Artículos Científicos

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Parámetros genéticos de crecimiento en un hato caprino lechero bajo manejo semi-intensivo en ambiente tropical
(Universidad de Costa Rica, 2026-03-24) Campos Alfaro, Jorge Andrés; Vargas Leitón, Bernardo; Alpízar-Naranjo, Andrés
Introducción. La estimación de parámetros genéticos de crecimiento en caprinos permite identificar la contribución de efectos aditivos directos y maternos en distintas etapas del desarrollo, fundamental para diseñar estrategias de selección más eficientes. Objetivo. Estimar parámetros genéticos de crecimiento mediante modelos de regresión aleatoria en un hato caprino lechero. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se realizó en el hato experimental de la Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica. Se analizaron 6127 registros de peso corporal desde el nacimiento hasta los 30 meses de edad de 388 hembras y 108 machos caprinos de razas Saanen y Saanen×Toggenburg, recolectados entre los años 2008 y 2024. Se ajustó un modelo mixto de regresión aleatoria, con efectos fijos de grupo contemporáneo, tipo racial, sexo, paridad, tipo de parto y edad; efectos aleatorios: genético aditivo directo (h2d), materno (h2m), y no genético de ambiente permanente directo (ap), ajustados mediante polinomios Legendre. Resultados. El valor de h2d osciló entre 0,01 (mes 2, EE 0,01) y 0,17 (mes 11, EE 0,08), la h2m varió entre 0,02 (mes2, EE 0,01) y 0,25 (mes 1, EE 0,07), y el valor de ap se incrementó progresivamente desde 0,03 (mes 1, EE 0,20) hasta 0,67 (mes 30, EE 0,08). Las correlaciones genéticas (directas o maternas) y de ambiente permanente fueron en su mayoría positivas y de magnitud moderada (>0,60), con valores más altos (>0,80) para pesos en edades adyacentes. Los valores de cría (directos) para peso corporal oscilaron entre −2,33 y 1,80 kg (mes 6) y entre −3,90 y 3,20 kg (mes 12). Conclusiones. El uso de modelos de regresión aleatoria permitió estimar parámetros genéticos de crecimiento considerando la influencia del animal y el efecto materno en distintas etapas, lo que facilita seleccionar reemplazos con mayor precisión y orientar las estrategias de mejora para obtener animales más productivos y eficientes.
Caracterización molecular de Taenia saginata en bovinos sacrificados en mataderos de Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2026-01-01) Alcántara Henríquez, Elisa María; Dolz, Gaby
La cisticercosis bovina (CCB) es una enfermedad zoonótica parasitaria de importancia veterinaria y sanitaria que afecta la producción de ganado bovino en Costa Rica. El agente causal es la forma larvaria de Taenia saginata, quien necesita a los bovinos para cumplir su ciclo de vida. Este estudio tiene como objetivo determinar la distribución de casos de CCB en mataderos de exportación del país y caracterizar molecularmente T. saginata en muestras sospechosas. Se realizó un estudio transversal, analizando los reportes de retenciones y decomisos de CCB registrados por el Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal (SENASA) entre 2015 y 2019 en cuatro mataderos de exportación del país. A partir de estos datos, se identificó la cantidad y distribución de los casos en los cantones de Costa Rica. Adicionalmente, se recolectaron quistes sospechosos de CCB para realizar una detección mediante la técnica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Los resultados mostraron que fueron reportados un total de 852 casos, siendo la mayoría de ellos provenientes de Alajuela (33.5%), San José (21.1%) y Guanacaste (10.8%). Los cantones de Alajuela (n=118) y San Carlos (n=90) en la provincia de Alajuela presentaron las cifras más altas de casos. Se recolectaron 24 quistes durante junio-agosto del 2020. La mayoría provenía de la provincia de Alajuela con el 58.3% hallados en músculos maseteros. El análisis por PCR detectó T. saginata en 11 muestras (45.8%), y la secuenciación reveló dos genotipos distintos, con similitudes nucleotídicas del 100% con aislamientos de Corea del Sur, Brasil, Ecuador y Bélgica, así como un genotipo que mostró similitud con un aislamiento de China. Estos hallazgos destacan la prevalencia y distribución de la cisticercosis bovina en Costa Rica, así como la importancia de implementar medidas de control y prevención efectivas.
Brucella abortus impairs T lymphocyte responsiveness by mobilizing IL-1RAsecreting omental neutrophils
(Nature Communications, 2025-02-20) Pellegrini, Joaquin; González-Espinoza, Gabriela; Shayan, Raheleh; HYSENAJ, LISIENA; Rouma, Tomas; Arce-Gorvel, Vilma; Lelouard, Hugues; Popoff, Dimitri; Zhao, Yun; Hanniffy, Sean; Castillo-Zeledón, Amanda; Loperena-Barber, Maite; Celis-Gutierrez, Javier; Mionnet, Cyrille; Bosilkovsk, Mile; Solera, Javier; Muraille, Eric; BARQUERO-CALVO, ELIAS; Moreno, Edgardo; Conde-Álvarez, Raquel; Moriyón, Ignacio; Gorvel, Jean Pierre; Mémet, Sylvie
Immune evasion strategies of Brucella, the etiologic agent of brucellosis, a global zoonosis, remain partially understood. The omentum, a tertiary lymphoid organ part of visceral adipose tissue, has never been explored as a Brucella reservoir. We report that B. abortus infects and replicates within murine omental macrophages. Throughout the chronic phase of infection, the omentum accumulates macrophages, monocytes and neutrophils. The maintenance of PD-L1+Sca-1+ macrophages, monocytes and neutrophils in the omentum depends on the wadC-encoded determinant of Brucella LPS. We demonstrate that PD-L1+Sca-1+ murine omental neutrophils produce high levels of IL-1RA leading to T cell hyporesponsiveness. These findings corroborate brucellosis patient analysis of whole blood displaying upregulation of PDL1 and Ly6E genes, and of serum exhibiting high levels of IL-1RA. Overall, the omentum, a reservoir for B. abortus, promotes bacterial persistence and causes CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immunosuppression by IL-1RA secreted by PD-L1+Sca-1+ neutrophils.
Polymorphonuclear neutrophil depletion in ileal tissues reduces the immunopathology induced by Clostridioides difficile toxins
(Elsevier, 2025-02-27) Montoya-Torres, Brayan; Alfaro-Alarcón, Alejandro; Quesada-Gómez, Carlos; Chaves-Olarte, Esteban; BARQUERO-CALVO, ELIAS
Introduction: Clostridioides difficile, a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections, causes significant morbidity and mortality. Its pathogenesis centers on TcdA and TcdB toxins, which disrupt intestinal integrity, trigger inflammation, and promote extensive neutrophil infiltration.Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the role of PMNs in CDI using neutrophil depletion in a murine-ileal-ligated loop. Methods: Mice were treated with C. difficile toxins TcdA, TcdB, and TcdBv, with PMN depletion achieved via intraperitoneal injections of Ly6G/Ly6C antibody. Histopathological analysis, cytokine quantification, and MPO activity assays were performed to assess the inflammatory and tissue damage responses. Results: PMN depletion significantly reduced histopathological damage and proinflammatory responses. TcdA induced the highest inflammation and epithelial damage, while TcdB showed lower activity, except for MPO. TcdBvNAP1's activity was comparable to that of TcdBNAP1 but less than TcdA. The findings indicate that TcdA's enterotoxin effects are more damaging than TcdBs from different strains and confirm the critical role of PMNs in CDI pathogenesis. Conclusion: Our results show that PMN depletion reduced inflammatory responses and tissue damage, highlighting potential therapeutic strategies targeting PMN regulation. Further research on PMN extracellular traps (NETs) and their role in CDI is necessary to develop comprehensive treatments. Future studies should focus on combined in vivo and in vitro approaches to fully understand the pathological mechanisms and identify effective biomarkers for CDI therapy.
Mortality Investigation of a Free-ranging Baird's Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) in a Fragmented Landscape in Northern Costa Rica
(Wildlife Disease Association, 2025-10-04) Rojas-Jiménez, Jorge; Hernández, Sonia; Rojas-Valerio, Emmanuel; Olivares, Roberto; BARQUERO-CALVO, ELIAS
In Costa Rica, human–tapir conflicts are increasing, including disease transmission, as Baird’s tapirs (Tapirus bairdii) move into human-altered landscapes. We investigated the death of a wild male tapir, identifying a systemic Actinomyces israelii infection. The potential of this pathogen being an emerging health threat for tapir conservation warrants further study.
Clostridioides difficile RT596: una cepa no-toxigénica multidrogoresistente
(Central American Journals Online, 2025-06-19) Adino-Molina, Mauricio; BARQUERO-CALVO, ELIAS; Seyboldt, Christian; Schmoock, Gernot; Neubauer, Heinrich; Tzoc, Edgardo; Rodríguez, César; Quesada-Gómez, Carlos
Clostridioides difficile es un agente patógeno del tipo “Una sola salud”, y que es responsable de la diarrea asociada a antibióticos. Su epidemiología es dinámica, y se ha reportado que existe un cruce o solapamiento entre hospederos humanos y animales a nivel global. El objetivo de la presente investigación es caracterizar aislamientos obtenidos a partir de heces de origen animal que podrían actuar como reservorio de resistencia a los antimicrobianos (RAM). Mediante el uso de técnicas de cultivo, PCR, ribotipificación y prueba de susceptibilidad a los antimicrobianos (PSA), se caracterizaron 10 aislamientos no toxigénicos de C. difficile. Todos ellos fueron identificados como RT596, una cepa que ha sido previamente documentada en animales y humanos. Además, los aislamientos revelaron cuatro perfiles de multidrogoresistencia (MDR). Nuestros hallazgos constituyen la primera caracterización a nivel regional de un genotipo no toxigénico, con potencial zoonótico y MDR. Se plantea la posibilidad de que, debido a la falta de inclusión de la PSA en los algoritmos de diagnóstico actuales o a su circulación en ambientes hospitalarios, este genotipo pueda actuar como un vector de MDR.
Testicular Ultrastructure of Zebu Bulls in Costa Rica
(Wiley, 1992-01-05) Müller, E.; Rodriguez-Martinez, H.; Braden, S.; Edqvist, L. -E.
Se estudió la ultraestructura testicular de toros Cebú (Bos indicus) sexualmente maduros de Costa Rica en relación con su clasificación basada en exámenes andrológicos realizados en el campo. Con base en la consistencia testicular a la palpación, cada toro fue asignado a uno de tres grupos, que van desde normal (Grupo A) hasta consistencia testicular marcadamente reducida (Grupo C). La ultraestructura del testículo clínicamente normal (Grupo A) en el toro Cebú se asemejaba a la del Bos taurus. En testículos con una reducción leve a moderada de la consistencia testicular (Grupo B), los espermatocitos primarios y las espermátidas degeneradas fueron comunes en todas las etapas del ciclo seminífero. Las anomalías en la condensación de la cromatina, los defectos acrosómicos y la presencia de células degeneradas y restos celulares fueron las alteraciones más comunes encontradas. En testículos de toros con una marcada reducción de la consistencia testicular (Grupo C), el epitelio seminífero de la mayoría de los túbulos mostró cambios degenerativos, lo que imposibilitó la clasificación de la etapa del ciclo. Los cambios se limitaron principalmente a los espermatocitos y las espermátidas, cuyo número relativo se redujo. El número de células en división meiótica también se redujo considerablemente. Se observaron cambios en las espermátidas, incluyendo la aparición de graves defectos acrosómicos, como bolsas acrosómicas, fallos en la elongación nuclear y defectos evidentes en la condensación de la cromatina. Los hallazgos ultraestructurales presentes en Bos indicus no difieren del cuadro de estructura testicular normal ni de la degeneración testicular que se suele observar en toros Bos taurus.
Case report: Renal adenoma in a captive ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) in Costa Rica
(Frontiersin.org, 2024-05-02) Romero-Vega, L. Mario; Medlin, Sam; Hagnauer, Isabel; Alfaro-Alarcon, Alejandro; Williams, Bruce
Reports of kidney tumors are rare in Neotropical wildcats. Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) are medium-sized wildcats found in the tropical forests of the Americas. A 12-year-old captive ocelot was diagnosed with a kidney mass occupying approximately 25% of the total volume of the right kidney. The tissue was stained with routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid–Schiff (PAS). Immunohistochemistry was performed using the following markers: cytokeratin (CK) AE1/AE3, CK19, CK 7, CD10, vimentin, Melan A, HMB45, Pax-8, and Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1). Histopathology revealed a well-differentiated epithelial tubular neoplasm with fewer than one mitotic figure per 2.37 mm² field. Vimentin and Pax-8 were the only positive markers. Immunohistochemically, the neoplasm was diagnosed as a renal adenoma. Renal adenomas are rarely reported in neotropical wildcats. Reports on wild species are valuable for establishing an accurate clinical prognosis for captive species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to provide detailed microscopic and immunohistochemical descriptions of a renal adenoma in a captive ocelot.
Antifungal susceptibility of Aspergillus spp. isolated from coffee beans of Los Santos Coffee Region, Costa Rica
(Frontiersin.org, 2026-05-20) Jaikel-Víquez, Daniela; Sancho-Chaverri, Mariana; Villegas-Ramírez, Victor; Cambronero-Ortiz, Ian; Santamaria-Sánchez, Isaac; Morales-Calvo, Fernando; Rodríguez Saravia, Sebastián; Calderón Hernández, Alejandra; Gross, Norma
The indiscriminate use of fungicides in agricultural crops is considered one of the most important causes of antifungal resistance. Hence, it is our interest to contribute to the knowledge of antifungal resistance, within the framework of One Health. The results will be useful to define appropriate policies in the use of these drugs both in the clinical area and in agriculture. Thus, the susceptibility patterns of 187 Aspergillus spp. (A. flavus [n = 46], A. fumigatus [n = 8], A. insuetus [n = 1]; A. niger [n = 85], A. tamarii [n = 34] and Aspergillus section Versicolores [n = 13]), isolated from coffee beans from the Los Santos coffee-growing region in Costa Rica, were evaluated for amphotericin B (AMB), itraconazole (ITZ) and voriconazole (VRC); using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution M38 guideline. The mean minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for AMB was 2.77 ± 3.19 μg mL−1, 0.29 ± 0.26 μg mL−1 for ITZ, and 1.14 ± 2.68 μg mL−1 for VRZ. Based on the CLSI guidelines, 15.2% of A. flavus, 75.0% of A. fumigatus and 3.5% of the A. niger were classified as non-wild type for AMB; 4.3% of the A. flavus/oryzae and 25.0% of the A. fumigatus were classified as non-wild type for VRC. ITZ presented the lowest MIC distribution, and the isolates were classified as wild-type strains. The results show a high susceptibility to ITZ, moderate to VRC (treatment of choice for invasive aspergillosis) and low susceptibility to AMB.
Emergence of autochthonous Leishmania infantum infection in dogs from Costa Rica confirmed by multimodal diagnostics: a case series
(Frontiersin.org, 2026-01-21) Montenegro, Víctor M.; Cajal-Omella, Leticia; Campos-Camacho, Josué; Jiménez-Tuk, Javier; Mata-Somarribas, Carlos; Alfaro-Alarcon, Alejandro; Guevara-González, Mariana; Peña, Paula; Quesada, Joban; Romero-Vega, L. Mario; Rojas, Alicia
Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a vector-borne zoonotic disease caused by Leishmania infantum. This parasite has been reported in humans and dogs from Costa Rica over the past four decades as sporadic reports. In this study, we analyzed eight cases of autochthonous infections in dogs presumably originating from Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, and Santa Ana, San José, Costa Rica, none of which had a history of travel abroad. Methods: Eight dogs with suspected CVL were analyzed using serological assays (Speed Leish K® (VIRBAC Diagnostics, France) or Antigen Rapid CaniV-4 (Leish)® (BIONOTE, Mexico)), five dogs were detected in 2023, and three during 2025. Histopathological staining was applied in cases with spleen, dermal, and lymph node involvement to determine the presence of Leishmania amastigotes. Blood, lymph node aspirates, conjunctival swabs, or cutaneous lesion swabs were also analyzed for the presence of Leishmania spp. ITS1, hsp70, and kDNA fragments. Phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses were conducted for hsp70 and kDNA data. Results: Four dogs showed various clinical manifestations that included persistent anemia, thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly, exfoliative dermatitis, and onychogryphosis, whereas the other four dogs remained subclinical or asymptomatic. Histopathological analysis revealed numerous intracellular amastigotes in lymph node aspirates, spleen sections, and ear skin biopsy. Moreover, seven out of eight dogs were positive in the serological analysis, and the other seven to the Leishmania ITS1 PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of kDNA fragments revealed that sequences derived from our country clustered with those of L. infantum from the Old World, rather than with ones from Brazil, indicating a likely introduction from outside the Americas. All infected dogs received allopurinol and, when available, also meglumine antimoniate. Conclusion: Infection with L. infantum in Costa Rican dogs was confirmed by clinical and laboratory evidence and thus represents the first autochthonous cases of CVL in our country. This study highlights the urgent need for routine canine testing, sandfly surveillance, access to proper treatments, and increased awareness, emphasizing the importance of public health policies for controlling leishmaniasis in both animals and humans from a One Health perspective.
Serosurvey in Two Dengue Hyperendemic Areas of Costa Rica Evidence Active Circulation of WNV and SLEV in Peri-Domestic and Domestic Animals and in Human
(MDPI, 2022-12-21) Piche-Ovares, María Marta; Romero-Vega, L. Mario; Vargas-González, Diana; Barrantes Murillo, Daniel Felipe; Soto-Garita, Claudio; Francisco-Llamas, Jennifer; Alfaro-Alarcon, Alejandro; Jiménez, Carlos; Corrales-Aguilar, Eugenia
Costa Rica harbors several flaviviruses, including Dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV). While DENV and ZIKV are hyperendemic, previous research indicates restricted circulation of SLEV and WNV in animals. SLEV and WNV seroprevalence and high transmission areas have not yet been measured. To determine the extents of putative WNV and SLEV circulation, we sampled peri-domestic and domestic animals, humans, and mosquitoes in rural households located in two DENV and ZIKV hyperendemic regions during the rainy and dry seasons of 2017–2018 and conducted plaque reduction neutralization test assay for serology (PRNT) and RT-PCR for virus detection. In Cuajiniquil, serological evidence of WNV and SLEV was found in equines, humans, chickens, and wild birds. Additionally, five seroconversion events were recorded for WNV (2 equines), SLEV (1 human), and DENV-1 (2 humans). In Talamanca, WNV was not found, but serological evidence of SLEV circulation was recorded in equines, humans, and wild birds. Even though no active viral infection was detected, the seroconversion events recorded here indicate recent circulation of SLEV and WNV in these two regions. This study thus provides clear-cut evidence for WNV and SLEV presence in these areas, and therefore, they should be considered in arboviruses differential diagnostics and future infection prevention campaigns.
Intoxicación por Senna cobanensis en terneros cebuinos: Primer reporte de caso
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2023) Vargas-Muñoz, Carolina; Vargas-Muñoz, Mariana; Sánchez-Chaves, Luis; Alfaro-Alarcon, Alejandro; Alpízar-Solís, Carlos; Luna-Tortós, Carlos
Las plantas del género Senna pertenecen a la familia Fabaceae, distribuidas, mundialmente, en zonas tropicales y subtropicales. Algunas especies del género contienen productos del metabolismo secundario, los cuales se han asociado con miopatía tóxica y necrosis hepática en diferentes especies animales. El objetivo de este reporte de caso fue documentar, por primera vez en Costa Rica, la miotoxicidad en terneros asociada con el consumo de Senna cobanensis, una especie de Senna que no ha sido reportada previamente como miotóxica en la literaturaen la cual se observó, afectados, 4 de 18 animales, con muerte de 2 afectados. El caso se presentó en una finca de ganado bovino cebú, en el Pacífico Central de Costa Rica, durante diciembre de 2019. Se realizó examen clínico y análisis de la dieta. Se encontró problemas locomotores como paraparesia, y un aumento en la actividad de AST y CK-NAC, consistente con daño en el tejido muscular. El análisis histopatológico reveló degeneración y necrosis de las fibras musculares. Se descartó otros agentes miopáticos como la deficiencia de selenio y la intoxicación por ionóforos. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos en el estudio, se concluye que Senna cobanensis es otra especie del género que provoca miotoxicidad en bovinos.
Seasonal changes in the diversity, host preferences and infectivity of mosquitoes in two arbovirus-endemic regions of Costa Rica
(BMC, 2023) Romero-Vega, L. Mario; Piche-Ovares, María Marta; Soto-Garita, Claudio; Barrantes Murillo, Daniel Felipe; Chaverri, Luis Guillermo; Alfaro-Alarcon, Alejandro; Corrales-Aguilar, Eugenia; Troyo, Adriana
Background: Mosquitoes are vectors of various arboviruses belonging to the genera Alphavirus and Flavivirus, and Costa Rica is endemic to several of them. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the community structure of such vectors in Costa Rica. Methods: Sampling was performed in two different coastal locations of Costa Rica with evidence of arboviral activity during rainy and dry seasons. Encephalitis vector surveillance traps, CDC female gravid traps and ovitraps were used. Detection of several arboviruses by Pan-Alpha and Pan-Flavi PCR was attempted. Blood meals were also identified. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was estimated for each area during the rainy and dry seasons. The Chao2 values for abundance and Shannon index for species diversity were also estimated. Results: A total of 1802 adult mosquitoes belonging to 55 species were captured, among which Culex quinquefasciatus was the most caught species. The differences in NDVI were higher between seasons and between regions, yielding lower Chao-Sørensen similarity index values. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, West Nile virus and Madariaga virus were not detected at all, and dengue virus and Zika virus were detected in two separate Cx. quinquefasciatus specimens. The primary blood-meal sources were chickens (60%) and humans (27.5%). Both sampled areas were found to have different seasonal dynamics and population turnover, as reflected in the Chao2 species richness estimation values and Shannon diversity index. Conclusion: Seasonal patterns in mosquito community dynamics in coastal areas of Costa Rica have strong differences despite a geographical proximity. The NDVI influences mosquito diversity at the regional scale more than at the local scale. However, year-long continuous sampling is required to better understand local dynamics.
First molecular detection of Leishmania infantum in a domestic cat from Costa Rica
(Sage Journals, 2026) Sánchez-Bermúdez, Jorge; Pacheco, Emilia; García, Ricardo; Achí, Laura; Zuniga-Moya, Maria; Bonilla, Marta; Dolz, Gaby
Case summary A 4-year-old neutered male domestic cat was presented with an indolent, non-ulcerated and painless subcutaneous nodule on the left hindlimb. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed generalized lymphadenomegaly and splenomegaly with a honeycomb pattern. The cat tested negative for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. Fine-needle aspiration of the lesion showed mixed inflammatory cells, including eosinophils and macrophages containing small intracytoplasmic basophilic inclusions considered suspicious for Leishmania-like organisms. The mass was surgically excised for histopathological and molecular evaluation. Histopathology demonstrated eosinophilic granulomatous inflammation with secondary furunculosis, without unequivocal visualization of amastigotes. Quantitative RT-PCR was positive for Leishmania species, and conventional PCR targeting the ITS-1 gene, followed by sequencing, showed 99.62% identity with Leishmania infantum. No anti-Leishmania treatment was administered because the lesion was completely excised, the cat remained clinically well and specific anti-Leishmania drugs are not readily accessible in Costa Rica. At the 7-month follow-up, no recurrence of the nodule was observed. Relevance and novel information This report describes the first molecular detection of L infantum in a Costa Rican domestic cat and the first record from the country’s Central Valley. The case highlights the diagnostic challenges of feline Leishmania infection and supports Leishmania infection among the differential diagnoses for feline cutaneous nodules in Central America. It also underlines the need for further studies on the epidemiological role of cats in a One Health context. Plain language summary First confirmed detection of Leishmania infantum in a healthy pet cat in Costa Rica Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease transmitted by sandflies that can affect both people and animals. Dogs are the best-known domestic hosts, but cats can also become infected, often without any clinical signs. In this report, an apparently healthy pet cat from Costa Rica had a small skin lump removed. Molecular testing of the lump identified Leishmania infantum, although the parasite was not detected on histopathology. The cat remained clinically healthy after surgery and did not receive antiparasitic treatment. This case is important because it provides the first molecular evidence of L infantum in a Costa Rican domestic cat and suggests that cats without obvious clinical signs may carry this parasite. In endemic or emerging areas, veterinarians should consider Leishmania infection as a possible cause of cutaneous nodules and support surveillance from a One Health perspective.
Detección molecular y serológica de Trypanosoma cruzi en un gato doméstico de Costa Rica
(UNED Research Journal, 2026-03) Zuniga-Moya, Maria; Robles-Cruz, Vanessa; Jiménez-Soto, Mauricio; Bonilla-González, Marta; Dolz, Gaby
Introduction: Trypanosoma cruzi is the protozoan that causes Chagas disease, a zoonotic infection of major relevance in Latin America. Dogs are the main peridomestic reservoirs, and the role of cats has been less explored. Objective: To check for T. cruzi in domestic cats from Costa Rica's Central Valley as a baseline for its possible role in urban and peridomestic infection cycles. Methods: We analyzed serum and DNA from 155 cats collected in mid-2021 using Indirect Hemagglutination (IHA), Indirect Fluorescent (IFA), and PCR assays. Results: One cat (0,6%) tested positive across all three platforms. Genetic sequencing revealed a 100% identity match with a rodent-derived strain from Texas (GenBank: LT220278). Conclusion: Our detection of a confirmed T. cruzi infection in a domestic cat demonstrates that the parasite is present in very low levels in some Costa Rican urban environments.
Eumycetoma caused by Fonsecaea sp.: case report of a cat in Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2025) Diez-Guevara, Ericka; García-Rodríguez, Ricardo; Calderón-Hernández, Alejandra
Although subcutaneous mycoses are not common, they are more frequent in domestic cats due to behaviors such as burying feces, hunting, and engaging in territorial disputes. However, these pathologies are often underdiagnosed because their clinical signs can be confused with tumoral or bacterial etiologies. This paper reports the first case of eumycetoma caused by Fonsecaea sp. in a cat. In late September 2018, an 8-year-old male mixed-breed feline was treated for a suppurative lesion on the nasal plane, with a recent history of squamous cell carcinoma in the left ear, which had been treated with a conchectomy. During the clinical examination, the cat was found to have a poor body condition score of 2/5. The nasal lesion resulted in sneezing, experiencing pain, and having swollen mandibular lymph nodes. The lesion appeared inflamed and exhibited fistulous characteristics, with black granules and serosanguineous drainage. The cat tested negative for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia Virus, and radiographs of the head revealed bone lysis. Fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed the presence of granular dematiaceous thalli, confirming a diagnosis of eumycetoma. Fonsecaea sp. was identified through mycological culture. The patient was treated with Itraconazole 50 mg PO SID for one month but later developed neurological signs and was euthanized. Due to the recurrent and invasive nature of dark fungi and their poor response to antifungals, a mycological culture is always recommended whenever a mycosis is suspected or confirmed to ensure more effective management of these pathologies.
Enfermedades que responden a la deficiencia de vitamina E y selenio en suinos y rumiantes de Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 1980) Berrocal, Alexis
La información clínica y los hallazgos anatomopatológicos sugirieron desde 1918 la presencia de la deficiencia de vitamina E y selenio en rumiantes y suinos de Costa Rica. En el présente trabajo fueron estudiados un total de 39 casos, de ellos 14 se analizaron clínica y anatomohistopatológicamente, los restantes 25 casos se examinaron exclusivamente en forma anatomohistopatológica. Se recolectaron (en matadero) 67 muestras de músculo, utilizándose en todos los casos como técnica de tinción básica la Hematoxilina-Eosina, recurriéndose a otras coloraciones tales como von Giesson y Mallory para evidenciar ciertas alteraciones. El estudio demostró los efectos de la deficiencia de vitamina E y selenio en rumiantes y suinos en diferentes zonasde nuestro país. En bovinos las alteraciones clínicas y patológicas más importantes fueron: dificultad de incorporación, atrofia muscular, hipotonía lingual, extrasístoles y taquicardia. El examen anatomohistopatológico evidenció músculos de aspecto blanco, edema interfacial, fibrosis, ondulación de fibras, focos de regeneración y necrosis masiva. En suinos, el examen clínico mostró ''paso militar", dificultad locomotora, hipotonía muscular y los resultados anatomohistopatológioos más. característicos fueron músculo de aspecto blanco, edema en pared de vesícula biliar y gástrica, así como necrosis y fibrosis hepática; fragmentación, aumento de tamaño y ondulación de fibras musculares.
Equine infection with Leishmania spp. in Costa Rica: Study of five cases
(Wiley, 2021-08-02) Ortega-García, María Victoria; Salguero, Francisco Javier; García, Nerea; Domínguez, Mercedes; Moreno, Inmaculada; Berrocal, Alexis
Background: Cutaneous forms of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania braziliensis have been reported in horses in the New World. Domestic animals play a role in the transmission of the disease. In Costa Rica, human cases of L. braziliensis, L. panamensis, and L. infantum have been reported. Objectives: This report describes five cases of equine cutaneous leishmaniasis in Costa Rica. The etiological diagnosis was based on the presence of the parasite within the lesions. Methods: Skin biopsies were used to perform histopathological analyses of the lesions. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the presence of Leishmania spp. antigens in tissue sections. Laser-capture microdissection and quantitative real-time PCR techniques were performed to detect the pathogen’s nucleic acid within the microscopic lesions. Results: Histopathological analyses revealed granulomatous inflammation within the dermis, with multinucleated giant cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, and a few neutrophils and eosinophils. We detected the parasite by immunohistochemistry, using a rabbit polyclonal antibody raised against Leishmania spp. However, we could not identify Leishmania spp. by quantitative real-time PCR in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues, using specific primers for the conserved region in the minicircle of the Leishmania DNA kinetoplast. Conclusions: Our results highlight the importance of Leishmania spp. not only as a causative agent of equine cutaneous disease in the New World, but also as a potential emerging pathogen. Leishmaniasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic public health problems worldwide, and equines may play a role in the epidemiology of the disease.
Bienestar animal en hatos lecheros especializados de Costa Rica asociados a una cooperativa de productores de leche.
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2014) DiGiacinto Villalobos, Alice; Rojas González, Mariano; Estrada- König, Sandra; Romero-Zúñiga, Juan José
El objetivo de este estudio consiste en caracterizar el bienestar animal en hatos lecheros especializados de Costa Rica, asociados a una cooperativa con distribución nacional. El protocolo midió el bienestar, directamente en los animales de cada finca, en los rubros de: alojamiento, hambre, salud y comportamiento; lo cual permite, finalmente, clasificar las fincas en categorías de Excelente, Bueno, Aceptable y No Clasificado, con base en una calificación de 0 a 100. Se evaluaron 60 fincas en diferentes partes del país con este protocolo. El 55% de las fincas fueron calificadas como buenas y 37,0% como aceptables. Los rubros con puntuaciones más elevadas corresponden a alojamiento (82,8%) y de comportamiento (55,7%). Por otra parte, los valores más bajos fueron salud (40,1%) y alimentación (38,1%). El principal problema encontrado fue el abastecimiento de agua, tanto en cantidad como calidad. Se encontró que los sistemas de producción estabulados o semi-estabulados proveen a los animales mejor condición de alimentación y agua, que aquellos sistemas en pastoreo continuo; sin embargo, los sistemas en pastoreo continuo brindan mayores ventajas en cuanto a confort y alojamiento. Si se logra mejorar los aspectos señalados como deficitarios en ambos sistemas, es posible ofrecer, en cualquier sistema de producción bovina, buenas condiciones de bienestar animal.
Efecto de partos gemelares sobre parámetros productivos y reproductivos en vacas de hatos lecheros especializados de Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2013) Murillo-Barrantes, Julio E.; Estrada-König, S.; Rojas-Campos, José; Bolaños-Segura, Miguel; Valverde Altamirano, Ericka; Romero-Zúñiga, Juan José
El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto de los partos gemelares (PG) sobre parámetros productivos y reproductivos en vacas Holstein y Jersey de lecherías especializadas de Costa Rica, durante el período comprendido 2000-2009. Se realizó un estudio longitudinal retrospectivo de las lactancias registradas en VAMPP Bovino. Se determinó el efecto de los PG sobre las variables productivas y reproductivas utilizando un modelo de regresión lineal mixto con la variable hato-año-época de parto como variable de efecto aleatorio. Las vacas con PG presentaron las más altas frecuencias de intervalo entre partos (IEP), servicios por concepción (S/C) e intervalo parto-concepción (IPC) calificadas como altas (> percentil 65) posterior al parto analizado. Conforme se redujo el nivel de producción (kg/305d) en la lactancia siguiente al parto estudiado, así se redujo el porcentaje de vacas con PG. Hubo efecto significativo del PG, corregido por la raza, número de lactancia, zona ecológica de la finca, retención de placenta, tipo de parto y kg/305d en la lactancia anterior; así, las vacas con PG tuvieron +15,1 días de IEP (P<0,0001), +0,11 S/C (P<0,005) y +15,3 días de IPC (P<0,0001). Finalmente, la producción láctea fue 153,3 kg mayor en vacas con PG (P=0,0007), una vez corregida por las variables incluidas en los modelos para IEP, S/C e IPC. Igualmente, se observaron efectos de todas esas variables sobre las variables productivas y reproductivas analizadas. Se concluye, entonces, que los PG afectan de manera significativa los parámetros productivos y reproductivos independientemente de la raza, número de lactancia y zona ecológica, al haciéndolos menos eficientes. Si se hace un análisis de los efectos combinados, aquí reportados, es posible identificar vacas con posibilidad de tener importantes efectos negativos en su rendimiento productivo y reproductivo. Estudios posteriores deberán apuntar al efecto económico que los PG representan en las lecherías especializadas de Costa Rica.

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