegranate showed higher antioxidant activities than the other components in all methods used.
In general, all extracts had a greater antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Persimmon
leaf and seed extracts inhibited a greater number of bacteria, both Gram-positive and -negative.
The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) detected among Gram-positive and -negative
bacteria was 10 mg/mL for pomegranate peel and leaf extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and
S. pseudintermedius and for pomegranate leaf extract against Escherichia coli. Our results reinforce
the need to value food industry by-products that could be used as food preservatives and antibiotic
adjuvants against multiresistant bacteria.
Small ruminant lentivirus infection in sheep and goats in north Portugal: seroprevalence and risk factors
Publication . Jacob-Ferreira, João; Coelho, Ana Cláudia; Vila, Ana Grau; Lacasta, Delia; Quintas, Helder
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are transmitted among ovine and caprine species. This disease is a severe problem for small ruminant production, not only for animals’ well-being but also for flocks’ efficiency. The main aim of this research was to quantify the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for SRLV infection in the northern region of Portugal. Samples were collected from a total of 150 flocks, of which 129 (86.0%; 95% CI: 80.67%–91.33%) had at least one seropositive animal. Out of 2607 individual blood samples, 1074 (41.2%) were positive for SRLVs. Risk factors associated with SRLV infection were species (caprine), age (>2 years old), flock size (>100 animals), production system (intensive), food production system (milk), type of activity (professional), participation in livestock competitions (yes), replacement young ewe bought (yes), and natural feeding management (yes). This knowledge empowers the implementation of effective preventive measures. Overall, biosecurity measures should be promoted and implemented with the main aim of reducing viral transmission and reducing the prevalence of this disease. We recognise that government authorities should promote and audit voluntary control and eradication programs in small ruminant flocks in the region studied.
Assessing the nutritional and functional properties of mushrooms from North-Eastern Portugal
Publication . Martins, Joana; Garcia, Juliana; Gouvinhas, Irene; Pinto, Diana; Rodrigues, Francisca; Saavedra, Maria José; Alves, Maria José
Mushrooms are recognized as functional foods with noteworthy nutritional, culinary, and pharmacological properties, leading to their growing consumption. The present study aimed to compare the chemical composition and biological properties of six wild species harvested in north-eastern Portugal and two cultivated species (Lentinula edodes and Pleurotus citrinopileatus, purchased in Portuguese retail markets) to evaluate their potential as sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds. The results showed diverse macronutrient proximate profiles, characterized by high carbohydrate, dietary fibre, and protein, along with low-fat content and with moderate antioxidant activity. Notably, glucans were present in high amounts, with beta-glucans representing the major fraction. Despite species-specific variations, potassium and phosphorus were the predominant mineral elements. Additionally, lysine and arginine were the most abundant free amino acids in the samples. Overall, this manuscript provides a comprehensive insight into the chemical composition, bioactive properties, and nutritional potential of commercially available and wild mushrooms, supplying the first detailed glucan, mineral and antioxidant profile for five under-studied wild species from north-eastern Portugal.
Unidades organizacionais
Descrição
Palavras-chave
Contribuidores
Financiadores
Entidade financiadora
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Programa de financiamento
6817 - DCRRNI ID
Número da atribuição
UIDP/00772/2020