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The purpose of this study was to provide current data on Staphylococcus species from the vaginas of clinically normal captive lion tamarins and to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of these isolates. Samples were collected from 25 adult lion tamarins, processed to isolate Staphylococcus species, and tested for susceptibility to penicillin G, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, streptomycin, ampicillin, and rifampicin. Isolates with the typical characteristics of the genus Staphylococcus were recovered from all 25 samples. Coagulase-negative species were the most common (68% of the isolates), and the most frequently isolated species (10 samples) was S. simulans. Other coagulase-negative species, including S. saprophyticus (n=5), S. epidermidis (n=1), and S. arlettae (n=1), were also recovered. Coagulase-positive Staphylococci were obtained from eight animals (six of from the S. aureus species and two from S. intermedius). Resistance to antibiotics was frequently observed, and 88% of the isolates (23 samples) showed resistance to at least one drug. Resistance to penicillin G was a common finding, and the most active antimicrobial agents were chloramphenicol and gentamicin. Coagulase-positive strains were more frequently resistant to antibiotics (79.7%, average=6.4 drugs) than coagulase-negative strains (38.2%, average=3.0 drugs). The high frequency of resistance observed in those isolates is surprising and very alarming. A detailed history of the use of antimicrobial drugs in these subjects did not reveal any previous exposure to any of the tested antibiotics that could justify the observed resistance rate.

The ability to reproduce in captivity is an essential component of lion tamarin (Leontopithecus) conservation programs. However, infections such as vaginitis, cervicitis, and endometritis are important diseases that may influence the reproduction of these animals. Therefore, it is important to detect continuous or occasional vaginal microbial populations, and to understand their potential role as an endogenous source of infection [Collins, 1964; Blue, 1983; Pugh et al., 1986]. Vaginal swabs were collected from 25 female tamarins of the three currently available species (L. rosalia, L. chrysopygus, and L. chrysomelas) at the Center of Primatology in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The swabs were processed according to standard mycological protocols, and isolates were biochemically characterized. Fungal isolates were recovered from 16 animals (64.0%). The results showed that 70.6% of the isolated microorganisms consisted of yeast, including three species of Candida (mainly C. glabrata). We suggest that this species is a resident member of the normal vaginal flora in Leontopithecus. Filamentous fungi (mainly from Trichosporon, Aspergillus, and Penicilliumgenera) constituted 29.4% of the isolates, and were considered to be transitory contaminants of the genital area. We suggest that colonization of the vaginal environment is related to the endocrine pattern associated with the reproductive status of these animals, but not to parity.

ResumoConsiderando a importância do consumo de ovos in natura na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, objetivou-se analisar a conformidade das informações contidas na rotulagem das embalagens dos ovos comercializados em supermercados e mercearias, perante a legislação específica brasileira. Foram visitados 21 estabelecimentos na região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro, sendo identificadas 19 marcas diferentes comercializadas em embalagens contendo seis (10,5%), 10 (5,3%), 12 (68,4%) ou 360 unidades (15,8%). Foi observado que os rótulos de todas as marcas indicaram: a denominação de venda, o conteúdo líquido e a identificação da origem. Entretanto, nem todas as marcas atenderam a recomendação para a correta identificação do lote. A maioria das marcas apresentou, na rotulagem, a data de embalagem (84,2%) ou de classificação (15,8%) e 94,7% das marcas apresentaram a data de validade. Apenas uma das marcas apresentou a data de produção impressa na casca do ovo. As informações nutricionais e a cor dos ovos foram observadas em todas as marcas analisadas, mas a tipificação e a classificação foram informadas, respectivamente, em 89,5% e 26,3% das mesmas. Em relação ao registro no órgão competente, também se verificou que a totalidade das marcas apresentou esta informação. Destacou-se, também, a dificuldade de um bom entendimento acerca da legislação, que deve ser seguida para a análise da rotulagem. Assim sendo, pode-se concluir que se faz necessário estabelecer regulamentos claros e específicos de modo a facilitar a fiscalização à rotulagem de ovos in natura, de forma a evitar os erros destacados neste estudo e garantindo as informações necessárias para a segurança alimentar, o que é de competência e dever de Estado.Palavras-chave: ovos, rotulagem. AbstractThe aim at in this study was to analyze the contained information in the packing labeling of the marketed eggs at supermarkets and grocery stores, in refers to adaptation to specific Brazilian legislation. 21 establishments were visited in the metropolitan area of the city, being identified 19 different marks being marketed in packing with liquid content of six (10.5%), 10 (5.3%), 12 (68.4%) or 360 units (15.8%). It was observed that all marks indicates the sale denomination, the liquid content and the origin identification, however, nor all the marks assist the recommendation for the correct lot identification. Most of the marks presented preference for informing packing (84.2%) or classification (15.8%) date and 94.7% marks presented validity date. Just one of the marks presented production date printed in shell egg. The nutritional information and the color of the eggs were observed in all analyzed marks, but the type and the class were informed respectively in 89.5% and 26.3% of them. In relation to the competent organ registration, it was verified that the totality of the marks presented this information. This study verifies the difficulty of a good understanding concerning the legislation that should be followed for the analysis of the labeling. It can be concluded that it...

Though knowledge regarding the biology and morphology of lion tamarins is scarce in the literature, it is very important for their conservation. This paper focuses on the anatomical and histological aspects of the glands involved in the scent-marking behavior of lion tamarins. It examines the histological aspects of sternal and suprapubic skin sections of specimens that were preserved in formaldehyde and were the property of the Rio de Janeiro Primatology Center Museum. Eighteen specimens from three lion tamarin (Leontopithecus sp.) species (L. rosalia, L. chrysomelas, and L. chrysopygus) were analyzed. Both sexes were represented, and macroscopic hypertrophy was quantified by direct observation of the tegument on the sternal area and classified as discrete, moderate, or accentuated for each specimen. The skin of both sexes had a high degree of histological resemblance to that of other primates, including humans. The epidermis presented stratified squamous keratinous epithelia, with a few cellular layers and dermis with cutaneous appendages (i.e., hair follicles and both sebaceous and sweat glands). The dermal papillae were short, and the sebaceous and apocrine sweat glands resembled those of humans. These glands were present in the dermis of the analyzed skin fragments of both sternal and suprapubic regions in great numbers. Furthermore, we were able to establish a relationship between the macroscopic appearance of the sternal tegument and the degree of microscopic gland hyperplasia.